Essex County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Selectboard sets recreation and fire impact fees on split votes; water and sewer amendments head to public hearing

The Essex Selectboard approved new recreation impact fees and a 3.3% increase to existing fire impact fees at its October 5 meeting, both on 3-2 votes, and gave first passage to amendments to the town's wastewater allocation, sewer use and water use ordinances.

Selectboard sets recreation, fire impact fees

The board adopted recreation impact fees of $732 for single-family units and $637 for multi-family units on a 3-2 vote. In a separate 3-2 vote, it approved a 3.3% increase to existing fire impact fees. Impact fees are charges applied to new development.

On 5-0 votes, the board appointed Rose Bean, Roger Crocker and Lynn Smith to the Board of Civil Authority; approved first passage of the Municipal Wastewater Allocation, Sewer Use and Water Use Ordinance amendments; approved a local option tax Questions & Answers document subject to legal review; approved updates to the Town Manager job description; and approved a consent agenda that included an MS4 grant application and pump station condition assessments.

Water and sewer amendments go to a public hearing

The ordinance amendments that passed first reading are listed for a public hearing and possible final approval at the Selectboard's October 19 meeting, according to the agenda.

Property tax appeals move to site visits

The Board of Civil Authority heard appeals on the assessed values of three residential properties on October 5 and scheduled site visits rather than deciding: 51 Marion Ave. on October 8, 247 River Road on October 13, and 37 Windridge Road on October 15. Voting on potential assessment changes is scheduled for October 27. The board approved its agenda 11-0 and adjourned 11-0.

At a October 7 meeting, the board scheduled on-site inspections for 82 Indian Brook Road, to be conducted by Ms. Smith, Ms. Dubief and Ms. Lavigne, and for 89 Catella Road, to be conducted by Mr. Post, Ms. Dunn and Mr. Chamberlin. The agenda was approved as amended 6-0 and the meeting adjourned 6-0. No final determinations on either property were recorded in the minutes.

Planning Commission tables energy plan and zoning drafts

The Planning Commission reviewed a draft Enhanced Energy Plan and proposed zoning amendments for the Mixed Use North and South districts on October 8. No final votes were taken; the items were tabled for further revision and discussion. The commission approved its agenda and the September 10, 2026, minutes, each 6-0.

Committee actions

The Conservation & Trails Committee voted 6-0 on October 13 to authorize sending an amended memo to the Selectboard requesting an RFP for expert help updating the Town Tree Plan. It tabled the Trail Naming Procedure for revisions extending the timeline to 90 days and deferred review of a development application for 53 Center Road to its next meeting. Members also reported that two Conservation Reserve Fund applications were approved, approved an amended agenda striking the Bee City USA application (6-0), and approved September 8 minutes with a spelling correction (6-0).

The Cemetery Commission on October 14 approved the August 12, 2026, minutes unanimously, agreed to draft a proposal for increased FY28 funding for cemetery maintenance and projects, and noted that the ECBG Volunteer Cemetery Day was postponed to Spring 2027.

Agenda-only meetings

The Selectboard's October 12 meeting listed discussion and potential action on local option tax ballot questions and a proposed executive session for attorney-client communications; minutes have not been published. Agendas were also posted, without minutes, for the Energy Committee on October 14, the Economic Development Commission on October 15 (a business outreach visit with the Vermont Genealogy Library), and the Housing Commission on October 15, which listed possible votes on the Courtyard on Main Pilot Project, the Housing Trust Fund and appraisal notification reform, plus review and approval of its FY27 work plan. No outcomes are confirmed for those meetings.

Coming up

• **October 19 — Selectboard:** public hearing and possible final approval of the wastewater, sewer use and water use ordinances; Winter Plowing Contract; asset management software for Public Works; potential March 2027 ballot language to amend the Animal Control Ordinance; authorization of an MOU with the City of Essex Junction for Main Street Shared Use Path, Phase 2; interviews with four Planning Commission candidates.
• **October 20 — Police Community Advisory Board:** debriefs of the Essex Community Fall Festival and the Town Selectboard check-in, an EPD update, and discussion of outreach and communication policies.
• **October 21 — Essex Free Library Board of Trustees:** budget update, FY28 board work plan, FY27 library work plan quarter 1 update, and Programs Policy review.

Essex Selectboard sets recreation and fire impact fees; DRB denies Old Stage Road shed variance

The Essex Selectboard on Oct. 5 approved new recreation impact fees and a 3.3% increase to existing fire impact fees, both on 3-2 votes, according to official minutes. The same meeting included appointments to the Board of Civil Authority and first passage of three utility ordinance amendments. In the past two weeks, town bodies also denied a shed variance, waived two tax penalties, and moved several property tax appeals to on-site inspections.

Selectboard: impact fees, appointments, ordinances

• Adopted recreation impact fees of $732 for single-family and $637 for multi-family units (3-2).
• Approved a 3.3% increase to existing Fire impact fees (3-2).
• Appointed Rose Bean, Roger Crocker, and Lynn Smith to the Board of Civil Authority (5-0).
• Approved first passage of Municipal Wastewater Allocation, Sewer Use, and Water Use Ordinance amendments (5-0). First passage is not final adoption.
• Approved a local option tax Questions & Answers document subject to legal review (5-0).
• Approved updates to the Town Manager job description (5-0).
• Approved a consent agenda including an MS4 grant application and pump station condition assessments (5-0).

Development Review Board denies shed variance

The Development Review Board voted 5-0 on Oct. 1 to deny a variance request from Laurie and Baktash Nelson for a 24-by-14-foot shed at 152 Old Stage Road. The minutes state the shed sits 3 feet from the property line in a district with a 20-foot minimum side setback. The board found the application failed to satisfy all five required variance criteria and concluded the shed could be relocated to a compliant location. No deadline was set for the Nelsons to remedy the violation; the chair said that is the Zoning Administrator's authority.

The board also announced a prior 5-0 decision approving a residential triplex site plan at 58 Center Road for GLC Lyon Associates LLC, and approved its September 3, 2026 minutes with two minor corrections (5-0).

Two tax penalties waived

The Board of Abatement on Sept. 30 approved two requests to waive late payment penalties for property taxes based on health reasons:

• $92.72 tax penalty abatement for Edward and Linda Hamlin (13-0).
• $390.33 tax penalty abatement for David and Julie Guerino (13-0).
• Approved May 27, 2026 meeting minutes (9-0).

Property tax appeals move to site visits

The Board of Civil Authority scheduled property tax reappraisal hearings for Oct. 5 and Oct. 7, 2026, following six applications, at its Sept. 30 meeting. It approved its agenda (13-0) and the minutes of Oct. 7, 2025 (13-0), and heard a presentation on election integrity and voter roll vulnerabilities.

At its Oct. 5 meeting, the board heard appeals on the assessed values of three residential properties and scheduled site visits for 37 Windridge Road (Oct. 15), 51 Marion Ave. (Oct. 8), and 247 River Road (Oct. 13). No final decisions on valuations were made; voting on potential assessment changes is scheduled for Oct. 27. The agenda was approved 11-0 and the meeting adjourned 11-0.

On Oct. 7, the board heard appeals for 82 Indian Brook Road and 89 Catella Road and scheduled on-site inspections for each. The agenda was approved as amended (6-0) and the meeting adjourned (6-0).

Economic Development Commission appoints clerk

The commission on Oct. 1 appointed Alex as Clerk (4-0), approved an agenda amendment to nominate a new Clerk (4-0), and approved its Sept. 3 and Sept. 17 minutes (4-0 each). Members reviewed the Community Fall Festival and discussed concerns regarding implementation of a local option tax and town branding.

Agenda items not yet decided

Planning Commission, Oct. 8 (agenda only; minutes not yet published): review of the project approach for Fort Ethan Allen Historic Preservation Planning; energy planning with the Energy Committee and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission; and Mixed Use North and Mixed Use South Zoning Amendments. The agenda does not include the text of the zoning amendments or any dollar amounts.

Selectboard, Oct. 12 (agenda only; minutes not yet published): discussion and potential action on local option tax ballot questions, plus a proposed executive session for attorney-client communications.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Conservation & Trails Committee:** a proposal to restructure as separate Conservation Commission and Trails Committee, a development application for 53 Center Road, and the Town Tree Plan.
• **Oct. 14 — Cemetery Commission:** FY27 budget financial report and FY28 work plan and budget development.
• **Oct. 14 — Energy Committee:** the Energy Plan with the Planning Commission and the Upper Main Street Project.
• **Oct. 15 — Economic Development Commission:** special meeting for a business outreach visit with the Vermont Genealogy Library.
• **Oct. 15 — Housing Commission:** possible votes on the Courtyard on Main Pilot Project, the Housing Trust Fund, and appraisal notification reform, plus review of the FY27 work plan.

Essex Planning Commission approves gas station sign zoning; Selectboard to weigh municipal complex contracts

The most consequential decision in the past two weeks came from the Planning Commission, which voted 5-1 to approve zoning language allowing illuminated electronic pricing signs for gas stations. The change, approved at the commission's Aug. 13 meeting, updates the town's zoning rules and will apply to future gas station signage. No other formal decisions of comparable scope were made in the period.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission met Aug. 13 and, in addition to the gas station sign vote, approved its agenda (5-0) and the minutes from its July 9 meeting (6-0). The commission discussed, but took no final action on, its fiscal year 2027 work plan, steep slope regulations, and a potential UVM internship for Fort Ethan Allen planning. Staff will review feedback on the work plan and present a draft at the next meeting.

Conservation & Trails Committee

The Conservation & Trails Committee, meeting Aug. 11, set the fall cleanup day for Sept. 26 from noon to 2 p.m., with a rain date of Sept. 27, on an 8-0 vote. It also authorized Ken Signorello to prepare applications to use Conservation Reserve Funds for easement purchases at 15 Kimberly Drive and 33 Windridge Road, both by 8-0 votes. The committee approved its July 14 minutes as amended (8-0) and agreed to place the Town of Essex Tree Plan on the next agenda as an action item. A motion to reconsider trail name recommendations failed 0-8.

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission met Aug. 12 but made no substantive decisions. It postponed approval of its June 24 minutes and deferred its FY27 budget review to the next meeting. The commission discussed stone repair, stump removal, gate repair, and fence repair, but all actions were tabled or assigned for further investigation. No votes were taken.

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee, meeting Aug. 12, approved its June 10 minutes unanimously. It assigned follow-up action items for event tabling, a solar commendation letter, charter review, a geothermal test well, and a fleet EV count. No formal votes were taken on these items.

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission held a special in-person meeting Aug. 20 at 520 BBQ & Grill on Center Road for a business outreach visit. The agenda included public comment, new business, and reading-file items (Town Fair 2026, a message from resident Cheryl Van Epps, and an article and letter regarding Ray's Seafood Market). No formal decisions were listed; minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Selectboard will hold its regular meeting Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The board will consider authorizing the Town Manager to execute contracts for engineering services for the new municipal complex at 80 & 90 Upper Main St. and for a sole-source IT infrastructure upgrade. It will also discuss a possible bonus for the Town Manager, interview and possibly appoint a volunteer to the Housing/EDC, and discuss budget goals for fiscal year 2028. Several items are marked for potential executive session.

Essex Selectboard sets FY2027 tax rates, approves fire truck; DRB OKs 8-lot subdivision

The Essex Selectboard approved the town's FY2027 tax rates and a $72,356 fire truck purchase at its Aug. 3 meeting, while the Development Review Board approved an 8-lot commercial subdivision at 15 Leo Drive. Other boards met on housing, energy, and economic development during the past two weeks.

Selectboard sets tax rates, approves fire truck

The Selectboard voted 5-0 to approve the FY2027 municipal tax rates: a general fund rate of 0.4330, a local agreement rate of 0.0017, and a capital tax of 0.0500, for a total municipal rate of 0.4847. The board also approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F150 for the Fire Department for $72,356, with one dissenting vote (4-1, Lawrence dissenting).

In other action, the board appointed Edith Klimoski as alternate to the CSWD Board, Dawn Hill-Fleury to the Police Community Advisory Board, and Ken Goodnow to the Energy Committee, all by 5-0 votes. It also approved the Town Manager's appointment of Brittany McGregor as Zoning Administrator and Health Officer (5-0), approved changes to the Investment Policy (5-0), and adopted a Resolution of Appreciation for Sharon Kelley (5-0).

Development Review Board approves commercial subdivision

The Development Review Board approved the final subdivision application for an 8-lot commercial subdivision at 15 Leo Drive, with amended conditions including sustained visual screening plantings and a recreational trail easement. The vote was 4-0. The board also approved minutes from its June 4 and July 2 meetings with corrections, both unanimously.

Housing Commission defers trust fund spending

The Essex Housing Commission voted 4-0 to defer a previous decision on how to spend the $30,000 Housing Trust Fund seed money, opting to first research funding sources and gather more information. The commission also approved its agenda and minutes from July 7, 2026, both by 4-0 votes.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards met but have not yet published minutes, so no decisions are recorded:

• **Selectboard (July 27):** Agenda included approval of Justice of the Peace candidates and local questions for the November general election ballot, and an application for an extension to file the grand list.
• **Energy Committee (July 29):** Agenda covered progress on the Upper Main Geothermal project, an article on Essex Spa and Resort solarization, Champlain Valley Expo participation, and a Window Dressers follow-up.
• **Economic Development Commission (Aug. 6):** Agenda included election of officers, review of the annual work plan, development applications, and scheduling of business outreach visits.

Coming up

• **Conservation & Trails Committee (Aug. 11):** Will set a date for Fall Clean Up Day, discuss the Town of Essex Tree Plan, and consider using Conservation Reserve Funds for properties at 15 Kimberly Drive and 33 Windridge Road.
• **Energy Committee (Aug. 12):** Will decide on Champlain Valley Expo participation, an article on Essex Spa and Resort solarization, and a charter discussion, among other items.
• **Cemetery Commission (Aug. 12):** Will review the FY27 budget, hear the sexton's report, and consider stone repair, tree/shrub/stump removal, and a quote from L&D.
• **Planning Commission (Aug. 13):** Will develop its FY27 work plan and discuss electronic gas pricing signs, a UVM internship opportunity, and steep slope regulations.

Essex meeting roundup: Recent outcomes unavailable; Selectboard to set FY2027 tax rates Aug. 3

Essex County residents have several consequential meetings on the horizon, but the outcomes of three recent public meetings remain unavailable because minutes have not yet been published. The most significant upcoming item is the Selectboard's scheduled consideration of fiscal year 2027 tax rates on Aug. 3, 2026.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes

Three bodies met between July 21 and July 29, but only agendas are available for each. No votes, approvals, or other outcomes can be confirmed from the record provided.

Police Community Advisory Board (July 21, 2026) — The agenda listed a vote on PCAB positions, discussion of the Coming Together Summit and National Night Out, approval of minutes from June 16, 2026, and public comment. Minutes have not been published.

Selectboard (July 27, 2026) — The agenda included approval of Justice of the Peace candidates and local questions for the November general election ballot, plus an application for an extension to file the grand list. Minutes have not been published.

Energy Committee (July 29, 2026) — The committee was scheduled to review progress on the Upper Main Geothermal project, an article regarding Essex Spa and Resort Solarization, participation in the Champlain Valley Expo, a Window Dressers follow-up, and a charter review. Minutes have not been published.

Coming up

Selectboard — Monday, Aug. 3, 2026

The Selectboard will interview and possibly appoint an Alternate Representative to the Chittenden Solid Waste District Board, a member of the Police Community Advisory Board, and an Energy Committee volunteer. The board will also consider approving the Town Manager's appointments of Zoning Administrator and Health Officer.

On the financial side, the board will consider a capital vehicle purchase of Car 10 for the Essex Fire Department, changes to the Investment Policy, and the fiscal year 2027 tax rates. No dollar amounts or proposed rates are listed in the agenda.

Housing Commission — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026

The Housing Commission will review and revote on the Housing Trust Fund Proposal. The agenda also includes creation of workgroups for Housing Inventory and Mapping updates, discussion of a Pilot Projects Funding Strategy, review of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) programs through the State of Vermont, and review of a Housing Affordability Model and Calculator.

Development Review Board — Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

The Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed 8-lot commercial subdivision at 15 Leo Drive, listed as 17.68 acres, in the Industrial and Scenic Resource Preservation Overlay districts. The board will also review its Communication Policy and legal decision review process, and consider approval of minutes from June 4 and July 2, 2026.

What to watch

The Aug. 3 Selectboard meeting carries the most direct impact on residents' wallets, with fiscal year 2027 tax rates on the agenda. The Aug. 6 Development Review Board hearing on 15 Leo Drive is the only land-use decision scheduled this week. Residents interested in housing policy may want to attend or follow the Aug. 5 Housing Commission meeting, where the Housing Trust Fund Proposal is set for a revote.

Essex County roundup: Selectboard removes Ethan Allen Avenue speed bump, commissions set new leadership

The Selectboard voted 3-2 to accept an appeal and order removal of the speed bump on Ethan Allen Avenue, the most consequential decision in a busy two weeks of Essex County meetings. The board also adopted two Parks & Recreation studies and reappointed the town's representative to the Winooski Valley Park District.

Selectboard — July 13

The Selectboard approved its consent agenda (4-0) and reappointed Jeff Theis as the Essex representative to the Winooski Valley Park District (5-0). The board adopted the Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment (5-0) and the Parks & Recreation Impact Fee Analysis (5-0). The speed bump removal on Ethan Allen Avenue passed 3-2 after the board accepted a resident appeal.

Planning Commission — July 9

The Planning Commission elected Josh Knox as Chair (6-0), Georgia Lavigne as Vice Chair (6-0), and Jonathan Schumacher as Clerk (6-0). The commission approved making Kennel, Machine Repair Shop – Minor, and Veterinary Clinic conditional uses in the RPD-I District (6-0). June 11, 2026 minutes were approved (4-0-2). The agenda was approved (6-0) and the meeting adjourned (6-0).

Housing Commission — July 7

The Housing Commission elected Lois Whitmore as Chair (4-0), Lorraine Zaloom as Vice Chair (4-0), and Cheryl Van Epps as Clerk (4-0). The amended agenda was approved (4-0) and previous meeting minutes were approved (3-0). The commission set a recurring meeting time of 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month, with the next meeting scheduled for August 5.

Conservation & Trails Committee — July 14

The committee elected Bino Cummings as Chair (8-0-1, one abstention), Erin De Vries as Vice Chair (unanimous support), and Duane Millar Barlow as Clerk (8-0-1, one abstention). Minutes from June 9, 2026 were approved (9-0). The committee adopted a recommendation to the Development Review Board that the applicant bury utility lines on the 15 Leo Drive subdivision project. The motion to transmit that recommendation passed 9-0.

Cemetery Commission — July 15

The Cemetery Commission postponed approval of the June 24, 2026 minutes because the document had not been reviewed; no vote was recorded. Commissioners were assigned follow-up tasks, including obtaining quotes for stump removal and gate repair and investigating volunteer participation for stone repairs. The next meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026 at 11:00 am.

Coming up

• **Police Community Advisory Board — July 21:** The board will vote on PCAB positions, discuss the Coming Together Summit and National Night Out, and consider approval of minutes from June 16, 2026. Public comment is included on the agenda.