Marshfield public meetings in 2022

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard reviewed draft highway and fire department budgets, approved replacing zone valves at the Old Schoolhouse Common, extended several maintenance contracts, and decided to use ARPA funds for the School Street Bridge repair. They also approved applying for a railroad bed grant and a picnic shelter grant.

• Approved zone valve replacement at Old Schoolhouse Common, $8,524 quote
• Extended mowing contract (Don Mitchell) at $175 per mowing
• Extended cemetery maintenance contract (Joe Mangan) at $11,000
• Extended sidewalk and snow removal contract (Luke Mulligan) at $150 for sidewalks, $45 for shoveling
• Approved applying for railroad bed grant and $3,000 picnic shelter grant

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met to discuss several items, including a proposed library budget with a 19.89% increase, potential grants for aquatic habitat improvements, and a decision on whether to commit town funds to CVFiber. They also approved a 7% rent increase for the Old Schoolhouse Common and appointed a new member to the Stranahan Stewardship Committee.

• Library budget proposal includes 19.89% increase and new 10-hour/week programming position
• Approved 7% rent increase for Old Schoolhouse Common, future increases tied to CPI
• Discussed CVFiber matching funds deadline extended to May 2023; no commitment made
• Approved Zoom account for DRB
• Appointed Douglas Glover to Stranahan Stewardship Committee

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on November 1, 2022, and approved several expenditures, including a $19,701 tilt trailer for highway equipment and a $650 tree removal on Onion River Road. They also discussed zoning compliance, a health complaint, and rental policies for town facilities. The board delayed enforcement on a zoning violation and authorized an engineering quote for the Upper Depot Bridge.

• Approved $19,701 purchase of tilt trailer for excavator
• Approved $650 tree removal on Onion River Road
• Delayed zoning enforcement for Toby Danforth for two weeks
• Discussed health complaints about garbage and rats on Route 2
• Authorized engineering quote for Upper Depot Bridge

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard is deciding on several equipment purchases and maintenance projects. They approved spending $700-800 for an ice rink liner and purchasing a John Deere excavator, with a condition to check for a state contract. The board also discussed traffic safety on John Fowler Road, a fallen wall at Dwinell Cemetery, and the future of the Old Schoolhouse Common after a tenant's lease ends.

• Approved up to $800 for ice rink liner
• Approved purchase of John Deere excavator; trailer quote $16,889-$19,000
• Discussed $160,000 roadside mower purchase vs. rental
• Awarded $18,000 Recreation Facilities grant for picnic shelter (requested $25,000)
• Discussed traffic detour issues on John Fowler Road

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard discussed and supported exploring culvert replacement projects presented by conservation groups to improve fish habitat. They also approved spending for a boardwalk rebuild, reviewed fire station expansion plans, and considered quotes for a new excavator.

• Supported further exploration of culvert projects on Maple Hill, Holt, Laird Pond, Hollister Hill, and Jake Martin roads
• Approved Stranahan Stewardship Committee request to rebuild boardwalk on Old Mill road trail
• Reviewed fire station addition plans for new bay and radio area
• Discussed excavator quotes: $79,537 (Sany), $101,500 (Komatsu), $91,544 (John Deere)
• Signed letter authorizing Health Equity to correct claims processing errors

Selectboard

This is a special meeting of the Marshfield Selectboard, held briefly on September 29, 2022. The board approved a chimney repair by Tom Pearson and asked the town clerk to schedule Bourne Energy to clean the pellet boiler. No other business was discussed.

• Approved chimney repair by Tom Pearson
• Scheduled Bourne Energy to clean pellet boiler

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on September 20, 2022, and handled routine business including approving minutes, reports, and a maintenance agreement. They discussed solar incentives, a dam safety tour, and a metal detecting policy, and authorized purchases.

• Approved maintenance agreement with VTRANS for Route 2/Cabot Rd
• Authorized purchase of used fire-proof file cabinets for $600 each
• Granted metal detecting permission on town property with conditions
• Discussed solar incentive expiration and off-take provider option
• Supported NEKWMD charter change to allow board budget approval

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority met to hear two property tax appeals. One appeal was deemed withdrawn because the property owner could not provide access for inspection. The board discussed the second appeal, reviewing inspection findings and repair cost estimates, and entered deliberation before adjourning; a written decision will be drafted later.

• Hilzinger appeal deemed withdrawn under 32 V.S.A. §4404(c) after inspection access was denied
• Banbury appeal heard; inspection found rot, water damage, and no gutters
• Banbury submitted a $38,000 foundation repair quote and estimated $10,000 for roof repairs
• Board discussed whether property condition should be rated 'average' rather than 'average/good'
• Decision to be drafted by Town Clerk Bobbi Brimblecombe and circulated to board members

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met to discuss a water line project for the community garden and skating rink, a picnic shelter grant, youth sports field use, community service projects, and commuter bus funding. They did not authorize payment for a GMTA mid-day bus run that is no longer provided, and tabled a Route 2/Cabot Road item.

• Water line from building to yard hydrant for community garden and skating rink
• Picnic shelter grant application to be submitted this week
• Twinfield Cabot Youth Sports requested soccer field use at Old Schoolhouse Common
• Commuter bus: $6,833.06 for Rural Community Transport approved; $1,499 GMTA payment not authorized due to service cancellation
• Request for 'Children at Play – Slow Down' signs on Beaver Meadow Road; road crew to install if requester pays

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority heard two property assessment appeals — one from Lorraine Banbury and one from John Hilzinger — and will inspect the Hilzinger property before continuing both hearings on September 13. The board also elected officers and swore in members and witnesses.

• Banbury property assessed at $173,600; comparable at 48 Creamery St. sold for $170,000
• Banbury cited $25,000 foundation and $9,000 roof repair estimates
• Hilzinger attorney argues property should be valued at $125,000 due to seasonal use
• Board to inspect Hilzinger property before Sept. 13 continuation
• Meeting held Aug. 18, 2022 at Old Schoolhouse Common and Zoom

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard held a public hearing and approved altering the Route 2/Cabot Road intersection to a T-shape, with power pole relocation by Green Mountain Power. The board also approved several other items, including cemetery repairs, a food shelf refrigeration upgrade, and a resolution supporting fire department communications equipment. No public comment was received.

• Approved Route 2/Cabot Road intersection alteration to a T
• Approved $1,850 for cemetery fence repair and hole filling
• Approved food shelf coolbot installation (no town cost)
• Approved resolution supporting fire department communications equipment
• Discussed combining road crew and maintenance duties (no decision)

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met and approved minutes, authorized signing the School St. Bridge contract, and adopted a resolution to convey property at the Cabot Rd/Route 2 intersection to enable a VTrans road change. They also discussed maintenance staffing, appointed a new Energy Committee member, and approved routine expenses and payroll. The meeting was largely administrative with no public comment or agenda changes.

• Authorized Town Clerk to sign School St. Bridge contract
• Adopted resolution to convey slip ramp at 1414 US Route 2 in exchange for triangle of land at Cabot Rd/Route 2 intersection
• Discussed combining maintenance position with temporary road crew or sharing with another town
• Appointed Michael Xenakis to Energy Committee
• Approved General Expenses and Payroll reports

The Selectboard approved a land exchange with David Torres and Sarah Graves. The Town will convey its property near the U.S. Route 2 and Cabot Road/Route 215 intersection to Torres/Graves in exchange for their triangle of land within the intersection. The deal is contingent on no petition being filed by September 1, 2022, and the Chair is authorized to execute the necessary documents.

• Approved conveyance of Town Property to Torres/Graves in exchange for their triangle land within the intersection
• Authorized execution and recording of a Quitclaim Deed to Torres/Graves for the Town Property
• Authorized the Selectboard Chair to execute all necessary documents for the conveyance
• Made the conveyance contingent on no petition received by 4:00 p.m. on September 1, 2022, per 24 V.S.A. § 1061(a)

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority met to handle tax appeal hearings and election administration. Tax appeal hearings were continued to August 18, 2022, and the board appointed 30 election officials and approved processing absentee ballots the day before the election.

• Tax appeal hearings continued to August 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
• Lorraine Banbury's tax appeal hearing scheduled; advised to pay bill as sent with credit applied to November payment if lowered
• 30 election officials appointed, including Anne Miller, Anne Reed, and Dick Chase
• Motion passed to process absentee ballots on the day before the election

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard meeting covered routine approvals and discussions, including a new rental discount policy, a potential community solar project, and a $50,000 picnic shelter project. The board also approved a fence repair and purchase of picnic tables, and tabled some items.

• Approved 30% discount for rentals of 5+ consecutive days at Old Schoolhouse Common
• Discussed community solar project with potential site at Maple Hill School
• Approved Stranahan Management Plan
• Approved fence repair for $570 using OSC dedicated funds
• Approved purchase of four cedar picnic tables at $499 each from Jason Zimmerman

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on July 5, 2022, to set municipal tax rates, discuss the Stranahan management plan, and address a zoning enforcement issue involving Toby Danforth. The board voted to pursue legal action if Danforth does not act on an existing notice of violation by end of July, and directed the zoning administrator to issue a new notice for a mobile home. Other actions included initiating a road alteration process for the Cabot Rd/Route 2 intersection and signing a sheriff contract for traffic enforcement.

• Set municipal tax rate at 0.6008 and local agreement rate at 0.0048
• Voted to pursue legal action against Toby Danforth if no action on notice of violation by end of July
• Initiated proceedings to alter intersection of U.S. Route 2 and Cabot Road/Route 215, with public hearing set for August 16, 2022
• Signed sheriff contract for traffic enforcement
• Approved $10,000 upfront payment for screen (materials $9,610.23, labor $5,000)

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on June 21, 2022, and handled routine business including approving minutes, accepting a resignation, and addressing a dog complaint. They also approved a revised paving quote for $40,000 after a previous amount was found to be incorrect, and authorized the town clerk to sign a contract for the School Street Bridge project.

• Approved revised paving quote for $40,000 for Gilman St, Onion River Rd, John Fowler Rd, Eaton Cemetery Rd intersection, and Hollister Hill Road apron
• Authorized Town Clerk to sign School Street Bridge contract
• Accepted resignation of Lister Laura Badeau; vacancy to be advertised
• Discussed cemetery plot buyback request
• Signed letter of intent for Grants in Aid erosion control program

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on June 7, 2022, and made several decisions, including approving ARPA funds for road repaving and highway equipment, allowing a snowmobile club to fill a railroad bed, and approving a $100 donation to Bee the Change. They also discussed the Old Schoolhouse Common building's deferred maintenance and planned a community survey, and noted staff resignations and vacancies.

• Approved repaving of Gilman St, Onion River Rd, John Fowler Rd, Eaton Cemetery Rd Intersection, Hollister Hill Road, and Nasmith Brook Rd using paving funds
• Approved purchase of highway equipment: special grader blade, plasma cutter, sand screen, and storage container
• Approved $100 donation to Bee the Change from Conservation Fund
• Approved snowmobile club fill in railroad bed on covered bridge property
• Approved liquor license application for Outer Spice Café

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard discussed a dog impoundment case involving a dog found injured and treated by the animal control officer. The board decided the dog could be returned to its owner if the $434.30 bill is paid, with the town covering one day of boarding. The meeting was otherwise routine, with no other major agenda items.

• Dog impoundment and vet bill of $434.30
• Owner to pay bill for dog return
• Town pays $30 boarding fee for one day
• Impoundment fee of $30 charged to owner

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard discussed and approved several items, including adding soccer lines to the ball field, appointing a Recreation Committee member, and approving a contract for watershed grant work. They also discussed playground safety after an incident, solar panel costs, and potential ARPA-funded improvements.

• Approved contract for Watershed Grant work
• Approved soccer lines on the little league field
• Appointed Margaret Campbell to Recreation Committee
• Discussed playground safety signs and ballfield rules
• Approved use of Moon Field for a wedding

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met to discuss potential uses of ARPA funds, including support for CVFiber, a picnic shelter at the Old Schoolhouse Common, digital speed signs, welcome signs, and a cemetery fence. They also agreed to purchase winter sand despite a price increase. The meeting included a recess to attend a Library Trustees meeting about hiring and building committees.

• ARPA funds for CVFiber could lower subscription fees across 20 towns
• Picnic shelter at Old Schoolhouse Common estimated at $25,000; grant application pending
• Digital speed signs cost about $7,000 each; Plainfield spent $4,500 for a device
• Welcome signs at village ends estimated at $900 each
• Winter sand price increased by 50 cents; purchase approved

Planning Commission

The Marshfield Planning Commission continued its discussion of zoning bylaws, covering event requirements like septic, traffic safety, water, and neighbor notification. Members also discussed Air BNB and setback rules, noting corner lots need clarification, and proposed removing outdated terms like dormitory and boarding house. The commission agreed flood zone regulations should require permits for any work on homes due to state regulation changes.

• Continued zoning bylaw discussion on event needs: septic, traffic safety, water, neighbor notification
• Discussed Air BNB regulations and setback requirements, with corner lots needing clarification
• Proposed removing outdated terms: dormitory, boarding house, community center
• Flood zone regs to require permits for any home work due to state changes

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on May 3, 2022, and approved minutes, discussed road projects with VTrans, allowed Community Suppers to resume at the Old Schoolhouse Kitchen, authorized drafting a contract for the School Street Bridge construction, and reappointed numerous town officials. The meeting also included routine approvals of expenses and payroll.

• Authorized Town Attorney to draft School Street Bridge construction contract
• Community Suppers can resume at Old Schoolhouse Kitchen; $400/year fee remains
• Reappointed Animal Control Officers, Fire Chief, and other town officials
• Approved ordering a portapotty for Old Schoolhouse Common
• Discussed School Street, Route 2 paving, Cabot Road/Route 2 intersection, and Route 232 with VTrans

Planning Commission

The Marshfield Planning Commission is reviewing and updating zoning regulations to align with new building methods and state regulations. They discussed how to classify RVs as buildings versus recreational vehicles, how to better regulate large events, and the need for a new permit application for building in flood zones. The commission assigned tasks to members to draft language and clarify regulations for camps.

• Discussion on defining when an RV is a building or structure versus a recreational vehicle
• Methods to regulate large events
• Developing a permit application for building in flood and special flood hazard zones
• Clarifying language for camps in each district

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard discussed and approved several items, including dedicating a section of Eaton Cemetery for green burials and increasing the Sexton's compensation to $2,500 per year. They also awarded a natural inventory contract, discussed solar energy options, and scheduled a special meeting for public input on ARPA projects.

• Green burials approved for undeveloped section of Eaton Cemetery
• Sexton compensation increased to $2,500 per year
• Contract awarded to Matt Peters for natural inventory, with Brett Engstrom as sub
• Board narrowed solar options to off-taking agreement or rooftop panels
• Special meeting set for May 10 to gather public input on ARPA projects

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard held a special meeting to address bridge and paving projects. They awarded the School Street Bridge project to the low bidder, Mathews Excavating, and approved seeking a grant amendment for additional funds. The board also agreed to apply for a structures grant for Upper Depot Bridge repairs and to submit four separate paving grant applications.

• Awarded School Street Bridge project to Mathews Excavating
• Approved grant amendment to add $25,000 for School Street Bridge (cap increased from $175,000 to $200,000)
• Agreed to apply for structures grant for Upper Depot Bridge repairs
• Will apply for 4 paving grants for Cabot Road, Creamery St, Hollister Hill Road, Nasmith Brook Road

Planning Commission

The Marshfield Planning Commission discussed potential updates to the zoning bylaws, focusing on definitions and regulations for accessory apartments, short-term rentals, and alternative housing. They assigned tasks to members to research state guidelines and other towns' approaches. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily discussion and planning for future bylaw revisions.

• Discussion of accessory apartment definition requiring potable water and approved septic
• Research into how other towns regulate Air B and B
• Discussion of evaluating yurts, mobile homes, and tiny homes
• Discussion of farm worker trailers needing approved septic and water
• Section 420 to be reworked to match state guidelines

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard discussed and approved paving work for several roads, authorized a grant application for Hollister Hill Road, Nasmith Brook Road, Creamery Street, and Cabot Road, and considered ARPA-funded equipment. They also opened bids for the School Street Bridge project but tabled the decision due to higher-than-expected costs. The board discussed hiring policy and bridge work on Upper Depot Road.

• Approved paving for Gilman St, Onion River Rd, John Fowler Rd, and Eaton Cemetery Rd; authorized contract with Pike Industries
• Opened School Street Bridge bids: Mathews Excavating $347,408, Austin Construction $412,515, JP Sicard $481,090; tabled decision
• Will apply for paving grant up to $200,000 for Hollister Hill Road, Nasmith Brook Road, Creamery Street, and Cabot Road
• Discussed ARPA funds for stinger blade (~$7,000) and shipping container (~$6,300)
• Discussed hiring policy and Upper Depot Road bridge grant application

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard made decisions on ARPA funding, paving, and other town business. They approved the one-time irrevocable election of the ARPA standard allowance totaling $365,587 for government services, and approved a $9,505.90 turbine blower purchase using ARPA funds. Paving decisions were postponed until next week when VTrans representatives will attend.

• Approved ARPA standard allowance of $365,587
• Approved $9,505.90 turbine blower purchase with ARPA funds
• Discussed paving side roads, postponed decision
• Approved grant agreement for Conservation Commission inventory
• Authorized hiring Mike Baril to cut leaning tree at Stranahan parking lot

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on March 8, 2022, to handle routine business and several project approvals. They approved the bid package for the School Street Bridge, authorized grant applications for a picnic shelter and Upper Depot Bridge repairs, and lifted the mask mandate for the Old Schoolhouse Common. The board also appointed a new member to the Development Review Board and discussed a credit card policy.

• Approved bid package for School Street Bridge, bids due April 5
• Authorized AARP grant application for picnic shelter near Community Gardens
• Authorized VTrans bridge grant application for Upper Depot Bridge repairs
• Lifted mask mandate for Old Schoolhouse Common; tenants decide individually
• Appointed Dina Bookmyer-Baker to Development Review Board

Stranahan Stewardship Committee

The Stranahan Stewardship Committee finalized the draft management plan and appendices, and agreed on a process for public comment and Selectboard review. The committee also discussed winter trail maintenance, dog leash signage, and a potential recreation planning grant.

• Approved December 2021 and January 2022 minutes
• Finalized management plan appendices, including new Appendix K on committee governance
• Agreed to use town website trail map showing all hiking and biking trails
• Discussed future options for winter shortcut trail: improve, sign, or decommission
• Approved dog leash signage; Patrick to print and laminate 2 copies for trailheads

The committee approved the December 2021 and January 2022 minutes and finalized the draft management plan with all appendices complete, pending minor revisions. They agreed on a process for public input, including sharing the plan digitally, posting flyers, and inviting comments by email or letter before the March 22 meeting. The committee also approved a dog leash sign and discussed trail and parking lot issues.

• Approved December 2021 and January 2022 minutes.
• Finalized the draft management plan and all appendices, pending minor revisions.
• Agreed to use the town website trails map for the plan.
• Approved the dog leash sign; Patrick will print and laminate two copies for trailheads.
• Set a public input process: share plan, collect comments, review at March 22 meeting, then send to Selectboard.
• Decided to print one copy of the plan for public review at the town office or library.
• Agreed to post flyers at trailheads, post office, and other locations with plan review information.
• Scheduled March 22 meeting to review public comments.

Meeting

The Stranahan Forest Committee approved minutes and finalized the draft management plan, including appendices. They discussed trail maintenance, winter parking, and dog signage. The committee agreed to seek public comment on the plan before presenting it to the Select Board.

• Approved December 2021 and January 2022 minutes
• Finalized management plan appendices, including Appendix K on governance
• Discussed winter parking at Hollister Hill and Jake Martin trailheads
• Approved dog leash signage to be posted at trailheads
• Set process for public comment on plan, including posting flyers and online outreach

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard met on February 1, 2022, to handle routine business and discuss several community projects. They approved minutes and expenses, heard dog complaints, and discussed a water bottle filling station grant, a Better Places grant, a picnic shelter, and a Park & Ride grant. The board also authorized work on a right-of-way for a VTrans intersection project on Cabot Rd/Route 2.

• Approved liquor license for RL Vallee/Maplefields
• Discussed Better Places grant requiring 33% crowdsourced match and non-profit partnership
• Authorized work with Town Attorney on right-of-way for Cabot Rd/Route 2 intersection
• Heard dog complaints from George Africa and Jeni Humphries
• Discussed water bottle filling station grant and picnic shelter plans

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard discussed but declined to enact a town-wide mask mandate, citing enforcement concerns, while reiterating support for masks in town buildings. The board also approved a $430,000 tax anticipation note, discussed potential CV Fiber broadband funding, and revised the personnel policy.

• Approved $430,000 tax anticipation note with Union Bank at 0.6% interest
• Discussed but did not enact a mask mandate
• Reviewed options for solar project, deferred decision
• Revised personnel policy to add disability benefits and shorten COVID leave
• Approved liquor license applications for Marshfield Village Store and Rivers Edge Quik Stop

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard voted to change the Town Meeting to an Australian ballot on March 1, pending the governor's signature on S.172. They also approved sending postcards to voters, scheduling an informational meeting on February 22, and using a tabulator for the vote.

• Change Town Meeting to Australian ballot on March 1
• Send postcards to voters with absentee ballot request option
• Hold informational meeting on February 22 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Move regular Selectboard meeting from February 15 to February 22 at 5:30 p.m.
• Approve expense for programming tabulator

Selectboard

The Marshfield Selectboard approved the town budget, salary increases, and a new East Montpelier Ambulance contract. They also discussed town meeting changes, ARPA fund spending, and various town projects.

• Approved East Montpelier Ambulance contract with 3% annual increase
• Approved salary increases: Listers at $17.50/hr, $16.50/hr, $15.00/hr; others 1% + 5.6% COLA
• Approved budget with surplus of ~$244,000; transfers to Fire Dept ($15,000), Old Schoolhouse ($20,000), Highway ($45,000)
• Discussed $15,000 cost to restore 1937 Fire Truck
• Hired Yankee Generator for inspections at Fire Dept and Old Schoolhouse