Bennington County public meetings in 2021
29 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Select Board
The Select Board is meeting to discuss a mask mandate and review a consent agenda. The meeting includes time for public comment and a review of upcoming agendas.
- Mask mandate discussion
- Liquor license review
- Approval of December 13, 2021 minutes
- Review of warrants
Select Board
The Select Board will conduct a final public hearing regarding CDBG-CV grants and discuss the implementation of the Town Vision. The meeting also includes a discussion on mask mandates and a 10-year update from the VCRD.
- Final Public Hearing for CDBG-CV Grants
- Mask Mandate Discussion
- VCRD 10 Year update regarding Bennington Community Center and poverty
- Implementing the Town Vision
- Executive Session regarding contracts and legal matters
Select Board
The Select Board is convening for a special meeting. The agenda consists of an executive session to discuss personnel matters.
- Executive session regarding personnel
Select Board
The Select Board conducted a quasi-judicial hearing regarding a complaint filed by Leslie Kelley against the Carubia family's dogs. The board heard testimony from the plaintiff and neighbors regarding dog attacks on Fox Hill Road.
- Special hearing on a vicious dog complaint dated August 18, 2021
- Testimony regarding dog attacks on Fox Hill Road
- Discussion of Level 3 offense criteria for aggressive pets
- Review of a letter from Barbara Taylor regarding an August 5, 2018 incident
Select Board
The Select Board adopted a Declaration of Inclusion condemning racism and discrimination. The board also discussed shifting the Downtown Improvement District tax to the General Fund and reviewed a cellular pole lease.
- Adoption of the Town of Bennington Declaration of Inclusion
- Discussion on moving the $.20/$100 Downtown Improvement District tax to the General Fund property tax
- AT&T Pole Lease for cellular attachment behind Madison's Brewery: $300/month for 10 years with 2% annual escalation
- Public hearing on Ninja Trail Grant Application
- Public hearings on highway discontinuance for Brookside Drive and The Foothills (TH 29)
Select Board
The Bennington Select Board is holding a special meeting to conduct a Vicious Dog Hearing.
- Vicious Dog Hearing
Select Board
The Select Board discussed shifting the Downtown Improvement District tax burden from commercial properties to the general fund. The board also received updates on COVID-19 trends and community policing procedures.
- Approved letter of support for Allco Renewable Energy Limited Petitions 21-3191 and 21-3192 for the Stocklee Lane solar site
- Discussion on replacing the $82,000 Downtown Improvement District tax with a general fund tax of $8.00/$100,000 of value
- Report on Bennington Police Department procedures being posted to the BPD website
- COVID-19 update from SVMC Medical Director regarding hospitalization and vaccine availability
Select Board
The Select Board approved a water supply agreement with Primo Water North America to facilitate a new facility on Main Street. The board also discussed potential relocation of the Senior Center to the Benn High facility and received updates on YMCA programming.
- Approved Water Supply Agreement with DS Services of America, Inc. DBA Primo Water North America
- Proposed new water facility on Main Street estimated at $608,000 plus $70,000 in engineering costs
- Primo Waters to provide two installments of $250,000 in January and February 2022
- Discussion of moving Senior Center to Benn High facility
- Reported Senior Center operating costs of $150,000-$160,000 including roof replacement
Select Board
The Select Board will meet to receive updates on the Senior Center and community policing, and discuss the Morgan Springs Agreement. The meeting also includes a manager's report and a review of upcoming agendas.
- Morgan Springs Agreement discussion
- Senior Center update
- Community Policing update
- Manager's Report
Select Board
The Select Board approved a statewide police use of force policy and a local policy on employee nepotism and fraternization. The board also voted to require masks for all attendees and members at board meetings starting September 13, 2021.
- Adoption of Statewide Policy on Police Use of Force
- Adoption of Policy on Employee Nepotism and Fraternization
- First reading of the police Code of Conduct
- Road closures for Garlic Town event on School Street, Valentine Street, and Depot Street
- Mask mandate for board meetings and designated area for unvaccinated individuals
Select Board
The Select Board set the FY2022 tax rates, resulting in a total rate increase of 2.26%. The board also discussed community policing policies and town operational updates.
- Approved FY2022 Tax Rates: General Fund $0.7862, Highway Fund $0.4010, Fire Fund $0.0833 (Total: $1.2705)
- Designated Deb Madden as Bennington's E911 Municipal Contact
- Discussed 1st reading of Code of Conduct and 2nd reading of Employee Nepotism and Fraternization policies
- Updated Town Office hours to 7:30am until 4:30pm effective August 17th
- Reported on PFOA, south end water pressure, and lead service line replacement construction projects
Select Board
The Select Board met to discuss restructuring meeting agendas, including the inclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting also featured a presentation on senior citizen programming offered by the YMCA and Senior Center.
- Decision to include the Pledge of Allegiance as a standing item at the start of regular meetings
- Presentation on Senior Citizen Programming including pool exercises, yoga, and Silver Sneakers
- Update on Task Force applications due by August 20, 2021
- Discussion regarding potential American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding of $4 million or more
Select Board
The Bennington Select Board will meet to hear a presentation from the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE).
- Presentation by National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE)
Select Board
The Select Board reviewed a presentation regarding recovery housing development and its impact on the community. The meeting also included a report from the ACT Youth Leadership Group concerning student mental health and substance use data.
- Public hearing on recovery housing proposal
- Presentation by ACT Youth Leadership Group on youth risk survey data
- COVID-19 vaccination and testing update from SVMC and VT Department of Health
- Approval of the Appalachian Trail Community proclamation
Select Board
The Bennington Select Board is meeting to conduct a work session regarding the FY22 Water & Sewer Budget.
- FY22 Water & Sewer Budget work session
Select Board
The Select Board will discuss community policing, a safety and equity task force, and the rescission of a mask resolution. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a recovery housing presentation.
- Public hearing on Recovery Housing Presentation
- First reading of Creating and Maintaining Collaborative Partnerships
- Safety and Equity Taskforce Proposal
- NACOLE Scope of Work
- Discussion of Communications Coordinator Position
Select Board
The Select Board will meet via videoconference. The agenda consists of an executive session to conduct interviews for boards and commissions.
- Executive session for Boards and Commissions interviews
Select Board
The Select Board will meet via videoconference to discuss the extension of the Designated Downtown and community policing. The agenda includes a second reading on body-worn cameras and a proposal from the Safety and Equity Committee.
- Extension of Designated Downtown
- Second reading of Body Worn Cameras
- Safety and Equity Committee Proposal
- Sidewalk paving consideration
- Appointments for Boards and Commissions
Select Board
The Select Board approved amendments to the Land Use and Development Regulations to implement form-based design standards for downtown Bennington. The board also accepted a new rate structure for the Bennington Recreation Center. Additionally, the board discussed community policing and COVID-19 updates.
- Adopted Land Use and Development Regulations (LUDR) Form-Based Design Standards
- Approved YMCA Bennington Recreation Center rate increases effective July 1, 2021
- First reading of Body Worn Cameras policy for community policing
- Second readings of Use of Social Media and Special Events policies for community policing
- Discussion of a $63,000 payment to the YMCA above their contract amount
Select Board
The Select Board heard a presentation from the DEC regarding the reclassification of groundwater from Class 3 to Class 4 due to PFOA contamination. The board also reviewed community policing policies and discussed water system improvements.
- Public hearing on LUDR Amendment Form-Based Design
- Groundwater reclassification from Class 3 to Class 4
- 1st reading of Social Media and Special Events policies for community policing
- Loan application for 3 pressure reducing valves for water system improvements
- Discussion of YMCA rates
Select Board
The Select Board approved a bond agreement for lead service line replacements funded by the Agency of Natural Resources. The meeting included updates on COVID-19 vaccination schedules, YMCA programming at the old Benn High, and upcoming community policing policy reviews.
- Approval of Lead Service Line Replacement Ioah Agreement and General Oblation Bond
- Announcement of 8 community policing policies available for public comment starting April 19
- COVID-19 vaccination schedule updates from the Vermont Department of Health
- YMCA program updates including use of the old Benn High space
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection scheduled for May 8 at Mt. Anthony Union Middle School
Select Board
The Select Board is meeting via videoconference to conduct board reorganization. The agenda also includes an executive session to discuss litigation.
- Board Reorganization
- Executive Session regarding litigation
Select Board
The Select Board approved a resolution for Shires Housing to apply for community development funds to replace mobile homes at Willows Mobile Home Park. The board also adopted updated traffic enforcement and mental health crisis response policies. Additionally, a public hearing was set for proposed land use regulation revisions.
- Resolution approved for Shires Housing to apply for $285,000 in bond funds plus $15,000 for Willows Mobile Home Park
- Adoption of Traffic Enforcement Policy
- Adoption of Responding to Persons Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis Policy
- Resolution set for April 26, 2021, public hearing regarding Land Use and Development Regulations
- Approval of street closures for UCS 2021 event on November 6, 2021
Select Board
The Bennington Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding a VDP grant application for modular homes at Willows Mobile Home Park. The board will also consider third readings of ordinances related to traffic enforcement and mental health crisis response.
- Public hearing: VDP Grant application for modular homes at Willows Mobile Home Park
- 3rd reading: Traffic Enforcement ordinance
- 3rd reading: Response to Mental Health Crisis ordinance
- Submittal of Revised LUDR
- Review of liquor licenses
Select Board
The Select Board is holding an informational meeting via Zoom. The agenda states that no votes will be taken during this session.
- Year in Review presentation by Shannon Barsotti
- Proclamation regarding Tom Jacobs by State Representative Mary Morrissey
- Agency presentations
Select Board
The Select Board will discuss the conceptual design for Franklin Lane and receive a presentation from the Energy Committee. The body is also conducting a second reading of policies regarding traffic enforcement and mental health crisis responses.
- Franklin Lane Conceptual Design discussion
- Traffic Enforcement policy (2nd Reading)
- Response to Mental Health Crisis policy (2nd Reading)
- Energy Committee Presentation
- Vermont Department of Health COVID update
Select Board
The Select Board is amending the Annual Meeting Warning for voter decisions, including a proposed tax increase for park maintenance and a reduction in board member pay. The board also discussed community policing policies and received a health update on fentanyl overdoses.
- Proposed 'Penny for Parks' tax increase of $0.01 to the General Fund tax rate to create a park reserve fund
- Proposed decrease of Select Board member pay from $1,400 to $1,300 per person
- Public hearing on the Lead Service Line Replacement Project to replace approximately 1,500 service lines at no cost to the Town
- Proposed 'opt in' articles for voters to decide on allowing Cannabis Retailers
- Second reading of the Domestic Violence Investigations Policy
Select Board
The Select Board reviewed a proposal for the YMCA to rent gym and classroom space at the old Bennington High School/Middle School. The board also discussed upcoming police policy reviews and approved annual IRS compliance resolutions for health reimbursements.
- Discussion of $30,000 grant for YMCA Lake Paran school aged program
- Approval of 2021 Liquor License Renewals for Mt. Anthony Golf & Tennis Club, Beverage Den, and Martin's Mini Mart
- Adoption of Certificate of Resolution for Third Party HRA
- Review of police policies including Fair and Impartial Policing and Investigation and Reporting of Hate Crimes
- Planning for police policy committees covering Social Media, Special Events, and Body Worn Cameras
Select Board
The Select Board is conducting a budget work session regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, including police and rescue squad costs. The agenda also includes a proposal for a new Crisis Intervention Team within the Bennington Police Department.
- Proposed creation of a Police Crisis Intervention Team
- Budget reduction of $20,000 for Community Development marketing
- Budget reduction of $4,000 for Solid Waste-recycle
- Budget reduction of $50,000 for Recreation-Parks
- Budget reduction of $100,000 for Highway Bridges reserve