Selectboard — July 21, 2026
Selectboard issues cease and desist order and restructures energy committee
The meeting was largely procedural and routine, with the exception of a single split vote on a property dispute.
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During the July 21 Selectboard meeting, two significant decisions were made that impact both town zoning and local governance structure.
First, following complaints from a resident regarding unauthorized tree cutting and violations of the 50-foot natural buffer zone, the Selectboard voted 4-1 to issue a cease and desist order for the property at 62 Crowley Falls Road. The property owner argued the work was storm debris cleanup, but the board moved forward with the order to address potential buffer impacts and unauthorized activity.
Second, the board took unexpected action regarding the town's energy initiatives. While the agenda item was focused on the Community Power program agreement, the board ultimately voted to terminate the contract with Standard Power—citing non-performance—and to dissolve the current Energy and Efficiency Committee. In its place, they are creating a new, more specialized 'Community Power Subcommittee.'
We will continue to monitor how these changes, particularly the committee restructuring, affect the oversight of our town's energy programs.
Public impact
Immediate halt to all activity on the property via cease and desist order.
The board voted 4-1 to issue a cease and desist order.
The Building Inspector will issue a formal letter; the owner must obtain a survey, engineer, and soil scientist to plan restoration.
Topics discussed
The board reviewed and reconciled individual payroll direct deposits and physical checks.
The payroll and check warrants were approved.
A report on the town's general fund, invested funds, and various specific accounts.
The Treasurer's report was approved via motion.
Review and approval of public and non-public meeting minutes.
Public minutes were approved. Non-public minutes were approved with the instruction to be edited to separate sealed and unsealed sections.
Staff to edit the non-public minutes as discussed.
The formal acceptance of land donated by Bruce Stevens for a municipal cemetery.
The board accepted the deed donation.
The signed deed will be sent to the donor once stamped/ready.
A resident requested a waiver for a site plan and the use of an existing septic system for a home rebuild.
The resident was advised to have a septic designer verify the existing system and prepare a 'pocket plan' and to work with the Building Inspector on the site plan requirements.
The resident will consult with a septic designer and architect.
Discussion regarding unauthorized tree cutting and buffer zone violations at a commercial/residential property line.
The board moved to issue a cease and desist order. The Selectboard voted 4-1 to issue a cease and desist order.
The Building Inspector will issue the formal letter/order. A formal letter will follow the board's decision, and the property owner has been told to obtain a site survey, engineer, and soil scientist to document violations and plan restoration.
The acting chair of the Energy and Efficiency Committee reported on the non-performance of the broker, Standard Power, and proposed restructuring the committee.
The board voted to terminate the agreement with Standard Power and voted to dissolve the current Energy and Efficiency subcommittee to make way for a new Community Power subcommittee.
The town needs to find a new broker and establish the new subcommittee.
Various department heads and committee representatives provided updates on National Night Out, the Planning Board, Conservation, and the Library.
Information was shared for public awareness; no formal votes were taken during this segment.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Cease and Desist at 62 Crowley Falls Road
Community Power Program Restructuring
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
Accountability flags
Agenda items not discussed
Topics discussed — not on agenda
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xai.grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-22.
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