Hartford public meetings in 2025

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet on December 30, 2025, to consider several items including a cannabis retail license renewal for Hidden Grove, LLC, a proposal to purchase road salt, and approval of a TIF warrant item for the March ballot. The board will also review the FY2027 budget process and consider adding a curbside recycling ballot article. Appointments to the Climate Action Steering Team and Tree Board are also on the agenda.

• Consider CCB Retail Renewal Application for Hidden Grove, LLC
• Consider Proposal to Purchase Road Salt
• Consider Approval of TIF Warrant Item for March 3 Australian Ballot
• Consider Proposal to Add a Town Meeting Ballot Article on Curbside Recycling
• Re-Appointment of John Reid to Climate Action Steering Team; Appointment of Mitchell Spenler to Hartford Tree Board

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee is meeting to review and edit drafts of its working agreements, annual town report update, and committee responsibilities list. They will also coordinate with town staff to confirm allocated responsibilities and tasks completed for the 2026 Town Meeting cycle. The meeting is largely administrative and procedural.

• Review and edit Group Working Agreements draft
• Review and edit Town Report annual committee update draft
• Review and edit Committee Responsibilities list and spreadsheet drafts
• Coordinate presentation of lists to town staff for review
• Confirm tasks completed for 2026 Town Meeting cycle

The Hartford Town and School Meeting Committee met and approved the minutes from the December 17 meeting. They reviewed and discussed drafts of the group working agreements, the annual Town Report update, and the committee responsibilities list, making several edits and assigning follow-ups. No final decisions were made on these items; they remain pending further review and staff input.

• Approved meeting minutes from 12/17/25 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

The Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group is meeting to review minutes from the previous session, conduct a hazard assessment exercise, and discuss next steps for the town's hazard mitigation planning. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in a hybrid format.

• Review of 12/10/25 meeting minutes
• Hazard assessment exercise and discussion
• Discussion of next steps for the hazard mitigation plan

The Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group met and approved the minutes from its December 10th meeting. Members discussed the results of a hazard assessment covering 15 hazards, including flooding, extreme heat, drought, and wildfires, with plans to conduct the assessment with the public at a January 15th community meeting. The group scheduled its next working meeting for January 8th and assigned tasks for drafting hazard narratives.

• Approved minutes of December 10th meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next working group meeting for January 8th at 5:00 p.m.
• Planned public hazard assessment exercise for January 15th community meeting
• Assigned John to draft drought section of hazard narrative
• Agreed not to meet the week of December 22nd

Energy Commission

This is a social potluck meeting of the Hartford Energy Commission with no formal agenda items. The only listed activity is socializing and mingling, so no decisions or discussions are planned.

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and receive reports. The main discussion items are reaching internal consensus on the value of the Regional Plan/Enhanced Energy Plan to Hartford and an update on the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting also includes planning for public engagement, including an end-of-year action plan and a potluck on December 19th.

• Discussion on Regional Plan / Enhanced Energy Plan
• Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
• Public engagement planning: EOY '25 Action Plan and Dec 19th potluck at the Filly
• Habitat for Humanity Weatherization Day report
• HEC report for Town Annual Report

The Hartford Energy Commission met on December 18, 2025, and approved the November minutes with amendments. The meeting was largely informational, covering updates on regional energy projects, including a biochar plant, EV battery technology, and air quality monitoring. No major policy decisions were made; the commission discussed future steps for bike infrastructure and public engagement.

• Approved November minutes with added priorities and term ends, and a typo correction (all in favor)
• Discussed bike infrastructure, assigning members to find downtown bike rack locations
• Assigned Laura and Lynn to research a definition for 'forest' for the Enhanced Energy Plan
• Scheduled HEC January meeting for January 29, 2026

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion is meeting to approve October minutes, discuss moving its regular meeting date to accommodate a school board liaison, and decide priorities and activities for the coming months. The agenda is largely discussion-based with no votes on specific proposals listed.

• Approve meeting minutes of October 1st
• Discuss moving regular meeting date to accommodate school board liaison
• Discuss and decide priorities and activities for coming months
• Town/Selectboard updates and School Board updates (time permitting)

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Town & School Meeting Committee is meeting to elect officers, review responsibilities, and align on the 2026 Town Meeting cycle dates. The agenda includes an overview of Open Meeting Law requirements and scheduling of future meetings. This is an organizational meeting focused on planning, not on specific policy decisions.

• Elect committee officers
• Review 2026 Town Meeting cycle dates: Warrant Info Night Jan 12, Budget & Candidates Night Feb 23, Town Meeting Feb 28, Voting Day Mar 3
• Overview of Open Meeting Law requirements (48-hour warning, minutes posting, digital communication rules)
• Schedule next meeting(s)

The committee elected Kim Souza as Chair, Becky Chollet as Vice Chair, and Ally Tufenkjian as Clerk unanimously. They reviewed responsibilities and 2026 Town Meeting cycle dates, and agreed to reorganize the task list by event. Members will prepare a simplified checklist to send to town staff for confirmation of completed tasks and committee assignments. The committee also agreed to pursue a Voter Guide, with Ally adding it to the checklist.

• Elected Kim Souza as Chair, Becky Chollet as Vice Chair, Ally Tufenkjian as Clerk (unanimous)
• Agreed to reorganize 2026 TSMC Summary File by event; Ally and Jason to lead
• Becky to create simplified checklist for town staff review before year-end
• Agreed to pursue Voter Guide; Ally to add to checklist for staff confirmation
• Scheduled next meeting for Dec. 30, 3:30-5:00pm

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several historic preservation matters, including nominations for the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic Districts, a 2026 CLG grant, and various projects like the Railroad Row Kiosk and Railroad Station improvements. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions expected beyond routine reviews and updates.

• Review of draft minutes from 11/19/25
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• 2026 CLG Grant
• Railroad Row Kiosk
• Railroad Station Improvements and Weathervane

The commission received confirmation that the National Park Service approved the Demers Avenue Historic District Nomination, with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to handle revisions to the Victory Circle/Highland Park nomination. The commission also received a grant agreement for the Railroad Row Kiosk project, authorizing work to begin, and agreed to continue kiosk panel discussions at the January 21st meeting. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved November 19th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Received NPS approval of Demers Avenue Historic District Nomination
• Agreed to include consultant revision responsibility in future contracts
• Authorized beginning work on Railroad Row Kiosk CLG grant project
• Agreed to continue kiosk panel discussion at January 21st meeting

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review minutes, hear a coordinator's report, and discuss several climate-related items, including a regional conference, a 2026 Community Partnerships for Climate Resilience course at Dartmouth, state technical assistance for climate planning, and a Hazard Mitigation Plan update. Public comments are also scheduled.

• Review and approve minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report
• Lebanon EAC regional conference on January 13th, 1:30-3:30
• 2026 Community Partnerships for Climate Resilience course at Dartmouth
• State Technical Assistance for climate planning and Hazard Mitigation Plan update

The Climate Action Steering Team voted to postpone approval of the November minutes until January 2026. The Bugbee cooling center work will be delayed until a study is completed, and a facilities manager will be hired by the town. Air monitors were installed to assess the impact of wood stoves on air quality. The team decided to pursue a Dartmouth student project on hazards and mitigation of increased summer heat, and will explore a grant for a new climate action plan.

• Postponed vote on November minutes to January 2026
• Delayed Bugbee cooling center work until study completed
• Decided to hire a facilities manager for the town
• Installed air monitors to assess wood stove impact on air quality
• Selected summer heat hazards and mitigation as Dartmouth student project focus

Tree Board

This meeting of the Hartford Tree Board was canceled. The agenda had included routine items such as approving minutes, a tree warden report, bylaws review, discussion of new meeting times, project and event planning, grant updates, and member recruitment, but none of these will be discussed.

• Meeting canceled

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard holds a special budget meeting to finalize tentative FY27 budget decisions, including new positions, equipment, and reserve funding. The board also reviews short-term needs for the Bugbee Senior Center and considers uses for Local Option Tax revenue.

• Create Facilities Manager position ($62,161.50 General Fund)
• Add one patrol position ($93,401 General Fund)
• Allocate $77,000 to Hartford Police Department reserves
• Approve $27,628 in Bugbee Senior Center safety upgrades
• Consider $70,000 A/V upgrade for Town Hall Room 1 using Local Option Tax

The Hartford Selectboard held a special budget meeting and finalized tentative budgets for the next fiscal year. The board voted to use $1.2 million from the unassigned fund balance and $1.1 million in anticipated Local Option Sales Tax to offset taxes. They also waived the purchasing policy to allow the Bugbee Senior Center to prepare for a grease trap repair, and decided to consider a curbside recycling ballot article at the next meeting.

• Approved use of $1.2M from unassigned fund balance (unanimous)
• Approved use of $1.1M Local Option Sales Tax to offset taxes (unanimous)
• Waived purchasing policy for Bugbee Senior Center grease trap repair (unanimous)
• Decided to consider curbside recycling ballot article at Dec 30 meeting

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister Cities Committee is meeting to review a slideshow about Cenon, France, which will be presented to the Selectboard on December 30. They will also review a budget proposal for 2027. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions expected.

• Presentation of Cenon slideshow to Selectboard on December 30
• Review of 2027 budget proposal
• Next meeting scheduled for January 20, 2026, in Room 317

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a site plan amendment for a 48-unit affordable housing project at 444 Sykes Mountain Avenue, and will discuss a proposed subdivision amendment to change access to a lot on Bliss Road. The commission will also review administrative items including minutes, permits, and updates on the Town Plan and Climate Action Plan.

• Public hearing on Application #25-13 by Black Rock Investments and Twin Pines Housing Trust to amend approved multi-unit dwelling at 444 Sykes Mountain Avenue, including unit mix changes, reduced parking from 70 to 57 spaces, and building relocation.
• Discussion of potential subdivision amendment to change access to lot 13-0030-001 on Bliss Road, involving improvement of 950 feet of Class Four road.
• Administrative permit for Hartford School District parking on Christian Street.
• No Act 250 applications.
• Next public hearing scheduled for February 6, 2026.

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee is meeting to review and approve a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a site evaluation study. The committee will also consider a list of recommended capital projects and discuss a motion to provide formal recommendations to the Selectboard.

• Approval of draft RFP for Site Evaluation Study
• Approval of recommended capital projects list
• Adoption of motion for Selectboard recommendations

The Bugbee Building Committee approved a $70,000 allocation for emergency and urgent life-safety capital projects, including repairs to a failing grease trap, and a $54,000 allocation for a site evaluation study. Both motions passed unanimously, and the committee approved a final recommendation to the Selectboard with these allocations. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no public comment.

• Approved $70,000 for emergency and urgent life-safety capital projects (unanimous)
• Approved $54,000 for Bugbee Site Evaluation Study (unanimous)
• Approved final recommendation to Selectboard with allocations (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 24, 2025

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will review the town’s FY2025 report, approve a draft 2026 meeting schedule, and receive updates on local housing initiatives including Hartford’s Big Little Build pilot project and the 802 Homes program. The meeting will also continue discussions on solutions for the unhoused community.

• Approve draft 2026 meeting schedule (2nd Thursday monthly at 6:00 PM)
• Hartford’s Big Little Build: Small-scale Housing Pilot Project Update
• 802 Homes Update
• Continue to Discuss Solutions for the Unhoused Community

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness approved its 2026 meeting schedule and the November meeting minutes. Members discussed updates on the Big Little Build pilot project, 802 Homes land search, and concerns about staffing the new homeless shelter. No formal decisions were made on these topics.

• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 meeting schedule (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

The Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan Working Group is meeting to discuss the town's hazard mitigation planning, including a review of the 2021 Hartford Hazard Assessment and the 2023 State Hazard Assessment. They will also review the December 2024 Community Resilience Building Event and report, and define the group's role. The meeting is a hybrid session at Hartford Town Hall.

• Review of 2021 Hartford Hazard Assessment
• Review of 2023 State Hazard Assessment
• Discussion of December 2024 Community Resilience Building Event and report
• Definition of the Working Group's role

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve minutes and the treasurer's report, and to discuss new business including a request for a new toilet. They will also review and approve membership and after-hours library usage policies, and discuss the status of budget approval and funds allocation.

• Approval of minutes from November 12, 2025
• Approval of treasurer's report
• Request for new toilet
• Review and approval of membership and after-hours library usage policies
• Status of budget approval and funds allocation

Town and School Meeting Committee

The Town & School Meeting Committee is meeting to elect officers, review responsibilities, and align on the 2026 Town Meeting cycle dates. The agenda includes procedural items such as introductions, officer elections, and scheduling future meetings, along with an overview of Open Meeting Law requirements. No substantive decisions or public hearings are on the agenda.

• Elect committee officers
• Review 2026 Town Meeting cycle dates: Warrant Information Night Jan 12, Budget & Candidates Night Feb 23, Town Meeting Feb 28, Voting Day Mar 3
• Overview of Open Meeting Law requirements for meetings, minutes, and digital communications
• Schedule next meeting(s)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet on December 9, 2025, to consider renewing a tobacco license for Evans Expressmart at 1038 North Main Street, White River Junction. The board will also review re-appointments to local advisory commissions, discuss energy efficiency projects, and hear updates on major infrastructure proposals including water main replacements and a combined sewer overflow mitigation project.

• Renewal of 2nd Class Tobacco License and Tobacco Endorsement for Evans Expressmart (1038 N Main St, White River Junction)
• Re-appointment of Lee Michaelides to Climate Action Steering Team (3-year term)
• Re-appointment of Maggie Burnett to Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness (2-year term)
• Re-appointment of Laura Simon to Hartford Energy Commission (3-year term)
• Consideration of FY25 Audit Report and Selectboard training budget proposal

The Selectboard approved several warrant items for the March 3, 2026 Town Meeting ballot, including final TIF project approval, Wilder Water Main Replacement, and Nutt Lane Water and Wastewater projects. They also awarded a $200,410 contract for the Combined Sewer Overflow Mitigation Project, accepted the FY25 Audit Report, and approved a $75,380 energy efficiency grant application for the Wendell A. Barwood Arena. All votes passed, with one dissenting vote on the energy grant.

• Approved warrant language for TIF project approval and bond financing (unanimous)
• Approved warrant language for Wilder Water Main Replacement Project (unanimous)
• Approved warrant language for Nutt Lane Water and Wastewater Project (unanimous)
• Awarded $200,410 contract to Alliance Consulting + Excavation for CSO mitigation (unanimous)
• Approved $75,380 energy efficiency grant application for Barwood Arena (6-1)
• Accepted FY2025 Audit Report (unanimous)
• Reappointed Lee Michaelides to CAST, Maggie Burnett to Housing Committee, Laura Simon to Energy Commission (all unanimous)
• Postponed Dec 23 meeting to Dec 30 and authorized leadership to approve payroll/AP (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special budget meeting to continue budget discussions and consider a proposed policy on the use of unassigned funds. The board will also enter executive session to discuss the evaluation of a town employee. The meeting was rescheduled from December 2 due to inclement weather.

• Budget Wrap Up #2 discussion
• Consider proposed Unassigned Fund Policy
• Executive session for employee evaluation
• Public comment period

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund and Hartford 2020 VCDP Revolving Loan Fund committee will meet remotely to review loan summaries and current loans, discuss funding a potential housing program, and develop an outreach plan for both funds. The committee will also update the Selectboard on December 9 and may take action after an executive session.

• Review of loan summary reports for October 2025
• Update on current loans and potential loans
• Discuss funding of Potential Housing Program
• Discuss development of outreach plan for both RLFs
• Update to the Selectboard on December 9, 2025

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee met via Zoom on December 3, 2025, and approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting. No substantive loan decisions were made; the committee discussed an upcoming Selectboard presentation, a potential housing loan application, and outreach efforts. The meeting included an executive session with no actions taken.

• Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to review loan summary report (motion passed)
• No actions taken on loan funds during executive session
• Scheduled 2026 meeting dates: March 4, June 3, September 2, December 2

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and decide on several conservation matters, including the town forest, the Maanawaka Conservation Area, and a budget update. They will also review Vermont Wetlands Rules and hear updates on the Ottauquechee Trail. The agenda includes a discussion of cleaning up a homeless encampment at Maanawaka Conservation Area.

• Clean-up of homeless encampment at Maanawaka Conservation Area
• Maanawaka Conservation Area Management Plan discussion
• Chestnut tree planting at Town Forest
• Wildlife habitat assessment at Town Forest
• HCC Budget Update

The Hartford Conservation Commission agreed to submit a letter opposing Governor Scott's Executive Order 0625, which proposes reducing wetland buffers for housing projects with municipal sewer access. The letter will be drafted by Holly and Sky, with comments due by December 15th and discussion at the January 5th meeting. The commission also discussed several other items, including a potential $6,500 contract with UVM for a wildlife habitat assessment, but no formal decisions were made on those topics.

• Agreed to write a letter opposing wetland buffer reduction (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 11/3/25 with correction (unanimous)
• Agreed to discuss conservation easement for Town Forest (unanimous)
• Agreed to hold spring site visit at David Chang Conservation Area (unanimous)
• Agreed to continue discussion of AVCC grant at next meeting (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider accepting the FY25 audit report, review FY27 budget presentations from Finance and IT, and discuss a proposal for parade funding from the 250th Committee and Hartford Alumni Association. The board will also consider the renewal of liquor licenses for Cappadocia Cafe at 5 S. Main Street, White River Junction, and review a 2026 Hometown Heroes banner request. An executive session is scheduled to discuss a proposed contract for an Interim Finance Director and evaluation of a town employee.

• Consider acceptance of FY25 Audit Report
• FY27 Budget Presentations: Finance and IT
• Consider proposal from 250th Committee and Hartford Alumni Association for parade funding
• Review 2026 Banner Request (Hometown Heroes)
• Consider renewal application for Cappadocia Cafe, LLC (1st Class, 3rd Class, Outside Consumption licenses)

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford committee is meeting to discuss updates on local environmental and community projects, including a pollinator garden workday, food forest progress, and the Quechee Abenaki Garden. They will also review the Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan update and consider filling two committee openings.

• Review of 10/24 Pollinator Garden Planting Workday
• Food Forest Update, Map, Kiosk, and Signage
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
• Two committee openings

The meeting was largely informational, with no formal votes or decisions taken due to lack of quorum. Members discussed updates on the Clifford Park Food Forest, including a new kiosk and pollinator garden, and agreed to skip the December 23rd meeting to prioritize work on the Hazard Mitigation Plan update, which is due by mid-January for FEMA review. The next meeting is scheduled for January 27th.

• Skipped December 23rd meeting to work on Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• No action taken on draft minutes due to lack of quorum
• Next meeting set for January 27th

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee is meeting to review minutes, hear a report from its Short-Term Projects Subcommittee, and continue considering a proposed motion that would identify a series of recommendations to the Selectboard. The committee will also discuss next steps before adjourning.

• Review and approve meeting minutes from November 5
• Report from Short-Term Projects Subcommittee
• Continued consideration of proposed motion identifying recommendations to Selectboard
• Discussion of next steps

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a workshop to review and discuss the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission's proposed Future Land Use Map for Hartford, which is required under Act 181. The commission will consider staff comments and public input on the map's designations, which affect future development and Act 250 review. The meeting is a workshop, so no final decisions are expected.

• Review of TRORC Future Land Use Map for Hartford
• Discussion of Act 181 land use categories and housing targets (780 units by 2030)
• Staff recommendations on specific parcels (e.g., Christian St., Quechee Lakes, Route 5 South)
• Public comment on proposed 120-foot tower on Bliss Road (from prior meeting)
• Approval of November 10, 2025 workshop minutes

The Hartford Planning Commission held a workshop to review the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission's Future Land Use Map for Hartford. The commission discussed staff questions and TRORC responses, agreeing with most staff recommendations, including changes to several land designations. They also decided to prepare a letter to TRORC addressing concerns about commercial development in Rural General areas and the Quechee Lakes Section 5C conflict. No formal votes were taken on the map itself; the only formal action was approving the minutes of the previous meeting.

• Approved minutes of November 10, 2025 workshop (unanimous)
• Agreed with staff recommendation to change larger section of RAF lots on Christian Street to Rural General
• Agreed with staff recommendation to change Route 5 South of I-89 Overpass area to Transition
• Agreed to address Quechee Lakes Section 5C conflict in letter to TRORC
• Agreed to include concerns about 'substantial regional impact' and existing commercial businesses in letter to TRORC
• Agreed to request TRORC clarify development types allowed in RAF and RC areas
• Agreed to prepare letter to TRORC on behalf of the PC
• Agreed no further workshop needed before concluding remarks on FLUM

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and receive a coordinator's report. They will discuss and potentially vote on sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity weatherization day, allocating EV Expo funds for downtown bike infrastructure, and using Climate Action Reserve funds for the same. The commission will also discuss and vote to fill 2026 Clerk, Chair, and Co-Chair roles, and review the end-of-year 2025 action plan.

• Vote on sponsoring/supporting Habitat for Humanity weatherization day
• Discussion and possible vote on fund allocation from EV Expo funds for downtown bike infrastructure
• Possible vote on Climate Action Reserve Fund use for downtown bike infrastructure
• Vote to fill 2026 Clerk, Chair, and Co-Chair roles
• Review of EOY '25 Action Plan

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to approve prior minutes, hear a coordinator's report, hold elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, and receive updates on carbon accounting and tree planting. Public comments are also scheduled.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Carbon accounting update
• Tree planting update
• Coordinator's report
• Public comments

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team unanimously re-elected John Reid as chair, Jen Durgin as vice chair, and Lee Michaelides as clerk. The team also discussed carbon accounting efforts, including a potential application to Dartmouth for technical assistance and a possible summer 2026 fellow from UNH, as well as carbon offset options like tree plantings and solar installations. No other formal decisions were made.

• Re-elected John Reid as chair, Jen Durgin as vice chair, Lee Michaelides as clerk (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including historic district signs, a 2026 CLG grant, and nominations for the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic Districts. They will also review draft minutes and receive updates on various projects and committees. The agenda includes public comments and routine reports.

• Historic District Signs: Guest Bonnie Arnold of Red Door Signs
• 2026 CLG Grant
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Railroad Station Weathervane and Improvements
• Railroad Row Kiosk

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the October 15th meeting minutes unanimously. They discussed repairing and fabricating historic district signs, with a rough cost estimate of $700 per new sign, and agreed to research archaeological projects for the 2026 CLG grant. The revised Demers Avenue Historic District Nomination was submitted to the National Park Service, and the commission agreed to review existing kiosk panels at the December meeting.

• Approved October 15th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to research archaeological projects for 2026 CLG grant
• Agreed to review existing Railroad Row kiosk panels at December meeting
• Agreed to step up member recruitment efforts

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold a public hearing on November 19, 2025, to consider four tax abatement requests from property owners. The board will also review its own processes before hearing the individual cases. If an applicant cannot appear, the board will decide based on the written request.

• Charles and Lynne Dowds, 3703 Jericho Street, Parcel ID #3-34
• Steven and Barbara Regen, 66 Kingfisher Road, #1D, Parcel ID #12-8128-NVC-1D
• MT Associates, LLC, 906 Hartford Avenue, Parcel ID #24-132
• May Pierce, 276 Tall Timbers Drive, Parcel ID #13-43-49

The Board of Abatement held four hearings and voted on each request. It granted a $1,337.50 property tax abatement to May Pierce and a $226.16 interest abatement to Charles and Lynne Dowds. It denied abatement requests from Steven and Barbara Regen (water/sewer charges) and M T Associates, LLC (interest on late property tax payment). All votes were unanimous.

• Granted $1,337.50 property tax abatement to May Pierce (unanimous)
• Granted $226.16 interest abatement to Charles and Lynne Dowds (unanimous)
• Denied water/sewer abatement request from Steven and Barbara Regen (unanimous)
• Denied interest abatement request from M T Associates, LLC (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a community forum to update residents on town projects and gather questions. Staff will present on paving, utility rates, sidewalk planning, Fire Station No. 2, and a town-wide re-assessment. The meeting is in person at the Quechee Club and also available via Zoom and YouTube.

• Paving update
• Utility rates discussion
• Sidewalk planning
• Fire Station No. 2 update
• Town-wide re-assessment

The Hartford Selectboard convened a community forum on November 19, 2025, at the Quechee Club. The meeting included town staff introductions and updates on paving, utility rates, sidewalk planning, Fire Station No. 2, and a town-wide re-assessment, followed by a Q&A session. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the only action was a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

• Adjourned the community forum at 6:55 PM (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special budget meeting to review FY27 budget presentations from Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development, and the Town Manager, and to hold a public hearing on a TIF District substantial change. The Parks & Recreation budget proposes $1,981,890.34 in expenses with a net tax cost of $1,316,656.74, a 3.75% increase over FY26. The board will also consider a budget request from the Sister Cities Committee and review its training plan and budget.

• FY27 Parks & Recreation budget: $1,981,890.34 total expenses, $665,233.60 revenue, net tax cost $1,316,656.74
• Public hearing on TIF District substantial change
• Budget request from Sister Cities Committee
• Review of Selectboard training plan and budget
• FY27 budget presentations for Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development, and Town Manager

The Hartford Selectboard held a special budget meeting on November 18, 2025, primarily to review FY27 budget presentations from Parks & Recreation, Planning & Development, and the Town Manager. The board also held a public hearing and unanimously approved a substantial change to the TIF district, authorizing staff to submit it to the Vermont Economic Progress Council. A budget request from the Sister Cities Committee was presented but no action was taken, and the Selectboard Training Plan and Budget was tabled to a future meeting.

• Approved TIF district substantial change as proposed (unanimous)
• Opened public hearing on TIF district substantial change (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on TIF district substantial change (unanimous)
• Tabled Selectboard Training Plan and Budget to future meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:20 PM (unanimous)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review October minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, and reorganize its officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer). They will also discuss projects including a tree ID walk debrief, nursery tree sale prep, Tree of the Month for 2026, and a possible winter ID walk, plus grant updates.

• Vote on October 2025 meeting minutes
• Bylaws and officer reorganization (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)
• Tree ID Walk with Middle School debrief
• Nursery tree sale preparation
• Tree of the Month 2026 and winter ID walk discussion

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Housing & Homelessness Committee will meet to discuss updates on the Big Little Build small-scale housing pilot project and the 802 Homes initiative. Members will also continue conversations about solutions for the unhoused community and receive a budget presentation from the Planning & Development Department.

• Hartford’s Big Little Build: Small-scale Housing Pilot Project Update
• 802 Homes Update
• Continue to Discuss Solutions for the Unhoused Community

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness approved the September meeting minutes unanimously and discussed updates on the Big Little Build pilot program, 802 Homes, and outreach to the unhoused community. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval; the committee is preparing a funding request for the FY27 town budget to be presented to the Selectboard on November 18.

• Approved September meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

This is a routine monthly meeting of the Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission. The agenda is largely procedural (approval of minutes, reports, comments), with the main substantive items being next steps for naming the Rec Center and an update on the Lyman Point Park Project.

• Discussion of Rec Center naming and next steps
• Lyman Point Park Project update
• Directors Report and Committee Liaison Reports

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to consider including a pizza oven in the Lyman Point Park project plans. The discussion included using remaining funds from the park architect's design contract and pursuing alternate funding sources like the Jack Byrne fund. No final design or funding decision was made; the motion only directs consideration of the pizza oven in the plans.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Passed motion to consider including a pizza oven in Lyman Point Park project plans (all in favor)
• Discussed potential park changes including demolishing/moving band stand and removing side drive to Municipal Building (no action taken)
• Agreed to pursue alternate funding sources for Lyman Point project, such as Jack Byrne fund (no formal vote)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider several liquor license renewals, including for Honey Child LLC and Putnam's Vineyard, and a cannabis license renewal for Five Seasons Cannabis Company. The board will also discuss proposals for fire department extrication equipment and new software for public works, and consider an appointment to the Town and School Meeting Committee.

• Renewal of 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License for Honey Child LLC, 139 Hillridge Rd., White River Junction
• Renewal of 1st, 2nd Class and Outside Consumption License for Putnam's Vineyard, 188 South Main Street, unit 110
• Retail renewal of Local Cannabis License for Five Seasons Cannabis Company, 52 Bridge Street
• Appointment of Becky Chollet to Town and School Meeting Committee for term ending March 31, 2028
• Proposals to purchase battery-operated vehicle extrication equipment and new software platforms for DPW

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve the minutes of the October 14th meeting and the treasurer's report. They will also discuss the budget and potential town fund allocation, review two proposed policies, and hear the director's report.

• Approval of minutes from October 14, 2025
• Approval of treasurer's report
• Discussion of budget and town fund allocation
• Review of two proposed policies
• Director's report and discussion

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review and approve previous minutes, hear a coordinator's report, and discuss Hartford's Climate Action Plan (CAP), carbon accounting and offsets, and a Dartmouth Community Grant. The meeting is open to public comments.

• Review and approve minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report
• Discussion of Hartford's CAP, carbon accounting & offsets
• Discussion of Dartmouth Community Grant

The Climate Action Steering Team approved amended October minutes. They decided to proceed with a Dartmouth Community Grant application despite slim chances, hoping it may lead to other funding. They discussed accessing town emission data and potential bond bank funding for mitigation projects. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved amended October minutes
• Decided to proceed with Dartmouth Community Grant application

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission is holding a workshop to review and discuss the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission's draft Future Land Use Map for Hartford, part of the 2025 Regional Plan update. The discussion includes changes required by 2024 housing and Act 250 legislation, such as expanded village areas and smaller rural conservation areas. The commission will also review minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting and set a date for the next workshop.

• Review of draft Hartford Regional Future Land Use Map (10/20/2025)
• Discussion of new rural areas: three instead of two, with largely unchanged policies
• Expanded village areas and smaller Rural Conservation Areas due to 2024 state law changes
• Regional housing target of ~3,600 units, with a target for Hartford
• Hybrid meeting at Hartford Town Hall, 171 Bridge Street, White River Junction

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special budget meeting to review Fiscal Year 2027 budget presentations from the Bugbee Senior Center and the Department of Public Works. The board will also ratify an emergency decision to authorize spending on a fire alarm problem. The meeting is open to the public and includes a public comment period.

• Ratify emergency decision to authorize spending on fire alarm problem
• FY27 budget presentation: Bugbee Senior Center (proposed Hartford contribution $157,253.94, up 5.87%)
• FY27 budget presentation: Highway Department (proposed $3,536,505, down 0.93%)
• FY27 budget presentation: Department of Public Works/Enterprise Funds (water, wastewater, solid waste)
• Highway Division proposes adding 2 Equipment Operator I positions ($182,990 in personnel costs)

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee will meet in person at the Bugbee Senior Center to review and approve minutes from the October 22 meeting, receive subcommittee reports, and discuss proposed recommendations to the Selectboard. The meeting includes public comment and adjourns at 6:10 PM.

• Review and approve October 22 meeting minutes
• Discussion of proposed recommendations to Selectboard

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will meet to approve minutes, discuss moving its regular meeting date to accommodate a school board liaison, and decide on priorities and activities for the coming months. The agenda is largely discussion-based with no formal votes or public hearings scheduled.

• Approve meeting minutes of October 1st
• Discuss moving regular meeting date to accommodate school board liaison
• Discuss and decide on priorities and activities for coming months
• Receive town/Selectboard and school board updates

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion approved moving its meetings to the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month starting in January. The committee also approved the October minutes and discussed ideas to address racism, including a suggestion to invite Chief Kelly to a future meeting.

• Approved October 1st meeting minutes
• Approved moving meetings to 2nd and 4th Wednesdays starting in January

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission will meet to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including the Maanawaka Conservation Area management plan, a powerline herbicide application, and cleanup of a homeless encampment. They will also review town forest projects such as chestnut tree planting and a wildlife habitat assessment. The meeting includes public comments and approval of prior minutes.

• Maanawaka Conservation Area Management Plan discussion
• Powerline herbicide application at Maanawaka
• Clean-up of homeless encampment at Maanawaka
• Chestnut tree planting in Town Forest
• Ottauquechee Trail maintenance

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special budget meeting to review proposed FY27 budgets for the Fire Department, Police Department, and Dispatch (Emergency Communications Center). The board will hear presentations on each budget, including staffing, equipment, and funding needs. The meeting also includes an executive session on personnel related to the HPD Outreach Division.

• Fire Department FY27 budget proposed at $5,283,273, up $106,299 from FY26
• Police Department FY27 budget proposed at $4,421,133, up $257,640 from FY26
• Dispatch FY27 budget proposed at $1,635,641, down $19,583 from FY26
• Police request to add 2 sworn positions in FY27 and 2 in FY28
• Local Option Tax request for $60,000 for staffing and space needs analysis

The Selectboard held a special budget meeting on October 30, 2025, with presentations from the Fire and Police Chiefs on their FY27 budgets. The board then entered executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the Police Department's Outreach Division, and adjourned without taking any formal votes on the budget presentations.

• Entered executive session to discuss HPD Outreach Division personnel (all in favor)
• Closed executive session at 9:54 PM (all 6 in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:55 PM (all in favor)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford, a town committee, is meeting to discuss updates on several community projects, including a pollinator garden workday, a food forest, and the Quechee Abenaki Garden. They will also review the Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan update and fill two committee openings. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and public comments.

• Review of 10/24 Pollinator Garden Planting Workday
• Food Forest update, map, kiosk, and signage
• Quechee Abenaki Garden update
• Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan update
• Two Resilient Hartford committee openings

The Resilient Hartford committee met on October 28, 2025, but took no formal votes or decisions. They discussed a potential $5,000 Dartmouth grant for climate resilience, a pollinator garden expansion, and the upcoming update to the Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting was largely informational, with plans for future workdays and projects.

• No formal decisions made; minutes of 9/23/25 not acted on due to lack of quorum
• Discussed applying for $5,000 Dartmouth grant for climate resilience (deadline Nov 21)
• Agreed to collaborate on Ratcliffe Park Community Garden assistance
• Planned cover crop planting at Food Forest for spring
• Scheduled workday at Quechee Abenaki Garden for Nov 2
• Noted two openings on Resilient Hartford committee

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Health Board is meeting to consider a referral from the Town Health Officer regarding public health concerns. The board will hear public comment and any rebuttal remarks before deciding whether to issue a health order. The meeting is scheduled to last about 25 minutes.

• Town Health Officer's referral of public health concerns
• Consideration of issuance of a health order
• Public comment period
• Rebuttal remarks

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider renewing a local cannabis license for The Tea House, LLC at 50 Woodstock Road, review FY27 budget presentations from the Assessor, Town Clerk, and Human Resources, and decide on several fire department vehicle purchases. The board will also discuss the TIF district status and a potential parking/transportation study grant application for White River Junction. Reappointments to the Parks & Recreation, Energy, and Conservation Commissions are on the agenda.

• Renewal of local cannabis license for The Tea House, LLC at 50 Woodstock Road, White River Junction
• FY27 budget presentations: Assessor, Town Clerk, Human Resources
• Consider recommendation to select vendor for new Fire Department rescue pumper
• Consider proposed purchase of 1-ton utility/tow vehicle for Fire Department
• Consider authorizing purchase of wastewater treatment trucks

The Selectboard approved several equipment purchases, including a new fire department rescue pumper from Sutphen Corporation, a 1-ton utility/tow vehicle for $114,117.50, and two 2026 Chevrolet 3500 pickup trucks for the wastewater treatment department. The board also renewed a local cannabis license for Tea House, LLC, re-appointed members to three town commissions, and approved a municipal planning grant application for a parking/transportation study. Public comment focused on concerns about a low-barrier shelter, police conduct, and road conditions.

• Renewed local cannabis license for Tea House, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Sutphen Corporation rescue pumper via Sourcewell contract (unanimous)
• Approved $114,117.50 1-ton utility/tow vehicle from Colonial Municipal Group (unanimous)
• Awarded bids for two 2026 Chevrolet 3500 trucks to Benson Chevrolet ($84,240 and $83,340) (unanimous)
• Approved TIF District Phase Filing and Substantial Change requests, set public hearing for Nov 18 (unanimous)
• Approved $30,000 VMPG application for WRJ parking/transportation study (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Allison L. Childs to Parks & Recreation Commission (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Esme Cole to Energy Commission and Ted Levin to Conservation Commission (unanimous)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and receive a coordinator's report. The main business is a follow-up on the EV Expo, including reimbursement status and a possible vote on allocating excess funds toward downtown bike infrastructure. The meeting will also include a walk-through of downtown White River Junction to survey bike infrastructure and potential host properties.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• EV Expo reimbursements and excess funding discussion
• Optional vote on fund allocation for downtown bike infrastructure
• Downtown WRJ walk-through to survey bike infrastructure and candidate sites

The Hartford Energy Commission approved disbursing 60% of the EV event revenues after disbursal to the Friends of Lebanon Recreation, Arts, and Parks, with an amendment to clarify the term. The motion passed unanimously. Other updates included progress on the WABA architect contract, air quality monitoring, and a downtown bike site walk.

• Approved September minutes as submitted (unanimous)
• Approved disbursing 60% of EV event revenues after disbursal to Friends of Lebanon Recreation, Arts, and Parks (unanimous)

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold a public hearing on October 23, 2025, to consider six tax abatement requests from property owners. The board will also review its abatement process. If an applicant does not appear, the request will be decided based on submitted information.

• Woodstock Area Adult Day Services, Inc. dba Scotland House Adult Day Care, 8828 Woodstock Road
• Sharon Rogers, 1375 Hartford Avenue
• Vahe Mkrtchyan & Armine Hovhannisyan, 1163 Baker Turn, 2D
• Elizabeth A. Robinson, 1295 Hartford Avenue, #2
• Apartment Living LLC, 30 A Street; Judy Trussell, 30 Winter Street

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee is meeting to review minutes, discuss the feasibility study with architects/consultants, receive subcommittee reports, and consider finance and funding options. The meeting is primarily a working session to advance the building project.

• Discussion and Q&A with Feasibility Study Architects/Consultants
• Report from Short-Term Projects Subcommittee
• Discussion of Finance and Funding Options
• Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from October 9

The committee discussed renovation and site selection options for the Bugbee building with architects, but made no final decisions. They agreed to consider a second study on programs and site selection, and tasked members to prepare a proposal for the Selectboard. The minutes of October 9 were approved unanimously.

• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to develop a proposal for Selectboard presentation (Dana Clawson and Mark Bradley)
• Tasked committee to consider building needs, parking, and site selection guide

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee is meeting to review minutes, hear reports on fundraising, publicity, and community events, and plan for upcoming 2026 celebrations including Veterans Day, an encampment, and Fourth of July. The agenda is mostly routine updates and planning, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Review and accept minutes from Sept 24, 2025
• Fundraising message for Scott Hausler
• Veterans Day coloring contest and November ceremony
• Encampment scheduled for May 30, 2026
• Collaboration with City of Lebanon 250th events

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford, VT Sister Cities Committee is meeting to discuss updates on the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon (November 7-9, 2025), souvenirs/gifts for delegates, and a budget proposal for 2027. The meeting is largely procedural, covering minutes approval and scheduling.

• Update on Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, Nov 7-9, 2025
• Souvenirs/gifts for delegates
• Budget proposal for 2027
• Next meeting: Nov. 18, Room 317

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review and vote on the July and August 2025 meeting minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, and discuss projects and events including nursery care, Tree of the Month, and upcoming identification walks. They will also receive grant updates. The meeting is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no major policy decisions or financial contracts on the agenda.

• Review and vote on July and August 2025 meeting minutes
• Tree Warden report on old business
• Nursery watering, parameters, and winter preparation
• Tree of the Month for November/December
• Fall and winter ID walks and scavenger hunt planning

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a workshop to consider approving a Vermont Municipal Planning Grant application and to discuss the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission's Future Land Use Map for Hartford, with TRORC Planner Kyle Katz. The agenda also includes a presentation on the regional plan and land use tiers under Act 181. The meeting is a hybrid workshop, so no final decisions are expected beyond the grant submittal request.

• Request to approve submittal of a Vermont Municipal Planning Grant application
• Presentation and discussion of TRORC Future Land Use Map for Hartford with guest Kyle Katz
• Discussion of Act 181 land use tiers (1A, 1B, 2, 3) and their impact on Act 250 review
• Project overview: Downtown White River Junction Multimodal Transportation and Parking Feasibility Study

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is holding a special meeting to review a request from the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center to use a designated, forester-marked location in the Hartford Town Forest for Game of Logging Training on October 27-30, 2025. The agenda includes roll call and the single review item, followed by adjournment.

• Review of Hartford Area Career & Technology Center request to use Town Forest for Game of Logging Training on 10/27-10/30/25

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to tour the Wendell A. Barwood Arena, approve minutes, and hear reports. New business includes generating names and next steps for the Rec Center, plus an update on the Lyman Point Park Project. The agenda is largely procedural with some project discussions.

• Tour of Wendell A. Barwood Arena
• Rec Center: generate names and next steps
• Lyman Point Park Project update

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved the minutes of the previous meeting and toured the Wendell A. Barwood Arena (WABA). They entered into an agreement with Friar Engineering to assess the arena's condensation and ice-making capacity. The commission also discussed the CAPRA certification, a new hire, and a proposed increase to the WABA reserve fund.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered into agreement with Friar Engineering for WABA assessment
• Dismissed solar panel installation on WABA roof due to snow load concerns

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review and approve prior minutes, hear the coordinator's report, and get updates on the Culvert Crawlers beta test and styrofoam recycling. They will also discuss the Hartford Climate Action Plan's net-zero target and emission measuring, and review the Vermont Climate Action Plan. The meeting is a working session with no votes or public hearings scheduled.

• Culvert Crawlers beta testing on October 23rd, 4-6pm in Proctorsville
• Styrofoam recycling update
• Hartford CAP net zero target and measuring emissions discussion
• Possible follow-up meeting on November 10th at 5:00pm
• Vermont Climate Action Plan review

The Hartford Select Board passed a resolution requiring town infrastructure to be net zero by 2027. CAST will calculate offsets and costs, with a planning meeting scheduled for Nov 10. The team also approved August minutes, noted a record 2,000 pounds of Styrofoam recycled, and discussed software updates and other updates.

• Approved August 2025 minutes
• Select Board passed net-zero infrastructure resolution (reported)
• Scheduled Nov 10 meeting to calculate offsets and costs
• Lee will draft letter to Valley News about Styrofoam event success

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss and decide on various preservation topics, including a potential Certified Local Government (CLG) project on Indigenous resources, historic district nominations, and railroad station improvements. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes review and committee updates.

• Discussion of Indigenous resources as a possible CLG project with guests John Moody and Earl Hatley
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Railroad Station Weathervane and Improvements
• Historic Signs: Historic Districts & Wilder History
• Railroad Row Kiosk

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission met on October 15, 2025, and approved the minutes from June 18 and September 17 as written. The main discussion focused on Indigenous archaeological resources, with guest John Moody highlighting the likelihood of Indigenous settlements and burial grounds in Hartford and recommending ways to protect them. No formal decisions were made on this topic.

• Approved June 18 and September 17 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Indigenous archaeological resources with guest John Moody (no action taken)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve minutes from October 1st and to discuss and decide upon priorities and activities for the coming months. The agenda also includes time for updates from the Town/Selectboard, School Board, and working groups, as well as a possible update on a BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Approve meeting minutes of October 1st
• Discuss and decide priorities and activities for coming months
• Updates from Town/Selectboard and School Board
• Update on BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project (time permitting)
• FYI: HartStat and HPD Community Working groups

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is meeting to handle routine appointments, reports, and approvals. Key items include re-appointing the Zoning Administrator, approving a revised VTrans grant-in-aid, adopting the 2025 Solid Waste Implementation Plan, and beginning an overview of the FY27 budget. The board will also discuss transfer station operations, a C&D disposal proposal, and a municipal planning grant application.

• Re-appoint Jo-Ann Ells as Zoning Administrator for a 3-year term (Nov 23, 2025 – Nov 22, 2028)
• Approve revised VTrans SFY26 Grant-in-Aid of $53,000 with a 20% local match of $13,250
• Adopt 2025 Solid Waste Implementation Plan for the facility at 2590 N. Hartland Road
• Review proposal for C&D disposition at the landfill
• FY27 Budget Overview

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee is meeting to review minutes, discuss preparing feasibility study questions for a future visit by Studio Nexus Architects, and receive reports from subcommittees on short-term projects, building program, and finance. The meeting is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no final decisions or contracts on the agenda.

• Review and approve meeting minutes from September 25
• Discuss preparation of feasibility study questions for Studio Nexus Architects visit
• Report from Short-Term Projects Subcommittee
• Report from Building Program Subcommittee
• Discussion of future activity of the Finance Subcommittee

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Housing and Homelessness Committee is meeting to review updates on the Big Little Build small-scale housing pilot project and continue discussions on solutions for the unhoused community. The agenda includes debriefs on a Selectboard update and a screening event, along with public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• Debrief on Selectboard update for Big Little Build pilot project from 9/30
• Debrief on 'Just Getting By' screening at Bugbee Senior Center from 9/21
• Public comment period
• Approval of September meeting minutes

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a setback waiver request for an accessory dwelling unit at 635 Valley View Road. The board will also handle administrative matters including public comment and approval of minutes. The attached draft decision approves the waiver, subject to conditions.

• Setback waiver for 480 sq ft ADU at 635 Valley View Road, lot 08-0238-000
• Waiver allows 24 ft southern setback instead of required 50 ft
• Approval conditioned on zoning permit and energy certificate
• Administrative permits: none
• Minutes from August 13 and September 10, 2025 to be approved

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a setback waiver for an accessory dwelling unit at 635 Valley View Road, allowing the project to proceed. The board also approved minutes from two prior meetings and cancelled the November hearing due to no pending applications.

• Approved setback waiver for ADU at 635 Valley View Road (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 13 and September 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Cancelled November 5, 2025 public hearing (no applications)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and decide on several items, including amendments to its bylaws, the Maanawaka Conservation Area management plan, a powerline herbicide application, and a homeless encampment at Maanawaka. The commission will also hear updates on the town forest, pollinator gardens, and trail maintenance, and consider a Conservator of the Year award.

• HCC Bylaw Amendments
• Maanawaka Management Plan
• Powerline Herbicide Application at Maanawaka
• Homeless Encampment at Maanawaka
• Chestnut Tree Planting in Town Forest

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved its July 7 minutes, noted the Selectboard's approval of bylaw amendments, and agreed to several conservation actions including planting chestnut saplings, updating the Town Forest Wildlife Habitat Assessment, and forming a subcommittee for the Maanawaka Management Plan. A clean-up of a vacated encampment was scheduled for November 9.

• Approved minutes of 7/7/25 by unanimous consent
• Noted Selectboard approval of HCC bylaw amendments on Sept 2
• Agreed to plant chestnut saplings in Town Forest in spring
• Agreed to update Town Forest Wildlife Habitat Assessment in-house
• Formed subcommittee for Maanawaka Management Plan update
• Agreed not to pursue pedestrian connection to Maanawaka due to Wilder path
• Scheduled Maanawaka Conservation Area clean-up for Nov 9 at 10 a.m.
• Agreed to include herbicide application info in Management Plan

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Abatement for the Town of Hartford will meet on October 2, 2025, to review five property tax abatement requests. Each applicant will present evidence for their case, and the board will deliberate and decide on the requests. The meeting is open to the public at Hartford Town Hall.

• Kathy Stocker property tax abatement request at 100 Talbert Street
• April Mason (fka April Zullo) property tax abatement request at 171 Stonecrest Avenue
• Susan Barrett property tax abatement request at 361 South Street
• Nancy L. Scott property tax abatement request at 235 Fairbanks Turn
• Christopher L. Hughes property tax abatement request at 17 Walnut Street

The Hartford Board of Abatement held five hearings and voted unanimously on each. It granted abatements to April Mason ($250 water), Kathy Stocker ($480 sewer), Susan Barrett ($501.25 property tax), and Christopher Hughes ($6,674.57 credit toward tax redemption). It denied Nancy Scott's request for a property tax abatement, as the Assessor had already adjusted the valuation.

• Granted $250 water abatement to April Mason (unanimous)
• Granted $480 sewer abatement to Kathy Stocker (unanimous)
• Granted $501.25 property tax abatement to Susan Barrett (unanimous)
• Denied property tax abatement to Nancy Scott (unanimous)
• Granted $6,674.57 credit toward tax redemption to Christopher Hughes (unanimous)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) meets to discuss and set priorities for the coming months, receive updates from town and school boards, and hear about a BIPOC home & business ownership project. No formal decisions are listed on this agenda.

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion approved its August 6 minutes and discussed upcoming activities, including reviewing the Strategic Plan, hosting community conversations on racism, and exploring participation in the Municipal Equality Index. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved August 6, 2025 meeting minutes (moved by Jasmine, seconded by Miranda)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hear updates from the Housing and Homelessness Committee on rental affordability and a pilot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) project, review the second public meeting on the town’s Solid Waste Implementation Plan (SWIP), and consider purchasing a 2026 Ford F250 pickup truck. The board will also receive reports from the Historic Preservation Commission and Town Manager, including a $1.5 million sidewalk grant for Quechee Main Street.

• $1.5 million grant for Quechee Main Street sidewalk between library and Quechee Bridge
• Purchase of 2026 Ford F250 pickup truck
• Second public meeting on town’s Solid Waste Implementation Plan (SWIP)
• Housing survey results showing 70% of renters cost-burdened
• Historic Preservation Commission update on Victory Circle and Demers Avenue nominations

The Selectboard approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F250 pickup truck for $70,853 from Formula Ford Lincoln, and accepted a $1.5 million state grant for a sidewalk along Quechee Main Street. They also approved a $661,157.67 encumbrance request, an assessor's error adjustment, and directed the town manager to pursue a $30,000 grant for a parking feasibility study. A motion to support a Catalyst Grant application passed 4-3, with the scope focused on reducing car dependency.

• Approved $70,853 purchase of 2026 Ford F250 pickup (unanimous)
• Accepted $1.5M state grant for Quechee Main Street sidewalk
• Approved $661,157.67 FY25 encumbrance request (unanimous)
• Approved assessor's error reducing 235 Fairbanks Turn value to $420,600 (unanimous)
• Directed town manager to pursue $30,000 VMPG grant for parking feasibility study (unanimous)
• Passed motion to support Catalyst Grant application 4-3, focusing on reducing car dependency
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee will meet to approve minutes from September 11, continue discussions on building walk-through findings, feasibility studies, and funding options for the senior center. Public comments and a presentation on senior center programming are also scheduled.

• Review and approve September 11 meeting minutes
• Continued discussion of building walk-through and shortcomings
• Continued discussion of feasibility study and funding options
• Remarks from Mark Bradley on senior center programming and outside group use
• Discussion of establishing a project funding subcommittee

The committee accepted the September 11 minutes and discussed the need for a Capital Improvement Plan and architectural rendering. It formed two small groups to address prioritization, compliance, decommissioning, and linking the feasibility study to building programs. The committee agreed not to pursue funding until these questions are answered, and will invite the feasibility study architects to the next meeting.

• Accepted September 11 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Formed small group 1 to address first steps and compliance/decommissioning (Mark, Sean, Tom, Linda)
• Formed small group 2 to link feasibility study to building programs and site impact on operating budget (Mark, Sue, Emily, Scott F)
• Agreed to defer funding and financing until small group questions are answered
• Scheduled next meeting for October 9 at 4:30 at Bugbee

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates on the coordinator's report, Selectboard, and district heating. They will also discuss public engagement efforts, including a working group, website, materials, and a MERP grant.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report on Halloween, EV chargers, and Window Dressers
• Selectboard update
• District Heating update
• Public engagement discussion: working group, website, materials, MERP grant

The Hartford Energy Commission decided to split the excess funds from the EV event, allocating 60% to Lebanon and 40% to Hartford, with further discussion on use and e-bike charger locations planned for the next meeting. The commission also approved the previous minutes as amended, and discussed several ongoing projects and reports.

• Approved minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Decided to split EV event excess funds 60% to Lebanon, 40% to Hartford

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee is meeting to review and accept minutes from August 27, 2025, and to hear reports on fundraising, publicity, youth activities, ceremonies, and community events. The committee will discuss upcoming events including Veterans Day, a family dance on October 3rd, and the May 30, 2026 encampment.

• Review and accept minutes from August 27, 2025
• Financial report on Fourth of July and May Encampment expenses
• Update on Veterans Day coloring contest and November ceremony
• Family Dance October 3rd at Wilder Clubhouse and Library
• Hartford High School Alumni Parade date set

The committee approved ordering 10 banners and 2 brackets for the 250th commemoration, funded from leftover 2011 celebration funds. They also scheduled a joint meeting with Lebanon for January 28, 2026, to explore collaboration on 250th events. The meeting was largely planning-focused, with no major policy decisions.

• Approved ordering 10 banners and 2 brackets (motion carried)
• Scheduled joint meeting with Lebanon for January 28, 2026
• Accepted August 27, 2025 minutes as corrected (unanimous)
• Tabled encampment discussion until next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford meets to review updates on community food forest projects, including planting, watering, mapping, and signage, and receives a report on the town’s hazard mitigation plan. The group also discusses a pollinator garden expansion and the Quechee Abenaki Garden.

• Food Forest Butternut Talk & Planting (7/13)
• Food Forest Workday with UVM Interns (8/12)
• Food Forest Map and Update
• Pollinator Garden Expansion
• Hartford Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

The Resilient Hartford committee accepted the July 22, 2025 minutes and discussed updates on the Food Forest, including a planned fall workday for pollinator garden expansion. The committee decided to delay installation of two kiosks until 2026 due to concrete footer costs, with storage planned at Clifford Park Barn. No formal votes were taken; all items were discussion and planning only.

• Accepted July 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Delayed kiosk installation to 2026 due to concrete footer costs
• Planned fall workday for pollinator garden expansion with David Hammond
• Scheduled next meeting for October 28, 2025

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team will meet to review minutes from its prior gathering, hear coordinator reports, and receive updates on Styrofoam recycling and water security. The group will also discuss the Vermont Climate Action Plan.

• Review and approve minutes from previous meeting
• Styrofoam recycling update
• Water security update
• Vermont Climate Action Plan discussion

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team met and received updates on completed construction training, new Level 2 EV chargers, and an upcoming Styrofoam collection event. No formal decisions were made; the Vermont Climate Action Plan discussion was tabled to the next meeting.

• Tabled Vermont Climate Action Plan discussion to next meeting
• Noted Level 2 chargers installed in South Main St Parking Lot
• Scheduled Styrofoam collection event for October 4th
• Agreed to check with DPW on well drought support

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several historic preservation items, including reviewing draft minutes, historic district nominations, and various projects. The agenda includes updates on the railroad station weathervane, historic signs, and a kiosk, as well as planning for a CLG grant application and the U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration.

• Review of Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Discussion of Railroad Station Weathervane
• Historic Signs: Historic Districts & Wilder History
• Project Ideas for the 2026 CLG Grant Application
• U.S. 250th Anniversary Commemoration Update

The commission discussed that the Demers Avenue and Victory Circle/Highland Park historic district nominations were returned by the National Park Service for further documentation, a first in the town planner's 28 years. No formal action was taken on the nominations. The commission also noted the Selectboard approved the town as fiscal agent for the Wilder History Sign and received a $5,000 donation from Great River Hydro. Other items were informational, including grant updates and committee reports.

• Approved July 16th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Noted NPS returned Demers Avenue and Victory Circle/Highland Park historic district nominations for further documentation
• Noted Selectboard approved town as fiscal agent for Wilder History Sign
• Noted Great River Hydro donated $5,000 for the Wilder History Sign

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve minutes from August 6th and discuss priorities and activities for the coming months. The agenda includes updates from the Selectboard, School Board, and working groups, with time permitting. This is a regular planning and discussion meeting, not a final decision-making session on specific policies.

• Approve meeting minutes of August 6th
• Discuss and decide priorities and activities for fall and beyond
• Updates from Town/Selectboard and School Board
• FYI: HartStat and HPD Community Working groups
• Possible update on BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project

Sister Cities Committee

The Sister Cities Committee will review updates on the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, France, and discuss the display of a sister city logo. The group will also outline duties for school liaisons and accept minutes from the July meeting.

• Review Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon (11/7-9/25) updates
• Discuss Sister City logo sign display
• Flesh out school liaison duties

The committee accepted the July meeting minutes and discussed the upcoming trip to Cenon, France, for the Festival Toutes Latitudes. They tabled other agenda items to focus on trip logistics, including budget questions and a possible emergency meeting. No formal decisions were made beyond accepting the minutes and tabling the agenda.

• Accepted July meeting minutes (motion by Pat, second by Katie)
• Tabled remaining agenda items (motion by Laura, second by Allison)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to hear updates from town departments, appoint a new library trustee, and consider waiving purchasing rules to buy a wastewater disinfection system and conduct groundwater testing at the landfill. The board will also discuss climate action, a solid waste plan, and a Main Street Museum banner request.

• Consider DPW request to waive purchasing policy for $X wastewater disinfection system
• Consider DPW request to waive purchasing policy for groundwater testing at landfill
• Appoint Torrelee Fisher-Sass to West Hartford Library Board of Trustees (term ends 3/3/2026)
• Consider Main Street Museum’s request to hang light pole banners
• Consider in-kind donation request for “Gory Days” event

The Hartford Selectboard approved several items, including waiving competitive bidding to purchase a wastewater disinfection system upgrade for $30,053.89 and to conduct landfill water quality testing for $35,700. Two appointments were made, and a $896 in-kind donation for the 'Gory Days' event was approved after an initial $448 motion failed. The board also approved Main Street Museum's request to hang light pole banners from October 3 to November 2, 2025.

• Approved waiver of purchasing policy and $30,053.89 contract for TrojanUV3000Plus Gen 3 upgrade (all in favor)
• Approved waiver of purchasing policy and $35,700 landfill water quality testing with Sanborn Head Associates (all in favor)
• Appointed Torrelee Fisher-Sass to West Hartford Library Board of Trustees, term ending March 3, 2026 (all in favor)
• Appointed Ashley Andreas to Housing and Homelessness Committee, term ending March 3, 2026 (5-0, Andreas abstained)
• Approved Main Street Museum light pole banners from Oct 3 to Nov 2, 2025 (5-0, Erdei abstained)
• Approved $896 in-kind donation for 'Gory Days' event (5-1, Krauss opposed)
• Denied initial $448 in-kind donation for 'Gory Days' event (no second)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (all in favor)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board will meet to review and vote on minutes from previous meetings, receive the Tree Warden’s report, and discuss upcoming community tree projects including a scavenger hunt, nursery maintenance, and fall/winter tree identification walks. Grant updates will also be presented.

• Review and vote on July and August 2025 meeting minutes
• Discuss nursery watering and parameter updates
• Approve October Tree of the Month: Quechee
• Plan Fall and Winter Tree Identification Walks at Middle School

The Hartford Tree Board discussed an RFP sent to six tree service companies for trimming honey locusts on Main/Maple St. and removing dead branches at Hartford Point Cemetery and 807 Maple St., with bids due August 25. The board also fertilized several trees with Phosphite, approved removal of leaning boxelders at the Dog Park, and scheduled a nursery work session. No formal votes were taken; the July minutes were postponed to September.

• Approved removal of leaning boxelders at Dog Park (unanimous)
• Sent RFP to six tree service companies for trimming and removal work (no vote)
• Fertilized White Oak, hackberry, and red maple with Phosphite (no vote)
• Scheduled nursery work session for August 31 at 9 AM (no vote)

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider nominating Jo-Ann Ells for re-appointment as Zoning Administrative Officer, a position that must be filled every three years by the Selectboard. The commission's nomination will be forwarded to the Selectboard for final appointment. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Nomination of Jo-Ann Ells as Zoning Administrative Officer for a three-year term
• Re-appointment follows prior term ending November 22, 2025
• Meeting held in person at Hartford Town Hall, 171 Bridge Street, White River Junction, with remote access options

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to tour select facilities, including Lyman Point Park, and to conduct regular business. The agenda includes discussion of impact fee questions and next steps for the Rec Center, as well as an update on the Lyman Point Park project. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Tour of select facilities, including Lyman Point Park
• Discussion of impact fee questions
• Rec Center next steps and name generation
• Lyman Point Park project update

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission met on September 11, 2025, and approved the previous meeting's minutes. The main activity was a tour of Lyman Point Park and Veterans Park, where the director described ongoing improvements and discussed possible future changes, including a bandstand relocation, a walking path, and a river overlook. No formal decisions were made on these proposals.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee is meeting to review and approve minutes, conduct a building walk-through, and discuss building conditions and shortcomings. They will also continue discussions on a feasibility study and options, hear remarks on senior center programming, consider establishing a project funding task force, and confirm the meeting schedule.

• Review and approve meeting minutes from August 27
• Building walk-through (inside and outside)
• Discussion of building conditions and shortcomings
• Continued discussion of feasibility study and options
• Consider establishing a project funding task force

The committee conducted a facility tour and discussed building issues including paving, deterioration, air flow, and ADA/Fire-Safety compliance. They also discussed funding possibilities such as bonds, grants, philanthropy, and a capital campaign, with Lori Hirshfield and Mark Bradley to lead a funding task force. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was informational
• Lori Hirshfield and Mark Bradley to lead funding task force
• Next meeting scheduled for Sept 25 at 4:30 p.m.

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will hold four tax-appeal hearings under 32 V.S.A §4404(b) at Town Hall, 171 Bridge Street. Each hearing reviews an assessor’s action on a specific parcel; no other business is listed.

• Stewart & Lisa Smith appeal on 580 Murphys Road, Parcel 12-1824-FHC-9B
• William Mann; John & Bethalyn Mann appeal on 0 Royall Tyler Road, Parcel 7-5356
• Charles & Maureen Bacon appeal on 0 Woodstock Road, Parcel 12-32
• Nancy Griswold, James Griswold & Wendy Louis appeal on 168-180 Hickory Ridge, Parcel 45-195

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to discuss housing advocacy tools, a small-scale housing pilot project, rental inventory survey results, and solutions for the unhoused community. They will also consider a bylaw change regarding the Selectboard position and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Presentation on new Housing Advocacy Tool by Sarah Danly from Vital Communities
• Hartford's Big Little Build: Small-scale Housing Pilot Project update and pitch to Selectboard on September 30th
• Review Rental Inventory Survey Results for Selectboard Update on September 30th
• Discussion on solutions for the unhoused community, including establishing a working group and 'Just Getting By' screening on September 21st
• Recommendation for change to the Committee's Bylaws regarding Selectboard Position

The committee approved prior meeting minutes and notes unanimously. Members reviewed the Big Little Build pilot program framework and rental inventory survey results, both to be presented to the Selectboard on September 30. They also recommended changing bylaws so the Selectboard liaison is non-voting, and discussed unhoused community solutions without forming a working group.

• Approved July meeting minutes and August notes (unanimous)
• Recommended bylaw change to make Selectboard liaison non-voting
• Scheduled Big Little Build and rental survey presentations to Selectboard on Sept 30
• No working group formed for unhoused community solutions

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a site visit and public hearing to consider a setback waiver for four ground-mounted solar panels at 124 Stonecrest Avenue. The applicant seeks to place the panels 6 feet from the front property line, infringing the 25-foot front setback, citing better sun exposure. The board will also discuss protocol for recording hearings. A draft decision approving the waiver is included in the agenda.

• Application #03-25 by Laura Simon for a setback waiver under section 260-52 for solar panels at 124 Stonecrest Avenue, Wilder (R-3 district)
• Proposed panels: 4 ground-mounted, 400 watts each, in a 14' x 6'3" area, 6' from front property line
• Draft decision approves the waiver with condition of written verification before certificate of occupancy
• Board to discuss protocol for recording hearings
• Appeal rights to Vermont Environmental Court within 30 days

The Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a setback waiver for solar panels at 124 Stonecrest Avenue, Wilder, after a site visit and public hearing. The board also discussed an administrative oversight regarding missing meeting minutes and agreed to implement new recording procedures.

• Approved setback waiver for solar panels at 124 Stonecrest Avenue (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for Application #03-25
• Agreed to revise meeting script to confirm recording at each meeting
• Agreed to enable automatic recording for future TEAMS meetings

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will hold tax appeal hearings for six property owners who are contesting the Assessor's valuation. The board will first review its process, then hear each appeal in the order listed. All hearings take place at Hartford Town Hall, Room 1, 171 Bridge Street, White River Jct., VT.

• Alan & Heidi Haehnel, 38 Hillridge Road, Parcel ID #31-52, SPAN #285-090-12138
• Charlotte Lyman, 3446 Jericho Street, Parcel ID #3-57, SPAN #285-090-13319
• James Peters, 753 Podunk Road, Parcel ID #3-5, SPAN #285-090-14149
• Daniel Vota & Deborah Liddy, 160 Bennington Lane, Parcel ID #7-5269, SPAN #285-090-11429
• David Grossman, 186 Sugarhill Lane, 3A, Parcel ID #12-8112-SHC-3A, SPAN #285-090-12072

The Board of Civil Authority heard six property tax appeals and approved reductions for four properties, denied one, and dismissed one due to lack of access. All decisions followed the Assessor's recommendations.

• Reduced Haehnel property at 38 Hillridge Road from $411,000 to $355,300 (unanimous)
• Reduced Lyman property at 3446 Jericho Street from $570,800 to $503,100 (unanimous)
• Left Grossman condo at 186 Sugarhill Lane, 3A at $334,300 (unanimous)
• Reduced Smith property at 984 Valley View Road from $242,700 to $207,000 (unanimous)
• Dismissed Vota & Liddy appeal at 160 Bennington Lane for lack of site access (statutory withdrawal)
• Withdrawn appeal by James Peters at 753 Podunk Road

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission will meet to review updates on town forest management, including a wildlife habitat assessment and a walk with the county forester. They will also discuss the Maanawaka Conservation Area management plan, a powerline herbicide application, and a homeless encampment issue. Other topics include Green-Up Day results, pollinator garden updates, and Ottauquechee Trail maintenance.

• Town Forest wildlife habitat assessment update
• Maanawaka Conservation Area management plan review
• Powerline herbicide application discussion
• Homeless encampment update
• 2025 Green-Up Day results presentation

The Hartford Conservation Commission meeting on September 8, 2025, was not held because no quorum was present. Only two committee members (Katie Mann and Mary Hutchins) and staff member Matt Osborn attended, so no substantive decisions were made.

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund and Hartford 2020 VCDP Revolving Loan Fund Committee will meet to approve minutes, review loan summaries, and discuss current and potential loans. The committee will also discuss funding for a potential housing program and an outreach plan for both loan funds.

• Approval of June 4, 2024 meeting minutes
• Review of loan summary reports for July 2025
• Discussion of funding for potential housing program
• Discussion of outreach plan for both revolving loan funds

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee met on September 3, 2025, and approved the June 4, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee entered executive session to review a confidential loan summary but took no actions on any loans. They discussed a potential pilot program to fund accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with $15,000 in FY2027 for small grants or forgivable loans, but no formal decision was made. The meeting adjourned without any substantive decisions beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved June 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for confidential loan review (motion passed)
• No actions taken on loans during executive session
• Discussed ADU housing pilot program but took no vote
• Discussed outreach plan for loan funds but took no action

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority is meeting to discuss a legislative voting district audit and a draft audit report intended for the Vermont Secretary of State. The agenda includes only these items plus other business, with no decisions or public hearings listed.

• Legislative voting district audit discussion
• Draft audit report for VT Secretary of State

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority reviewed the voting district audit required by Act 70 (2025) and confirmed that all voters are in the correct districts. The board unanimously authorized the BCA Chair and Town Clerk to submit the audit report as drafted.

• Authorized submission of voting district audit report (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider approving revised Conservation Commission bylaws, a request to change wastewater reserve allocations for the Nutt Lane Railroad Crossing, and re-appointments to the Housing and Homeless Committee and Planning Commission. The board will also discuss public engagement and other routine matters.

• Re-appoint Nancy Trottier to Housing and Homeless Committee (2-year term)
• Re-appoint Dillon Bianchi to Planning Commission (3-year term)
• Approve revised Conservation Commission bylaws
• Revise wastewater reserves allocation for Nutt Lane Railroad Crossing
• Approve payroll and accounts payable manifests

The Hartford Selectboard approved revised Conservation Commission bylaws with gender-neutral edits, reappointed members to committees, and authorized engineering expenses for the Nutt Lane Railroad Crossing project. The board also reassigned liaison roles and scheduled a public Meet & Greet for October 3.

• Approved revised Conservation Commission bylaws (all in favor)
• Reappointed Nancy Trottier to Housing and Homelessness Committee (all in favor)
• Reappointed Dillon Bianchi to Planning Commission (all in favor)
• Authorized engineering expenses with Otter Creek Engineering for Nutt Lane project (all in favor)
• Appointed Town Manager to represent Town at VLCT annual meeting (all in favor)
• Approved consent agenda (6-0, Fariel abstaining)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to approve draft minutes, hear the coordinator's report, and discuss the 2025-2027 project Gantt chart, Coolidge Redux tax stabilization and charter research, and public engagement for the EV Expo. The meeting is a hybrid session held at Town Hall and via Teams.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report
• 2025-2027 projects Gantt chart review
• Coolidge Redux: tax stabilization and charter research
• Public engagement for EV Expo

The Hartford Energy Commission met on August 28, 2025, and approved the previous meeting's minutes. They discussed a potential parking study grant, geothermal options for the Coolidge Hotel, and upcoming projects like the EV Expo and Level 3 charger installations. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority will hold tax appeal hearings for property owners who contest the Assessor's valuation. The board will first review its process, then hear six appeals from property owners at specific times. Hearings will continue until all aggrieved parties are heard.

• Donald & Beth Main, 1301 Hillside Road, Parcel #11-3-3
• Katelyn & Brent Eastman, 2161 Hillside Road, Parcel #11-31
• Three units at 385 Quechee Main Street (Units 2A, 2B, 2C)
• Daniel Solomita, 316 Brookmeade Circle, Parcel #9-134-4
• Melanie Williams & Robert Merrill, 46 Pullman Lane, Parcel #22-184-1-B

Bugbee Building Committee

The Bugbee Building Committee will hold its first meeting to review bylaws, elect officers, and discuss compliance with open meeting laws. Members will also review a feasibility study for the Bugbee Senior Center and plan next steps.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law compliance
• Initial review of feasibility study for Bugbee Senior Center
• Planning of meeting schedule

The committee elected Sue Buckholz as Chair, Mark Bradley as Vice-Chair, and Mary Erdei as Clerk/Secretary, all unanimously. They set future meetings for Sept 11 and Sept 25 at 4:30 pm. Discussion covered renovation versus rebuilding, code and ADA compliance, and funding needs, but no formal decisions were made on the building project.

• Elected Sue Buckholz as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Mark Bradley as Vice-Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Mary Erdei as Clerk/Secretary (unanimous)
• Set meeting schedule: Sept 11 and Sept 25 at 4:30 pm

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee is meeting to review minutes, hear reports on publicity and community events, and plan remaining activities for spring and summer 2026. The agenda includes finalizing details for the Abenaki Open House on August 30th and discussing future events like an Alumni Day Parade and a tour of 18th-century buildings. The committee also has one open seat to fill.

• Abenaki Open House August 30th – final details, including pop-up tents and water coolers
• John Haverstock waived copy fees for research on 18th-century buildings tour
• Update on Hartford Historical Society events and library events
• Planning with Bugbee Senior Center
• One committee seat still open

The committee approved the banner text 'Hartford Commemorates 250 America' and discussed upcoming events, including the Abenaki Open House and library programs. No formal votes were taken; decisions were made by consensus. The committee also noted ongoing challenges in finding speakers for historical society events.

• Approved banner text 'Hartford Commemorates 250 America' (consensus)
• Accepted July 23 minutes as presented
• Amended August 11 minutes to correct a sentence
• Scheduled next meeting for October 22 at 5:30 pm
• Adjourned at 6:15 pm

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will hold tax appeal hearings for property owners who are aggrieved by the Assessor's action. The agenda lists six appeals, each with a scheduled time, property address, parcel ID, and SPAN. The board will also conduct a process review at the start of the meeting.

• Process review at 9:00 a.m.
• Leonard Morse & Gwen Tuson appeal for 2499, 2521, and 2546 Christian Street (parcels 4-60-1, 4-59, 4-60)
• Matthew & Susan Foster appeal for 1427 Jericho Street (parcel 4-12)
• Jennifer Lamoureux appeal for 207 Latham Works Lane (parcel 46-52)
• Nancy Griswold, James Griswold & Wendy Louis appeal for 168-180 Hickory Ridge (parcel 45-195)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will interview five applicants for a vacant seat, then hold an executive session to evaluate candidates before announcing a selection. Later, the board will continue planning a public engagement event and open the meeting to public comments.

• Interviews for Selectboard vacancy: Lannie Collins (6:05), Kristen DePrizio Pelletier (6:20), Michael Eigenbrode (6:35), Tim Fariel (6:50), John Haffner (7:05)
• Executive session to discuss and evaluate applicants (7:20)
• Announcement of new Selectboard member (7:50)
• Continue planning public engagement event (7:55)

The Hartford Selectboard interviewed applicants for a vacancy, held an executive session, and unanimously appointed Tim Fariel to serve through Town Meeting Day on March 3, 2026. The board also directed the Town Manager to organize a public engagement event on the first Friday in October at the Filling Station. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Appointed Tim Fariel to fill Selectboard vacancy through March 3, 2026 (unanimous)
• Directed Town Manager to organize public engagement event for first Friday in October at Filling Station, 5:30-7:00 PM (unanimous)
• Held executive session to evaluate applicants (unanimous)

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review minutes, hear a coordinator's report, and discuss several climate-related topics. Items include an update on styrofoam recycling, a debate on nuclear power, and planning for a September discussion on the Climate Action Plan.

• Styrofoam recycling update
• Debate on nuclear power
• Hartford news submissions
• September discussion on Climate Action Plan (CAP)

The Climate Action Steering Team approved the July 2025 minutes and discussed upcoming projects, including the installation of Level 2 chargers starting August 25 and a Styrofoam collection with 35 volunteers. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy decisions; the meeting focused on coordination and planning.

• Approved July 2025 meeting minutes
• Scheduled Level 2 charger installation in South Main parking lot for August 25
• Confirmed New England Grassroots Environmental Fund grant for Hartford Styrofoam Recycling Group
• Planned discussion of state climate plan changes for September 17 meeting

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is holding its regular monthly meeting. The board will vote to approve the minutes from the June 17th meeting and the treasurer's report, hear a director's report, and discuss old business including the farmer's market. The agenda is largely routine administrative business.

• Approval of June 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of Treasurer's Report
• Discussion of board member advertisements
• Director's report and discussion
• Old business: Farmer's Market

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider a local cannabis license for Altius THC LLC, provide budget guidance to staff, and discuss community engagement plans. The agenda also includes appointments, a tax sale recap, and an executive session on union contract negotiations.

• Consider approval of local cannabis license #S-000012661 for Altius THC LLC (wholesalers renewal)
• Re-appoint Larson Burns to the Design Review Board for a three-year term (2025-2028)
• Approve Assessor's Errors & Omissions Report
• Provide budget guidance to staff
• Executive session on clerical workers' union contract negotiations and Selectboard vacancy applications

The Hartford Selectboard adopted the FY2027 Budget Guidance as amended, providing direction for the upcoming budget. The board also approved three property tax assessment adjustments, re-appointed Larson Burns to the Design Review Board, and approved a cannabis license for Altius THC LLC. All five applicants for the Selectboard vacancy will be interviewed at the August 26 meeting.

• Adopted FY2027 Budget Guidance as amended (unanimous)
• Approved cannabis license #S-000012661 for Altius THC LLC (unanimous)
• Approved assessment adjustment for 235 Fairbanks Turn from $2,292,200 to $1,082,200 (unanimous)
• Approved assessment adjustments for 27 North Main Street parcels (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Larson Burns to Design Review Board for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to interview all 5 Selectboard vacancy applicants at August 26 meeting
• Approved future meeting dates including special meeting on 8/26/2025

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review and vote on the previous meeting minutes, receive a Tree Warden report, and discuss proposed bylaw updates for 2025. They will also plan upcoming projects and events, including nursery maintenance, a September Tree of the Month, and fall/winter identification walks. Grant updates and education initiatives are also on the agenda.

• Bylaw discussion and updates for 2025
• Nursery water and workday (dirt/mulch coverage)
• Tree of the Month for September
• Fall ID Walk and Winter ID Walk planning
• Grant updates

The Hartford Tree Board met on August 19, 2025, and heard the Tree Warden's report on issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for tree trimming services, with bids due August 25. The board discussed bylaw updates, nursery work, and upcoming events, but took no formal votes or decisions. Minutes from July were postponed for approval to the September meeting.

• Issued RFP for tree trimming at Main St./1523 Maple St. and Hartford Point Cemetery/807 Maple St. (no vote)
• Postponed approval of July minutes to September meeting (no vote)
• Scheduled nursery work session for August 31 at 9 AM (no vote)
• Discussed potential September Tree of the Month candidates (no vote)

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford, VT Sister City Committee is meeting to accept July minutes, discuss the upcoming Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon (November 7-9, 2025), update the Sister City logo sign display, and flesh out school liaison duties. The meeting is routine planning and updates, with no major decisions or public hearings.

• Accept minutes of July meeting
• Update on Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, Nov 7-9, 2025 (attendees Allison, Laura, and others)
• Update on Sister City logo sign display
• Flesh out school liaison duties

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will hold tax appeal hearings for six properties, starting with a process review at 9:00 a.m. and individual hearings from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Hartford Town Hall. The board will hear appeals from property owners who are aggrieved by the Assessor's action.

• Barbara Davies & Wayne Mills, 485 Alden Partridge Road, 5D (Parcel #7-8073-RGC-5D)
• Andrew & Joy Cohn, 50 Fletcher Lane (Parcel #7-5409)
• Vernon & Mary Suzanne Crowther, 1221 Baker Turn, 1C (Parcel #7-8071-KWC-1C)
• William & Sarah Dwyer, 165 Royall Tyler Road (Parcel #7-5374)
• William Mann; John & Bethalyn Mann, 0 Royall Tyler Road (Parcel #7-5356)

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority held tax appeal hearings and approved assessment reductions for five properties, all unanimously. The reductions ranged from $22,200 to $175,700, based on site inspections and assessor recommendations. One hearing was postponed to September 11, 2025.

• Reduced Mills & Davies assessment from $596,600 to $466,100 (unanimous)
• Reduced Cohn assessment from $985,700 to $907,900 (unanimous)
• Reduced Crowther assessment from $295,900 to $225,000 (unanimous)
• Reduced Dwyer assessment from $757,000 to $734,800 (unanimous)
• Reduced Hawthorne assessment from $1,239,600 to $1,063,900 (unanimous)
• Postponed Mann hearing to September 11, 2025

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority will meet at Hartford Town Hall to review six property tax appeals filed under 32 V.S.A §4404(b). Each hearing allows aggrieved property owners to challenge their assessed property values before the board.

• John T. Dickinson appeal for 0 Galaxy Hill Lane (Parcel ID #4-47-3-H1)
• Snow Village Properties, LLC appeal for 0 Mercy Strong Lane (Parcel ID #7-2157)
• Jon & Lynda Christensen appeal for 2243 Quechee Main Street (Parcel ID #12-1309)
• Stephanie Gile appeal for 93 Dawn Drive (Parcel ID #12-100-SSC-10)
• Charles & Maureen Bacon appeal for 0 Woodstock Road (Parcel ID #12-32)

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority approved five property tax assessment reductions on August 14, 2025, following hearings and site inspections. The board also unanimously passed a motion to allow the Town Clerk to chair future tax appeal hearings if both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent. All other scheduled hearings were recessed to later dates.

• Reduced assessment at 0 Galaxy Hill Lane from $533,700 to $335,000 (unanimous)
• Reduced assessment at 0 Mercy Strong Lane from $82,000 to $74,000 (unanimous)
• Reduced assessment at 2243 Quechee Main Street from $765,300 to $694,200 (unanimous)
• Reduced assessment at 93 Dawn Drive from $312,700 to $289,800 (unanimous)
• Reduced assessment at 111 Lakeland Drive, 5D from $415,800 to $173,700 (unanimous)
• Approved motion for Town Clerk to act as Chair if both Chair and Vice-Chair absent (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Housing and Homelessness Committee is meeting to discuss housing issues, including meeting with the Special Needs Support Center about housing for the disability community and with a consultant on ADUs and tiny homes. They will also finalize outreach for a rental inventory survey, continue discussing solutions for the unhoused community, and receive an update on the Big Little Build pilot project.

• Meet with Special Needs Support Center on housing and disability community
• Meet with Lina Menard from Niche Consulting on ADUs and tiny homes
• Final outreach for rental inventory survey and plan for Selectboard update
• Update on screening location and potential panelists for unhoused solutions
• Hartford's Big Little Build small-scale housing pilot project update

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness met on August 14, 2025, but no decisions were made or voted on because there was no quorum. The meeting was informational, featuring presentations on accessible housing and ADUs/tiny homes, and updates on the rental inventory survey and a film screening. The July meeting minutes were not approved due to the lack of quorum.

• No decisions made or voted on due to lack of quorum
• July meeting minutes not approved (no quorum)
• Agenda item added to discuss FY27 budget request
• Rental inventory survey to be broadcast one more time by Town communications
• Selectboard update on survey scheduled for 9/30
• Film screening set for 9/21 at Bugbee Senior Center; no official panel planned

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission will review fall and winter programming plans, receive a project update on Lyman Point Park, and address old and new business items. The meeting includes routine procedural items and public comment periods.

• Fall/Winter Programming plans
• Lyman Point Park Project Update
• Rec Center old business review
• Generate names for unspecified purpose

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a setback waiver application to install ground-mounted solar panels at 124 Stonecrest Avenue in Wilder. The board will also handle administrative matters including public comment, minutes, and an administrative permit for a golf cart bridge pier repair.

• Setback waiver application #03-25 by Laura Simon for solar panels at 124 Stonecrest Avenue, Wilder (R-3 district)
• Administrative permit: QLLA Golf Cart Bridge Pier Repair
• Approval of minutes from March 26, 2025 meeting
• Next public hearing scheduled for October 8, 2025

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a lot line adjustment between two properties on Wellington Drive and Remick Road, and will discuss a proposal to add floors and apartments to an office building at 80 North Main Street. The agenda also includes routine administrative items such as permits, minutes, and updates from various committees.

• Public hearing on lot line adjustment for lots 14-0027-001 and 14-0027-003, Wellington Drive and Remick Road
• Discussion of proposed expansion at 80 North Main Street: adding 1-2 floors, creating two apartments, and adding three parking spaces
• Administrative permits for Junction Fiber Mill (Maple Street), Coop Kitchen (A Street), Hartford PD (VA Cutoff), and Northern Stage (Gates Street)
• No Act 250 applications on the agenda
• Next public hearing scheduled for October 6th

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee will meet to discuss the poster template design from previous meetings and consider forming a working group to revise it. They will also consider a $1,200 fee to pay two musicians and a caller for an October country dance at the Wilder Clubhouse. The meeting includes public comments and announcements.

• Consider $1,200.00 fee for 2 musicians and a caller for October 'Country Dance' at Wilder Clubhouse
• Discuss poster template design events from June and July meetings
• Discuss a working group for revising the poster template

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee held a special meeting to address conflicts from a prior meeting, with members offering apologies and agreeing to speak out on sensitive issues. They approved spending $1,200 for musicians and a caller for a country dance on October 3rd at the Wilder Clubhouse, and discussed revising the poster template to make 'Hartford' prominent. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved $1,200 for two musicians and a caller for a country dance on October 3rd at Wilder Clubhouse (unanimous thumbs up)
• Agreed to speak out and actively listen on conflicts or sensitive subjects
• Patti Crimmin-Greenan volunteered to work on revising the poster template
• Lori Hirshfield will ask Danielle Taylor to coordinate with JD Hawkes on updating committee member listing

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve April minutes, recap the Juneteenth event, seek quorum and new members, and revisit the LGBTQ+ employee policy. The committee will also receive town, Selectboard, and School Board updates, time permitting. Two items—a Hartford student award and engaging with other organizations—are tabled until the next meeting.

• Juneteenth event recap and improvements for next year
• Discussion of LGBTQ+ employee policy next steps
• Seeking quorum and new members
• Updates on HartStat and HPD Community Working groups
• Miranda update on BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met on August 6, 2025, and unanimously approved the April 2 minutes. The committee discussed the June 21 Juneteenth celebration in Lyman Point Park, noting positives and areas for improvement, and agreed to update a working spreadsheet. Members also reviewed committee membership, including Susan Mullens' second-term approval by the Selectboard, and received updates from the Hartford Public Safety Coalition's Accountability Working Group. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved April 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to update Juneteenth working spreadsheet
• Noted Susan Mullens' second term approved by Selectboard

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to decide on two local cannabis retail licenses for Easy Green Genetix LLC and Altius THC LLC. The board will also hear updates on police equipment purchases, engineering grants, and budget guidance for fiscal year 2027.

• Approval of Local Cannabis License #S-000013122 for Easy Green Genetix LLC
• Approval of Local Cannabis License #S-000012661 for Altius THC LLC
• Consideration of $15,000 in police equipment purchases (E-Bike, K9 vehicle, drone)
• Acceptance of $45,000 Structures Grant for Quechee-Hartland Road culvert engineering
• Discussion of FY2027 budget guidance for staff

The Selectboard approved multiple donations for police equipment, including e-bikes, a K9 vehicle, and a drone, and accepted a state grant for culvert engineering. They also approved appointments, a work plan, and a process to fill a board vacancy. The cannabis license for Easy Green Genetix was approved, while Altius THC's application was deferred.

• Approved Local Cannabis License for Easy Green Genetix LLC (4-0)
• Deferred Altius THC LLC cannabis license to next meeting
• Re-appointed Susan Mullens to HCOREI for two-year term (4-0)
• Appointed Gaal Shephard Crowl to Tree Board for three-year term (4-0)
• Accepted donation for HPD e-bikes and racks (5-0)
• Accepted $40,000 donation for K9 vehicle and approved purchase (5-0)
• Accepted $10,000 donation for police drone (5-0)
• Accepted Structures Grant #BC2426 for culvert engineering up to $80,000 (5-0)

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear public comment, and receive the coordinator's report. The main discussion items are the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) regional plan and energy chapter, a Catalyst Grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for the Coolidge Redux project, and municipal corporations. The commission will also discuss public engagement efforts, including posters, quartercards, and an EV Expo, and review app testing for flooding and culverts from July 7th.

• Discussion of TRORC Regional Plan and Energy Chapter
• Coolidge Redux Catalyst Grant from NBRC
• Municipal corporations discussion
• Public engagement: poster/quartercards and EV Expo
• Flooding/culverts app testing from July 7th

The Hartford Energy Commission met on July 24, 2025, and approved the June minutes. The commission discussed the upcoming town plan update, including the energy chapter, and noted the Selectboard's approval of six level 2 EV chargers at the South Main Street parking area. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved June minutes as presented (unanimous)

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee will meet on July 23, 2025, to discuss event planning, publicity, and finances for the town's upcoming commemoration. The agenda includes reports on financial matters, publicity banners and posters, youth camp activities, and updates on historical events and tours. Committee members will also discuss old business such as filling an open committee seat and new business regarding meeting scheduling for late 2026.

• Review and accept minutes from June 26, 2025
• Financial and publicity reports including Abenaki Open House posters and banners
• Reports on P&R Youth Ventures Camp 2025 and an encampment planned for May 30th, 2026
• Discussion on fees for copies needed to research 18th-century buildings for a commemoration tour
• Updates on HHS events, Freedom Train, and timeline goals for spring and summer 2026

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee approved ordering 25 banners for $2,009.62, tabled the Ghost Walk event for a future anniversary, and removed several timeline items. The committee also discussed a political disagreement regarding the use of a tripod logo on posters, with one member threatening resignation if the committee becomes political. No public comments were made, and the next meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2025.

• Approved ordering 25 banners for $2,009.62
• Tabled Ghost Walk event for a future anniversary
• Removed HHS speakers for September and November from timeline
• Crossed off Theron Boyd property and January 18th Century Craft Demos from timeline
• Skipped November and December 2025 meetings due to holidays
• Accepted June 26, 2025 minutes

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is meeting to consider a public-private partnership application for the redevelopment of the Hotel Coolidge site, along with several other items including water and wastewater service proposals, paving contracts, and asset management loans. The board will also discuss a possible ordinance prohibiting face coverings for law enforcement and review a reappraisal update showing an 84% average increase in property values.

• Public-Private Partnership application for Hotel Coolidge redevelopment (Junction House project)
• Proposals to provide water and wastewater service to two Norwich properties
• Class 2 Paving Grant acceptance and paving contract award
• Asset management loans for Hartford and Quechee water systems
• Donations for HFD thermal camera, HPD e-bike, K9 vehicle, and drone purchases

The Selectboard approved the Public-Private Partnership application for the Coolidge Hotel Block redevelopment, allowing it to proceed to level 2. They also awarded paving and wastewater contracts, accepted a $10,000 donation for fire department thermal cameras, and adopted the FY2027 budget calendar. Several items were tabled, including HPD equipment purchases and a face-covering ordinance discussion.

• Approved Coolidge Hotel Block PPP application for level 1, proceeding to level 2 (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to negotiate water/wastewater service agreements with Norwich Farmer's Market and Twin Pines (unanimous)
• Accepted Class 2 Paving Grant #P02231 (unanimous)
• Awarded paving contract to Pike Industries, base bid $803,576.75, with additional work up to $878,160 (unanimous)
• Awarded wastewater line cleaning/video inspection contract to N.A. Manosh, Inc. for $50,680 (unanimous)
• Approved asset management loan applications for Hartford and Quechee water systems (unanimous)
• Accepted $10,000 donation from Bryne Foundation for HFD thermal cameras (unanimous)
• Adopted FY2027 budget calendar (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford, a community group, is meeting to discuss updates on the Clifford Park Food Forest, including a planting event, map, workdays, kiosk, and signage. They will also review reports on the Community Resilience Building and a block party, and consider new members. The agenda is mostly routine updates and planning, with no major decisions or financial items.

• Clifford Park Food Forest Butternut Talk & Planting on 7/13
• Food Forest Map, Update, Workdays, Kiosk, and Signage
• Seed Library and Quechee Abenaki Garden updates
• Community Resilience Building Report
• Community Coalition Block Party Report

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will meet with Police Chief Connie Kelley to discuss interactions between police and marginalized groups, including stops, citations, arrests, and trust-building. The committee will also review the Juneteenth event and discuss updates on membership and town and school board matters.

• Meet with Police Chief Connie Kelley on HPD interactions with marginalized groups
• Discuss HPD staffing, DEI practices in recruiting, hiring, retention, and training
• Juneteenth event recap and improvements for next year
• Tabled items: Hartford student award, LGBTQ+ Employee Policy, BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project
• Seeking new members and student liaison vacancy

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to review draft minutes, discuss nominations for the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic Districts, and address several property and signage items, including the Railroad Station weathervane, historic signs, and the School District Building at 71 Highland Avenue. The agenda also includes updates on the U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration and the Monument Committee, plus commission openings. This is a regular business meeting with no major funding decisions listed.

• Review of draft minutes from June 18, 2025
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District nominations
• Railroad Station weathervane discussion
• School District Building at 71 Highland Avenue
• U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration update

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team will meet to review and approve minutes from its previous meeting, receive coordinator reports, and discuss a Styrofoam recycling update and the State Climate Action Plan. The group will also consider measurement standards for its climate priorities.

• Review and approve minutes from previous meeting
• Styrofoam recycling update
• State Climate Action Plan discussion
• CAP priorities measurement standard

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review and vote on the previous meeting minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, and discuss upcoming events including a nursery workday, a tree ID walk at Lyman Point Park, and the Tree of the Month selections. They will also receive grant updates and continue discussions on educational initiatives to support the board's mission.

• Vote on previous meeting minutes
• Nursery water and workday (dirt/mulch coverage)
• July Tree ID Walk planning at Lyman Point Park
• Tree of the Month for July and August (Hartford Library's Maple Tree)
• Grant updates

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2025, to consider six property tax abatement requests. Each applicant will present evidence, and the board will deliberate after the hearings. The agenda includes a process review and specific properties with parcel IDs.

• Process review at 5:30pm
• Carol Olwert, 133 Colonial Drive, Unit 205
• Vahe Mkrtchyan & Armine Hovhannisyan, 1163 Baker Turn, 2D
• Lani & Kathleen Janisse, 1625 Maple St, 1661 Maple St, & 0 Orchard Hill
• Praise Chapel Inc., 14 Elk Street

The Hartford Board of Abatement heard six tax abatement requests and made decisions on each. It granted partial abatements to Carol Olwert ($1,500), the Janisses for 1625 Maple St. ($8,000), Tamara Emmons ($2,480.99), and Jennifer Provost & Michael Blow ($2,988.47). It denied requests from Vahe Mkrtchyan & Armine Hovhannisyan, the Janisses for 1661 Maple St. and 0 Orchard Hill, and Praise Chapel, Inc.

• Granted $1,500 abatement to Carol Olwert (unanimous, 1 abstention)
• Denied abatement to Vahe Mkrtchyan & Armine Hovhannisyan (unanimous)
• Granted $8,000 abatement to Janisse for 1625 Maple St. (unanimous)
• Denied abatement to Janisse for 1661 Maple St. (unanimous)
• Denied abatement to Janisse for 0 Orchard Hill (unanimous)
• Denied abatement to Praise Chapel, Inc. (unanimous)
• Granted $2,480.99 abatement to Tamara Emmons (unanimous)
• Granted $2,988.47 abatement to Jennifer Provost & Michael Blow (unanimous)

Sister Cities Committee

The Sister Cities Committee will meet to review updates on the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, discuss the display of a Sister City logo sign, and outline duties for school liaisons. The meeting is procedural with no major decisions expected.

• Review Festival Toutes Latitudes plans for November 7–9, 2025
• Discuss Sister City logo sign display
• Flesh out school liaison duties

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on July 14, 2025, to consider a site development plan application from the Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center to convert an existing barn/garage into two affordable dwelling units and a community meeting space at 113 Maple Street, White River Junction. The agenda also includes administrative matters such as public comment, minutes, administrative permits, Act 250 applications, and updates on the Town Plan, Regional Planning Commission, and Climate Action Plan. The attached draft decision indicates the commission has already approved the application with conditions.

• Public hearing on Application #25-11 for additional dwelling units and meeting space at 113 Maple Street, White River Junction (CB-2 district)
• Administrative permits: Vreeland Clinic VA Cutoff Road, QLLA golf bag room relocation, QLLA new T-bar shack
• Act 250 application: QLLA golf cart barn
• Town Plan Steering Committee update
• Climate Action Plan update

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding an emergency meeting to set the tax rates for fiscal year 2026 and to approve the accompanying tax bill flyer. This is a decision-making meeting, not just procedural, as setting tax rates directly affects property owners.

• Set Tax Rates for FY2026
• Approve Tax Bill Flyer

The Selectboard voted unanimously to set the FY2026 tax rates, including a total town tax rate of $0.6546 per $100 of assessed value, with a total appropriation of $17,115,058.88. They also approved including a draft flyer with tax bills. The meeting was held as an emergency session after the July 8 meeting was postponed, and public comment raised questions about notice and assessment appeals.

• Set FY2026 General Highway Fund rate at $0.6411 (unanimous)
• Set FY2026 County Tax rate at $0.0044 (unanimous)
• Set FY2026 Restricted Appropriations rate at $0.0081 (unanimous)
• Set FY2026 Local Agreement rate at $0.0010 (unanimous)
• Set total FY2026 Town Tax rate at $0.6546 (unanimous)
• Set Education Homestead Tax rate at $1.2590 (unanimous)
• Set Education Non-Homestead Tax rate at $1.1916 (unanimous)
• Approved tax bill flyer as amended (unanimous)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will continue discussing solutions for the unhoused community, including deciding on a screening date before the end of 2025. They will also review the Hartford's Big Little Build small-scale housing pilot project and approve June meeting minutes.

• Decide on a screening date for unhoused solutions (options: 9/21, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 11/16)
• Discuss Hartford's Big Little Build: Small-scale Housing Pilot Project
• Approve June meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold a public hearing on traffic and parking ordinance updates, including metered parking, and will consider several contracts and appointments. The board will also set municipal tax rates and review bids for aggregate and sludge hauling. A liquor license renewal for Northern Stage is on the agenda.

• Public hearing on traffic and parking ordinance updates including metered parking
• Set municipal tax rates
• Review bids and award contract for aggregate
• Review bids and award contract for sludge hauling
• Consider appointment of James Donahey to Conservation Commission and Rob Hebert II to Housing and Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Selectboard approved updates to the Traffic and Parking Ordinance, including metered parking, with amendments for a 15-minute grace period and fee schedule references. The board also awarded contracts for sidewalk design, aggregate supply, sludge hauling, roof repair, EV charger installation, and emergency wastewater repairs, and made appointments to town committees.

• Approved Traffic and Parking Ordinance updates with amendments (5-1)
• Awarded $75,000 contract to Stantec for I-91 Exit 11 sidewalk design (unanimous)
• Approved grant application for $1,593,960 for Quechee Main Street sidewalk project (5-1)
• Awarded aggregate supply contracts to Twin State Sand and Gravel and D&D Excavating (unanimous)
• Awarded $51,660 sludge hauling contract to Stearns Septic Service (unanimous)
• Awarded $38,533 Wilder Pump Station roof repair to Dayco Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $80,615.86 contract to Norwich Technologies for EV chargers (5-1)
• Authorized up to $82,775 for emergency wastewater repairs with waiver of bidding (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission will meet to discuss updates to the Maanawaka Conservation Area Management Plan, including herbicide application for powerline maintenance and a report on a homeless encampment. The group will also review trails day events, town forest activities, and upcoming awards.

• Maanawaka Conservation Area Management Plan review
• Powerline herbicide application discussion
• Homeless encampment report
• Trails Day Event planning for Town Forest
• HCC Awards Program

The Hartford Conservation Commission unanimously approved draft bylaw amendments related to Selectboard approval and the Town Charter, with next steps to bring them before the Selectboard. The commission also agreed to establish a subcommittee to update the outdated Maanawaka Conservation Area Management Plan, with Katie and Holly volunteering. Other actions included discussing herbicide use along powerline corridors, reporting on a vacated encampment, and planning several community events.

• Approved draft bylaw amendments (unanimous)
• Agreed to establish subcommittee to update Maanawaka Conservation Area Management Plan
• Agreed to seek removal of dead pine trees near Town Forest kiosk via Hartford Area Career & Technology Center
• Agreed to consider hiring a consultant to update Wildlife Habitat Assessment
• Agreed to increase promotion of HCC Awards Program
• Agreed to hold a weeknight Family Forest Frolic on fireflies in August

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a facilitated work planning session to review and prioritize major topics and capital improvement projects, and to revise and finalize the annual work plan. The meeting is primarily a planning and discussion session, with no formal decisions or votes scheduled.

• Review of list of big topics and capital improvement projects
• Prioritization of items on the board's agenda
• Review, revise, and augment draft annual work plan
• Discussion of next steps for finalizing the work plan and strategic planning

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness is meeting to discuss several housing initiatives, including the distribution status of a rental inventory survey, senior housing solutions, and continued discussions on addressing homelessness. The committee will also receive updates on a small-scale housing pilot project and the town website's housing page. This is a working meeting with no final decisions scheduled.

• Rental Inventory Survey distribution update from June 25th HCC Block Party
• Debrief on Bugbee Senior Center Homeshare presentation and collaboration with Hartford Community Nurse
• Discussion on purchasing 'Just Getting By' and picking a screening date before end of 2025
• Update on Hartford's Big Little Build small-scale housing pilot project and Niche Consulting ADU 101 classes
• Update on town website page on housing

250th Commemoration Committee

The committee meets to review financial reports, publicity updates, and event planning for Hartford’s 250th anniversary. Members discuss hiring decisions, event logistics, and potential new activities like a Freedom Train. No major decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Review of financial report with earmarked totals as of 6/18/25
• Discussion on including non-committee members in voting procedures
• Proposal to add a Freedom Train event to the 2026 timeline
• Volunteer request for day campers’ reading trip to HHS week of Jun 30th
• Update on Abenaki Open House poster and social media outreach

The Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee approved moving forward with two July 4th, 2026 music proposals, with the town paying either $1,500 or $1,800, and authorized a deposit for the Street Beat Brass Band. The group also agreed to order 25 banners as soon as possible, with Cathy and Dennis to discuss vendor options offline. A request to waive committee member fees for computer and printing use was tabled, as was a general public email and several timeline items.

• Approved July 4th 2026 music proposals #1 and #2, with town paying $1,500 or $1,800 (motion by Dennis, seconded by Cathy)
• Authorized deposit for Street Beat Brass Band
• Agreed to order 25 banners ASAP
• Tabled request for committee member computer/printing fee waiver until next meeting
• Tabled general public email creation
• Tabled timeline items on event organizers and Summer 2026 goals
• Removed 'Way Down East' movie idea from agenda by consensus
• Consensus that any attendee can vote on most issues, with oral votes required for virtual attendees without cameras

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to approve previous minutes, hear public comment, and receive the coordinator's report. They will discuss the Coolidge Redux project, public engagement efforts, flood/culvert app testing on July 7th, and next steps for the regional energy chapter.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's Report
• Coolidge Redux key items
• Public engagement: poster/quarter cards, Block Party/VEEP, EV Expo
• Flooding/culverts app testing on July 7th

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is reviewing the Fiscal Year 2025 Master Fee Schedule, which lists fees for parks, recreation, public works, and water/wastewater services. The schedule shows several fee increases for the upcoming fiscal year, including higher water tap fees, meter installation fees, and new fees for driveway and right-of-way permits. The board is deciding whether to approve these fees.

• New driveway permit fees: Category 1 $115, Category 2 $265 (includes $15 Town Clerk filing fee)
• New improvement in right-of-way permit fees: Category 1 $115, Category 2 $50
• Water tap fees increase: 3/4"-2" from $250 to $275; 1-1/2"-2" from $375 to $378
• Meter install/inspection fees increase: 3/4"-1" from $100 to $150; 1-1/2"-2" from $125 to $175; larger than 2" from $150 to $200
• Off-duty callout fee new at $150 (minimum 4 hours, then $46.15/hour)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold a public hearing on an amended parking ordinance and consider adopting the FY2026 fee schedule. The board will also review liquor and cannabis license renewals, make committee appointments, and discuss several other items including a drug and alcohol testing policy and a grant application for lights and cameras at Wilder Park & Ride.

• Public hearing on amended parking ordinance
• Adoption of FY2026 fee schedule
• Liquor license renewals for White River Junction Co-op, Hotel Coolidge, Wicked Awesome BBQ, Jake's Market & Deli, China Moon, and Harry's Lounge
• Cannabis license renewal for Cloudy Day Farm LLC
• Appointment of Solange Saxby to Resilient Hartford Committee and re-appointment of Brandon Smith to Housing and Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Selectboard approved the FY2026 fee schedule, including a $5,730 annual rental charge for Bugbee, and tabled the amended parking ordinance until the next meeting. The board also approved a drug and alcohol testing policy for commercial motor vehicle operators, authorized a grant application for lighting at the Wilder Park & Ride, and made several appointments and liquor/cannabis license renewals.

• Approved FY2026 Fee Schedule with Bugbee annual rental charge of $5,730 (unanimous)
• Tabled amended parking ordinance until next meeting (4-1-1, Erdei opposed, Smith abstained)
• Approved Commercial Motor Vehicle Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy with town bearing split sample charge if second test negative (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Manager to seek VTrans grant for lighting at Wilder Park & Ride (unanimous)
• Approved ad hoc Bugbee Building Committee slate and bylaws with specified exceptions (unanimous)
• Appointed Solange Saxby to Resilient Hartford Committee for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Re-appointed Brandon Smith to Hartford Housing and Homelessness Committee (5-0-1, Smith abstained)
• Approved liquor license renewals for White River Junction Co-op, Hotel Coolidge, Wicked Awesome BBQ, Jake's Market & Deli, China Moon, and Harry's Lounge (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford committee is meeting to discuss and plan several community resilience projects, including the Clifford Park Food Forest, its map and signage, riparian area planning, a seed library, and the Quechee Abenaki Garden. The agenda also includes updates on summer interns, free trees, and a community block party. Most items are discussion items with no final votes scheduled.

• Clifford Park Food Forest discussion
• Food Forest Map and Signage
• Clifford Park Riparian Area Planning
• Seed Library
• Quechee Abenaki Garden

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss and review several historic preservation matters, including nominations for the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic District, the Railroad Station weathervane, historic signs, and the Railroad Row Kiosk. The agenda also includes updates on the U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration and the Monument Committee, as well as openings on the commission. Public comments will be heard.

• Review of Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District nominations
• Discussion of Railroad Station weathervane
• Historic signs for Historic Districts and Wilder History
• Railroad Row Kiosk
• School District Building at 71 Highland Avenue

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved the May 21st meeting minutes with a correction (3-0). They discussed upcoming nominations for the Demers Avenue and Victory Circle/Highland Park Historic Districts, a weathervane loan agreement with VTrans, and a request for the Town to serve as fiscal agent for a Wilder Village sign. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved May 21st meeting minutes with correction (3-0)
• Discussed Demers Avenue and Victory Circle/Highland Park Historic District nominations scheduled for Vermont Advisory Council review
• Noted VTrans progress on weathervane loan agreement and pedestal installation
• Heard request for Town to be fiscal agent for Wilder Village/Paper Mill history sign, pending Selectboard approval
• Reported School Board approved demolition of 71 Highland Avenue building; HHPC letter requesting alternative to be sent

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will draft a speech for a future update to the Selectboard and receive updates on the Lyman Point Park Project. The meeting is largely procedural with no major decisions scheduled.

• Draft speech for Committee Update to the Selectboard
• Lyman Point Park Project Update

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review updates on the Styrofoam recycling program and the Culvert Crawlers project, which includes beta testing on July 7th. They will also discuss meeting procedures and set priorities for the Climate Action Plan, including a measurement standard. The meeting includes public comments and approval of previous minutes.

• Styrofoam recycling update
• Culvert Crawlers update with beta testing on July 7th
• CAST newsletter submission
• Meeting procedures discussion
• CAP priorities and measurement standard discussion

The Climate Action Steering Team approved the May minutes and discussed several ongoing projects. The group decided to keep its one-hour meeting format, with off-agenda topics to be added to the next regular meeting or handled in a special meeting. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; most items were informational or updates.

• Approved May 2025 minutes
• Kept 1-hour meeting format; off-agenda items deferred to next meeting or special meeting

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting and the treasurer’s report. The director will present a report for discussion, and members will provide updates on board and community activities.

• Approval of May 21, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approval of treasurer’s report

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review and vote on the April meeting minutes, hear a Tree Warden update, and debrief the Arbor Day Tree Sale. They will also discuss watering schedules for the nursery, the July Tree of the Month, and upcoming spring, summer, and fall tree identification walks.

• Vote on April 15, 2025 meeting minutes
• Tree Warden Report Update
• Arbor Day Tree Sale debriefing
• Nursery watering schedule discussion
• Planning for spring, summer, and fall ID walks

The Hartford Tree Board approved the April minutes and discussed several ongoing projects. A $9,900 tree removal contract by Gallagher Tree Service was accepted by the Tree Warden and Town Manager for five trees on Bliss Road and a leaning pine on Campbell St. The Board also debriefed the Arbor Day tree sale, noting strong turnout and plans to purchase more native stock from East Hill Tree Farm. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was largely informational and planning-focused.

• Approved April minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted $9,900 RFP by Gallagher Tree Service for tree removal (by Tree Warden and Town Manager)
• Purchased native root stock from East Hill Tree Farm for Arbor Day sale
• Assigned Mike Copp to lead Tree of the Month project
• Scheduled summer tree ID walk for July 19 at Lyman Point Park/Town Hall

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister Cities Committee will hold its June 17 meeting to accept minutes from the May gathering, receive updates on the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, review a Select Board presentation from April, welcome a new member and her daughter, and elect officers for the 2025-2026 term.

• Welcome new member Katie Williams and her daughter Lila as middle school liaison
• Election of officers for 2025-2026 term
• Update on Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon scheduled for November 7-9, 2025
• Debrief presentation to Select Board held April 1

The Hartford Sister City Committee held its June 17, 2025 meeting, accepting the May minutes and electing officers for 2025-2026: Laura Cooney as chair, Katie Williams as co-chair, and Allison Litten as secretary/treasurer. The committee also discussed the upcoming Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon (November 7-9, 2025), with Allison and Laura planning to attend, and an invitation extended to John, with Mike Hoyt as a fallback. No other substantive decisions were made; signage updates were pending.

• Accepted May meeting minutes (motion by Pat, second by Katie)
• Elected Laura Cooney as chair for 2025-2026 (motion by Pat, second by Katie)
• Elected Katie Williams as co-chair for 2025-2026 (motion by Allison, second by Katie)
• Elected Allison Litten as secretary/treasurer for 2025-2026 (motion by Katie, second by Allison)
• Adjourned at 5:56 PM

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider renewing several liquor licenses, award fuel supply contracts, and hold a public hearing on traffic and parking ordinance updates including metered parking. The board will also review an ARPA project update and consider waiving purchasing policy for clerk records restoration.

• Liquor license renewals for Big Fatty's BBQ, River Roost Brewery, Simon Pearce Restaurant and Retail Store, Pontil Holdings, and VFW
• Review fuel bids for LP gas and No. 2 heating fuel and award contracts
• Public hearing on traffic and parking ordinance updates including metered parking
• Consider waiving purchasing policy for clerk records restoration and preservation
• Appointments to Climate Action Steering Team and Sister Cities Committee

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will meet on June 9, 2025, to discuss administrative matters including a tower replacement on Bliss Road, a fire policy discussion, and various permits. A public hearing will be held for a subdivision application by Consolidated Communications and the Center for Cartoon Studies at the corner of Gates and Currier Streets in White River Junction.

• Public hearing on subdivision application #25-10 by Consolidated Communications and Center for Cartoon Studies, Gates and Currier Streets, WRJ
• Discussion of Fire Policy regarding sprinkler systems, following a denied waiver for a Wildlife Road dwelling
• Bliss Road Tower Replacement update
• Administrative permits for Home Comfort Warehouse, Keep it Simple, Emerge, Memorial post-WWII Veterans, Food Truck Honda
• Act 250 application for demo on Quechee Main Street

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Abatement for the Town of Hartford will meet on June 5, 2025, at 5:30 PM in Hartford Town Hall to review and decide on six property tax abatement requests. Applicants must present evidence; decisions will be based on submitted forms if they are absent.

• Jon & Lynda Christensen Trust (2243 Quechee Main Street)
• Marjorie Holmes estate (149 Willow Circle)
• Town of Hartford (24 Winter Street)
• Derek Platts & Audrey Morisette (1421 Maple Street)
• Dennis & Melissa Burnham (25 Winter Street)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve April minutes, recap the Select Board annual update, plan Juneteenth events, and discuss an LGBTQ+ employee policy. The meeting is a discussion session with no formal votes scheduled, and the June 19 meeting is cancelled.

• Juneteenth planning discussion and next steps
• LGBTQ+ employee policy discussion with linked resources
• Recap of Select Board annual update
• Approve meeting minutes of April 2nd
• Updates on town, school board, and student award (A. Raynolds Memorial)

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund and Hartford 2020 VCDP Revolving Loan Fund committee will meet to approve past minutes, enter executive session to review loan summaries and updates, and potentially vote on actions. They will also discuss funding a potential housing program and developing an outreach plan for both loan funds.

• Approval of December 4, 2024 and March 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• Executive session to review April 2025 loan summary reports and current/potential loans
• Discussion of funding for a potential housing program
• Discussion of outreach plan for both revolving loan funds
• Approval of 2025 committee meeting schedule

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office will conduct a series of residential property tax grievance hearings throughout the day on June 3, 2025. Property owners will participate in either in-person or phone hearings to address their 2025 Grand List assessments.

• Grievance hearing for 772 Jericho Rd
• Grievance hearing for 1475 Hartford Ave
• Grievance hearing for 68 Bedell Rd
• Grievance hearing for 524 Woodstock Rd
• Grievance hearing for 2546 Christian St

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business and several conservation matters. Key items include reviewing storm damage cleanup in the Town Forest, planning for Trails Day, and discussing the Maanawaka Conservation Area management plan, herbicide application, and a homeless encampment. The commission will also consider a conservation fund donation and bylaw amendments.

• Discussion of 4/12 ice storm damage cleanup and 5/17 microburst tree damage in Town Forest
• Maanawaka Conservation Area management plan and powerline herbicide application
• Conservation Fund donation from the estate of Linda Wilson
• Hartford Block Party on 6/25 at Lyman Point Park
• HCC Bylaw Amendments

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved the April 7 minutes and accepted the May 5 meeting notes. They agreed to staff a booth and manage composting at the June 25 Community Coalition Block Party, and to store tools in Mary Hutchins' barn. They also agreed to post a 'No Camping' sign at Maanawaka and review the 1999 management plan at the July 7 meeting.

• Approved April 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted May 5 meeting notes as written
• Agreed to have a booth at Community Coalition Block Party on June 25
• Agreed to manage compost operation for Block Party
• Agreed to store HCC tools in Mary Hutchins' barn
• Agreed to post 'No Camping' sign at Maanawaka kiosk
• Agreed to review Maanawaka Management Plan at July 7 meeting
• Agreed to clean up homeless encampment site at Maanawaka once vacant

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office will hold a series of residential property grievance hearings for the 2025 Grand List on June 2, 2025. Town assessment staff will review appeals from individual property owners across Hartford. The schedule includes both in-person and telephone hearings covering single and multi-parcel appeals.

• In-person grievance hearing covering four parcels for Kathleen L Janisse (0 Orchard Hill Rd, 1661 Maple St, 1625 Maple St, and 14 Elk St)
• In-person hearings for multi-parcel appeals on Jericho St (Steven P Sass) and Loveland Hill Rd / Jericho Rd (Stephen G Fedele)
• Phone grievance hearings for parcels including 781 Fairview Terr, 35 Spaulding Ln, 229 Royal Tyler Rd, 162 Fern St, and 600 Hillside Rd
• Hearings scheduled in 16 time slots throughout the day from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor is holding a full-day schedule of residential and commercial grievance hearings for the 2025 Grand List on Friday, May 30th, 2025. Property owners appear in-person or by phone with assigned reviewers to dispute property assessments across various parcel addresses.

• Residential In-Person and Phone Hearings for multiple properties including 1427 Jericho St and 1808 Hartford Ave
• Commercial Phone and In-Person Hearings for properties including 517 Maple St and 2046-2060 Hartford Ave

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission will meet to review administrative items, including past meeting minutes and a coordinator's report. The commission will also discuss local flooding issues related to Culvert Crawlers and White River Junction, as well as implications of the Regional Plan's energy chapter.

• Discussion on Culvert Crawlers and White River Junction flooding
• Review of Regional Plan and Energy Chapter implications
• Planning for the Hartford Community Coalition Block Party
• Updates on Window Dressers, EV Expo, and Styrofoam recycling events

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office will conduct a series of residential and commercial property grievance hearings throughout the day on May 29, 2025. These hearings allow property owners to contest their property assessments as listed on the 2025 Grand List. Sessions are scheduled for both in-person and phone participation.

• Residential grievance hearings for multiple properties
• Commercial grievance hearings for multiple properties
• Hearings scheduled from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford, VT 250th Commemoration Committee meets to review past minutes, discuss publicity banners for the town’s 250th anniversary, and consider changes to voting procedures for hybrid meetings. The committee also plans community events like a Juneteenth celebration and a June 25th block party.

• Publicity banners for 250th anniversary at $105 each plus $65 for brackets and shipping
• Voting procedure proposal to allow non-members to vote on consensus items
• Juneteenth celebration on June 21st hosted by Hartford Committee for Racial Equity & Inclusion
• Hartford Community Coalition Block Party on June 25th, 5-8pm
• Consideration of historical events beyond Revolutionary era for commemoration activities

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor is holding a series of in-person and phone grievance hearings on May 27, 2025, to review property assessments for the 2025 Grand List. Property owners and reviewers discuss individual parcel evaluations throughout the day. This schedule lists the assigned times, property addresses, and hearing types for each participant.

• Residential In-Person and Phone Hearings for property assessments tied to the 2025 Grand List
• Scheduled reviews for properties including 114 Albert St, 55 Sunrise Cir, and 536 Royal Tyler Rd
• Evaluations conducted by Hartford Reviewer 1 and Hartford Reviewer 2

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet on May 27, 2025, to consider liquor license renewals for three local businesses and make several administrative appointments. The board will also review the town's Local Emergency Management Plan, Q3 financials, and potential construction and engineering contracts for the Route 5 Sidewalk Project.

• Liquor license renewals for REDCAN LLC, Quechee Pizza Chef, and Collaborative Stoke LLC (Trail Break Taps and Tacos)
• Appointment of Katherine Williams and reappointment of Brett Mayfield to the Sister Cities Committee
• Review and approval of the Local Emergency Management Plan
• Consideration of writing off uncollectable ambulance charges
• Awarding of construction and engineering contracts for the Route 5 Sidewalk Project (Ballardvale Drive to Arboretum Lane)

The Hartford Selectboard awarded a $430,421 construction contract to United Construction Corporation for the Route 5 sidewalk project between Ballardvale Drive and Arboretum Lane, and approved a separate $87,195 contract to DuBois & King for construction engineering oversight. The board also approved three liquor license renewals, adopted the 2025 Local Emergency Management Plan, authorized writing off $149,455.90 in uncollectable ambulance charges, and tabled an appointment and a banner request. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Awarded $430,421 Route 5 sidewalk construction contract to United Construction Corporation (unanimous)
• Awarded $87,195 construction engineering contract to DuBois & King (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license renewals for REDCAN LLC, Quechee Pizza Chef, and Collaborative Stoke LLC (unanimous)
• Adopted 2025 Local Emergency Management Plan (unanimous)
• Authorized write-off of $149,455.90 uncollectable ambulance charges (unanimous)
• Tabled appointment of Katherine Williams to Sister Cities Committee until June 10
• Tabled banner request on utility poles pending more information
• Re-appointed Brett Mayfield to Parks & Recreation Commission (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is meeting to discuss and decide on several community projects, including a block party, the Clifford Park Food Forest, a fruit and nut tree grant, and a seed library. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and filling two open positions.

• Hartford Community Coalition Block Party on Wednesday, June 25th, 5-8 p.m.
• Clifford Park Food Forest workdays and next steps
• Vermont Fruit & Nut Tree Grant
• Clifford Park Riparian Area Planning
• Quechee Abenaki Garden

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor is holding a series of residential in-person and phone grievance hearings on May 27, 2025, concerning properties on the 2025 Grand List. Property owners and reviewers are scheduled for specific time slots throughout the day to address individual parcel assessments.

• Residential In-Person Hearing for Theresa Symancyk at 114 Albert St
• Residential In-Person Hearing for Mary Forcier at 55 Sunrise Cir
• Residential In-Person Hearing for Joel & Susan Barnett at 536 Royal Tyler Rd
• Residential In-Person Hearing for Jeffrey Flynn at 320 Fletcher Ln
• Residential In-Person Hearing for Eric Thomas at 208 Chester Arthur Rd and 0 Kilgore Ln

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office will conduct a series of residential and commercial property tax grievance hearings throughout the day on May 23, 2025. Property owners will meet with reviewers either in-person or by phone to discuss their 2025 Grand List property assessments.

• Residential property grievance hearings
• Commercial property grievance hearings
• Hearings scheduled for multiple parcels at 5967 Woodstock Road
• Hearings scheduled for multiple parcels at 1432 and 1423 Hartford Ave
• Hearings scheduled for multiple parcels at 1773-1767 Hartford Avenue

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission will meet on May 22, 2025, to discuss park projects, review recreation center survey results, and hold a formal vote on a new monument at Veteran's Park. The commission will also hear updates on the Lyman Point Park project and the department's accreditation schedule.

• Formal vote on new monument at Veteran’s Park
• Rec Center survey results review and name generation
• Lyman Point Park Project Update
• Accreditation Schedule Update

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved the department's Program Plan, subject to revisions on pages 9-11 updating the timeline for Fall and Winter reports. The commission also endorsed a new monument in Veteran's Park and congratulated the department for meeting 153 of 154 accreditation standards. The Lyman Point Project remains in discussion with survey responses still being collected.

• Approved Program Plan subject to revisions on pages 9-11 (all in favor)
• Endorsed new monument in Veteran's Park (all in favor)
• Approved minutes subject to reflecting motion maker and seconder (all in favor)
• Congratulated department for CAPRA accreditation results (all in favor)

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor is holding a series of residential and commercial grievance hearings for the 2025 Grand List on May 22, 2025. Property owners appear in person or by phone before hearing staff to present their grievances for specific parcels and tax maps.

• Residential In-Person Hearing for Frank Lombardi Jr at 146 Stephen Day Ln
• Commercial Phone Hearing for Donald Anderson at 2577 Hartford Ave Unit B
• Commercial Phone Hearing for Ashley McEwan at 331 Olcott Dr L1, L7, and L6
• Residential In-Person Hearing for Steven and Nancy Davis at 266 Butternut Rd
• Commercial In-Person Hearing for Rick Trahan at 1119 Quechee Main St

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 21, 2025, at Hartford Town Hall to discuss climate and waste initiatives. Agenda items include updates on styrofoam recycling and recycling in Hartford, as well as identifying Climate Action Plan priorities. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as public comments and the review of previous minutes.

• Styrofoam recycling update
• Discussion on recycling in Hartford
• Identify CAP priorities

The Climate Action Steering Team approved the April 30 minutes and discussed several initiatives, including a grant for a culvert-reporting app, fundraising to replenish the styrofoam reserve account, and how to communicate the termination of the recycling program. No formal decisions were made beyond approving the minutes.

• Approved minutes of April 30, 2025
• Discussed grant for culvert-reporting app (no action)
• Discussed fundraising for styrofoam reserve account (no action)
• Discussed communication of recycling program termination (no action)

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve the minutes of the April 26th meeting and the treasurer's report. They will discuss new business including possible air conditioning wall units and an internet booster, as well as old business such as the Spring Celebration, a cost-of-living increase for the director, and the Farmer's Market Coordinator. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.

• Approval of minutes from April 26, 2025
• Approval of treasurer's report
• Discussion of air conditioning wall units
• Discussion of internet booster
• Discussion of cost-of-living increase for director

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to discuss a gender inclusivity policy and plan for Juneteenth, including decisions and next steps. The committee will also recap the Select Board annual update and hear updates from town and school boards, time permitting. The meeting includes approval of April 2nd minutes and welcomes community members.

• Discussion of Gender Inclusivity Policy
• Juneteenth Planning: decisions and next steps
• Recap of Select Board Annual Update
• Hartford student award (A. Raynolds Memorial)
• BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project engagement

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss historic districts, signs, properties, and committee updates. The agenda includes discussions on the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations, the Railroad Row Kiosk, and the West Hartford Meetinghouse. The meeting takes place in person at Hartford Town Hall and remotely via Microsoft Teams.

• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Railroad Row Kiosk
• Railroad Station Weathervane
• West Hartford Meetinghouse (former West Hartford Church) Update
• School District Building 71 Highland Avenue

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission approved a $500 pledge toward the Wilder Village/Paper Mill history sign, with staff to coordinate funding. They also discussed several preservation matters, including upcoming historic district nominations, a potential demolition at 71 Highland Avenue, and a tax-delinquent West Hartford Meetinghouse, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved $500 pledge for Wilder Village/Paper Mill history sign (3-0)
• Approved April 30, 2025 meeting minutes as written (3-0)

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor is holding a series of scheduled residential grievance hearings for the 2025 Grand List on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Property owners will present appeals regarding their parcel assessments during 15-minute time slots conducted either in-person or via phone with Hartford Reviewer 1 or Hartford Reviewer 2.

• Residential In-Person and Phone Hearings for 2025 Grand List properties on May 21, 2025
• Individual hearings scheduled for 15-minute intervals between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM
• Appeals reviewed by Hartford Reviewer 1 and Hartford Reviewer 2

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board will meet to review minutes, hear the Tree Warden’s report, and vote on purchasing trees for 2025. Members will also discuss upcoming events like the Tree of the Month program and a Spring ID Walk, and consider approving a fee-based program with the VT Urban & Community Forestry Program.

• Vote to approve 2025 tree purchase amount based on selection
• Vote to approve VT Urban & Community Forestry Program fee (5/29)
• Discuss Tree of the Month (June) program and flyers
• Discuss Tree Mapping project and website updates with QR codes
• Discuss Spring ID Walk and school partnership updates

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office will conduct a series of residential property tax grievance hearings on May 20, 2025. Property owners will meet with review staff either in-person or by phone to discuss their property assessments for the 2025 Grand List.

• In-person and phone grievance hearings for over 40 residential properties
• Hearings scheduled for 886 Hillside Rd, 385 Quechee Main St, and 193 Airport Rd
• Review sessions conducted by Hartford Reviewer 1 and Hartford Reviewer 2

Assessor: Grievance Hearings

The Hartford Assessor's office is holding individual grievance hearings on May 19, 2025, for property owners contesting their assessments on the 2025 grand list. The agenda lists dozens of residential properties with scheduled phone or in-person hearings, each assigned to a reviewer.

• Diane W. Romano has hearings for two parcels: 60 and 56 Maplewood Terrace
• Phone hearings scheduled for properties including 235 Norwich Avenue, 2680 Hartford Avenue #36, and 860 Wheelock Road
• In-person hearings include 71 Raymond Circle, 330 Morgan Road, and 1200 Neil Road
• Hearings run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with two reviewers handling cases

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Civil Authority is holding a meeting to conduct its 2025 biennial voter checklist review as required by state law. The board will consider motions to authorize the clerk to challenge identified voters and to file the certification of completion with the Vermont Secretary of State.

• Review the Voter Checklist per 17 V.S.A. § 2150(c)
• Motion to authorize Clerk to Challenge Identified Voters per 17 V.S.A. § 2150(d)(3)
• Motion to authorize Clerk to file Certification of Completion of Biennial Checklist Review with VT Secretary of State per 17 V.S.A. § 2150(d)(7)(B)(i)

The Board of Civil Authority completed its 2025 biennial checklist review, reading all 7,898 voter names and identifying voters who may be ineligible. The board unanimously authorized the town clerk to issue challenge letters to those identified voters and to file certification of the biennial purge with the Secretary of State. The clerk had already purged 808 challenged voters who did not respond or vote in two consecutive general elections, as previously authorized.

• Authorized challenge letters to voters identified in 2025 review (unanimous)
• Authorized filing of Certification of Completion of Biennial Purge with Secretary of State (unanimous)
• Purged 808 challenged voters on April 23, 2025 (previously authorized)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will review routine liquor license renewals, consider a $22,433 repair for the failing second- and third-floor heat pump system at Town Hall, and discuss a $480,000 replacement plan. The board will also hear updates on a disability-friendly town resolution, a new water truck bid, and a senior center agreement.

• Renew liquor licenses for Quechee General Store, Tuckerbox, Jake’s Quechee Market, and others
• Approve $22,433 repair contract for Town Hall heat pump condenser serving 2nd and 3rd floors
• Award contract for new water division truck after reviewing bids
• Consider adopting resolution naming Hartford a Disability-Friendly Town
• Approve Bugbee Senior Center Memorandum of Agreement

The Selectboard adopted a resolution naming Hartford a Disability-Friendly Town, committing to accessibility improvements beyond ADA requirements. It also approved a $50,148 bid for a new water division truck, waived purchasing policy to fix Town Hall HVAC for $22,433, and approved a Memorandum of Agreement for the Bugbee Senior Center. The board directed staff to research curbside recycling options over 6-8 weeks.

• Adopted resolution naming Hartford a Disability-Friendly Town (unanimous)
• Approved $50,148 bid from Formula Ford Lincoln for 2025 Ford F250 water division truck (unanimous)
• Waived purchasing policy and approved $22,433 HVAC repair contract with Alliance Mechanical (unanimous)
• Approved Bugbee Senior Center Memorandum of Agreement (unanimous)
• Directed Town Manager to research curbside recycling options over 6-8 weeks (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Cathy Melocik to Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license renewals for five local establishments (unanimous)
• Consent agenda approved including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee is meeting to approve March minutes, plan participation in the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon (Nov 7-9, 2025), debrief an April 1 presentation to the Select Board, welcome a new member, discuss a new logo sign proposal, and elect officers for 2025-2026.

• Update on Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, Nov 7-9, 2025
• Debrief of April 1 presentation to the Select Board
• Welcome new member Katie Williams and middle school liaison
• Proposal for new Sister City logo sign
• Election of officers for 2025-2026

The Hartford Sister City Committee met on May 13, 2025, and tabled a presentation to the Select Board. Members approved a motion for Allison Litten to continue pursuing potential locations for a Sister City sign with the committee's logo. The meeting was brief, lasting from 5:30 to 6 PM, and included introductions from community nurse Katie Williams and her daughter Lila Hoffman.

• Tabled presentation to Select Board
• Approved motion for Allison to pursue sign locations (motion by Laura, seconded by Pat)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will review past meeting minutes, distribute a rental inventory survey, and discuss senior housing solutions and solutions for the unhoused community. The committee will also update the town website’s housing page and reschedule the June meeting.

• Distribute Rental Inventory Survey at Bugbee Resource Fair (May 2) and HCC Block Party (June 25, 5-8pm)
• Senior Housing Solutions presentation at Bugbee Senior Center on June 18 at 1:30pm
• Discuss solutions for the unhoused community, including 'Just Getting By' copies to libraries

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) is meeting to approve minutes, hear from Emily Zanleoni, prepare its annual update to the Select Board, and plan Juneteenth events. The agenda also includes updates on member recruitment, a gender inclusivity policy, and school board items.

• Approve meeting minutes of April 2nd
• Prep for annual HCOREI update to Select Board
• Juneteenth planning
• Discussion of gender inclusivity policy
• Hartford student award (A. Raynolds Memorial)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business and several conservation topics. Key items include a proposed herbicide application at Maanawaka Conservation Area, a homeless encampment at the same site, and planning for Trails Day and other community events.

• Powerline herbicide application at Maanawaka Conservation Area
• Homeless encampment at Maanawaka Conservation Area
• Ice storm tree damage cleanup in Town Forest
• Green-Up Day and Hartford Block Party planning
• Trails Day planning for Saturday, June 7th

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to discuss the District Heating Sub-Committee's work, including background on participation, legal, and technical feasibility, as well as the current status of the Coolidge Block project and financing options. The agenda includes public comment and is otherwise focused on this single substantive item.

• District Heating Sub-Committee discussion on participation, legal, and technical feasibility
• Coolidge Block project status update
• Financing / public-private partnership (PPP) discussion

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission will meet to review draft meeting minutes, discuss historic district nominations, and consider updates on local landmarks and commemorations. The meeting is open to public comments and accessible remotely.

• Review of March 19, 2025 meeting minutes
• Kilowatt Park Historic Sign discussion
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Railroad Station Weathervane consideration
• U.S. 250th Anniversary Commemoration planning

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to review and approve draft minutes from its previous meeting and to identify priorities for the town's Climate Action Plan (CAP). The agenda is otherwise light, with time set aside for public comments. The meeting runs from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Hartford Town Hall.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Identify CAP priorities
• Public comments period

The Climate Action Steering Team held a special meeting with no formal votes. Members discussed simplifying the Climate Action Plan's goals to make them measurable and achievable for policymakers. Lee Michaelides will draft a memo on this for the next meeting. The team also discussed collecting energy and CO2 reduction metrics for the Window Dressers Program and a potential presentation on brush fire risk modeling.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at this special meeting
• Lee Michaelides to draft memo on measurable CAP goals for next meeting
• Jen and Laura to lead effort collecting Window Dressers Program energy/CO2 metrics
• Justin Righter offered to present brush fire risk modeling software to CAST

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider new and renewal liquor and tobacco licenses, including for The Filling Station and Quechee Club, and will also discuss town-wide revaluation, cybersecurity, recycling, and other administrative items. The meeting includes public comment and several contract awards.

• New liquor licenses for ASB LLC d/b/a The Filling Station, 70 Gates St., White River Junction
• New tobacco license for Quechee Club, Inc., 3268 Quechee Main Street
• Renewals for 12 establishments including Jiffy Mart #439, Thyme Restaurant, and The Skinny Pancake
• Award contract for public safety cybersecurity (RFP results)
• Review bids and award contract for Emerge Building Demolition at Maxfield's

The Hartford Selectboard voted to discontinue the town's curbside recycling program effective June 30, 2025, when the current Casella contract ends. The board also approved several contracts, including cybersecurity services, a truck purchase, and a building demolition, and made appointments to town committees.

• Discontinued curbside recycling program effective June 30, 2025 (3-2-1)
• Approved $49,839.26 contract with Arctic Wolf for cybersecurity
• Approved $55,973.60 for air blower replacement at Quechee Wastewater Plant
• Approved $57,550 contract with Hammond Grinding & Recycling for Emerge Building demolition
• Approved $81,668 truck purchase from Benson's Chevrolet
• Re-appointed Jennifer Kravitz to Housing and Homelessness Committee
• Recommended Brett Mayfield as Town Health Officer
• Approved multiple liquor and tobacco license applications

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear a presentation on public/private partnerships in Hartford, and receive the coordinator's report. They will also discuss using Climate Action Reserve funds for IR cameras in libraries and follow up on priorities like Upper Valley Earth Week and an EV EXPO.

• Presentation on Public/Private Partnerships in Hartford
• IR cameras for libraries funded by Climate Action Reserve funds
• Follow-up on Upper Valley Earth Week, HCC Block Party, EV EXPO
• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting

250th Commemoration Committee

The Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee meets to review and accept minutes from its March 26 meeting, hear public comments, and discuss upcoming commemoration events. Reports from subcommittees and updates on appointments and selectboard liaison are also on the agenda.

• Review and accept minutes from March 26, 2025 meeting
• Upcoming commemoration events April 18-19 and May 2-4/9-11
• Subcommittee reports on publicity, ceremonies, and community outreach

The Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee met and approved the previous meeting's minutes. They discussed plans for the Memorial Day ceremony on May 26th and July 4th events, including potential bands. The committee also decided to wait on ordering banners until bracket details are resolved and to host the event calendar on both the town and Historical Society websites.

• Approved minutes from 3/26/25 meeting as written
• Voted to wait on ordering banners until bracket specifics are worked out
• Decided to host the event calendar on both town and Historical Society websites
• Linda Miller volunteered to add signature to committee bank account

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford, a town committee, is meeting to discuss and plan several community resilience projects, including a food forest workday at Clifford Park, riparian area planning, and signage. The agenda also includes updates on grants, a seed library, and the Quechee Abenaki Garden, along with routine items like minutes and public comments.

• Vermont Fruit & Nut Tree Grant discussion
• Clifford Park Food Forest Workday/Gathering on April 27, 2-5 p.m.
• Clifford Park Riparian Area Planning
• Food Forest Signage
• Quechee Abenaki Garden

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion is meeting to approve minutes from April 2nd, discuss Juneteenth planning, and address new business. The meeting is in person only, with no Zoom option.

• Approve meeting minutes of April 2nd
• Juneteenth planning: share information and discuss next steps
• New business discussion

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several climate-related items. The main agenda item is a 20-minute review of Section 2 (Buildings & Energy) of the Climate Action Plan. The team will also hear updates on a Styrofoam/EPS collection in Lebanon, Vermont's CAP update, and a proposal to use climate reserve funds for IR cameras in libraries.

• Review of Climate Action Plan Section 2: Buildings & Energy
• Update on Styrofoam/EPS collection in Lebanon
• Update on Vermont's Climate Action Plan (CAP) update
• IR cameras in libraries using climate reserve funds
• Coordinator's report

The Climate Action Steering Team approved the purchase of four thermal cameras for the town's libraries, intended for residents interested in DIY weatherization. The team also discussed the downtown geothermal district, Styrofoam collection funding, and state climate plan changes, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved purchase of 4 thermal cameras for town libraries

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several historic preservation items, including a sign at Kilowatt Park, historic district nominations for Victory Circle and Demers Avenues, a weathervane at the Railroad Station, and a kiosk on Railroad Row. They will also review draft minutes from the previous meeting and receive updates on the U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration and the Monument Committee.

• Review of draft minutes from March 19, 2025
• Kilowatt Park Historic Sign
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Railroad Station Weathervane
• Railroad Row Kiosk

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review and vote on the March minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, and discuss grant updates. They will also plan the 2025 calendar, including the Arbor Day sale and upcoming events, and discuss potential charter edits to include a shade tree policy.

• Vote on March 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Grant discussion and updates
• Arbor Day sale assignments
• Website updates (QR codes)
• Charter edits (last updated 2015) to include shade tree policy

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is meeting to consider several items, including a public hearing on the proposed realignment of Hickory Ridge Road, which is related to housing development on Sykes Mountain Avenue. The board will also discuss the future of the town's curbside recycling program, review a bid for its contract, and consider adopting a public-private partnership policy. Appointments include the re-appointment of Tom Franklin to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Scott Cooney as Town Forest Fire Warden.

• Public hearing on proposed realignment of Hickory Ridge Road
• Consider adoption of Public-Private Partnership Policy
• Update on Economic Development Chapter of the Town Plan
• Consider future of town's curbside recycling program and review bid
• Re-appointment of Tom Franklin to Zoning Board of Adjustment and Scott Cooney as Fire Warden

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee is meeting to approve March minutes, plan participation in the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon (November 7-9, 2025), and debrief an April 1 presentation to the Select Board. They will also discuss a new member, Katie Williams, and updates on Sister City logo signs.

• Approve minutes of March meeting
• Update on Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon, 11/7-9/25
• Debrief presentation to Select Board on April 1
• Welcome new member Katie Williams and middle school liaison
• Update on Sister City logo signs

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to advance its rental inventory survey, including confirming question order and conducting practice surveys. They will also discuss senior housing solutions, continue addressing solutions for the unhoused community, and receive an update on the town's housing webpage.

• Confirm order of questions for rental inventory survey
• Conduct practice surveys with renters and owners
• Discuss senior housing solutions
• Continue solutions for unhoused community, including 'Just Getting By' copies to libraries
• Update on town website page on housing

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will meet on April 10, 2025, at 5:30 pm in Room 2 of Hartford Town Hall to hear five property tax abatement requests. Applicants must present evidence in person; failure to appear may result in a decision based solely on submitted documentation.

• 131 Depot Street, LLC (Qiang Bin Ni) — 131 Depot Street
• Elizabeth C. Stahler — 1893 Willard Road
• Taaha Rehmani & Jennie E. Friedman — 8 Third Avenue
• John M. & Arnalyn Asis — 32 Demers Avenue
• Town of Hartford (Boyce property/formerly Hammond) — 41 Winter Street

The Hartford Board of Abatement held its first meeting, elected Nancy Howe as Chair and Sara Blood as Vice Chair, and reviewed five abatement requests. The Board approved abatements for 131 Depot Street ($516.84), the Town of Hartford for 41 Winter Street ($8,343.39), Rehmani/Friedman ($104.40), and Stahler ($216.69), all unanimously. The request from Asis for 32 Demers Avenue was denied unanimously. The Board also discussed procedural rules, training requirements, and a compensation increase effective July 1, 2025.

• Elected Nancy Howe as Chair and Sara Blood as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved $516.84 abatement for 131 Depot Street, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $8,343.39 abatement for Town of Hartford (Hammond property) (unanimous)
• Approved $104.40 abatement for Rehmani/Friedman (unanimous)
• Approved $216.69 abatement for Stahler (unanimous)
• Denied abatement request for Asis (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approval of minutes and reports. New business includes an ADA Transition Plan and an Administrative Manual Review, while old business covers Rec Center survey results, accreditation schedule, and the Lyman Point Park project update.

• ADA Transition Plan review
• Administrative Manual Review
• Rec Center survey results discussion
• Accreditation Schedule Update
• Lyman Point Park Project Update

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission endorsed a plan for a veterans monument in Veterans Park, approved the ADA Transition Plan, and approved the Administration Manual. The commission also heard reports on trash cleanup, a beautification contract, and survey progress.

• Endorsed Monument #2 for veterans of War Against Terror in Veterans Park
• Approved ADA Transition Plan (all in favor)
• Approved Administration Manual (all in favor)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially amend its bylaws, plan for Green-Up Day on May 3rd, and hear a presentation from Vermont Law School on a Conservation Toolbox Project. The agenda also includes updates on town forest activities, a landowner guide, and an awards program. Most items are discussion or planning items, with no major decisions or contracts listed.

• Vermont Law School Conservation Toolbox Project presentation
• HCC Bylaw Amendments discussion
• Green-Up Day planning for Saturday, May 3rd
• Ottauquechee School request
• Ottauquechee Trail maintenance update

The Hartford Conservation Commission unanimously approved draft bylaw amendments, which will next go before the Selectboard for approval. The commission also heard a presentation from Vermont Law and Graduate School students on land conservation strategies and discussed upcoming events including Green-Up Day and a vernal pool walk.

• Approved draft bylaw amendments (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of 3/3/25 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Green-Up Day for May 3rd with dumpsters April 30-May 6
• Agreed to postpone Town Forest ice storm cleanup until trails dry
• Set award nominations due in August, selection at September 8th meeting
• Agreed to hold vernal pool walk on April 20th at 10:00 a.m.
• Scheduled Family Forest Frolic for April 12th at 10:00 a.m.
• Scheduled Wildflower Walk at Maanawaka Conservation Area for April 26th

Watson Dog Park

The Upper Valley Dog Park Supporters will review the current budget, accept the previous meeting minutes, and discuss upcoming clean-up and fundraising events. Members will also vote on creating four new committees (Maintenance, Fundraising, Events, Membership) to address ongoing park upkeep and programming.

• Review 2025 budget and donations from 4 events plus donation box
• Vote to accept previous meeting minutes
• Create four new committees: Maintenance, Fundraising, Events, Membership
• Schedule 6 upcoming events: 2 clean-ups and 4 fundraisers
• Vote on next meeting date

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve minutes, plan Juneteenth events, and discuss updates on disability-friendly certification, a gender inclusivity policy, and town and school board matters. The meeting is a regular working session with discussion items only; no final votes on policy are listed.

• Juneteenth planning: discuss decisions and next steps from March 29 planning meeting
• Disability-Friendly Certification update
• Gender Inclusivity Policy update
• Hartford student award (A. Raynolds Memorial) update
• Gathering Hartford Stories (from Julia Lau) update

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met on April 2, 2025, and approved the minutes from its March 19 meeting unanimously. The committee discussed the Hartford Quick-Start Guide, which Chair Pat Autilio will share with the Town Manager, and began planning for the 2025 Juneteenth celebration scheduled for July 21 in Lyman Park, with members assigned to contact vendors and participants. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved March 19 meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Discussed Hartford Quick-Start Guide; to be shared with Town Manager
• Initiated planning for Juneteenth celebration on July 21 in Lyman Park

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider renewing nine liquor, tobacco, and vape licenses for local businesses, and will hear reports on a geothermal energy district feasibility study, a rental housing inventory, and a parking lot revocable license. The board will also discuss Safe Routes to School improvements and a possible facilitated retreat.

• Renewal of Evans Expressmart liquor, tobacco, and vape licenses
• Renewal of Quechee Club 1st & 3rd class liquor license and outside consumption permit
• Report on feasibility of geothermal energy district in White River Junction
• Housing and Homelessness Committee update on rental housing inventory
• Request to advertise for town parking lot at Pine & Maple Streets revocable license

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on six applications, including boundary line adjustments, a subdivision, two site development plans, and a subdivision amendment. Administrative matters include electing officers, a tower replacement update, and committee reports.

• Boundary line adjustment at 4531/4533 Quechee West Hartford Road (Application #25-04)
• Boundary line adjustment at 0/1453 Quechee Hartland Road (Application #25-05)
• Subdivision of lot into two at 5580 Woodstock Road (Application #25-06)
• Third dwelling unit at 238 Norwich Avenue, Wilder (Application #25-07)
• Conversion of suites to single rooms at Holiday Inn Express, 121 Ballardvale Drive (Application #25-08)

The Hartford Planning Commission approved five of six applications, including boundary line adjustments, a subdivision, and site development plans, with conditions on some. The only denial was a request to remove a sprinkler system requirement for a new dwelling on Wildlife Road, which failed 3-4. The commission also reappointed its officers and noted the cancellation of the May 5 hearing due to no applications.

• Reappointed John Reid as Chair, Bruce Riddle as Vice Chair, Toby Dayman as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment #25-04 (Smardon) at 4531/4533 Quechee West Hartford Road (unanimous)
• Approved boundary line adjustment #25-05 (Wetzel/Mainer/Quechee Webster) at 0/1453 Quechee Hartland Road (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision #25-06 (WEH Holdings/Harris) at 5580 Woodstock Road, 5-2 (Heath and Kreis opposed)
• Approved site plan #25-07 (Zi Chen) for third dwelling unit at 238 Norwich Avenue with conditions, 5-2 (Dayman and Bianchi opposed)
• Approved site plan #25-08 (Holiday Inn Express) for suite-to-single-room conversion with condition to add 11 parking spaces, 6-1 (Kreis opposed)
• Denied subdivision amendment #25-09 (Howard) to remove sprinkler requirement at 2111 Wildlife Road, 3-4

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review minutes, hear the coordinator's report, and discuss several energy-related initiatives. Agenda items include Window Dresser's capacity needs, Earth Week/EV Expo planning, communications and public relations efforts, and C2C District Heating. The meeting is a regular working session with no votes on ordinances or contracts listed.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's Report
• Window Dresser's capacity needs
• Earth Week/EV Expo planning
• C2C District Heating discussion

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment is deciding on two applications: a setback waiver for a garage addition at 814 Noyes Lane and a conditional use approval for a driveway and structures on Willard Road. The board also handles administrative matters including electing officers and ethics training. Both applications are in the Quechee Lakes Planned Development.

• Setback waiver for garage addition at 814 Noyes Lane, Quechee (Application #01-25)
• Conditional use approval for driveway, 5-bedroom dwelling, and guest house on Willard Road, Quechee (Application #02-25)
• Driveway construction requires impacts to riparian buffer and movement of over 200 cubic yards of earth
• State Wetland Permit required for impacts within wetland and 50-foot buffer
• Administrative items: elect officers, ethics training, minutes approval

The Hartford Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a setback waiver for a garage addition at 814 Noyes Lane and a conditional use application for construction on Willard Road. The board also appointed new officers and approved prior meeting minutes.

• Approved setback waiver for garage addition at 814 Noyes Lane (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use for construction on Willard Road (unanimous)
• Appointed Stephanie Gile as Chair, Steve Lagasse as Vice Chair, Alice Maleski as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 11, 2024 (unanimous)

250th Commemoration Committee

The newly formed Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee meets to organize its first official session, including officer elections, adopting meeting rules, and reviewing initial reports. The committee will also discuss upcoming 250th anniversary events, including the 'Two Lights for Tomorrow' event on April 18–19.

• Elect officers (chair, vice-chair, clerk)
• Adopt Martha’s Rules of Order
• Review Publicity, Parks & Recreation, and Ceremonies reports
• Discuss 'Two Lights for Tomorrow' event (April 18–19)
• Update on Town 250th Committee appointments (all five positions filled by Selectboard)

The Hartford Town 250th Commemoration Committee held its first official meeting, elected officers, and adopted Martha's Rules of Order with an agenda amendment. The committee also selected a banner design and quantity for the commemoration, and discussed various upcoming events and publicity efforts.

• Elected Gwen Tuson as Chair, Dennis Brown as Vice-chair, Linda Miller as Clerk (unanimous)
• Adopted Martha's Rules of Order with option to add agenda items after minutes approval (unanimous)
• Approved previous minutes with corrections (motion carried)
• Selected banner design with American Flag and royal blue background, ordered 10 banners at $105 each plus brackets
• Approved shortened version of Gwen's Valley News opinion editorial (thumbs up vote)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is meeting to discuss potential collaborations and projects, including a pollinator partnership, the Clifford Park food forest, a Vermont fruit and nut tree grant, and riparian area planning. The group will also review a community resilience building report and a hazard mitigation plan update. Most items are discussion topics, with no formal votes listed.

• Potential collaboration with Pollinator Partners in the Upper Valley
• Clifford Park Food Forest workday and gathering
• Vermont Fruit & Nut Tree Grant
• Clifford Park Riparian Area Planning
• Community Resilience Building Report

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss commercial building energy standards presented by Efficiency Vermont. The session includes announcements, public comment, and a focused presentation with no formal decisions scheduled.

The Hartford Planning Commission met on March 24, 2025, and heard a presentation from Steve O'Malley of Efficiency Vermont on the 2024 Commercial Building Energy Standard (CBES), covering its effective date and requirements such as EV-ready parking and solar-ready rooftops. No formal decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting; it was informational only.

• No formal decisions or votes were recorded at the meeting

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several historic preservation topics, including the review of draft minutes, nominations for the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic Districts, and updates on various projects. The agenda includes public comments and reports on ongoing initiatives.

• Review of draft minutes from February 19, 2025
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District nominations
• Railroad Station weathervane discussion
• Railroad Row kiosk update
• U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission met on March 19, 2025, but took no formal votes due to lack of a quorum. Staff reported progress on the Demers Avenue and Victory Circle historic district nominations, with review by the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation expected as early as June. Consensus was reached to install the railroad station weathervane in the Town Hall foyer under protective plexiglass, though CLG grant funds cannot be used for the display.

• Postponed approval of HHPC minutes due to no quorum
• Consensus to locate weathervane in Town Hall foyer under plexiglass
• Demers Avenue nomination review completed; Victory Circle review pending
• CLG grant funds deemed ineligible for weathervane display

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to discuss climate-related initiatives, including a presentation on the 'Cover' program, volunteer opportunities with Window Dressers, an update on Styrofoam/EPS collection in Lebanon, and a review of Section 2 (Buildings & Energy) of the Climate Action Plan. The meeting includes public comments and approval of previous minutes.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report
• Cover presentation
• Window Dressers volunteers update
• Styrofoam/EPS update Lebanon collection

The Climate Action Steering Team approved the February 2025 minutes and heard updates on federal grants, a COVER presentation, and a Window Dressers volunteer need. They discussed prioritizing climate strategies for a newsletter and the Selectboard, with members assigned to contact the school board and library. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.

• Approved February 2025 minutes
• Discussed prioritizing climate strategies for newsletter and Selectboard
• Assigned Jen to contact school board about CAP section
• Assigned Lee to ask library about thermal camera

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees is meeting to approve minutes and the treasurer's report, and to discuss new and old business. Items include a possible cost-of-living increase for the director, library hours, and planning for a spring celebration on May 18th.

• Approval of February 26th minutes
• Approval of Treasurer's Report
• Discussion of library hours
• Cost-of-living increase for director
• Spring Celebration on May 18th: advertising, crafts, scavenger hunt, cornhole competition, decorations

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion meets to discuss progress on making Hartford a disability-friendly township, including best practices for local businesses and accessible public events. Members also review updates on gender inclusivity policies and plan Juneteenth activities.

• Draft resolution on Hartford as a Disability-Friendly Township
• Juneteenth planning discussion
• Gender inclusivity policy updates
• Engaging with Hartford Community Coalition and Lebanon DEI organizations
• Hartford Town Committee Beginner’s Guide draft review

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met on March 19, 2025, and approved the February 5 meeting minutes. They discussed planning for Juneteenth, with a meeting scheduled for March 29, and welcomed Jasmine Hawkins as a new member after approval by the Selectboard and School Board. The committee also reviewed a draft resolution for disability-friendly certification and discussed outreach to other organizations. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved February 5 meeting minutes (motion by Mary, seconded by Pat)
• Welcomed Jasmine Hawkins as a new committee member
• Scheduled Juneteenth planning meeting for March 29
• Reviewed draft resolution for disability-friendly certification

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider new and renewal liquor licenses, re-appointments to town commissions, and several town projects including a fire department strategic plan, erosion repair, and grant applications. The board will also hold a public hearing on a potential affordable housing grant application.

• New 3rd Class liquor license for Putnam's Vineyard, 188 S. Main Street, White River Junction
• Renewal of 1st Class liquor license for Northern Stage, 76 Gates Street
• New outside consumption license for Honey Child, LLC, 139 Hillridge Rd
• Approve Fire Department Strategic Plan and Standards of Cover/Community Risk Assessment
• Public hearing on VCDP Affordable Housing Grant application

The Hartford Selectboard approved submitting a VCDP Affordable Housing Grant application for the 444 Sykes Mt. Avenue Multifamily Housing Project, with one member recused. The board also approved several other items including fire department strategic plans, an erosion repair contract, a Better Roads Grant application, and re-adopted amended Rules of Procedure. The meeting began with the chair acknowledging a prior Open Meeting Law violation for not allowing public comment at the March 6 organizational meeting.

• Approved VCDP grant application for 444 Sykes Mt. Ave housing project (6-1, Andreas recused)
• Approved Putnam's Vineyard 3rd Class liquor license (unanimous)
• Approved Northern Stage 1st Class liquor license renewal (unanimous)
• Approved Honey Child LLC Outside Consumption license (7-0)
• Adopted 2024-2029 Fire Department Strategic Plan and Standards of Cover (unanimous)
• Authorized Country Lane erosion repair with Pathways Consulting up to $43,489.70 FEMA funds (unanimous)
• Approved Better Roads Grant application with Two Rivers Regional Commission (unanimous)
• Re-adopted amended Rules of Procedure (5-2, Erdei/Hoyt opposed)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to vote on the February minutes, hear the Tree Warden's report, and discuss grants. They will also review the 2025 calendar, project updates including the Arbor Day sale, and proposed charter edits to include a shade tree policy.

• Vote on February 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Grant discussion
• Arbor Day Sale assignments
• Charter edits to include Shade Tree Policy
• Tree of the Month starting in April

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee will meet to approve February minutes, discuss a November invitation to Cenon for three members, and preview a Lycée de la Morlette exchange presentation for the Select Board on April 1. They will also consider adding Katie Williams as a new member and middle school liaison, and get an update on Sister City logo signs.

• Discussion of November invitation to Cenon for 3 members
• Preview of Lycée de la Morlette exchange presentation to Select Board on April 1
• Possible new member Katie Williams and middle school liaison role for her daughter
• Update on Sister City logo signs

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold a public hearing to gather citizen input on applying for a $1,000,000 Vermont Community Development Program grant. The funds would support the construction of 48 affordable apartments at 444 Sykes Mountain Ave in White River Junction, with a mix of income levels and units for homeless individuals and veterans.

• Apply for $1,000,000 VCDP Implementation Grant
• 48 new affordable apartments at 444 Sykes Mountain Ave, White River Junction
• 10 units for households at or below 30% AMI, 8 at or below 50% AMI, 20 at or below 60% AMI, 10 at or below 80% AMI
• 7 units for homeless individuals, 3 for veterans (pending funding)
• Public hearing at Hartford Town Hall, 171 Bridge St, 3/18/2025 at 6:00 PM

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to discuss next steps for its rental housing inventory survey, explore senior housing options, and continue developing solutions for the unhoused community. The agenda also includes welcoming a new housing specialist and updating the town website's housing page. The meeting is open to the public in person or remotely.

• Review next steps for rental inventory survey, including distribution plan and data collection by Planning and Development
• Discuss senior housing solutions, including HomeShareVT and Mount Ascutney Hospital work group
• Continue discussions on supporting the unhoused community, including partnerships with Housing First, The Haven, Twin Pines
• Update on town website housing page, including adding 'quick stats' and link to documentary 'Just Getting By'
• Welcome Lexi Webster, Housing and Development Specialist

The committee approved the January meeting minutes and agreed to create a second rental housing inventory survey targeting renters, with edits by staff. They also discussed senior housing solutions, including promoting HomeShareVT and a library documentary program, and noted progress on the Upper Valley Haven shelter.

• Approved January meeting minutes as presented
• Agreed to create a second rental housing inventory survey for renters
• Agreed to purchase 'Just Getting By' documentary for all town libraries
• Agreed to have committee members attend documentary showings for discussion

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard is holding a special organizational meeting to swear in new members, elect a Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk, and review board liaison policies and orientation materials. The board will also ratify payroll and accounts payable approved by the chair between February 18 and March 6, 2025.

• Reorganization of board positions: Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Review of Selectboard Liaison Policy and liaison assignment process
• Ratification of payroll and accounts payable approved between 2/18/2025 and 3/6/2025

The Hartford Selectboard held a special organizational meeting on March 6, 2025, confirming that all new members had sworn their oaths. The board elected Mary Erdei as Chair, Mike Hoyt as Vice Chair, and Ashley Andreas as Clerk, each with 6 votes in favor and one abstention. The board also ratified payroll and accounts payable actions from March 4, 2025. Liaison assignments were deferred to the March 18, 2025 meeting.

• Elected Mary Erdei as Chair (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Elected Mike Hoyt as Vice Chair (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Elected Ashley Andreas as Clerk (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Ratified payroll and accounts payable actions from March 4, 2025 (6-0, 1 abstention)

Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund and Hartford 2020 VCDP Revolving Loan Fund Committee will meet to approve minutes, enter executive session to review loan summaries and updates, and discuss an outreach plan for both funds. They will also approve the 2025 meeting schedule. The agenda is mostly routine, with no specific loan amounts or new applications listed.

• Review of loan summary reports for January 2025
• Update on current loans and potential loans
• Discussion of outreach plan for both revolving loan funds
• Approval of 2025 Committee meeting schedule

The Hartford Business Revolving Loan Fund Committee met on March 5, 2025, but lacked a quorum, so no formal decisions were made. The committee discussed outreach plans to attract new loan applications and new members, and heard public comments from Jesse Pollard about a potential loan for the Filling Station. No votes were taken on any loan applications or other business.

• No actions taken due to lack of quorum
• Executive session held to review loan summary report; no actions taken
• 2025 meeting schedule discussed but not formally approved
• Outreach plan discussed to attract new loan applications and members

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission will meet on March 3, 2025, to discuss pollinator habitat collaborations with Dartmouth College, town forest initiatives with a local career center, and requests from Ottauquechee School. The meeting includes updates on conservation programs, awards, and bylaws, as well as public comments and announcements.

• Pollinator Collaboration with Dartmouth College (10 min)
• Town Forest Partnership with Hartford Area Career & Technology Center (15 min)
• Ottauquechee School Request (10 min)
• HCC Awards Program (5 min)
• HCC Bylaws Review (2 min)

The Hartford Conservation Commission approved the February 3, 2025 minutes by unanimous consent. They agreed to explore a partnership with the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center's Natural Resources Class, with County Forester Dan Healy to recommend a five-acre site in the Town Forest. The commission also agreed to allow tapping two maple trees for the Family Forest Frolic and to begin the adoption process for draft bylaws.

• Approved minutes of 2/3/25 by unanimous consent
• Agreed to explore partnership with HAC&TC Natural Resources Class
• Agreed to meet with County Forester in June to recommend five-acre site for HAC&TC
• Approved tapping one red maple and one sugar maple for Family Forest Frolic
• Agreed to discuss timeline and rubric for awards program at 4/7 meeting
• Agreed to begin adoption process for draft HCC bylaws

Town Meeting Cycle

Hartford's annual Town and School District Meeting will convene on March 1, 2025, to discuss town business, including receiving officer reports, voting on tax collection installments, and setting officer compensation. The meeting is in person at Hartford High School; remote viewing is available but voting is not. The school meeting will follow the town meeting.

• Vote to collect town general, highway, and school district taxes in two installments: first by Aug 15, 2025, second by Feb 6, 2026
• Set officer pay: Moderator $100/meeting; Treasurer $16,000/year; Selectboard $100/meeting, Chair +$300/year, Vice-Chair +$150/year
• Selectboard members eligible for dependent care reimbursement of $20/hour for meeting attendance
• Mileage reimbursement at IRS rate when town vehicle unavailable
• Receive reports of town officers

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review and approve draft minutes, hear a presentation from Renewable Energy Vermont, receive a coordinator's report, and follow up on commission priorities including communications, the EV Expo, and subcommittee formalization. The agenda also includes an introduction to C2C District Heating and David Briggs.

• Presentation by Jonathan Dowds of Renewable Energy Vermont
• Coordinator's Report by Dana Clawson
• Follow-up on HEC priorities: Communications/PR, EV EXPO, SubCommittee considerations
• Introduction to C2C District Heating and David Briggs

The commission heard a detailed proposal from David Briggs, owner of Hotel Coolidge, to redevelop the property with apartments, commercial space, and a district heat utility, potentially selling the building to the Town. The commission also discussed frozen federal energy funds, with Parks and Rec covering the WABA study, and voted to support Earth Week tours with no financial cost.

• Approved January minutes unanimously
• Voted to support Earth Week tours with no financial cost to HEC
• Discussed forming subcommittees for HEC priorities (no formal vote)

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve minutes and the treasurer's report, discuss library usage statistics and board member updates, and review updated policies on materials selection and volunteer applications. They will also plan an Easter celebration and egg hunt, and hold an executive session to discuss a cost-of-living increase.

• Approval of minutes from January 15th
• Approval of treasurer's report
• Review/approve updated Materials Selection, Materials Request for Reconsideration Form, and Volunteer Application and Policy
• Discussion of Easter Celebration/Egg Hunt
• Executive session on cost-of-living increase

The board approved the January minutes, treasurer's report, and updated policies including materials selection and key authorization. They discussed a spring celebration for May 18th and entered executive session to discuss a cost-of-living increase, voting in favor of it. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved January 15th minutes (all in favor)
• Approved treasurer's report (all in favor)
• Approved updated Materials Selection, Reconsideration Form, Volunteer Application and Policy, and Key Authorization form (all in favor)
• Voted in favor of cost-of-living increase during executive session (all in favor)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to conduct routine business and hear a new liquor license application from Honey Child, LLC, operating at 139 Hillridge Rd in White River Junction. The board will also consider appointments to the Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee, receive a town manager report, and review financial and project updates.

• Consider new liquor license application for Honey Child, LLC (1st and 3rd Class) at 139 Hillridge Rd
• Appointments to the Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee (5 members)
• Year-to-date financial review and approval of audit engagement letters
• Hartford RF1-271 CSO Abatement Project, Finding of No Significant Impact hearing

The Hartford Selectboard approved a new liquor license application for Honey Child, LLC, authorized audit engagement letters with Mudgett, Jennett & Krogh-Wisner totaling $42,800, and appointed four members to the Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee. The board also approved payroll, the consent agenda, and discussed a working group on fair and impartial policing. A separate appointment for Linda Simond Miller was tabled.

• Approved new liquor license application for Rachel Burge & Matthew Burge d/b/a Honey Child, LLC (unanimous)
• Authorized signing FYE 2025 audit engagement letters with Mudgett, Jennett & Krogh-Wisner ($38,500 General Fund, $4,300 TIF Fund) (unanimous)
• Appointed Dennis Brown, Earl Hatley, Gwen Tuson, and Patti Crimmin-Greenan to Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee (unanimous)
• Tabled appointment of Linda Simond Miller to Hartford 250th Commemoration Committee
• Authorized Board Chair to approve payroll Feb 16–Mar 1, 2025 and AP/payroll dated Mar 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including 2/18/2025 meeting minutes and future meeting dates (unanimous)

Resilient Hartford

Resilient Hartford is meeting to discuss potential collaboration with Cedar Circle Farm & Educational Center, plan the 2025 food forest community gathering, and review riparian area planning at Clifford Park. The agenda also includes updates on the seed library, food forest signage, a fruit tree pruning workshop, and the Community Resilience Building Report.

• Potential collaboration with Cedar Circle Farm & Educational Center
• Food Forest Community Gathering planning for 2025
• Clifford Park Riparian Area Planning
• Seed Library update
• Food Forest Signage discussion

The Resilient Hartford committee approved co-sponsoring an April 19th seed saver workshop with Cedar Circle Farm & Educational Center, and agreed to work with Upper Valley Seed Savers and CCF&EC on a seed library. They also decided to move the Food Forest community gathering to late spring and tie it with a tree planting. The committee discussed riparian planning at Clifford Park, noting a grant extension and the need to spend funds this spring. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved minutes of January 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Agreed to co-sponsor April 19th seed saver workshop with Cedar Circle Farm & Educational Center
• Agreed to work with Upper Valley Seed Savers and CCF&EC on a seed library
• Moved Food Forest community gathering to late spring, tied with tree planting

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on three applications: a subdivision at 565 Maple Street, a golf cart barn in Quechee, and a food truck in White River Junction. The meeting also includes administrative items such as a municipal planning grant application, a tower replacement, and updates on the Town Plan and Climate Action Plan.

• Subdivision of 565 Maple Street into two lots (Application #25-01)
• Golf Cart Barn at Quechee Main Street (Application #25-02)
• Food Truck at 230 South Main Street, White River Junction (Application #25-03)
• Vermont Municipal Planning Grant Application
• Bliss Road Tower Replacement

Town Meeting Cycle

This is the agenda for Hartford, Vermont's Town Meeting cycle event on February 24, 2025, featuring presentations on the town and school budgets followed by candidate speeches for contested races. The meeting includes an open question-and-answer period for voters. It is a public forum for information and candidate introduction, not a formal decision-making session.

• Town budget presentation by Selectboard Chair Mike Hoyt and Town Manager John Haverstock
• School budget presentation by Kevin Christie and/or Peter Merrill
• Candidate speeches for Selectboard (2-year and 3-year terms), School Board, Moderator, and Hartford Library trustee positions
• Open question and answer period for residents, voters, and taxpayers
• No candidate filed for 3-year Selectboard and 3-year School Board seats

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss several historic preservation matters, including proposed plans for the north side of Quechee Main Street by Simon Pearce, a historic sign at Kilowatt Park, and nominations for the Victory Circle and Demers Avenues Historic Districts. The commission will also review draft minutes, hear public comments, and address other items such as a CLG grant for a Railroad Row kiosk and a U.S. 250th Anniversary commemoration.

• Simon Pearce plans for north side of Quechee Main Street
• Kilowatt Park historic sign discussion
• Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District nominations
• 2025 CLG Grant for Railroad Row Kiosk
• U.S. 250th Anniversary Commemoration

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission discussed Simon Pearce's plans to demolish two buildings on Quechee Main Street due to structural issues and dilapidation, with no redevelopment plans yet. The commission also discussed a proposed historical sign for Kilowatt Park, agreeing to continue the discussion at a future meeting. The minutes from January 15 were approved unanimously, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved January 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Simon Pearce demolition plans for 1761 and 1781 Quechee Main Street; no action taken
• Discussed Kilowatt Park historical sign options; continued to future meeting
• Noted Selectboard approved historic district nominations for Demers Avenue and Victory Circle/Highland Park

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to discuss and decide on several climate-related items, including grant updates, a report on geothermal findings from Oak Ridge National Labs, an update on Styrofoam/EPS collection in Lebanon, and a proposal for the Green Communities Catalyst. The agenda also includes public comments and approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report
• Grant updates
• Geo-thermal- Oak Ridge National Labs findings
• Styrofoam/EPS update Lebanon collection

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider a new liquor license application for Honey Child LLC, a restaurant at 139 Hillridge Road in White River Junction. The board will also review re-appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and discuss housing projects, including road realignment and grant applications.

• Consider new 1st and 3rd Class liquor licenses for Honey Child LLC at 139 Hillridge Rd, White River Junction
• Re-appointment of Christopher Lowe, Steve Lagasse, and Alice Maleski to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for three-year terms
• Review Green Heights Drive Housing road realignment and water system agreements
• Consider VCDP grant application for housing project at 444 Sykes Mt. Ave.
• Appointment of Jasmine Hawkins to the Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion for a two-year term

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board will review and vote on the previous meeting minutes, discuss the Tree Warden's report, and vote on the full 2025 calendar. They will also discuss project updates, including a Selectboard presentation, QR codes, and an Arbor Day sale, and consider proposed charter edits and changes to meeting dates/times.

• Vote on previous meeting minutes (January 21, 2025)
• Tree Warden report on Tree City submission and hazard tree situation
• Vote on full 2025 calendar
• Discussion of charter edits (last updated 2015) to include Shade Tree Policy
• Proposal to change meeting dates/times

The Hartford Tree Board approved the January 21, 2025 minutes unanimously. The board discussed upcoming events including a Tree Ordinance webinar, the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Conference, and the Arbor Day Tree and Shrub Sale. No formal decisions were made on new business; the meeting was procedural and planning-focused.

• Approved January 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Added February 19 webinar on Tree Ordinatures to calendar
• Added May 29 Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Conference to calendar
• Scheduled Selectboard presentation for March 18 at 6 pm
• Jeff Arnold to take over Tree of the Month program starting April
• No changes to meeting dates/times

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation from Efficiency Vermont on the Commercial Building Energy Standard. The agenda also includes time for announcements and public comment. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily informational and discussion-oriented.

• Presentation from Efficiency Vermont on Commercial Building Energy Standard
• Public comment period
• Announcements

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to discuss next steps on a rental inventory survey, senior housing solutions, and continue discussions on solutions for the unhoused community. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of December minutes, and updates on the town website housing page.

• Next steps on rental inventory survey review
• Senior housing solutions discussion
• Continue discussing solutions for the unhoused community
• Update on town website page on housing
• Approval of December meeting minutes

The committee reviewed the draft Rental Housing Inventory and agreed to add an open-ended question, offer it online and in hard copy, and target outreach to property owners. They plan to finalize edits, create a promotional flyer, and begin rollout by mid-March, with data collection handled by the Planning and Development Department. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only vote was to approve the January meeting minutes.

• Approved January meeting minutes as presented (motion by Trottier, second by Nott)
• Agreed to add open-ended question to rental survey to encourage property owner communication
• Agreed to offer survey online and as hard copy
• Agreed to create distribution plan including targeted mailing, phone outreach, and town website posting
• Agreed Dan Nott will create flyer with QR code for survey promotion
• Agreed Lori Hirshfield and Maggie Burnett will complete final survey edits
• Agreed to send survey update to Town Manager and Selectboard
• Agreed to target mid-March survey rollout

Parks and Recreation Commission

This meeting of the Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission, scheduled for February 13, 2025, has been cancelled. The agenda included routine items such as approval of minutes, reports, and old business topics like the Rec Center, accreditation schedule, and Lyman Point Park Project, but no decisions will be made at this time.

• Meeting cancelled
• Rec Center next steps (old business)
• Accreditation schedule (old business)
• Lyman Point Park Project (old business)

Sister Cities Committee

The Hartford Sister City Committee is meeting to discuss an invitation to Cenon in November, plan a presentation to the Select Board about the Lycée de la Morlette exchange, and review and revise the committee's by-laws. The agenda also includes updates on the Sister City logo and approval of December meeting minutes.

• Discuss invitation to Cenon in November (3 members allowed)
• Lycée de la Morlette exchange: set up Select Board presentation date with Mike Hoyt
• Review and revise Sister City by-laws
• Update on Sister City Logo

The Hartford Sister City Committee met on February 11, 2025, and accepted the December meeting minutes. Members discussed inviting three members to the Festival Toutes Latitudes in Cenon in November 2025, with Joan speaking to John Haverstock about attending. The committee also reviewed proposed bylaw revisions, including membership goals and SCI dues, and discussed pursuing the Sister City logo in public spaces. No formal votes were recorded; actions were assigned for follow-up.

• Accepted December meeting minutes (motion by Pat, seconded by Laura)
• Discussed invitation for three members to Cenon Festival Toutes Latitudes in November 2025
• Assigned Allison to write to Mike Hoyt and John Haverstock about presenting to the Select Board on March 18
• Reviewed revised bylaws, including membership target of 5 and SCI dues payment
• Assigned Allison to investigate logo placement in public spaces and town ordinances

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion will discuss and possibly revise a draft resolution declaring Hartford a disability-friendly township, which encourages local businesses and the town to go beyond ADA requirements. The committee will also hear updates on a gender inclusivity policy, community engagement efforts, and other town and school board matters. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss new applications from community members.

• Review and revise draft resolution on Hartford as a Disability-Friendly Township
• Update on Gender Inclusivity Policy from working group
• Discussion on contacting Hartford Community Coalition
• Update on BIPOC Home & Business Ownership Project
• Executive session to discuss new applications from community members

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) met on February 5, 2025, and approved minutes from January 15. They discussed a draft resolution for Hartford to become a Disability-Friendly Certified township, with next steps to gather information from other towns. They also reviewed gender inclusivity policies from other Vermont towns and planned further research. The committee unanimously recommended Jasmine Hawkins to fill the vacant Community Member position.

• Approved January 15 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Jasmine Hawkins for vacant Community Member position (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (approved)
• Exited executive session (approved)
• Adjourned meeting (approved)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to consider reappointing Bruce Riddle to the Planning Commission and appointing Erin Wetherell to the Parks & Recreation Commission. They will also receive updates on the town-wide property re-evaluation, hear remarks from Police Chief Greg Sheldon, and discuss the police chief's resignation in executive session. Other items include a banner application, a vibrancy grant attestation, and the TIF District annual report.

• Re-appointment of Bruce Riddle to Planning Commission (term Feb 2025-Feb 2028)
• Appointment of Erin Wetherell to Parks & Recreation Commission (term Feb 2025-Feb 2028)
• Update on town-wide property re-evaluation (Tyler Technologies)
• Remarks from Police Chief Greg Sheldon
• Executive session: discussion of Police Chief's resignation

The Selectboard approved a motion to authorize 30 Hartford Heroes banners for May 17 to July 17, 2025, in White River Junction, Wilder, and Hartford, with a 3-2 vote and one abstention. The board also reappointed Bruce Riddle to the Planning Commission and Erin Wetherell to the Parks & Recreation Commission, both unanimously. Other approvals included the WRJ Downtown Program 2025 Vibrancy Grant attestation, the TIF District FY2024 Annual Report, and updates to authorized signers for US Bank. The board entered executive session to discuss the Police Chief's resignation but took no action.

• Reappointed Bruce Riddle to Planning Commission for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Appointed Erin Wetherell to Parks & Recreation Commission for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Authorized 30 Hartford Heroes banners for 5/17/2025-7/17/2025 (3-2, 1 abstention)
• Approved and signed WRJ Downtown Program 2025 Vibrancy Grant attestation (unanimous)
• Accepted FY2024 TIF Annual Report for submission to VEPC (unanimous)
• Authorized signers for US Bank and Vermont Bond Bank reimbursements (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll, A/P manifests, and meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Entered executive session on Police Chief's resignation; no motion made

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Health Board is meeting to consider issuing a health order for a unit at 45 Hollow Drive, Unit 202, after three inspections found severe unsanitary conditions, pest infestations, and fire hazards. The board will hear public comment, the health officer's referral, and any rebuttal before deciding on the order. The order would require immediate cleaning, removal of fire hazards, and professional pest extermination.

• Public hearing on health order for 45 Hollow Drive, Unit 202
• Three inspections by Health Officer and Fire Marshal (Aug 26, 2024; Nov 25, 2024; Jan 24, 2025)
• Findings: garbage, rodent/pest signs, blocked bathroom, fire and life safety violations
• Proposed order: clear pathways, clean bacteria, professional extermination
• Habitation advised hazardous to health

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes, public comments, and planning its annual update to the Selectboard on February 18. The agenda also covers several town forest projects, such as future work with the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center, protecting saplings with tree tubes, and a Family Forest Frolic series. Other items include public education on emerald ash borer, the HCC Awards Program, and updates to the commission's webpage and bylaws.

• Annual update to Selectboard on February 18, 2025
• Town Forest: Hartford Area Career & Technology Center future work
• Tree tubes to protect saplings
• Emerald Ash Borer public education
• HCC Bylaws review

The Hartford Conservation Commission met on February 3, 2025, and approved the minutes from the January 6 meeting by unanimous consent. The commission discussed and planned several upcoming events, including the Environmental Stewardship Mix & Mingle and the Family Forest Frolic, and agreed to discuss a partnership with the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center at the next meeting. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy matters.

• Approved minutes of 1/6/25 by unanimous consent
• Agreed to invite Quechee Garden Club to Environmental Stewardship Mix & Mingle
• Agreed to discuss HAC&TC partnership at March 3rd meeting
• Agreed not to duplicate Tree Board's emerald ash borer outreach
• Agreed to place draft bylaws on March 3rd agenda for public notice

Energy Commission

The Hartford Energy Commission is meeting to review and approve previous minutes, hear public comment, and receive updates from the coordinator on Trailblazers, EV chargers, and grants. They will also discuss the EV Expo 2025, C2C District Heating, and a draft final report on Community Resilience Building. The main item is setting 2025 Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals and priorities, which will continue at the next meeting.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report on Trailblazers, EV chargers, and grants update
• Discussion of EV Expo 2025
• C2C District Heating update
• Draft final report on Community Resilience Building

Resilient Hartford

The Resilient Hartford committee meets to review past minutes, hear public comments, and discuss several environmental and community initiatives including a food forest plan, riparian area planning for Clifford Park, and updates on a seed library. The group also plans future events like a winter pruning workshop and an environmental stewardship mixer.

• Food Forest Community Gathering to plan for 2025
• Food Forest Signage discussion
• Clifford Park Riparian Area Planning
• Seed Library proposal
• Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will hold a special meeting to review, revise, and adopt the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget, as well as approve the Town Meeting and Town and School District Meeting warnings. The meeting is open to the public and will include public comment and selectboard announcements.

• Review, revise, and adopt FY 2026 General Fund Budget
• Review, revise, and approve Town Meeting Warning
• Review, revise, and approve Town and School District Meeting Warning

Board of Civil Authority

The Hartford Board of Abatement will hold a hearing to consider a tax abatement request for a property on South Street, review its procedures, and conduct other business. The board will decide the request based on evidence presented or submitted if the applicant is absent.

• Abatement request by Susan Barrett (Life Estate) & Ralph Barrett (deceased) for 361 South Street, Parcel ID #24-89
• Review and adoption of updated Abatement Procedures
• Process review at start of meeting

The Hartford Board of Abatement approved a full abatement of property taxes for Susan Barrett's flood-damaged property at 361 South Street, refunding $804.69 paid in August 2024 and crediting $804.69 due in February 2025, totaling $1,609.38. The board also unanimously adopted revised Rules of Procedure reflecting recent legislative changes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Abated $1,609.38 in property taxes for 361 South Street (unanimous)
• Adopted revised Rules of Procedure (unanimous)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will consider adopting the FY26 General Fund and several enterprise fund budgets, review and approve the Town Meeting Warning, and discuss appointments and historic district nominations. The agenda also includes a public hearing on the 250th Commemoration Committee bylaws and an executive session on the police chief's resignation.

• Adoption of FY26 General Fund Budget
• Adoption of FY26 Transfer Station, White River Water, Quechee Water, White River Wastewater, and Quechee Wastewater Fund Budgets
• Review Taft's Flat Historic District Nominations (Victory Circle-Highland Park and Demers Avenue)
• Re-appointment of Bruce Riddle to Planning Commission for three-year term
• Executive session on Police Chief's resignation

The Hartford Selectboard approved the FY26 General Fund budget of $22,676,506.82, along with all other fund budgets (Solid Waste, Water, Wastewater), the Town Meeting Warning, and the Town & School District Meeting Warning. The board also approved the 250th Commemoration Committee Bylaws and two Historic District Nominations. Several items were tabled, including the re-appointment of Bruce Riddle to the Planning Commission and an executive session on the Police Chief's resignation.

• Approved FY26 General Fund budget of $22,676,506.82 (5-0)
• Approved FY26 Solid Waste Fund budget of $919,880.38 (4-0)
• Approved FY26 White River Water Fund budget of $1,409,403.87 (5-0)
• Approved FY26 Quechee Water Fund budget of $648,811.50 (5-0)
• Approved FY26 White River Wastewater Fund budget of $2,312,615.93 (5-0)
• Approved FY26 Quechee Wastewater Fund budget of $1,520,610.55 (5-0)
• Approved Town Meeting Warning and Town & School District Meeting Warning (5-0)
• Approved 250th Commemoration Committee Bylaws and two Historic District Nominations (5-0)

Tree Board

The Hartford Tree Board is meeting to review minutes and discuss routine business, including tree maintenance, annual reporting, and scheduling for the year. They will also consider a project to place QR codes on municipally planted trees. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no major decisions or public hearings.

• Major pruning of 9 mature honey locusts north of Shady Lawn, with air spading, biochar, and mulching
• Submitted 2024 activities for Tree Warden and Tree Board to Town for Annual Report
• Scheduling includes Mix and Mingle, rootstock ordering from Redstart, perennials from NN, Arbor Day sale, Tree ID walks, and work days at Lyman Point
• Discussion on preparing and placing QR codes on trees planted by municipality or tree board

The Hartford Tree Board approved the November and December 2024 minutes, with a correction to Jazmin Guyette's name in the December minutes. The board elected new officers: Jazmin Guyette as Chair, Mike Copp as Vice-chair, David Barrell as Treasurer, and Clare Forseth as Secretary, all by unanimous vote. They also discussed plans for upcoming events, including a Mix and Mingle talk, Arbor Day sale, and tree ID walks, and reviewed QR code options for tree identification.

• Approved November 2024 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved December 2024 minutes with spelling correction (unanimous)
• Elected Jazmin Guyette as Chair, Mike Copp as Vice-chair, David Barrell as Treasurer, Clare Forseth as Secretary (unanimous)

West Hartford Library Trustees

The West Hartford Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve the minutes from the November 2024 meeting and the treasurer’s report. The agenda includes routine procedural items and a review of policies such as materials acquisition and volunteer guidelines.

• Approval of November 2024 meeting minutes
• Approval of treasurer’s report
• Review and approval of materials acquisition and volunteer policy updates

The West Hartford Library Board tabled votes on three policies (materials acquisition, materials review request form, and volunteer policy) until the next meeting after revisions. The board reinstated Doug Eisler as Chairman ProTemp, discussed upcoming elections, and approved a cost of living increase for Sandy to be voted on next meeting. No final decisions were made on the policies or the raise.

• Tabled vote on materials acquisition policy
• Tabled vote on materials review request form
• Tabled vote on volunteer policy
• Reinstated Doug Eisler as Chairman ProTemp (unanimous)
• Approved cost of living increase for Sandy (to be voted on next meeting)

Hartford Committee on Racial Equity & Inclusion

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion (HCOREI) will meet to approve meeting minutes, hear a presentation on Hartford becoming a disability-friendly certified town, and review a proposed schedule of meetings for 2025. The committee will also discuss planning for 2025 and receive updates from the Selectboard and School Board, including a student award. The agenda includes several items tabled for future discussion, such as policy recommendations and a gender inclusivity policy update.

• Presentation on Hartford as a Disability-Friendly Certified town with Kendra LaRoche
• Review and approve proposed HCOREI meeting dates through 2025
• Planning for 2025 (Attachment B)
• Updates from Town/Selectboard and School Board, including Hartford student award (A. Raynolds Memorial)
• Tabled items: status of policy recommendations, gender inclusivity policy update, BIPOC Home and Business Ownership Community Kick-Off Event

The Hartford Committee on Racial Equity and Inclusion heard from Dr. Kendra LaRoche of the Special Needs Support Center about becoming a Disability-Friendly Certified town. The committee will review and tailor a draft resolution at its next meeting before presenting it to the Select Board. The committee also approved its 2025 meeting calendar and noted the resignation of member Joe Major.

• Approved minutes of October 16, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Reviewed draft resolution on disability inclusivity for future Select Board presentation
• Noted resignation of Joe Major; steps to fill vacancy underway

Historic Preservation Commission

At a community discussion on January 15, 2025, attendees reached a strong consensus to display the recovered White River Junction Railroad Station weathervane in the Hartford Town Hall lobby, with protective glass. No formal decision was made; the Historic Preservation Commission will seek Selectboard input and explore funding options, including a possible CLG grant.

• Consensus reached to place weathervane in Town Hall lobby (informal)
• No formal vote taken; discussion only
• Commission to seek Selectboard input on display location
• State curator and VTrans officer to visit Town Hall to assess locations
• Funding options discussed: FHWA, CLG grant, state assistance

Climate Action Steering Team

The Hartford Climate Action Steering Team is meeting to discuss climate-related initiatives. The agenda includes reviewing draft minutes, a coordinator's report, a Conservation Commission environmental event, geothermal findings from Oak Ridge National Labs, a GMP weatherization plan, and a Green Communities Catalyst Proposal. This is a working meeting with no formal votes scheduled.

• Review and approve draft minutes from previous meeting
• Coordinator's report
• Conservation Commission's environmental mix & mingle
• Geo-thermal - Oak Ridge National Labs findings
• GMP weatherization plan

The Climate Action Steering Team met and adopted the December minutes unanimously. The Selectboard approved a site host agreement with Norwich Technologies for the town to host 8 level 3 chargers in the South Main St. parking lot. The team discussed upcoming energy standard trainings, a Conservation Commission event, and a geothermal feasibility study. No other formal decisions were made.

• Adopted December minutes (unanimous)
• Selectboard approved site host agreement with Norwich Technologies for 8 level 3 chargers at South Main St. parking lot

Historic Preservation Commission

The Hartford Historic Preservation Commission is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including historic district nominations for Victory Circle and Demers Avenues, authorizing a historic marker for Kilowatt Park, and reviewing historic district signs. The agenda also includes updates on the Railroad Row Kiosk, performing arts history, and Vermont's 250th anniversary commemoration. Public comments will be heard.

• Review of Victory Circle & Demers Avenues Historic District Nominations
• Authorize Kilowatt Park Historic Sign as Historic Marker
• Discussion of Historic District Signs
• Update on Railroad Row Kiosk
• Vermont 250th Anniversary Commemoration

Planning Commission

The Hartford Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on two applications: a lot line adjustment between commercial properties on Ballardvale Drive and North Hartland Road, and a subdivision of a property on Maple Street into two lots. The meeting also includes administrative matters such as permits, updates on the Town Plan, Regional Planning Commission, and Climate Action Plan, and a public comment period.

• Lot line adjustment between 91 and 121 Ballardvale Drive and 340 North Hartland Road (Application #24-15)
• Subdivision of 565 Maple Street into two lots (Application #25-01)
• Administrative permits for Summit Distributing, Snow Village, Northern Stage, White River Toyota, Tea House, Lakeland Golf Course, Twin Pines Housing Trust, and Twin River Urology
• Act 250 application for Catamount Self Storage on Route 14
• Next public hearing scheduled for February 24th

The Hartford Planning Commission approved a lot line adjustment for properties at 91 and 121 Ballardvale Drive and 340 North Hartland Road, with conditions requiring proof of ownership and submission of access/maintenance easements. The commission also noted several administrative permits and an Act 250 application, and tabled a subdivision request at 565 Maple Street due to a continuance request.

• Approved lot line adjustment application #24-15 with conditions (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for application #24-15 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 7, 2024 (unanimous)
• Noted administrative permits for Summit Distributing, Snow Village, Northern Stage, White River Toyota, Tea House, Lakeland Golf Course, Twin Pines Housing Trust, Twin River Urology
• Noted Act 250 application by Catamount Self Storage on Route 14
• Requested RPC draft Regional Land Use Plan be added to administrative agenda
• Tabled subdivision application #25-01 at 565 Maple Street (continuance requested)

Town Meeting Cycle

The Hartford Select Board is holding a Warrant Information Night to explain a proposal to adopt a local option sales tax and to discuss proposed uses of existing local option taxes on rooms, meals, and alcohol. The meeting includes presentations and public input on these items.

• Proposal to adopt a Local Option Sales Tax
• Vehicles for Parks & Recreation ($87,000), Public Works Highway Division ($280,000), and Police Department ($75,000)
• Vehicle extrication equipment (Jaws of Life) for Fire Department ($58,000)

Housing & Homelessness Committee

The Hartford Committee on Housing and Homelessness will meet to discuss next steps on the rental inventory survey, senior housing options, and continued solutions for the unhoused community. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of December minutes, and updates on the town website housing page. The meeting is open to the public in person or remotely.

• Next steps on Rental Inventory Survey Review
• Senior Housing Solutions discussion
• Continue to Discuss Solutions for the Unhoused Community
• Update on Town Website Page on Housing
• Approval of December 12, 2024 meeting minutes

The committee approved the October meeting minutes and tabled the rental inventory survey review to February. They discussed senior housing needs and agreed to reach out to agencies like HomeShare and Listen, and noted the Lebanon emergency shelter is open. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved October meeting minutes (motion by Burnett, second by Kravitz)
• Tabled rental inventory survey review to February meeting

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes, hearing public comments, and receiving reports. They will also review and approve meeting dates for the next year, nominate and vote on officers, and discuss several ongoing projects such as the Rec Center survey, the Needle Drop, accreditation schedule, and the Lyman Point Park Project.

• Review/approve meeting dates for next year
• Nominate/vote on Officers
• Rec Center – survey disbursement
• Needle Drop
• Lyman Point Park Project

The Hartford Parks and Recreation Commission approved the results of the Community Center Survey to date, with all members in favor. The commission also approved the 2025 meeting schedule and appointed liaisons to other town committees. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports on upcoming events and ongoing projects.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting with correction (all in favor)
• Accepted community center survey results to date (all approved)
• Approved 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting dates (all approved)
• Approved list of liaisons to other town committees (all approved)

Selectboard & LLC Agenda/Minutes

The Hartford Selectboard will meet to discuss and vote on several key items, including adopting a new Municipal Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance, appointing a liaison to the State Ethics Commission, and designating a complaint recipient. The board will also consider a site host agreement for Level 3 EV chargers in the South Main Street parking lot and an exception to the purchasing policy for winter rock salt procurement.

• Consider adopting Municipal Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance
• Appoint Town Manager as liaison to State Ethics Commission
• Designate HR Director as Designated Ethics Complaint Recipient
• Authorize Town Manager to sign site host agreement for 8 Level 3 EV chargers at South Main St. parking lot
• Exception to Purchasing Policy for winter rock salt purchase at $86.75/ton for 2500 tons

The Selectboard approved ballot article language for $442,000 in Local Option Tax vehicle purchases and a one-percent local option sales tax, both to appear on the ballot. They also renewed a cannabis license for The Hidden Grove, LLC, adopted a code of ethics ordinance, and waived competitive bidding for 2,500 tons of winter rock salt at $86.75 per ton. The board noted the resignation of Police Chief Greg Sheldon, effective February 28, 2025.

• Renewed cannabis license for The Hidden Grove, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved ballot article for $442,000 in vehicle purchases from Local Option Taxes (unanimous)
• Approved ballot article for $58,000 Jaws of Life purchase (unanimous)
• Approved one-percent local option sales tax ballot article (unanimous)
• Adopted amended Conflict of Interest Policy (unanimous)
• Adopted Municipal Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance (unanimous)
• Waived competitive bidding for 2,500 tons of winter rock salt at $86.75/ton (unanimous)
• Appointed Cathy Geiger to Energy Commission, reappointed John Haffner to Housing Committee (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Hartford Conservation Commission is meeting to approve minutes, hear public comments, and discuss several conservation topics. Key items include protecting saplings with tree tubes in the Town Forest, planning the Family Forest Frolic series, and updates on the Maanawaka and David Chang conservation areas. The commission will also review its budget, awards program, webpage, and bylaws.

• Discussion of tree tubes to protect saplings in Town Forest
• Family Forest Frolic Series planning
• Maanawaka Conservation Area update
• David Chang Conservation Area update
• HCC Budget Update

The Hartford Conservation Commission met on January 6, 2025, and approved the previous meeting's minutes. The commission postponed a decision on allowing a career center class to remove cut trees from the Town Forest until the teacher can attend. They also agreed to hold a Conservation Mix & Mingle event on March 7th and to request conservation fund funding next year after a budget cut.

• Approved minutes of 12/2/24 by unanimous consent
• Postponed decision on removing cut trees from Town Forest until Dan Gibson can participate
• Agreed to hold Conservation Mix & Mingle on March 7, 2025
• Agreed to request conservation fund funding next year after $3,000 cut
• Agreed to add HCC calendar to webpage