Barre City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2026
Barre City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2026
The Barre City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (noted in transcript, but given date is September 2, 2026 per instructions). The meeting covered agenda adjustments, public comments, consent items, reports from the city clerk and acting city manager, an update on the auditorium renovation project stalled by USDA approval delays, and a search committee update on city manager finalists.
Consent Calendar
- The agenda was adjusted to treat the flood resiliency update as the auditorium update, and the meeting opened with a motion to approve the adjusted agenda (unanimous).
- A motion to enter executive session for personnel (city manager search) was approved; the session was later exited.
- The consent agenda was approved, including minutes of the August 25, 2026 meeting, ratification of Adam McCullough as tree warden, and Resolution 2026-13 to apply for tier B status with the Land Use Review Board. Discussion noted ongoing review of tree warden ordinances and clarification that the CDBG-DR application (round three) includes housing at Wabi Park and green space at 553, 545, and 531 North Main.
- City warrants for the week of September 2, 2026, were approved.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Byrne Rose addressed the council, requesting a sandwich board alerting residents to the school vote on September 15 and noting the e-board already displayed the election. She also expressed concern about washouts on her street and urged the city to repair or replace bill drains when repaving. She thanked DPW and water/sewer workers and promoted a free community event, "Playing Fields," at the Barre City Elementary Middle School on September 8, 2026, from 6-8 p.m.
Reports and Updates
- City Clerk Report: The school unified union district budget revote is on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Alumni Hall (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). 449 absentee ballots have been issued, 156 returned. The property tax deadline is also September 15 at 4:30 p.m. Water and sewer bills were mailed August 28, due September 30 by 5:30 p.m. BYSA football will hold a coin drop on Main Street on September 5.
- Acting City Manager Report: Alberta Miller started as executive office assistant. The round three CDBG-DR application for 143 North Main and North End buyouts/housing was submitted. 9 River Street was awarded under FEMA buyouts, leaving two properties pending (3 Dicks and 8 Harrington). Fire department deputy chief interviews (phase two) are underway. Paving work continues: top coat on Camp Street, night overlay on South Main and Washington streets next week. The Hill Street railroad crossing paving is expected next week. The council discussed winter plans for West Patterson Street (closed since the 2023 storm) and Nelson Street, aiming to decide on permanent closure or reopening.
- Auditorium Renovation Update (Tom Baker): The project, funded primarily by a $3.5 million CDS grant and $500,000 in MERP grants, has been waiting eight weeks for USDA approval of drawings. Only one round of corrections was returned; no further response. The timeline is critical: boilers have an 8-6 week lead time, and work must be complete before the heating season (October 1). If approval is not received within two weeks (by September 15), the project may be postponed to spring 2027, allowing material ordering at current prices. Lighting and kitchen work could proceed separately. Council expressed frustration and concern; Mayor will contact Senator Sanders’ office and explore options. Town Clerk noted the auditorium serves as an emergency shelter, emphasizing urgency.
- Manager Search Committee Update: Councillor Gustin reported that interviews are complete and three finalists have been recommended to the council. Next steps include scheduling final interviews, with an offer expected by mid-to-third week of September. Council expressed confidence in the candidates and the process.
Other Business
- Appointment to VCRD Community Leadership Summit: Council agreed to first offer the appointment to staff member Janet Shatney; if unavailable, Acting City Manager and Clerk will select an alternate (with names suggested: Josh Jerome, Poemettino).
- Upcoming Business: The council will focus on naming a city manager and completing paving projects on South Main and Washington streets. CDBG-DR grant results are expected in October (committee meets around October 5).
Key Outcomes
- Agenda, consent items, and warrants approved unanimously.
- Executive session entered and exited for city manager search.
- Appointed Janet Shatney as representative to the VCRD summit, with alternates to be chosen.
- Auditorium project: No immediate decision; council directed the mayor and staff to contact USDA and congressional delegation to expedite approval. Contingency plans include ordering materials early and splitting non-HVAC work. If no approval by September 15, project likely postponed to 2027.
- Manager search: Three finalists forwarded; council will schedule interviews and aim to name a city manager by mid-September.
- Round table included updates on school start, library fine-free policy, and appreciation for community support.
- Meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, good afternoon, council and guests. Uh today is Tuesday, September first, two thousand twenty-six. It is very close to five PM, and I will call this regular council meeting uh regular meeting of the very city council to order. First item on the agenda is any adjustments to and approval of the agenda. Yes. Uh I would just like to request the item C the flood resiliency update. We basically consider the auditorium update as the flood resiliency update and move it off the agenda officially. So noted. Mr. Acting, any adjustments to the agenda? Sir. Council? Okay. Motion to approve would be an order. So move. Second. It's moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion is presented, please signify by saying aye. And those opposed, the agenda is approved. A motion to go into executive or for findings, excuse me. Uh, for executive session, we're going to be uh talking about personnel specifically, the city manager search. It's moved and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion is presented, please signify by saying aye. Aye. And those opposed. And a motion to enter executive session would be in order. Thank you. Moved and seconded. And we will be asking uh what the heck? We can ask everybody here to join us. Council will be joining us, the acting will be joining us. Hey, IT dude. You can join us too. We like you. It's all good. We try if we didn't trust you, you wouldn't be sitting in this room. So thanks anyway. This is like I'm out of here. Do you want me to put up a sign? And maybe five, ten minutes. They don't come here. I mean, you can like it. Oh, thank you. Okay, motion is made and seconded. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion is presented, please signify by saying aye. Thank you, Sonya. Do you need us to wait?
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