Brattleboro Select Board Meeting - August 7, 2025

The regular select board meeting convened following an executive session (no decisions made). The board approved previous minutes, heard announcements, received public comment on multiple topics, approved a consent agenda, reviewed the June 2025 financial report, and nominated a staff member to the BCTV board before voting to return to executive session.

Chair's Remarks and Announcements

• Chair reminded of three-minute public comment limit and promoted community night events: first responders event at Harmony Parking Lot on August 7 from 6-8 PM, and a film screening of "Covered Bridges of Southern Wyndham County" at the Covered Bridge (500 Western Avenue); attendees encouraged to bring chairs.
• Town Manager reported: water/sewer bills mailed July 15, due August 15 (late charges: 1% interest, 8% penalty); tax bills mailed July 15, first quarter due August 15 (1% interest if not received by 5 PM on August 15); state paving project milling operations began downtown that night, with noise monitoring; also reported a life-saving incident on the Whetstone walkway—police and fire personnel performed CPR on an unconscious man who later survived.
• Select board member Aminda promoted a BCTV/WVEW fundraiser at Lilac Ridge Farm (264 Ames Hill Road) on August 8 from 5-7 PM, with ice cream sales, pick-your-own flowers, food, and music.

Consent Calendar

All items approved 5-0:

• Second class liquor license for Kinney Drugs (499 Canal Street).
• Award of $100,640 bid for Melchin Road Slope Stabilization Project to A.S. Clark of New Fain.
• Award of $158,000 bid for Oak Grove Sidewalk Replacement Project to Bernie LaRock and Son of Guilford.
• Ratification of $10,800 adjustment (previously awarded bid) for William Street retaining wall project to Michelle Bellurgeon Construction Services, now totaling $487,633.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katie Bachler and Caitlin Baccom spoke in support of 69A Elliott Street, a community art space. Bachler described it as a free, sober space offering art workshops, food, and care; Baccom clarified it is a licensed art gallery and social practice art space, and that medical emergencies there are handled by people who know the individuals. Both emphasized its role in community connection and filling gaps in services.
• Randy Blodgett thanked nearly 500 voters for supporting a petition to change governing by Australian ballot (certified by town clerk); also thanked town government for progress in accounting and financial practices.
• Martha Noyce expressed support for the police department and traffic safety committee; highlighted traffic congestion on Western Avenue near Exit 2 and Orchard Street parking issues; hoped for timely solutions.
• Bob Ozar praised 69A Elliott Street as an excellent place for connection.
• Dick DeGra requested updates on railroad right-of-way access and traffic light synchronization on Morningside; criticized the board for not yet starting a budget process review as promised, noting tax bills caused sticker shock. Town Manager confirmed the overall tax increase was 2.9% and that the board held a retreat the previous day where budget process changes were discussed.
• Gary asked for a VTrans representative to provide definitive timeline for Canal Street construction project; the board agreed to consider adding it as an agenda item.
• Abby Manukin voiced support for 69A (highlighting public bathrooms), the MOOver (free bus service), and urged local government to protect community services given federal and state cuts.
• Jane Congleton shared a positive experience at 69A during Gallery Walk, describing multi-generational connection and care.

Discussion Items

Financial Report – June 2025 Year-End (Presented by Bonnie Batchelder)

• General fund revenues were 107.6% of budget, expenses 101.2%, resulting in a deficit of $927,000, which is covered by voted use of fund balance ($269,000) and Article 9 ($852,000).
• Cash balance at end of June: $14.8 million; receivables of $1.8 million (including $399k EMS receivable estimated at 38% collectability).
• Key expenditure overruns: benefits/payroll taxes ($762k), solid waste ($129k), fire department ($420k, primarily overtime), police ($600k, largely downtown safety and overtime). Some overage was offset by Article 9 vote.
• Utilities fund in surplus of $512k (revenues 106%, expenditures 95%).
• Parking fund deficit of $219k, but break-even after including depreciation.
• Board and public discussed: EMS receivable aging and collectability; need for better budgeting accuracy and trend analysis; accountability for underfunding of benefits/payroll taxes in prior budget (Dick DeGra questioned who was responsible; Town Manager acknowledged error of $100-200k and noted budgeting is an art).
• The board voted 5-0 to accept the June 2025 finance report as presented.

BCTV Board Nomination

• Garrett Harkovick (BCTV board president) requested resumption of historical practice: select board nominates a member to the BCTV board. He proposed Seth Thomas, the town’s communications coordinator, who was enthusiastic about serving.
• The board voted 5-0 to nominate Seth Thomas to the Brattleboro Community Television Board.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from July 22, 2025 (5-0).
• Approved consent agenda (5-0).
• Accepted June 2025 finance report (5-0).
• Nominated communications coordinator Seth Thomas to BCTV board (5-0).
• Voted to enter executive session for contract and real estate discussions (two motions, both 5-0).

The meeting began and ended with executive sessions; no decisions were made in the initial executive session.