2020 Selectboard Annual Goals

Each year, the Guilford Selectboard sets short- and longer-term goals (called Visions below), in addition to our ongoing responsibilities. From these goals, we create a work plan as a framework to guide our actions.

With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, we questioned whether the entire plan might be inappropriate. The selectboard agreed to move forward, acknowledging that community safety and preparedness are now among our highest priorities. During this crisis, we are collaborating with State Representative Sara Coffey, as well as with Guilford’s vital commissions, community organizations, and neighborhood volunteers to strengthen our response.

VISION 1 Guilford is a welcoming, inclusive, affordable, sustainable community.               

PRIORITIES and ACTION STEPS

1. Build community connections

·      Invite new-comers (10 years or less) to join activities

·      Develop plan to animate neighborhoods

·      Develop plans to broaden awareness of citizenship

2. Increase broadband access

·      Participate in regional development work, led by the Windham Regional Commission

·      Join a Communications Union District

3. Assure adequate housing

·      (no specific actions steps are yet agreed to)

4. Engage our elders     

·      Encourage community conversations and engagements to bring together residents of multiple generations

VISION 2 The Selectboard is active, open, and transparent.        

PRIORITIES and ACTION STEPS

1.  Utilize all legally required communications

·      Stay abreast of state statutes, protocols, and practices (Town Administrator advises)

2. Social media engagements                                                       

·      Determine what an acceptable, user-friendly uptick in social media service could look like

·      Clarify roles for best engagements (Town Administrator, selectboard, community member)

VISION 3 The Selectboard works closely with Town Commissions, Committees, and Departments.          

PRIORITIES and ACTION STEPS

1. Meet twice annually with each town commission, committee, and department

·      Develop schedule

·      Issue collaborative follow-up report

2. Create and authorize new Finance Advisory Committee

3. Create and authorize Town Meeting Committee       

VISION 4 The Selectboard implements and monitors the Guilford Capital Plan.

PRIORITIES and ACTION STEPS

1. Bring special focus to Town Garage and Fire Department

·      Explore options for feasibility study for Town Garage

·      Manage creation and implementation of Fire Department Fund

 2.  Monitor progress on all other planned improvement, including Library, Historical Society, and Recreation Commission shed          

VISION 5 The Selectboard fosters collaboration among the various Guilford non-profits and community organizations.                 

PRIORITIES and ACTION STEPS

1. As schedule allows, meet twice annually with nonprofits and community groups

·      Develop schedule.

·      Issue collaborative follow-up report.

VISION 6 The Selectboard advocates for resident safety.               

PRIORITIES and ACTION STEPS

1. Advocate for traffic safety in Algiers

·      Continue advocacy and appeals

·      Advocate with legislative leadership (Sara Coffey, Becca Balint, Jeannette White)

2. Oversee appropriate emergency planning                                                                   

·      Activate best possible COVID-19 response

o   Ascertain that all Local Emergency Management Planning (LEMP) documents are up to date

o   Evaluate financial impacts and potentially recommend town budget adjustments

Alternatively, these Goals may be downloaded in PDF format here.