Marshfield public meetings in 2020
29 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met to discuss the upcoming town meeting, library budget, and other administrative matters. They approved minutes, discussed the library budget increase, kept a building closed due to COVID, entered executive session for personnel, reviewed hazard mitigation bids, and voted to increase salaries by 2%.
- Library budget proposed up 3.74%, appropriation up 4.91%
- Selectboard voted to increase salaries by 2%
- Old Schoolhouse Common building to remain closed until next meeting
- Reviewed bids for Hazard Mitigation Plan; Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission noted as lowest cost per hour
- Town meeting to use Australian ballot and tabulator
Board of Civil Authority
The Board of Civil Authority met via Zoom and voted to authorize the use of the tabulator for processing ballots for Town Meeting 2021, which will be conducted by Australian Ballot instead of an open meeting due to the Selectboard's and School Board's decisions. They also voted to process absentee ballots through the tabulator the day before the election. Discussion included the possibility of mailing ballots to all residents and moving the meeting date, pending legislative permission.
- Authorized use of tabulator for Town Meeting 2021 Australian Ballot
- Authorized processing absentee ballots through tabulator on day before election
- Discussed potential legislative permission to mail ballots to all residents
- Discussed potential move of Town Meeting to mid-April
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via Zoom and voted to conduct the 2021 Town Meeting by Australian ballot, discussed recycling options with the Northeast Kingdom Solid Waste District, and reviewed budgets. The board also addressed a tax abatement request, approved a grand list change, and accepted a road crew resignation.
- Voted to use Australian ballot for Town Meeting 2021
- Declined to include Cabot Recycling Center in Marshfield budget
- Approved grand list value change for Christ Covenant Church
- Accepted resignation of road crew member Shane Brickey
- Discussed mutual aid agreement with neighboring towns
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on December 1, 2020, and approved an update to the personnel policy granting up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for COVID-related quarantine, except for travel-related quarantine. The board also discussed the ongoing closure of the Old Schoolhouse Common building due to cleaning staff with COVID symptoms, and reviewed several maintenance and ordinance items.
- Approved COVID sick leave policy: up to 80 hours paid for quarantine, excluding travel-related
- Building remains closed for at least two more weeks due to COVID concerns
- Received sidewalk snow removal bid from Luke Mulligan at $130 per clearing, up to 4 times per storm
- Authorized signing maintenance contracts for elevator and generator
- Approved change to grand list for Henry Harris property
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a dog complaint involving Janet Sing's dogs, including allegations of running at large and abuse, and decided to send a formal letter requiring proper care. They also addressed COVID-19-related closures, discussed a personnel policy for quarantine leave, and approved a reappraisal contract. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes, expenses, and contracts.
- Dog complaint: Board to send letter to Janet Sing requiring proper care of dogs
- COVID: Old Schoolhouse Common remains closed; library curbside pickup; side entrance improvements to be estimated
- Personnel policy: All leave must be pre-approved by Selectboard; no pay for quarantine after voluntary travel outside Vermont
- Reappraisal: Contract approved with amendment to appraise exempt properties
- Mowing contracts authorized for Old Schoolhouse, covered bridge, and cemeteries
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard held an emergency meeting to discuss a dog complaint and a road crew member's potential COVID-19 exposure. The board will decide at the next meeting whether to impose a $500 fine on a dog owner after two dogs were reported on a neighbor's property. They also addressed road crew safety protocols and leave policies.
- Dog complaint: two dogs on neighbor's property, possible $500 fine
- Road crew member exposed to COVID-19 contact, no quarantine required
- Road crew to wear masks when working together
- COVID leave to be documented separately from sick leave
- Vacation time must be accrued or approved by Selectboard
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard accepted Zoning Administrator Mitch Osiecki's resignation and appointed him as acting administrator until a replacement is found. The board also discussed a right-of-way dispute, delinquent taxes, a church abatement appeal, and authorized several contracts and transfers.
- Accepted resignation of Zoning Administrator Mitch Osiecki, appointed as acting until replacement found
- Authorized transfer of 2012 pickup to Fire Department with $11,000 from Fire equipment fund to Highway equipment fund
- Discussed new communications system for 18 towns at $2,500 per year for 10 years
- Authorized Chris to sign mowing and cemetery contracts
- Discussed political signs in Old Schoolhouse Common leases; will disallow outward-facing signs
Selectboard
The Selectboard held a special meeting where the zoning administrator announced his resignation, offering to stay until a replacement is found. The board also entered executive session to discuss a legal issue. The meeting included brief updates on a new pickup truck and election day tent setup.
- Zoning Administrator Mitch Osiecki resigns, offers to train successor
- Board enters executive session for legal discussion
- New pickup truck arrives and is being prepped
- Election day tent to be set up Sunday
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on October 20, 2020, and made several decisions, including creating a new parking area near the railroad bed, awarding snow removal and mowing contracts, and authorizing grant agreements. They also discussed speed limit signs, a fill policy, and a visibility issue on Folsom Hill Road.
- Approved creating a parking lot near the railroad bed on Bemis Farm Road, costing about $1,000 in materials and 2-3 days of road crew work
- Awarded snow removal contract to Matt Destino at $125 per visit
- Awarded cemetery mowing to Kirkyard Services at $10,500
- Awarded Old Schoolhouse mowing to Maplecrest Enterprises at $100 per mowing and Martin Covered Bridge mowing to Ian Ackermann at $60 per mowing
- Authorized signing a $5,000 election grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved hiring New England Municipal Consultants, Ltd. for the town-wide reappraisal, following the Listers' recommendation. The board also discussed a personnel issue in executive session, received updates on COVID-19-related digitization work, and authorized smart thermostat installation at the Old Schoolhouse Common. The meeting was largely routine, with no public comment and standard approval of minutes and expenses.
- Approved New England Municipal Consultants, Ltd. for town-wide reappraisal
- Entered executive session for personnel discussion
- Smart thermostats and possible hot water heater at Old Schoolhouse Common funded by Efficiency Vermont
- Speed enforcement signs needed at town entrances
- Delinquent taxes reported at similar level to previous years
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via Zoom and made several decisions: it approved a community garden planting plan at the Old Schoolhouse Common, declined to apply for an Emerald Ash Borer grant this year, authorized the Road Crew to remove fill that may have broken a village water standpipe, and approved a catering permit for drive-in movies. The board also discussed but did not act on a Social Security withholding option, and noted a $24,737.68 digitization grant received by the town.
- Approved 5-year edible planting plan at Old Schoolhouse Common, including chestnuts this year and a planting workshop on Oct 24
- Declined to apply for Emerald Ash Borer grant; will reassess next year
- Authorized Road Crew to remove fill that may have broken a water standpipe, causing 20,000 gallons/day extra pumping
- Approved catering permit for additional drive-in movies; Town Clerk authorized to approve future permits
- Received $24,737.68 digitization grant; RFP for hazardous mitigation plan update pending
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via Zoom to review options for an extended warranty on the new dump truck and to interview two firms competing for the town's reappraisal contract. The board decided to purchase the 84-month warranty option for all three warranty categories. The reappraisal interviews were conducted in executive session, and the board discussed next steps afterward.
- Approved purchase of 84-month extended warranty for new dump truck
- Interviewed Vermont Appraisal Company and New England Municipal Consultants for reappraisal
- Held executive sessions for reappraisal interviews
- Discussed next steps for reappraisal
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a Notice of Violation issued to Uprise! Camp, a summer camp scheduled for August 2-9, 2020, on Henry Harris's property. The camp's attorney argued no permit was required, and the board considered options including an appeal. The board also deferred a room rental request and approved a repair estimate for the town dump truck.
- Uprise! Camp Notice of Violation and potential appeal
- Town truck repair: $4,000 estimate approved, $6,000 estimate from Clark's Equipment
- Room rental request for Old School House Common deferred
- Health and safety protocols for camp discussed with Health Officer
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via Zoom for a special meeting. They entered executive session and took no further actions. A brief discussion occurred about the distance between a house deck and a waterway, with questions about variances directed to the Development Review Board.
- Executive session held from 6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m.
- Discussion on state regulations for deck-to-waterway distance
- Variance questions referred to the Development Review Board
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved a $110,000 promissory note for a truck loan and discussed a community dumpster to address bear-related trash issues. They also reviewed solid waste district costs, COVID-19 building procedures, and personnel matters.
- Approved $110,000 promissory note from Municipal Equipment Loan Fund
- Discussed community dumpster at Old Schoolhouse Common to reduce bear attractants
- Reviewed NEKWMD solid waste fees and potential exit cost of $4,700
- Authorized new laptop and outlets for office social distancing
- Discussed COVID-19 access restrictions at Old Schoolhouse Common
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via Zoom and discussed COVID-19 mask requirements, approving a policy that masks be worn in the town building. They also approved a contract with the Washington County Sheriff's Department for speed enforcement, appointed John Morris to the CVFiber Board, and approved a yoga class permit at the covered bridge. The board reviewed a draft Livestock Ordinance and discussed a resolution for federal pandemic funding.
- Approved contract with Washington County Sheriff's Department for speed enforcement
- Appointed John Morris to CVFiber Board of Directors
- Approved River House Yoga permit for up to 4 classes per week at the covered bridge
- Reviewed draft Livestock Ordinance with minor changes
- Approved resolution asking federal government for pandemic recovery funding
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met virtually and approved a graduation parade for Twinfield seniors, an outdoor consumption permit for the Marshfield Village Store, and appointments. They also discussed reopening the Old Schoolhouse Common with COVID-19 precautions, and agreed to delay education tax bills due to state delays.
- Approved Twinfield graduation parade on Nasmith Brook Road and Maple Hill Road for June 13
- Approved outdoor consumption permit for Marshfield Village Store, conditional on property ownership
- Appointed J. Bradley Materick to Conservation Commission; Rich Baker as alternate on CVFiber Board
- Agreed to send education tax bills later due to state delay
- Discussed ordinance violation at Gerard Ducharme property regarding possible junkyard
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via Zoom and approved a yoga instructor's use of Martin Covered Bridge Park, then entered executive session to discuss personnel. The board voted to furlough Assistant Town Clerk Winnie Valenza, who will work one day per week with health insurance continued. The board also discussed gathering firefighter accounts of a response on Bunker Hill Circle for review at the next meeting.
- Approved Katherine Nelson to teach yoga at Martin Covered Bridge Park, keeping park open to public
- Furloughed Assistant Town Clerk Winnie Valenza due to COVID-19 stay home order
- Valenza to work one day per week; town continues health insurance
- Board to discuss firefighter responses to Bunker Hill Circle incident at next meeting
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a complaint about a firefighter's conduct at a bonfire, approving a special meeting to hear from those involved. They also approved a $650 sneeze guard for the Town Office, extended dog license late fee deadline, and approved a permit for Forest Farmers on the Railroad Bed.
- Complaint about firefighter Tim Maclay's conduct at a bonfire
- Approved $650 for Town Office sneeze guard
- Extended dog license late fee deadline to May 16
- Approved Forest Farmers permit for Railroad Bed work
- Discussed shooting in sand pit and new signs
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met via conference call to handle routine business and COVID-19-related adjustments. They approved spending up to $20 per month for a town Zoom account, discussed installing Plexiglas in the town office, and extended the delinquent tax deadline to May 15. They also approved the annual financial plan, computer purchases, and readopted the Local Emergency Operations Plan.
- Approved up to $20/month for a town Zoom account
- Delinquent tax deadline extended to May 15 due to pandemic
- Approved purchase of computers for town office
- Readopted Local Emergency Operations Plan
- Approved annual financial plan
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met remotely and discussed the town reappraisal, narrowing candidates to two companies to interview after the COVID-19 crisis. They also handled appointments, a disputed animal control bill, and a complaint about a possible junkyard on Cabot Road.
- Reappraisal: narrowed to New England Municipal Consultants and Vermont Appraisal Company; interviews postponed due to COVID-19
- Instructed town clerk not to pay Central Vermont Humane Society bill for dogs, as contract covers cats only
- Made appointments including Animal Control Officer Kathleen Hayes and Fire Chief Will Schwarz
- Discussed possible bridge work funded by a grant; Chris to get estimates
- Cabot Road resident complaint about scrap metal business at Gerard Ducharme Jr. residence; zoning permits may be needed
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on March 17, 2020, and took several actions, including approving the purchase of a new Ford pickup for $48,636 and implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The board closed the Old Schoolhouse Common to the public, cancelled short-term rentals, suspended non-Selectboard public meetings, and waived late fees until May 1. They also approved a commercial kitchen use request and changed the Planning Commission membership to three.
- Approved purchase of Ford pickup for $48,636; rejected Chevrolet bid at $49,629
- Closed Old Schoolhouse Common to public; only tenants, clients, and town employees allowed
- Cancelled rabies clinic and waived late fees until May 1 due to COVID-19
- Approved commercial kitchen use for Jeff Guerin at Old Schoolhouse Common
- Changed Planning Commission membership to three members
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on March 3, 2020, and handled routine business: approved a liquor license for the Marshfield Village Store, set the next meeting time, and discussed posting official notices. No public comment or minutes review occurred.
- Approved liquor license for Marshfield Village Store
- March 17 meeting moved to 2:30 p.m. to accommodate Road Crew schedule
- Task force notice for speed enforcement to be posted on Front Porch Forum
- Official notices to be posted at Old Schoolhouse Common, Village Store, Starch Factory
- Considered adding bulletin board at bus stop
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard held a special meeting and vicious dog hearing regarding a dog bite incident on Pidgeon Pond Road. The board heard testimony and will issue a protective order requiring the dog owner to secure the dog with a 6-foot fence and other measures. The board also discussed purchasing a dump truck and a pickup truck, and entered executive session for a personnel matter with no decisions made.
- Dog bite hearing: protective order to require 6-foot fence, chaining, and muzzling off-property
- Dump truck: ordered from Clark with body from Tenco, trade-in of current truck
- Pickup truck: road crew to review specs and recommend purchase
- Executive session on personnel matter, no decisions made
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a dog bite incident, scheduled a vicious dog hearing, approved the purchase of a dump truck and body, and discussed a pickup truck bid. They also agreed to continue the winter sand hauling arrangement and entered executive session for a personnel issue, taking no action.
- Vicious dog hearing set for March 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Old Schoolhouse Common
- Approved dump truck purchase from Clark's Truck Center for $120,926, less $65,000 trade-in
- Approved dump truck body from Tenco for $67,593
- Discussed pickup bid from Formula Ford: $41,036 plus $7,600 plow, $7,500 trade-in
- Agreed to continue winter sand hauling at same price
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on February 18, 2020, and took several actions. They declined to adopt a non-binding resolution declaring the town a Second Amendment sanctuary, citing the need for voter input. They also discussed the status of the railroad bed and Bailey Pond Road, deciding to take no action on the road but instructing Forest Farmers to remove private road signs. The board approved having Rich contact Forest Farmers about the signs and plowing permissions.
- Declined to sign non-binding Second Amendment sanctuary resolution
- Decided not to discontinue Bailey Pond Road at this time
- Approved contacting Forest Farmers to remove private road signs and restrict plowing
- Received bids for a pickup and dump truck; will discuss with Road Foreman on March 17
- Will review reappraisal bids from four companies at April 7 meeting
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard approved a Hitching Post ride-sharing post at the Old Schoolhouse Common, funded by VTrans up to $500, and adopted a Class IV Road Policy. They also discussed zoning issues with campers used as dwellings, energy improvements at town buildings, and the history of the Railroad Bed near Turtlehead Pond.
- Approved Hitching Post application for ride-share post at Old Schoolhouse Common, with VTrans funding up to $500
- Adopted Class IV Road Policy
- Discussed zoning enforcement on campers used as dwellings and Certificate of Occupancy requirements
- Energy walkthrough with Efficiency Vermont identified pellet boiler and zone valve issues at Old Schoolhouse Common
- Research on Railroad Bed as Class 4 road from former Depot to Groton Forest Road boundary
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on January 21, 2020, and handled routine business including approving minutes, signing the town meeting warning, and adopting a short-term rental policy for the Old Schoolhouse Common. They also discussed a request from Cabot for Marshfield to share recycling costs, approved liquor licenses and a special event permit, and amended the personnel policy regarding leave accrual.
- Approved liquor licenses for RL Vallee and Rivers Edge Quik Stop
- Approved special event permit for Hooker Mountain Distillery Super Bowl party at Marshfield Village Store
- Adopted short-term rental policy for Old Schoolhouse Common
- Amended personnel policy to prorate sick, holiday, and vacation accrual during leave
- Discussed Cabot's request for Marshfield to share recycling costs (Cabot pays over $8,200 annually)
Selectboard
The Marshfield Selectboard met on January 7, 2020, and approved a $470,000 tax anticipation note from Union Bank. They also decided to place separate articles on the town warning for radar speed signs and a potential noise ordinance, letting voters decide on both. The board discussed the RAMP program with Efficiency Vermont, which will add $4,000 in incentives for a town-owned building project, and assigned Rich Baker as liaison. The Marshfield Dam case is finished, with a Public Utilities Commission decision expected in a few weeks and project start possible in 2020 if no appeal is filed.
- Executed $470,000 tax anticipation note from Union Bank
- Added separate warning article for radar speed signs for voter decision
- Added warning article asking voters about a noise ordinance
- Efficiency Vermont to add $4,000 in RAMP incentives for a town-owned building project
- Marshfield Dam case finished; PUC decision expected in weeks, project may start in 2020