Weathersfield Select Board Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Weathersfield Select Board met on September 9, 2025, to discuss a school update, personnel policy revisions, website improvements, budget transfers, winter sand purchase, culvert repair, rules of procedure, political sign policy, an ethics ordinance first reading, and several appointments. The meeting included multiple votes and transfers of funds.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the August 25 and August 27 meetings were approved. Two members abstained from the August 25 minutes because they were not present. A typographical correction was made to the August 27 minutes: "reflects" corrected to "reflects" (original had "reflex with an exp"), and the motion wording on item number four was clarified.

Discussion Items

• Weathersfield School Update (John Harrison): Harrison reported enrollment of 159 students in K-5 and 80 in grades 6-8. The school bond has two years remaining; the budget for the coming year will include $845,000 for the bond, half of which will be needed. Fund balance is zero, and the district is facing a projected deficit of around $100,000. Act 73 implementation is underway, with potential impacts on class sizes and school structure. The school maintains a website link to the town budget; Harrison requested the town reciprocate.
• Personnel Policy Revision: The board discussed three versions of a dress code policy. After debate, members favored a hybrid of versions two and three: "employees should dress in a manner suited to their duties and be consistent with the standards of a professional public service environment." The board also discussed the 15-minute break provision (on page 7) and liability concerns about employees leaving the premises during paid lunch breaks. It was decided to incorporate a clock-out requirement and clarify that time is unpaid. The policy will be revised and brought for a first reading at the next meeting.
• Bi-Weekly Payroll Transition: Town Manager/Staff reported that employees at the town office, library, and highway department have been informed about the switch from weekly to bi-weekly payroll, effective January 1, 2026. Most employees were receptive; adjustments to tax withholdings were explained. The board will need to pass the policy through readings.
• Website Improvement: A staff member (likely a new website coordinator) presented an action plan, including meeting with each department, surveying the public, and improving the calendar and e-alert features. The board supported the plan and noted that funding for the position would be considered during the budget process.
• Line 25 Leftover Funds Transfer: The board approved transferring $63,639.87 from project savings to the Highway Equipment Acquisition Reserve Fund and $118,188.20 to the Highway Capital Maintenance and Improvements Reserve Fund. Additionally, $30,000 from a Local Economic Recovery Grant (received September 2024) was transferred to the capital maintenance reserve.
• Winter Sand Purchase: The board authorized the purchase of sand from DMD Estimating in Hartland, Vermont for $52,500, plus $8,775 for engineering services from MSK Engineering, totaling $61,275, to be paid from the Highway Capital Maintenance Improvements Reserve Fund. Some members questioned whether sand purchase qualifies as "improvements" but accepted that it falls under maintenance.
• Bowling Hill Culvert Repair: The board approved awarding a contract to Dan's Construction for repair of the culvert on Bowling Hill, not to exceed $82,000, to be paid from the Highway Capital Maintenance Improvements Reserve Fund. Discussion included a need to plan for full replacement in 30-35 years and set aside funds via the capital improvement plan.
• Rules of Procedure: The board considered using VLCT's model rules of procedure. A public comment from August Murray recommended continuing with Robert's Rules of Order as a default, with modifications for time limits. The board agreed to set a meeting end time of 9:00 PM and require a vote to extend. The discussion will continue at a future meeting.
• Political Sign Policy: The board discussed state statutes and VLCT guidance on signs. Public comment from Andrea Murray cautioned that regulating signs based on content (e.g., political vs. other) violates the First Amendment. The board decided to post information on the website explaining that signs on town or state rights-of-way require landowner permission and cannot be placed without consent, rather than adopting a separate ordinance.
• Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance – First Reading: The board conducted a first reading of a new ordinance to enforce the town's code of ethics. Members noted that inserted names needed to be added and that the ordinance should reference both state and local ethics policies. The first reading was approved.
• Town Manager Update: Highlights included: advertising for winter fuel (combined for all buildings), center road culvert replacement (to be discussed with trustees), transfer station attendant position (26 applicants, interview process underway), highway department position (15 applicants, interviews set), unlicensed dog enforcement (letters being sent with sheriff's office), and upcoming VLCT Town Fair (October 8).
• Appointments: The board accepted August Murray's resignation from the Budget Committee (effective immediately) with regrets. Ashley Bunnell was appointed as a Martin Memorial Hall Trustee for a one-year term after volunteering.
• Warrants: The board approved warrants dated September 4, 2025, including general fund payroll $16,242.39 and operating $107,225.93; solid waste payroll $2,213.91 and operating $27,251.89; library payroll $2,497.25 and no operating; grand totals payroll $30,883.42 and operating $176,895.34.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of August 25 and 27, 2025, with corrections.
• Approved transfer of $63,639.87 to Highway Equipment Acquisition Reserve and $118,188.20 to Highway Capital Maintenance and Improvements Reserve.
• Approved transfer of $30,000 from LERG to Highway Capital Maintenance and Improvements Reserve.
• Approved expenditure of $61,275 for winter sand ($52,500) and engineering ($8,775) from the capital maintenance reserve.
• Approved award to Dan's Construction for Bowling Hill culvert repair at $82,000, funded from capital maintenance reserve.
• Approved first reading of the Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance.
• Accepted resignation of August Murray from Budget Committee.
• Appointed Ashley Bunnell as Martin Memorial Hall Trustee for one year.
• Approved warrants dated September 4, 2025.
• Directed personnel policy revisions to be brought for first reading at next meeting.
• Directed website updates to include unified calendar, e-alerts, and information on political signs.
• Set meeting end time to 9:00 PM with need for vote to extend.