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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Brattleboro Select Board Regular Meeting - September 15, 2025

Selectboard — Monday, September 15, 2025

BodyBrattleboro, Vermont

SessionSelectboard

DateMonday, September 15, 2025

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:47:36

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:10

Good evening.

0:11

I'll bring the Bratterboro Select Board meeting of Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 to order.

0:19

This is a regular meeting.

0:21

We just concluded an executive session where no decisions were made.

0:27

And are there any adjustments to the agenda?

0:33

I'm aware of.

0:34

All right, very good.

0:36

Let's approve the minutes from August 4th and August 5th.

0:41

Do I have a motion?

0:42

Yeah.

0:43

I move that we approve the August 4th and August 5th meeting minutes.

0:48

Great.

0:49

Isaac has asked to approve the minutes from August 4th and August 5th.

0:56

Anyone, all South Board members in favor of that motion, please raise your hand and say aye.

1:02

There we go.

1:02

5-0.

1:04

Now Chair's remarks.

1:08

We've been off for a month.

1:10

And it's very exciting for all of us to see you here, and we welcome you back.

1:15

And I hope everyone made good use of their time away.

1:20

And we're eager to begin essentially the fall season and the budget season and all those good things.

1:29

So thank you for being here.

1:32

There's a listening session on the budget on Thursday.

1:36

And we've structured that so that people can speak for five whole minutes, but only once.

1:46

So come prepared.

1:48

John, do you have any comments?

1:50

Yep, I have a few tonight.

1:58

You know, had to catch up on a late start with all the budget season and then trying to keep in tandem with all the state's road projects have been pretty impressive.

2:08

I know that the short-term disruptions, waiting in traffic, the lights, the noise, that can be annoying for everyone.

2:16

But the long-term results of uh better infrastructure in our town are going to be very welcome and will benefit all of us.

2:23

On the state paving projects, crew uh our crews continue to uh work um overnight on multiple Class 1 roads and also during the days in uh working on the side uh sidewalk replacements, curbing, and water box structures that have to be coordinated with the uh state's overnight crews.

2:45

Um Canal Street, the top coat is in place now, and final pavement markings are being applied there.

2:52

Putney Road, Park Place, Linden Street, Main Street, Route 142.

2:57

The current work includes structure height adjustments and signage upgrades, and the final top coat is expected to go on those roads in the next couple of weeks.

3:08

Those will be the last areas to be completed this season.

3:11

The crews will be adjusting structures and replacing all of the crosswalk ramps to make them meet ADA standards, and the final top coat on High Street and Western AV is scheduled for mid-October.

3:25

Uh traffic signal improvements.

3:27

So uh the DPW leadership administration has been working with VTrans to incorporate into this paving project adjustments and upgrades to the traffic signal timing and equipment at all five inner intersections from Route 142 through the north end of Main Street.

3:46

These improvements, if they get approved, will address traffic flow challenges created by the new um traffic pattern from the uh Brattleboro Hinsdale Bridge and are expected to improve both safety and efficiency downtown.

4:01

Uh DPW crews have also been working away getting started on the Williams Street retaining wall project.

4:08

That is progressing on schedule with a completion anticipated before the end of the calendar year.

4:13

The westerly spur of William Street and Western Av will be closed for the duration of this project, and the easterly spur of William Street and Western Ave is now one-way outbound, so going north towards western Ave.

4:29

Uh residents accessing the westerly side of William Street must enter from Union Hill.

4:35

These traffic adjustments will remain in place during the uh duration of the retaining wall project for um safety and efficiency, and then they'll be re-evaluated.

4:45

Uh we thank residents for their continued patience and cooperation with those adjustments.

4:51

Melchin Road, there's a big project out at Melchin Road.

5:00

And this project is being funded through FEMA and following the governor's approval of a major disaster declaration for that flooding event.

5:08

Slope stabilization is being installed to restore that road to its original width and and prevent future erosion.

5:16

And then, you know, along with all this, DPW crews over the past two months have replaced over a thousand feet of sewer line on Elliott Street, Church Street, and at Mountain View.

5:27

Um DPW has also put a focus on improving the downtown district to create a more vibrant and clean space for everyone to use.

5:36

They've initiated improvements to lighting, the co-op walking path uh redo, painting, uh improvements to the transportation center and fire DPW and police department staff have incorporated two mornings per week to remove litter.

5:54

And since July 1st, crews have removed 3.57 tons of rubbish at a cost of $714 from the downtown area.

6:02

So I really want to acknowledge the DPW leadership, which is really demonstrated at all levels in that department, and I congratulate them on a great season of work, and I ask everyone to give them a wave and a thumbs up as you drive by and see them on the roads the the rest of the summer.

6:19

Finally, I want to give a shout out to a number of town employees who have reached milestones of service this calendar year for reaching five years of service.

6:28

Stephen Dotson, Taylor Struthers, Stuart Wheeldon Jr.

6:32

and Mesa Kennedy, thank you for reaching 10 years of service.

6:36

Benjamin Aether, uh, Kevin Lambert, Patricia Sheehan, and Garrett Callentropio, thank you for 15 years of service.

6:45

Really appreciate Amy Fletcher for reaching 35 years of service, Scott Blodgett and Matt Odgin really appreciate you.

6:54

And for 40 years of service this year, uh I think everyone really appreciates uh Wreck and Parks Director Carroll a lot.

7:04

So thank you all for your great work and your commitment to Brattleborough, all these staff.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Voting Systems████████████████████████████28%

Homelessness████████████12%

Public Safety███████████11%

Procedural█████████9%

Budget Equity Analysis█████████9%

Community Engagement████████8%

Public Engagement██████6%

Legal Interpretation█████5%

Cannabis Regulation████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Brattleboro Select Board Regular Meeting - September 15, 2025

The Brattleboro Select Board held a regular meeting on September 15, 2025 (note: the raw transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Tuesday, September 9, 2025; there is a discrepancy with the provided date). The meeting included a DPW report, public comments, a presentation from Groundworks Collaborative, a liquor license renewal with conditions, a lengthy discussion on charter revision and competing petitions, a budget update, and adoption of select board priorities.

Consent Calendar

Approved minutes from August 4 and August 5, 2025 (5-0).
Approved 12 consent items as amended (the priorities item was pulled for separate discussion). Key items included:
- Entertainment licenses for Halo Hollow (boba tea house) and Tavernier Chocolates.
- Receipt of downtown improvement district vote results.
- Acceptance and appropriation of $50,000 from the 2025 municipal roads grant.
- Ratification of a $21,000 lease with Brattleboro Co-op for storage at the Transportation Center.
- Authorization to apply for a $1.8 million CDBG for Detman Drive Bridge replacement.
- Support for Downtown Brattleboro Alliance's downtown vibrancy fund request ($25,000).
- Purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe for $55,987.
- Adoption of policies for Vermont Community Development Program block grant.
- Authorization for town participation in the new national opioid settlement with Purdue.
- Library lease of a color printer for $1,246/year.

Public Comments & Testimony

Millicent Cooley announced a petition to place open town meeting as an option on the ballot, certified with 473 signatures.
Dick (a Morningside resident) asked for future agenda items on the Bratt team, downtown cleanliness (including trash and needle pickup), and statistics on overdose deaths and Narcan use. He also requested pulling the select board priorities from the consent agenda for transparency.
Kate Traskis (Downtown Brattleboro Alliance) thanked DPW staff for the Lunch in Lot program.
Ivan Hennessy suggested hiring a full-time paid position to organize volunteer efforts and lower barriers to civic participation.
Randy Bodget (District 7) asked for an update on solid waste; the town manager noted ongoing negotiations.
Ken Faye (District 8) commended 69A on Elliott Street for its work.
During the Groundworks discussion, public speakers included:
- Dick (Morningside resident) expressed safety concerns from neighbors about the new shelter on Royal Road, asking for metal detectors and better communication.
- Gemma Seymour (District 8 RTM) requested data sources for housing statistics (National Low Income Housing Coalition, Vermont Housing Needs Assessment) and asked for unduplicated counts of individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Steve Peterson argued that low-barrier shelter models shift problems to downtown, harming businesses, and called for honest conversations about location.
- Bill Harvey (District 8) asked about residency checks for shelter clients and incentives for moving on to independence.
- Ashlyn Gates, a former Groundworks client, shared personal experiences of being unnecessarily Narcanned due to staff confusion and called for better mental health support and staff training.
On the charter discussion, several residents (Franz Reichsman, Randy Bodget, John Kennedy, Steven Yeterian, Peter Rowell, Neil Manders, and others) advocated for waiting until March 2026 to hold all votes together, emphasizing the need for public education and avoiding confusion from a November vote.

Discussion Items

DPW Report (John Mulherin): Provided an extensive update on state paving projects (Canal Street top coat complete; Putney Road, Park Place, Linden Street, Main Street, Route 142 ongoing; High Street and Western AV final coat in mid-October). Traffic signal improvements at five intersections are under discussion with VTrans. Williams Street retaining wall project is on schedule for completion by year-end, with traffic adjustments in place. Melchin Road slope stabilization funded via FEMA. Over 1,000 feet of sewer line replaced on Elliott Street, Church Street, and Mountain View. Downtown improvements include lighting, painting, and litter removal—3.57 tons of rubbish removed since July 1 at a cost of $714. Recognized employee service milestones (5, 10, 15, 35, 40 years).
Select Board Comments: Oscar reported ongoing work on the Hinsdale Bridge project. Isaac discussed the select board retreat (August 4) and the resulting five draft priorities. He also addressed encampment removals, requesting transparency, sanitation support, and communication with community leaders. Amanda promoted a September 20 fundraiser for Brattleboro School Endowment. Peter promoted a BBQ fundraiser for Black Mountain Assisted Family Living.
Groundworks Collaborative Presentation (Libby Bennett, Executive Director; Peter Elwell, Board Chair): Provided an overview of services, including shelter (34 beds nightly, waiting list up to 17), drop-in center (up to 100 people/day), food works (served 4,700 neighbors last year), and outreach (50-70 unsheltered individuals weekly). Reported that 323 households are experiencing homelessness in the Brattleboro AHS district as of September 1. Announced construction of a new 40-bed higher-barrier shelter on Royal Road (expected opening next year) and a purchase agreement for 141 Canal Street to stabilize food works. Discussed safety protocols (CPI training, weapon screening signage, lockable offices, secure bathrooms). In response to board questions, clarified differences between low-barrier (current) and higher-barrier (new) shelter models. Addressed VOSHA recommendations and confirmed ongoing staff retraining after a past incident. Stated that the new shelter will have an airlock entry and open design. Noted that metal detectors remain under consideration due to funding constraints.
Smoke and Munch Second Class Liquor License: Owner Mr. Sejan explained three tobacco compliance violations in 2023-2024 (September, December 2023, June 2024) all caused by one employee who was distracted by phone use. He fired the employee, implemented a new POS system that scans IDs, and provided in-person training. The board approved renewal with conditions: tobacco license renewed for six months, requirement that all employees complete an in-person tobacco training course certified by Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery, and that employees visually check IDs for all tobacco customers (5-0 vote).
Charter Revision Commission: Kate O'Connor, Maya Hasegawa, Joy Cherno (along with other commission members) presented the draft charter (clean and redline versions) after 42 public meetings over two years. The commission recommends open town meeting. Two citizen petitions have been certified: one for Australian ballot and one for open town meeting. The commission stated they are ready to present their full charter but believe a November 2025 ballot is premature given the petitions. Town attorney Bob recommended holding a special election on November 4 to vote on whether to discontinue Representative Town Meeting (RTM) as a threshold question, with petitions going to March 2026. Other board members and public speakers largely argued for consolidating all questions in March 2026 to allow public education and avoid confusion. No decision was made; the matter was tabled to the September 24 meeting.
Budget Update (July FY26): With 8.3% of the fiscal year completed, general fund expenditures are 9% (6% prorated). Revenues at 80% (6.6% prorated, slightly below plan). Cash balance $14,914,726. Utility fund revenues less than 1% (assessments begin in October). Parking fund revenues at 11.5% (stabilizing). Overtime for police and fire is a concern; EMS revenue is high. Specific questions were answered about day camp electricity, equipment maintenance, and deferred expenses. The town manager provided year-end totals for rooms and meals tax ($492,339.12, 94.6% of budget) and sales and use tax ($1.154 million, 102.8% of budget).
Adoption of Select Board Priorities: The board voted to adopt the 2025-2027 priorities (5-0): A) increase revenues, B) advocate for state revenue sharing, C) work towards child safety zones, D) expand housing stock, and E) prioritize financial responsibility and health (amended from “maintain” to “prioritize” to match retreat minutes). Public comment noted desire for clearer linkage between housing and child safety concerns.

Key Outcomes

Approved minutes and consent agenda as amended (5-0).
Approved Smoke and Munch liquor and tobacco licenses with conditions (5-0).
Adopted 2025-2027 Select Board Priorities (5-0).
Charter revision discussion tabled to the September 24, 2025 meeting; board will decide on whether to warn a November 2025 vote on discontinuing RTM or wait until March 2026 for all ballot questions.
No formal action on encampment-related requests (noted for future discussion).
Groundworks presentation received; no vote taken.
Budget report received; no action required.
Discrepancy note: The raw transcript states the meeting was held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, but the provided meeting date is September 15, 2025. This summary uses the given date.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. I'll bring the Bratterboro Select Board meeting of Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 to order. This is a regular meeting. We just concluded an executive session where no decisions were made. And are there any adjustments to the agenda? I'm aware of. All right, very good. Let's approve the minutes from August 4th and August 5th. Do I have a motion? Yeah. I move that we approve the August 4th and August 5th meeting minutes. Great. Isaac has asked to approve the minutes from August 4th and August 5th. Anyone, all South Board members in favor of that motion, please raise your hand and say aye. There we go. 5-0. Now Chair's remarks. We've been off for a month. And it's very exciting for all of us to see you here, and we welcome you back. And I hope everyone made good use of their time away. And we're eager to begin essentially the fall season and the budget season and all those good things. So thank you for being here. There's a listening session on the budget on Thursday. And we've structured that so that people can speak for five whole minutes, but only once. So come prepared. John, do you have any comments? Yep, I have a few tonight. You know, had to catch up on a late start with all the budget season and then trying to keep in tandem with all the state's road projects have been pretty impressive. I know that the short-term disruptions, waiting in traffic, the lights, the noise, that can be annoying for everyone. But the long-term results of uh better infrastructure in our town are going to be very welcome and will benefit all of us. On the state paving projects, crew uh our crews continue to uh work um overnight on multiple Class 1 roads and also during the days in uh working on the side uh sidewalk replacements, curbing, and water box structures that have to be coordinated with the uh state's overnight crews. Um Canal Street, the top coat is in place now, and final pavement markings are being applied there. Putney Road, Park Place, Linden Street, Main Street, Route 142. The current work includes structure height adjustments and signage upgrades, and the final top coat is expected to go on those roads in the next couple of weeks. Those will be the last areas to be completed this season. The crews will be adjusting structures and replacing all of the crosswalk ramps to make them meet ADA standards, and the final top coat on High Street and Western AV is scheduled for mid-October. Uh traffic signal improvements. So uh the DPW leadership administration has been working with VTrans to incorporate into this paving project adjustments and upgrades to the traffic signal timing and equipment at all five inner intersections from Route 142 through the north end of Main Street. These improvements, if they get approved, will address traffic flow challenges created by the new um traffic pattern from the uh Brattleboro Hinsdale Bridge and are expected to improve both safety and efficiency downtown. Uh DPW crews have also been working away getting started on the Williams Street retaining wall project. That is progressing on schedule with a completion anticipated before the end of the calendar year. The westerly spur of William Street and Western Av will be closed for the duration of this project, and the easterly spur of William Street and Western Ave is now one-way outbound, so going north towards western Ave. Uh residents accessing the westerly side of William Street must enter from Union Hill. These traffic adjustments will remain in place during the uh duration of the retaining wall project for um safety and efficiency, and then they'll be re-evaluated. Uh we thank residents for their continued patience and cooperation with those adjustments. Melchin Road, there's a big project out at Melchin Road. And this project is being funded through FEMA and following the governor's approval of a major disaster declaration for that flooding event. Slope stabilization is being installed to restore that road to its original width and and prevent future erosion. And then, you know, along with all this, DPW crews over the past two months have replaced over a thousand feet of sewer line on Elliott Street, Church Street, and at Mountain View. Um DPW has also put a focus on improving the downtown district to create a more vibrant and clean space for everyone to use.

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