Hartford, VT

Twin Pines Housing Task Force

The Twin Pines Housing Task Force is meeting for what appears to be an initial organizational session. The agenda includes introductions, a discussion of the task force's purpose, and planning for group norms, decision-making, and future meetings. No specific housing projects, proposals, or decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Discussion: What is the Twin Pines Housing (TPH) Task Force?
• Brainstorm: Group Norms and Guidelines
• Decision-making Process and Officer Role Descriptions
• Future Meeting Plan

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Housing & Homelessness Committee

250th Commemoration Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Planning Commission

Selectboard

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Resilient Hartford

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Trustees are meeting to approve the treasurer's report, discuss the town budget presentation, and address various operational items including water payment, policy drafts, a memorandum of understanding, pay increase requests, and a debit card request. The agenda also includes a farmer's market update and a request to repaint the library sign.

• Approval of Treasurer's Report
• Budget Presentation for the Town
• Policy drafts: Privacy Policy for First Amendment Auditors, Unattended Children, Computer Use, Behavior, Photography/Video Recording, Donations
• Memorandum of Understanding to be signed
• Pay Increase Requests and Debit Card Request Follow-Up

Energy Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Conservation Commission

Board of Civil Authority

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the establishment of a formal feeding policy regarding coordinated begging behavior. The meeting also includes the approval of previous minutes and the treasurer's report.

• Establishment of Formal Feeding Policy Due to Coordinated Begging Behavior

Sister Cities Committee

Tree Board

Historic Preservation Commission

Climate Action Steering Team

Energy Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Resilient Hartford

Conservation Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Civil Authority

Parks and Recreation Commission

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Sister Cities Committee

Tree Board

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Resilient Hartford

Energy Commission

Conservation Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Board of Civil Authority

Sister Cities Committee

Tree Board

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Resilient Hartford

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Energy Commission

Conservation Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Parks and Recreation Commission

Board of Civil Authority

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Tree Board

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Sister Cities Committee

Historic Preservation Commission

Climate Action Steering Team

Resilient Hartford

Energy Commission

Conservation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Parks and Recreation Commission

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Board of Civil Authority

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Resilient Hartford

Energy Commission

Conservation Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Board of Civil Authority

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Historic Preservation Commission

Climate Action Steering Team

Resilient Hartford

Energy Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Conservation Commission

Parks and Recreation Commission

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Board of Civil Authority

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Energy Commission

Selectboard

Resilient Hartford

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Conservation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Civil Authority

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Historic Preservation Commission

Climate Action Steering Team

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Resilient Hartford

Energy Commission

Conservation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Civil Authority

Parks and Recreation Commission

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Resilient Hartford

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Energy Commission

Conservation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Parks and Recreation Commission

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Board of Civil Authority

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Selectboard

Climate Action Steering Team

Historic Preservation Commission

Energy Commission

Resilient Hartford

Conservation Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Board of Civil Authority

Housing & Homelessness Committee

Parks and Recreation Commission

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

Tree Board

Sister Cities Committee

Selectboard

Historic Preservation Commission

Climate Action Steering Team

Resilient Hartford

Energy Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

General

General

The Opioid Grant Fund Review Committee will review applications for the National Opioid Settlement Funds, including a $17,505 proposal from Connecticut Valley Addiction Recovery for a documentary. The committee will also discuss the draft RFP, application cycle, and proposed grant review committee structure. The Selectboard may approve the RFP and process, potentially disbursing up to $100,000 in the first cycle.

• Review of $17,505 request from CVAR for documentary 'Changing the Narrative'
• Draft RFP for opioid settlement funds with up to $50,000 per applicant
• Proposed grant review committee: 2 Selectboard members, 3 community members, 3 public health professionals
• Two funding cycles: July 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027
• Potential disbursement of up to $100,000 in cycle 1

The Hartford Opioid Funds Grant Review Committee recommended the Selectboard allocate $105,000 to four applicants for opioid-related programs. The recommendation will be voted on at the September 15, 2026 Selectboard meeting. The committee also discussed plans to reconvene in February 2027 for a second round of grants.

• Recommended $30,000 for Hartford Police Department Mobile Outreach Office Vehicle
• Recommended $40,000 for Hartford Community Coalition salary support
• Recommended $25,000 for Hartford Dismas House Integrated Behavioral Health Support Initiative
• Recommended $10,000 for The Family Place Enhanced Staff Training and Services
• Adjourned at 8:36pm (all in favor)

General

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Town & School Meeting Committee is meeting to handle routine business: approving minutes, reviewing finances, and getting updates on several community engagement projects, including a sticker contest, child programming, coffee/lunch with committees, and branding/postcard design. They will also schedule meeting dates for 2026. The agenda is largely procedural and informational, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve minutes from July 22, 2026 meeting
• Finance update from committee
• Updates on sticker contest
• Updates on child programming
• Schedule meeting dates for 2026

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold a public hearing on August 26, 2026, to consider three tax abatement requests. Applicants or their representatives will present evidence, and the board will deliberate and decide on each request. If an applicant cannot appear, the request will be decided based on submitted forms.

• Stephen R. Martin (via POA) requests abatement for property at 438 Redfield Proctor Road (Parcel ID 7-5389)
• Christopher R. Aher requests abatement for property at 143 Hickory Ridge (Parcel ID 45-198)
• John F. McKeon requests abatement for property at 418 Lyman Batcheller Road (Parcel ID 12-8111-SBC-4C)

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will meet on August 24, 2026, at the Hartford Town Hall to hear property tax appeals. The meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. with a process review, followed at 9:00 a.m. by an appeal from Kate and Brent Eastman regarding property at 1774 Hillside Road. Hearings will continue until all aggrieved parties are heard.

• 8:45 a.m. BCA Process Review
• 9:00 a.m. appeal by Kate and Brent Eastman
• Property at 1774 Hillside Road, Parcel ID #11-27, SPAN #285-090-10467
• Meeting at Hartford Town Hall, Room 1, 171 Bridge Street, White River Jct.

General

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will discuss developing questions for a potential meeting with the HSD Equity Committee and continue refining Phase I of the Hartford Policy Analysis. The agenda is mostly discussion items, with no final decisions or votes scheduled.

• Develop questions for potential meeting with HSD Equity Committee
• Continue refinement of Phase I of Hartford Policy Analysis
• Approve meeting minutes of August 6th
• Town/Selectboard and School Board updates

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve the July minutes and treasurer's report, and to discuss new business including computer maintenance. Under old business, they will review draft policies on privacy, unattended children, computer use, behavior, photography, and donations, as well as a memorandum of understanding, pay increase requests, a debit card request, and a request to repaint the library sign.

• Approval of July 16, 2026 minutes and treasurer's report
• Draft additions to Privacy Policy for First Amendment Auditors
• Draft policies on Unattended Children, Computer Use, Behavior, Photography, Video Recording, Donations, and Bulletin Board
• Memorandum of Understanding with change requests (sent 7/4)
• Pay increase requests and debit card request (Amazon business account)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to vote on the July 2026 minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, welcome new members and assign roles, and discuss projects and events including a summer ID walk retrospective, nursery maintenance, Tree of the Month, and upcoming school/ID walks. The board will also discuss its bylaws. This is a routine working meeting with no major decisions or public hearings.

• Vote on July 2026 meeting minutes
• Tree Warden report
• New member welcome and role assignment
• Nursery maintenance and mulch supply ordering
• By-law discussion

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will meet on August 20, 2026, to hear appeals from property owners aggrieved by the Assessor's action. The meeting begins with a process review at 8:45 a.m., followed by three scheduled appeal hearings starting at 9:00 a.m. Appeals include two properties owned by Charward, LLC and one by Northern Stage.

• 8:45 a.m. BCA Process Review
• 9:00 a.m. Charward, LLC (Craig Creelman) appeal for 25 Olcott Drive, Parcel ID #4-70-2
• 9:30 a.m. Charward, LLC (Craig Creelman) appeal for 296 Olcott Drive, Parcel ID #4-67
• 10:00 a.m. Northern Stage (Jason Smoller; Sheehey Furlong & Behm) appeal for 97 South Main Street, Parcel ID #45-213

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider authorizing an in-frame motor rebuild for the 2006 fire engine at Station 2, with a quoted cost of $31,508.06 from Reed Truck Service. They will also discuss awarding a contract for an organizational assessment and finalize budget guidance for fiscal year 2028. The meeting includes public comment and an executive session on personnel matters.

• Authorization for in-frame motor rebuild of Engine 2 at $31,508.06
• Contract award for Organizational Assessment RFP
• Finalize FYE 28 budget guidance
• Approve payroll ending 8/15/2026 and A/P manifests 8/14 & 8/20/2026
• Approve minutes of 8/4/2026 and 8/12/2026 special meeting

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee is meeting to approve July minutes, hear an update on the logo sign cost and location, and discuss plans for the Festival Toutes Latitudes on Nov. 5-6, 2026. The committee will also get an update on its ad for a new member.

• Update on logo sign cost and location
• Plans for Festival Toutes Latitudes, Nov. 5-6, 2026
• Update on ad for new member
• Approve minutes of July 21 meeting

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness is meeting to hear a presentation from COVER Home Repair representatives, debrief on a Selectboard affordability initiative brainstorm, and receive an update on the Hartford's Big Little Build small-scale housing pilot project. The committee will also continue discussing solutions for the unhoused community and consider approving the July meeting minutes.

• COVER Home Repair Representatives' Presentation
• Debrief on August 12th Selectboard Affordability Initiative Brainstorm
• Hartford's Big Little Build pilot project update; community gathering launch September 3rd, 5-6:30 pm at Bugbee Senior Center
• Continue to Discuss Solutions for the Unhoused Community
• Approval of July Meeting Minutes

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness met and heard a presentation from COVER Home Repair about its services, including critical repairs, mobility modifications, and weatherization. The committee discussed takeaways from a Selectboard affordability brainstorming session and updates on the Big Little Build pilot project. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the July meeting minutes.

• Approved July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Heard COVER Home Repair presentation on services
• Discussed Selectboard affordability brainstorm takeaways
• Reviewed Big Little Build pilot project update

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to review the Treasurer's report and minutes. The agenda contains one test item for agenda creation training.

• Approval of the Treasurer's Report
• Test Item for Agenda Creation Training

The Board of Trustees held a routine meeting with no substantive policy decisions. They approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a 3-0 vote, with Dillon Walsh abstaining. The treasurer's report was presented, and Director Vanessa Gilbreath discussed squirrels in the neighborhood. No other business was conducted.

• Approved minutes from the last meeting (3-0, Walsh abstained)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special meeting to discuss initiatives addressing affordability in Hartford. The meeting includes a workshop where committees will present proposals, refine them through discussion, and shortlist priority actions. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Discussion of initiatives to address affordability in Hartford
• Review of survey results on affordability (13 responses)
• Workshop process to shortlist priority proposals
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)

The Selectboard held a joint workshop with town committees and commissions to discuss affordability initiatives, reviewing survey responses and gathering ideas. No formal decisions were made; the shortlisting of initiatives was deferred to a future meeting. The meeting adjourned with no votes on substantive matters.

• Deferred shortlisting of affordability initiatives to future joint meeting
• Adjourned meeting at 8:29 PM (5-0)

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority is meeting to conduct early processing of primary election absentee ballots. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 10, 2026, at 9:00 am at Town Hall in White River Junction.

• Early processing of Primary Election absentee ballots

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide on a Site Development Plan for a seasonal outdoor seating area at 70 Gates Street. The application, filed by Happy Enchilada, LLC and ASB, LLC d/b/a The Filling Station, proposes a 20-foot by 20-foot patio on the property's existing asphalt parking area. Administrative matters include updates on zoning permits, the Town Plan, and the Climate Action Plan.

• Public Hearing for Application #26-04: Site Development Plan Approval for outdoor seating at 70 Gates Street
• Administrative Permit: Convert office to salon at Holiday Drive
• Zoning Administrator Update: Review of FY 1995-2026 Zoning Permits and FY 2000-2026 Zoning Board of Adjustment Applications
• Updates on the Town Plan Steering Committee, Regional Planning Commission Land Use Plan, and Climate Action Plan

The Hartford Planning Commission approved a site development plan for outdoor seating and related improvements at 70 Gates Street, White River Junction, for The Filling Station. The application was approved unanimously after a public hearing. Other items, including the Town Plan Steering Committee update and Climate Action Plan update, were tabled.

• Approved site development plan for outdoor seating at 70 Gates Street (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 6, 2026 (unanimous)
• Tabled Town Plan Steering Committee update
• Tabled Climate Action Plan update

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to discuss equity and inclusion in Hartford schools, with student liaison Anabella Fiorelli offering perspective. The committee will also review progress and next steps for analyzing Hartford policies for equity and inclusion, based on decisions made at the July 16th meeting. Time permitting, they will hear updates from the Selectboard and School Board.

• Approve meeting minutes from July 16th
• Discussion on equity and inclusion in Hartford School District (HSD)
• Discussion on progress and next steps for Hartford policy analysis
• Review of policy analysis decisions from July 16th, including focus on internal town interactions, hiring, and training
• Updates from Town/Selectboard and School Board (time permitting)

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion approved the July 2 minutes and discussed equity and inclusion in Hartford Schools, including policies, resources, and communication. Members agreed to reach out to Julia Lau to arrange a meeting with the Hartford District Equity Committee, and to invite the new Town Manager to a future meeting. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved July 2 minutes (moved by Jasmine, seconded by Pat)
• Agreed to contact Julia Lau to arrange meeting with Hartford District Equity Committee
• Agreed to invite new Town Manager to a future meeting

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority is meeting to discuss and decide on the early processing of absentee ballots for the primary election. This is the only item on the agenda for this meeting.

• Early processing of primary election absentee ballots

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Application #03-26 by Mountain Stream Builders, LLC for a setback waiver for an existing dwelling at 470 Bentley Road, Quechee. The dwelling encroaches slightly into front and side setbacks. The board will also handle administrative matters including public comment, minutes, and a zoning administrator update.

• Public hearing on setback waiver for dwelling at 470 Bentley Road, Quechee (lot 07-5443-000)
• Encroachments: 0.22 ft into front setback, 1.13 ft into side setback, 0.6 ft for front steps
• Waiver criteria cited: preservation of open land, stream buffer, minimum necessary
• Administrative items: public comment, minutes, zoning administrator update
• Next public hearing scheduled for September 30, 2026

The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a setback waiver for an existing dwelling at 470 Bentley Road, Quechee, under section 260-52 of the Hartford Zoning Regulations. The board also approved the minutes from July 1, 2026, and reviewed zoning and application statistics. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved setback waiver for lot 07-5443-000, 470 Bentley Road (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 1, 2026 (unanimous)

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will meet on August 4, 2026, at 5:30pm at Town Hall to hear an abatement request. The request is from Susan Barrett (Life Estate) and the deceased Ralph Barrett for the property at 361 South Street. The hearing is scheduled for 5:30pm, followed by deliberations at 5:40pm and adjournment at 5:50pm.

• Abatement request for 361 South Street (Parcel ID # 24-89)
• Applicant: Susan Barrett (Life Estate) & Ralph Barrett (deceased)
• Hearing at 5:30pm, deliberations at 5:40pm, adjournment at 5:50pm

The Hartford Board of Abatement unanimously approved a full abatement of $988.98 for the Tax Year 2027 bill on the Barrett property at 361 South Street, citing the property's loss or destruction during the tax year due to ongoing flood-related erosion. The decision followed a status update from Planning Director Lori Hirshfield on the FEMA buyout process, which remains incomplete pending additional funding for demolition and slope stabilization. The board noted its limited statutory role and suggested the Select Board might explore the matter further.

• Approved $988.98 tax abatement for 361 South Street (Barrett property) for Tax Year 2027 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider three appointments to town commissions, renew a 10-year facility use agreement with the West Hartford Library Trustees, approve a purchasing policy exception for police software, and discuss the FYE 28 budget calendar and guidance. The meeting also includes routine approvals of payroll, bills, and minutes.

• Appoint Alexis Hudes to Energy Commission (3-year term)
• Appoint Savannah Bailey to Conservation Commission (4-year term)
• Appoint Janet Potter to Tree Board (3-year term)
• Renew MOU with West Hartford Library Trustees (10-year, $56,714 annual appropriation)
• Approve purchasing policy exception for Cellebrite (police)

The Selectboard approved a motion to authorize the Town Manager to acquire lighting equipment for the Wilder Park & Ride, not to exceed $35,000, with a 3-2 vote. The board also approved three commission appointments, renewed a MOU with West Hartford Library Trustees, approved a purchasing policy exception for Cellebrite, adopted the FY 28 Budget Calendar, and approved the consent agenda. No action was taken in executive session.

• Approved Wilder Park & Ride lighting equipment up to $35,000 (3-2)
• Appointed Alexis Hudes to Energy Commission for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Appointed Savannah Bailey to Conservation Commission for 4-year term (unanimous)
• Appointed Janet Potter to Hartford Tree Board for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Manager to execute MOU renewal with West Hartford Library Trustees (unanimous)
• Approved purchasing policy exception for Cellebrite renewal at $23,018.50 (unanimous)
• Adopted FY 28 Budget Calendar as presented (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Pedestrian & Bicyclist Steering Committee, a subcommittee of the Hartford Planning Commission, is meeting to provide input on emerged priorities and recommend the final Pedestrian & Bicyclist Master Plan draft for adoption. The agenda includes background on the 2009 Master Plan, upcoming town/state projects, existing network assessments, and public engagement results. The committee will also discuss next steps and meeting frequency.

• Review of 2009 Master Plan list
• Discussion of upcoming Town/State projects
• Existing network assessments
• Public engagement and survey results
• Recommend final plan draft for adoption

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan Steering Committee held its kick-off meeting, funded by VTrans at no cost to the town. The committee discussed survey results, potential bike routes, sidewalk projects, and grant opportunities. No formal decisions were made; the next meeting is scheduled for September 14.

• Scheduled next meeting for September 14 at 6:00 p.m.
• Agreed to meet monthly

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special meeting to review Capital Improvement Program (CIP) scoring sheets and prioritize projects. The agenda includes public comment, board announcements, and a workshop on project prioritization, followed by an executive session on contracts. This is a working session focused on project ranking rather than final decisions.

• Review of Selectboard CIP scoring sheets and project prioritization
• Executive session on contracts
• Public comment period with three-minute speaking limit

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review and approve draft minutes from a previous meeting, hear public comment, and discuss several items. These include renaming CAST to incorporate the Hazard Mitigation Plan, receiving the Coordinator's Report, accepting a member's resignation, discussing affordability projects, appointing a representative to the Bi-ped Task Force, and hearing a TRORC presentation on the Enhanced Energy Plan. The meeting is scheduled for one hour, with each item having a set time allotment.

• Review & approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Discussion on renaming CAST to incorporate Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Coordinator's Report [DC]
• HEC resignation of member
• Affordability projects discussion

The Hartford Energy Commission voted to allow the Climate Action and Sustainability Team (CAST) to change its name to 'Climate Action and Hazard Mitigation Committee,' subject to Selectboard approval. The motion passed, but the meeting lacked a quorum for the Energy Commission itself. No other formal decisions were made; the rest of the meeting was discussion and reports.

• Approved motion for CAST to change name to 'Climate Action and Hazard Mitigation Committee,' subject to Selectboard approval (passed)

Climate Action Steering Team

The Climate Action Steering Team/Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, take public comment, and discuss several items. They will consider renaming CAST to include the Hazard Mitigation Plan, hear the coordinator's report, accept a member's resignation, discuss affordability projects, appoint a representative to the Bi-ped Task Force, and receive a presentation on the Enhanced Energy Plan from TRORC.

• Review & approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• CAST- Changing name to incorporate Hazard Mitigation Plan
• HEC resignation of member
• Affordability projects
• Enhanced Energy Plan- TRORC presentation

The Climate Action Steering Team voted unanimously to change its name to the Climate Action and Hazard Mitigation Committee, contingent on Selectboard approval of the name change and authority to advance the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The motion was made by Jesse Pollard and passed with all members voting in favor. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved name change to Climate Action and Hazard Mitigation Committee, contingent on Selectboard approval (unanimous)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee is meeting to approve minutes, review finances, and get updates on several community engagement projects, including a sticker contest, child programming, coffee/lunch with committees, and branding/postcard design. They will also schedule meeting dates for 2026. The agenda is largely routine and procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve minutes from June 20, 2026
• Committee finance update
• Updates on sticker contest, child programming, coffee/lunch with committees, branding/postcard design
• Schedule 2026 meeting dates

The committee approved the June 20, 2026 minutes unanimously. No substantive decisions were made; updates were provided on the sticker contest, child programming, coffee with committees, branding, and postcard design. The next meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2026.

• Approved June 20, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for August 26, 2026 at 5:30pm

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including power line work within a utility easement at Maanawaka Conservation Area, a Rights of Nature ordinance, and the commission's budget. The agenda also includes updates on the town forest, including a trails day report and work by the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center, as well as filling two commission vacancies.

• Power line work within utility easement at Maanawaka Conservation Area with Green Mountain Power guest
• Rights of Nature Ordinance discussion
• HCC Budget discussion
• Hartford Area Career & Technology Center work in Town Forest
• HCC Vacancies (2)

The Hartford Conservation Commission voted 4-0 not to accept the proposed Rights of Nature Ordinance, citing a lack of capacity and expertise for enforcement. The commission also approved a $3,530 budget for FY2027/2028, reallocating $75 from other categories to Green-Up Day contracted services, and elected Mary Hutchins as vice chair.

• Declined proposed Rights of Nature Ordinance (4-0)
• Approved FY2027/2028 budget at $3,530, moving $25 from Travel & Training and $50 from advertising to Green-Up Day Contracted Services
• Elected Mary Hutchins as vice chair (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 6/1/26 as written (unanimous)
• Agreed to discuss Hazen Trail sign after 2027 VELCO construction
• Agreed to hold off on Wildlife Habitat Assessment until HAC&TC agreement completed
• Agreed to discuss Town Forest career center plan at 8/31 meeting