ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MINUTES
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – Woodbury Elementary School
Town Moderator Stephen Murphy calls the morning to order at 10:15 A.M. We
recite the Pledge of Allegiance, then hold a moment of silence to remember
our neighbors, friends, and family who passed away this past year. Moderator
reviews four points of order – rules, articles, debate, voting – based on
Vermont Law and Robert’s Rules of Order. Four attendees who were not
Woodbury registered voter identified themselves; voters welcomed them;
Moderator reminds them that they are not allowed to vote, and unless
permitted by the assembly, may not speak in debate.
Moderator states that he has previously publicly announced that he would
accept a nomination to be reelected moderator; therefore, to avoid the
appearance of a conflict of interest, he yields the podium to the Select Board
to preside over Article 1. Chris Casey (Select Board Chair) presides.
Article 1: Who shall be elected moderator?
Paul Cerutti nominates Stephen Murphy. No other registered voter was
nominated. By unanimous consent, nominations close then Chris declares
that Stephen Murphy is elected. Voters applaud. Stephen returns to
moderate the meeting.
Article 2: To consider the printed Woodbury Town Report for the year ending
December 21, 2025.
Ward (Skip) Marchesani moved the article; Paul Cerutti seconds. Paul gives a
thank you to whoever worked on the Town Report. John Reid states that three
items need to be amended.
I (John Reid) moved to amend Article 2 to make these corrections to the Town
Report be noted in our Town Meeting Minutes, and that the corrections be
made in the o¯icial digital version of the Town Report on the town’s website:
On Page 58, add the names of Cemetery Commission Secretary Stephanie
Appleton and Cemetery Commission Member Amy Eldred.
On Page 79, correct the amount requested by the Vermont Rual Fire
Protection Task Force to $200.
On Page 82, in the photo caption for the back cover, add Stephanie Appleton
to ban members, not in the photo.
Mary Clark asked about year 2025, that it should be year 2026.
Robin Durkee stated that 2025 is the calendar year.
Merry Gangemi asked why the school report was not in the Town Report. She
got the post card from the school district but stated that with spotty cell
service it is di¯icult for some people to access the reports.
Retta states that OSSU is their own entity.
Ward (Skip) Marchesani states that the question should be asked of the
School Board.
Article 2 called and passed.
Article3: Who shall be elected to fill the following positions as Town O¯icers?
Town Treasurer – 3-year term
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Higgins nominates Lillian (Lilly) Baron. Michael Gray
seconds. Lillian introduces her candidacy.
Amy Eldred Hunt nominated Brandy Smith. Merry Gangemi seconds. Brandy
introduces her candidacy.
Patrick Flood requests a paper ballot. More than 7 registered voters rise their
hands for a paper ballot. Moderator directs Board of Civil Authority to conduct
a vote by paper ballot. By unanimous consent, polls close. Town Clerk
reports the results: 116 votes cast, Lillian Baron receives 98, Brandy Smith
receives 18. Lillian Baron is elected. Voters applaud.
Select Board Member – 3-year term
Paul Cerutti nominates John Gordon. Phil Nold-Laurendeau seconds. John
introduces his candidacy.
Paul Cerutti moves to direct the Town Clerk to cast one ballot for John. Merry
Gangemi seconds. Moderator conducts a voice vote then declares that the
motion is passed. The Clerk casts on ballot for John. John Gordon is elected
for a 3-year term as Select Board Member. Voters applaud. Diana Peduzzi
thanked Lizzy for her years of service on the Select Board. Voters applaud
Lister – 3-year term
Bonnie Collins nominates Ronald (Ron) Wells. William (Bill) Condon seconds.
Paul Cerutti moves to direct the clerk to cast one ballot. Chris Koteas
seconds. Moderator conducts a voice vote then declares that the motion is
passed. The Clerk casts one ballot for Ron who is elected. Voters applaud.
Auditor – 3-year term
Robert (Bob) Martin nominates Susan Martin. Merry Gangemi seconds. Paul
Cerutti moves to direct the clerk to cast one ballot. Jayne Nold-Laurendeau
seconds. Moderator conducts a voice vote then declares that the motion is
passed. The Clerk casts one ballot for Susan Martin who is elected. Voters
applaud.
Collector of Delinquent Taxes – 1-year term
Carolyn Stewart nominates Ronald (Ron) Wells. Jayne Nold-Laurendeau
seconds. Amy Hunt nominates Brandy Smith. Brandy declines. Ron
introduces her candidacy. By unanimous consent, nominations close then
Moderator declares that Ronald is elected. Voters applaud.
Cemetery Commissioner – 5-year term
Carolyn Stewart nominates Susan Stitely. Carol Ray seconds. Susan
introduces her candidacy. By unanimous consent, nominations close then
Moderator declares that Susan is elected.
Cemetery Commissioner – 2-year term
Susan Stitely nominates Cathrine (Cacky) Peltz. Carol Ray seconds. Cacky
introduces her candidacy. By unanimous consent, nominations close the
Moderator declares that Cacky is elected.
Library Trustee – 2-years
Deanna (DeeDee) Avery nominates Allison Schmitt. David (Dave) Barber
seconds. Allison introduces her candidacy. By unanimous consent,
nominations close the Moderator declares that Allison is elected.
Hazen Union School District Director – 3-year term
Chris Casey nominates Steven Freihofner. Chris confirms that Steven
Freihofner said he will take the Hazen Union School District Director for the 3-
year term. No other candidates are nominated. By unanimous consent,
nominations close then the Moderator declares that Steven is elected.
Article 4: Shall the Town have its taxes paid to the Town Treasurer, as Tax
Receiver, sixty days after tax bills are mailed? (Estimated due date will be Oct
29, 2026.) After the due date, taxes will become delinquent and be turned
over to the Collector of Delinquent Taxes for collection with a penalty of one-
half percent per month, that increases by one-half percent per month of
delinquency up to a maximum of six percent if delinquent for one full year.
Interest of one-half percent per month will also be charged. All of this revenue
goes to the town.
Paul Cerutti moves the article. Ward (Skip) Marchesani seconds. No
discussion the article passes by voice vote.
Article 5: Shall the Town vote to exempt property owned by and used for the
purposes of our non-profit volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance services? If
so voted, such property also will be exempt from the education grand list and
the equalized education grand list.
Ward (Skip) Marchesani moves the article. Susan Martin seconds. Susan
Stitely wondering what this means. Paul Cerutti says he is not a lister, but his
understanding of this article is that the volunteer fire dept is private nonprofit
corp. so our property is not exempt from property taxes so when they do the
grand list for education funds the fire dept would have to include that cost in
their budget than would be passed on to the voters. Paul says he believes that
it needs to be done every ten years. Robin Durkee (Town Clerk) researched
after this question was raised at the pre-town meeting about the number of
years in-between having the article voted on. Research shows that after the
original exemption it needs to be redone every 5 years. The time it was last
voted on was 2017. Moderator asked is their future debate, hearing none will
close the debate by unanimous consent. Article passes with voice vote.
Article 6: Shall the Town appropriate $25,888.00 to the Woodbury Volunteer
Fire Department to fund the truck loan payment in the amount of $23,888.00
and to fund the truck maintenance reserve in the amount of $2,000.00, both
to be paid in full by July 01, 2026?
Ward (Skip) Marchesani moved the article. Susan Martin seconds. No debate.
By unanimous consent debates end. Move to the vote. Article passes with a
voice vote.
Article 7: Shall the Town appropriate $134,990.88 to fund the operations of the
Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department? The Capital Replacement Fund to be
paid in full by January 1, 2027, in the amount of $35,000.00 and the Operating
Expenses of $99,990.88 paid in quarterly installments of $24,997.72 starting
July 1, 2026.
William (Bill) Condon moves the article. Sara Vanhof seconds
William (Bill) Condon states that they have saved his life again as they did last
year and they deserve every last penny they get. Voters applaud. Elizabeth
(Libby) Case is Calais paying per call. Paul said that Calais is paying
Woodbury 50% of capital, operating they paid 1/3 the cost. Calais also pays
East Montpelier 50% of their capital and 1/3 of their operating expenses.
Majority of calls in Calais are EMS calls because of older population. Libby
asked if Paul thinks it is fair – Paul answered yes for the time being. Operating
is what they pay if you go on a one-hour call, a stupid of $12.50 is paid if you
go on a 14-hour call, they get $12.50. That’s all the money they will ever get.
The stipend is to cover clothes that get damaged, gas. Paul does not see the
operation of the fire dept changing in the near future. No major changes are
coming. Bruce Tucker – where are you heading. You are adding onto the
station just want to know where you are heading. What are they planning to
add for services to what they already have for the addition they are putting on.
Woodbury is not a huge town and other towns around are part of mutual aid.
Mutual aid is to keep costs down. Paul state if everyone remembers the
original station was going to 7000 square feet because of cost the project
went down to 4100 and was going to keep the original fire station but then it
got flooded out in 2023 again in 2024. The building could not be saved so the
addition is needed for the equipment that was housed in that building. This
winter the furnace in the annex stopped working so that equipment had to go
somewhere. Ron Wells calls the question. Kari Hooper seconds. Calling the
question means that debate will end and move directly to the vote. Will need
2/3 of voters to pass to move on. Clear to the moderator that the motion
passes and will move to the vote. Article is passed.
Motion to break for lunch while the Representatives speak. John Gordon
would like article 8 voted on before they speak. Paul agreed. Put before the
registered voters. Voter agreed to vote on article 8 then have the rep. speak.
Article 8: Shall the Town appropriate $100,100.00 to the Woodbury Volunteer
Fire Department to fund the loan payment for the Fire and Emergency
Operations Center, paid November 1, 2026.
Patrick Flood moved the article. John Gordon seconds. Article 8 passes.
Voters applaud.
Paul stated that the drug issues are not over. Looking for non-voting members
to help with truck checks, shoveling snow.
12:15 break for lunch and for representatives to talk about what they have
been working on this session. Ann Peltz asked if the noise level be kept low so
the rep could be heard.
Article 9: shall the voters appropriate $26,987.00 for the support of the
Woodbury Community Library?
Ward (Skip) Marchesani moved the article. Chris Koteas seconds. Jayne
Nold-Laurendeau thinks it needs to be voted on because they do so many
wonderful things. No further questions or comments. By unanimous
consent, discussion ends. Moderator conducts a voice vote then declares the
article passed. Voters applaud.
Article 10: Shall the voters appropriate $17,300.00 for the support of the
Woodbury Cemeteries?
Ward (Skip) Marchesani moves to consolidate the voting for Articles 10-32.
Sara Vanhof seconds. Moderator states, regarding Article 32, he is an
employee of Washington County Mental Health Services, he was informed
that the annual budget for Washington County Mental Health Servies FY 26
budget is $78.9 million. Stephen states that he is an employee of Washington
County Mental Health, does not feel that the $1,000.00 would be a conflict of
interest with the size of their budget and would turn over the running of this
article to the select board if anyone has an issue. Hearing no objection. By
unanimous consent, discussion on the amendment ends. Moderator
conducts a voice vote then declares the motion is amended. Susan Stitely –
I’m a member of the Woodbury Cemetery Commission which is part of the
amendment, and I would be hesitant to approve this not knowing what will
come up in the future. I would like to thank Jamie Dutil for her years of service
also would like to thank Patti Garbark for the sign she made for the South
Woodbury Cemetery. She will also make signs for the other cemeteries; we
also have green burial section. For those of you who do not know what green
burial is, you are buried in a biodegradable box which is much cheaper. Last
year we got quotes for a new road that would make it easier for people to get
into the cemetery. Does anyone have any questions. Hearing no other
debate on the combined articles we will close debate. By unanimous
consent, discussion on the amendment ends. Hearing none, will close
debate on series of articles and will move to the vote. Articles 10 -32 are
passed.
Article 10: Shall the voters appropriate $17,300.00 for the support of the
Woodbury Cemeteries?
Article 11: Shall the voters appropriate $2,500.00 to the Woodbury/Calais
Food Shelf?
Article 12: Shall the voters appropriate $75000 to Aid to Women, Men and
Children in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (A.W.A.R.E.)?
Article 13: Shal the voters appropriate $250.00 to the American Red Cross of
NH/VT?
Article 14: Shall the voters appropriate $600.00 to Central Vermont Adult
Basic Education?
Article 15: Shall the voters appropriate $750.00 to the Central Vermont
Council on Aging?
Article 16: Shall the voters appropriate $300.00 to the Central Vermont
Economic Development Corporation?
Article 17: Shall the voters appropriate $2,000.00 to Central Vermont Home
Health & Hospice Inc.?
Article 18: Shall the voters appropriate $650.00 to CIRCLE (Battered Women’s
Services)?
Article 19: Shall the voters appropriate $500.00 to Elevate Youth Services
(Washington County Youth Services)?
Article 20: Shall the voters appropriate $100.00 to the Family Center of
Washington County?
Article 21: Shall the voters appropriate $484.00 to Green Mountain Transit?
Article 22: Shall the voters appropriate $50.00 to Green Up Vermont?
Article 23: Shall the voters appropriate $750.00 to Hardwick Community
Television?
Article 24: Shall the voters appropriate $200.00 to Mosaic VT (Sexual Assault
Crisis Team)?
Article 25: Shall the voters appropriate $200.00 to the Our House of Central
Vermont?
Article 26: Shall the voters appropriate $100.00 to People’s Health and
Wellness Clinic?
Article 27: Shall the voters appropriate $500.00 to Rural Community
Transportation?
Article 28: Shall the voters appropriate $200.00 to Salvation Farms?
Article 29: Shall the voters appropriate $2,500.00 to Twin Valley Senior
Center?
Article 30: Shall the voters appropriate $210.00 to Vermont Center for
Independent Living?
Article 31: Shall the voters appropriate $200.00 to the Vermont Rural Fire
Protection Task Force?
Article 32: Shall the voters appropriate to $1,000.00 to Washington County
Mental Health Services?
Article 33: Shall the voters authorize General Fund expenditures of $639,081
for operating expenses for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027?
Paul Cerutti moves the article. David Barber seconds.
Paul would like to thank the select board and people doing this tu¯ job. Voters
applaud.
Amy Hunt why did the Treasurer’s salary increase so much? Lizzy Higgins, the
Treasurer increased twofold reasons 1) we have not been paying our Treasurer
a competitive rate, a pretty low rate and when our old Treasurer (Brandy) left
we needed to get somebody and be able to retain Lilly, who has done an
awesome job. We need to pay the person a rate that allows them to be in the
position. 2) We have increased the hours we have been asking for work to be
done and that there is really no other person to do and the select board has
also given her some tasks so between those two things that is the increase in
the amount. Chris Casey would like to speak – would like to add that she has
updated reports – for instance last week a formal acceptance letter. When we
o¯er someone a job, we will give the acceptance letter that will be put in the
permanent files. This is something that we have not had before, it is
something that will put Woodbury on a more sure footing. Moderator asked
the people in the back of the room to please be quiet when others have the
floor. Thank you and that goes to all of us – to respect the person speaking.
Patrick Flood when I was going through the town report, it appears that many
got increase in compensation. He believes the road crew got an increase that
he believes is well deserved, believes the Town Clerk got an increase, and just
voted for this budget that gives the Librarian an increase. Just a reality, the
world has changed it is not 1975 if we want to be competitive, we will have to
spend a little bit more and it is really not that much for what we are getting in
return. Voters applaud. Deborah LaRose my question – she is getting paid
more than the Town Clerk why the Town clerk has a lot more responsibility.
Diana Peduzzi from the select board. Hi, I was the town clerk for 10 years and
I was never the town treasurer, thank goodness. The jobs are not equivalent,
the treasurer is not only a bookkeeper, only accountant, is someone that
tracks money and personally I think it is a more responsible, more di¯icult
position. Have state standards that have to be applied, and all jobs get more
complicated – I’m sure Robin’s has. My opinion. Robert (Bob) Martin I cannot
understand why select board members are paid so little. Voters applaud.
Lizzy Higgins when budgeting we looked at what other Treasurers/clerks are
getting, our Treasurer is making less, and our Clerk is getting a little bit more.
Amy Hunt, why are we paying Lilly an hourly wage when she is taking a course,
I can see paying a reimbursement when she passes the course. Why are we
paying her to take the course. Most places like the state reimburses the cost
of the course when passed. They don’t reimburse the hours for taking the
course – they reimburse the cost of the course so why are we paying for the
hours to take the course? Marcial Rodriguez-Arenal says it is common
practice that he gets paid to train. His take on is that it is no big deal. Ward
(skip) my whole working career for a Fortune Four sent me for training they
paid for the training, meals and living expenses. Rebecca (Becky) Browning I
will say that the salary is a modest amount and that this is person in charge for
handling our money, so it is a very small amount to pay. Chris Casey, select
board, was asked for permission to take the courses and the select board felt
that taking the initiative to take courses on their own was a plus for the town.
It’s important to pay for new skills that will benefit us, yeah, we made that
decision. Graham Christie I was a municipal inspector in Florida for 16 years
we were always paid for training because you want your sta¯ up to date.
David Barber understanding that Town employees are part-time with no
medical benefits, no paid time o¯. It’s di¯icult to find time outside of your
bread and butter to find time to volunteer. Think it’s common practice these
days to pay for the training. Diana Peduzzi just wanted to mention that we do
pay the others that want to take training. I’m sure that if Ron was here, he
would say how frustrated he is with all the training that is required now. Robin
gets paid when she goes to training that the state puts on. Listers get paid
even if they are sitting doing zoom training. Part-time employees get some
benefits; they get paid time o¯. Lilly – wants to clarify that my time paid is
spent in front of an instructor does not include study time, review and do
assignments. Robin Durkee – on page 29 under payroll expenses why didn’t
the Delinquent Tax Collector get the 3% increase that the rest of us got?
Bonnie Collins page 27, we are paying the Treasurer $31.50 an hour. We are
paying our Asst. Treasurer $45.00 an hour, Delinquent Tax Collector $35.44 an
hour both of those positions are paid more than our Town Treasurer. Lizzy
wants to know if this is relevant to the question. Diana Peduzzi that amount is
because we were paying Brandy as Assist. Treasurer while she was training
Lilly so that is why that is a little over inflated. We paid her $45.00 per hour.
As Moderator I remind you that we stayed focused on the position not the
person in that position. Lilly just to notice Robin’s question quick clarification
these figures are just estimates. Next year the Delinquent Tax Collector will
have that 3 % if you look at FY 2025 if had $2,843.53 was spent for the year
and this year’s budget is $5,000.00 so looking at what was spent plus the 3%
increase the $5,000.00 look su¯icient. With unanimous consent, discussion
ends. Moderator conducts a voice vote then declares that the article is
passed.
Article 34: shall the voters authorize Highway Fund expenditures of $864,599
for the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027?
Paul Cerutti moves the article. Ward (Skip) Marchesani seconds.
Paul Cerutti says good job. Voters applaud. Chris Casey, increase to the
HERF fund annually we put $90,000.00 in that fund. It is pretty clear that after
the purchase of our new truck that is not even for future purchases. It was
recommended that $150,000.00 be put in the HERF but as a board we
decided that we could not do that much so went with $125,000.00. Will have
to increase that amount going forward will have to be increased. We need to
keep our roads in good condition so that amount will have to be increased. By
unanimous consent, discussion ends. Moderator conducts a voice vote then
declares that the article is passed.
Article 35: To transact any other non-binding business that may legally come
before the meeting.
Ward (Skip) Marchesani moves the article. Gayle McFarland seconds. Eve
Gordon (non-registered voter) without adjusting, with unanimous consent Eve
can speak. Notice that the flag by the Post O¯ice steps has some wear, is
there anything the Town can do to help replace it. Robin Durkee will talk with
the manager of the Post O¯ice (which is in Hardwick) to get the flag replaced.
Voters applaud. By unanimous consent, discussion ends.
Article 36: To adjourn the meeting.
Roy Demers makes a motion to adjourn. Jayne Nold-Laurendeau seconds.
Moderator conducts a voice vote then declares that the meeting is adjourned
at 1:47P.M. Voters applaud.