Weathersfield Select Board Reorganization and 250th Committee Discussion - March 6, 2026

The Weathersfield Select Board held a meeting on March 6, 2026, beginning at approximately 7:07 PM (15:07 UTC). The meeting included a reorganization of the board with elections for chair and other officers, significant public comment regarding the formation and appointment of the 250th Anniversary Committee, and a detailed statement on the town manager's compensation adjustment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident with parliamentary expertise (identified as Andrew) advised the board that due to the reorganization, all prior future agenda items should be considered new business. He recommended scheduling a selection of future agenda items at the next meeting.
• A resident (Stephen Dolphin) expressed concern about the rush to appoint the 250th committee, noting the lack of public notice and the confusion of Wethersfield's official 250th event being held in Charlestown, NH at Fort Number Four, which requires admission fees.
• Another resident (Mr. Johnson, a 70-year resident) spoke in support of Town Manager Brandon Golnik, stating he would be a great loss to the town.
• Several other residents commented on transparency issues, referencing the elimination of the Windsor County Sheriff's Department contract and criticizing the board's use of executive session.

Discussion Items

1. Board Reorganization: The board elected Kelly O'Brien as chair (3-2 vote), vice chair (Rika), board clerk (DeForest), but failed to confirm a recording secretary (Patricia Beers) due to a nay vote from Mike. Later in the meeting, Kelly O'Brien resigned as chair, and Michael Todd was elected chair by unanimous vote (4-0).
2. Newspaper Record: The board voted to designate The Valley News as the official newspaper for legal notices, with discussion about other options like the Vermont Journal.
3. Regular Meeting Dates: A motion to continue the current schedule (second and fourth Mondays, 6:30 PM, Mark Memorial Hall) passed unanimously.
4. 250th Anniversary Committee: A motion to add a donation of $1,000 to the 250th committee as a future agenda item passed 4-0. However, extensive public comment and board discussion followed regarding the legitimacy of the committee's formation. Board member Rika argued the historical society asked for recognition, not a town committee. The board agreed to schedule future discussion on the committee's formation.
5. Appointments: The board listed multiple vacancies (budget committee, conservation commission, etc.) and noted applications received. Appointments will be made at the next meeting.
6. Executive Session: The board entered executive session under 1 V.S.A. § 313 for contracts and legal issues. After returning, Michael Todd read a prepared statement regarding the town manager's compensation adjustment to $124,000, effective November 10, 2025, clarifying it was to correct a salary that had fallen below comparable towns (average ~$129,517) and noting the town manager's multiple degrees and duties. The statement emphasized the adjustment was not requested and was not a 32-34% raise in context.

Key Outcomes

• Kelly O'Brien was elected chair, then resigned later in the meeting; Michael Todd was elected chair by unanimous vote.
• Vice Chair: Rika; Board Clerk: DeForest; Recording Secretary position left vacant.
• The Valley News was designated as the official newspaper.
• Regular meeting schedule confirmed.
• Motion to add $1,000 to 250th committee as future agenda item passed (4-0).
• Board committed to scheduling a discussion on the proper formation of the 250th committee.
• Public hearing on budget planned for March 9, with budget committee appointments through March 27, and a special town meeting warning for May 2, 2026, with voting on May 5, 2026.
• Executive session held; statement on town manager compensation was read and will be posted on the town website.
• Meeting adjourned.