Weathersfield Select Board Regular Meeting - July 29, 2026

This meeting of the Weathersfield Select Board began at 6:30 PM and covered agenda review, public comments, approval of minutes, resolution of citizen complaints, summer meeting schedule, JP ballot issue, a wastewater project update, the resignation of board member Kelly O'Brien, and a public hearing on the proposed Town Plan, which was adopted by a 3-to-1 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lisa Slave reported not receiving email responses from town officials and requested confirmation. She also asked for an update on police staffing and the police station move to Anthony Scott Park Row.
• August expressed concern that the public hearing for the Town Plan was scheduled as the last agenda item, potentially causing delays. He later spoke during the hearing.
• David Fuller thanked outgoing Town Manager Brandon for his service, recounting personal stories and expressing gratitude.
• Sophia Lastak Titla raised a technical issue regarding poor audio and video connectivity and requested training for a replacement after Brandon's departure. She also spoke during the Town Plan hearing.
• During the Town Plan hearing, multiple residents testified: August raised procedural concerns about the plan's timing relative to recent state legislation (Act 181, S.325, Act 171) and questioned the plan's compliance, use of "shall" language, and adequacy of notice regarding future land use maps. Another speaker (possibly John Rupert Campbell) criticized the flood resiliency chapter as vague and weak. Andrea Murray argued the plan contains regulatory statements that violate state law, citing specific language about forest blocks (line 422) that could restrict development, and called for a full legal review. Sean Malin supported the plan, noting the extensive public engagement process and endorsing adoption. Additional comments from the public echoed concerns about specificity, legal implications, and the need for careful review.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Review: The board voted unanimously to table the credit card policy and advanced fundraiser cash management items to the next meeting.
• Minutes of July 13, 2026: Approved with a correction (heading date was incorrect). Vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention (the abstaining member was not present at the meeting).
• Citizens Complaint Resolution: The board adopted Resolution 2026-07-27, concluding the internal review of board contact complaints. Vote: 4 in favor, 1 opposed.
• Summer Meeting Schedule: The board voted to revert to the regular twice-monthly schedule (second and fourth Mondays) instead of the reduced summer schedule. Vote: unanimous.
• Justice of the Peace (JP) Ballot: Town Clerk Loanne reported a request from the Secretary of State's office to have the select board authorize adding JP candidates to the general election ballot. After discussion, the board declined to take action, noting no statutory requirement, and the clerk proceeded without formal authorization. The board supported the clerk's plan to place JPs on the ballot.
• Errors and Omissions: Tabled to the next meeting (August 10, 2026). Vote: unanimous.
• Warrants Approval: Approved payroll ($39,095.48) and operating expenses ($109,617.47) plus specific items (CAO, ditching, road erosion, 130 Maple Street, engineering) totaling $10,104.52 for those items. Vote: unanimous (4-0).
• Resignation of Select Board Member Kelly O'Brien: Kelly O'Brien announced her resignation effective immediately. The board outlined the process to fill the vacancy via appointment until the March 2027 election, with letters of interest welcome.
• Wastewater Project Update (60% Feasibility Study): Eric Phillips from Altom Engineering presented the 60% wastewater feasibility study for the village centers of Perkinsville and Ascutney. The study examines community wastewater options, including connection to neighboring systems (Windsor and Springfield) and on-site solutions. Soil testing and landowner engagement are ongoing. The board discussed the need for small-scale solutions for severely affected properties. No action was taken; the presentation was informational.

Town Plan Hearing and Adoption

• Public Hearing: The board held the second and final public hearing on the proposed Weathersfield Town Plan. After receiving testimony, the board closed the hearing and moved into deliberation.
• Deliberation: Board members discussed concerns raised, including the impact of recent state legislation, prescriptive language (use of "shall"), and potential legal implications. Some members supported adoption as a living document that could be amended later; others opposed due to liability and property rights concerns.
• Vote: A motion was made to adopt the Town Plan and maps as presented, with a recommendation that the Planning Commission address concerns regarding flood resiliency language and potential prohibition of development in forest blocks during its phase two review. The motion passed 3 to 1, with Joe voting against.

Key Outcomes

• Credit card policy and fundraiser cash management tabled to next meeting.
• Citizens complaint resolution adopted (4-1).
• Summer meeting schedule returned to normal (second and fourth Mondays).
• JP ballot issue resolved without formal board action; clerk proceeds.
• Errors and omissions tabled to August 10, 2026.
• Warrants approved unanimously.
• Kelly O'Brien's resignation accepted; vacancy to be filled by appointment.
• Wastewater project update received; no immediate action.
• Town Plan adopted (3-1) with recommendation for Planning Commission review of specific language.

Note: The meeting's official date according to the provided timestamp is July 29, 2026; however, the transcript references Monday, July 27, 2026, for the hearing, indicating a possible inconsistency.