Essex County, VT

Housing Commission

The Essex Housing Commission will vote on a brochure for the upcoming Community Day event and share updates on the Main Street Housing project and the Essex Housing Trust. The body will also draft a letter of recommendation to the Selectboard regarding the housing inventory and form new working groups.

• Vote on Housing Commission brochure for Community Day
• Draft letter of recommendation to Selectboard for Housing Inventory
• Accessory Dwelling Unit update
• Main Street Housing project update
• Form working groups

Development Review Board

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Energy Committee

Planning Commission

Selectboard

Police Community Advisory Board

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Development Review Board

Selectboard

Planning Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Energy Committee

Housing Commission

Economic Development Commission

Selectboard

Police Community Advisory Board

Selectboard

Housing Commission

Development Review Board

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Planning Commission

Selectboard

Police Community Advisory Board

Economic Development Commission

Housing Commission

Economic Development Commission

Development Review Board

Selectboard

Conservation & Trails Committee

Planning Commission

Police Community Advisory Board

Economic Development Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard

Housing Commission

Development Review Board

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Planning Commission

Police Community Advisory Board

Economic Development Commission

Selectboard

Selectboard

Housing Commission

Development Review Board

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Planning Commission

Police Community Advisory Board

Economic Development Commission

Housing Commission

Development Review Board

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Planning Commission

Police Community Advisory Board

Economic Development Commission

Development Review Board

Economic Development Commission

Housing Commission

Planning Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Economic Development Commission

Police Community Advisory Board

Housing Commission

Economic Development Commission

Development Review Board

Conservation & Trails Committee

Economic Development Commission

Housing Commission

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Conservation & Trails Committee

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Commission

Selectboard

The Essex Selectboard will hold its regular meeting on August 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM. They 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. The board will also discuss budget goals for fiscal year 2028 and a possible bonus for the Town Manager. Several items are marked for potential executive session.

• Authorize contract for engineering services for new municipal complex at 80 & 90 Upper Main St.
• Authorize sole source contract for IT infrastructure upgrade
• Consider bonus for Town Manager for FY2026 goals
• Interview and possibly appoint volunteer to Housing/EDC
• Discussion of Selectboard budget goals for FY2028

Economic Development Commission

The Essex Economic Development Commission is holding a special in-person meeting at 520 BBQ & Grill for a business outreach visit. The agenda includes public comment, new business, and reading file items such as Town Fair 2026 and a message from a resident. No formal decisions are listed.

• Business outreach visit with 520 BBQ & Grill at 90 Center Rd.
• Reading file: Town Fair 2026
• Reading file: Message from Essex resident Cheryl Van Epps
• Reading file: Article and letter re: Ray's Seafood Market

The Essex Economic Development Commission met with Matt Desautels, owner of 520 BBQ and Grill, to discuss his business operations and challenges. No formal action was taken; the meeting was informational only. Minutes from this meeting will be approved at the next business meeting.

• No formal action taken during business outreach visit
• Minutes deferred for approval to next business meeting
• Meeting adjourned at 9:47 am

Police Community Advisory Board

Planning Commission

The Essex Planning Commission is meeting to develop its FY27 work plan and discuss several items, including electronic gas pricing signs, a UVM internship opportunity, and steep slope regulations. Public comments will be heard on non-agenda items, and minutes from the July 9, 2026 meeting will be considered for approval.

• Develop FY27 Work Plan
• Electronic gas pricing sign discussion
• Internship with UVM Sustainable Urban Planning class
• Steep Slope regulation discussion
• Approve minutes from July 9, 2026

The Planning Commission approved proposed zoning language allowing illuminated signage for gas stations, with a 5-1 vote. The commission also discussed and provided feedback on the FY27 work plan, steep slope regulations, and a potential UVM internship for Fort Ethan Allen planning, but took no final action on these items.

• Approved gas station electronic pricing sign zoning language (5-1)
• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Approved minutes from July 9, 2026 (6-0)
• Discussed FY27 work plan; staff to review feedback and present draft at next meeting
• Discussed steep slope regulations; no action taken, future review of past applications planned
• Discussed UVM internship opportunity for Fort Ethan Allen planning; no formal action

Energy Committee

The Essex Energy Committee is meeting to discuss and decide on several energy-related items, including participation in the Champlain Valley Expo, an article on solarization at Essex Spa and Resort, a charter, geothermal progress on Upper Main, and a follow-up on Window Dressers. The meeting includes administrative items like approving minutes and addressing a vacancy.

• Decision on Champlain Valley Expo participation
• Article on Essex Spa and Resort solarization
• Charter discussion
• Upper Main Geothermal progress update
• Window Dressers follow-up

The Essex Energy Committee approved the June 10, 2026 minutes unanimously and discussed several initiatives, including tabling at local events instead of the Champlain Valley Fair, drafting a commendation letter for solar efforts at Essex Spa and Resort, and advancing geothermal projects. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; actions were assigned for follow-up.

• Approved minutes from 06/10/2026 (unanimous)
• Tabled Window Dressers follow-up from agenda
• Assigned action items for event tabling, solar commendation, charter review, geothermal test well, and fleet EV count

Cemetery Commission

The Essex Town Cemetery Commission will review the FY27 budget, hear the sexton's report, and consider several cemetery actions including stone repair in ECBG, tree/shrub/stump removal in MVC, and a quote from L&D. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of prior minutes.

• FY27 Budget Review
• Stone repair in ECBG
• Tree/shrub/stump removal in MVC
• Quote from L&D
• Community Day discussion

The Essex Town Cemetery Commission met on July 15, 2026, but made no substantive decisions. The approval of June 24 minutes was postponed due to lack of review, and the FY27 budget review was deferred. The commission discussed several cemetery maintenance items, including stone repair, stump removal, and gate repair, but all actions were tabled or assigned for further investigation.

• Postponed approval of June 24, 2026 minutes
• Deferred FY27 budget review to next meeting
• Discussed stone repair in ECBG, logistics TBD
• Joe to obtain quotes for stump removal/grinding in MVC
• Parks & Rec removed dead tree in ECBG
• Joe to get quotes for gate repair in ECBG for '28 budget
• Fence repair in MVC to wait for Harlan

Conservation & Trails Committee

The Conservation & Trails Committee will meet to decide the date for Fall Clean Up Day, discuss the Town of Essex Tree Plan, and consider proposals to use Conservation Reserve Funds for properties at 15 Kimberly Drive and 33 Windridge Road. They will also receive updates on the trail naming process and the Riverfront property purchase. The meeting is open to the public in person and online.

• Select date for Fall Clean Up Day
• Discussion of Town of Essex Tree Plan
• Proposal to use Conservation Reserve Funds for 15 Kimberly Drive
• Proposal to use Conservation Reserve Funds for 33 Windridge Road
• Update on Riverfront property purchase

The Conservation & Trails Committee set the fall cleanup day for September 26th with a rain date of September 27th, and authorized preparing applications to use Conservation Reserve Funds for easement purchases at 15 Kimberly Drive and 33 Windridge Road. The committee also approved amended minutes from July 14, 2026, and discussed the Town of Essex Tree Plan, agreeing to place it on the next agenda for action. A motion to reconsider trail name recommendations failed.

• Approved fall cleanup day for Sept 26, noon-2 PM, rain date Sept 27 (8-0)
• Authorized Ken Signorello to prepare Conservation Reserve Fund application for 15 Kimberly Drive easement (8-0)
• Authorized Ken Signorello to prepare Conservation Reserve Fund application for 33 Windridge Road donation (8-0)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2026 as amended (8-0)
• Motion to reconsider trail name recommendations failed (0-8)
• Agreed to place Town of Essex Tree Plan on next agenda as action item

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission will hold a reorganization meeting to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. They will also discuss and potentially approve the EDC Annual Work Plan, review development applications, and schedule business outreach visits.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk
• Review and potential action on the EDC Annual Work Plan
• Review of current development applications
• Discussion of booth/plans for Community Fall Festival
• Approval of meeting schedule for July 2026 to June 2027

The Essex Economic Development Commission held its annual reorganization, electing Irene Renner as Chair, Anne Miller as Vice Chair, and Alistair Deakin as Clerk. The Commission approved the June 4 and June 18, 2026 minutes as corrected and agreed to continue its regular meeting schedule. No substantive policy decisions were made; the Commission discussed future agenda items, work plan activities, and outreach efforts, with members to review the work plan for potential approval at the next meeting.

• Elected Irene Renner as Chair, Anne Miller as Vice Chair, Alistair Deakin as Clerk
• Approved June 4 and June 18, 2026 minutes as corrected
• Agreed to continue business meetings on first Thursday and outreach meetings on third Thursday
• Tabled work plan approval pending member review of Excel version

Development Review Board

The Essex County Development Review Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed 8-lot commercial subdivision at 15 Leo Drive in the Industrial and Scenic Resource Preservation Overlay districts. The board will also review internal policies and approve past meeting minutes.

• Final subdivision hearing for 8-lot commercial plan at 15 Leo Drive (17.68 acres)
• Review of Communication Policy and legal decision review process
• Approval of minutes from June 4 and July 2, 2026 meetings

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 board also approved minutes from June and July meetings with corrections. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 8-lot commercial subdivision at 15 Leo Drive with amended conditions (4-0)
• Approved June 4, 2026 minutes with corrections (unanimous)
• Approved July 2, 2026 minutes with corrections (unanimous)

Housing Commission

The Housing Commission will discuss the Housing Trust Fund Proposal and update housing inventory and mapping. The body will also review regulatory policies, funding strategies for pilot projects, and committee workflows.

• Review and revote on Housing Trust Fund Proposal
• Creation of workgroups for Housing Inventory and Mapping updates
• Discussion of Pilot Projects Funding Strategy
• Review of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Programs through the State of Vermont
• Review of Housing Affordability Model and Calculator

The Essex Housing Commission voted 4-0 to defer a previous decision on how to spend the $30K Housing Trust Fund seed money, opting to first research funding sources and gather more information. The commission also approved the agenda and minutes, and discussed various housing topics including affordability metrics, short-term rentals, and community outreach.

• Deferred decision on spending $30K Housing Trust Fund money (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved July 7, 2026 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Selectboard

The Essex Selectboard will interview candidates for several volunteer and appointed positions, including an Alternate Representative to the Chittenden Solid Waste District Board, a member of the Police Community Advisory Board, and an Energy Committee volunteer. They will also consider approving the Town Manager’s appointments of Zoning Administrator and Health Officer, a capital vehicle purchase for the Essex Fire Department, changes to the Investment Policy, and the fiscal year 2027 tax rates.

• Interview and possibly appoint Alternate Representative to Chittenden Solid Waste District Board
• Consider approval of Town Manager's appointment of Zoning Administrator and Health Officer
• Consider approval of capital vehicle purchase of Car 10 for Essex Fire Department
• Consider approval of changes to Investment Policy
• Consider approval of fiscal year 2027 tax rates

The Selectboard approved the FY2027 tax rates, including 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. They also approved the purchase of a 2026 Ford F150 for the Fire Department for $72,356, with one dissenting vote. Several appointments were made: Edith Klimoski as alternate to the CSWD board, Dawn Hill-Fleury to the Police Community Advisory Board, and Ken Goodnow to the Energy Committee. The board also approved changes to the Investment Policy and accepted a new 'typical' home value of $520,000 for informational purposes.

• Approved FY2027 tax rates: General Fund 0.4330, Local Agreement 0.0017, Capital 0.0500, total 0.4847 (5-0)
• Approved $72,356 purchase of 2026 Ford F150 for Fire Department (4-1, Lawrence dissenting)
• Appointed Edith Klimoski as alternate to CSWD Board (5-0)
• Appointed Dawn Hill-Fleury to Police Community Advisory Board (5-0)
• Appointed Ken Goodnow to Energy Committee (5-0)
• Approved Town Manager's appointment of Brittany McGregor as Zoning Administrator and Health Officer (5-0)
• Approved changes to Investment Policy (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution of Appreciation for Sharon Kelley (5-0)

Energy Committee

The Essex Energy Committee will meet to discuss progress on the Upper Main Geothermal project and a solarization article for the Essex Spa and Resort. The agenda also includes participation in the Champlain Valley Expo and a follow-up on Window Dressers. Administrative items include approval of previous minutes and a vacancy update.

• Upper Main Geothermal progress update
• Article regarding Essex Spa and Resort Solarization
• Champlain Valley Expo participation discussion
• Window Dressers follow-up
• Charter review (attached)

Selectboard

The Selectboard will meet to discuss the inclusion of Justice of the Peace candidates and local questions on the November general election ballot. The board will also consider an application for an extension to file the grand list.

• Approval of Justice of the Peace candidates and local questions for the November general election ballot
• Application for extension to file the grand list

The Selectboard approved the consent agenda as amended, which included moving the Justice of the Peace ballot item to a business item. The board then voted 5-0 to approve inclusion of the Justice of the Peace candidates on the November general election ballot. No other local questions were included, as no petitions had been received. The meeting was a special session, and no executive session was held.

• Approved moving Consent Item 5B (Justice of the Peace ballot inclusion) to Business Item 6a, 5-0
• Approved the agenda as amended, 5-0
• Approved the Consent Agenda as amended, 5-0
• Approved inclusion of Justice of the Peace candidates on the November general election ballot, 5-0
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:04 PM, 5-0

Police Community Advisory Board

The Police Community Advisory Board will vote on board positions and discuss the Coming Together Summit and National Night Out. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Vote on PCAB positions
• Discussion on Coming Together Summit
• Discussion on National Night Out
• Approve minutes from June 16, 2026

The Essex Police Community Advisory Board discussed police updates, including the selection of Sgt. Mike Chistolini as the next lieutenant and the retirement of Det. Sgt. John Dunn. The board established a work plan with three goals: fill vacant board positions, attend at least six community events by end of 2026, and host at least four public outreach events. Members also agreed to attend National Night Out and decided to have a separate table at the Coming Together Summit.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Set goal to fill vacant PCAB board positions, including Dan Maguire's
• Set goal to attend at least six community events by end of 2026
• Set goal to host at least four public outreach events
• Agreed to attend National Night Out
• Decided to have a separate PCAB table at Coming Together Summit

Economic Development Commission

Cemetery Commission

The Essex County Cemetery Commission will review the FY27 budget and discuss maintenance actions including stone repairs, tree removal, and fence repairs. The meeting will be held in person and online.

• Approval of June 24, 2026 minutes
• FY27 Budget Review
• Stone Repair in ECBG
• Tree/Shrub/Stump Removal in MVC
• Crushed Fence in MVC

The commission delayed approval of the June 24, 2026 minutes because the document was not reviewed. Commissioners assigned follow‑up tasks, such as obtaining quotes for stump removal and gate repair, and will investigate volunteer participation for stone repairs. The next meeting is set for August 12, 2026 at 11:00 am.

• Approval of June 24, 2026 minutes postponed (no vote recorded)
• Next meeting scheduled for August 12, 2026 at 11:00 am

Conservation & Trails Committee

The Conservation & Trails Committee will elect officers, approve minutes from 06/09/2026, and consider several business items. Members will advise the DBR on a development application at 15 Leo Drive, approve the FY27 meeting schedule, adopt the FY 26/27 work plan for submission to the Selectboard, and receive a staff update on trails and potential actions. The agenda also includes a public comment period and a reading file for member comments.

• Advise DBR on development application at 15 Leo Drive
• Approve meeting schedule for FY27
• Adopt FY 26/27 work plan for submission to Selectboard
• Approve trail naming recommendations
• Staff update on trails and potential action

The Conservation & Trails Committee elected Bino Cummings as Chair, Erin De Vries as Vice Chair, and Duane Millar Barlow as Clerk. The minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (9‑0). The committee adopted a single recommendation to the Development Review Board that the applicant bury utility lines on the 15 Leo Drive project, and the motion to transmit that recommendation passed 9‑0.

• Bino Cummings elected Chair (vote 8-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Erin De Vries elected Vice Chair (unanimous support)
• Duane Millar Barlow elected Clerk (vote 8-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Approve minutes from 06/09/2026 (vote 9-0)
• Recommend burying utility lines for 15 Leo Drive subdivision
• Motion to transmit recommendation to Development Review Board passed (vote 9-0)

Selectboard

The Selectboard will review projected tax rates for Fiscal Year 2027 and consider adding local option tax and charter change questions to the November 2026 ballot. The body will also evaluate updates to the Water Use Ordinance and a Recreation Needs Assessment.

• Review of projected Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Rates
• Proposed updates to Water Use Ordinance 10.12
• Approval of contract for Logwood Circle / Alderbrook Road Stormwater Project
• Wastewater Allocation Request for 30 Boston Court
• Appeal of traffic calming measures on Ethan Allen Avenue

The board approved the consent agenda (4‑0) and reappointed Jeff Theis as the Essex representative to the Winooski Valley Park District (5‑0). It adopted the Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment (5‑0) and the Parks & Recreation Impact Fee Analysis (5‑0). Finally, it accepted the appeal and ordered removal of the speed bump on Ethan Allen Avenue (3‑2).

• Consent agenda approved (4-0)
• Reappointed Jeff Theis as Essex representative to WVPD (5-0)
• Adopted Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment (5-0)
• Adopted Parks & Recreation Impact Fee Analysis (5-0)
• Accepted appeal and removed Ethan Allen Avenue speed bump (3-2)

Planning Commission

The Essex Planning Commission will meet to discuss proposed changes to RPD-I uses and buffers, as well as a signage zoning change request. The agenda also includes the election of officers and approval of minutes from the previous meeting.

• Discuss proposed changes to RPD-I Uses
• Discuss proposed changes to RPD-I Buffer
• Discuss Signage zoning change request
• Approve minutes from June 11, 2026 meeting
• Election of Officers

The Planning Commission elected a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. The Commission also voted to move forward with making Kennel, Machine Repair Shop – Minor, and Veterinary Clinic conditional uses in the RPD-I District.

• Elected Josh Knox as Chair (6-0)
• Elected Georgia Lavigne as Vice Chair (6-0)
• Elected Jonathan Schumacher as Clerk (6-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved making Kennel, Machine Repair Shop – Minor, and Veterinary Clinic conditional uses in RPD-I District (6-0)
• Approved June 11, 2026 minutes (4-0-2)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Housing Commission

The Housing Commission will elect officers, review its charter, job description, and work plan, and discuss potentially rehabbing three abandoned houses at 100 Brigham Hill Road, 271 Chapin Road, and 81 Old Colchester Road. The meeting also includes public comment and approval of previous minutes.

• Election of officers
• Review of Housing Commission Charter
• Review of Housing Commission Job Description
• Review of Housing Commission Work Plan
• Discussion about rehabbing abandoned houses at 100 Brigham Hill Road, 271 Chapin Road, and 81 Old Colchester Road

The Housing Commission elected Lois Whitmore as Chair, Lorraine Zaloom as Vice Chair, and Cheryl Van Epps as Clerk. The commission settled on a recurring meeting time of 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for August 5th.

• Elected Lois Whitmore as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Lorraine Zaloom as Vice Chair (4-0)
• Elected Cheryl Van Epps as Clerk (4-0)
• Approved amended agenda (4-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (3-0)
• Set recurring meeting time for 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month

Development Review Board

The Development Review Board will hear a variance request to reduce the side setback for a shed at 152 Old Stage Road. It will also review a site‑plan proposal for a residential triplex at 58 Center Road. Additionally, the board will consider a request from 68 Pinecrest Drive LLC for an extension on their sketch approval. A review of board procedures is scheduled for a future meeting.

• Request from 68 Pinecrest Drive LLC for an extension on their sketch approval of a PUD at 68 Pinecrest Drive.
• Variance request for a 24'x14' shed at 152 Old Stage Road (5 ft from property line) in the Agricultural Residential district.
• Site‑plan proposal for a residential triplex at 58 Center Road in the High Density Residential (R3) and Business‑Design Control Overlay districts.
• Review of Board Procedures to be scheduled for August 6, 2026, including ethics policy and legal decision review process.
• Potential executive and/or deliberative session per V.S.A. §§313 & 312.

The Board elected its annual officers and approved an extension for a PUD at 68 Pinecrest Drive. Two public hearings were continued to later dates: one regarding a side setback variance at 152 Old Stage Road and another regarding a residential triplex at 58 Center Road.

• Elected Ian Carroll as Chair (5-0)
• Elected Nick Martin as Vice Chair (5-0)
• Elected Sharon Zukowski as Clerk (5-0)
• Approved agenda with changes (5-0)
• Denied approval of June 4 minutes pending updates to include public comments
• Approved extension for PUD sketch at 68 Pinecrest Drive (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 152 Old Stage Road variance to October 1, 2026 (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 58 Center Road site plan to September 3, 2026 (5-0)

Economic Development Commission

Selectboard

The Selectboard will consider placing Local Option Tax questions on the November 2026 ballot. The meeting includes interviews for volunteers for the Free Library Board, Police Community Advisory Board, Housing Commission, and Conservation & Trails Committee. Members will also discuss draft Animal Control Ordinance amendments.

• Potential action on Local Option Tax questions for November 2026 ballot
• Compliance hearing and potential action on April 6, 2026 Animal Control Order
• Discussion of draft Animal Control Ordinance amendments
• Approval of fiscal year 2027 Selectboard work plan
• Interviews for board and commission volunteers

The Selectboard approved updated conditions for the dog Loyla, including exemptions from muzzle training requirements. The new order mandates specific leashing or fencing protocols and requires the dog to be behind a two-system barrier when strangers are inside the home.

• Approved Consent Agenda 5-0
• Updated animal control order for Loyla to exempt muzzle training requirement

Cemetery Commission

The Commission will review the FY26 revenue and expense summary and the FY27 budget. Members will discuss specific maintenance actions for the ECBG and MVC cemetery areas. The meeting includes a report from the sexton regarding burial requests.

• FY26 Revenue/Expense Summary including donations and plot sales
• FY27 Budget Review
• Stone repair, dead tree removal, and gate repair in ECBG
• Tree/shrub/stump removal and crushed fence repair in MVC
• Stone cleaning

The Essex Town Cemetery Commission approved two plot purchase requests: one for Maya Starr in Ave C, plot 94, grave A, and one for Francis Kinghorn beside Henry Landon in Essex Common Burial Ground. Both approvals were unanimous. The commission also discussed maintenance items, including urgent dead tree removal in ECBG, and agreed to staff a table at Community Day.

• Approved Maya Starr's purchase of Ave C, plot 94, grave A (unanimous)
• Approved Francis Kinghorn's purchase of plot beside Henry Landon in ECBG (unanimous)
• Approved May 13, 2026 minutes
• Agreed to staff a table at Community Day

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission is holding a special business outreach meeting at Meadow Roast Cafe. The only business item listed is a discussion about Meadow Roast Cafe at One Towne Marketplace.

• Business item: Meadow Roast Cafe at One Towne Marketplace, Essex, VT

The Economic Development Commission held an outreach meeting with the owners of Meadow Roast Cafe to discuss business operations and challenges. The discussion covered topics such as marketing, local sourcing, and visibility within One Towne Marketplace. No formal actions or votes were taken during the business discussion.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Police Community Advisory Board

The Police Community Advisory Board will hear an update from the Essex Police Department, discuss strategies for filling vacant board positions, and develop a work plan for 2026. The agenda also includes public comment and approval of meeting minutes.

• EPD update
• Strategies for vacant PCAB positions
• Work Plan for 2026
• Approve minutes
• Public to be heard

The Board approved the May meeting minutes and established a work plan consisting of three main goals. These goals include filling vacant board positions, attending six community events through 2026, and hosting four public outreach events. The Board also decided to maintain a separate table from the Police Department at the upcoming Coming Together Summit.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Established Goal 1: Fill vacant PCAB board positions
• Established Goal 2: Attend minimum of six community events through 2026
• Established Goal 3: Host minimum of four public outreach events
• Decided to have a separate table from the Police Department at Coming Together Summit

Selectboard

The Essex Selectboard will consider approving truck replacements, a contract for permitting software, and a resolution to withdraw from Green Mountain Transit membership. The board will also interview candidates for library and planning commissions.

• Approve purchase of truck replacements
• Consider approval of permitting software contract
• Consider approval of resolution to withdraw from Green Mountain Transit
• Consider approval of Traffic Calming Manual
• Consider approval of updates to Personnel Guidelines

The Selectboard authorized a two-year contract with GovWell for permitting software and appointed Paul Bohne as the Green Mountain Transit representative. The board also held a public hearing to close out a Vermont Community Development Program grant for recovery housing at Fort Ethan Allen.

• Approved amended agenda (4-0)
• Opened public hearing for Fort Ethan Allen recovery housing grant (4-0)
• Closed public hearing for Fort Ethan Allen recovery housing grant (4-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (4-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to execute two-year contract with GovWell for permitting software (4-0)
• Appointed Paul Bohne as Green Mountain Transit representative (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss several proposed zoning changes. The session includes reviews of the Home Act and the RPD-I district.

• Proposed zoning changes regarding the Home Act
• Proposed zoning changes for the RPD-I Buffer
• Proposed RPD-I District Use changes
• Proposed zoning changes regarding Steep Slopes

The Planning Commission approved required and allowed zoning changes related to the Home Act. The Commission also discussed buffer requirements for the RPD-I District and potential new conditional uses for that district.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved required and allowed zoning changes regarding the Home Act (6-0)
• Agreed to allow administrative review of boundary adjustments and simple parcels
• Decided to pursue strong enforcement and reforestation plans for 50-foot RPD-I buffers instead of increasing them to 75 feet
• Requested draft language for allowing kennels, minor machine/repair shops, and veterinary clinics as conditional uses in the RPD-I District

Energy Committee

The committee will discuss and set priorities for the remainder of 2026, focusing on projects such as the Upper Main Street Project, a request for proposals for Unsworth, electric vehicles in Essex, and the Window Dressers program. They will also consider participation in the Champlain Valley Expo. Administrative items include approving minutes from April and addressing a vacancy.

• Discussion of Upper Main Street Project priorities
• RFP for Unsworth
• EVs in Essex discussion
• Window Dressers program
• Champlain Valley Expo participation

The committee reviewed its work plan for the remainder of 2026, including projects related to Upper Main Street, Unsworth, and Window Dressers. Action items were assigned to contact the Town Manager and the Essex Center for Technology.

• Approved April 8, 2026 minutes unanimously
• Assigned contact with Town Manager regarding Upper Main Street TENs options presentation
• Deferred Unsworth RFP until Geetha rejoins the committee
• Assigned Dottie Bergendahl to contact Essex Center for Technology regarding Window Dressers project
• Assigned Will Dodge to contact Efficiency VT regarding Champlain Valley Expo participation

Conservation & Trails Committee

The Conservation & Trails Committee will discuss advising the Development Review Board on applications at 152 Old Stage Road and 58 Center Road, and consider adopting a memo to the Planning Commission on the RPD-I Zoning District. Other business includes updates on Indian Brook Park spring cleanup, trail naming, Community Day, and adoption of the FY 26/27 work plan.

• Advise DRB on development applications for 152 Old Stage Road and 58 Center Road
• Adopt memo to Kent Johnson/Planning Commission on RPD-I Zoning District
• Indian Brook Park Spring Clean Up update
• Trail Naming update and potential action
• Adopt FY 26/27 Work Plan

The committee approved two memos to be sent to the Planning Commission regarding a development application at 58 Center Road and the RPD-I Zoning District. Members also approved the May 12th meeting minutes.

• Approved May 12th meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved memo for 58 Center Road development recommendations (8-0)
• Approved memo regarding RPD-I Zoning District (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)