05.27.26 Selectboard Draft Minutes

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GUILFORD SELECTBOARD MEETING

Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 pm, 236 School Road, Guilford, VT

Draft Minutes

  1. Call to Order  at 6: 30 by Sheila
  1. Rules of Procedure read by Chip
  1. Welcoming of Public; Community Comment Period
    Tara commented about communication with Town Attorney.
  2. Changes to Agenda Order MOTION: Sheila requests to move Truck to Highway Update
  1. Updates & Reports
    1. GVFD
      Jared: Fire Dept trains every Tuesday. Doing maintenance on station. Working on radio system and issue with dispatch. Fire Station Open House 10:00-1:00 June 7 – Sheila requested to put Guilford Guides and Town Reports out at that event. Dave Eastmn asked if an effective Fire Department can save on Home Insurance. Jared described Insurance ISO Rating.
    2. Highway
      Jim: April & May we rake, grade and smooth out the roads. He’s happy with the progress. Signs: Ordering signs. Requested to bundle the signs, including Children at play. Sheila: This sign is not on our agenda today.
      1. One-Ton Truck Purchase ACTION: MOTION
        Jim: Per the Asset Management Program, These trucks last Seven years. Got Two quotes. Ford of Claremont has trucks ready sooner.  Other quote means get in line – 14 months – similar price. Got a trade-in for $45,000 – Jim is leaning toward that proposal.
        Sheila figured Highway Revenue is over budget, Expenses are at 52%, Wages are at 85%.
        MOTION: Sheila moved to authorize the purchase recommended by Jim. Kim seconded The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed. 
    3. Town Administrator
  1. Old Business
    1. Communication
      Sheila: We put out 180 surveys at the 05.06.26 Special Town Meeting. We received 37 responses. We are looking into Facebook for information posting. Preference for email was much greater. Chip: Look at what are we trying to communicate. Kim feels  more outlets equals more communication. Tara: Event calendar on site. Sheila: Chuck Collins and I are going to be doing a presentation at a BDCC event. We are exploring other channels. Communication is a two-way process. Who feels unheard? Rural Vermont Rising is an example. We don’t get a lot of questions. Chip: It’s a civic engagement question. Tara thinks education should improve. Mike has drafted a  powerpoint. Steve: Segment the audience, figure out how to access different capabilities, internet speeds, etc. Dave commented that Whitingham uses their facebook page for project updates. Dave asked Tara to elaborate on her comment about education. (June 11 BDCC event)
  1. Correspondence Policy
    MOTION: Sheila moved to adopt the policy as amended and  Kim seconded. Chip: Concerned too much power is given to the chair.  Chip came up with replacement language.
    MOTION: Sheila moved to rescind her motion. Kim seconded. The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed. . Dave: Concern that correspondence could become onerous. 

** Idea to try this drafted policy for a few months

  1. New Business
    1. VTrans Suggestions for Town Safety Measures at RT5 & Guilford Center Road
      MOTION: Sheila moved to authorize Jim up to $800 to implement suggestions. 1 speed limit, 1 single post 1 double one repainting. Chip seconded The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed.  Tara abstained
    2. Covered Bridge Society Requests 

MOTION: Tara moved and Chip seconded Steve: not in favor. Wants advice from Green River Preservation
MOTION: Tara moved to rescind the motion. Chip seconded. The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed. 

  1. Correspondence (none)
  1. Finance  ACTION: MOTION (5  minutes)
    1. Budget Status
      Discussion about current status and FY revenue shortfall
  2. Warrants      
Payroll – WE 05.17.26$6,981.03
Payroll – WE 05.24.26$6,707.36
Expense Warrant #2622$17,526.50
Expense Warrant #2622F$137.00
TOTAL$31,351.89

      MOTION: Tara moved to accept the warrants. Sheila seconded. The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed. 

  1. Approval of Minutes ACTION: MOTION (2 minutes)
    1. Minutes of the regular meeting of  05.11.26
      MOTION: Sheila moved to approve the minutes, Mike seconded.  The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed.  Chip abstained
  1. Actions from Previous Meeting
    1. Clarified minutes of 03.09.26
    2. Adopted AI Use & Social Media and Email Policies
    3. Approved WCHS contract for FY27
    4. Motion to send letter supporting repeal of Act 181 did not pass
    5. Approved Warrants
    6. Approved Minutes of 4.27.26
    7. Executive Session
    8. Approved New HWY Wage Structure for FY27
  1. Action Taken
    1. Agreed to add attorney correspondence recipients 
    2. Approved $800 for signs at Guilford Center Road and RT5
    3. Tabled Green River Covered Bridge decoration
  1. Actions to be Taken
  1. Adjournment

MOTION: Chip moved to adjourn and  Kim seconded. The vote was by voice. All were in favor, no objections, no abstentions. Motion passed.  Mike was not present. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

Next Meeting: 06.08.26

Meeting Video: https://www.brattleborotv.org/guilford-selectboard/guilford-selectboard-meeting-5-27-26/