Bennington County public meetings in 2022

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will discuss a COVID update, receive a BennHi update, and review the FY24 budget overview. A second reading of a policy on quality control, internal investigations, and discipline is also scheduled. The meeting includes public comment and consent agenda items for minutes and warrants.

• FY24 Budget Overview
• BennHi Update
• Quality Control, Internal Investigations and Discipline 2nd Reading
• COVID Update
• Consent Agenda: Minutes of December 12, 2022 and Warrants

The Select Board approved a letter from the Bennington Opioid Response Team to advocate for the direction of settlement funds. The board also approved the consent agenda and discussed the Benn Hi project and FY24 budget. A police quality control and discipline policy was reviewed for a third reading.

• Approved Bennington Opioid Response Team Letter to Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee (with edits)
• Approved Consent Agenda including December 12, 2022 Minutes and Minutes Addendum (with amendments)
• Added Agenda Item 9A (Bennington Opioid Response Team Letter) to the meeting agenda
• Tabled Police Quality Control, Internal Investigations and Discipline policy for a 3rd reading

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a regular meeting on December 12, 2022, at 6:00 PM. Agenda items include presentations from the Bennington Free Library and Green Mountain Community Network, discussion of implementing the town vision, and a policy on quality control internal investigations and discipline. The board will also consider consent items including minutes and warrants, and may enter executive session for contracts.

• Consent agenda includes approval of November 28, 2022 minutes and warrants
• Bennington Free Library presentation from 6:20 PM - 6:50 PM
• Green Mountain Community Network presentation from 6:35 PM - 6:50 PM
• Discussion of implementing the Town Vision from 6:50 PM - 7:00 PM
• Policy on Quality Control Internal Investigations and Discipline from 7:00 PM - 7:15 PM

The Select Board approved the consent agenda, including the November 28, 2022 minutes and warrants. The board conducted a first reading of the Quality Control Internal Investigations and Discipline policy for the Bennington Police Department, with a second reading scheduled for December 19. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Consent Agenda including November 28, 2022 minutes and warrants

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will consider a consent agenda including minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses, followed by public comment. The board will discuss rail car storage and implementing the town vision, along with the manager's report and future agendas.

• Consent agenda: minutes of November 14, 2022, warrants, liquor licenses
• Discussion of rail car storage
• Discussion of implementing the town vision
• Manager's report

The Select Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, including previous minutes and liquor licenses. The Board discussed a proposal to create an ordinance prohibiting the storage of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) rail cars on Rice Lane but took no formal action on the matter.

• Approved Consent Agenda including Nov 14 minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses (unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will consider a municipal planning grant for town plan revisions and hear from the Lake Paran Association about weed problems. The board will also discuss implementing the town vision through CPARB and IDEAL initiatives, and may enter executive session for personnel matters.

• Municipal planning grant for town plan revisions
• Lake Paran Association presentation on weed problems
• Discussion of CPARB and IDEAL for implementing town vision
• Executive session on personnel

The Select Board approved a grant application to update the Bennington Town Plan and approved previous meeting minutes and warrants. The board also presented a resolution honoring Lisa Byer for 25 years of service to CAT-TV.

• Approved FY23 Municipal Planning Grant Application for $20,000 for Town Plan Update
• Approved October 24, 2022 Minutes and Warrants
• Approved amended October 19, 2022 Minutes
• Approved agenda amendments including adding MAUHS Football Team and reordering items

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet to discuss the Benn Hi Redevelopment Project, review the consent agenda including minutes and warrants, hear a manager's report, and set future agendas. The meeting is open to the public with accessibility accommodations available.

• Discussion of Benn Hi Redevelopment Project
• Consent agenda: minutes of October 10, 2022, and warrants
• Liquor license item on consent agenda
• Manager's report
• Planning of upcoming agendas

The Select Board unanimously approved committing up to $2M in ARPA funds for the Benn Hi redevelopment project and authorized formalizing an agreement with Hale Resources. Staff will identify cost savings and explore ownership models, reporting back in 90-120 days.

• Approved commitment of up to $2M ARPA funding to Benn Hi Project (Unanimous)
• Approved formalizing agreement with Hale Resources (Unanimous)
• Approved amended minutes of October 10, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Approved CAT-TV placement of Veterans honor sign on Town Office lawn from Nov 1-30, 2022 (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a special meeting focused on the BennHi redevelopment project. The agenda includes a public presentation, a question-and-answer session with the developer, architects, and town staff, followed by an informal discussion. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is informational only.

• Public presentation on BennHi redevelopment
• Public Q&A with developer, architects, and town staff
• Informal discussion on the project

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to receive updates from the Bennington Police and discuss the ADA Transition Plan. The board is also scheduled to discuss implementing the Town Vision. An executive session is planned regarding real estate.

• ADA Transition Plan
• Implementing the Town Vision
• Bennington Police Update
• Executive Session on Real Estate

Select Board

The Select Board adopted a policy prohibiting all signs, including political campaign signs, on public property. The board also discussed substance use disorder services and provided updates on the Willow Park project.

• Approved Public Property Sign Policy prohibiting signs on all public property
• Sewer line replacement contract for Benmont Avenue and County Street awarded to Casella Construction for $986,985.00
• Appointed Tom Haley as Select Board liaison to CPARB
• Waived alcohol prohibition for the Fire Department’s Annual Clam Bake on November 1, 2022
• Discussed IDEAL Vermont Program with potential for $10,000 in implementation funding

Select Board

The Select Board discussed substance use disorder services and fiber optic expansion. The board authorized the Chair and Town Manager to pursue involvement in the IDEAL Vermont program to further equity and inclusion work.

• Authorization to join IDEAL Vermont program
• Opioid Task Force report on $125,000/year OD2A Community Action Grant
• Fidium Fiber presentation on 5-year plan to serve 20,085 addresses by 2025
• Discussion of $1.6M funding for recovery housing via Shires Housing
• Report of ~$8,000 expected for Bennington from opioid settlement

Select Board

The Select Board heard presentations from ACT and the YMCA regarding youth development and prevention. The board also reviewed a sub-committee report on the feasibility of a public water spigot at Morgan Spring.

• Morgan Spring public spigot estimate: $50,000-$125,000
• ACT presentation on youth substance use and mental health surveys
• YMCA presentation on summer camp and after-school programs
• Update on Ninja Path and Rail Trail construction
• Executive session regarding real estate

Select Board

The Select Board reviewed updates on various American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects, including the Benn High redevelopment and a new skate park. The board also approved a $500,000 grant for Shires Housing to renovate 300 Pleasant Street. Additionally, a sub-committee was formed to research public access for Morgan Spring.

• $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for Shires Housing renovation at 300 Pleasant Street
• ARPA funding update regarding $3.9M total funds and various town projects
• Formation of a Morgan Spring Sub-Committee consisting of Tom Haley, Jim Carroll, and Bruce Lee-Clark
• Prospect Mountain Snowshoe Championships application presentation

Select Board

The Select Board met to discuss various community updates, including an overview of the Opioid Response Team's Hub and Spoke program. The Bennington Police Department also provided a presentation on current policing and traffic safety issues.

• Opioid Response Team presentation on MAT treatment and fatality statistics
• Bennington Police Department report on traffic safety and community partnerships
• Discussion regarding the potential establishment of an opioid treatment HUB in Bennington
• Update on ARPA funds for the Skate Park and Senior Center

Select Board

The Select Board will determine tax rates and water/sewer rates. The meeting includes updates on public safety, the opioid response team, and an emergency health order for 105-107 Spring Street.

• Setting of tax rates
• Setting of water and sewer rates
• Emergency Health Order for 105-107 Spring Street
• Bennington Police Department Public Safety Update
• Opioid Response Team/Hub and Spoke Overview

Select Board

The Select Board is discussing the development of a skate park and receiving updates on regional high-speed internet access. The board also reviewed town vision implementation and loan programs.

• Allocation of up to $5,000 in ARPA funding to Keefe & Wesner Architects for skate park design
• Proposed $1.25M skate park project at River Street and Depot Street
• Southern Vermont CUD update on high-speed internet rollout for Bennington residents
• Discussion of a Reception and Placement program to resettle refugees in Bennington
• Public comment regarding a property on Spring Street

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a work session to discuss the Water/Sewer Fund Budgets. This meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2022, at the Bennington Fire Facility.

• Water/Sewer Fund Budgets

Select Board

The Select Board reviewed and approved revised materials for the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Plan to seek a five-year extension from the Vermont Economic Progress Council. The meeting also included presentations on health equity disparities in Bennington and an update on the Bennington Business Council's work plan and budget.

• Approval of TIF District Plan updates including a $3.6M public investment and $13M in projected assessed values for five private projects
• TIF projects mentioned: Benn High, Putnam Phase 2, Catamount School, Old Drysdale Building, and 120 Depot Street
• Presentation on health equity and life expectancy disparities across four census tracks in town
• Bennington Business Council report on the Downtown Improvement District (DID) Tax and Riverwalk improvement grant
• Approval of May 9, 2022 meeting minutes

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a meeting including an executive session regarding personnel. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Bennington Fire Facility.

• Executive Session regarding Personnel

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting for an executive session to discuss personnel matters. No other public business items are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session regarding personnel

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a meeting at the Bennington Fire Facility. The agenda includes an executive session regarding personnel matters.

• Executive Session regarding Personnel

Select Board

The Select Board held public hearings regarding proposed land use amendments for the Everett Estate property and a request for $700,000 in VCDP funds to support the Squire House recovery housing project. The board also reviewed the consent agenda and discussed various community updates.

• Public hearing on Land Use Regulations and Plan Amendment for Everett Estate
• Public hearing on $700,000 VCDP funding for Squire House at 185 North Street
• Proposed $200,000 CDBG fund application for recovery housing updates
• Approval of the Consent Agenda including minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses

Select Board

The Select Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding Land Use Regulations and Plan Amendment for the Everett Estate. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Bennington Police Department and an update on implementing the Town Vision.

• Public Hearing: Land Use Regulations and Plan Amendment - Everett Estate
• Public Hearing: Squire House VCDP Funding
• Bennington Police Department Presentation
• Amendment to Special Events and Demonstrations Policy increasing attendance threshold from 25 to 75 persons
• Approval of Bennington Transfer Station pricing increases effective May 1, 2022

Select Board

The Select Board is reviewing the composition and eligibility requirements for the Community Policing Advisory and Review Board. The body is also finalizing a process for residents to file compliments or complaints as part of the Town Vision Update.

• Discussion on CPARB membership requirements, including residency and the number of members
• Finalization of 'File a Compliment or a Complaint' for the Town Vision Update
• Review of liquor licenses and warrants via consent agenda
• Report on Afghan refugee support from the Ethiopian Community Development Council
• Discussion on a $200,000 town loan for a downtown grocery store

Select Board

The Select Board discussed economic development and infrastructure, specifically a proposed skate park. The board also received a presentation on the Better Places Grant Award and a proclamation honoring John Shannahan.

• Approved motion for staff to continue working on a skate park concept at the Bennington Station parking lot
• Proposed skate park estimated cost of $1M-$1.5M
• Better Places Grant Award requires $5,000 in crowdfunding by May 9th to receive $10,000 from the State
• Proclamation honoring John Shannahan for contributions to the Better Bennington Corporation
• FAA approval for the lighting of the Monument

Select Board

The Select Board approved an amendment to extend the period for incurring debt within the town's TIF district. This action allows the town to apply for a 'Master TIF' to facilitate future infrastructure projects and private investment.

• Approval of TIF District Substantial Change Amendment to Extend Period to Incur Debt
• Authorization to submit the TIF extension request to the Vermont Economic Progress Council (VEPC)
• Proposed infrastructure projects including Bennington High School, Putnam Phase 2, Catamount School, and 120 Depot Street
• Approval of Consent Agenda including minutes from March 7 and 14, 2022, warrants, and liquor licenses

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a special meeting to discuss the VLCT strategic plan and top issues facing Bennington local officials. The session includes an overview by Ted Brady and a discussion regarding local priorities.

• VLCT Strategic Plan discussion
• Discussion of top issues facing Bennington

Select Board

The Select Board met to discuss community updates including COVID-19 trends and energy conservation efforts. The Energy Committee proposed hiring a paid Energy Coordinator to manage renewable energy transitions. Additionally, Pathways Vermont requested a letter of support for state funding to expand housing services.

• Energy Committee proposal for a paid Energy Coordinator
• Pathways Vermont request for a letter of support for $390,000 in legislative funding
• Discussion of energy costs totaling approximately $60 million for oil, gas, propane, and diesel
• Approval of January 2022 meeting minutes with specific text amendments
• Update on COVID-19 community transmission and vaccination strategies

Select Board

The Select Board is reviewing a request to extend the deadline for the first incurrence of debt for the downtown tax increment financing (TIF) district. The Town seeks to adjust its plan to focus on two near-term projects: the redevelopment of Benn High and Putnam Phase 2.

• Public hearing regarding TIF District Substantial Change
• Proposed $4.2 million investment for Benn High redevelopment at 650 Main Street
• Redevelopment of Putnam Phase 2 near Washington Avenue and Main Street
• Consent agenda including warrants

Select Board

The Select Board will receive a presentation from the Safety and Equity Task Force regarding recommendations for a Community Police Advisory and Review Board (CPARB). The board is also considering a resolution for a Downtown Transportation Fund application.

• Safety and Equity Task Force presentation on CPARB recommendations
• Resolution for Downtown Transportation Fund Application
• Executive Session regarding Contracts & Real Estate and Personnel

Select Board

The Select Board reviewed the redevelopment of 219 Pleasant Street and discussed the Economic Development Strategy. The meeting included an update on project readiness tiers for potential ARPA funding.

• Public hearing for 219 Pleasant Street redevelopment involving $918,408 in VCDP funding
• Report on 219 Pleasant Street renovation costs totaling $1.3M
• Discussion of Tier I, II, and III project readiness for ARPA and infrastructure funding
• Public comment regarding the establishment of a skate park

Select Board

The Select Board is conducting a final public hearing for 219 Pleasant Street and discussing the annual budget and Town Meeting Warning. The meeting includes reports on economic development, police presentations, and a mask resolution discussion.

• Final public hearing for 219 Pleasant Street
• Proposed police purchase of 2 Interceptor Ford SUV Hybrids at $52,750 each
• Proposed police purchase of 2 Honda ATVs at $8,200 each
• Proposed $175,300 5-year agreement for vehicle and body worn cameras
• Fire department budget includes $73,490 first payment for a new ladder truck

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public presentation on the process and eligibility for using $3.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This meeting focuses on the process only; the board will discuss specific project merits and vote on a priority list on January 24.

• Public presentation on $3.9 million ARPA funding process
• Initial report of Economic Development Strategy and Infrastructure
• Discussion of TIF extension
• Energizer Re-use Study report
• FY 21 Audit

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting to work on the F.Y. 23 budget and finalize budget figures. The session includes reviews of specific departments and an executive session to set salaries for the Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Treasurer.

• F.Y. 23 Budget work session for Recreation and General Fund
• Budget reviews for Bennington Free Library and John G. McCullough Free Library
• Budget review for Bennington Rescue Squad
• Executive session to set salaries for Town Manager, Town Clerk, and Treasurer

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting to conduct a work session regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The discussion will focus on funding for police, fire, and highway departments.

• Police Budget review
• Fire Budget review
• Highway Budget review