Jericho meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Jericho Planning Commission closes public comment on housing zoning changes

The Jericho Planning Commission voted to close the public comment period on the Enable Housing zoning changes on August 28, moving the proposal to ease zoning for housing development a step forward. The commission also scheduled a review of a redline draft for its September 15 meeting. No formal decision was made on the zoning amendments themselves.

Planning Commission

At its August 18 meeting, the commission approved the minutes of the July 7 meeting (6-0). It closed the public comment period for the Enable Housing project, which began with an August 4 open house and online survey. The commission will review a redline draft on September 15. Members discussed but did not decide on holding a second open house.

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority held two quasi-judicial hearings on property tax appeals. On August 17, the board heard three appeals (SK258, CH192, CH025) and scheduled site visits for each property. No decisions were made; written decisions are due within 30 days. The board approved minutes from June 2 and July 29 unanimously and appointed Mike Weinberg as chair for the August 18 meeting.

On August 18, the board heard two additional appeals. For Susan Harritt and William Butler (NV254), a site visit was scheduled for September 7 at 2 PM, and the board suggested they consider combining their land with their primary parcel to reduce assessed value. For the JDV Living Trust (XD010), a site visit was scheduled for September 2 at 1 PM. No final decisions were issued at either meeting.

Library Board of Trustees

The Jericho Town Library Board of Trustees elected Brandon Ackel as chair unanimously at its August 11 meeting. The board accepted the secretary's report as written, noted that Tom resolved a plumbing issue, and discussed a grant application with the Vermont Department of Libraries and a memorandum of understanding with the town regarding the Friends Group's non-profit status. The board also discussed filling a vacant seat after Lindsey's resignation.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Committee

On August 10, the committee voted unanimously to approve Tony Likhite's membership. The committee also discussed trail maintenance, signage, bike racks, and other projects, but made no other formal decisions.

Affordable Housing Committee

The Affordable Housing Committee could not conduct business at its August 11 meeting because only two members were present, lacking a quorum. No decisions were made. Approval of the April and July minutes was tabled for a future meeting.

Conservation Commission (agenda only)

The Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet virtually on August 19. The agenda includes a presentation from DarkSky.org, a progress report on the Town Forest Dam removal, beaver impoundment inventory and culvert replacement strategy, beech leaf disease outreach, and road salt reduction workshop planning. Minutes are not yet published.

Selectboard (agenda only)

The Selectboard met on August 20, but minutes are not yet published. The agenda included appointing Meredith Bartolo as Town Library Trustee and Tony Likhike to the Bike Ped Connectivity Committee, both with terms expiring in 2027. The board also discussed low-cost safety improvements for Browns Trace, considered an adjustment to the property tax late payment policy, and approved a liquor license for Waterfront Yogurt & Sandwich for September 6, 12, 13, 19, 25, and 26.

Wastewater Task Force (agenda only)

The Wastewater Task Force met on August 13 to decide on parameters for a preferred alternative to complete the 90% Preliminary Engineering Report. The agenda included a scenario planning update, approval of July 13 minutes, and a public comment period. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

The Mobbs Farm Committee meets today, August 24. The agenda includes a proposal from Tom Baribault for rainwater storage at DawgHaus, trail signage name updates (including a proposed 'Chiver Me Timbers' sign), Rabbit Tracks project updates and an invoice, a budget review, and a blowdown report.

Jericho Selectboard adopts road and bridge standards; planning commission seeks housing zoning input

The Jericho Selectboard on Aug. 6 adopted updated Town Road and Bridge Standards and approved several other items, including a road closure for a library pet parade and liquor licenses. The board also discussed but did not vote on a request to lower the petition signature threshold.

Selectboard actions

The Selectboard voted 5-0 to adopt updated Town Road and Bridge Standards, effective January 21, 2026. The board also approved, all by 5-0 votes:

• Closing upper Jericho Center Circle for the library's pet parade on Aug. 8.
• Technology use, email, social media, and information security policies.
• VLCT Lifetime Achievement Award nominations for Catherine McMains and Sabina Ernst.
• Liquor licenses for Griffin Riders LLC on specified dates in 2026.
• Minutes of the July 16, 2026 meeting as amended.

The board entered executive session for personnel, real estate, and legal matters (5-0) and adjourned at 10:17 p.m.

The board discussed a DEI Committee request to lower the petition signature threshold from 10% to 5% but did not vote, agreeing to further research and clarification.

Planning Commission open house

The Planning Commission held an open house Aug. 4 at Jericho Town Hall to present draft zoning recommendations aimed at increasing housing options. The draft changes include reducing minimum lot sizes and road frontage requirements in several districts, expanding types of housing allowed in certain districts, easing creation of small lots and cluster housing in rural areas, and updating zoning district purposes to support housing. The commission will use feedback before making final recommendations to the Selectboard.

Other recent meetings

• **Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (Aug. 3, agenda only):** Discussed mailing absentee ballots, a book group, and a presentation to the Selectboard.
• **Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Committee (Aug. 10):** Approved Tony Likhite's committee membership unanimously. Also discussed trail maintenance, signage, and bike racks.
• **Jericho Town Library Board of Trustees (Aug. 11, agenda only):** Scheduled to discuss building project next steps, a memorandum of understanding from the town, library schedule transition, and an executive session on personnel and legal matters.
• **Affordable Housing Committee (Aug. 11, agenda only):** Scheduled to discuss the Planning Commission's Enable Housing initiative, work plan updates, and potential new members, and to approve April and July minutes.
• **Wastewater Task Force (Aug. 13, agenda only):** Scheduled to decide on parameters for a preferred alternative to complete the 90% Preliminary Engineering Report, with a scenario planning update and public comment.

Coming up

• **Board of Civil Authority, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. (hybrid):** Hears three property tax appeals: Clifford and Judy Hamel (SK258) at 6:30 p.m., Elizabeth and Miriam Novotny (CH192) at 7:00 p.m., and Charles Novotny (CH025) at 7:30 p.m. Also approves minutes from June 3 and July 29 meetings.
• **Board of Civil Authority, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. (hybrid via Zoom):** Hears two tax appeals: Susan Harritt and William Butler (NV254) at 1:00 p.m. and JDV Living Trust (XD010) at 1:30 p.m. Each appellant has a 30-minute slot; 12 copies of handouts are requested.

Mobbs Farm Committee denies picnic table; other Jericho boards meet on housing and tax appeals

The only formal decisions in Jericho over the past two weeks came from the Mobbs Farm Committee, which approved its June meeting minutes and denied a request to place a picnic table in the orchard. Other town boards met to discuss tax appeals, voter checklists, absentee ballots, and draft zoning changes aimed at increasing housing options.

Mobbs Farm Committee

The committee met July 27 and approved the minutes from its June 22 meeting. Members also discussed trail maintenance, budget projections for fiscal year 2027, and the naming of two new trail bypasses. The committee denied placement of a BPCC picnic table in the orchard.

Board of Civil Authority

The Board of Civil Authority met July 29. According to the agenda, the board was scheduled to conduct training for tax appeal hearings and review specific appeals, including the timeliness of appeals for Sk258 and CH025. The board also planned to consider a VTel wireless request to waive the right to a local BCA appeal, schedule further appeals for the 2026 Town Wide Appraisal, and review applications for additions and deletions from the voter checklist. Minutes have not yet been published.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee met online Aug. 3. The agenda included project updates on mailing absentee ballots, a book group, and a presentation to the Selectboard. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held an open house Aug. 4 at Jericho Town Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to present and gather feedback on draft zoning recommendations aimed at increasing housing options. The draft changes include reducing minimum lot sizes and road frontage requirements in several districts, expanding the types of housing allowed in certain districts, easing creation of small lots and cluster housing in rural areas, and updating zoning district purposes to support housing. The commission will use the feedback before making final recommendations to the Selectboard. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Committee meets today, Aug. 10. The agenda includes review of minutes and community input, a potential new committee member named Tony, trail signage, bike rack installation (date to be determined), and speed control measures scheduled for Ross Lane on Aug. 16. New business includes walk/bike/roll to school initiatives, trail maintenance, and sidewalk next steps. The committee will also discuss the Kikas Trail Maintenance.

Jericho boards discuss affordable housing sites, zoning changes ahead; committees set fall events

Community Development Corporation reviews affordable housing sites

The Jericho Community Development Corporation met July 23 and unanimously approved minutes from its June 25, 2026 meeting. Members discussed potential affordable housing sites on Lee River Road and Route 15, and reviewed updates regarding the Railroad Circle property. The board determined there will be no August meeting.

The housing-site discussion was not a decision; the JCDC reviewed locations but took no recorded action on them beyond the discussion.

Mobbs Farm Committee denies picnic table placement

The Mobbs Farm Committee met July 27 and approved minutes from its June 22 meeting. Members discussed trail maintenance, budget projections for FY'27, and the naming of two new trail bypasses.

The committee denied a request to place a BPCC picnic table in the orchard. No vote tally was recorded in the summary.

Library Board holds executive session on personnel

The Jericho Town Library Board of Trustees met July 22 and moved into executive session to discuss personnel issues. The motion passed unanimously, and the board adjourned after the session.

Energy Task Force plans fall appearances

The Jericho Energy Task Force agenda for July 20 listed discussion of a joint appearance at the Jericho Farmers Market on September 3, 2026. The task force also planned an event with the Underhill Energy Committee at Mils Riverside Park on September 22, 2026, covering jobs, participants, and food. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Board of Civil Authority sets tax-appeal agenda

The Board of Civil Authority agenda for July 29 included training for tax appeal hearings and review of specific appeals, including timeliness for Sk258 and CH025. The board was scheduled to consider a VTel wireless request to waive the right to local BCA appeal, schedule further appeals for the 2026 Town Wide Appraisal, and process voter checklist additions and deletions. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee — Aug. 3, online.** The committee will review project updates on mailing absentee ballots, a book group, and a presentation to the Selectboard.
• **Planning Commission open house — Aug. 4, 6:30–8:30 PM, Jericho Town Hall.** The commission will present draft zoning recommendations aimed at increasing housing options, including reducing minimum lot sizes and road frontage requirements in several districts, expanding allowed housing types, easing creation of small lots and cluster housing in rural areas, and updating zoning district purposes. Feedback will inform final recommendations to the Selectboard.
• **Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Committee — Aug. 10.** Agenda items include a potential new committee member named Tony, bike rack installation, speed control measures scheduled for Ross Lane on Aug. 16, a walk/bike/roll to school event on Oct. 7, and Kikas Trail Maintenance discussion.

Jericho committees advance housing, trails, and wastewater planning; Selectboard weighs tax rate and land-use items

Planning Commission approves minutes, reviews Enable Housing schedule

The Planning Commission approved minutes from its June 16, 2026, meeting in a 6-0-0 vote on July 7. The commission also reviewed a project schedule for the town's "Enable Housing" initiative, which includes upcoming public hearings and an open house. No further details on the schedule were available in the minutes.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Committee identifies bike rack locations

On July 13, the committee approved its June meeting minutes and took several actions on ongoing projects. Members removed the Crosswalk Identification List from active items until fall. The committee also identified potential bike rack locations at Town Square, the Community Center, Jericho Ale and Bean, and Town Hall. Members discussed speed control on Ross Lane, future trail modifications following the JTF Dam Removal, and a planned Walk/Bike/Roll to School event on October 7.

Selectboard considers tax rate, appointments, and Railroad Circle discontinuation

The Selectboard met July 16 to consider several items, though minutes have not yet been published and outcomes are not confirmed. The agenda listed appointing Nate Zynenburg as a Lister, reviewing and considering approval of the tax rate, and reviewing and considering approval of discontinuing a section of Railroad Circle. The board also planned to review and consider approval of Harvest Market and a liquor license for Yogurt & Sandwich. Updates on the Highway Department, Wastewater Task Force, and the Town Meeting Reimagined Task Force report were also on the agenda.

A separate Selectboard special meeting on July 6 included a 6:00 p.m. public comment period followed by an executive session on personnel and legal matters. No other business items were listed.

Wastewater Task Force reviews system options and development scenarios

The Wastewater Task Force met July 13 to review system options and costs based on new disposal capacity estimates. The agenda included a workshop with Jon Ashley of Dubois & King on system options and costs, an update on development scenarios with Gabby Voeller of SE Group, and a decision on parameters for a preferred alternative to complete the 90% PER. Minutes have not yet been published.

Energy Task Force plans farmers market and EV fair

The Jericho Energy Task Force met jointly with the Underhill Energy Committee on July 8 to plan two September events. The Jericho Farmers Market 2026 event is scheduled for September 3, with discussion covering logistics, publicity, activities, setup, and staffing. An EVent/e-fair is planned for September 22 at Mills River Park, with discussion of exhibits, vendors, e-bikes, food, music, budget, and site layout. The meeting also included a public comment period at 17:32 and review of June 18, 2026 UEC minutes.

Other committee activity

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee met July 13 to consider approving June minutes and receive project updates on mailing absentee ballots, a book group, and a Selectboard presentation. Members planned to review the August agenda.

The Conservation Commission met July 15 to discuss the Town Forest Dam removal and community outreach, a tree planting grant and volunteer tree care outreach, a road salt reduction workshop, and a wildlife coexistence policy for bears, beavers, and other species.

The Affordable Housing Committee met remotely July 14 to approve April minutes, discuss the Selectboard's "Enable Housing" policy, receive an update from the Wastewater Task Force, hold a Q&A for potential new members, and review work plan projects.

The Jericho Town Library Board of Trustees met July 14 to review the Secretary's report, financial report, building updates, and the Library Director's report. No old or new business was submitted.

Coming up

The Jericho Energy Task Force meets today, July 20, to discuss a joint appearance at the Jericho Farmers Market on September 3, 2026, and event planning with the Underhill Energy Committee at Mils Riverside Park on September 22, 2026, including jobs, participants, and food.

Jericho meeting roundup: Housing, energy events on recent agendas; wastewater workshop ahead

Three Jericho bodies met in the past week — the Selectboard, Planning Commission, and a joint session of the Jericho Energy Task Force and Underhill Energy Committee — but minutes have not yet been published for any of those meetings, so no decisions can be confirmed from the official record. The agendas show housing, energy event planning, and personnel matters were scheduled for discussion.

Selectboard — July 6

The Selectboard held a special meeting on July 6 with a public comment period at 6:00 p.m., followed by an executive session on personnel and legal matters. No other business items were listed on the agenda. Minutes have not been published.

Planning Commission — July 7

The Planning Commission was scheduled to approve minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting and discuss the Enable Housing project schedule. The agenda also included review of small-house Planned Unit Developments (PLUDs) — a land-use tool that allows flexible lot layout — with recommendations and discussion. Reports from the Town Planner and liaison officials were also listed. Minutes have not been published.

Energy Task Force — July 8

The Jericho Energy Task Force met jointly with the Underhill Energy Committee on July 8. The agenda covered planning for two September events:

• **Jericho Farmers Market 2026**: logistics, publicity, activities, setup, and staffing for a September 3 event.
• **EVent/e-fair**: an electric-vehicle fair scheduled for September 22 at Mills River Park, with discussion of exhibits, vendors, e-bikes, food, music, budget, and site layout.

The committees were also scheduled to review and approve June 18, 2026 Underhill Energy Committee minutes. Minutes from the July 8 joint meeting have not been published.

Coming Up

Four meetings are scheduled in the coming week:

• **July 13 — Wastewater Task Force**: A workshop on system options and costs with Jon Ashley of Dubois & King, an update on development scenarios with Gabby Voeller of SE Group, and a decision on parameters for a preferred alternative to complete the 90% Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). This meeting could shape the direction of Jericho's wastewater infrastructure planning.
• **July 13 — Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee**: Vote on June minutes, project updates on mailing absentee ballots, a book group, and a Selectboard presentation, plus planning for the August agenda.
• **July 13 — Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity Committee**: Follow-up on trail signage, crosswalk identification, bike rack and kiosk installation planning, and a speed control discussion for Ross Lane.
• **July 14 — Library Board of Trustees**: Review of the Secretary's report, financial report, building updates, and the Library Director's report. No old or new business has been submitted.