Over the spring and most recently at a July 14 meeting, the Waitsfield Select Board has clarified its goals and a work plan for the coming year.
Town administrator York Haverkamp guided the review, which included updates to software capabilities, infrastructure planning, and policy development. High on the list of policy goals are updates to the Domestic Animal Ordinance, which the board linked to the urgent need to fill the currently vacant Animal Control Officer position. The creation of a short-term rental policy and revisions to the town’s Water Ordinance – now under review by the Water Commission – were also identified as high priorities.
The board discussed the need to improve long-range financial planning. A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will be prioritized during the budget development process later this year, with members expressing interest in consolidating the town’s various reserve funds to streamline budget tracking. Board chair Brian Shupe volunteered to assemble historical data on fund creation and contribution patterns.
Board members emphasized the importance of preparing for a potential reduction in federal funding for emergency response and repairs. Given that, the board agreed to explore alternative financing strategies. Haverkamp will also coordinate with a local insurance contact – provided by Ms. Ursprung – to gather more health insurance information relevant to town staff.
TOWN FACILITIES
As part of its work plan discussion, the board reviewed the status of town buildings and public properties, calling for better organization and tracking of maintenance and capital needs:
- Town Garage: Designated as a high priority. Haverkamp will work with Charlie Goodman and Josh Rogers to update the RFP for preliminary design work.
- Fire Station: Labeled a medium priority due to ongoing code issues and potential equipment upgrades. A joint meeting with the town of Fayston will be scheduled in the fall to address these items.
- Wait House: Undergoing phased improvements including exterior paint, ramp work, and roofing.
- Fairgrounds Property: Discussion on proposals in response to a recent RFP is ongoing.
- Town Office: Town treasurer Steve Lewis is developing a comprehensive maintenance plan.
- Town Easements: Haverkamp will begin tracking outstanding issues, with Pocket Park and the Hastings Road/Wu Ledges area cited as examples.
PLANNING
Infrastructure planning continued with a focus on culverts, paving, and state highway intersections:
- Culverts: Inventory and maintenance are underway, with attention to Butternut Hill.
- Paving: A long-term schedule is in development.
- Covered Bridge: Plans are in progress, including submissions from Miles Jenness for a “headache bar” and a search for electronic warning solutions.
Haverkamp confirmed that digital signatures are now in use, and the Water Protection Overlay District has been officially adopted following a public hearing at the start of the meeting.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a $615,630 contract with Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. to provide the sequencing batch reactor for the town’s wastewater project. They also set the FY2026 municipal tax rate at $0.5837, waived the homestead declaration penalty again this year, and approved a $131,037 purchase of a dump truck chassis.
An offer through Vermont Emergency Management for a FEMA property buyout on North Fayston Road was accepted, committing the town to preserve the parcel as permanent green space. Jennifer Grant’s property on North Fayston Road was flooded in July 2023. As part of accepting the Vermont Emergency Management offer the property will be demolished, paid for through the buyout program.
