Hartford public meetings in 2023

Housing & Homelessness Committee

This document provides the 2023 regular meeting schedule for the Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness. The agenda contains only procedural information regarding meeting dates and participation instructions.

• Meetings held at Town Hall or remotely
• Meetings generally scheduled for the third Thursday of the month

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness met on September 21, 2023, and approved the August meeting minutes. Members discussed using ARPA funds for a potential Housing Development Program, including technical assistance for ADUs and smaller housing projects, and reviewed updates to the Town Plan Housing Chapter. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved August 31, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed ARPA fund use for housing development program
• Reviewed Town Plan Housing Chapter update process

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet on December 21, 2023, to review and approve draft minutes from the previous meeting, hear from State Senator Becca White on legislative priorities, and receive updates on an energy fair, a thermal energy district, and proposed action items. The meeting is hybrid, held at Hartford Town Hall and accessible via Microsoft Teams.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Discussion with State Senator Becca White on legislative priorities
• Energy Fair Follow Up [Laura / Sarah]
• Thermal Energy District Update [Esme/Jesse]
• Proposed Action Items to April

The Hartford Energy Commission met on December 21, 2023, and unanimously approved the November minutes. The meeting focused on discussions about geothermal energy, district heating, and other renewable energy projects, with no formal decisions made beyond the minutes approval. The commission noted the need for $80,000 for a geothermal feasibility study and discussed various ongoing initiatives.

• Approved November minutes (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to approve minutes and the 2024 meeting schedule, and to discuss a joint meeting with the Norwich Housing Committee. They will also review the Town Plan Housing Chapter update and continue discussions on the Housing Development Program, a proposed pilot to fund accessory dwelling units.

• Approve November 23, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approve 2024 committee meeting schedule
• Joint meeting with Norwich Housing Committee
• Town Plan Housing Chapter update
• Discussion on Housing Development Program

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness approved its FY2024 meeting schedule and the November 23, 2023 minutes, both unanimously. Staff reported that the Selectboard decided not to fund the proposed Housing Development Program this year, but recommended funding a new Housing and Development Specialist position starting July 1, 2024. The committee discussed a potential joint meeting with the Norwich Housing Committee and future agenda items.

• Approved November 23, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY2024 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comments, and discuss several ongoing projects, including the Taft's Flat National Register nomination and the World War I & II Monument Project. The agenda also includes closing out the Performing Arts History project and updating the commission's webpage.

• Taft's Flat National Register Nomination
• World War I & II Monument Project
• Performing Arts History Closeout
• HHPC Webpage update
• HHPC Openings

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission met on December 20, 2023, and approved the November 15 minutes with noted corrections. The commission discussed the Hartford Performing Arts History project, the Taft's Flat Historic District nomination, and the WWI & II Monument fundraising. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved November 15 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Discussed Hartford Performing Arts History project progress report
• Discussed Taft's Flat Historic District nomination kick-off for January 17
• Noted WWI & II Monument fundraising goals met for spring construction

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will review its 2024 roadmap and strategic plan. The committee will also discuss community safety review updates and potential resources for its webpage.

• Review of 2024 Priorities Roadmap and Strategic Plan
• Discussion of Community Safety Review Project updates
• Discussion regarding adding racial and social justice links to the HCOREI webpage
• Discussion of a potential committee retreat in early 2024
• Discussion regarding inviting School Racial Equity Coordinator Julia Lau to a meeting

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met and approved the November 15th minutes. The committee discussed 2024 priorities, including forwarding the Public Information Officer position, town policy work, and school-related actions, and considered a half-day retreat. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes and adjourning.

• Approved November 15th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed 2024 priorities including Public Information Officer, town policy, and school actions
• Planned a half-day committee retreat for early 2024
• Noted Julia Lau will attend January 17th meeting
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to discuss several climate-related items, including a coordinator report, a Conservation Commission meet-and-greet, follow-up on The Nature Conservancy's Community Resilience Building program, energy code materials for the town website, and guidance for multi-family EV charging. They will also review their charge and bylaws. The meeting is open to the public with time for comments.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator report
• Conservation Commission meet & greet on 2/29 at Bugbee
• The Nature Conservancy Community Resilience Building program follow up
• Energy code materials on Town website and Planning Commission multi-family EV charging guidance

The Energy Commission approved previous meeting minutes but made no new policy decisions or votes. Staff reported on pending grant applications for EV chargers and upcoming climate change analyses. The group discussed potential zoning requirements for EV chargers in new housing developments and proposed changes to membership bylaws, with further discussion scheduled for January.

• Approved October/November meeting minutes
• Discussed adding zoning requirements for EV chargers in large apartment complexes (discussion scheduled for January)
• Proposed expanding membership criteria to include workers, business owners, and property owners
• Proposed dropping reference to Robert's Rules of Order in bylaws
• Staff to submit grant request for 7 EV chargers
• Staff to send letter seeking approval for Nature Conservancy climate change analyses

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review minutes from the previous meeting, hear the Tree Warden's report, and discuss the end-of-year report. They will also consider a grant proposal for next year, review progress on last year's grant, and discuss whether the board should take on more activities.

• Review minutes from November 21, 2023 meeting
• Tree Warden Report
• End of year report review
• Grant proposal for next year
• Progress report on last year's grant

The Hartford Tree Board approved the previous meeting's minutes unanimously. Tree Warden Jeff Arnold reported that three sites will undergo pruning or removal at an estimated cost of $9,000, with wood from the West Hartford Quechee Road site saved for residents needing heating fuel. The board also discussed potential tree planting projects for a future grant and noted the detection of the emerald ash borer at Billings Farm.

• Approved previous minutes (All in favor)
• Approved adjournment (All in favor)
• Reported $9,000 estimate for tree work at three sites
• Assigned tasks for future grant proposal research

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special meeting to continue and finalize the town budget for fiscal year 2025, which includes a proposed property tax rate increase. The board will also discuss a possible charter revision, consider a liquor license application for Putnam's Vineyard, and decide whether to cancel the December 26 meeting.

• Finalize FY2025 budget with estimated tax rate of 1.1533, a 6.568% increase from FY2024
• Discuss charter revision
• Consider liquor license permits for Putnam's Vineyard at 188 South Main Street
• Consider extension of VCDP Planning Grant for Cornerstone Community
• Consider canceling December 26 Selectboard meeting and authorizing leadership to sign off on payroll and accounts payable

The Selectboard voted to propose a comprehensive Town Charter revision and a 1% local option sales tax to voters. The board also approved several budget proposals for voter consideration, including a $1.3 million bond for a new fire house.

• Proposed revised Town Charter to voters (6-1)
• Proposed 1% local option sales tax to voters (unanimous)
• Proposed $1.3M bond for Fire House No. 2 design and construction (unanimous)
• Proposed $455,000 in L.O.T. funding for Lyman Park, an ambulance, and village beautification (unanimous)
• Approved funding from Unassigned Fund for two vacancies in Police and Public Works if qualified candidates are found (unanimous)
• Approved permit renewal requests for Putnam’s Vineyard (6-0-1)
• Cancelled December 26 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes from 12/12/2023 and 12/14/2023 (6-0-1)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will meet to handle administrative matters and hold a public hearing on two site development applications: one from the Hartford School District for changes to a school building's hours and programming, and another from Upper Valley Haven for an emergency shelter. The meeting is open to the public, with options for remote participation.

• Public hearing on School District application #23-16 for site plan approval at Christian Street, Hartford
• Public hearing on Upper Valley Haven application #23-21 for emergency shelter at 608 North Main Street, White River Junction
• Administrative matter: determine zoning district boundary line for Summit Distributing, LLC, lot 44-0041-000, Sykes Mountain Ave. and Beech Street
• Updates on Town Plan, Climate Action Plan, and Housing Chapter

The Hartford Planning Commission unanimously approved a site development plan for an emergency shelter at 608 North Main Street, White River Junction, despite significant public opposition. The Commission also approved a school site plan amendment and interpreted a zoning district boundary line for Summit Distributing, LLC.

• Approved emergency shelter site plan for Upper Valley Haven at 608 North Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved school site plan amendment for Hartford School District at Christian Street (unanimous)
• Interpreted zoning district boundary line for Summit Distributing, LLC lot 44-0041-000 as shown on GPI plan dated December 5, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 13, 2023 as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 4, 2023 with changes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will meet on December 18, 2023, to discuss administrative matters and hold a public hearing on two site development plan applications. The meeting is in person at Hartford Town Hall and available remotely via Microsoft Teams.

• Determine zoning boundary line for Summit Distributing, LLC, lot 44-0041-000, Sykes Mountain Ave. and Beech Street
• Public hearing on Application #23-26 for school/educational building amendments, lot 09-0028-001, Christian Street
• Public hearing on Application #23-21 for emergency shelter, lot 45-0003-000, 608 North Main Street, White River Junction

The Hartford Planning Commission approved a site development plan for an emergency shelter at 608 North Main Street, White River Junction, after a public hearing with extensive community input. The commission also approved a school district application for site plan amendments and interpreted a zoning district boundary line for Summit Distributing. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved emergency shelter site plan for Upper Valley Haven at 608 North Main Street (unanimous)
• Approved school district site plan amendments for Christian Street property (unanimous)
• Interpreted zoning district boundary line for Summit Distributing lot 44-0041-000 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 13, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 4, 2023 with changes (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission will convene for a regular meeting to review past minutes, hear citizen and commission comments, and receive the director's report. No substantive decisions or votes are scheduled; the only item of note is a review of survey questions for the Recreation Center.

• Review Recreation Center survey questions

The commission approved the previous meeting's minutes and received the Director's Report on the Polar Express holiday event, which sold 1,600 tickets despite weather issues. An electronic message board is planned for spring 2024 installation. No new business was discussed, and the next meeting is scheduled for January 18, 2024.

• Approved meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:37 pm (all in favor)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Selectboard is conducting a budget review wrap-up to discuss the FYE 2025 draft budget. Discussions include Finance Director suggestions to reduce the overall budget and proposals regarding Selectboard compensation and committee stipends.

• Finance Director budget reduction options (Option A and Option B)
• Proposed $2,000,000 unassigned balance addition
• Proposed Selectboard compensation increases ranging from $5,850 to $53,000
• Proposed $50 per meeting stipend program for 14 town boards and committees
• Proposed dependent care stipend for Selectboard members

The Hartford Selectboard held a budget wrap-up session (information only) on December 14, 2023, discussing a revised draft FY25 budget. No formal decisions or votes were made; further budget consideration is scheduled for a special meeting on December 19, 2023. Public comments raised concerns about tax impacts and water bill increases, with mixed opinions on compensation for board and committee members.

• Discussed revised draft FY25 budget (information only)
• No formal votes or approvals taken
• Scheduled further budget consideration for December 19, 2023 special meeting

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will review updated draft 2025 General Fund Operating Budget options, including tax rate impacts and suggestions to reduce the tax rate. The board will consider three options (A, B, C) based on information from the Assessor, Dispatch, Planning, and Police departments, and recommendations from the Town Manager.

• Draft 2025 General Fund Operating Budget options A, B, and C
• Tax rate impact analysis for each option
• Suggestions to reduce the tax rate
• Updates based on input from Assessor, Dispatch, Planning, and Police

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund and Hartford 2020 VCDP Revolving Loan Fund Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, enter executive session to review loan summary reports and potential loans, and vote on any required actions. The committee will also discuss finding new members, potential housing programs, and interest rates.

• Approval of September 6th, 2023 meeting minutes
• Executive session to review loan summary reports for September 2023 and update on potential loans
• Discussion of potential housing programs
• Discussion of interest rates
• Discussion on finding new committee members

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee approved prior meeting minutes, entered executive session to review confidential loan reports, and discussed committee membership, a potential housing program using $150K in ARPA funds, and loan interest rates. No formal decisions were made on these topics; the committee scheduled a special meeting for January 24, 2024, to continue discussions on interest rates and the housing program, and to approve the 2024 meeting schedule.

• Approved minutes from September 6, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to review confidential loan summary report (unanimous)
• Scheduled special meeting for January 24, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
• Decided committee members will attend next Housing & Homelessness Committee meeting

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two applications: a setback waiver for a shed at 79 Dothan Road and a conditional use approval for amendments to a school building's hours and programming on Christian Street. The board will also handle administrative matters including public comment, minutes, and administrative permits.

• Setback waiver for shed at 79 Dothan Road (Application #14-23)
• Conditional use for school/educational building amendments on Christian Street (Application #15-23)
• Administrative permit for site plan changes at 747 Hartford Ave (dumpster enclosure, patio, retaining wall)
• Public comment and minutes approval

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a setback waiver for a shed at 79 Dothan Road and approved conditional use amendments for the school district's property on Christian Street, with noted changes. Both public hearings were closed without public comment. The board also approved the November 8, 2023 minutes and reviewed an administrative permit for Twin Pines Housing Trust.

• Approved setback waiver for shed at 79 Dothan Road (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use amendments for school district property on Christian Street (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 8, 2023 (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 7:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will decide whether to accept a $25,000 non-competitive grant from the Vermont Downtown Vibrancy Fund for fiscal year 2024. The funds will support revitalization efforts in downtown White River Junction, including surveys, inventories, and a downtown program evaluation. The Selectboard will also consider appointments, budget updates, and other routine reports.

• Accept $25,000 Downtown Vibrancy Grant for downtown White River Junction revitalization
• Appoint Maggie Burnett to the Committee on Housing & Homelessness for a two-year term
• Review proposals for Police K-9 Fundraising and Downtown Program Vibrancy Grant
• Conduct budget wrap-up sessions on December 14 and 19 to finalize the FY24 budget
• Enter executive session to discuss pending civil litigation and attorney-client communications

The Selectboard approved a $269,000 revaluation contract with Tyler Technologies and authorized a $25,000 Downtown Program Vibrancy Grant. The board also approved a proposal for Police Department K-9 fundraising and authorized documents for a potential flood impact buyout at 361 South Street.

• Appointed Maggie Burnett to the Committee on Housing and Homelessness (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign JAG grant certification (unanimous)
• Approved Police K-9 fundraising proposal (unanimous)
• Awarded $269,000 revaluation contract to Tyler Technologies (unanimous)
• Accepted $25,000 Downtown Program Vibrancy Grant (unanimous)
• Authorized documents for potential buyout of 361 South Street (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including payroll and minutes (6-0-1)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss pending civil litigation (unanimous)

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee is discussing a funding shortfall for its planned April 2024 trip. A selectboard member had encouraged the committee to request funding, but the committee learned it does not have the expected balance. Selectboard chair Mike Hoyt said he will determine during the evening's selectboard meeting how the town can provide the money.

• Funding shortfall for April 2024 trip
• Selectboard chair Mike Hoyt to determine town funding options
• Approval of modified November meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for 9 January 2024

The committee reviewed the November meeting minutes and addressed a funding deficit for an upcoming trip in April 2024. Selectboard Chair Mike Hoyt will determine how the town can provide the necessary funds during the selectboard meeting.

• Approved modified minutes of the November meeting
• Adjourned meeting at 5:48

Resilient Hartford

This is a community discussion meeting about the Clifford Park Food Forest & Abenaki Garden. The agenda includes a background presentation, a 2023 year in review, and thoughts about 2024 and beyond. No formal decisions are scheduled.

• Background on Clifford Park Food Forest & Abenaki Garden
• 2023 Year in Review
• Thoughts about 2024 and Beyond

The committee held a community discussion regarding the evolution and future of the Clifford Park Food Forest. No formal votes were taken, but participants reached a consensus to expand public outreach efforts and identified several potential next steps, including increasing the riparian buffer and developing a pollinator garden.

• Consensus reached to expand public outreach for the project

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard holds a dedicated budget meeting to finalize revenue and expense decisions for the fiscal year 2025. The board reviews projections, including potential tax rate increases, use of unassigned funds, and adjustments to departmental budgets.

• Review of $22M operating budget with $3.16M unassigned fund balance
• Consideration of 3-5% tax rate increase scenarios for FY2025
• Potential use of $750K-$1.15M from unassigned fund to reduce tax burden
• Discussion of $321K in uncommitted ARPA funds and $438K in L.O.T. funds
• Evaluation of proposed cuts including $60K public information officer and $50K HVAC reserve fund

The Selectboard conducted an information-only session to discuss the draft FY25 budget. The Board set priorities and instructed staff to revise the budget based on tentative decisions.

• Instructed staff to revise draft FY25 budget based on tentative Board decisions

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will review several applications from Black Rock Investment LLC regarding residential developments. The items include requests for subdivision approval, site development plans, and a planned development involving multiple multi-unit buildings.

• Subdivision and boundary line adjustments for lots 45-0243-000, 45-0162-000, and 45-0198-001
• Site Development Plan for 48 dwelling units at Sykes Mountain Avenue and Hickory Ridge
• Planned Development for 192 dwelling units in four multi-unit buildings
• Site Development Plan for 192 dwelling units in four multi-unit buildings

The Hartford Planning Commission approved a boundary line adjustment (Application #23-22) and a preliminary planned development for 192 dwelling units (Application #23-24), both by Black Rock Investment LLC. Two site development applications for 48 and 192 units were continued to February 5, 2024, for further review. The commission also closed public hearings and adjourned.

• Approved boundary line adjustment Application #23-22 (5-1, Colin Butler opposed)
• Approved preliminary planned development Application #23-24 for 192 units (unanimous)
• Continued site development Application #23-23 for 48 units to February 5, 2024 (unanimous)
• Continued site development Application #23-25 for 192 units to February 5, 2024 (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for Application #23-22 (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for Application #23-24 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several conservation-related items, including the Hartford Salamander Team and 2024 education events, an introduction to a Hartford Environmental Stewardship Workshop, and the commission's budget for fiscal year 2024/2025. They will also review a memorandum of understanding with the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association regarding the Town Forest, and discuss invasive plants, forest interpretive signs, and a timber harvest clean-up. The meeting includes public comments and approval of previous minutes.

• Discussion of Hartford Salamander Team and 2024 Conservation Education Events
• Introduction to Hartford Environmental Stewardship Workshop
• HCC Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
• Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association Memorandum of Understanding for Town Forest
• Class IV Section of Bliss Road discussion

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved minutes from November 6, 2023, and scheduled an environmental stewardship workshop for February 29, 2024. The commission also agreed to provide comments on the Wilder Dam relicensing process and planned several upcoming community educational events, including nature walks and an invasive plant workday.

• Approved November 6, 2023, meeting minutes
• Scheduled environmental stewardship workshop for February 29, 2024
• Agreed to submit comments on Wilder Dam relicensing
• Scheduled invasive plant workday for April 20, 2024

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee will meet to approve minutes from the November 13 meeting, finalize a postcard, and review its task list. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve minutes from 11/13/23 meeting
• Finalize postcard
• Review task list

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee discussed community communications, finalized postcard details for the printer, and discussed event logistics including AV setup for town and school board events. The minutes record no substantive votes, approvals, or formal decisions.

• Adjourned meeting by unanimous consent (5:45 PM)

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford committee meets to approve past meeting notes, hear public comments, and discuss member interests. The main focus is a review of the Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden’s 2023 season and planning for 2024, including outreach plans and a December 5 community discussion.

• Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden 2023 lessons and 2024 plans
• December 5 Food Forest Community Discussion at West Hartford Library, 6:00 p.m.
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update

The meeting lacked a quorum, so no formal votes were taken. Members and staff discussed preparations for a Food Forest community discussion scheduled for December 5 at the West Hartford Library.

• Agreed to create a display and comment box at West Hartford Library for the Food Forest
• Agreed to provide refreshments for the December 5 community discussion

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister Cities Committee is meeting to review student applications for a trip to Lycée la Morlette in Cenon, France, and to decide on funding for three students and two teachers from the Sister City budget, covering passports and airfare. The agenda also includes planning dates and activities for the visit, along with routine approval of October meeting minutes.

• Review results of student applications for trip to Lycée la Morlette, Cenon, France
• Funding for 3 students and 2 teachers from Sister City budget for passports and airfare
• Discussion of dates and activities for students and teachers while in Cenon
• Accept minutes of October meeting
• Next meeting scheduled for December 19, Room 317

The Hartford Sister City Committee selected three HACTC students to travel to Cenon, France in spring 2024. The committee approved the minutes from the October meeting and outlined travel logistics, including a letter to parents and three preparatory meetings. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from October meeting
• Selected Sara Guinness, Reese Lesser, and Alexandra Stanton-Pierce for the Cenon trip
• Scheduled three preparatory meetings with students and guardians in Jan, Feb, March
• Assigned Allison to coordinate travel dates with Cenon contacts
• Assigned Joan to inquire about plane ticket purchasing process

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will receive the independent auditor's presentation on the draft FY2023 financial statements, review several departmental budgets, and consider validation resolutions for TIF bond warrants. The agenda also includes appointments to Resilient Hartford, a stream erosion update, and a water/wastewater bid review. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person and via Zoom.

• Independent auditor's report on FYE 2023 draft financial statements
• Validation resolutions for TIF bond warrants
• Water/Wastewater bid review
• Re-appointments to Resilient Hartford (Dylan Kreis, Laura Simon)
• Assessor errors and omissions for parcel #45-180

The Hartford Selectboard accepted the independent auditor's report on FYE 2023 draft financial statements, adopted validation resolutions for TIF bond warrants, approved an assessor's error correction, authorized a $120,000 water main engineering contract, and appointed authorized representatives for a CSO grant. Two appointments to Resilient Hartford were tabled until advertised for 30 days. The board also approved the consent agenda including payroll, manifests, and meeting minutes.

• Accepted Independent Auditor's Report on FYE 2023 Draft Financial Statements (all in favor)
• Adopted Validation Resolutions for TIF Bond Warrants (all in favor)
• Approved E&O correction for 0 Fairview Terrace, Map ID 45-180 (5-1, Collins opposed)
• Authorized DPW to execute contract not to exceed $120,000 with Dufresne Group for water main improvements in Wilder (all in favor)
• Appointed Bryan Gazda as primary and Christopher Holzwarth as alternate authorized representatives for CSO ARPA grant (all in favor)
• Tabled re-appointments of Dylan Kreis and Laura Simon to Resilient Hartford until December 26
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, meeting minutes, and meeting schedule (all in favor)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to discuss routine business, including reviewing minutes from the previous meeting, the Tree Warden's report, and the Tree City USA application process. They will also discuss a grant for ash tree removal and replacement, plan work at the Highland Avenue Route 5 intersection, and update on a memorial tree planting.

• Review Tree City USA application process
• Discuss grant process for ash tree removal and replacement
• Plan work at Highland Avenue Route 5 Intersection
• Update on memorial tree planting for Linda Douville
• Review minutes from October 17, 2023 meeting

The Hartford Tree Board approved its prior meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed tree hazards with DPW, planned to apply for Tree City USA recognition, and discussed grant applications for ash tree removal and replacement. No formal votes were taken on these items; they were discussion and planning items.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a budget-only meeting to review the proposed FY2025 Department of Public Works budget. The presentation covers the highway, water, and wastewater divisions, including staffing, equipment replacements, and capital projects. No votes are scheduled; the review is for information only.

• Highway paving funding increases from $150K to $600K for roads including Abbot & Fairview Terrace, Jennifer Lane & Allison Run, Quechee-Hartland Road, and Jericho Street.
• Proposed replacement of H-8 plow/dump truck ($320K) and H-2 pickup truck (shared cost with water funds) due to mechanical issues.
• Water valve adjustments for VTrans US 5 paving project ($15,675).
• Rehabilitation of one greensand filtration unit at Wilder Treatment Plant ($90K).
• Quechee water budget does not include $165K for water main stabilization during VTrans Quechee Gorge Bridge Project.

The Selectboard held a budget meeting featuring presentations from the DPW Director and the Town Manager. No substantive decisions were made during the session.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is holding a kickoff meeting for the Lyman Park improvement project. The agenda covers the project concept, goals, timelines, potential challenges, a VOREC grant, and next steps for public involvement.

• Review of Lyman Park improvement concept
• Discussion of project goals and objectives
• Timelines and project milestones
• Potential challenges
• VOREC grant discussion

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet to review and approve draft minutes from the previous meeting, hear a coordinator’s report on solar, EV, and grant initiatives, and vote on using Climate Action Reserve Funds to electrify Parks & Rec equipment. The meeting will also include team organization for 2024 and discussions on geothermal, district heating, and an energy fair follow-up.

• Vote to use Climate Action Reserve Funds to electrify Parks & Rec equipment
• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Elect Chair, Co-Chair, and Clerk for 2024
• Discuss geothermal and district heating initiatives
• Follow up on Energy Fair

The commission approved the expenditure of up to $5,000 from Climate Action Plan funds to purchase electric landscaping tools for the Parks and Recreation department. Members also held annual elections, appointing Jesse Pollard as Chair, Esme Cole as Vice Chair, and Lynn Bohi as Clerk.

• Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved up to $5,000 for Parks & Rec electric tools (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 officer slate (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to handle routine business including minutes approval and reports, and will discuss several key items. They will review survey questions for the Rec Center, an evaluation plan document, a budget presentation, and the Lyman Park project.

• Review survey questions for Rec Center
• Document review of Evaluation Plan
• Parks and Rec Budget Presentation
• Lyman Park Project Meeting

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved previous meeting minutes and proposed community center survey questions. The director reported on facility updates, park maintenance, and program statistics, noting that $100,000 is available for Lyman Point playground design work and $5,000 was placed into the Hanson Scholarship fund.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved proposed community center survey questions (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:07 pm (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness is meeting to discuss housing and homelessness issues. The agenda includes updates on the Town Plan Housing Chapter, the Haven Low Barrier Shelter proposal, and a discussion on the Housing Development Program. The meeting is open to the public, with options for remote attendance.

• Update on Haven Low Barrier Shelter Proposal
• Town Plan Housing Chapter Update
• Discussion on Housing Development Program
• Committee Member Openings Update
• Approve September 21, 2023 Committee Meeting Minutes

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness discussed the proposed Haven low-barrier shelter and a draft Housing Development Program pilot, but took no formal votes on either. The committee approved its October 19, 2023 minutes unanimously and heard updates on committee openings and the Town Plan housing chapter.

• Approved October 19, 2023 committee minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Haven low-barrier shelter proposal; no action taken
• Discussed Housing Development Program pilot draft; no action taken

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to discuss climate action items, including a presentation on community resilience, a vote on using Climate Action Reserve Funds for electrifying Parks & Rec equipment, and updates on plastic recycling and Energize UV 2.0. The meeting also includes public comments and approval of previous minutes.

• Vote to use Climate Action Reserve Funds for electrifying Parks & Rec equipment
• The Nature Conservancy Community Resilience Building program presentation
• Plastic recycling update
• Energize UV 2.0 event update
• Conservation Commission organization showcase

The commission approved funding for electric mowers, blowers, and weed-whackers for Parks and Rec. Members discussed a community resilience program and a potential multi-town foam compression machine. No decision was made regarding the Hartford Conservation Commission's proposed February networking event.

• Approved up to $5,000 from the Climate Action Fund for electric landscaping equipment (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will discuss several historic preservation projects and administrative items. Topics include the Taft’s Flat National Register nomination and the World War I & II Monument Project.

• Taft’s Flat National Register Nomination
• Performing Arts History Closeout
• 2024 CLG Grant Round
• World War I & II Monument Project
• HHPC Openings

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the minutes from its October 18 meeting and voted to forego the current CLG grant cycle to focus on historic district signs. The commission also discussed updates on the Performing Arts History Project, the Taft's Flat Historic District nomination, the World War I & II monument, and commission vacancies.

• Approved minutes of October 18 meeting
• Agreed to forego 2024 CLG grant to fund historic district signs
• Agreed to schedule Taft's Flat kick-off meeting with Hartgen for December 20
• Agreed to prepare a specific posting for two commission openings
• Adjourned meeting at 6:11 p.m.

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will discuss a draft position statement on whether to broaden its charge beyond racial equity, and prepare its annual town report. The committee will also debrief on a recent Selectboard discussion and hear updates on school and town equity initiatives. The meeting is largely discussion-oriented with no votes scheduled.

• Debrief on 11/14 Selectboard discussion
• Review draft position statement on HCOREI scope
• Prepare for annual report to town
• Discuss inviting School Racial Equity Coordinator Julia Lau to a meeting
• Discuss a possible HCOREI retreat in early 2024

The committee discussed the annual report to the town, the scope of the Community Resource library, and a community safety update. No other substantive votes were recorded.

• Approved minutes of Nov 1, 2023 (Unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hear budget presentations for the assessor, town clerk, and police departments for fiscal year 2025, along with discussions on a flood resilience grant, a policy on policies, and other administrative items. The meeting includes a public comment period and consent agenda for payroll, manifests, and minutes.

• Assessor FY25 budget proposed at $292,321, up $18,093 from FY24
• Town Clerk FY25 budget proposed at $267,783.40, up $20,108.43 from FY24
• Police budget includes $33,200 for CelleBrite device and programming
• Police restructuring creates Outreach Division with no FY24 budget increase
• Appointment of Jenifer Durgin to Hartford Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Selectboard ratified a prior action awarding the Finance Director an additional $30/hour and the HR Director $25/hour for a two-month period starting October 2, 2023, to support the new Town Manager's onboarding. The board also approved several other items, including a snow and ice removal contract, a flood resilience grant support letter, and a salvage yard certificate renewal. No action was taken on a policy on policies, which was discussed but tabled for further review.

• Ratified out-of-grade pay for Finance Director ($30/hr) and HR Director ($25/hr) for two months (6-1)
• Authorized DPW to sign snow and ice removal agreement with Kurtzhalz Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for flood resilience grant proposal (unanimous)
• Signed Certificate of Approval for Evergreen Recycling salvage yard on A Street (unanimous)
• Appointed Jennifer Durgin to Climate Action Steering Team for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed policy on policies but took no official action
• Approved Planning Commission decisions including site plans and subdivisions

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to review nine zoning applications, including site development plans for new multi-unit dwellings, subdivisions, and an emergency shelter. The meeting also includes administrative updates on permits, Act 250 applications, and committee reports.

• Site Development Plan Approval for third dwelling unit at 186 Hillcrest Terrace (Application #23-17)
• Subdivision approval for boundary line adjustments at 61 and 73 Depot Street, Wilder (Application #23-18)
• Site Development Plan Approval for 18 dwelling units at 140, 146, 160, and 178 Gates Street (Application #23-20)
• Site Development Plan Approval for Emergency Shelter at 608 North Main Street (Application #23-21)
• Preliminary Approval of Subdivision for 192 dwelling units at Sykes Mountain Avenue and Hickory Ridge (Application #23-24) and #23-25

The Hartford Planning Commission approved four applications: a third dwelling unit at 186 Hillcrest Terrace, a boundary line adjustment on Depot Street, a construction access amendment for 747 Hartford Avenue, and 18 dwelling units on Gates Street. A fifth application for an emergency shelter was continued to December 18, 2023. All approvals were unanimous.

• Approved third dwelling unit at 186 Hillcrest Terrace with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment at 61 and 73 Depot Street (unanimous)
• Approved temporary construction access amendment for 747 Hartford Avenue with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved 18 dwelling units at 140-178 Gates Street with conditions (unanimous)
• Continued emergency shelter application for 608 North Main Street to December 18, 2023 (unanimous)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee is meeting to approve minutes from the previous session, finalize a postcard, and set the committee meeting schedule. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve minutes from 10/30/23 meeting
• Finalize postcard
• Committee meeting schedule

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee met briefly and discussed finalizing postcards for the 2024 Town and School election events, including adding a QR code. Nikki will send the final draft to the town clerk and town manager. The committee also discussed potential Town Charter changes with community liaison Rocket, but no formal decisions were made.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed finalizing postcards with QR code for 2024 election events
• Nikki to send final postcard draft to town clerk and town manager
• Discussed Town Charter flexibility on meeting times and committee appointments

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee are hosting a community discussion regarding the 'Homes for Hartford' housing chapter update. The meeting includes presentations on housing data, critical issues facing the town, and breakout group sessions for resident input.

• Community Discussion #3 regarding the Town Plan Housing Chapter Update
• Presentation of housing data and critical issues by Kyle Katz
• Review of the 'Homes for Hartford' draft housing chapter
• Discussion of housing shortage, affordability gaps, and demographic shifts

The Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee held a community discussion to gather public feedback on the draft Town Plan Housing Chapter. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during this meeting. The session focused on reviewing housing data and collecting resident input through breakout groups.

• Held community discussion on draft Housing Chapter
• Adjourned meeting at 8:04 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two conditional use applications. One is a request to allow temporary construction access on Goudreau Street for an existing 18-unit housing project at 747 Hartford Avenue. The other is a proposal for 192 dwelling units in four buildings on Sykes Mountain Avenue and Hickory Ridge. The board will also take public comment and consider administrative permits.

• Application #12-23: temporary construction access on Goudreau Street for 747 Hartford Avenue project
• Application #13-23: 192 dwelling units in four multi-unit buildings, Sykes Mountain Avenue and Hickory Ridge
• Public comment and minutes of October 11, 2023
• Administrative permit: Haven dumpster enclosure on Hartford Avenue

The Board approved a request for temporary construction access on Goudreau Street for a multi-unit dwelling project. A separate application for a 192-unit housing development was continued to a future meeting for further review.

• Approved temporary construction access on Goudreau Street for 747 Hartford Avenue LP (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for 192-unit development at Sykes Mountain Avenue and Hickory Ridge to January 31, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved October 11, 2023 minutes (4-1)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is reviewing proposed FY25 budget presentations for the Fire Department and the Parks and Recreation Department. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding an application to join the Welcoming Community Cohort and an executive session to discuss pending legal matters.

• Fire FY25 proposed budget of $4,912,178
• Parks & Recreation FY25 proposed operating budget of $1,721,343.57
• Lyman Point Park Improvements project totaling $325,000
• Proposed $79,515 expenditure for two cardiac monitors/defibrillators
• Application to join the Welcoming Community Cohort

The Selectboard approved a letter of interest and application for the VLCT Welcoming and Engaging Communities Cohort, delegating submission to Clerk Kim Souza and naming Town Manager John Haverstock, Souza, and Deputy Police Chief Connie Kelley as participants if accepted. The board also entered executive session to discuss two pending legal matters and approved a confidential employment letter from the town attorney.

• Approved letter of interest for VLCT Welcoming and Engaging Communities Cohort (unanimous)
• Delegated Kim Souza to submit the cohort application (unanimous)
• Approved participation by John Haverstock, Kim Souza, and Connie Kelley if accepted (unanimous)
• Found two pending legal matters warrant executive session (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for attorney-client communications (unanimous)
• Approved and signed recommended letter in confidential employment matter (6-0)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss its FY2024/2025 budget, hear from guests about salamander conservation and education events, and consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association regarding the town forest. The agenda also includes updates on invasive plants, a conservation area, and a memorial tree for a former chair.

• Discussion of HCC Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
• Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association Memorandum of Understanding for Town Forest
• Hartford Salamander Team & 2024 Conservation Education Events (guest Ben Fletcher)
• Maanawaka Conservation Area update
• Memorial tree for former Conservation Commission Chair Linda Wilson

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved a 3-year extension of its Memorandum of Understanding with the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association (6-0). The commission also approved its draft minutes from October 2, 2023, and discussed plans for a February 2024 environmental stewardship workshop, a $6,530 budget for fiscal year 2024/2025, and various trail and conservation projects.

• Approved 3-year extension of MOU with Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 10/2/23 as written by unanimous consent
• Agreed to pursue introductory environmental stewardship workshop on 2/15/24
• Agreed to support Bliss Road Class 4 section conversion to trail if adjacent property owners favor it
• Confirmed May 18, 2024 invasive plant workday in Hartford Town Forest
• Agreed to assist Hartford Salamander Team with $300 for programming

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford, a town committee, is meeting to review lessons from the 2023 season at the Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden and to plan for 2024. The agenda also includes an update on the Quechee Abenaki Garden, a fiscal year 2024/2025 budget update, and a survey of native productive plants in managed landscapes. Public comments are scheduled, and the meeting is open to in-person and remote attendance.

• Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden: lessons from 2023 and plans for 2024
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Resilient Hartford fiscal year 2024/2025 budget update
• Survey of native productive plants in managed landscapes
• Public comments period

The Resilient Hartford committee agreed to shift its meeting time to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the new chair's schedule. They also planned a community discussion about the future of the Clifford Park Food Forest and Abenaki Garden, to be held at the West Hartford Library in early December. The committee reviewed its level-funded budget for FY 2024/2025 and noted the appointment of Kyle Katz to fill a vacancy.

• Meeting time changed to 5:30 p.m. (agreed)
• Community discussion on Food Forest future planned for West Hartford Library in early December (agreed)
• FY 2024/2025 budget of $1,760 reviewed (level funding)
• Kyle Katz appointed to Resilient Hartford by Selectboard (reported)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will meet to discuss the town's Public Information Officer position and prepare for a Selectboard discussion on policies. They will also receive updates on community safety review, a community resource library, and other items. The meeting includes a meet-and-greet with Chief Sheldon.

• Discussion of Public Information Officer position with salary range $50,000-$60,000
• Preparation for Selectboard discussion on PIO and Policy-on-Policies
• Updates on Community Safety Review RFP process
• Updates on Hartford Community Resource Library
• Discussion of Hartford student award (A. Raynolds Memorial)

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion approved the minutes from its October 18 meeting and heard an overview from Police Chief Gregory Sheldon about his assessment of the Police Department and his vision for developing a community policing culture. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved meeting minutes from 10/18 (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider appointments, hear the Town Manager’s report, and discuss several policy topics including a $70,000 vehicle purchase for the Fire Chief. The board will also enter an executive session to discuss competing safety review consultant proposals.

• Appointment of Kyle Katz to Resilient Hartford Committee for a three-year term
• Re-appointment of Mary Hutchins to Conservation Commission for a four-year term
• Fire Chief Vehicle Purchase: 2023 Chevy Tahoe for $70,000 from Colonial Municipal Group, replacing a 2014 Ford Interceptor
• Executive session to discuss competing Safety Review consultant proposals under Vermont Statutes Title 1, Section 313(a)(1)(A)
• Consent agenda includes approval of payroll, accounts payable, and meeting minutes

The Selectboard approved hiring Strategy Matters to conduct a Community Safety Review Study at a cost of $30,000, following an executive session to discuss competing proposals. The board also authorized the purchase of a 2023 Chevy Tahoe for the Fire Chief, appointed Kyle Katz to the Resilient Hartford Committee, and reappointed Mary Hutchins to the Conservation Commission. A vote on the 'pay above grade' agreement was rescheduled to the next meeting.

• Approved hiring Strategy Matters for Community Safety Review Study at $30,000 (6-0)
• Authorized purchase of 2023 Chevy Tahoe for Fire Chief, not to exceed $70,000, from Fire Reserve account (unanimous)
• Appointed Kyle Katz to Resilient Hartford Committee for three-year term (unanimous)
• Reappointed Mary Hutchins to Conservation Commission for four-year term (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Rescheduled vote on 'pay above grade' agreement to next meeting

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes from the September 18 meeting, discussing facility reservations, a postcard, and the committee's meeting schedule. They will also address any concerns related to town and school meetings. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve minutes from 9/18/23 meeting
• Facilities reservations
• Postcard
• Committee meeting schedule
• Town and school meetings concerns

The committee discussed potential charter changes, the timing of bond issue notices, and event logistics. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded during the meeting.

• Discussed potential charter changes and revisions to Town meeting event sections
• Discussed syncing the town clerk's committee appointment with meeting events
• Discussed scheduling an information night for potential bond issues
• Discussed maintaining 'coffee and committees' despite low attendance
• Assigned Adam Ricker to follow up on A/V contractor for events

White River Junction Design Review Committee

The White River Junction Design Review Committee will review application materials for the Northern Stage project. This is a procedural meeting focused on reviewing submitted documents.

• Review of Northern Stage project application materials

The Hartford WRJ Design Review Committee unanimously approved Northern Stage Company's application for design review approval of a multi-unit dwelling project at 140, 146, 160, and 178 Gates Street. The project includes 18 units in three buildings for artist and staff housing. The committee also approved minutes from previous meetings.

• Approved Northern Stage multi-unit housing project (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 30, 2023
• Approved minutes of July 13, 2023
• Approved minutes of October 5, 2023 with one correction

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is holding a routine meeting to approve previous minutes, hear public comment, receive the coordinator's report, and discuss follow-up from the REV Conference. They will also plan upcoming events, including Trunk or Treat and the next organizational meeting. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's Report
• REV Conference Follow Up
• Upcoming Events: Trunk or Treat and Next Meeting details

The commission accepted the previous meeting's minutes. Members discussed updates on EV charging, geothermal heat proposals, and solar array approvals, but postponed a vote on funding for electric tools.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve minutes and the treasurer's report, hear the director's report, and discuss new business including a new hire, a Selectboard presentation, a well water update, and upcoming events. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Approval of minutes and treasurer's report
• Discussion of new hire
• Review of Selectboard presentation
• Well water update
• Upcoming events

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission will conduct a site visit to various parks. The meeting includes a review of survey questions for the Rec Center and a document review of an evaluation plan.

• Rec Center survey question review
• Evaluation Plan document review
• Site visits to various parks

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission met on October 19, 2023, and took a tour of the town's parks, including Kilowatt, Watson, Veterans, Lyman, and the Barwood hockey arena. Director Scott Hausler discussed various improvement ideas, such as playground upgrades, Japanese knotweed abatement, and boat dock improvements. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was informational and ended informally.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (motion details incomplete)
• Adjourned meeting informally upon return to Municipal Building

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness is meeting to discuss housing-related items, including a Fair Housing Month project, an update on the Town Plan Housing Chapter, and the Housing Development Program. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and public comment.

• Champlain Valley Office of Economic Development - Fair Housing Month Project
• Town Plan Housing Chapter Update
• Update on Housing Development Program
• Committee Member Openings Update

The Committee agreed to provide guidance on a proposed pilot program to increase accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing. Members discussed leveraging technical assistance and grants to incentivize private sector development. A small group will meet to map out program details before the November meeting.

• Approved September 21, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to provide guidance on the development of the Town Housing Development Program

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to review minutes, receive updates on a plastic ban, discuss membership and recruitment, and clarify the team's expectations and role. The coordinator will also report on projects including Window Dressers, Town Hall FLM, MERP, RBES training, EV training, and a Lebanon charger grant.

• Plastic ban update
• CAST membership and recruitment discussion
• Coordinator update on Window Dressers, Town Hall FLM, MERP, RBES training, EV training, Lebanon charger grant

The Hartford Energy Commission did not have a quorum present at its October 18, 2023 meeting, so no votes were taken and September minutes were not approved. Members discussed recycling options, commission recruitment strategies, a $4,000 website grant, and received project updates.

• September meeting minutes not approved due to lack of quorum
• No formal votes or decisions recorded

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review the Certified Local Government (CLG) program as part of a four-year state review, discuss a National Register nomination for Taft's Flat, and consider project ideas for the 2024 CLG grant. The agenda also includes updates on performing arts history and a World War I & II monument, along with routine items like minutes approval and public comments.

• VDHP Four-year Review of the Hartford CLG Program
• Taft's Flat National Register Nomination
• 2024 CLG Grant Project Ideas
• World War I & II Monument
• Performing Arts History Update

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the September 20 meeting minutes with noted corrections. They also reviewed the draft Performing Arts History brochure, discussed the Taft's Flat Historic District nomination contract, and considered options for the 2024 CLG grant project.

• Approved September 20 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Reviewed draft PAH brochure, agreed to remove Matt Osborn's name and list Planning & Development
• Discussed Taft's Flat Historic District nomination contract; awaiting Selectboard chair signature
• Agreed to consider alternative CLG grant projects due to West Hartford Church tax debt

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will elect officers and review proposed budget items for the upcoming season, including funding for policy management, Juneteenth, a public information officer, and community safety review. The committee will also continue its charge review, discussing whether to broaden its mandate. Updates will be given on the resource library, joint meetings, and the community safety review RFP process.

• Officers election
• Budget request: up to $5,000 for policy management (scanning/converting documents)
• Budget request: $2,500 for Juneteenth via Parks and Recreation
• Budget request: fully fund a Public Information Officer, potentially shared with the School District
• Charge review: discussion on broadening committee charge

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) unanimously elected Pat Autilio as Chair and adopted a rotating clerk assignment. The committee also voted to send budget recommendations to the Selectboard, including funding for policy management, Juneteenth, a public information officer, community safety review, and Selectboard pay equity. No final decisions were made on the charge review; members agreed to draft a position statement for future discussion.

• Approved meeting minutes from 10/4 (unanimous)
• Elected Pat Autilio as Chair (unanimous)
• Adopted rotating clerk assignment with template checklist (unanimous)
• Approved motion to write budget recommendation to Selectboard for pay equity support (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider approving a local cannabis retail license for Five Seasons Cannabis Company, LLC, and will also consider appointing Jeff Arnold as Tree Warden. The board will hear presentations on two RFPs, receive updates on road projects, and discuss a union grievance in executive session. Consent agenda items include payroll and meeting minutes.

• Consider approval of local cannabis license #S-000004452 for Five Seasons Cannabis Company, LLC (retail)
• Consider appointment of Jeff Arnold as Tree Warden
• CGR RFP presentation
• Vermont Partnership RFP presentation
• VTrans overview of Route 5 Paving Project

The Hartford Selectboard approved several infrastructure contracts, including VTrans Route 5 paving agreements, Quechee Main additional work, and a Stantec contract amendment. They also approved a cannabis license, appointed a Tree Warden, and entered executive session to discuss a union grievance. No action was taken on the grievance after the session.

• Approved Local Cannabis License for Five Seasons Cannabis Company, LLC (unanimous)
• Appointed Jeff Arnold as Tree Warden (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Manager to execute VTrans Route 5 paving contracts FM0454 and FM0455 (unanimous)
• Authorized Director of Public Works to execute fixed price agreements UT0301 and UT0302 (6-1, Rocket abstained)
• Approved Quechee Main additional FHWA work, including Fenoff site work and alternate paving contract (unanimous)
• Accepted Prospect Street improvements and authorized stormwater easement (unanimous)
• Approved Stantec contract amendment for RT 5/North Hartland Road Bike Ped Project, increasing compensation by $65,300 and extending end date to Dec 31, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and assigning trees for an identification walk. The main decision is voting on which of five tree species to plant in Lyman Point Park as a memorial for Linda Wilson, and whether to contribute $300 toward the $800 cost. The board will also discuss the health of recently planted shrubs and a grant report.

• Vote on tree species for Lyman Point Park memorial: White Oak, Swamp Oak, Yellow Birch, Sassafras, or Hackberry
• Consider $300 contribution toward $800 memorial tree purchase and planting
• Review status of 40+ planted shrubs and finalize grant report
• Apportion trees for ID walk on Oct. 21
• Discuss current urban tree topic and Tree of the Month program

The Hartford Tree Board voted unanimously to plant a hackberry tree at Lyman Point Park in memory of Linda Wilson and to contribute $300 toward its purchase. The board also discussed the Tree Warden appointment, tree identification walk, and grant reporting, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Selected hackberry for memorial tree at Lyman Point Park (unanimous)
• Approved $300 contribution toward memorial tree purchase (unanimous)
• Decided trees under black plastic are fine for winter, continued evaluation next year
• Decided to discontinue Tree of the Month during frozen ground period

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford, VT Sister City Committee is meeting to approve July minutes, review a logo update, and plan next steps for a Hartford Area Career and Technology Center (HACTC) student trip to Cenon, France. The committee will also address vacancies and applications. This is a routine administrative and planning meeting.

• Approve minutes of July meeting
• Logo update presented by Joan
• Next steps for HACTC student trip to Lycée la Morlette in Cenon
• Committee vacancies and applications
• Next meeting scheduled for November 21 in Room 317

The minutes record discussion and planning for logo signs, communication with La Morlette, and a student exchange trip scheduled for April and May 2024. The committee discussed funding all student costs and developing an application process, but the supplied minutes record no formal votes or final decisions.

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement is holding a public hearing on October 16, 2023, to consider five property tax abatement requests. The board will review evidence presented by applicants or decide based on submitted forms if they are absent. Deliberations and other business will follow the hearings.

• Torrelee Fisher-Sass & Adrienne F. Sass, 1856 Quechee Main Street
• Anna Guseva & Aleh Timoshenko, 25 Stonecrest Avenue
• JDSB, LLC (Susan M. Buckholz), 1856 Quechee Main St., units 1C, 2C, 3C
• Matthew C. Cattabriga & Rebecca Cattabriga, 239 Chandler Road
• Woodhaven Manor Condo. Association, 0 Woodhaven Drive

The Hartford Board of Abatement approved full-year property tax abatements for three properties damaged by July 2023 flooding, denied one sewer charge abatement, and noted a fifth request was withdrawn. The board also acknowledged three justice of the peace resignations and discussed future election planning.

• Approved $807.86 full-year tax abatement for Torrelee Fisher-Sass & Adrienne F. Sass (12-1)
• Approved $800.00 tax abatement for Anna Guseva & Aleh Timoshenko (11-2)
• Approved $1,684.96 full-year tax abatement for JDSB, LLC (12-1)
• Denied sewer charge abatement for Matthew C. Cattabriga & Rebecca Cattabriga (unanimous)
• Withdrawn request by Woodhaven Manor Condo. Association (Oct. 2, 2023)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting on October 16, 2023. The provided agenda contains only meeting materials and no specific items for discussion or decision.

The Hartford Planning Commission held a sketch plan review for a proposed 500-unit self-storage facility on Route 4, seeking informal feedback on amending the Quechee Gorge Village Planned Development Master Plan. No vote was taken; members expressed mixed views on whether the use meets zoning criteria. The commission also approved the July 31, 2023 minutes and the 2024 public hearing schedule, and noted the withdrawal of Application #23-16.

• Approved July 31, 2023 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 public hearing schedule (unanimous)
• Noted withdrawal of Application #23-16 for site development plan approval
• Conducted sketch plan review for self-storage units; no action taken

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The provided document contains only the meeting title and packet references. No specific proposals, hearings, or decisions are detailed in the text.

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment heard Application #11-23 from the Town of Hartford School District for amendments to a school/educational building approval. The applicant withdrew the application to submit a new one with more detail on hours and programming. The board approved the July 26, 2023 minutes and the 2024 meeting schedule, both unanimously.

• Application #11-23 withdrawn by applicant for resubmission with more detail
• Approved minutes of July 26, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 meeting schedule (unanimous)

White River Junction Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee is holding a regular meeting on October 5, 2023. The provided agenda contains no specific discussion items or project details.

The Design Review Committee reviewed a conceptual sketch plan from Northern Stage Company for housing at 140-178 Gates Street. No formal decision was made; members offered design feedback, including suggestions to use more color and avoid a historic look. Northern Stage plans to submit a formal application on October 16, with committee review scheduled for October 26.

• Reviewed sketch plan for Gates Street housing (no vote)
• Provided design feedback on siding, roof, and color options
• Scheduled formal application review for October 26

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will hold its regular meeting to elect officers, discuss the budget and potential funding requests for the next fiscal year, and continue a three-part review of its charge. The committee will also receive updates on the Community Safety Review RFP process, Abundant Sun survey data, and other ongoing items. No final decisions are expected on these discussion items.

• Officers election
• Budget discussion and potential funding requests for next fiscal year
• Charge review (part 2 of 3)
• Community Safety Review RFP process updates
• Abundant Sun survey data

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion met and approved the minutes from September 20. The committee tabled its officer election pending more members, discussed the FY24 budget including a $25k allocation and a community safety review RFP with two final bidders, and continued its charge review. No final decisions were made on the budget or charge; the committee scheduled next steps for future meetings.

• Approved meeting minutes from 9/20 (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled officer election pending more committee members
• Discussed FY24 budget items including $25k funding and community safety review RFP
• Continued charge review discussion; agenda item set to craft recommendation on broadening charge

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hear presentations from two firms responding to a Request for Proposals for a community safety assessment, consider a preferred site request from Norwich Solar, discuss parking meters, and finalize budget guidance for FYE 2025. The meeting also includes routine items like payroll approval and public comment.

• CRG RFP presentation for community safety assessment
• Strategy Matters RFP presentation
• Preferred Site Request – Norwich Solar
• Parking meters discussion
• Finalize FYE 2025 Budget Guidance

The Hartford Selectboard approved 96 Braley Drive as a preferred site for a solar project and authorized the Chair to sign a letter of support for the permitting process. The board also adopted FYE 2025 budget guidance and summarized capital improvement requests. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included public comments, reports, and a consent agenda approval.

• Approved 96 Braley Drive as preferred site for solar project (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to sign letter of support for PUC permitting
• Adopted FYE 2025 Budget Guidance Memo (majority)
• Summarized FYE 25 CIP requests (Parks & Rec, Police, Fire, Planning & Development)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, special check run, and meeting minutes

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss its work program, budget for fiscal year 2024/2025, and several Town Forest matters, including a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association. The agenda also includes updates on the Climate Action Plan, invasive plants, and a memorial tree for a former chair. Public comments are invited.

• Discussion of HCC Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
• Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association Memorandum of Understanding (Town Forest)
• Invasive plants management in Town Forest
• Moose Brook Snowmobile Bridge Repair
• Memorial Tree for former Chair Linda Wilson

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved its proposed FY 2024/2025 budget of $6,530 (4-0), which includes $3,000 for a conservation reserve fund. The commission also agreed to donate $200 toward a memorial tree for former chair Linda Wilson (4-0) and discussed partnerships, including a $300 contribution to the Hartford Salamander Team. Several items were deferred to the November 6th meeting, including educational program topics and the review of the UVMBA memorandum of understanding.

• Approved FY 2024/2025 budget of $6,530 (4-0)
• Approved $200 donation for Linda Wilson memorial tree (4-0)
• Agreed to provide $300 to Hartford Salamander Team for programming
• Agreed to create subcommittee to work with Salamander Team on workshop topics
• Agreed to schedule invasive plant workday for May 18th
• Agreed to continue UVMBA MOU discussion at November 6th meeting
• Agreed to continue educational program discussion at November 6th meeting
• Approved minutes of 8/28/23 by unanimous consent

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet to review and approve draft minutes from its previous meeting, hear coordinator and sub-committee reports, and receive updates on the Braley Solar project and district heating initiatives. The meeting also includes a vote to authorize funds for Parks & Recreation equipment from the Climate Action Reserve Fund.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Vote to authorize funds for Parks & Recreation equipment from Climate Action Reserve Fund
• Braley Solar Update with October SB Meeting details
• District Heating Follow-Up including electricity analysis and Carbon Clinic Update
• Upcoming events including Affordable Energy Fair (9/23) and EV Event (9/30)

The Hartford Energy Commission met on September 28, 2023, and accepted the August minutes unanimously. A vote on spending from the Climate Action reserve fund for Parks and Rec electric tools was postponed pending a cost analysis. The commission discussed several ongoing projects, including the Braley solar array, district heat, and EV initiatives, but took no other formal votes.

• Accepted August minutes unanimously
• Postponed vote on Climate Action reserve fund for electric tools

Resilient Hartford

This meeting of Resilient Hartford, scheduled for September 27, 2023, was canceled. The agenda included updates on the Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden, the Quechee Abenaki Garden, and discussion of the fiscal year 2024/2025 budget, but no decisions or discussions occurred.

• Meeting canceled; no actions taken
• Agenda included Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden update
• Agenda included Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Agenda included RH Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Budget discussion

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold a hearing on September 21, 2023, to consider six property tax abatement requests. Each applicant will present evidence, and the board will deliberate after the presentations. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:15 PM at Hartford Town Hall.

• Apartment Living LLC; Shannon Purcell requests abatement for 20-30 A Street and 305-307 Gifford Rd
• Charles Jameson requests abatement for 1856 Quechee Main St., #7C
• Jedediah Rose requests abatement for 134 Hanover St.
• Stephen & Rosalie Nelson request abatement for 78 Oak St.
• Ludmila & Serghei Golovetchii request abatement for 94 Oak St.

The Board of Abatement approved abatements for five properties, including partial penalty abatements for Apartment Living, LLC, and full abatements for flood-damaged and sewer-bill cases. One motion to deny an abatement for 305-307 Gifford Road failed, and a subsequent abatement for that property passed. The board also noted a BCA vacancy and training opportunities.

• Abated $271.06 in charges for 20-30 A Street (10-3)
• Denied abatement for 305-307 Gifford Road (motion failed 5-8)
• Abated $132.09 in charges for 305-307 Gifford Road (8-5)
• Abated $481.83 (six months taxes) for 1856 Quechee Main St., #7C (unanimous)
• Abated $73.34 of sewer bill for 134 Hanover Street (unanimous)
• Abated $651.79 for 78 Oak Street (unanimous)
• Abated $1,030.53 for 94 Oak Street (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness is meeting to approve minutes, discuss committee member openings, and review suggestions and revisions to the housing chapter of the Town Plan. The agenda includes public comment and updates from members, with the main substantive item being the housing chapter review.

• Review and revisions to Town Plan Housing Chapter goals, strategies, and actions
• Committee member openings update
• Approval of August 31, 2023 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

The committee approved the August 31 meeting minutes and reviewed updates on housing initiatives. Staff liaison Lori Hirshfield discussed a potential $150,000 ARPA allocation for housing development programs, including ADUs and 'missing middle' housing. The committee also reviewed suggestions for the Town Plan Housing Chapter, focusing on rental registries and support for unhoused residents, but took no formal action on these proposals.

• Approved August 31, 2023 meeting minutes
• Reviewed $150,000 ARPA funds proposal for housing development (no vote)
• Discussed Town Plan Housing Chapter updates (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:13 PM

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to review minutes, get updates on a plastic ban, discuss membership and recruitment, and clarify its own role and expectations. The coordinator will also update on upcoming community events like the Vital Communities Energy Fair and Upper Valley EV Expo.

• Plastic ban update
• CAST membership and recruitment discussion
• Discussion on CAST's role and expectations
• Coordinator update on Vital Communities Energy Fair (Sept 23), Upper Valley EV Expo (Sept 30), Window Dresser's (Oct 12-18), residential energy code training (Oct 24)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will discuss a draft 2023 roadmap, implications of its strategic plan for next fiscal year’s budget, and review a charge document over three meetings. Updates include policy templates, community safety review RFP progress, and NAACP collaboration.

• Draft 2023 Roadmap for discussion
• Budget implications of strategic plan for next fiscal year
• Charge Review document (first of three sessions)
• Community Safety Review RFP Process Updates
• Proposed policy template

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) voted unanimously to postpone electing new officers until the next meeting, after discussion about whether school or select board members should hold leadership roles. The committee also discussed a draft roadmap for responding to equity issues, budget items for the next fiscal year, and began a three-part review of its charge to consider broadening its scope beyond race. No formal decisions were made on these discussion items.

• Approved meeting minutes from 8/2 (6 ayes, 1 abstain)
• Postponed officer election until next meeting (unanimous voice approval)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several items, including proposals for the Taft's Flat National Register nomination, the commission's budget, and various historic site signs. They will also review meeting minutes and consider project ideas for a 2024 CLG grant.

• Taft's Flat National Register Nomination Proposals
• HHPC Budget
• Hartford Historic District Signs
• White River Junction Train Station Sign
• 2024 CLG Grant Project Ideas

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission recommended accepting Hartgen Archaeological Associates' proposal for two Taft's Flat historic district nominations, including Demers Avenue and either Victory Circle or Watson Plaza. The commission also approved level funding for its FY2024/2025 budget and voted to request permission to mount the WRJ railroad sign in Town Hall with a plaque.

• Recommended Hartgen Archaeological Associates proposal for Taft's Flat historic district nominations (3-0)
• Approved level funding for HHPC FY2024/2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved motion to request permission to mount WRJ sign in Town Hall with plaque (unanimous)
• Approved July 19 minutes with corrections (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is reviewing a Capital Improvement Plan for a new police station, estimated at $6 million, funded by municipal bonds. The plan includes phased construction from FY 2025 to FY 2029, with a needs assessment and feasibility study costing $60,000-$70,000. The board is also considering expanding the Communications Center with a fourth dispatch console and purchasing an incident response trailer, both funded through reserve funds.

• Police Station Modernization Project: $6,000,000 total, funded by municipal bonds, with possible USDA grants
• Communications Center Workstation Expansion: $155,500 from Town General Fund, plus reserve increase from $20,000 to $50,000 annually
• Incident Response Trailer: $100,000, funded by reserve fund with $20,000 annual contributions
• Planning phase for police station includes needs assessment and feasibility study costing $60,000-$70,000
• Project phases: Planning (FY 2025-2026), Design (FY 2026-2027), Construction (FY 2027-2028), Occupancy (FY 2028-2029)

The Selectboard reviewed the Hartford Police Department's Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2025-2029, which recommends a $6,000,000 bond for a new police station. The plan also outlines a Communications Center workstation expansion funded by the Town General Fund and reserve funds, plus an Incident Response Trailer purchase through reserve funds. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Reviewed police station modernization plan recommending $6M municipal bond (no vote recorded)
• Reviewed Communications Center expansion plan with $155,500 Town General Fund and increased reserve funding (no vote recorded)
• Reviewed Incident Response Trailer plan with $100,000 reserve fund (no vote recorded)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review minutes and discuss several operational items, including the future status of the Tree Warden, a plan to apply plastic over knotweed with Recreation staff, and planting remaining indigenous shrubs. They will also consider establishing a green spaces overseer, schedule community planting and tree identification walks, and discuss a news article about wasps for emerald ash borer control. The board will review a Katsura tree health update and decide on tree species for Lyman Point Park.

• Discuss future status of Tree Warden
• Plan to apply plastic over knotweed with Recreation staff
• Plant 34 indigenous shrubs; 6 arrowwoods planted Aug 31, 6 potted hardwoods donated by Gene Kadish
• Set dates for community planting and tree identification walk
• Discuss tree species for Lyman Point Park

The Hartford Tree Board approved its prior meeting minutes and discussed several operational items. The board planned to lay plastic over knotweed with Recreation staff on September 20, scheduled a community shrub planting for September 30, and discussed the Tree Warden vacancy after Jim Henderson's resignation. No formal votes were recorded on these discussion items.

• Approved September 19 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Scheduled knotweed plastic covering for September 20 at 7 AM with Recreation staff
• Scheduled community planting of remaining shrubs for September 30 at 1 PM
• Jeff Arnold to send letter of interest for Tree Warden appointment to Town Manager's Office
• Gaal Shepherd Crowl voiced interest in Assistant Tree Warden position
• Planted 6 arrowwoods in riparian buffer and 6 donated potted hardwoods in nursery on August 31
• Deferred Lyman Point Park tree species selection to October meeting

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve the minutes and treasurer's report, hear the director's report, and discuss new business, including a website update and a new hire. The meeting includes a public comment period and will move into executive session.

• Approval of minutes (action item)
• Approval of treasurer's report (action item)
• Website update discussion
• New hire discussion
• Public comment period

The Board approved a $54,014 appropriation request for the 2024-2025 town budget. Trustees hired a part-time library assistant and approved a pay increase and bonus for the Library Director.

• Approved 2024-2025 Town of Hartford Appropriation Request of $54,014
• Approved hiring Courtney Brockett as part-time library assistant at $17/hour
• Approved Library Director pay increase to $22/hour effective 10/1/2023
• Approved $300 end-of-year bonus for the Director for Dec 2023 paycheck
• Approved August 24, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved Treasurer's Report showing $40,735 balance
• Tabled Director performance review and Board self-review

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard, acting as the Local Cannabis Control Commission, will consider approving a local cannabis license for Easy Green Genetix LLC, a Tier 1 indoor cultivation facility in White River Junction. The board will also hear presentations on the Think Again and Kulik RFPs, a speed study, ARPA reallocation, capital improvement requests, and budget guidance for FYE 2025. The meeting includes appointments, a town manager report, and an executive session for pending litigation and employment matters.

• Consider approval of Easy Green Genetix LLC local cannabis license for Tier 1 indoor cultivation in White River Junction
• Appoint Nancy Trottier to the Committee on Housing and Homelessness for a two-year term (Sept 19, 2023 – Sept 18, 2025)
• ARPA reallocation request for Municipal Fire Alarm Monitoring RFD Award
• Capital Improvement requests for FYE 2025, including Fire Station #2 renovations and new storage building at Station #1
• Budget guidance for FYE 2025 and Mascoma Line of Credit discussion

The Hartford Selectboard approved a $3.0 million line of credit for the town, authorized the purchase of a municipal fire alarm system with reallocated ARPA funds, and awarded a construction management contract for fire station renovations. They also approved a local cannabis license for Easy Green Genetix LLC and appointed Nancy Trottier to the Committee on Housing and Homelessness. Several items were presented for discussion only, including capital improvement requests and budget guidance.

• Approved Easy Green Genetix LLC for a Tier 1 Indoor Cultivation Facility cannabis license (unanimous)
• Appointed Nancy Trottier to the Committee on Housing and Homelessness for a two-year term (unanimous)
• Authorized award of municipal fire alarm system to Security Information Systems, Inc. with $61,161.32 in reallocated ARPA funds (unanimous)
• Awarded Construction Management RFP for Fire Station #2 renovations and storage building to Estes & Gallup, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Encumbrance Request for previously approved operating budget items (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Treasurer to execute loan documents for a $3.0 million line of credit (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including payrolls, minutes, and A/P manifests (unanimous)
• Adopted Service Out of Grade proposal from Gail Ostrout and Paula Nulty (5-1, Collins opposed)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee will approve past minutes, review last year’s events, and draft a task list and timeline for the upcoming meeting cycle. Members will also review a postcard design and handle any new business before adjourning.

• Approve minutes from 05/25/23 meeting
• Create task list and timeline for ’23-’24 meeting cycle
• Review postcard design

The committee made no substantive decisions; the meeting was procedural, focused on assigning outreach and logistics tasks for upcoming Town Meeting events. Members were assigned to contact vendors, media, and facilities, and the next meeting is scheduled for October 30.

• Approved meeting minutes
• Assigned outreach tasks: postcard vendor, student remuneration, media publicity
• Assigned logistics tasks: event dates, facilities, AV support
• Scheduled next meeting for October 30 at 5PM

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Commission discussed potential projects for the Vermont State Building Communities Grant, including the Lyman Point playground and Veterans Memorial Park. Members also reviewed department evaluation plans and discussed recent storm damage to local parks.

• Vermont State Building Communities Grant projects: Lyman Point playground, Veterans Memorial Park, and dockage at Kilowatt South and North
• Quechee Falls Park partial closure due to flood damage to lighting, railings, and fencing
• Hurricane Forest Trail Runs course re-routing due to storm damage
• Request for Bocci space in Town of Hartford parks by Upper Valley Hawks Special Olympics team
• Review of Department Evaluation Plan

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved a motion to support the concept for improving Lyman Point Park for recreational use, which could be funded by a $325K grant. They also approved a recommendation to install a needle drop box at a location chosen by the department and the Town Health Officer, with one abstention. No other substantive decisions were made; the evaluation plan and survey questions were discussed but deferred.

• Approved motion to support Lyman Point Park improvement concept (unanimous)
• Approved recommendation to install needle drop box at location chosen by department and Health Officer (Brett Mayfield abstaining)
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (all in favor)
• Adopted suggestions for changes to Community Center survey questions 1 and 2

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee will meet to review the draft Town Plan Housing Chapter, including the housing narrative, revised goals, strategies, and actions, and recommendations from the Homelessness Committee. They will also consider minutes from the July 12 meeting and hear public comments. The meeting is part of the ongoing update to the housing chapter of the Town Plan.

• Review of draft Town Plan Housing Narrative
• Discussion of Homelessness Committee's recommendations on goals, strategies, and actions
• Consideration of revised goals, strategies, and actions for the housing chapter
• Approval of minutes from July 12, 2023 meeting
• Public comments period

The Hartford Planning Commission/Town Plan Steering Committee reviewed the first draft of the Town Plan Housing Chapter, incorporating comments on affordability, homelessness, and diverse housing models. They agreed to include recommendations from the Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness, including a potential rental registry, and to move forward with a community meeting in October. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was primarily a discussion and planning session.

• Agreed to incorporate comments on mortgage interest deduction cap and property taxes into affordability section
• Agreed to add statement that lack of affordable housing increases homelessness
• Agreed to include Act 47 information and diverse housing models in narrative
• Agreed to include HCHH recommendations, including rental registry discussion and social safety nets
• Agreed Ally Tufenkjian will draft language for 2020 homelessness report recommendations #7 and #9
• Agreed to incorporate list of additions (zoning changes, mixed-use, water/sewer capacity, etc.) into narrative
• Agreed to move forward with community meeting in October, implementation table not needed at this stage
• Postponed review of July 12th minutes until next meeting

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee is meeting to review loan summaries, discuss potential loans in executive session, and consider housing programs and interest rates. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and finding new committee members.

• Approval of June 7, 2023 meeting minutes
• Executive session to review July 2023 loan summary reports and potential loans
• Discussion of potential housing programs
• Discussion of interest rates
• Finding new committee members

The Committee approved minutes from March and June 2023 and discussed using revolving loan funds for housing and employee housing. A subcommittee was formed to develop a housing assistance plan for the Selectboard. The group also discussed potentially adjusting loan interest rates to attract more applicants.

• Approved June 7, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 8, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Formed housing subcommittee consisting of Jay Zanleoni, Crystal Pearson, and Michael Gabriele

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider appointments to the Housing and Homelessness Committee and Energy Commission, review the US5 speed study results, discuss water resource engineering, and set the FY25 budget timeline. The board will also enter executive session to discuss legal matters regarding 1472 and 1498 Maple Street and public officer employment.

• Appointment of Nancy Trottier to Committee on Housing and Homelessness (2-year term)
• Appointment of Sarah Kelly to Hartford Energy Commission (3-year term)
• Hartford US5 Speed Study Results presentation
• Water Resource Engineers discussion
• FY25 Budget Timeline discussion

The Hartford Selectboard approved accepting Water Resource Engineer rankings, authorizing certification to the State, waiving RFP requirements for engineering services funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and allowing DPW to use the RFQ process. They also adopted the FY25 budget calendar and appointed Sarah Kelly to the Energy Commission. Several items were postponed to the next meeting, including the US5 Speed Study and appointments.

• Approved Water Resource Engineer rankings and RFQ process (unanimous)
• Adopted FYE 2025 Budget calendar (consensus)
• Appointed Sarah Kelly to Hartford Energy Commission for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes of 8/22 and 8/29 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session re: 1472 and 1498 Maple Street (unanimous)

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority will meet to hear appeals from individuals or entities aggrieved by the action of the Assessor. These hearings are scheduled to continue until all aggrieved parties have been heard.

• Tax appeal hearing for Execusuite, LLC (104 South Main Street, Parcel ID #46-30)

The Board of Civil Authority heard the Execusuite, LLC tax appeal for properties on S. Main St. and, after testimony and a site inspection, voted unanimously to set the 2022 assessment at $6,253,304 and the 2023 assessment at $6,415,404. The board rejected Execusuite's lower cost-based valuation and the assessor's higher income-based figure. The decision was made after a quasi-judicial hearing that included evidence from both the assessor and the appellants.

• Assessed 104 S. Main St. (SPAN #285-090-11713) at $6,253,304 for 2022 (unanimous)
• Assessed 104 S. Main St. (SPAN #285-090-11713) at $6,415,404 for 2023 (unanimous)
• Reconvened the BCA meeting recessed on August 14, 2023 (unanimous)
• Reconvened the Execusuite tax appeal hearing (unanimous)
• Conducted site inspection of 132 S. Main St. (unanimous)
• Closed the hearing and entered deliberative session (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will review and discuss the working draft of the Town Plan Housing Chapter, including goals, strategies, and actions. The meeting will also include routine items such as approving the July 20, 2023 minutes, public comment, and updates on committee member openings.

• Discussion of draft Town Plan Housing Chapter with goals on affordable housing, smart growth, and housing retention
• Update on committee member openings and application process
• Public comment period
• Approval of July 20, 2023 meeting minutes

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness approved the July 20, 2023 meeting minutes by unanimous vote, despite discussion about whether a quorum was present. Jennifer Kravitz was unanimously elected as Vice Chair after Patrick Danaher resigned. The committee discussed the draft Town Plan Housing Chapter, focusing on goals, strategies, and actions, and agreed to submit suggested changes before the next Planning Commission meeting.

• Approved July 20, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Jennifer Kravitz as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Agreed to submit suggested changes to draft Housing Chapter before 9/12 Planning Commission meeting

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is meeting to discuss the July 10th flood's impact on the Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden and its future, along with updates on the Quechee Abenaki Garden and Wilder School Food Forest. The agenda also includes public comments, meeting notes, and scheduling items. This is a working group meeting focused on community food forest projects and flood recovery.

• Discussion of July 10th flood impact and future of Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden (40 min)
• Update on Quechee Abenaki Garden
• Update on Wilder School Food Forest
• Public comments period (5 min)
• Review of July 26th meeting notes

The Resilient Hartford committee discussed the impact of July flooding on the Clifford Park Food Forest and Abenaki Garden, noting minimal damage and no soil contamination. They agreed to seek guidance from the White River Partnership and Emily Bowles on improving the riparian area and increasing plant diversity. The committee also approved minutes from July 26 and heard updates on the Quechee Abenaki Garden and Wilder School Food Forest project, which was denied by the School Board. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters.

• Approved minutes of July 26, 2023, by unanimous consent
• Agreed to contact White River Partnership for riparian guidance at Clifford Park
• Agreed to contact Emily Bowles for native riparian plant recommendations
• Decided to keep meeting time at 5:00 p.m. after discussion
• Continued Food Forest discussion to September 27 meeting

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor will hold a grievance hearing for one property owner appealing an assessment through the Errors and Omissions process. The hearing is scheduled for August 29, 2023, at Town Hall in White River Junction.

• Grievance hearing for property at 186 Hillcrest Terrace
• Owner: Moses Kyle R and Pearson-Moses Crystal J
• Hearing at Town Hall, 171 Bridge St, Room 207, 9:00 AM

The Town Assessor conducted an in-person grievance hearing regarding the property at 186 Hillcrest Terrace. The minutes record that the application for grievance and provided information were reviewed, but no final decision or outcome is listed.

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Special Selectboard meeting will consider a motion to adopt a contract for John Haverstock. If approved, he will serve as the Town Manager of Hartford effective October 2, 2023.

• Motion to adopt contract for John Haverstock as Town Manager

The Hartford Selectboard held a special meeting and voted unanimously (7 in favor) to adopt a contract naming John Haverstock as Town Manager, effective October 2, 2023. The meeting was then adjourned. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved contract naming John Haverstock as Town Manager, effective October 2, 2023 (7-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss its work program, member interests, and the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget. The agenda also includes updates on the town forest, invasive plants, trail signs, and a timber harvest cleanup. Public comments are invited.

• Discussion of HCC budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025
• Update on Hartford Salamander Team with guest Ben Fletcher
• Town forest items: Lower Hurricane Reservoir Meadow, invasive plants, trail map/signs, interpretive signs
• Timber harvest cleanup and Game of Logging training request from Hartford Area Career & Technology Center
• Moose Brook Snowmobile Bridge repair discussion

The Commission decided to leave the former Lower Hurricane Reservoir meadow unmown to preserve habitat and approved a 'Game of Logging' training for students. Members also agreed to create a simple interpretive sign with a QR code regarding recent timber harvests.

• Approved 'Game of Logging' training for students in Town Forest
• Decided against mowing the former Lower Hurricane Reservoir meadow
• Approved creation of a timber harvest interpretive sign with QR code
• Approved $300 in assistance for Hartford Salamander Team programming
• Approved partial stump removal in Town Forest by Natural Resources class
• Approved minutes of 7/17/23 (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review and approve minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates from the coordinator. They will discuss district heating follow-up, including a SHARC wastewater treatment facility tour and a thermal energy network call, and review recommended edits to a solar template for the Braley Solar project. A vote is scheduled to authorize funds from the Climate Action Reserve Fund for Parks & Rec equipment, and there will be updates on recruitment and sub-committees.

• Vote to authorize Climate Action Reserve Fund for Parks & Rec equipment
• District heating follow-up: SHARC WWTF tour and thermal energy network call
• Braley Solar update: recommended edits to VLGS template
• Recruitment update
• Sub-committee updates: Window Dressers and CAST

The commission reached a quorum at 5:15 PM and approved the July minutes. The meeting adjourned at 5:28 PM after losing quorum, with remaining items discussed as notes.

• Approved July minutes (4-0)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is meeting to discuss routine business, including appointments, consent agenda items, and reports. A key item is a motion to enter executive session to discuss the town manager search. The board will also consider appointing Susan Mullens to the Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) and review results of a community safety RFP.

• Executive session for town manager search
• Appointment of Susan Mullens to HCOREI for two-year term
• Community Safety Review RFP results
• Purchase of two electric mowers
• Gates Street and Fairview Terrace retaining walls engineering

The Hartford Selectboard confirmed John Haverstock as the new Town Manager starting October 2, 2023, and approved several administrative items including a state re-appraisal order, an errors and omissions correction to the 2023 Grand List, and the purchase of two electric mowers for $72,851.60. The board also appointed Susan Mullens to the Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion and selected option 4 for the Gates Street and Fairview Terrace retaining walls engineering. No substantive decisions were made on the Community Safety Review RFP, which remains under discussion.

• Appointed Susan Mullens to HCOREI for two-year term (all in favor)
• Authorized Chair to sign State re-appraisal order (all in favor)
• Approved errors & omissions correction for 186 Hillcrest Terrace (6-1, Souza recused)
• Authorized purchase of two Toro Z Master mowers for $72,851.60 (5-1)
• Selected option 4 for Gates Street and Fairview Terrace retaining walls engineering (consensus)
• Appointed Lannie Collins as VLCT voting delegate (all in favor)
• Confirmed John Haverstock as Town Manager starting October 2, 2023
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, minutes, and A/P manifests (all in favor)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to discuss several items, including an update on a proposed solar array on Braley Drive, a plastic ban update, and goals for the 2024 Climate Action Plan. The team will also review grants and receive a coordinator update. Public comments are welcome.

• Plastic ban update
• Proposed Braley Dr. solar array
• CAP 2024 goals
• Energy related grants update
• Coordinator update

The Hartford Energy Commission (CAST) met on August 16, 2023, but lacked a quorum, so no motion was made to approve the June and July minutes. Members recapped the town's climate action plan chapter by chapter, discussing municipal grants, waste reduction goals, and wastewater upgrades. No formal decisions were made; the chapter-by-chapter review will continue at the September 20 meeting.

• No motion to approve June 7 and July 19 minutes due to lack of quorum
• Motion to approve Norwich Solar array construction passed by Planning Commission (noted, not voted on by CAST)

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes and the treasurer's report, hear the director's report, and discuss new business. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or financial commitments listed.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Approval of treasurer's report
• Director's report and discussion
• New business discussion

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

This is a special meeting of the Hartford Selectboard. The only substantive item is a motion to enter executive session to discuss contracts and matters related to the appointment of a public officer, citing potential compromise to the town or person involved. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no public action items listed.

• Executive session for discussion of contracts and/or matters related to appointment of a public officer

The Hartford Selectboard convened a special meeting and unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss employment of a public officer or employee, then closed the session and adjourned. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Entered executive session to discuss employment of a public officer/employee (7-0)
• Closed executive session at 8:12pm (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:13pm (7-0)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board meets to review past invasive plant removal efforts, plan next steps for indigenous shrub planting, and discuss budget use for a fall tree purchase. The board also considers locations for an October tree ID walk and reviews recent tree plantings.

• Review poison ivy removal progress in riparian buffer west of Porta potties
• Discuss planting 40+ indigenous shrubs from nursery after community invasive shrub removal day
• Decide whether to use $1500 budget to purchase and plant a tree this fall
• Consider removing autumn olive on Pine Street due to invasiveness
• Review characteristics of 7 trees planted by Jim Lamontagne on Gates St, Hartford Ave, and Pine St

The Board approved the use of plastic to smother knotweed while ensuring water access for existing trees. Members discussed the potential for a paid town beautification position and scheduled a fall tree ID walk.

• Approved August 15 minutes (All-0)
• Decided to use plastic to smother knotweed while leaving room for tree roots
• Scheduled October tree ID walk at Jeff Arnold's house
• Decided to leave remaining poison ivy in the riparian buffer for a later date

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority will hold tax appeal hearings for two properties on August 14, 2023. The board will hear appeals from Dismas of Vermont-Hartford and Execusuite, LLC regarding their property assessments. The hearings are scheduled for 9:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. at Hartford Town Hall.

• Dismas of Vermont-Hartford Dismas House appeal for 1673 Maple Street, Parcel ID #9-155
• Execusuite, LLC appeal for 104 South Main Street, Parcel ID #46-30

The Board of Civil Authority approved a tax exemption request for the Dismas of Vermont-Hartford property after the State confirmed the organization's eligibility. A separate hearing for Execusuite, LLC was rescheduled for August 31, 2023.

• Approved tax exemption for Dismas of Vermont-Hartford at 1673 Maple Street (unanimous)
• Recessed Execusuite, LLC hearing for 104 South Main Street to August 31, 2023 (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special meeting primarily to enter executive session for the purpose of appointing a public officer. The meeting is scheduled from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and includes no other public business items.

• Executive session to appoint a public officer
• Meeting held at Hartford Town Hall, Room 312

The Hartford Selectboard convened a special meeting on August 11, 2023, and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss employment of a public officer/employee. The board closed the session and adjourned without taking any public substantive decisions.

• Entered executive session to discuss employment of a public officer/employee (6-0)
• Closed executive session (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes and a director's report. They will review survey questions for the Rec Center, address needle drops in parks, and consider a Vermont State Building Communities grant.

• Review Rec Center survey questions
• Discuss needle drops in parks
• Consider Vermont State Building Communities grant

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved the previous meeting's minutes unanimously. They discussed a potential Vermont State Building Communities Grant application, with possible projects including Lyman Point playground, Veterans Memorial Park, and dockage at Kilowatt South and North. Flood damage at Quechee Falls Park is being repaired, and the lower part remains closed. No formal decisions were made on the grant or other new business.

• Approved meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission is holding a special meeting to review Norwich Solar's proposal for a 500 kW solar array at 96 Braley Dr. in White River Junction and decide whether to grant a preferred site designation. This is the second meeting on the project, following resident concerns about visibility from the adjacent Sterling Springs neighborhood. The commission will discuss screening strategies and other concerns before voting to approve or reject the designation.

• Vote on preferred site designation for 500 kW solar array at 96 Braley Dr., Lot # 9-162
• Two letters of support from Sterling Springs residents submitted
• Discussion of screening strategies to address abutter visibility concerns
• Project requires preferred site designation from Planning Commission, Select Board, and Regional Planning Commission
• If designation is denied, project is terminated and will not go before the Public Utilities Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission voted 5-1 to grant a preferred siting designation for Norwich Solar's proposed 500 kW solar array on Braley Dr. The designation is required for Norwich Solar to apply to the Public Utilities Commission. The vote followed discussion of tree screening, stormwater, and renewable energy credits.

• Approved preferred site designation for Norwich Solar Braley Dr. solar array (5-1)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold a special meeting to enter executive session for the purpose of appointing a public officer. The meeting is scheduled for August 9, 2023, at 12:30 pm in Room 312 at Hartford Town Hall.

• Executive session to appoint a public officer

The Selectboard met for a special session to discuss the employment of a public officer or employee. No public decisions or votes on policy were recorded.

• Entered executive session to discuss employment of a public officer/employee (7-0)
• Closed executive session (7-0)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard, acting as the Local Cannabis Control Board, will consider three cannabis license applications: two new (Altius THC LLC wholesale, GMG Cannabis LLC manufacturer) and one renewal (Cloudy Day Farm LLC outdoor cultivator). The board will also make appointments to the Conservation Commission, receive an update on the Quechee Covered Bridge contractor award, and enter executive session to discuss employment of a public officer.

• New wholesale license for Altius THC, LLC (S-000001922)
• New manufacturer license for GMG Cannabis, LLC / Green Mountain Gourmet Cannabis Company (S-000002369)
• Renewal of outdoor cultivator license for Cloudy Day Farm, LLC (S-000004451)
• Appointments of Mike Harris and Chris Beetham to the Conservation Commission for four-year terms
• Quechee Covered Bridge contractor award update

The Selectboard approved an $89,000 emergency construction contract with Fenoff Excavating to stabilize the riverbank slope at the Quechee covered bridge, which has been closed since July 10, 2023. The board also approved three local cannabis licenses, appointed two members to the Conservation Commission, and approved the consent agenda including payroll and meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved $89,000 emergency contract to Fenoff Excavating for Quechee bridge repairs (unanimous)
• Approved local cannabis license for Altius THC, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved local cannabis license for Green Mountain Gourmet Cannabis Company (unanimous)
• Approved local cannabis license renewal for Cloudy Day Farm (unanimous)
• Appointed Mike Harris to Conservation Commission for 4-year term (unanimous)
• Appointed Chris Beetham to Conservation Commission for 4-year term (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting dates (unanimous)
• Approved 7/25/2023 minutes (6-0, 1 abstention)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve minutes, consider a recommendation to the Selectboard and School Board for an open seat, and discuss a draft 2023 roadmap. The committee will also receive updates on its resource library, school board and selectboard matters, and a student award. Items tabled for future agendas include a community organizing offer and expanding the committee's charge to other marginalized groups.

• Recommendation to Selectboard and School Board for open committee seat
• Discussion of draft 2023 roadmap
• Updates on proposed policy template and Town Manager Search Committee
• Hartford student award (A. Raynolds Memorial)
• Tabled: expanding HCOREI charge to include gender, sexual preference, ADA, elders, and people in poverty

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) unanimously approved a motion to recommend Susan Mullens as a candidate for the committee's community member vacancy. The committee also discussed and edited its 2023 roadmap draft, with further review and approval to continue at a future meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; most other agenda items were updates or discussions.

• Approved meeting minutes from 7/19 (unanimous)
• Recommended Susan Mullens for community board seat (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The provided agenda contains only a reference to a regular packet. No specific topics, motions, or discussions are detailed in the text provided.

The Hartford Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously approved all nine applications before it, including a school site plan, a veterans monument, several subdivisions, and site plan amendments. One application, a parking facility at 98 Jasmin Lane, was approved 6-1 with Dylan Kreis opposed. The commission also reviewed a sketch plan for converting upper floors of 55 Railroad Row to housing and granted two administrative permits.

• Approved school site plan at Christian Street (unanimous)
• Approved WWI/WWII monument at Veterans Park (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment at 8 and 24 Hazen Street (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision of 242 Hathaway Road into four lots (unanimous)
• Approved site plan amendments at 34 Prospect Street (unanimous)
• Approved new commercial building at 9 Harrison Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment at 60 and 98 Jasmin Lane (unanimous)
• Approved parking facility at 98 Jasmin Lane (6-1, Kreis opposed)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on nine applications, including a school building, a veterans monument, subdivisions, boundary adjustments, and commercial site plans. The meeting also includes administrative matters such as public comment, minutes, and updates on the Town Plan and Climate Action Plan.

• School District site plan for a school/educational building on Christian Street (Application 423-08)
• WWI and WWII Monument installation in Veterans Park, 12 Railroad Row (Application #23-10)
• Subdivision of 242 Hathaway Road into four lots (Application #23-07)
• New commercial building at 9 Harrison Avenue, White River Junction (Application #23-09)
• Parking facility at 98 Jasmin Lane (Application #23-15)

The Hartford Planning Commission approved all nine applications before it, including site development plans for a school building, a veterans monument, a commercial building, and several residential projects. The commission also approved two boundary line adjustments and a four-lot subdivision. All approvals were unanimous except for one parking facility application, which passed 6-1.

• Approved site development plan for school building on Christian Street (unanimous)
• Approved WWI/WWII monument installation in Veterans Park (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment between lots on Hazen Street (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision of lot on Hathaway Road into four lots (unanimous)
• Approved site plan amendments for retaining wall at 34 Prospect Street (unanimous)
• Approved new commercial building at 9 Harrison Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment between lots on Jasmin Lane (unanimous)
• Approved accessory structure addition at 60 Jasmin Lane (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet on July 27, 2023, to review and approve draft minutes from the previous meeting and discuss updates from sub-committees. Presentations will cover SHARC’s waste-heat capture technology feasibility review for the White River Junction Wastewater Treatment Facility and district heating project fundamentals.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• SHARC presentation on waste-heat capture technology and feasibility review for WRJ WWTF
• Geothermal District Heating Project presentation by Manosh Corp.
• Sub-committee updates from Energize Upper Valley, Window Dressers, and CAST

The Hartford Energy Commission met on July 27, 2023, and approved the June minutes unanimously. The meeting was largely informational, with reports on the Trailblazers program, a wastewater energy transfer presentation, and updates on grants and community events. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved June minutes as presented (unanimous)

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting to review previous minutes and consider entering executive session to discuss the appointment of an employee, likely the town manager. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Review of 7/13/23 meeting minutes
• Consider finding that premature disclosure of appointment matters would compromise the person or town
• Possible motion to enter executive session

Inactive Boards

The Town Manager Search Committee is holding a special meeting to consider entering executive session to discuss the appointment of a public officer. The agenda includes a finding on premature disclosure and a motion to enter executive session, followed by adjournment.

• Consider finding that premature disclosure of appointment matters would compromise the person or Town
• Consider motion to enter executive session to discuss appointment of a public officer

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on five conditional use applications, including a school building, a war monument, a commercial building, and two accessory structure/parking proposals. The board will also handle administrative matters such as public comment and minutes.

• School District conditional use for school/educational building on Christian Street (continued from June 21)
• Town of Hartford conditional use for WWI/WWII monument in Veterans Park, 12 Railroad Row
• White River Investment Properties conditional use for new commercial building at 9 Harrison Avenue
• Jasmin family conditional use for accessory structure addition at 60 Jasmin Lane
• Jasmin family and Eromeno LLC conditional use for parking facility at 98 Jasmin Lane

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved five conditional use applications on July 26, 2023. These included a school building on Christian Street, a war monument in Veterans Park, a commercial building on Harrison Avenue, and two projects on Jasmin Lane. The board also approved previous meeting minutes and reviewed an administrative permit.

• Approved Application #06-23 for school building on Christian Street (unanimous)
• Approved Application #08-23 for WWI/WWII monument in Veterans Park (unanimous)
• Approved Application #07-23 for commercial building on Harrison Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved Application #09-23 for accessory structure addition on Jasmin Lane (unanimous)
• Approved Application #10-23 for parking facility on Jasmin Lane (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 21 and June 23, 2023 (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is meeting to hear updates on three community garden projects: the Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden, the Quechee Abenaki Garden, and the Wilder School Food Forest. The agenda also includes public comments, approval of June meeting notes, and planning for the next meeting. No formal decisions or votes are listed.

• Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden update (30 min discussion)
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Wilder School Food Forest update
• Public comments period
• Approval of June 28th meeting notes

The Resilient Hartford committee approved the June 28 meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed the Food Forest and Abenaki Garden, including flood impacts and soil testing, and noted ongoing work on the Quechee Abenaki Garden agreement. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved June 28 meeting minutes (unanimous consent)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to conduct routine business including public comment, board reports, and a vote on a liquor license application for Vermont Spirits Distilling Company at 5573 Woodstock Road in Quechee. The meeting will also include updates on grants, dam repairs, and other town projects.

• Consider approval of 1st, 3rd class, and outside consumption liquor license for Vermont Spirits Distilling Company at 5573 Woodstock Road, Quechee
• Class II Highway Grant discussion
• Town of Hartford Municipal Mitigation Grants in Aid FY24 review (GA0563)
• Simon Pearce Dam Update

The Selectboard voted to approve two grants for highway and mitigation projects, and declined to purchase or lease the Wilder Community Center. The board also approved a liquor license for Vermont Spirits and handled routine consent agenda items.

• Approved 1st and 3rd Class and Outside Consumption Liquor License for Vermont Spirits Distilling Company (4-0, 1 recused, 1 abstained)
• Approved execution of Class II Highway Grant #P02134 using reserves and operating cash flow (unanimous)
• Approved execution of Municipal Mitigation Grant #GA0563 and authorized Public Works Director to sign documents (unanimous)
• Declined to purchase or lease Wilder Community Center (consensus)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, minutes, and A/P manifests (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Committee is discussing a potential application for the State Homes for All Pilot Project to use Hartford as a case study. Members are also identifying local service providers to assist with a state grant application for homeless response efforts.

• Recommendation for staff to discuss State Homes for All Pilot Project application with Acting Town Manager
• Discussion of Hartford's letter of interest to the State regarding 2023 homeless response resources
• Identification of local service providers for potential state grant funding
• Appointment of Jennifer Kravitz and Patrick Danaher to review housing development applications
• Update on the Town Plan Housing Chapter Ad Hoc Steering Committee

The committee approved the June 15 meeting minutes and discussed potential partnerships for a state homelessness response grant. Members reviewed updates on the Town Plan Housing Chapter and explored affordable housing development models used in other municipalities.

• Approved June 15, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team meets to discuss updates on a plastic ban, impacts from storms and flooding, and outreach for the Climate Action Plan. Members will also review draft minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review draft minutes from previous meeting
• Plastic ban update
• Storms, flooding, and Climate Action Plan (CAP) discussion
• Climate Action Plan outreach
• CAP 2024 goals

The Hartford CAST meeting on July 19, 2023, lacked a quorum so no minutes were approved. Members discussed future grant submissions, foam recycling coordination, reviewing Section 5 of the Climate Action Plan, and community outreach ideas including school board engagement and ReWilding Wilder.

• Minutes from June 7, 2023, not approved due to lack of a quorum

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review minutes, discuss updates on the Hartford Performing Arts History Project, the WRJ Railroad Station South Canopy, and historic district signs, and consider a request for proposals for the Taft's Flat National Register nomination. They will also discuss the West Hartford Church and the World War I & II Monument. This is a regular business meeting with several project updates and potential actions.

• Review of HHPC meeting minutes from June 14th
• Update on Hartford Performing Arts History Project
• Discussion of WRJ Railroad Station South Canopy
• Consideration of Request for Proposals for Taft's Flat National Register nomination
• Discussion of West Hartford Church and World War I & II Monument

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the June 14 minutes unanimously. Staff reported on several ongoing projects: the Performing Arts History report is expected by mid-August, VACHP voted to rehabilitate or replace the WRJ Railroad Station south canopy, and a draft RFP for Taft's Flat historic district nominations was distributed. No formal decisions were made on these items.

• Approved June 14 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) meets to approve minutes, discuss feedback from a joint school/selectboard meeting, and hear working group updates including a Juneteenth report. The group will also review group norms and a 2023 roadmap draft, and receive updates from the school board, selectboard, town manager search, and NAACP. The agenda is largely routine business and updates, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve meeting minutes from 5/17 (prior meetings lacked quorum)
• Discussion of joint School/Selectboard meeting held 6/13
• Juneteenth working group report out
• Review of group norms and 2023 roadmap draft documents
• Updates on Town Manager Search Committee and NAACP

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met on July 19, 2023, and unanimously approved revised group norms and the May 17 meeting minutes. The committee also voted to send a resolution honoring Ann Raynolds to the Selectboard for adoption. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were discussions or tabled for future agendas.

• Approved May 17 meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Adopted revised group norms (unanimous)
• Approved sending Ann Raynolds resolution to Selectboard (unanimous)

Sister Cities Committee

The committee will review the June minutes and discuss updates to the committee logo. Members will also discuss next steps for a HACTC student trip to Cenon, France.

• Logo update discussion
• HACTC student trip to Cenon planning
• Discussion of committee vacancies

The Hartford, VT Sister Cities Committee met on July 18, 2023, and handled routine business. They accepted the June minutes, discussed updates on the sign logo and a potential student trip, and planned to fill committee vacancies. No substantive decisions were made; the next meeting is scheduled for September 19.

• Accepted June minutes
• Allison to draft email for a meeting before August 9
• Allison to check with Erica about invitation from La Morlette
• Allison, Joan, and Laura to post signs for committee vacancies
• No August meeting; next meeting set for September 19

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special/emergency meeting to address flood damage from July 9-10, 2023. They will consider approving a plan of action for the Simon Pearce Dam and pre-authorizing up to $100,000 for emergency repairs to the Quechee Covered Bridge riverbank slope. The meeting is in person only.

• Pre-authorize up to $100,000 for emergency slope stabilization at Quechee Covered Bridge
• Approve and sign property owner letter regarding Simon Pearce Dam plan of action
• Public advisory to stay in effect for Ottauquechee River from dam to Quechee Gorge
• Bid opening for emergency slope repair set for July 28, 2023
• FHWA Emergency Repair Program may reimburse 100% of eligible costs

The Selectboard authorized the Acting Town Manager to execute a contract for emergency riverbank slope repairs at the Quechee Covered Bridge. Additionally, the board approved a property owner letter regarding the action plan for the Simon Pearce Dam.

• Approved property owner letter for Simon Pearce Dam (unanimous)
• Authorized $100,000 contract for Quechee Bridge emergency repairs (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:00pm (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Tree Board is reviewing progress on the riparian grant project and discussing future community invasive removal efforts. Members are also reviewing the status of recent tree orders and the current fiscal year budget.

• Riparian grant project progress report
• Status of tree orders: 2 Yellowwoods, 1 Swamp Oak, 1 Katsura, and 1 Sycamore
• Review of current Tree Board budget
• Discussion of invasive species removal at the Town Hall riparian area

The Hartford Tree Board approved a motion for Jeff to contact Jim Henderson about whether he wants to continue as Tree Warden. The board also discussed plans for Japanese beetle treatment, riparian grant work including plastic mulch and invasive removal, and a proposal to plant willows. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved motion for Jeff to contact Jim Henderson about continuing as Tree Warden (all in favor)
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving June minutes and hearing public comments. The main items are a presentation on a natural resources survey, a pollinator pathway request, and updates on the town forest, including timber harvest close-out and forest management plan implementation. The meeting also covers trail signs, invasive plants, and a snowmobile bridge repair.

• White River Natural Resources Conservation District survey presentation
• Pollinator Pathway request discussion
• Timber harvest close-out and forest management plan implementation status
• Moose Brook snowmobile bridge repair discussion
• Hurricane Trail Run on Saturday, July 22nd

The Commission unanimously denied permission for the Hurricane Trail Run in the Hartford Town Forest due to poor trail conditions caused by heavy rain. Members also approved co-sponsoring two upcoming fungi-themed educational events with the Hartford Salamander Team.

• Denied Hurricane Trail Run permit (unanimous)
• Approved co-sponsorship of Hartford Salamander Team fungi events (unanimous)
• Approved June 5, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to send thank you note to Forester A.J. Follensbee
• Agreed to solicit public help identifying invasive plants via GPS

White River Junction Design Review Committee

The White River Junction Design Review Committee is scheduled to hold its regular meeting on July 13, 2023. No substantive items are listed on the agenda; only meeting materials and the agenda itself are provided.

The White River Junction Design Review Committee approved an application from the Town of Hartford to install a World War I and World War II monument at 12 Railroad Row. The committee also tabled the approval of meeting minutes.

• Approved monument installation at 12 Railroad Row (unanimous)
• Tabled meeting minutes

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting to continue its search process. The agenda includes adopting minutes from a prior meeting and entering an executive session to discuss matters related to the appointment of an employee, likely the town manager. No public decisions or specific candidates are listed.

• Adopt minutes from 6/29/23 meeting
• Consider finding that premature disclosure of appointment matters would compromise the person or town
• Consider motion to enter executive session

The committee approved minutes from their June 29 meeting and entered executive session to discuss the town manager search process. Members confirmed that 50 applications were received by the July 10 deadline and that community feedback influenced the candidate evaluation criteria.

• Approved June 29 meeting minutes (5-0-2)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel matters (6:24pm)
• Adjourned meeting (7:42pm)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee will meet to discuss updates to the Town Plan's Housing Chapter, including goals, strategies, and actions. They will also review suggested changes related to housing in other chapters of the Town Plan. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Review of June 29, 2023 meeting minutes
• Discussion of goals, strategies, and actions for housing chapter
• Suggested housing-related changes to other Town Plan chapters

The Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee reviewed and refined goals, strategies, and actions for the town's housing chapter update. The committee reached consensus on several language revisions and additions to the draft document. No final legislative actions were taken; staff will incorporate the discussed changes for a future meeting.

• Approved minutes of June 29, 2023 (unanimous)

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees approved the June minutes with a minor correction and the Treasurer's Report without correction. A proposed new weekly library schedule received preliminary vocal approval but has not been formally voted on. The schedule would close the library on Mondays and adjust hours on other days, with staffing changes for the director and a new employee.

• Approved June 14, 2023 minutes with minor correction
• Approved Treasurer's Report without correction

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard met on July 11, 2023, to discuss storm recovery, approve a collective bargaining agreement with the Hartford Career Firefighters’ Association, and authorize several contracts and updates. The board also received reports on housing initiatives, town property uses, and committee activities.

• Approved a 5-year collective bargaining agreement with the Hartford Career Firefighters’ Association, Local 2905, for $20,750 annual compensation increase
• Authorized a $40,298 contract with Vermont Recreational Surfacing & Fencing, Inc. for guard rail improvements (Project No. 2023-H1)
• Approved a $43,706.71 contract with K5 Corporation for line striping (Project No. 2023-H8)
• Amended TRORC contract to include additional services for $20,750 and extend term to November 30, 2023
• Consensus to apply for a $3 million construction line of credit for future projects

The Hartford Selectboard approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Hartford Career Firefighters’ Association through June 30, 2028, and authorized contract amendments for housing planning. The board also approved contracts for guard rail improvements and line striping, as well as the placement of monitoring wells.

• Approved collective bargaining agreement with Hartford Career Firefighters' Association, Local 2905 through June 30, 2028 (all in favor)
• Authorized amendment to TRORC contract increasing compensation to $20,750 and extending term to November 30, 2023 (all in favor)
• Approved placement of monitoring wells on Town Hall Property and Maple St. subject to staff review (all in favor)
• Authorized contract with Vermont Recreational Surfacing & Fencing, Inc for guard rail improvements (Project No. 2023-H1) for $40,298 (all in favor)
• Authorized contract with K5 Corporation for line striping (Project No. 2023-H8) for $43,706.71 (all in favor)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, minutes, and A/P manifests (all in favor)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold a special meeting to set the Fiscal Year 2024 municipal tax rate and approve the July 1, 2023 accounts payable manifest. The proposed town tax rate is $1.0821 per $100 of assessed value, a 3.35% increase from FY2023, which would add $87.50 to the annual tax bill for a $250,000 home. The board will also consider the education tax rates set by the state, which are $1.7825 for homesteads and $1.8030 for non-homesteads.

• Set FY2024 town tax rate at $1.0821 per $100, total appropriation $15,346,547.08
• Education homestead tax rate $1.7825, non-homestead $1.8030 (set by state)
• Town tax increase of $87.50 on a $250k home; education homestead increase $440.00
• Approve A/P manifest of 7/1/2023, including $200,677.25 to VLCT for property/liability insurance
• Restricted appropriations total $243,592 for community organizations

The Selectboard approved the Fiscal Year 2024 municipal tax rate of $1.0821 per $100 of assessed value, along with the associated appropriations and revenues totaling $15,346,547.08. The motion passed 4-1, with Lannie Collins opposed. The board also unanimously approved the accounts payable manifest for July 1, 2023.

• Approved FY2024 municipal tax rate of $1.0821 (4-1)
• Approved FY2024 General Highway Fund appropriation of $14,954,940
• Approved FY2024 County Tax appropriation of $110,048.08
• Approved FY2024 Restricted Appropriations of $243,592
• Approved FY2024 Local Agreement Rate appropriation of $37,967
• Approved education tax rates: homestead $1.7825, non-homestead $1.8030
• Approved A/P Manifest of 07/01/2023 (unanimous)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The committee will discuss next steps regarding policies approved by the Selectboard on May 30, 2023. Members will also review feedback from the June 13 Joint School/Selectboard meeting and receive reports from various working groups.

• Review of policies approved by the Selectboard on 5/30/23
• Feedback on the 6/13 Joint School/Selectboard Meeting
• Juneteenth report out
• Discussion of 2023 Roadmap Draft
• Updates on the Town Manager Search Committee

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting to review prior minutes and hold an executive session to discuss the appointment of a public officer or employee. The committee will also set the next meeting date.

• Review of 6/8 meeting minutes
• Executive session to discuss appointment of a public officer or employee
• Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, 7/6, 6pm at Town Hall Rm.2

The Town Manager Search Committee met and entered executive session to discuss the appointment of a public office or employee. The committee cancelled its July 6 meeting to maintain its regular schedule and will next meet on July 13. No substantive decisions were made beyond these procedural actions.

• Entered executive session to discuss appointment of a public office or employee
• Cancelled July 6 meeting to maintain 2nd and 4th Thursday schedule
• Scheduled next meeting for July 13 at 6pm at Town Hall

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee will meet to discuss the Town Plan Housing Chapter update, including goals, strategies, and actions, as well as suggested housing-related changes in other chapters. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Minutes of May 31, 2023 meeting
• Public comments
• Discussion of goals, strategies, and actions
• Suggested housing-related changes in other Town Plan chapters

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee reviewed draft goals, strategies, and actions for the town's housing chapter update. They agreed to delete a proposal to reinstate residential impact fees and made minor wording changes to other draft actions. The committee also scheduled a separate meeting with a developer regarding the Brookside Nursing Home building.

• Approved May 31st meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Deleted Action 4 under Goal 1 regarding reinstating impact fees
• Agreed to clean up language for Action 2 regarding town ownership of abandoned properties
• Added 'to reduce housing costs' to Action 3 regarding energy upgrade grants
• Removed specific agency names from Action 4 regarding senior support partnerships
• Agreed to create a priority matrix for the Town Plan appendix
• Scheduled next committee meeting for July 12th
• Agreed to hold a separate meeting with a developer about Brookside Nursing Home

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford, a town committee, is meeting to discuss updates on local food forest and Abenaki garden projects at Clifford Park, Quechee, and Wilder School. A guest from the Vermont Department of Health is scheduled to speak. The meeting includes public comments and routine procedural items.

• Guest Lyrica Stelle, Vermont Department of Health, to speak
• Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden update
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Wilder School Food Forest update
• Public comments period

The Resilient Hartford committee unanimously approved moving forward with a grant application to the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund (NEGEF) for the food forest project. The committee also accepted the May 24 meeting notes as written and discussed updates on the food forest, Quechee Abenaki Garden, and the Wilder School Food Forest Project, which was denied by the Hartford School Board due to custodial staff shortages.

• Approved motion to move forward with NEGEF grant application (unanimous)
• Accepted May 24 meeting notes as written
• Approved ordering a Vermont garden cart from Gardener's Supply (25% discount)
• Noted Hartford School Board denied Wilder School Food Forest Project due to staff shortages

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

This is a procedural agenda for the Hartford Selectboard meeting. The only listed items are the agenda and meeting materials, with no specific decisions or discussions detailed.

The Hartford Selectboard approved a $45,000 public safety camera quote, authorized various municipal contracts including sludge hauling, drainage improvements, and wastewater line cleaning, and made several board and commission appointments. The board also accepted a gift of a new WWI monument for Veterans Park and approved letters of support for grant applications from the Center for Cartoon Studies and River Roost Brewery.

• Accepted gift of a new WWI monument in Veterans Park and committed to kiosk and signage repairs (6-27)
• Re-appointed Crystal Pearson-Moses to Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee (6-2)
• Appointed Dylan Kreis to Planning Commission (4-1-1)
• Appointed Skylar Claud to Conservation Commission contingent upon residency (6-0)
• Appointed Michaela Lavelle to Resilient Hartford Board (6-0)
• Authorized Astronaut Security Technology quote of $45,000 for public safety camera solution (6-0)
• Authorized purchase of Braun Type 1 ambulance from North Eastern Rescue Vehicles, Inc. (6-0)
• Authorized contracts for aggregates, sludge hauling, drainage improvements, wastewater line cleaning, and Maple Street sidewalk construction (6-0)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board will review minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, and plan an invasive shrub removal day on July 8th, including outreach and possible planting of native species. They will also discuss tree orders, watering methods, and the status of recent plantings.

• Invasive shrub removal day on July 8th
• New member Alan Haehnel introduction
• Tree order from NN: 2 Yellowwoods, Swamp Oak, Katsura, Sycamore
• 8 gator bags for watering, considering water reservoir purchase
• Cottonwood stakes killed by frost and drought

The Board postponed a scheduled invasive species removal day due to poison ivy at the site. Members approved the purchase of plastic rolls to smother knotweed. The Board also welcomed new member Alan Haehnel.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed July 8 invasive removal activity due to poison ivy
• Approved purchase of plastic rolls to smother knotweed (unanimous)
• Designated the yellowwood by the High School as July Tree of the Month

Planning Commission

This is a procedural agenda with only two items: adopting the agenda and reviewing meeting materials. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Agenda adoption
• Review of hearing packet

The Hartford Planning Commission approved a boundary line adjustment for Old River Road properties and continued the school building site plan application to July 31, 2023. The Commission also approved minutes from May 22 and May 24, 2023.

• Approved minutes of May 22, 2023 with changes (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 24, 2023 with changes (unanimous)
• Approved Application #23-05 boundary line adjustment at 1610 and 1676 Old River Road with changes (unanimous)
• Continued Application #23-08 School District site development plan to July 31, 2023 (unanimous)

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is holding a special meeting to consider entering executive session twice to discuss the appointment of a public officer. The agenda is limited to procedural items: call to order, two executive sessions with a lunch break, and adjournment. No public decisions or substantive discussion are listed on the open agenda.

• Executive session to discuss appointment of a public officer
• Finding that premature disclosure would compromise the person or Town
• Meeting at Hartford Town Hall, Room 312, July 24, 2023, 8:30 am

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment closed a public hearing and approved a setback waiver for a garage at 1489 Hillside Road in Quechee. The board conducted a site visit and agreed to allow the garage’s position to vary as long as it remains no closer than 35 feet to the front property line.

• Approved setback waiver for garage at 1489 Hillside Road, lot 11-0003-004
• Garage must remain at least 35 feet from front property line

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a setback waiver for a garage at 1489 Hillside Road in Quechee. The approval allows the garage to be positioned within a general footprint provided it is no closer than 35 feet to the front property line.

• Approved setback waiver for garage at 1489 Hillside Road (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates on several energy initiatives. Key topics include follow-up on the preferred siting designation, the geothermal district heating project, and sub-committee updates from Energize Upper Valley, Window Dressers, and CAST. The commission is also seeking new members.

• Follow-up on preferred siting designation, including inquiry into standardized application with fee
• Geothermal district heating project: conversations to date, management strategy, charter update, WWTF tour planning
• Energize Upper Valley survey responses update
• Window Dressers update
• CAST update

The Hartford Energy Commission met to discuss ongoing energy projects and administrative updates. The only formal action taken was the approval of an amendment to the May 25 meeting minutes to correctly identify a guest.

• Approved amendment to May 25 minutes (5-0)

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office held grievance hearings in June 2023 to review property tax assessments. Decisions resulted in valuation adjustments for several properties based on inspections, condition ratings, and environmental factors, while others remained unchanged.

• Reduced 305 Maple St value from $382,500 to $156,100 due to soil contamination
• Reduced 1200 Christian St value from $1,351,000 to $613,400 due to condition
• Reduced 1140 Murphy 2B value from $200,800 to $184,500
• Reduced 12 Chambers Ln value from $51,500 to $39,300
• Reduced 0 Fairview value from $76,800 to $39,000
• Reduced 0 Union St value to $0 due to soil contamination
• Reduced 2288 Wildlife Rd value from $258,700 to $248,600
• Reduced 57 Hathaway Rd value from $428,100 to $411,900

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will continue reviewing meeting minutes from June 21 and 23, 2023. No substantive decisions or new agenda items are listed.

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a setback waiver for a garage at 229 Sugar House Road, Quechee, and continued hearings on two other applications. A second garage waiver at 1489 Hillside Road was continued to a site visit on June 23, 2023. A conditional use application for a school building on Christian Street was continued to July 26, 2023, pending additional information.

• Approved setback waiver for garage at 229 Sugar House Road (unanimous)
• Continued setback waiver for garage at 1489 Hillside Road to June 23 site visit (unanimous)
• Continued conditional use for school building on Christian Street to July 26 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 17, 2023 (unanimous)

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority is meeting to conduct the 2023 biennial voter checklist review as required by state law. They will consider a motion to authorize the clerk to challenge identified voters. The meeting is procedural in nature, with no other substantive items on the agenda.

• Review voter checklist per 17 V.S.A 2150(c)
• Motion to authorize clerk to challenge voters per 17 V.S.A 2150(d)(3)

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority conducted its 2023 Biennial Checklist Review, reading all 7,750 voter names and identifying those potentially ineligible. The board unanimously authorized the Town Clerk to issue challenge letters to those voters and to file a certification of completion of the biennial purge with the Vermont Secretary of State by September 15, 2023. No other substantive decisions were made; the board also discussed scheduling an abatement hearing and tax appeal preparations.

• Authorized Town Clerk to issue challenge letters to voters identified in 2023 Biennial Checklist Review (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Clerk to file Certification of Completion of Biennial Purge with Secretary of State by Sept 15, 2023 (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to discuss updates on the Town Plan Housing Chapter, a state housing breakfast, and planning for a community block party. They will also consider applying to be a pilot community for Vermont's Homes for All infill design program, review the state's wind-down of pandemic-era motel housing, and discuss Hartford's immediate funding or resource needs for homeless response efforts.

• Discussion of Hartford's letter of interest to the state for resources and support for 2023 homeless response efforts
• Follow-up on Vermont's hotel/motel voucher program changes and local responses
• Consideration of applying to be a pilot community for Vermont's Homes for All infill design program
• Planning for a table at the Hartford Community Coalition Block Party on June 21, 2023
• Update on the Town Plan Housing Chapter Ad Hoc Steering Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness recommended staff continue talks with the Acting Town Manager about submitting an application for the state's Homes for All Pilot Project, a toolkit for small-scale housing development. The committee also approved its May 18 minutes, discussed outreach to local service providers about a state homeless response grant, and selected members to review housing development applications.

• Approved May 18, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended staff pursue application for state Homes for All Pilot Project case study
• Agreed to draft outreach language for service providers about homeless response grant
• Selected Jennifer Kravitz as primary, Patrick Danaher as secondary for housing application review

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approval of previous minutes, an update on the Hartford Performing Arts History Project, and the WRJ Railroad Station South Canopy. They will also review the 2023 CLG Grant for the Taft's Flat National Register Nomination and discuss historic district signs.

• Review of May 17th meeting minutes
• Hartford Performing Arts History Project update
• WRJ Railroad Station South Canopy: Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation meeting on June 22nd
• 2023 CLG Grant: Taft's Flat National Register Nomination
• Hartford Historic District Signs

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the May 17 minutes with corrections and heard updates on the Performing Arts History project, missing historic district signs, and the WRJ Railroad Station South Canopy project. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• Approved May 17 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Agreed to move Performing Arts History to top of agenda
• Agreed to ask Junction Arts & Media to record second community meeting

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and the treasurer's report, and to discuss the director's report. New business includes updates on the library's website, volunteer efforts, and operating hours. The meeting is largely procedural with no major policy or budget decisions listed.

• Approval of meeting minutes (action item)
• Approval of treasurer's report (action item)
• Website update discussion
• Volunteer update discussion
• Update on library hours

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet on June 13, 2023, to discuss a joint equity meeting with the School Board and review significant town activities. The board will also consider awarding a contract for the South Main Street Parking Lot and Currier Street reconstruction project and review a proposed fee schedule.

• South Main Street Parking Lot & Currier Street Reconstruction Award
• Fee Schedule review
• Town Hall HVAC system repair update
• Marriage license fee increase to $80 effective July 1
• 500kW solar array proposal on Braley Drive

The Hartford Selectboard held a joint equity meeting with the School Board and later approved a $1,678,741.15 construction contract for the South Main Street Parking Lot TIF Project and Currier Street TIF Project. The board also adopted the fiscal year 2024 Fee Schedule with a cemetery correction, approved the consent agenda, and held an executive session.

• Awarded South Main Street Parking Lot and Currier Street TIF Project construction contract to Nott's Excavating, LLC for $1,678,741.15
• Adopted fiscal year 2024 Fee Schedule with Christian St. Cemetery correction, effective July 1, 2023
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, meeting minutes, and accounts payable manifests
• Entered and closed executive session regarding a public officer or employee

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will review revised meeting materials, including a preferred siting guide for Braley Street, during this special meeting. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

The Hartford Planning Commission reviewed a guidance document for designating preferred solar sites and discussed Norwich Solar's request for a preferred site designation for a 500 kW array on Braley Dr. The commission tabled the discussion until Geoff Martin negotiates screening and stormwater requirements with the property owner. No final decision was made on the designation.

• Tabled discussion of Norwich Solar Braley Dr. array until Geoff Martin negotiates with property owner (3-2)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting to review the results of a community and workforce feedback survey and to discuss the appointment of a public officer or employee in executive session. The committee will also review previous meeting minutes and plan for its next meeting.

• Review of 5/25 meeting minutes
• Review of Community and Workforce Feedback Survey results
• Executive session to discuss appointment of a public officer or employee
• Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, 6/22, 6pm at Town Hall Room 2

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee approved the minutes from a prior meeting and unanimously approved a motion to accept, use, and distribute materials prepared by Dominic Cloud for pursuing applicants, including a Community Profile and Town Manager Job Description. The committee also discussed survey results and a timeline, and scheduled its next meeting for June 22, 2023.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use and distribution of applicant materials including Community Profile and Town Manager Job Description (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss several items, including a draft survey for the Recreation Center, needle drops in parks, and an update to the Park Ordinance. The director's report covers recent activities, including pool preparations, park maintenance, and upcoming events. No new business is listed.

• Recreation Center discussion and draft survey questions
• Needle drops in parks
• Park Ordinance update
• 105 registrations and nearly $17,000 in revenue generated between May 13-25
• 224 park reservations totaling 1,456 hours of usage

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved a motion to have Director Scott Hausler work with the Health Officer to gather information about safe needle disposal units for parks, addressing ongoing drug use and needle findings. The commission also discussed community garden issues, softball field conditions, and began planning a community center survey and tours.

• Approved motion to request Scott Hausler work with Health Officer on needle disposal unit info (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:03 p.m. (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to discuss a potential plastic ban, receive updates from the Planning Commission, and review reports from climate conferences. The group will also check in on the Climate Action Plan, covering topics like GHG emissions, building efficiency, and transportation.

• Plastic ban discussion
• Planning Commission activities update
• Climate migration conference report-out
• VECAN conference report-out
• Climate Action Plan check-in on GHG emissions, fuel switching, and renewable energy

The commission approved the minutes from the May 10, 2023 meeting. Members discussed a proposed 500 kW solar array on Braley Drive and potential geothermal studies using wastewater in White River Junction.

• Approved May 10, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve minutes, review committee policies recently approved by the Selectboard, and discuss an open seat. They will also prepare for a joint School/Selectboard meeting, receive updates on the Town Manager search and a memorial for Ann Raynolds, and check in on working groups for Juneteenth, NAACP formation, and education. The agenda is mostly routine business and updates, with no major decisions or public hearings.

• Review of Hartford Committee, Commission & Board Appointment Policy and Vacancy Notification Policy, approved by Selectboard 5/30/23
• Discussion of open community member seat on HCOREI
• Preparation for joint School/Selectboard meeting on 6/13
• Updates on Town Manager Search Committee and Ann Raynolds memorial (student award, school/Selectboard resolution)
• Working group check-ins: Juneteenth, NAACP formation, education resource library

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee will meet to approve minutes, enter executive session to review loan summaries and potential loans, and discuss potential housing programs and interest rates. The agenda also includes a review of new town policy and appointment procedures for committee members.

• Review of Loan Summary Reports for April 2023
• Update on any potential loans
• Discussion of potential housing programs
• Discussion of interest rates
• New Town Policy & Appointment Procedures

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee met on June 7, 2023, but lacked a quorum, so no formal decisions were made. The committee discussed using loan funds for workforce housing, including potential grants or low-interest loans for accessory dwelling units, and planned a special meeting to continue the discussion. Minutes from the previous meeting were deferred due to the lack of quorum.

• No quorum; minutes of March 8, 2023, not approved
• Entered executive session to review confidential loan report; no actions taken
• Discussed potential housing programs using VCDP RLF funds; no vote taken
• Scheduled a special meeting in six weeks to continue housing discussion

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including a request from Vermont Spirits to join the Pollinator Pathway, updates on the town forest timber harvest, and a climate action plan. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items being updates and reports rather than major decisions.

• Pollinator Pathway request from Vermont Spirits
• Timber harvest update and post-harvest walk with forester/logger
• Climate Action Plan discussion with Tree Board
• Chestnut tree and white oak plantings
• Invasive plants discussion

The Hartford Conservation Commission discussed a pollinator pathway proposal and agreed to discuss it further at the next meeting. They also scheduled a work outing for August 17th to plant pollinator plants, approved purchasing books for schools and libraries, and agreed to develop a plan to control invasive plants in the Town Forest. No formal votes were recorded; decisions were made by consensus.

• Agreed to discuss pollinator pathway at next meeting
• Scheduled work outing for August 17th at 6:00 p.m. to plant pollinator plants
• Agreed to develop plan to control invasive plants in Town Forest
• Agreed to purchase 'Nature's Best Hope' for schools and libraries
• Agreed to purchase two additional kestrel boxes
• Agreed to obtain Conservation Commission t-shirts
• Approved Story Walk request from Quechee Library
• Approved minutes of 5/1/23 by unanimous consent

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee are meeting to discuss goals and strategies for the Town Plan housing chapter update. The agenda includes reviewing community discussion feedback and planning the format for the next community discussion.

• Review of March 27, 2023, meeting minutes
• Discussion of April 13 Community Discussion #2
• Goals and strategies discussion for the housing chapter
• Public outreach update
• Planning for June 12 Community Discussion #3

The Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee reviewed draft goals, strategies, and actions for the Housing Chapter, incorporating feedback from the April 13 community discussion. They agreed more discussion is needed before the next public meeting, which was rescheduled for July. The next committee meeting is set for June 29.

• Approved minutes of March 27 meeting (motion by Colin Butler, seconded by John Heath)
• Agreed to hold next community discussion in July (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to hold next Planning Commission/Steering Committee meeting on June 29 at 6:30 p.m. (no vote recorded)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to discuss and potentially decide on several infrastructure and operational items, including a paving contract award and replacement of a roadside mower. The meeting will also cover updates on water infrastructure, speed studies, and community safety initiatives.

• Award Paving Contract (time: 6:40)
• Highway Roadside Mower Replacement (time: 6:35)
• Hartford Ave and other water infrastructure updates (time: 7:05)
• Hartford Ave Speed Study (time: 7:25)
• Finalize Community Safety Review RFP (time: 8:25)

The Selectboard authorized a paving contract with Blaktop, Inc. and the purchase of a new roadside mower. The board also approved a 5% COLA increase for non-union staff and adopted new vacancy and appointment policies for town boards.

• Approved $146,452.38 purchase of 2023 New Holland FS6-110 mower (unanimous)
• Authorized paving contract with Blaktop, Inc. using $775,000 in reserves and up to $236,000 in short-term financing (unanimous)
• Approved request to State Traffic Safety Committee for speed limit reduction on Hartford Avenue (5-1)
• Authorized letter of interest to Dept. of Children and Families regarding homeless response efforts (unanimous)
• Approved Request for Proposals for Community Safety Assessment to be issued June 5, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved 5% COLA for non-union staff for FY24 (unanimous)
• Adopted Committee, Commission & Board Vacancy Notification and Appointment Policies (5-1)
• Approved payroll, May 16 minutes, and A/P manifests via consent agenda (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review and approve minutes from the previous meeting, hear public comment, and receive reports from the coordinator and sub-committees. The agenda includes status updates on the Wilder One Solar and Braley Solar projects, ongoing grants, and updates from working groups like Energize Upper Valley and Window Dressers.

• Status check on Wilder One Solar and Braley Solar projects
• Ongoing grants update
• Climate migration conference and VCAN conference updates
• Trailblazers presentation by Jillian Scannell
• Sub-committee updates: Energize Upper Valley, Window Dressers, CAST

The Hartford Energy Commission approved a motion to apply for a $4,000 MERP grant to upgrade its website, and approved minutes from two prior meetings. The commission also discussed solar projects, a Trailblazers training program, and other energy initiatives, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved April 27 minutes (4-0)
• Approved May 11 minutes (4-0)
• Approved motion to apply for $4,000 MERP grant for website upgrade (4-0)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee will meet to approve the minutes from the March 27 meeting, discuss a new postcard design, and address any new business. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected.

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee met for 15 minutes and conducted only procedural business: approving prior meeting minutes and discussing a future meeting with a student graphic designer for community outreach. No substantive decisions were made.

• Approved prior meeting minutes
• Discussed scheduling next meeting with student graphic designer

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting to approve minutes, receive an update on survey response rates, and hold an executive session to discuss personnel issues. The agenda includes a response to concerns about multiple survey access, clarifying that the survey is anonymous and not a voting process.

• Approval of May 11, 2023 minutes
• Update on survey response rates
• Executive session to discuss personnel issues

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and discussed survey response rates, noting 26 staff and 115 community responses. They entered executive session to discuss personnel issues regarding the appointment of a public officer or employee, then adjourned. No substantive decisions were made beyond procedural approvals.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel issues (unanimous)
• Left executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford committee is meeting to discuss updates on local food forest and garden projects, including the Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden, Quechee Abenaki Garden, and Wilder School Food Forest. They will also plan a fall pumpkin smashing/composting/seed saving event and hear public comments.

• Clifford Park Food Forest/Abenaki Garden update
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Wilder School Food Forest update
• Fall pumpkin smashing/composting/seed saving event planning
• Hartford Community Coalition Block Party announcement (June 21, 5-8 p.m.)

The meeting was largely procedural and informational. Members accepted the April 26 meeting notes without corrections, heard updates on the Food Forest and Abenaki Garden projects, and discussed several pending items. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded.

• Accepted April 26 meeting notes
• Noted DPW donation of 1,000-gallon tank (delivery pending)
• Discussed $2,500 pump cost, possible two-year budget split
• Reported MOU in development for Abenaki Garden on QLLA property
• Noted two RH openings remain; one application pending Selectboard approval

Planning Commission

This is a procedural meeting agenda with no substantive items listed. The commission will review the agenda and meeting materials, but no specific decisions or discussions are detailed.

The Hartford Planning Commission approved Application #23-01 by Catamount Self Storage, LLC for site development plan approval of a self-storage facility on Route 14 in White River Junction. The approval followed a continued public hearing where the applicant addressed stormwater design and right-of-way infrastructure concerns. The motion passed unanimously.

• Approved Catamount Self Storage site development plan (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for Application #23-01

Planning Commission

The provided agenda contains only procedural documents and meeting materials. No specific discussion items, proposals, or decisions are listed in the text.

The Hartford Planning Commission approved two site development plan applications: one for a fourth dwelling unit at 153 Christian Street and another for improvements to the Quechee Lakes Racket Sports Center. Both approvals were unanimous and included specific conditions, such as adding plantings and approving a planting plan.

• Approved site development plan for fourth dwelling unit at 153 Christian Street (unanimous)
• Approved site development plan for Quechee Lakes Racket Sports Center improvements (unanimous)

Watson Dog Park

This is a leadership meeting of the Upper Valley Dog Park Supporters, covering routine business such as approving the agenda and minutes, reviewing the budget and donations, and planning upcoming events. The group will also discuss open volunteer positions and form committees for maintenance, fundraising, and rules, with new business on grant research and writing.

• Review of current budget and donations from donation box and Spring Fling
• Upcoming Puppy Prom event in June needing member support
• Open positions to be reviewed for nominations at June meeting
• Forming committees for maintenance (bricks, fences, gravel, grass seed, trees) and fundraising (membership drives, grants, banners)
• New business: grant research and writing

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will review updates on local housing efforts, including the Town Plan Housing Chapter and the Homes for Hartford initiative. Members will also discuss future events and identify a liaison for housing development reviews.

• Review of Town Plan Housing Chapter Ad Hoc Steering Committee updates
• Homes for Hartford community meeting scheduled for June 12th
• Report on May 6 Home Creators Expo at Hartford Area Career and Technology Center
• Identify committee member to work with Planning and Development Department on housing applications
• Continue development of 2023 Housing Committee workplan

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness unanimously approved a statement to the town listserv drawing attention to the July 1st expiration of Vermont's emergency housing voucher program, noting 60 households in Hartford and Bradford are affected. The committee also discussed potential actions like advocating for just-cause eviction protections and outreach, but no other formal decisions were made. Minutes from April 20 were approved unanimously with one abstention.

• Approved statement on state housing voucher program expiration (unanimous)
• Approved April 20, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous, Belensz abstaining)
• Tabled housing application reviewer nomination until next meeting

Historic Preservation Commission

The Commission will discuss updates regarding the Hartford Performing Arts History Project and a Section 106 review for the VA Hospital Building Renovation. The agenda also includes a review of the Taft’s Flat National Register Nomination.

• Hartford Performing Arts History Project update with guest Neil Silberman
• Section 106 Review for VA Hospital Building Renovation
• 2023 CLG Grant: Taft’s Flat National Register Nomination
• Review of April 19th meeting minutes
• Discussion of HHPC openings

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission rescheduled the Performing Arts History community meeting from June 14 to September 20 to avoid conflicts. They also approved the April 19 minutes with a correction and discussed updates on the PAH project, a Section 106 review, and a CLG grant application.

• Rescheduled PAH community meeting to Sept. 20
• Approved April 19 minutes with correction (unanimous)
• Agreed to post commission openings periodically
• Noted grant and contract amendments for PAH brochure approved by Acting Town Manager

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve minutes, discuss Juneteenth plans, fill an open community member position, and receive updates on school and town matters. The agenda is largely routine and procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Discussion of Juneteenth
• Open position for community member
• Updates on Joint School/Selectboard meeting May 24
• School Board updates on Equity Coordinator
• Ann Raynolds memoriam: Hartford student award and School/Selectboards Resolution

The committee approved the May 3 meeting minutes with one correction. Members discussed the upcoming joint Juneteenth celebration with Lebanon and noted that Julia Low has been hired as the school district's Equity Coordinator.

• Approved May 3 meeting minutes with addition of time Molly took over as chair
• Tabled Ann Raynolds Memoriam discussion
• Tabled Education Resource Library discussion

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting for routine business: approving minutes and the treasurer's report, hearing a director's report, and then moving into executive session before adjourning. No substantive policy decisions or public discussions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of meeting minutes (action item)
• Approval of treasurer's report (action item)
• Director's report with questions and discussion
• Move to executive session

The West Hartford Library Trustees approved the April minutes and the Treasurer's Report showing $37,876 (78%) of the budget spent with a projected $4,176 balance. The board also approved moving into Executive Session after the director notified them of a request to reduce her work week by 6 hours and 1 day. No public comments were noted.

• Approved April 2023 meeting minutes without correction
• Approved Treasurer's Report showing $37,876 spent (78% of budget)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on application #03-23 by Ke Zhang for conditional use approval to add a fourth dwelling unit to an existing three-unit dwelling at 153 Christian Street, White River Junction. The board will also handle administrative matters including public comment, minutes, and election of officers. The draft decision included in the agenda indicates approval is recommended, subject to conditions.

• Conditional use application #03-23 to add fourth dwelling unit at 153 Christian Street, White River Junction
• Draft decision approves application with conditions including water/wastewater allocation verification
• Administrative matters: elect officers, approve minutes, public comment
• No administrative permits listed

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a conditional use application to add a fourth dwelling unit to an existing multi-unit dwelling at 153 Christian Street in White River Junction. The unit will be created by splitting the largest existing unit, with no exterior changes. The board also approved prior meeting minutes and retained its current officers.

• Approved conditional use for fourth dwelling unit at 153 Christian Street (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 18, 2023 (unanimous)
• Retained existing officers: Chair Steve Lagasse, Vice-Chair Chris Lowe, Clerk Alice Maleski (unanimous)

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister Cities Committee will meet to discuss a new liaison from the Selectboard, update the committee logo, plan next steps for a student trip to Cenon, France, and address committee vacancies. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected.

• Discussion of new liaison from the Selectboard
• Sign Logo update (Joan/Laura)
• Lycée la Morlette student trip to Cenon, France — next steps
• Committee vacancies and new posters

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including a community safety review RFP, an open container/outside consumption ordinance, a parks and recreation ordinance revision, a financial update, a contract award for the Bugbee Senior Center capital assessment, and a policy for board vacancies. The agenda also includes a request to fly the Pride flag and a consent agenda for routine approvals. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Community Safety Review RFP discussion and finalization scheduled for 5/30/23
• Open Container/Outside Consumption ordinance discussion
• Parks & Recreation Ordinance Revision
• Bugbee Senior Center Capital Assessment Contract Award (2 bids received, staff recommend Studio Nexus)
• Wilder Park & Ride Closure discussion

The Hartford Selectboard approved a request to fly the Pride flag on Town Hall from July 22-29, 2023, with a 5-1 vote after public comment. The board also approved amendments to the Parks & Recreation Ordinance and authorized a contract with Studio Nexus for a Bugbee Senior Center capital assessment. Several items, including the Community Safety Review RFP and Wilder Park & Ride closure, were deferred to the May 30 meeting.

• Approved Pride flag request for 7/22/23-7/29/23 (5-1)
• Approved amendments to Hartford Park Ordinance (unanimous)
• Authorized contract with Studio Nexus for Bugbee Senior Center feasibility study (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, minutes, and A/P manifests (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss evaluation and employment of public officer (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board will review minutes and discuss tree removals, grant work, and upcoming plantings. They will hear from Joanne Garton about riparian invasive removal and an ArcGIS tree inventory. The board will also evaluate recent events and plan future activities.

• Removal of two dead elms near Rt 5 and Rt 14
• Riparian invasive removal grant work with VUCF
• Planting of 54 cottonwood stakes in riparian buffer zone
• Restocking nursery with 100 rootstocks and 50 shrubs
• Planning planting of 16+ unsold trees on west side of buffer zone

The Board approved the previous meeting minutes and coordinated upcoming grant-related activities. Members scheduled a tree planting for May 24 and an invasive removal day for July 8.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (All-0)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will review and vote on the preferred siting for Norwich Solar’s Braley Solar project during its May 11 meeting. The commission will also approve draft minutes from the previous meeting and hear public comment. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Municipal Energy Resiliency Program mini grant ($4,000)
• Preferred siting for Norwich Solar’s Braley Solar project—discussion and vote

The Hartford Energy Commission voted to designate the proposed Norwich Technologies Solar Array site as preferred. The motion passed 4-0, with Laura Simon not voting and Esme absent. The commission also discussed the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) mini-grant but made no decision on fund use.

• Designated Norwich Solar site as preferred (4-0, Laura not voting, Esme absent)
• Discussed MERP mini-grant fund use, no decision made

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting to review past minutes, plan employee and community feedback collection, and discuss residency preference for the town manager position. The agenda includes an executive session to discuss the appointment of a public officer or employee.

• Review of 4/27 meeting minutes
• Report on next steps for collecting feedback from Town employees
• Update and confirm launch of Community Feedback Survey
• Discuss residency preference
• Executive session on appointment of public officer or employee

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee approved the community feedback survey to run May 15-28 and directed Cathy Melocik to work with Scott Hausler and Connie Kelley on a separate staff survey. The committee also discussed a proposed timeline to post the town manager opening in June, interview in July, and make an offer by end of summer. No final decision was made on residency preference, and the committee entered executive session to discuss the appointment of a public officer or employee.

• Approved community feedback survey with window May 15-28 (unanimous)
• Directed Cathy to work with Scott and Connie on staff survey (unanimous)
• Empowered Scott to speak with Dillon about posting survey on town website (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss appointment of public officer or employee (unanimous)
• Empowered Gabrielle to request Selectboard move town manager executive session earlier on 5/16 agenda (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to review draft minutes, discuss a potential plastic ban, and check in on the Climate Action Plan, including tracking GHG emissions, fuel switching, renewable energy, building efficiency, transportation, waste, water, health, food systems, and climate economy. The meeting is open to the public with time for comments.

• Discussion of a plastic ban
• Climate Action Plan check-in covering GHG tracking, fuel switching, renewable energy, building efficiency, transportation, land use, waste, water, health, food systems, and climate economy
• Review and approval of draft minutes from previous meeting
• Public comments period

The Hartford Energy Commission approved the amended minutes from its April 19, 2023 meeting. Members discussed reducing plastic waste, with plans to contact Norwich officials and meet with a representative from Reusable Solutions. The commission also reviewed the Climate Action Plan (CAP), deciding to draft a citizen survey and research forest conservation payments, while noting potential conflicts with the Town Charter. The June meeting was rescheduled to June 7 at 5:00 PM.

• Approved amended minutes of April 19, 2023 meeting
• Scheduled June meeting for June 7 at 5:00 PM
• Agreed to draft a pilot survey for citizens on CAP goals
• Agreed to research payments to private owners for not cutting forests

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion is meeting to discuss general updates from the school board and selectboard, review interview criteria and candidate questions for an open position, and check in on working groups including Juneteenth and NAACP formation. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Review interview criteria and candidate questions for open position
• Working group check-ins: Juneteenth, NAACP Formation, Education Resource Library
• Updates on Community Safety Review, training, and Public Info Officer
• Ann Raynolds memorial: Hartford student award and school/select boards resolution
• Committee vacancies, including HCOREI and school board seats

The committee approved the April 19 meeting minutes. Members discussed the process for vetting candidates for committee vacancies and received updates on a joint School and Selectboard meeting and a Community Safety Review.

• Approved April 19 meeting minutes (unanimous voice approval)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to discuss and vote on several key items, including contracts for water main replacement, box culvert work, and a solid waste feasibility study. They will also consider adopting amendments to personnel policies and the local emergency plan.

• Fairview Terrace Water Main Replacement: Award of contract and approval of engineers amendment
• Quechee Main Street Box Culvert: Award of contract and approval of engineers amendment
• Solid Waste Feasibility/Assessment: Award of contract
• Personnel Policy: Adoption of amendment
• Adopt 2023 Local Emergency Plan

The Selectboard approved several infrastructure projects including water main replacements and a box culvert. The board also authorized a $148,910.49 ambulance debt write-off and updated the town's personnel policy regarding official holidays.

• Approved $148,910.49 ambulance debt write-off
• Added Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as official holidays
• Re-allocated $400,000 in ARPA funds to culvert and water main projects
• Awarded $420,000 budget for Fairview Terrace Water Main project to Issacs
• Awarded $1,040,000 budget for Quechee Main Street Box Culvert project to Notts
• Authorized $100,000 budget for Sanborn Head solid waste feasibility study
• Adopted the 2023 Local Emergency Management Plan
• Endorsed the Annual Financial Plan (TA-60)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss a pollinator pathway request from Vermont Spirits, the Climate Action Plan with the Tree Board, and multiple town forest items including a timber harvest update and public outreach. The agenda also includes updates on trail maps, signs, plantings, and upcoming events like Trails Day and Green-Up Day.

• Pollinator Pathway request from Vermont Spirits
• Timber harvest update and public outreach for Town Forest
• Trail map/signs and forest interpretive signs
• Chestnut tree/white oak plantings
• Trails Day June 3rd and Green-Up Day May 6th

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved adding wildflower seed to the conservation mix for reseeding log landings and areas affected by the timber harvest. They also agreed to order a 12x36 inch kiosk sign, purchase additional books, and pursue planting American chestnut and white oak trees in the town forest. The meeting was primarily administrative, with no major policy decisions.

• Approved adding wildflower seed to conservation mix for timber harvest reseeding
• Agreed to order 12x36 inch kiosk sign once quote received
• Agreed to purchase 12 copies of 'Our Better Nature'
• Agreed to review 'Nature's Best Hope' for potential donation to schools
• Agreed to pursue planting American chestnut trees in town forest
• Agreed to plant white oak trees in town forest for climate resilience
• Approved minutes of 4/3/23 as written by unanimous consent

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and discuss several energy-related items. Key actions include a motion to use Climate Action Reserve Fund money for a Bugbee hot water tank, and discussions on meeting timing, a geothermal presentation, student presentations, and a Norwich Solar preferred siting designation. The agenda also includes updates on grant opportunities and sub-committee work.

• Motion to use Climate Action Reserve Fund for Bugbee hot water tank
• Geothermal presentation by James Dumont
• Norwich Solar: Preferred Siting Designation discussion
• Grant opportunities: MERP, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, Library Capitol Improvements, USDA-Bugbee, Charging & Fueling Infrastructure, NEVI
• Sub-committee updates: Energize Upper Valley, Window Dressers, CAST

The commission approved using Climate Advisory reserve funds to replace an oil-fueled water heating system at the Bugbee Center with an air source hybrid system. The board also approved the February and March meeting minutes.

• Approved use of Climate Advisory fund money to replace Bugbee Center oil-fueled system with a new system (unanimous)
• Approved February minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Approved March minutes as presented (unanimous)

Inactive Boards

This is a procedural agenda for the Hartford, VT Town Meeting Steering Committee (TMSC) meeting on April 27, 2023. The only listed items are the agenda itself and a document containing CLS feedback from April 24-26, 2023, with no specific decisions or discussions detailed.

• Review of CLS feedback from April 24-26, 2023

The committee discussed feedback from community listening sessions in Quechee and Wilder. Members agreed to implement a survey for residents and business owners. A motion was passed to hold a specific listening session for town staff.

• Approved motion to hold a listening session for town staff (unanimous)

Watson Dog Park

The Upper Valley Dog Park Supporters will review finances, nominate volunteers for open positions, and discuss maintenance and fundraising plans at this general meeting. Members will also consider new rules and committee structures.

• Review 2023 budget and Dog o’ween donations
• Fill open roles: fundraising, events coordinator, maintenance & operations
• Repair fences and place crushed stone from Lebanon Crushed Stone Co
• Create new committees and propose rule-violation reporting system
• Plan spring clean-up and fundraising events

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is meeting to discuss updates on the Food Forest and Wilder School projects, along with routine items like minutes approval and public comments. The meeting is open to the public in person or remotely.

• Food Forest project update
• Wilder School project update
• Approval of March 22nd meeting minutes
• Public comments period

The committee received progress reports on the Clifford Park Food Forest, the Quechee Abenaki Garden, and the Wilder School project. No formal actions were taken as a quorum was not present to approve previous minutes.

• No action taken on March 22nd minutes due to lack of quorum

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold public hearings on three property tax abatement requests, then deliberate and possibly close. Afterward, the board will reconvene as the Board of Civil Authority to discuss the biennial checklist review process and consider granting the clerk authority to challenge voters and conduct the biennial purge.

• Hearing for Gregory & Christopher Boulbol; Julia Boulbol, Life Estate at 580 Murphys Road, Unit 8C (Parcel ID 12-8124)
• Hearing for Marcia Landon at 40 Currier Street (Parcel ID 45-156)
• Hearing for Kimberly B. Rogers for Estate of Susan G. Rogers at 98 Nutt Lane (Parcel ID 49-13)
• Discussion of proposed revisions to abatement application
• Board of Civil Authority to discuss biennial checklist review and voter purge

The Hartford Board of Abatement denied one abatement request and approved two sewer charge credits. The Board also authorized the Town Clerk to maintain the voter checklist and conduct a batch purge of inactive voters.

• Denied abatement for Gregory & Christopher Boulbol, 580 Murphy's Road (17-0-1)
• Approved $1,500 sewer credit for Marcia Landon, 40 Currier St (16-0-2)
• Approved $245 sewer credit for Estate of Susan G. Rogers, 98 Nutt Lane (17-0-1)
• Authorized Town Clerk to issue challenge letters for voter checklist maintenance (motion carried)
• Authorized batch purge of voters who haven't voted or responded after two general elections (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is discussing the Rec Center. The commission plans to start a list of possible contributors and begin creating survey questions.

• Rec Center discussion
• Creation of contributor list
• Development of survey questions
• Department Goals & Objectives discussion
• Risk Management Plan discussion

The commission unanimously approved the 2023 Department Goals and Objectives and the Risk Management Manual. Members discussed the discovery of syringes in Watson Park and potential survey questions for a future community center.

• Approved 2023 Department Goals and Objectives Town Master Plan Goals Strategies & Actions (unanimous)
• Approved Risk Management Manual (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Housing & Homelessness Committee will review the April 2023 work program notes prepared on April 19, 2023. No decisions or new items are listed on this procedural agenda.

The committee approved the March 23, 2023 minutes by roll call vote (4 in favor, 2 abstentions) after initially tabling them due to lack of quorum. Members agreed on initial work plan tasks, including reaching out to other local housing committees (Task #1), compiling information on housing developments and programs (Task #2), and identifying how the committee fits with other town boards (Task #3). Individual assignments for Task #1 were made to specific members. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0, 2 abstentions)
• Agreed to pursue Task #1: outreach to other local housing committees
• Agreed to pursue Task #2: compile info on housing developments and programs
• Agreed to pursue Task #3: identify fit with other town boards and commissions
• Assigned Task #1 outreach: Ally (Lebanon, NH), Alex (New London, NH), Jen (Thetford), Sandy (Woodstock), John (Bradford)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team will meet to review draft minutes, discuss solar projects in town, and consider formally endorsing the Wilder School Project. The group will also hear updates on climate-related grants and community projects.

• Discussion of solar projects in Hartford
• Motion to formally endorse the Wilder School Project
• Review of climate-related grants
• Updates on community projects (Energize Upper Valley, Lyman Park, Window Dresser’s, Trailblazers, VAL)

The Hartford Energy Commission (CAST) approved a motion to endorse the Wilder School Wildscaping project, an eco-gardening initiative at the school. The commission also discussed solar projects, climate-related grants, and assigned follow-up tasks. The meeting was largely procedural, with the endorsement being the only formal decision.

• Endorsed Wilder School Wildscaping project (motion by Laura, approved)
• Approved minutes from March 15, 2023 meeting
• Set next CAST meeting for May 10, 2023
• Adjourned meeting

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several items, including a Section 106 review of the VA Hospital building renovation, an update on the Hartford Performing Arts History Project, and the 2023 Certified Local Government (CLG) grant for the Taft's Flat National Register nomination. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and discussing commission openings.

• Section 106 Review of VA Hospital Building Renovation
• Hartford Performing Arts History Project Update
• 2023 CLG Grant: Taft's Flat National Register Nomination
• Review of HHPC Meeting Minutes of March 15th
• HHPC Openings

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the proposed renovation of Building #8 at the VA Hospital, including window/door replacement and synthetic slate roofing, and discussed a brochure addition to the Performing Arts History project. No formal decisions were made on these items; the commission approved the March 15 minutes and adjourned.

• Approved March 15, 2023 meeting minutes as written
• Adjourned meeting at 6:22 p.m.

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to continue discussions on policy and procedure, potentially making a recommendation to the Selectboard. They will also consider expanding the committee's scope to cover other social equity areas, and receive updates on school and town initiatives, including a community safety review and a town manager search.

• Continue discussion and potential recommendation to Selectboard on policy
• Discuss expanding HCOREI to cover other social equity areas
• Updates on Community Safety Review and position postings
• Ann Raynolds memoriam: Hartford student award and school/Select Boards resolution
• Working group check-ins on Juneteenth, NAACP formation, and education resource library

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met and approved its April 5 meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed several ongoing items, including a proposed joint school/selectboard meeting, school board updates, and a community safety review, but no substantive decisions were made. Policy discussions were tabled, and new business items were deferred to future agendas.

• Approved April 5 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled discussion on expanding HCOREI to cover other social equity areas
• Tabled working group check-ins (Juneteenth, NAACP, Education, Resource Library, Membership, Policy)
• Tabled community organizing offer and HCOREI open position for future agenda

West Hartford Library Trustees

This meeting has no published agenda. The only available material is the meeting minutes, so there are no specific items to report as decided or discussed.

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees approved $350 in gift cards for seven volunteers and a maximum $400 annual purchase for website development. The treasurer's report was postponed, and several items, including reduced hours and background checks for volunteers, were deferred to the next meeting.

• Approved $350 in gift cards for 7 volunteers
• Approved maximum $400 annual purchase for website development
• Approved minutes from 3/24/2023 without correction

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to decide on a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 and to ratify personnel policy changes, including adding Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as official holidays. The board will also discuss staffing levels, infrastructure projects, and liquor license applications.

• Ratify 5-year contract with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 for Public Works and Parks staff
• Add Juneteenth Freedom Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as official holidays
• Appoint Dylan M. Kreis to Hartford Planning Commission for a three-year term
• Consider new liquor license for Foley Brothers Beer Garden at 5573 West Woodstock Road, Quechee
• Discuss replacement of Water Department F-250 truck (W-6) and Charging & Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program

The Hartford Selectboard approved a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300, covering Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff, and authorized the Acting Town Manager to sign related documents. The board also approved several other actions, including adding Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day as official holidays, waiving bidding for a heat pump replacement, and approving multiple liquor license renewals. A motion to support a Hartford Development Corporation initiative failed for lack of a second.

• Approved IBEW Local 300 collective bargaining agreement (unanimous)
• Approved adding Juneteenth and Indigenous Peoples' Day as official holidays (unanimous)
• Approved $59,680 heat pump contract with Alliance Mechanical, waiving bid requirement (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2023 Chevrolet 3500 for Water Department (unanimous)
• Approved Clifton Strengths Based Training contract for $2,068.23 (6-1)
• Approved PRISM Conflict Solutions workshops for $7,500 (5-2)
• Approved Foley Brothers Beer Garden outside consumption license (5-0-1-1)
• Failed to support Hartford Development Corporation initiative (no second)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on two conditional use applications: a proposed self-storage facility on Route 14 and a conversion of a single-unit dwelling to a two-unit dwelling on South Main Street. The board will also handle administrative matters including electing officers and approving minutes.

• Conditional use for self-storage facility, 11.79-acre lot, Route 14, White River Junction (continued from March 8)
• Conditional use to convert single-unit dwelling to two-unit dwelling at 261 South Main Street
• Elect officers
• Approve minutes from March 8, 2023
• Next public hearing scheduled for May 17, 2023

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two conditional use applications: a self-storage facility on Route 14 and a conversion of a single-unit dwelling to a two-unit dwelling at 261 South Main Street. Both approvals were unanimous. The board also closed public hearings for both applications and approved the minutes from the March 8, 2023 meeting.

• Approved conditional use for Catamount Self Storage facility on Route 14 (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use for Chorro, LLC to convert single-unit dwelling to two-unit at 261 South Main Street (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for Catamount Self Storage application (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for Chorro, LLC application (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 8, 2023 meeting (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board will review past meeting minutes and discuss upcoming activities including an Arbor Day plant sale, knotweed removal, and tree inventory app training. The board will also plan replacements for removed elms and consider adjusting summer events to focus on invasive species management.

• Review status of nursery and plan for May 6th Arbor Day Sale
• Discuss knotweed removal at "Grant" site and cottonwood stake collection from Quechee
• Choose replacement tree species for two elms removed on Hartford Ave.
• Consider canceling summer ID walk to focus on invasive removal
• Joanne Garton to visit May 23rd for Tree Inventory App training

The Hartford Tree Board met and made several planning decisions, including selecting an English oak and hackberry to replace two removed elms on Hartford Avenue, replacing the summer ID walk with an invasive removal volunteer event, and scheduling the Arbor Day sale for May 6. The board also discussed tree maintenance, nursery stock, and a tree inventory app visit. No formal votes were recorded on these items; the meeting was primarily planning and discussion.

• Selected English oak and hackberry to replace two elms on Hartford Avenue
• Replaced summer ID walk with volunteer invasive removal at Town Hall riparian buffer
• Scheduled Arbor Day sale for May 6, 9-11 AM, with setup at 8 AM
• Scheduled tree pick from Northern Nurseries for May 3
• Scheduled sapling removal from Maxfield nursery for May 5
• Planned to contact Redstart Forestry about purchasing replacement rootstock
• Scheduled Joanne Garton visit for May 23 to review Tree Inventory App
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (all in favor)

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee is meeting to discuss updates on a slideshow presentation, a logo update, a student trip to Cenon, committee vacancies, and the Town Report. No minutes from the March meeting were taken due to lack of quorum.

• Slideshow presentation before the Select Board on Jan. 10
• Sign Logo update
• Lycée la Morlette update for a HACTC student trip to Cenon
• Committee vacancies and applications
• Town Report 2023

Planning Commission

The April 17, 2023 Hartford Planning Commission meeting contains only procedural documents and no decisions or discussions.

The Commission approved a site plan to convert a single-unit dwelling to a two-unit dwelling. A self-storage facility application was continued to May 24, 2023, pending further stormwater and infrastructure documentation.

• Approved conversion of 261 South Main Street to a two-unit dwelling with condition for stone or pavers in parking area (Unanimous)
• Continued Catamount Self Storage, LLC application to May 24, 2023, pending stormwater and ROW infrastructure info (Unanimous)
• Retained current officers: John Reid (Chair), Bruce Riddle (Vice Chair), and Toby Dayman (Clerk) (Unanimous)
• Approved March 13, 2023 minutes with one correction (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee are holding the second community discussion on updating the Housing Chapter of the Town Plan. The meeting consists of breakout sessions and group reports to gather resident input, with plans for a future community discussion.

• Community discussion on Town Plan Housing Chapter update
• Breakout sessions for resident input
• Meeting at Bugbee Senior Center, 262 North Main St., White River Junction

The Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee held a community discussion on updating the Town Plan's Housing Chapter, with breakout groups reviewing two housing goals. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and included plans for a third discussion in mid-June.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was a community discussion

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee is meeting for the third time to review prior minutes, hear next steps, and organize citizen listening sessions. The meeting is mostly procedural, with the main substantive item being the planning of public input sessions.

• Review of 3/30 meeting minutes
• Report of next steps in the process
• Discuss and organize citizen listening sessions
• Next meeting scheduled for 4/27 at 6pm Town Hall Rm.2

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee met on April 13, 2023, but lacked a quorum of voting members. Members briefly discussed options for Community Listen Sessions, as previously supported at the March 27 organizational meeting. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after 15 minutes.

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum
• Discussed options for Community Listen Sessions (no action)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to discuss general updates, including a joint school/Selectboard meeting and a community safety review. They will also discuss policy and procedure, including a potential recommendation to the Selectboard, and check in on working groups for Juneteenth, education, and membership. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and welcoming community members.

• Discussion and potential recommendation to Selectboard on policy adopted in October 2021
• Committee Liaison Procedure discussion
• Community Safety Review update
• Town Manager Search Committee update
• Juneteenth working group check-in

The committee approved the March 15 meeting minutes. Members discussed updates on the school equity coordinator search, the town manager search committee, and coordination for Juneteenth events. No formal policy recommendations were decided upon during the meeting.

• Approved March 15 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold its regular meeting on April 4, 2023, covering routine business including public comment, appointments to town committees, and reports from the town manager and departments. The board will also consider liquor license renewals, acceptance of the revised TIF District FY 2022 Annual Report, and a contract award for a Kubota skid steer. An executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel matters.

• Appointments to Committee on Housing and Homelessness (Jennifer Kravitz, Sandra Mariotti) and re-appointment to Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee (Sara Campbell)
• Liquor license renewals for Quechee Pizza Chef, Jiffy Mart #439, Tucker Box, Jake's Quechee Market; new license for Fontinalis LLC
• Acceptance of revised TIF District FY 2022 Annual Report and Certification
• Kubota Skid Steer Award to Vendor (amount not specified)
• Consent agenda: payroll, minutes, accounts payable, and meeting schedule approvals

The Hartford Selectboard approved multiple liquor license renewals and a new license, made appointments to town committees, accepted a revised TIF annual report, and authorized a contract for a generator purchase. The meeting also included public comments and discussion of board conduct.

• Approved 2nd Class Liquor License for Fontinalis LLC (5-0-1, 1 recused)
• Approved 1st Class and Outside Consumption Permit renewals for Quechee Pizza Chef (5-0-1, 1 recused)
• Approved 2nd Class, Tobacco and Tobacco Substitute Endorsement for Jiffy Mart #439 (5-0-1, 1 recused)
• Approved 2nd Class, 3rd Class and Outside Consumption Permit for Yuckorux (4-1-1, 1 recused)
• Approved 2nd Class, Tobacco and Tobacco Substitute Endorsement for Jake's Quechee Market (5-0-1, 1 recused)
• Appointed Jennifer Kravitz to Committee on Housing and Homelessness (unanimous)
• Appointed Sara Campbell to Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (unanimous)
• Accepted revised TIF FY 2022 Annual Report (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and decide on several town forest matters, including a timber harvest update and public outreach, trail forks, and trail maps/signs. They will also hear about the Climate Action Plan, a chestnut tree planting, and upcoming community events like Trails Day and Green-Up Day. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and electing officers.

• Timber harvest update and public outreach for Town Forest
• Trail forks, trail map/signs, and forest interpretive signs
• Chestnut tree planting discussion
• Climate Action Plan update with Tree Board
• Election of HCC officers

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved a $250 donation to the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center for work in the Town Forest, elected officers for the coming year, and scheduled a trail cleanup workday. The commission also discussed timber harvest finances, trail closures, and potential tree plantings, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved $250 donation to HACTC for Town Forest work (6-0)
• Elected officers: Tom Kahl (Chair), Katie Mann (Vice-Chair), Jon Bouton (Treasurer) (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 3/6/23 as written (unanimous)
• Agreed to close trails to mountain biking for April due to wet conditions
• Agreed to schedule a late April workday for trail cleanup
• Agreed to post signs asking people to stay off muddy trails
• Agreed to contact Mid Vermont Christian School and Upper Valley Waldorf School about the book 'Our Better Nature'
• Agreed to pursue planting blight-resistant chestnut and white oak trees in the Town Forest

White River Junction Design Review Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the White River Junction Design Review Committee. The agenda contains only a reference to meeting materials and provides no specific items for decision or discussion.

• No specific agenda items listed

The White River Junction Design Review Committee unanimously approved a public art mural proposed by COVER Home Repair Inc. for 158 South Main Street, and recommended that the Planning Commission approve the project administratively. The mural, designed by professional artist Julio Alejandro Munoz, is intended as a non-commercial public artwork with community involvement in painting. The committee also approved the minutes from the January 26, 2023 meeting.

• Approved mural application for 158 South Main Street and recommended administrative approval by Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 26, 2023 (3-0)

Inactive Boards

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee will discuss the role of the town manager, the search process, and ground rules. The committee will then enter an executive session to discuss the appointment of a public officer or employee.

• Town Manager Search Process discussion including phases and ground rules
• Executive Session for appointment of a public officer or employee

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee met and approved its minutes with minor corrections, adjusted the agenda to include minute approval, and set adjournment to 7:45. The committee discussed the search process, with D. Cloud leading a discussion on the manager's role and phases, and agreed he would draft a recruitment brochure. The committee unanimously passed motions to enter executive session to discuss the appointment of a public officer or employee, citing potential disadvantage if discussed publicly. No substantive decisions on candidates or contracts were made.

• Approved minutes with minor corrections (unanimous)
• Added approval of minutes to agenda and adjusted adjournment time to 7:45 (unanimous)
• Passed motion to enter executive session for appointment discussion (unanimous)
• Passed motion to enter executive session citing substantial disadvantage if public (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 8:00 pm (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford Food Forest Committee is meeting to organize volunteer teams, finalize a cover crop seed order, and discuss a potential summer BBQ at the food forest. The agenda includes routine planning items for the community garden project.

• Team sign-ups for Water, Growing, Outreach, Infrastructure, and Fundraising teams
• Finalize cover crop seed order from WLFS
• Discussion of summer BBQ at the food forest with West Hartford Event Planning Committee
• Schedule first work party with food

The committee defined five specialized teams to manage the Clifford Park Food Forest and agreed to purchase organic seeds and galvanized trash barrels for storage. Members also agreed to participate in a community barbecue on August 8.

• Established Water, Growing, Outreach, Infrastructure, and Fundraising teams
• Agreed to purchase organic seeds if available
• Approved purchase of two galvanized trash barrels for seed storage
• Agreed to participate in a community barbecue at Clifford Park on August 8
• Agreed to develop a work plan for the next phase of the Food Forest before applying for grants

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee will review the March 4 Town & School Meeting Day, including logistics and outreach, and discuss committee structure, including appointing a new chair and recruiting members. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or financial items listed.

• Recap of Town & School Meeting Day on 03/04, including start time 10:00am and AV setup by Degange Audio at 6:00am
• Community outreach planning: road signs, postcards/posters
• Discussion of committee structure: appoint new chair, new member recruitment, file sharing
• Approve minutes from 03/01 meeting

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee held a procedural meeting, electing Adam Ricker and Emily Santaw as co-chairs and discussing recruitment of a new member. The committee also discussed outreach efforts, including a meeting with a student graphic designer and modifying signage for the next election cycle. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Elected Adam Ricker and Emily Santaw as co-chairs
• Discussed recruiting a new committee member
• Discussed next meeting with student graphic designer
• Discussed modifying signage for next election cycle

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee will meet to continue work on the Town Plan Housing Chapter update. They will review minutes from prior meetings, discuss the 2023 Vermont Municipal Planning Grant for the Economic Development Chapter, and plan public outreach, including a community meeting on April 13. The agenda is primarily procedural and planning-focused, with no final decisions or votes on specific projects or contracts listed.

• Review of February 13, 2023 Planning Commission/Town Plan Steering Committee minutes
• Review of February 28, 2023 Housing Community Discussion minutes
• Discussion of 2023 Vermont Municipal Planning Grant for Economic Development Chapter
• Planning for April 13 community meeting format
• Public outreach update

The Planning Commission approved minutes from two previous meetings. Members and staff discussed goals, strategies, and outreach for the Town Plan Housing Chapter update, including an upcoming community meeting on April 13th.

• Approved minutes of 2/13/23 meeting
• Approved minutes of 2/28/23 Housing Community Discussion

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will meet to review a needs assessment and finalize a list of library updates. The board will also discuss the pros and cons of 501(c)3 status and hold a vote on the matter.

• Vote on 501(c)3 status
• Review of Needs Assessment
• Finalization of library updates list
• Approval of Treasurer’s Report

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review and approve the previous meeting's minutes, hear the coordinator's report, and receive two presentations: one from Eric Francis on Vermont Energy and one from the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission on the MERP program. The agenda also includes updates from sub-committees on Energize Upper Valley and Window Dressers, plus public comment. This is a regular working meeting with informational presentations and no votes on ordinances or contracts.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's Report by Dana Clawson
• Vermont Energy Presentation by Eric Francis with Q/A
• Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) Presentation on MERP
• Sub-committee updates: Energize Upper Valley (EUV) and Window Dressers

The Hartford Energy Commission meeting ended without voting on the February minutes because a quorum was not present. The session focused on informational reports regarding a municipal energy resilience grant program, regional grid capacity, and upcoming community events. No new policies or funding decisions were approved.

• February minutes not voted on (no quorum)
• Coordinator report on UNH wastewater/landfill study presented
• Informational presentation on MERP grants for town buildings
• Informational presentation on regional grid and solar capacity
• Upcoming Energize UV event and Window Dressers project updates shared

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness is holding an organizational meeting to approve minutes, adopt its 2023 meeting schedule, and refine its workplan. Members will also choose a representative to a Town Plan Housing Chapter steering committee and debrief a February community meeting.

• Adopt 2023 meeting schedule: third Thursday monthly, 6:00 PM, Town Hall Room 2
• Choose HCHH representative to Town Plan Housing Chapter Ad Hoc Steering Committee
• Debrief 2/28/2023 community meeting
• Refine HCHH workplan for coming months

The committee approved its 2023 meeting schedule and appointed Alex Belensz as the representative to the Town Plan Housing Chapter Ad Hoc Steering Committee. Members discussed the 2/28/2023 community meeting and reviewed previous recommendations regarding homelessness and housing production.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 17, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted 2023 meeting schedule for the 3rd Thursday of every month (unanimous)
• Appointed Alex Belensz as representative to the Town Plan Housing Chapter Ad Hoc Steering Committee (unanimous)

Inactive Boards

This is the organizational meeting of the Hartford Town Manager Search Committee. The committee will elect officers, set a meeting schedule, and discuss its charge and goals for the search process. No decisions on candidates or contracts are on this agenda.

• Nomination and vote for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Discussion of meeting schedule
• Review of committee charge and procedural structure

The Hartford Town Manager Search Committee elected Gabrielle Lucke as chair and Joe Major as vice chair, with a 5-2 vote (two abstentions). The committee also set a meeting schedule, planned community outreach sessions, and assigned homework for members. No final decisions on the search process were made beyond organizational matters.

• Elected Gabrielle Lucke as chair and Joe Major as vice chair (5-2, 2 abstentions)
• Adopted rotating clerk responsibility for meeting minutes
• Scheduled meetings for 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6pm, starting March 30
• Agreed to hold community listening sessions at village libraries and possibly Hartford High School
• Assigned homework to review VLCT and Raftelis proposals

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is holding its regular monthly meeting to discuss updates on several community projects, including a food forest, the Quechee Abenaki Garden, and a Wilder School project. The group will also consider a proposal for a Hartford Home Garden Cart. Public comments will be taken.

• Food Forest Update
• Quechee Abenaki Garden Update
• Wilder School Project
• Hartford Home Garden Cart Proposal

The meeting was largely informational and discussion-based, with no formal votes or binding decisions. Members reported updates on the Clifford Park Food Forest, Quechee Abenaki Garden, and Wilder School food forest projects, and discussed a proposed Home Garden Cart concept for teaching gardening skills. The minutes from February 22nd were approved as written.

• Approved minutes of February 22nd as written
• Discussed Food Forest gutter installation with donated materials and labor from H.P. Roofing
• Discussed Quechee Abenaki Garden agreement with Quechee Lakes Landowners Association
• Discussed Wilder School food forest progress and next steps before School Board
• Introduced Home Garden Cart concept for future discussion

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is meeting to consider liquor license approvals and renewals, appointments to town committees, and several reports including a Town Hall heat pump overview and a greenhouse gas assessment. They will also discuss a grant, vendor selection for a town manager search, and enter executive session to discuss personnel. The agenda includes routine consent items and a significant activity report.

• Consider approval of Northern Stage Company liquor license (outside consumption) at 76 Gates Street
• Renewals for Cumberland Farms #8007, Little Istanbul, The Filling Station, Thyme Restaurant, and Bob's Service Center
• Appoint Jennifer Kravitz to Committee on Housing and Homelessness; reappoint Katie Mann to Conservation Commission
• Town Hall heat pump system failing; exploring backup heat or replacement
• UNH Sustainability Institute to present greenhouse gas assessment

The Hartford Selectboard approved several liquor license renewals and a new outside consumption license, chose the Vermont League of Cities and Towns to conduct the town manager search, and confirmed a training coordinator. A board member left the meeting in protest, and several appointments and reports were tabled or directed.

• Approved outside consumption license for Northern Stage Company (5-1, 1 recused)
• Approved liquor/tobacco renewals for Cumberland Farms, Little Istanbul, The Filling Station, Thyme Restaurant, Bob's Service Center (5-1, 1 recused each)
• Chose Vermont League of Cities and Towns as town manager search vendor (5-1, 1 absent)
• Confirmed K. Souza as Selectboard Training Coordinator (5-1 abstained, 1 absent)
• Ratified change to Town Manager Search Committee charge (5-1, 1 absent)
• Reappointed Katie Mann to Conservation Commission (6-0, 1 absent)
• Tabled appointment of Jennifer Kravitz to Housing and Homelessness Committee
• Approved EMPG 20 Local Emergency Management and EOC Enhancement Grant (6-0, 1 absent)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review minutes, discuss Section 106 matters including the VA Hospital and Tigertown Road Railroad Crossing, and hear updates on the Hartford Performing Arts History Project. The agenda also includes public comments and announcements. This is a regular business meeting with no major decisions listed.

• Review of February 15th meeting minutes
• Section 106 discussion: VA Hospital
• Section 106 discussion: Tigertown Road Railroad Crossing
• Hartford Performing Arts History Project update
• HHPC openings

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a Section 106 review finding that proposed railroad crossing improvements on Tigertown Road in West Hartford will have no adverse effect on the West Hartford Village Historic District. The improvements, requested by the Federal Railroad Administration, include gating the crossing and adding a signal bungalow. The commission also approved its February 15th minutes with a correction and discussed the Hartford Performing Arts History project and commission openings.

• Approved Section 106 review for Tigertown Road railroad crossing improvements, finding no adverse effect on historic district (unanimous)
• Approved February 15th meeting minutes with noted correction
• Directed staff to prepare a letter responding to the Section 106 review request

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve minutes, reorganize after the election, and elect new leadership. They will also receive updates on training, community safety, and working groups, and discuss items sent to the Selectboard and Schoolboard.

• Approve meeting minutes from 2/15
• Post-election reorganization: board representatives, new member applications, leadership election
• Report out from Abundant Sun Training Feb. 28 meeting
• Community Safety Review update
• Working group check-ins: Juneteenth, RHRR, Education, Policy

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion approved its February meeting minutes and re-elected Pat Autilio as Clerk, Sara Campbell as Chair, and John Hall as Vice-Chair, with votes subject to Selectboard and School Board approval. The committee also discussed next steps for sharing DEI training survey results, releasing a community safety review RFP, and creating a student award in memory of Ann Raynolds. No final decisions were made on these latter items; they were deferred to the April 5 meeting.

• Approved February 15 meeting minutes by voice vote (Joe and Russ abstained)
• Re-elected Pat Autilio as Clerk (unanimous voice vote)
• Re-elected Sara Campbell as Chair (voice vote, Sara abstained)
• Re-elected John Hall as Vice-Chair (voice vote, Molly abstained)
• Moved remaining agenda items to April 5 meeting (motion by John, second by Miriam)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review and approve prior minutes, hear public comments, and discuss several climate-related projects. Agenda items include the Wilder School Project, Clifford Park, an Energize Upper Valley update, a UNH Hartford greenhouse gas assessment overview, and community project updates.

• Wilder School Project discussion
• Clifford Park discussion
• Energize Upper Valley update
• UNH Hartford GHG assessment overview
• Community project updates (Lyman Park, Window Dresser's, Trailblazers, Vermont Adult Learning)

The commission approved minutes from the January 18 and February 15 meetings. Members discussed the Wilder School Project timeline and the UNH Carbon Study report. No other formal votes were recorded.

• Approved Jan 18 meeting minutes
• Approved Feb 15 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

This is a procedural meeting agenda with no substantive items listed. The Planning Commission will review the agenda and meeting materials, but no specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are detailed.

• Agenda review
• Meeting materials review

The Commission approved a subdivision application for four lots on Stacey Lane and Birchwood Drive. A site development application for a self-storage facility on Route 14 was continued to April 17, 2023, pending additional information.

• Approved subdivision of lot 45-0180-000 into 4 lots (4-2)
• Approved February 6, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Continued Catamount Self Storage site plan hearing to April 17, 2023 (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special organizational meeting to reorganize board positions, including electing a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, and to review liaison assignments to various town boards and committees. The agenda is primarily procedural, with no substantive policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Reorganization of board positions: Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Review of liaison assignments to boards and committees
• Liaison assignments include Advance Transit Board, Energy Commission, Planning Commission, and School Board

The Hartford Selectboard held a special organizational meeting to elect officers and assign liaisons. Mike Hoyt was elected Chair, Dan Fraser was elected Vice Chair, and Kim Souza was elected Clerk. A motion to appoint Lannie Collins as Vice Chair failed after a tie vote and a subsequent 3-4 vote.

• Appointed Mike Hoyt as Chair (5-1, 1 abstention)
• Motion to appoint Lannie Collins as Vice Chair failed (3-4)
• Appointed Dan Fraser as Vice Chair (4-2, 1 abstention)
• Appointed Kim Souza as Clerk (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved liaison assignments for board members
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 PM

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund and Hartford 2020 VCDP Revolving Loan Fund Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, enter executive session to review the February 2023 loan summary report and potential loans, then vote on any required actions. The committee will also nominate and elect a Chair and Vice-Chair, discuss finding new members, and hold a discussion on potential housing programs.

• Approval of December 7th, 2022 meeting minutes
• Executive session to review February 2023 loan summary report and potential loans
• Nomination and election of Committee Chair and Vice-Chair
• Discussion of potential housing programs
• Discussion on finding new committee members

The Committee elected Jay Zanleoni as Chair and re-elected Crystal Pearson as Vice-Chair. Members discussed the possibility of using Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) resources to support a housing program for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), agreeing the idea warrants further discussion.

• Approved minutes from December 7, 2022 (unanimous)
• Elected Jay Zanleoni as Chair (unanimous)
• Re-elected Crystal Pearson as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Ryan Scelza stepped down from the Committee

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Trustees are holding a special meeting to introduce grant opportunities, detail organizational goals, and tour the facility to identify needs. The meeting is primarily a planning and discussion session, with next steps to be determined before adjournment.

• Introduction of grants by Sandie
• Discussion of organizational goals
• Tour of facility to identify needs
• Planning of next steps

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a conditional use application for a self-storage facility on Route 14 in White River Junction. The board will also review minutes, administrative permits, and set the next hearing date. The draft decision for the application is included in the agenda.

• Conditional use hearing for Catamount Self Storage, LLC, 38,250 sq ft facility on 11.79 acres, Route 14, White River Junction
• Draft decision approves application with conditions including photometric plan, VTrans access permit, and fire marshal approval
• Administrative permits for residential unit at 35 Railroad Row and retail/landscaper/storage/manufacturing at 50 Woodstock Road
• Next public hearing scheduled for April 12, 2023

The Zoning Board of Adjustment continued the conditional use application by Catamount Self Storage, LLC for a self-storage facility on Route 14, White River Junction, to April 18, 2023. The board required the applicant to submit a photometric plan with spec sheets, building elevations including height, and a revised landscaping/fencing plan by April 3. The board also approved the minutes of December 14, 2022, and noted administrative permits for projects on Railroad Row and Woodstock Road.

• Continued Catamount Self Storage conditional use application to April 18, 2023 (unanimous)
• Required applicant to submit photometric plan, building elevations, and revised landscaping/fencing plan by April 3
• Approved minutes of December 14, 2022 (unanimous)
• Noted administrative permits for 35 Railroad Row and 50 Woodstock Road

Town Meeting Cycle

This meeting has no agenda available; only minutes are referenced for review. The agenda is purely procedural with no substantive items to report.

At the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, voters adopted motions to collect town and school taxes in two installments and set officer compensation for FY2024, including a $16,000 annual treasurer salary. An amendment to increase certain officer pay by $25 failed. The meeting also included community service presentations and discussion of the paving budget.

• Adopted motion to collect town and school taxes in two installments (Aug 18, 2023 and Feb 9, 2024)
• Adopted officer compensation package: Moderator $100/meeting, BCA $50/4hr shift, Treasurer $16,000/yr, Selectboard $75/meeting plus chair/vice-chair stipends
• Defeated amendment to increase Moderator, Civil Authority, and BCA pay by $25

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will appoint members to a 9-person Town Manager Search Committee and select a vendor to conduct the search. The board will also consider liquor license applications and renewals for several local establishments. The meeting includes public comment, consent agenda items, and an executive session to discuss personnel.

• Appoint 9-member Town Manager Search Committee (1 Selectboard, 1 staff, 7 citizens)
• Select vendor to conduct Town Manager search
• Consider new liquor license for Northern Stage Company, 76 Gates Street, White River Junction
• Renew liquor licenses for Simon Pearce (multiple locations), Revolution, Wolf Tree Hospitality, Evans Expressmart, Midway Oil
• Approve payroll, meeting minutes, and A/P manifests

The Hartford Selectboard approved eight liquor license applications and established the membership of the Town Manager Search Committee. The board amended the committee's charge to include 10 non-voting members, consisting of one selectboard member, two town employees, and seven citizens. Additionally, the board approved the consent agenda and held an executive session regarding personnel.

• Approved 1st Class liquor license for Northern Stage Company (5-0-1-1)
• Approved seven liquor license renewals for local businesses (5-0-1-1)
• Amended Town Manager Search Committee charge (7-0)
• Appointed Kim Souza to Town Manager Search Committee (6-0-1)
• Appointed Scott Hausler and Connie Kelley to Search Committee (7-0)
• Appointed seven citizens to Search Committee (7-0)
• Tabled selection of vendor for Town Manager search
• Approved consent agenda including payroll and minutes (7-0)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss several conservation-related items, including the Wilder School project, a climate action plan, and updates on the town forest timber harvest. They will also consider public outreach for the harvest, trail maps and signs, and a proposal for an invasive plant management day.

• Wilder School Project discussion with guest Carolyn Hooper
• Town Forest timber harvest update and public outreach
• Trail forks, trail map/signs, and forest interpretive signs
• AVCC Invasive Plant Management Day proposal
• AVCC 2023 Tiny Grant discussion

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved the purchase of ten copies of the book "Our Better Nature" for local schools and libraries. Members also discussed plans for a food forest at the Wilder School, updated sign designs for the Town Forest, and decided to discontinue their current private landowner outreach letter campaign.

• Approved purchase of 10 books for schools and libraries (5-0)
• Approved vinyl material for new Town Forest kiosk sign
• Discontinued private landowner conservation outreach letter campaign
• Appointed Katie Mann as liaison for Wilder School food forest project
• Adjourned meeting (8:38 p.m.)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee is meeting to finalize logistics for the upcoming Town & School Meeting Day on March 4, including setup, audio-visual support, and presenter schedules. They will also review outreach efforts such as road signs and postcards, and recap the recent Budget and Candidates Night. The agenda is largely procedural, focused on event coordination.

• Recap of Budget and Candidates Night, including start time 7:00pm and AV setup by Degange Audio at 4:00pm
• Planning for Town & School Meeting Day on 03/04, with doors opening at 9:00am and start at 10:00am
• Coordination of presenters: Selectboard, School Board, and Candidates
• Outreach items: road signs, postcards/posters, and social service agency outreach
• Logistics: nametags, waters, masks, hand sanitizer, and coffee/committee tables

The committee determined that information nights are necessary to discuss potential town and school bonds and proposed Town Charter changes. Members agreed that January 8 was too early for the event and proposed January 17, 18, or 22 as alternatives.

• Approved 12/4 Meeting Minutes
• Determined info nights are required for town bonds, school bonds, and Town Charter changes
• Rejected January 8 as the date for the info night

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve minutes, receive updates on the Abundant Sun training and Community Safety Review, and debrief the quarterly update, including next steps for the school board charge. Working groups will report on Juneteenth, RHRR, education (including Equity Coordinator updates), and policy. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Approve meeting minutes from February 15
• Report out from Abundant Sun Training (Feb. 28 meeting)
• Community Safety Review update
• Coffee with Committees event on March 4, 9-10am
• Next steps for Charge - Schoolboard

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee are holding a remote community discussion to update the Town Plan's Housing Chapter. The meeting includes a data presentation, an internal exercise, and breakout sessions on housing availability, type, and affordability, followed by group reports and planning for the next meeting.

• Community discussion on updating the Town Plan Housing Chapter
• Breakout sessions on housing availability, type, and affordability
• Remote-only meeting via Zoom

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee held a remote community discussion on February 28, 2023, to gather input for updating the Town Plan's Housing Chapter. The meeting included a data presentation, an internal exercise, and breakout groups on housing availability, type, and affordability. No formal decisions were made; the next community discussion is scheduled for April to cover goals and strategies.

• Held first community discussion on Town Plan Housing Chapter update
• Conducted breakout groups on housing availability, type, and affordability
• Scheduled second community discussion for April on goals and strategies

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford committee is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes, public comments, and announcements. The main agenda items are a review of the February 10th Food Forest Committee meeting and an update on the Wilder School project. The meeting is hybrid, with in-person attendance at Hartford Town Hall and remote access via Microsoft Teams.

• Review of February 10th Food Forest Committee meeting
• Wilder School project update
• Minutes of January 25th meeting
• Public comments period
• Next meeting scheduled for March 22nd

The committee reviewed the Food Forest Committee's achievements and its plan to form five specialized project teams for 2023. Members agreed to move the meeting start time to 5:00 p.m. pending confirmation from two individuals. No formal votes were taken on the January minutes due to a lack of quorum.

• Agreed to change meeting time to 5:00 p.m. (pending confirmation from Carolyn and Earl)
• Delayed action on January 25th minutes due to lack of quorum

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford, VT Sister Cities Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including a slideshow presentation given to the Select Board, an update on the Sign Logo, and a potential French student trip to Cenon. They will also plan for the upcoming Coffee with the Committees event and address committee vacancies. The January meeting minutes were not taken due to a lack of quorum.

• Slideshow presentation before the Select Board on Jan. 10
• Sign Logo update
• Lycée la Morlette update for a HHS French student trip to Cenon
• Coffee with the Committees on March 4 at 9:00 a.m. in HHS gym
• Committee vacancies and applications

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Selectboard will meet to consider several liquor license renewals and the reappointment of a member to the Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund. The board will also discuss the FYE 2023 financial audit engagement and updates regarding the Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion.

• Renewal of seven local liquor licenses
• Reappointment of Frank Klymn to the Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund for a 3-year term
• Authorization of $42,000 for the FYE 2023 financial audit with Mudgett, Jennett & Krogh-Wisner
• Discussion of the second charge for the Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion
• Review of Wilder Village speed limit information

The Hartford Selectboard voted to direct the Town Manager to pursue a state reduction of the speed limit on Hartford Avenue north of Bugbee Street to 25 MPH, as identified by the police department. The board also approved several liquor license renewals, reappointed Frank Klymn to the Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund, authorized signing the FYE 2023 audit engagement letter, and approved the HCOREI charge. All votes were recorded with tallies.

• Approved liquor license renewals for Elixir, Blood's Catering, Phnom Penh Sandwich Station, Quechee General Store, Scavenger Gallery, and Summit Stores (5-0-1 recused-1 abstained)
• Reappointed Frank Klymn to Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair and Finance Director to sign FYE 2023 audit engagement letter with Mudgett, Jennett & Krogh-Wisner (unanimous)
• Approved HCOREI charge as presented (5-2)
• Directed Town Manager to pursue state speed limit reduction on Hartford Avenue north of Bugbee Street to 25 MPH (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and 2/7/2023 minutes (6-0-1 abstained)
• Entered executive session to discuss appointment/employment/evaluation of public officer or employee (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness held its organizational meeting to introduce members, approve the 2023 meeting schedule, and nominate and vote on leadership roles including Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The committee also discussed its charge, procedural structure, goals, and work program.

• Nomination and vote for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Approval of 2023 meeting schedule
• Discussion of committee charge, goals, and work program

The newly formed Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness held its organizational meeting, electing John Haffner as Chair, Patrick Danaher as Vice-Chair, and Alex Belensz as Secretary, all unanimously. The committee agreed to meet monthly on Thursdays at 6:00 PM and discussed its charge, goals, and work program, including reviewing housing metrics, the Town Plan Housing Chapter update, and regional reports. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on structure and planning.

• Elected John Haffner as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Patrick Danaher as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Alex Belensz as Secretary (unanimous)
• Agreed to meet monthly on Thursdays at 6:00 PM
• Agreed to review Climate Action Plan, 2020 Ad Hoc Committee report, and other resources by March meeting

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet to review and approve draft minutes from its previous meeting. The agenda includes routine procedural items such as a coordinator’s report, updates from sub-committees, and public comment. No substantive decisions or new proposals are listed.

The Hartford Energy Commission approved donating up to $500 for printing materials for the Energize Upper Valley event. The commission also discussed upcoming events, including a library energy audit and a facilities tour, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved up to $500 for printing Energize Upper Valley materials (unanimous)
• Approved minutes as amended (unanimous)

Town and School Meeting Committee

This agenda contains only one item: review of the draft minutes from the February 15, 2023 meeting of the Hartford Town & School Meeting Committee. No decisions or discussions are listed beyond approving or amending these minutes. The meeting appears to be procedural in nature.

• Review of draft minutes for February 15, 2023

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review its 2023 Certified Local Government (CLG) grant application, discuss the Hartford Performing Arts History Project, and consider the Railroad Station Canopy. The agenda also includes public comments and approval of previous meeting minutes.

• 2023 CLG Grant Application review
• Hartford Performing Arts History Project community meeting on March 15th
• Railroad Station Canopy discussion
• Review of November 9th minutes and January 18th notes

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the November 9th meeting minutes with corrections and accepted the January 18th notes as written. The commission learned that the CLG grant application for Taft's Flat historic district nominations to the National Register was approved. Consultant Neil Silberman provided an update on the Hartford Performing Arts History Project, and the commission decided not to participate in the March 4th Coffee with Committees event.

• Approved November 9th meeting minutes with corrections
• Accepted January 18th meeting notes as written
• Decided not to participate in Coffee with Committees on March 4th

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to discuss the 2023 town budget, updates on local solar projects, and plans for town facility visits. They will also review Energize Hartford's efforts to inform the public about Inflation Reduction Act incentives and hear community project updates. The agenda includes approving previous meeting minutes.

• Hartford 2023 budget update
• Hartford area solar projects update
• Town facility visits
• Energize Hartford update on Inflation Reduction Act incentives
• Community project updates (Lyman Park, Window Dresser's, Trailblazers, Vermont Adult Learning)

The February 15, 2023 CAST meeting in Hartford, VT, was informational because no quorum was present, so no votes were taken. The minutes for January 18 were not approved, and solar projects were tabled due to the lack of quorum. Staff and members discussed budget items for electric lawn mowers and a fire truck idle mitigation system, but these were reported as authorized money rather than voted on during this meeting.

• No votes taken due to lack of quorum
• January 18 minutes approval: No vote taken
• Solar projects: Tabled due to lack of quorum
• Budget: Money authorized for electric lawn mowers and fire truck idle mitigation system (reported, not voted)
• Energy Fair: Laura Simon requested vendor ideas for solar shades and awnings
• Energize Hartford: Working to publicize event and target low-income residents
• Lyman Park project: Secured grant and moving forward
• Community garden project: John Reid requested addition to March agenda

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve minutes, a treasurer’s report, and vote on several policy updates including materials selection, mission/vision statements, volunteer policies, and meeting room use. They will also discuss advocacy efforts such as becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit and capital improvements.

• Vote to adopt Selecting and Purchasing Materials for the Library policy
• Vote to adopt Mission and Vision Statement
• Vote to adopt or rework Volunteer Policy
• Vote to adopt or rework After-Hours Building/Meeting Room Use Policy
• Discussion on becoming a 501(c)3 nonprofit

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is holding its regular biweekly meeting. The agenda includes general updates on the town manager search, community safety review, and police chief welcome, plus drafting of a quarterly update and check-ins from working groups on Juneteenth, RHRR, education, and policy. No votes or decisions are listed; the meeting is primarily for discussion and updates.

• General updates: Town Manager Search, Abundant Sun Training, Community Safety Review, Coffee with Committees, Police Chief Welcome
• Quarterly Update Drafting
• Working group check-ins: Juneteenth, RHRR, Education, Policy
• New Business

The committee reviewed updates on the Town Manager search, the Abundant Sun Training Report, and the Community Safety Review RFP. Members discussed planning for Juneteenth and the upcoming Selectboard update on February 21.

• Approved February 2 meeting minutes (unanimous voice)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee are meeting to continue work on the Town Plan Housing Chapter update. They will review minutes, discuss the project schedule, partnering with Junction Arts & Media (JAM), project identity, and plan a community meeting scheduled for February 28.

• Minutes of November 21, 2022 meeting
• Project schedule for housing chapter update
• Partnership with Junction Arts & Media (JAM)
• Community meeting on February 28
• Project logo/identity

The Hartford Planning Commission and Town Plan Steering Committee met on February 13, 2023, to discuss the Town Plan Housing Chapter update. They approved the minutes from the November 21, 2022 meeting. The committee also discussed plans for public input, including a multimedia booth, a remote first community meeting, and a logo with the tagline 'Homes in Hartford.' No formal decisions were made on housing policy.

• Approved minutes of November 21, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Agreed on 'Homes in Hartford' as tagline for housing chapter logo
• Decided first community meeting on Feb. 28 will be remote; remaining three in-person

Resilient Hartford

The Food Forest Committee will hold a hybrid meeting to review last year’s plantings and fundraising, and to plan 2023 projects including a water collection system and soil improvements at Clifford Park Food Forest & Abenaki Garden.

• 2022 Year in Review
• Budget/Fundraising discussion
• Planning for 2023 plantings and water collection system
• Soil building and flood regulation review
• Organizer assignment for 2023

The Resilient Hartford Clifford Park Food Forest meeting reviewed 2022 activities, discussed the budget, and planned for 2023. The group agreed to slow planting to focus on soil health, form five teams (Water, Growing, Outreach, Infrastructure, Fundraising), and continue exploring a paid coordinator. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus.

• Consensus to slow planting and focus on soil health
• Formed five teams: Water, Growing, Outreach, Infrastructure, Fundraising
• Agreed to hold another food forest meeting within a month
• Discussed but tabled hiring a paid coordinator

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will discuss several items including the TIF annual report, loader replacement, and Town Hall parking lot lights, plus confirm the annual town meeting warning. They will also consider re-appointments to the Sister City Committee and Planning Commission, and enter executive session to discuss personnel.

• TIF District FY2022 annual report: taxable value increased $26.2M (municipal) and $29.7M (state education) since 2011
• Loader replacement discussion
• Town Hall parking lot lights Phase 1
• 2022 Local Emergency Operations Center Enhancement Grant
• Re-appointments: Allison Litten (Sister City Committee) and Robin Adair Logan (Planning Commission)

The Hartford Selectboard approved several items: the FY2022 TIF Annual Report, a $162,500 loader purchase, a $40,090 contract for parking lot lighting, the Town Manager search committee charge, and confirmation of a typo in the Annual Town Meeting warning. They also re-appointed Allison Litten to the Sister City Committee and declined to re-appoint Robin Adair Logan to the Planning Commission. A grant item and the Logan re-appointment were tabled earlier, with the latter decided after executive session.

• Approved FY2022 TIF Annual Report (unanimous)
• Authorized $162,500 loader purchase from ALTA Equipment (unanimous)
• Approved $40,090 contract with MG Electric for parking lot lights (unanimous)
• Approved Town Manager search committee charge (unanimous)
• Confirmed 'seven' in Annual Town Meeting Warning as typo (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Allison Litten to Sister City Committee (unanimous)
• Declined to re-appoint Robin Adair Logan to Planning Commission (6-0)
• Tabled 2022 Local Emergency Operations Center Enhancement Grant

Planning Commission

This agenda contains only procedural items: approval of the agenda and review of meeting materials. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

The Planning Commission failed to reach a decision on a proposed 4-lot subdivision at Stacey Lane and Birchwood Drive after a 3-3 tie vote. The commission voted to reopen and continue the public hearing to a later date.

• Approved minutes of December 19, 2022 (unanimous)
• Subdivision of lot 45-0212-000 into 4 lots: tie vote 3-3 (no decision)
• Motion to reopen Public Hearing approved (5-1)
• Motion to continue hearing to March 13, 2023 approved (5-1)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss several conservation-related items, including the Wilder School project, a climate action plan, and updates on the town forest. The most substantive items are the timber harvest update and public outreach for the town forest, which will take up a significant portion of the meeting. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and public comments.

• Discussion of Wilder School project with guest Carolyn Hooper
• Climate Action Plan coordination with Tree Board
• Timber harvest update and public outreach for Town Forest
• Trail forks, trail map/signs, and forest interpretive signs
• Private landowner conservation outreach

The Commission decided to keep Town Forest trails closed and updated on Trailforks until spring clean-up is complete. Members agreed to rename the Town Forest kiosk sign to 'Hartford Town Forest' and develop a public education program for Lyman Point Park.

• Approved minutes of 1/9/23 by unanimous consent
• Agreed to keep Town Forest trails closed and post status on Trailforks
• Agreed to change Town Forest kiosk sign to 'Hartford Town Forest'
• Agreed to develop public education program for Lyman Point Park riparian buffer
• Consensus to award the HCC Conservation Award as determined by the HCC
• Consensus to consider a mountain bike class in the Town Forest

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss park ordinance suggested changes, review the administrative manual, and discuss the Rec Center. No new business is listed, and the agenda is largely procedural with these discussion items.

• Park ordinance suggested changes
• Administrative Manual Review
• Rec Center Discussion

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved the Administrative Manual as presented with suggested edits, including typographical corrections and heading reorganizations. The commission also discussed a potential community survey about a community center but made no decision. The ice fishing derby was rescheduled from February 4 to February 18 due to cold weather.

• Approved Administrative Manual with edits (unanimous)
• Postponed ice fishing derby to February 18 (reported by director)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee is meeting to plan two upcoming public events: the Budget and Candidates Night on February 27 and Town Meeting Day on March 4. The agenda includes logistics such as setup, audio-visual support, presenter schedules, and outreach materials. The committee will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and finalize the agenda for the candidates night.

• Approve minutes from January 11 meeting
• Plan Budget and Candidates Night on 02/27 at 7:00pm
• Plan Town and School Meeting Day on 03/04 at 10:00am
• Coordinate AV setup with Degange Audio
• Distribute outreach materials: road signs, postcards, posters

The committee discussed community outreach, including a postcard redesign and event promotion, and reviewed agendas for upcoming Budget & Candidate Night and Town & School Meeting Day. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Approved 1/1/23 meeting minutes
• Discussed postcard redesign (HACTC student project)
• Discussed posting signs and online event forums
• Reviewed agenda for Budget & Candidate Night (2/27)
• Discussed revising Q&A guidelines for candidates
• Reviewed agenda for Town & School Meeting Day (3/4)
• Discussed RSVP for coffee and committees

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve its meeting minutes, receive updates on budget, training, the police chief search, and community safety, and vote on a motion to renew its charge for submission to the Selectboard and School Board. Working group check-ins on Juneteenth, RHRR, education, and policy are also scheduled.

• Motion to approve charge renewal and submit to both boards
• Budget updates
• Training updates
• Police chief search update
• Community safety review update

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion approved January 18 meeting minutes and voted unanimously to approve amendments to its charge for submission to the Select Board and School Board. The committee also discussed town budget updates, upcoming trainings, the hiring of a new police chief, and plans for a Juneteenth event.

• Approved January 18 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved amendments to committee charge and submission to Select Board and School Board (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment (unanimous)

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority is holding an organizational and orientation meeting to verify oaths of office, elect officers, and review roles and responsibilities. The agenda covers meetings and open meeting law, elections, abatement hearings, biennial checklist review, and property tax appeal processes. Optional responsibilities such as marriages, notary services, and administering oaths are also discussed.

• Verify Oaths of Office Received
• Elect Officers
• Review of Abatement Hearing Process & Dates
• Review of Property Tax Appeal Process & Timeline
• Discussion of Optional Responsibilities: Marriages, Notary Services, Administering Oaths

The Board of Civil Authority (BCA) held an organizational meeting, electing Nancy Howe as Chair and Nancy Russell as Vice Chair by unanimous votes. The board reviewed duties including election work, property tax appeals, and the biennial checklist review. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting focused on orientation and procedures.

• Elected Nancy Howe as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Nancy Russell as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Reviewed JP duties and BCA procedures
• Discussed upcoming election logistics and shifts
• Reviewed Board of Abatement hearing procedures
• Reviewed Biennial Checklist Review process
• Reviewed Property Valuation Tax Appeal process
• Discussed optional JP roles (marriages, notary, oaths)

White River Junction Design Review Committee

The provided agenda contains only meeting materials and document links. No specific projects, proposals, or decisions are listed for discussion.

The White River Junction Design Review Committee unanimously approved an application by COVER Home Repair Inc. for exterior changes at 158 South Main Street, recommending that the Planning Commission approve the project administratively without a public hearing. The Committee also approved the minutes from the January 12, 2023 meeting.

• Approved COVER Home Repair exterior changes at 158 South Main St. with discussed modifications and recommended administrative approval (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 12, 2023 (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet to review and approve draft minutes from the previous meeting, hear a coordinator’s report, and receive presentations on renewable energy initiatives including a talk by Renewable Energy Vermont. Working group updates on education, solar policy, and regional energy programs will also be discussed.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Renewable Energy Vermont presentation and Q&A (Jonathan Dowd; Peter Sterling)
• Energy Development and Policy sub-committee updates on GMP RFP and Wilder One project
• Energy Development and Policy sub-committee updates on Energize Upper Valley program

The Hartford Energy Commission met and approved the January 26, 2023 special meeting minutes. The commission discussed the finalized budget, including requests for a hybrid police SUV, electric mowers, and a $15,000 idle system for emergency vehicles. They also heard presentations on bitcoin and renewable energy, and planned the Energize Upper Valley event for April 1, 2023. The next meeting was scheduled for February 16, 2023.

• Approved special meeting minutes as presented
• Scheduled next meeting for February 16, 2023
• Planned Energize Upper Valley event for April 1, 2023 at LISTEN Center
• Discussed budget items including hybrid SUV, electric mowers, and $15k idle system
• Heard presentation from Jonathan Dowd on proposed Renewable Energy Standard
• Heard public comment from Remington Nevin on bitcoin and nuclear energy

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford, a town committee, is meeting to review 2022 activities and plan 2023 for the Clifford Park Food Forest and Abenaki Garden, including budget, fundraising, and flood regulations. The agenda also includes brief updates on the Quechee Abenaki Garden and the Wilder School Project, plus routine items like minutes and meeting time discussion.

• Clifford Park Food Forest & Abenaki Garden: 45-min review of 2022, planning for 2023, food forest organizer, budget/fundraising, flood regulations
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Wilder School Project update
• Discussion of RH meeting time
• Approval of minutes from Oct 26 and Nov 30 meetings

The Resilient Hartford committee approved the draft minutes from October 26 and November 30, 2022, by unanimous consent. The committee also agreed to change its regular meeting time to Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. starting on February 22, 2023. Additionally, members discussed food forest planning, budgets, flood regulations, and upcoming community projects.

• Accepted draft minutes of October 26, 2022 and November 30, 2022 by unanimous consent
• Changed regular meeting time to Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning February 22, 2023

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The provided agenda contains only the meeting schedule and meeting materials. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.

• Budget approval memo included in meeting materials

The Selectboard approved the FY2024 general fund budget and five separate fund budgets for waste and water services. The board also certified highway mileage and approved warnings for upcoming town and school district meetings.

• Approved FY2024 general fund budget of $19,244,122.70 (5-2)
• Approved FY2024 solid waste fund budget of $1,161,064.54 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2024 White River Water Fund budget of $1,318,454.88 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2024 Quechee Water Fund budget of $588,195.70 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2024 White River Wastewater Fund budget of $2,084,238.24 (unanimous)
• Approved FY2024 Quechee Wastewater Fund budget of $1,410,081.79 (unanimous)
• Approved $43,000 contract amendment for Quechee Box Culvert Project (unanimous)
• Authorized submission for Communities Caring for Canopy Grant up to $3,170 (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

This is a procedural agenda for the Hartford Selectboard & LLC meeting on January 19, 2023. The agenda lists only two items: the agenda itself and meeting materials, with no substantive discussion items or attachments provided. The only referenced document is a list of ARPA-approved projects, but no details are included.

• Agenda adoption
• Meeting materials review
• Reference to ARPA approved projects document

The Selectboard held a final budget discussion for ARPA, CIP, and Fund 10, making hand-vote decisions on what to include, modify, or not fund. A motion to strike the Community Safety Review from the 2024 budget failed for lack of a second. The warning review and contract awards were postponed to the next meeting.

• Final budget discussion held; changes to be updated by Gail Ostrout
• Motion to strike Community Safety Review from 2024 budget failed (no second)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team (CAST) is meeting to review minutes, discuss bylaws, check in on climate action projects, and discuss promoting equity in climate mitigation and adaptation. The meeting is open to the public.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Discussion of bylaws updates
• Check-in on Energize Hartford project
• Vermont Adult Learning: 2-week training in April
• Discussion on promoting equity in climate change response

The Hartford Energy Commission (CAST) approved a motion supporting solar projects submitted to GMP's 2022 Distributed VT Solar RFP that benefit low-to-moderate income customers, and encouraging Hartford developers to align with the Justice40 initiative and the Climate Action Plan. The commission also approved the December 21, 2022 minutes as submitted, and postponed final approval of draft bylaws until CAST's status with the Town is clarified. Other items discussed included the April 1 Energize Upper Valley event, a Vermont Adult Learning program, a Wilder School project, and income equity efforts.

• Approved motion supporting GMP solar projects for low-income customers
• Approved December 21, 2022 minutes as submitted
• Postponed final approval of draft bylaws pending Town status clarification

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several items, including a guest presentation on the Hartford Performing Arts History Project, the 2023 Certified Local Government (CLG) grant application, and the removal of the railroad station canopy. The commission will also review minutes from the previous meeting and make announcements.

• Review of HHPC meeting minutes from November 9, 2022
• Guest Neil Silberman on Hartford Performing Arts History Project
• Discussion of 2023 CLG Grant Application
• Railroad Station Canopy Removal

The Commission agreed to hold a community meeting on March 15 to present research from the Hartford Performing Arts History Project. Members also received updates on a pending CLG grant application and VTrans' review of the Railroad Station South Canopy.

• Scheduled first community meeting for Performing Arts History Project for March 15

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will vote on several policy updates, including materials selection, mission and vision, volunteer, after-hours building use, and membership/borrowing policies. They will also discuss becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and plan next steps.

• Vote to adopt materials selection policy (4th presentation)
• Vote to adopt mission and vision statement (3rd presentation)
• Vote to adopt or rework volunteer policy (3rd presentation)
• First presentation and vote on after-hours building/meeting room use policy
• Discussion on becoming a 501(c)(3) (15-minute limit)

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the Treasurer's Report showing a remaining balance of $9,782. All library policy updates and the vote for a new Board Chair were tabled. The board discussed researching the process of becoming a 501(c)3.

• Approved Treasurer's Report (unanimous)
• Tabled Material Selection Policy vote
• Tabled Mission and Vision Statement vote
• Tabled Volunteer Policy
• Tabled Key Policy
• Tabled vote for new Board of Trustees Chair

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve minutes, receive updates on consulting, training, the police chief search, and community safety, and continue reviewing its charge document, focusing on the 'Purpose' section. Working groups on RHRR, education, and policy will also check in.

• Approve meeting minutes from 1/4
• Update from Tuck Community Consulting
• Police chief search update
• Community safety review update
• Continue charge review focusing on 'Purpose' section

The committee unanimously approved the January 4 meeting minutes. Members reviewed a draft charge document, focusing on its purpose section, with the Chair preparing a final version for Selectboard and School Board approval. Updates were provided on a police chief search, a community safety review RFP, and NAACP chapter formation efforts, but no new funding or policy decisions were made.

• Approved January 4 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Advanced draft charge review to Chair for final preparation
• No vote taken on budget requests or new policies

Sister Cities Committee

The Sister City Committee is meeting to discuss routine updates, including a festival presentation to the Select Board, a logo update, and a potential French student trip to Cenon. The agenda is mostly procedural, with no major decisions or financial items listed.

• Festival presentation of highlights before the Select Board
• Sign Logo update
• Lycée la Morlette contact for a HHS French student trip to Cenon
• HHS music department three-school collaboration

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to discuss and potentially approve a $27,000 state grant for emergency repairs to the VA Cutoff Road bridge over the White River, along with other budget items. The board will also review the Quechee Box Culvert purchase and hold budget discussions for the Health Officer, CIP, and ARPA funds.

• VA Cutoff Bridge Emergency Repair: $27,000 grant from VTrans for temporary joint repairs
• Quechee Box Culvert Purchase: board to consider purchase
• Budget Reviews: Health Officer, CIP, ARPA, and Budget Recap Discussion #2
• Executive Session: to discuss attorney-client communications and personnel matters

The Hartford Selectboard approved an emergency repair contract for the VA Cutoff bridge, authorizing $27,000 in grant funds plus $3,000 from bridge maintenance to cover costs, with Daniels Construction awarded the contract. The board also approved the direct purchase of a box culvert for the Quechee project using $198,527 in dedicated funds, and authorized the Fire Chief to begin the RFP process for the Station 2 project. Several ARPA-funded DPW projects were approved, totaling $1.425 million. Budget items discussed will be revisited on January 19 for final approval.

• Approved $27K grant + $3K bridge maintenance for VA Cutoff bridge repair, contract with Daniels Construction (6-1)
• Approved $198,527 direct purchase of Quechee box culvert, headwalls, and wingwalls (unanimous)
• Approved $1,000 stipend for Deputy Health Officer (consensus)
• Authorized Fire Chief to begin RFP process for Station 2 project (unanimous)
• Approved $1.425M in ARPA-funded DPW projects (6-0, 1 abstention)

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement is holding a hearing on January 12, 2023, to consider four tax abatement requests from property owners. Each applicant will present evidence, and the board will deliberate after the hearings. If an applicant cannot appear, the request will be decided based on submitted forms.

• Process review at 5:30pm
• Turnkey Properties/Rick Desharnais request for 138 Summer Street (Parcel 31-85)
• James E. Packard, III request for 364 Norwich Avenue (Parcel 22-33)
• Hazen Street Holdings, Inc./Julie Lyford request for 0 Union Street (Parcel 42-112)
• 39 Maple Street LLC/Julie Lyford request for 305 Maple Street (Parcel 42-134)

The Hartford Board of Abatement held four public hearings for property tax and utility abatement requests, followed by deliberative sessions. The Board approved an abatement of $2,279.55 for Turnkey Properties, credited $1,331.17 in utility charges for James E. Packard III, and approved a tax abatement of $38,434.48 for Hazen Street Holdings, Inc. The Board unanimously denied an abatement request for 39 Maple Street LLC.

• Approved previous meeting minutes from September 26, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved $2,279.55 abatement for Turnkey Properties at 138 Summer St. (10-1-1)
• Approved $1,331.17 utility credit for James E. Packard III at 364 Norwich Ave. (unanimous)
• Approved $38,434.48 abatement for Hazen Street Holdings, Inc. at 0 Union St. (7-5)
• Denied abatement request for 39 Maple Street LLC at 305 Maple St. (unanimous)

White River Junction Design Review Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the White River Junction Design Review Committee. The agenda contains only meeting materials and no specific action items, proposals, or discussions are listed.

• No specific agenda items listed beyond meeting materials

The Design Review Committee reviewed conceptual plans for exterior changes to a building at 158 South Main Street but did not make a final decision. The committee provided feedback on window sizes, door colors, and awnings, and agreed to reconvene on January 26, 2023, to review revised plans. The committee also approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Deferred decision on COVER Home Repair facade changes pending revised plans (no vote recorded)
• Approved October 27, 2022 minutes (4-0-1, Denise abstained)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss updates to the park ordinance, review the admin manual, elect officers, and appoint committee liaisons. The agenda also includes approving 2023 meeting dates and setting items for the next meeting.

• Update on Park Ordinance Suggested Changes
• Admin Manual Review
• Election of Officers
• Committee Liaison Appointments
• Approve 2023 Meeting Dates

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved a slate of officers for 2023, with David M. Crocco Jr. as Chair, Allison Childs as Vice Chair, and Tom McCleary as Clerk. The commission also discussed a proposed cannabis ordinance for town parks, but took no action, pending legal review from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. The director reported that the White River School gym is closed due to condemned backboards, and the commission reviewed the administrative manual.

• Elected David M. Crocco Jr. as Chair, Allison Childs as Vice Chair, Tom McCleary as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed cannabis ordinance for parks; no action taken, awaiting legal review
• Noted White River School gym closed due to condemned backboards; evaluation and repair needed

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee is meeting to plan two upcoming public events: a Budget and Candidates Night and the annual Town and School Meeting Day. The agenda includes approving minutes, community outreach efforts, and detailed logistics for both events, including start times, setup, and agenda items. No final decisions are being made at this meeting; it is primarily organizational.

• Approve minutes from 12/21 meeting
• Community outreach: postcards, posters, website, road signs, online event calendars
• Budget and Candidates Night: 7:00pm start, AV by Degange Audio at 4:00pm, presentations by Selectboard, School Board, and Candidates
• Town & School Meeting Day: 10:00am start, AV by Degange Audio at 6:00am, includes compensation for school and town officers, property tax due dates, and presentations
• Agenda building for both events with Chuck's input

The committee reviewed the 2022 agenda and discussed revisions to the setup and Q&A guidelines for the Budget & Candidate Night. Members also discussed the redesign of postcards and posters for community outreach.

• Approved 12/21/22 meeting minutes

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to conduct routine business including reappointing Laura Cooney to the Sister City Committee and Jonathan Schechtman to the Historical Preservation Commission for three-year terms. The board will also receive the Town Manager’s report, review the Assessor’s memo on 2022 equalization results that triggered a state-mandated revaluation, and act on a consent agenda that includes approving payroll and prior meeting minutes.

• Re-appointment of Laura Cooney to Sister City Committee (3-year term 1/10/2023–1/9/2026)
• Re-appointment of Jonathan Schechtman to Historical Preservation Commission (3-year term 1/10/2023–1/9/2026)
• 2022 Equalization Results and impacts on property-tax revaluation (CLA 77.15%, COD 20.28%)
• Approve payroll ending 1/7/2023, minutes of 12/27/2022 & 1/5/2023, and A/P manifests of 1/6/2023 & 1/10/2023

The Hartford Selectboard approved a collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Public Employees Local 405. The board also re-appointed members to the Sister City Committee and the Hartford Historical Preservation Commission, and approved the consent agenda. Additionally, the board heard presentations regarding the Common Level Assessment and board training funds.

• Approved collective bargaining agreement with IUPE Local 405 for July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028 (5-0)
• Re-appointed Laura Cooney to the Sister City Committee for a three-year term ending 1/9/2026 (Unanimous)
• Re-appointed Jonathan Schechtman to the Hartford Historical Preservation Commission for a three-year term ending 1/9/2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, meeting minutes, and A/P manifests (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Commission will discuss updates regarding the Climate Action Plan and the Town Forest. Topics include timber harvest updates, public outreach, and various forest management items.

• Timber Harvest update and public outreach
• Town Forest trail forks and signage
• Cover Hemlock MOU
• David Chang Conservation Area boundary markers
• Vermont Invasives Management Day letter request

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved the December 5, 2022 minutes unanimously and discussed several ongoing projects, including the Town Forest timber harvest, invasive plant treatment at Lyman Point Park, and a potential sawmill demonstration. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; most actions were agreements to follow up or research topics.

• Approved minutes of 12/5/22 (unanimous)
• Agreed to video sawmill demonstration if live event doesn't work out
• Decided not to pursue boundary markers for David Chang Conservation Area
• Agreed to pursue conservation award program
• Agreed to research Town leash law conflict with Town Forest dog policy

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a budget review meeting for fiscal year 2023-2024, discussing the town manager's proposed budget, debt payments, and appropriations for cemeteries, service organizations, senior center, and libraries. The board will also consider entering executive session for confidential legal and personnel matters. This is the first of several budget discussions, with finalization scheduled for January 19, 2023.

• Debt payments total $1,359,998.66, including $347,151.41 for Municipal Building and $265,073.26 for Maxfield/WH Library
• Cemetery appropriations increase from $22,000 to $44,248, with Hartford Cemetery Association requesting $80,500
• Service Organizations general appropriations drop from $128,550 to $21,800, with Advance Transit and Hartford Community Coalition not yet requesting funds
• Bugbee Senior Center funding reduced to $139,212 from $150,127
• Library appropriations increase to $384,152, with recommendation for W. Hartford Library to become independent by 7/1/24

The Hartford Selectboard met on January 5, 2023, for a budget review session. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting consisted of public comments and budget presentations from the Town Manager, covering debt, appropriations, and a recap discussion. The meeting adjourned without any substantive actions.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will meet remotely to approve minutes, receive updates on the police chief search and community safety review, and continue reviewing its charge document, focusing on the Purpose section. The committee will also check in on working groups and discuss the expiring open meeting location exemption.

• Approve meeting minutes from 12/21
• Police Chief Search update
• Community safety review update
• Charge Review continued from 11/16 draft, focusing on Purpose section
• Open Meeting location exemption expiring 1/15/23

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion met on January 4, 2023, and approved the minutes from the December 21 meeting. The committee voted to table the review of its charge until the next meeting when more members could attend. Updates were provided on the police chief search, community safety review, and training sessions, but no substantive decisions were made on these items.

• Approved meeting minutes from 12/21 (unanimous voice vote)
• Tabled charge review until next meeting