Bennington County public meetings in 2023

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet to review the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The agenda also includes the approval of warrants and licenses, as well as a report from the Manager.

• FY25 Budget discussion
• Approval of warrants
• Review of licenses
• Personnel discussion in Executive Session

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a final public hearing regarding the Putnam Block Redevelopment. The agenda also includes a Planning Commission update and the review of November 27, 2023, minutes.

• Putnam Block Redevelopment Final Public Hearing
• Planning Commission Update
• Approval of November 27, 2023, meeting minutes

Select Board

The Select Board will review an amendment to the Bennington High lease/purchase agreement and discuss TIF dissolution. The meeting also includes presentations from the Rescue Squad and regarding the 250th anniversary.

• Amendment - Benn High Lease/Purchase Agreement
• Tif Dissolution
• Rescue Squad Presentation
• 250th Presentation

Select Board

The Select Board will review the consent agenda, including minutes and warrants. The meeting includes a presentation by the Berkshire Family YMCA and a report from the Health Department.

• Approval of October 23, 2023, minutes
• Review of warrants and licenses
• Berkshire Family YMCA presentation
• Health Department Dashboard review
• Executive session regarding contracts

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss a housing crisis update from the Agency of Human Services and receive an Energy Committee update. The meeting also includes discussions regarding a planning grant for the Town Plan and a revolving loan proposal for 748 Main Street.

• Agency of Human Services (AHS) housing crisis discussion
• Energy Committee update
• Planning Grant for Town Plan
• Revolving Loan Proposal - 748 Main Street
• Executive Session regarding personnel

Select Board

The Select Board will review the September 25, 2023 minutes and warrants. The agenda includes a presentation on a skatepark and discussions regarding brush pile fees and a Neighborhood Development Grant.

• Skatepark presentation
• Brush pile fees discussion
• Neighborhood Development Grant review
• Executive session regarding contracts

Select Board

The Select Board will receive an update from Project Alliance regarding housing outreach. The board is also scheduled to discuss compost and brush fees at the transfer station.

• Project Alliance update on housing outreach
• Discussion of compost fee
• Discussion of brush fee at Transfer Station

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will review the Benn High Development Agreement and a Health Impact Assessment for Benn High. The meeting also includes routine business such as approving minutes and reviewing warrants.

• Benn High Development Agreement
• Health Impact Assessment for Benn High
• Approval of August 28, 2023, minutes
• Review of warrants
• Appointments to Boards and Commissions

The Select Board reviewed a development agreement with Hale Resources, LLC to repurpose the Benn High building into a mixed-use facility. The project includes a new Senior Center, YMCA gym, and housing. No final vote on the agreement was recorded in these minutes.

• Approved Consent Agenda including amended August 28, 2023 minutes

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board meeting scheduled for September 7, 2023, consists of a single item regarding personnel in an executive session. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Executive Session: Personnel

The meeting was held for the sole purpose of an executive session to consider personnel. No other business was conducted, and no public decisions were recorded.

• Entered executive session to consider personnel
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 pm

Select Board

The Select Board will review the minutes from the August 14, 2023, meeting and approve warrants. The agenda also includes an ECDC update, a manager's report, and an executive session regarding personnel and contracts.

• Approval of August 14, 2023, minutes
• Review of warrants
• ECDC update
• Executive session regarding personnel
• Executive session regarding contracts

The Select Board approved the consent agenda and appointed the Town Manager as the voting delegate for the VLCT Annual Meeting. The board also received a presentation on refugee resettlement from the Ethiopian Community Development Council.

• Approved Consent Agenda including August 14 minutes, warrants, and liquor license
• Appointed Town Manager as voting delegate for VLCT Annual Meeting on September 26, 2023

Select Board

The Select Board will review the July 24, 2023, minutes, warrants, and licenses via the consent agenda. The meeting includes a police department update and a report regarding trees at Riverwalk.

• Review of July 24, 2023, minutes
• Bennington Police Department Update
• Riverwalk Tree Report
• Boards and Commissions Openings

The Select Board approved the consent agenda, including the July 24, 2023, minutes with one amendment. The meeting included a police department update on staffing and technology and a report on Riverwalk improvements.

• Approved Consent Agenda including July 24, 2023 minutes (amended)

Select Board

The Select Board will review the Bennington Emergency Management Plan for ratification. The meeting also includes discussions regarding housing updates and diversity, equity and inclusion at Bennington Elementary.

• Ratification of Bennington Emergency Management Plan
• Discussion of Tax Rates for FY 24
• Housing Update
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Bennington Elementary

The Select Board ratified the updated Town of Bennington Emergency Management Plan. The Board also approved the consent agenda and established new protocols for public comment to address disruptions and misinformation.

• Ratified the Town of Bennington Emergency Management Plan
• Approved Consent Agenda including July 10, 2023 minutes and warrants
• Established 3-minute time limit and topic-adherence rules for public comments

Select Board

The Select Board will review the BBC Work Plan and Budget and receive a housing update. The meeting also includes an introduction of the new Children's Librarian for the Bennington Free Library.

• BBC Work Plan and Budget discussion
• Housing update
• Bennington Housing Authority appointment modification
• Introduction of new Children's Librarian

The Select Board met on July 10, 2023. The board approved the minutes from the June 26, 2023 meeting with one amendment regarding a question about park competition specifications.

• Approved amended minutes of June 26, 2023

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a final public hearing regarding 300 Pleasant Street. The meeting also includes discussions on skate park design, state motel voucher program expiration, and setting water and sewer rates.

• Final Public Hearing for 300 Pleasant Street CDBG
• Setting of Water/Sewer Rates
• Traffic Ordinance Amendments
• Skate Park Design discussion
• State Motel Voucher Program expiration and town proposal

The Select Board met on June 26, 2023. The board voted unanimously to amend the agenda to add the Monument Arts and Cultural Center and remove the Executive Session regarding contracts.

• Approved agenda amendment to add Monument Arts and Cultural Center and delete Executive Session A. Contracts (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss the Chelsea Solar project and the expiration of the State Motel Voucher Program. The agenda also includes updates on Village Cemetery repairs and staff reports.

• Chelsea Solar discussion
• State Motel Voucher Program expiration
• Village Cemetery repairs update
• Approval of May 22 and May 30, 2023 minutes
• Appointment to Boards and Commissions

The Select Board met on June 12, 2023. The board approved the amended minutes from the May 22, 2023 meeting.

• Approved amended Minutes of May 22, 2023

Special Meeting - Budget Work Session

The Bennington Select Board is holding a special work session to review the Water/Sewer Fund budgets. The meeting also includes an executive session regarding personnel matters.

• Water/Sewer Fund Budgets discussion
• Executive Session regarding Personnel

The Select Board conducted a work session to review proposed FY24 budget increases of 4.4% for the Water Fund and 3.4% for the Sewer Fund. The meeting consisted of discussions and questions regarding health care costs, energy efficiencies, and bond payments; no formal votes were recorded.

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet to discuss a resolution regarding a grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission. The provided agenda contains no further details on the scope or amount of the grant.

• Northern Borders Regional Commission Grant Resolution

The Select Board approved a resolution to apply for a $1 million grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission. The funds are intended for renovations of recreation and childcare spaces in the Benn High building.

• Approved resolution designating Stuart Hurd as the authorizing agent for NBRC grant funding

Select Board

The Select Board will review the consent agenda, including minutes and warrants. The meeting includes a presentation on a roundabout and an update regarding Bennington High School.

• Approval of May 8 and May 15 minutes
• Rescue Squad Proclamation
• Roundabout Presentation
• Bennington High Update
• Executive Session regarding a legal matter

The Select Board unanimously approved the need for a roundabout project at three specific intersections and authorized staff to negotiate a development agreement with Hale Resources for the Benn High building. The board also approved the consent agenda and a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week.

• Approved the need for the Roundabout Project at Kocher Drive/Route 7, Benmont Avenue/Northside Drive, and Orchard Road/Hicks Avenue (Unanimous)
• Approved moving forward with the three proposed roundabouts (Unanimous)
• Requested VTRANS continue gathering details on the underpass (Unanimous)
• Authorized staff to negotiate a Development Agreement with Hale Resources for the Benn High project (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including May 8 and May 15 minutes and warrants (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet at the Bennington Fire Facility. The agenda includes an executive session and a discussion regarding a kennel license denial.

• Executive Session
• Kennel License Denial

The Select Board conducted a quasi-judicial appeal hearing regarding the denial of a kennel license for John Sweet. The board heard testimony from the applicant, neighbors, and staff before moving into a closed deliberative session to make a decision. No final vote on the license was recorded in the minutes.

• Voted unanimously to enter executive session to consider a legal matter
• Voted unanimously to enter deliberative session to decide on the kennel license appeal

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will review the policy on revolving loans and proposed changes to traffic ordinances. The meeting also includes staff updates regarding IT and loan programs.

• Policy on Revolving Loans
• Winter Parking Ban ordinance amendments
• East Road speed limit ordinance amendments

The Select Board adopted a formal approval policy for town loan programs and ratified all previous loans. The Board also voted to maintain the 35mph speed limit on East Road and updated the winter parking ban date.

• Approved Consent Agenda (minutes, warrants, licenses)
• Adopted Town Loan Programs Approval Policy
• Ratified all previous loans
• Amended Traffic Control Ordinance to change winter parking ban date from March 31 to April 15
• Denied speed limit increase on East Road; maintained 35mph limit

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss the Benn High Project and strategies for implementing the Town Vision. The meeting also includes a consent agenda covering previous minutes, warrants, and liquor/tobacco licenses.

• Benn High Project Presentation
• Review of Liquor/Tobacco Licenses
• Approval of April 10, 2023, Minutes
• Discussion on Implementing the Town Vision

The Select Board approved the consent agenda, including previous minutes and warrants. A presentation was held regarding the Benn High project public-private partnership, though no vote on the plan occurred during this meeting.

• Approved Consent Agenda including April 10, 2023 minutes, warrants, and liquor/tobacco licenses (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will review a CDBG application for recovery housing at 612 Gage Street. The meeting also includes discussions on traffic ordinance amendments and the ratification of a police contract.

• CDBG Application for 612 Gage Street Recovery Housing
• Traffic Ordinance Amendments
• Police Contract Ratification
• Bennington Sports Foundation update
• Approval of March 27 and March 31, 2023 minutes

The Select Board ratified a new contract for the New England Police Benevolent Association and approved a $500,000 grant application for recovery housing at 612 Gage Street. The Board also approved several street closures for community events and reorganized its leadership. Proposed traffic ordinance amendments were tabled for further study.

• Approved Consent Agenda including March 27 and March 31 minutes (Unanimous)
• Nominated Tom Haley as Vice-Chair (Unanimous)
• Nominated Jeannie Jenkins as Chair (Unanimous)
• Approved resolution for Shires Housing to apply for $500,000 VCDP CDBG/RFP Grant for 612 Gage Street recovery housing (Unanimous)
• Tabled Traffic Ordinance Amendments regarding East Road speed limits and winter parking
• Ratified NEPBA Police Contract with raises and extension to June 30, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved street closures for Hemmings Cruise Ins and First Fridays (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board is holding a special meeting to address 2023 license applications. No other business items are listed on the agenda.

• Review of 2023 License Applications

The Select Board met for the sole purpose of reviewing license applications. The Board voted unanimously to approve the list of alcohol and tobacco licenses.

• Approved list of alcohol and tobacco licenses (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will review the consent agenda, including minutes, warrants, and licenses. The meeting includes a public hearing notice regarding a CDBG application for Benn High-Housing.

• Public Hearing Notice: CDBG Application for Benn High-Housing
• Project Alliance discussion
• Executive Session regarding contracts

The Select Board approved the consent agenda, which included the March 13, 2023 minutes, warrants, and licenses. A scheduled presentation by Chelsea Solar was postponed to May.

• Approved Consent Agenda including March 13 minutes, warrants, and licenses (unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board is meeting to hold an executive session regarding contracts. No other business items are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session on contracts

The Select Board held an executive session to discuss a contract. No decisions were taken during this session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session to discuss a contract (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to review the consent agenda, including minutes and warrants. The agenda also includes a discussion on the Casella contract extension and implementing the Town Vision.

• Casella Contract Extension
• Implementing the Town Vision
• Executive Session regarding a contract

The Select Board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from February 27, 2023, warrants, and licenses. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text.

• Approved Consent Agenda (minutes of Feb 27, warrants, and licenses)

Town Meeting

The meeting was called to order and the Warning was read. No substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text, as the meeting adjourned to March 7, 2023, for elections and ballot voting.

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will meet on February 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes a police department update, manager's report, and consent agenda items such as minutes, warrants, and licenses.

• Bennington Police Department Update
• Consent Agenda: Minutes of February 13, 2023
• Consent Agenda: Warrants
• Consent Agenda: Licenses
• Manager's Report

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a local concerns meeting on three roundabouts, receive a presentation from Sunrise Families at the Center, and discuss a policy on non-profits and the ballot. They will also review the TIF District annual report and consider implementing the town vision.

• Three Roundabouts - Local Concerns Meeting
• Sunrise Families at the Center Presentation
• Policy-Non-Profits and the Ballot
• TIF District Annual Report
• Implementing the Town Vision

The Select Board met on February 13, 2023, and unanimously approved the consent agenda. This action approved the minutes from January 14 and January 23, 2023, as well as warrants and licenses.

• Approved Consent Agenda including January 14 and 23 minutes, warrants, and licenses (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will consider approving the Annual Town Meeting Warning and circulating a Bond Warning for signatures. The board will also discuss a resolution for the Downtown Transportation Fund and hear a presentation from the Bennington Sports Foundation.

• Annual Town Meeting Warning approval
• Bond Warning approval circulation for signatures
• Municipal Resolution Downtown Transportation Fund
• Bennington Sports Foundation presentation
• Consent agenda including minutes, warrants, and licenses

The Select Board approved a bond not to exceed $5.8M for water main and system upgrades. Members also adopted the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warning and approved a grant application for downtown transportation improvements.

• Approved 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warning
• Approved Public Hearing Notice for Water System Improvements Bond not to exceed $5.8M
• Adopted amended Quality Control, Internal Investigations and Discipline policy
• Approved $200,000 Downtown Transportation Fund grant application with $40,000 ARPA match
• Approved Consent Agenda including January 7 and January 9 minutes

Special Meeting - Budget Work Session

The Bennington Select Board is meeting for a budget work session to discuss and finalize budgets for the Fire Fund, Police, and Bennington Rescue Squad. The agenda includes a budget wrap-up and an executive session on personnel.

• Fire Fund budget discussion (8:00-8:30 AM)
• Police budget discussion (8:30-9:00 AM)
• Bennington Rescue Squad budget discussion (9:00-9:30 AM)
• Budget wrap-up (9:30-9:45 AM)
• Executive session on personnel (9:45-10:15 AM)

The Select Board approved the amended FY24 budget for voter consideration. Key actions included funding the Bennington Rescue Squad's request contingent on quarterly reports and setting salaries for the Town Manager, Clerk, and Treasurer.

• Increased Fire-Administration Salaries & Wages to $15,000 (Unanimous)
• Approved $226,870 for Bennington Rescue Squad tied to quarterly presentations (Unanimous)
• Allocated $512,940 to Bennington Free Library (Carried; Gary Corey abstained)
• Allocated $33,380 to BCRC (Unanimous)
• Allocated $2,700 to Paran Recreation and $42,500 to J. McCullough library (Unanimous)
• Took no action on Lake Paran Association request for $16,500 (Unanimous)
• Set salaries for Town Manager ($124,490), Town Clerk ($97,340), and Town Treasurer ($17,240) (Unanimous)
• Approved FY24 budget as amended for voter submission (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Bennington Select Board will hold a public hearing on a water system bond and conduct a third reading of a policy on quality control, internal investigations, and discipline. The board will also discuss a proposal for additional CPARB training as part of implementing the town vision.

• Water System Bond Hearing (6:00 PM - 6:05 PM)
• Quality Control, Internal Investigations and Discipline policy 3rd Reading (6:05 PM - 6:20 PM)
• Brian Carr's proposal for additional CPARB training (7:15 PM - 7:30 PM)
• Consent agenda includes minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses
• Executive session on personnel (7:45 PM - 7:50 PM)

The Select Board resolved that public necessity requires water main replacements at the South End and Gage Street, moving a $5.8M bond proposal toward voters. The Board also adopted a police internal investigations policy and approved training for the Community Policing Advisory Review Board.

• Approved $5.8M bond proposal for South End and Gage Street water main replacements (Unanimous)
• Adopted Policy on Quality Control, Internal Investigations and Discipline with proposed amendments (Unanimous)
• Approved $9,800 proposal from Brian Corr of Cambridge Consulting Services Group for CPARB training (Unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda including December 19, 2022 minutes, warrants, and liquor licenses (Unanimous)

Special Meeting - Budget Work Session

The Bennington Select Board is meeting for a budget work session to discuss the Highway Fund and the General Fund (excluding Police & Fire), along with the Bennington Free Library, John McCullough Library, and Lake Paran Association. No decisions are recorded; this is a discussion-only session.

• Highway Fund budget discussion from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
• General Fund (except Police & Fire) budget discussion from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
• Bennington Free Library budget discussion from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
• John McCullough Library budget discussion from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
• Lake Paran Association budget discussion from 11:30 AM to Noon

The Select Board reviewed budget proposals for the Highway Fund, General Fund, and local libraries. No formal votes were taken on the proposed expenditures, which included road paving, IT staffing, and lake weed management.

• Proposed $433,100 for paving and $214,260 for sidewalks
• Proposed $23,000 for heat pumps and $12,000 for window replacement in Town Offices
• Proposed $82,690 contingency for a new IT position
• Proposed $512,940 appropriation for Bennington Free Library
• Proposed $42,500 level funding for John McCullough Library
• Discussed $16,500 request from BCCD for Lake Paran weed management