Newbury, Vermont
Upcoming
Selectboard
The Newbury Selectboard will vote on authorizing the town to bid at a tax sale scheduled for July 22, 2026. The board also hears updates on property valuation appeals, road assessments, a Route 302 speed zone request, and an ATV permit. Other business includes reallocation of solar credits and a facility use policy.
- Authorization for Town to bid at delinquent tax sale on July 22, 2026
- Stipulation agreements for Communications Property Valuation Appeals
- Comprehensive evaluation/assessment of town roads/highway
- Route 302 speed zone request
- ATV permit discussion
Development Review Board
The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on July 23, 2026 to consider Application #2026-41 by JoAnne Locke for conditional use approval to expand her dog grooming business to include daycare and overnight boarding at 119 Leighton Hill Road in the RR1 district.
- Application #2026-41: conditional use for dog daycare and overnight boarding at 119 Leighton Hill Road (Map 11-02-57, Parcel 000529001)
Recent meetings
Cemetery Committee
The Newbury Cemetery Committee is meeting to discuss updates on cemetery operations, including the status of Boltonville Cemetery, potential tree work at several cemeteries, mowing at Lime Kiln Cemetery, and continued work on cemetery bylaws. No decisions or votes are recorded in the agenda.
- Status update on Boltonville Cemetery
- Potential tree work at Renfrew Heath, Old Stagecoach, and Jefferson Hill cemeteries
- Mowing at Lime Kiln Cemetery
- Continued work on cemetery bylaws
Development Review Board
The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on Application #2026-32, seeking conditional use approval for a tiny home, deck, and outhouse at 117 Dempsey Lane in the Shoreland District. The applicant is Katherine DeRuff; the owner is Nancie Mclean. The board will decide whether to grant conditional use for this residential accessory structure.
- Conditional use hearing for Application #2026-32: tiny home, deck, and outhouse at 117 Dempsey Lane (Parcel #001077, Shoreland District)
Selectboard
The Selectboard will set the 2026 tax rate and discuss allocation of solar credits from Newbury Scotch Hollow Solar / Green Mountain Power. They will also consider contracts for the Lime Kiln Cemetery mowing, Town House painting, and the Grafton County Dispatch contract. Other items include zoning enforcement, fire department bylaw revisions, and a contract for bridge abutments on Tucker Mountain town forest.
- 2026 Tax Rate discussion
- Grafton County Dispatch Contract
- Allocation of Solar Credits through Newbury Scotch Hollow Solar / Green Mountain Power
- Revisions to Fire Department Bylaws
- Contract Approval – Peter Jensen for bridge abutments on Tucker Mountain Town Forest
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
The committee will review proposed ordinances for the Tucker Mountain Town Forest, now set for Selectboard adoption on June 10 and implementation on August 8, 2026. They will also discuss the Bailey Property (VHCB grant approved, second appraisal pending), bridge construction (abutments contract to be signed at the June 24 Selectboard meeting), and volunteer projects scheduled for July 12. Minutes from two prior meetings and a new budget are also on the agenda.
- Ordinances update: proposed adoption by Selectboard on June 10, implementation August 8, 2026
- Scales House demolition as part of ordinances update
- Bailey Property: VHCB Grant approved; second appraisal status
- Bridge abutments contract to be signed at June 24 Selectboard meeting
- Volunteer day July 12 with projects including bridge work, trail re-route, and picnic table installation
Board of Listers
The Board of Listers will meet at the Town Office to conduct grievance hearings. The meeting and hearings are scheduled from 9 AM until 2 PM.
- Grievance hearings
Selectboard
The Selectboard will hold a special meeting at the Newbury Town Office. The agenda includes an anticipated executive session regarding personnel matters.
- Executive Session for Personnel Matters
Planning Commission
The Newbury Planning Commission will discuss the TRORC Regional Plan's Land Use and Housing chapters and continue updating the Unified Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, including storage/shipping container rules and prohibited uses. Public comments will be taken. The meeting is largely a working session on these regulatory matters.
- Review of TRORC Regional Plan: Land Use & Housing Chapter Drafts
- Discussion of changes to Unified Zoning and Subdivision Regulations since last meeting
- Storage / Shipping Containers regulations review
- Prohibited Uses discussion
- Approval of minutes from May 21, 2026
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
This special meeting of the Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee has a single agenda item: to vote on the final estimate for woven arch covered bridge abutments, in preparation for a contract with Peter Jensen and Associates, LLC. The vote will determine the cost basis for the upcoming contract.
- Vote on final estimate for woven arch covered bridge abutments to authorize contract with Peter Jensen and Associates, LLC
Selectboard
The Newbury Selectboard will consider approving a lease renewal for the bank building with Wells River Savings Bank, discuss a proposed Tucker Mountain Town Forest ordinance, and review an asset transfer for Boltonville Cemetery. They will also receive updates on the Urban & Community Forestry Grant and a proposed town facility use policy.
- Lease Agreement Renewal for Bank Building to Wells River Savings Bank
- Tucker Mountain Town Forest Ordinance
- Asset Transfer Agreement for Boltonville Cemetery
- Update on Urban & Community Forestry Grant for Common
- Proposed Town Facility Use Policy
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
The Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee will discuss a proposed ordinances update with Selectboard adoption on June 10 and implementation on August 8, 2026, including Scales House demolition. The committee will also review bridge preparation and construction contracts, and the Bailey Property grant decision meeting scheduled for June. Volunteer projects such as trail re-routes and signage are also on the agenda.
- Ordinances update: proposed Selectboard adoption June 10, implementation August 8, 2026
- Scales House demolition
- Bridge preparation and construction contracts, abutments
- Bailey Property grant decision meeting in June, appraisal
- Volunteer projects: Woodchuck Trail re-route, picnic table installation, blaze boundary, bog bridges
Fire Department Steering Committee
The Newbury Fire Department Steering Committee will discuss facility needs for the West Newbury fire station, review and potentially revise department bylaws and policies, and consider emergency services ordinances including a Building Access Ordinance and a Burn Ordinance. The committee will also review insurance coverage for workers' compensation and property. An executive session is scheduled for personnel matters.
- West Newbury Fire Station facility needs discussion
- Newbury Fire Department Bylaws & Policies revisions/clarifications
- Newbury EMS Bylaws review
- Fire Department Insurance Review – Worker's Compensation & Property
- Emergency Services Ordinances: Building Access Ordinance and Burn Ordinance
Cemetery Committee
The regular June 3 meeting was cancelled and rescheduled to June 4. The committee will discuss cemetery status updates, tree work, mowing, and continue work on by-laws.
- Boltonville Cemetery status update
- Tree work at Renfrew Heath, Old Stagecoach, and Jefferson Hill cemeteries
- Mowing at Lime Kiln Cemetery
- Confirm pricing for lot sales and cornerstones
- Continue work on cemetery by-laws
Board of Listers
The Newbury Board of Listers will meet to finalize and lodge the abstract of the 2026 Grand List. They will also approve and send Change of Appraisal notices to affected property owners. This is a procedural meeting to close the annual assessment cycle.
- Lodge 2026 Grand List abstract
- Approve Change of Appraisal notices
Recreation Committee
The committee will discuss various departmental updates including Little League, spring dance recap, and budget status. Discussion items also include storage relocation and soccer field maintenance quotes.
- Budget update
- Soccer field refresh quote
- Tiered sponsorship proposal
- Storage relocation discussion
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
The committee will review updates on the proposed ordinance adoption with implementation set for July 26, 2026, and discuss the Bailey Property grant decision meeting moved to June 26. Other items include Tucker Mountain Road condition, bridge construction status, trail archeological study, and volunteer projects. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes.
- Ordinances update: Selectboard proposes adoption on 5/27, implementation July 26, 2026
- Bailey Property grant decision meeting rescheduled from September to June 26
- Tucker Mountain Road condition and volunteer work by Chip and Dylan
- Bridge preparation, construction status, and contracts update
- Trail Phase 1 Archeological Study complete; contact with UVTA in place
Selectboard
The selectboard will vote on a contract with the Upper Valley Trails Alliance for Tucker Mountain Town Forest and consider a proposed Class 4 Road Policy. They will also discuss an ATV permit, review a draft Town Facility Use Policy, and receive updates on the Town Office MERP project and a tree planting grant.
- Approval of contract with Upper Valley Trails Alliance for Tucker Mountain Town Forest
- Class 4 Road Policy discussion
- ATV permit consideration
- Halls Lake Conservancy – discussion of 2026 activities
- Town Facility Use Policy draft and Facility Use Agreement revisions
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will continue its review of the Unified Zoning and Subdivision Regulation update, focusing on Article 7 definitions, recent ordinance draft changes, proposed restrictions on underground fuel tanks, prohibited uses, and limitations. Public comments are welcome. No final decisions are expected at this meeting.
- Review of Article 7 - Definitions
- Ordinance draft changes since last meeting
- New section on Underground Fuel Tanks (Sec. TBD)
- Review of Prohibited uses (Sec. 1.10)
- Review of Limitations (Sec. 1.16)
Energy Committee
The Newbury Energy Committee will meet to approve the April 21, 2026 meeting minutes and receive an update on the MERP project for the Newbury Town Office, including timeline and staging. They will also review the energy section of the Newbury Town Plan for potential recommendations. No funding decisions or contracts are on the agenda.
- Approve April 21, 2026 Energy Committee meeting minutes
- Update on MERP project at Newbury Town Office (4982 Main Street South)
- Discussion of timeline and staging for MERP work
- Review of Newbury Town Plan Energy Section recommendations
Selectboard
The Newbury Selectboard will consider approving a contract with Graves Builders for the MERP project, review proposals for Lime Kiln Cemetery maintenance, and discuss a contract with the Upper Valley Trails Alliance for Tucker Mountain Town Forest. They will also handle highway department certification and a financial plan, tree planting on the Common under a UCF grant, and revisions to the Town Facility Use Agreement.
- Approval of contract with Graves Builders for MERP project
- Review of proposals for Lime Kiln Cemetery maintenance
- Approval of contract with Upper Valley Trails Alliance for Tucker Mountain Town Forest
- Community outreach for tree planting on the Common under UCF grant
- Revisions to Town Facility Use Agreement
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
The committee will review previous minutes and discuss upcoming ordinance adoption by the Selectboard. Updates include the Bailey Property grant timeline, bridge construction, and trail archeological studies.
- Ordinance draft presentation to Selectboard on 4/29
- Bailey Property: potential grant decision date moved to June 26
- Bailey Property: Bill of Sale and Appraisal due by 5/31
- Bridge construction, contracts, and abutments update
- Phase 1 Archeological Study for trails
Cemetery Committee
The Newbury Cemetery Committee will discuss the status of Boltonville Cemetery, possible tree work at Renfrew Heath Cemetery, and confirm pricing for lot and cornerstone sales. The meeting also includes continued work on by-laws and other routine business. All items are discussions or updates only, with no final decisions recorded.
- Boltonville Cemetery status update
- Possible tree work at Renfrew Heath Cemetery on Old Stagecoach and Jefferson Hill
- Confirm pricing for sale of lots and cornerstones
- Continue work on by-laws
- Approval of minutes from previous meeting
Recreation Committee
The Newbury Recreation Committee will hear from a guest about an ice cream social, receive updates on Little League and the spring dance, and discuss soccer including a quote for field refresh and goal relocation. The committee will also consider a tiered sponsorship proposal and an email sign-up for updates. No final decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Guest Richard Roderick on Wells River Ice Cream Making Social
- Little League updates: check-in, team placement, equipment storage
- Spring Dance updates
- Soccer field refresh quote and moving goals
- Tiered Sponsorship Proposal
Selectboard
The Selectboard will consider appointments for Tree Warden and NEKWMD alternate, review Q1 budget and road standards, and vote on mowing/maintenance contracts and a contract for the Tucker Mountain Town Forest All Persons Trail Project. New business includes the Local Emergency Management Plan and ICS training. Old business covers the MERP project, tree planting grant, and facility use agreement revisions.
- Appointment of Dustin Putnam as Tree Warden
- Appointment of Charlie Mabey as alternate to NEKWMD
- Approval of mowing/maintenance contracts for town grounds and cemeteries
- Approval of RFP for Lime Kiln Cemetery maintenance
- Approval of contract for the All Persons Trail Project on Tucker Mountain Town Forest
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
The Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee will discuss and potentially approve a final draft of ordinances for the town forest, with a timeline for Selectboard adoption on April 29 and implementation by July 13. The committee will also receive updates on the Bailey Property grant decision, which may move forward from September to June, and on bridge and trail projects. New business includes a gift of white oaks from Royce Thompson and a picnic table donation.
- Final draft approval of town forest ordinances, with adoption by Selectboard on April 29 and implementation July 13
- Bailey Property grant decision potentially moved from September 26 to June 26, triggering conservation steps
- Bridge log peeling project and invoice review
- Lady Slippers trail update
- Royce Thompson gift of white oaks for Tucker Mountain
Selectboard
This is a special meeting held at the Town Highway Garage for a site visit. The Selectboard will discuss priorities for a new garage and review sample plans and cost estimates for replacing the salt shed.
- Site visit and discussion of priorities for a new highway garage
- Discussion of replacement salt shed, including sizing, configuration, and cost estimates
Energy Committee
The Newbury Energy Committee will meet on April 21, 2026, to approve prior meeting minutes and receive an update on the MERP project for the town office, including timeline and staging. The committee will also select a new chair. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or funding items.
- MERP project update for Newbury Town Office
- Timeline and staging discussion for MERP project
- Selection of new committee chair
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will discuss several revisions to the Unified Zoning and Subdivision Regulation. Proposed changes include new language for affordable housing density bonuses, short term rentals, and travel trailers.
- Zoning Ordinance general revisions
- Affordable housing density bonus language
- Subdivision language revisions (Sec. 1.9 and 6.6.1)
- Uses by district revision (Section 3.1)
- New sections for Short Term Rentals and Travel Trailers
Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee
The Tucker Mountain Town Forest Management Committee will discuss and potentially decide on a trapping ordinance as part of broader ordinance approvals, with a timeline leading to Selectboard adoption on May 13. They will also hear a presentation from a VT Fish and Wildlife furbearer biologist and a state game warden, approve minutes, and receive updates on the Bailey Property grant and bridge improvements. New business includes a gift of white oaks from Royce Thompson and scheduling volunteer dates.
- Discussion and decision about trapping as part of ordinances approval
- Presentation and Q&A with VT Fish and Wildlife furbearer biologist Brehan Furfey and game warden Nate Lumsford
- Bailey Property update: VHCB grant decision may move from September to June 26
- Bridge update and log peeling status
- Gift of White Oaks from Royce Thompson
Development Review Board
The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on application 2026-08 by Jacqueline Berg of Porcupine Trust to build a 16' x 16' porch onto her existing camp in the Shoreland district. The property is at 1145 Halls Lake Road. Participation in the hearing is a prerequisite for any subsequent appeal.
- Application 2026-08: conditional use permit for a 16' x 16' porch at 1145 Halls Lake Road (Parcel #000072, Map #11-03-70) within the Shoreland district.
Selectboard
The Selectboard will consider a seasonal travel ordinance for Tucker Mountain Road. Other items include appointing John Renfrew to the Cemetery Committee, reviewing a forest management plan for Johns Way, and discussing tree planting on Newbury Common for Vermont's 250th anniversary. Old business includes updates on the Town Constable and the Town Office MERP project.
- Consider Tucker Mountain Road Seasonal Travel Ordinance
- Appoint John Renfrew to Cemetery Committee
- Review Johns Way Forest Management Plan
- Discuss tree planting on Newbury Common for Vermont 250th (crabapple planting and pruning workshop)
- Update on Town Office MERP project