Month: May 2026

Town of Woodbury Select Board Meeting Minutes
May 11 , 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members: Diana Peduzzi, Chris Casey, John Gordon
Town Officials: Graham Christie (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer)
Town Employees: Peter Dailey (Road Commissioner ); Michael Gray (WSB assistant)
Members of the Public: Robin Durkee; Geoff Whitchurch, NEKBroadband/CV Fiber; Ivan Niles, Worcester
Rangers Snowmobile Club (WRSC); Kathryn Saunders, Worcester/Calais HO
Media: Jerome Lipani – HCTV Lance MacKenzie
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda NEK/CV Fiber ROW permit added; Worcester Rangers Town Road repair added;
TH Grants Update added
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the April 27, 2026, Select Board meeting were approved after Diana read an addition to the
minutes addressing the results of the executive session held on the 27
th
.
Public Comment Robin noted that the WSB agenda has not been posted on FPF recently.
Worcester Rangers/VAST with Ivan Niles
Ivan Niles representing the Worcester Rangers Snowmobile Club, requesting permission to work on the Class 4
Town Highways in the Woodbury Mountain Wilderness Preserve. These road segments are rutted and eroded by
years of mis-use by recreational drivers, making it impossible for the snowmobile clubs’ groomers to get through
in the winter. The town does not maintain these roads. The link between the Woodbury roads and the Elmore
roads is especially bad. West Woodbury Road – TH 3 – the Class 4 section goes from the Class 3 section, then
turns west for the short segment (.3 miles) toward Elmore. South from that intersection is Slayton Pond Road TH-
17. These form an important connection route to other snowmachine trails to the north. The WRSC has cleared
trees off the trail in the past but would like permission to do further repairs including widening, ditching and adding
material to the road surface. They are hoping to get a grant from VAST to do this work. It may be a multi-year
project depending on funding.
Ivan reviewed the project with Alfie, former Road Commissioner, and now requests a site visit with Peter Dailey,
an excavating contractor and NEWT to work out a plan and scope of work for improvements to the road . The WSB
voices support for this effort; Peter is willing to be a part of the site visit and the ongoing project. The Clerk will
forward a PDF version of the application for Work Within the Public Right of Way. There was discussion about how
to limit use of the road during the construction.

NEK Broadband/CV Fiber ROW Permit with Geoff Whitchurch
Geoff has submitted to Peter the town ROW permit requesting the laying of a 1,000 feet of conduit in the town’s
ROW on Scribner Road between existing poles. The WSB looked at the permit and map of the proposed area for
the buried conduit. The project description was missing in the permit . Peter mentions that there is a fairly deep
culvert in that 1000 foot section of road that needs to be upgraded to new standards . Peter suggests the conduit
and culvert replacement projects be coordinated to be done at the same time. The project description will be
made available to the WSB and the WSB will make a decision on this at its May 25
th
meeting.
Road Commissioner’s Report with Peter Dailey
Peter has received the report from PACIF that includes a suggested scope of work and the amount PACIF will pay
to cover damages to the roof at the Town Garage. Contractor estimates need to be solicited. It is believed that a
new generation of the racoon family have moved back into the ceiling. Peter also had a quote from McGee Ford for
the motor replacement of the 550 - $15,000. Mc Gee is not willing to accept any responsibility for the blown
motor. They feel that the fact that the motor failed a few days after the 550 was returned for the $12,000 exhaust
repair is an unfortunate coincidence. Peter met a Ford dealer from Rutland area at the “Truck Show” last week,
who said they could replace the 550 with a new truck for $130,000. Chris asks about replacing the motor and
keeping the truck going until 2028 when the 550 has been scheduled to be replaced and wonders how long the
road crew could function without the truck. Peter answers that the 550 is primarily used as the winter salt truck.
No decision on the 550 was made at this meeting. Peter mentions that he will be scheduling the pumping of the
garage septic tank. Diana suggests he call Michaud’s; Peter will give them a call.
Diana asked about the road crew part time employees who signed on to help with snow plowing. Peter reported
that they are both still being scheduled for part-time hours, but are not committed to stay on. Only one person
has shown interest in the full-time position but he does not have his CDL and said he was studying for it. There has
been no other response to the published ads for the position. Peter suggested posting on the VLCT site.
Work for this week will be focused on grading and cleaning out culverts. Peter is working with the crew to get them
trained on all the road equipment, Tim is learning to run the grader. It was also announced in the reading of the
executive session for the April 27
th
meeting that Peter has been appointed as the town’s Road Commissioner.
Town Highway Grant Updates with Michael Gray
Michael received notice that the VTrans grants – paving of Foster Hill Road and engineering and design work for
culvert replacements on Church Street and Bailey Bridge Road have received recommendations for approval. The
final notice of these grant awards is anticipated soon. The road crew has also received notice of a grant award of
$20,000 for work on the section of Valley Lake Road as the road descends into the village. This work will be done
after the culvert replacement on Valley Lake Ro ad scheduled for this summer. Michael also shared that the
property owner for the County Road portion of the EWP project does not want the town’s road crew to do the work;
they would prefer the work be done by the contractor who will doing the work on the Cabot Road/Buck Lake Brook
project. The BRIC grant application for the Buck Lake Brook watershed study has been completed. However
VEM/FEMA now requires two additional forms. One of the forms asks for a listing of relevant town officials and a
bio/resume for each. Michael requests that the TTR, The EMD and the WSB chair put together a simple bio/resume
for inclusion in this application. Michael and Keith Cubbon, CVRPC will also be providing bios for the application.
Town Clerk’s Report with Graham Christie
The Select Board signed the Certification of Election of Town Clerk form, to confirm to the Secretary of State that
he has been duly appointed. Graham, with Robin’s help, will be overseeing the MVUSD special school budget
election on May 20
th
along with learning the job, also with Robin’s help. Robin will stay on in the post of Assistant
Town Clerk while training Graham, which may take up to two months.

Graham reported receiving two Notices of Dog Bites, which come in from hospital Emergency Rooms. These
usually go to the Town Health Officer who determines whether any action is needed. In both of these cases, the
dog bites happened with domestic pets, in the owner’s homes. Concurrently and conveniently, Kathryn Saunders
arrived at the meeting. Chris had spoken with her about taking on the position of Town Health Officer for the Town
of Woodbury. Kathryn shares that she is the HO for Calais and Worcester, has many years of experience as a nurse
and would be interested in serving as Woodbury’s HO. She does not receive a stipend from the other towns and
would not expect one from Woodbury. The WSB accepted her offer and appointed her as the town’s HO. Graham
will put together an appointment letter for the next meeting. Chris offers to Kathryn that he is willing to be a backup
for her on HO issues in town, if Kathryn feels that is needed. She accepted the two dog notices and will follow up
with the owners.
Town Treasurer’s Report with Lillian Baron
The General Fund (GF)is currently operating at a deficit of $66,058 though the GF balance has increased to
$37,377, due to the $20K transfer of funds from the HF to the GF. As a result of this transfer, the HF balance has
decreased to $231,467. The Highway Fund (HF) has a budget surplus of $143,912. Total Cash on hand is $922,457.
The HERF received a Swenson Quarry payment this month that brings that fund to a current negative $37,874.
The town has received its final PACIF invoice for FY 26. The town has also been reimbursed $14k by the OSSU for
insurance paid by the town for the elementary school. The town has also received all funds from VTrans for town
highway aid for a total of $80,911.
The town has received the final FY 26 cash flow report from the state for education taxes to MVUESD and Hazen. In
September of each year the town receives a preliminary cash flow report that tells the town what is owed to
MVUESD and Hazen. Because town taxes are paid once a year and the school taxes are also paid once a year, the
town pays the full projected amount from the state’s preliminary cash flow report to MVUESD and Hazen. Later,
after these payments, the town receives a final cash flow report that states the actual amount owed. For this year,
it appears the initial payment is $40,000 higher than the actual amount owed. Lilly is expecting money back before
the end of FY 26 from the state education department. Lilly has signed up for a June 5
th
NEMRC day long seminar
on tax billing; the cost of the seminar is $175.
Lilly asks the WSB to reconsider the TTR’s weekly scheduled hours from the currently stated 22 hours a week. She
is finding that the responsibilities of the position consistently require approximately 30 hours per week, depending
on the time of the year. This change would affect the TTR’s eligibility for VMERS, paid leave and employer offered
health insurance. All changes could be directly addressed in the Elected Officials Agreement (EOA)
of the personnel policy to fully outline the benefits and hours for the TTR position. The WSB requests that Lilly
make those changes to the EOA and will discuss any proposed changes at a future meeting.
Updates on Buyouts with John Gordon
John has a draft RFP for the demolition work of the two properties and that the RFP should go out ASAP; WSB will
review the RFP. Logistics around power and water are discussed. John spoke a gain with Tim Higgins and was given
an estimate from Tim for the full transfer of the electrical line and transfer box from the old fire station to the T own
Hall - $3,000. He could temporarily disconnect the electrical equipment for later installation (after the demolition)
for $1000 (of the $3,000) The WSB agrees to this plan and approves hiring Tim Higgins, Woodbury Electric, to do
the work. John will also ask Tim for an estimate to fix the deteriorating electrical line running out from the back of
the Town Hall. It has already been decided the well/waterline work will be done in conjunction with the demolition.
There is a request about creating an outdoor spigot to provide water for the skating rink, as part of the water
configuration. Diana asks if there are any rules that will need to be followed with the water line work regarding
public water. Where would the outdoor spigot be placed? Since the water from the well behind the Post Office
building will only serve two buildings it may not be considered a public water supply. John will check into that.
John has suggested that part of the Shattuck property be used as a parking area for access to the two adjacent
parks. Permission from VEM and Vtrans may be needed.

Town Official Appointments
The Town still needs someone to serve as the town’s contact person with FEMA.
Updates and Other Business
Bills and Payroll: Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Status with FEMA: Nothing to report
Swenson/Polycor Quarry Act 250 Hearing Request: David Mears, the town’s lawyer has been asked
to generate a report for the hearing
Next WSB Meeting Date: With the next scheduled date for the WSB meeting falling on Memorial Day, May
25, the WSB reschedules its meeting to be on Wednesday, May 27
th
.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7 :50 P.M.
Signatures and Approval
Chris Casey ______________________ Diana Peduzzi _________________________
John Gordon ______________________ Date Approved __________
Guide to Acronyms
ACO - Animal Control Officer; ANR – Agency of Natural Resources; AOT – Agency of Transportation; AP – Accounts
Payable; BR- Better Roads; BRIC – Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities; CDT – Collector of
Delinquent Taxes; CIP – Capital Improvement Plan; CR – Cash Receipts; CRC –Consolidated Resource Center;
CVRPC – Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission; DHC – Department of Health; EC – Ethics Commission;
EMD – Emergency Management Director; EMS – Emergency Medical Service; EOA – Elected Officials Agreement;
ERAF – Emergency Relief Assistance Funds; ET – Electronic Transfer; EWPP – Emergency Watershed Protection
Program; FIRM – Federal Insurance Rate Map; FPF – Front Porch Forum; FY – Fiscal Year; GF – General Fund; GIA –
Grants in Aid; HED – Hardwick Electric Department; HERF – Highway Equipment Replacement Fund; HF – Highway
Fund; HMP – Hazard Mitigation Plan; HPD – Hardwick Police Department; H&H – Hydrological & Hydraulic; LE MP –
Local Emergency Management Plan; LHMP – Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; MMA – Money Market Account; MRGP
– Municipal Roads General Permit; MOU – Memorandum of Understanding; MTSC – Mountain Tamers Snowmobile
Club; MVUESD – Mountain View Union Elementary School District; NEMRC – New England Municipal Resource
Center; NEWT – Northeast Wilderness Trust; NRCS – Natural Resources Conservation Service; OSSU – Orleans
Southwest Supervisory Union; PDM – Program Delivery Manager; POC –Point of Contact; PR – Payroll; PTO – Paid
Time Off; RBT – RB Technologies; REI – Road Erosion Inventory; RFP – Request for Proposal; ROW – Right of Way;
SS – Seacoast Securities; TAC – Transportation Advisory Committee; TAN – Tax Anticipation Note; T C – Town
Clerk; TH – Town Highway; THO – Town Health Officer; TM – Town Moderator; TTr – Town Treasurer; USDA – United
States Department of Agriculture; VEM – Vermont Emergency Management; VTRANS – Vermont Agency of
Transportation; VAST – Vermont Association of Snow Travelers; WC – Workman’s Compensation; WCC –
Woodbury Conservation Commission; WCL – Woodbury Community Library; W/CFS – Woodbury/Calais Food
Shelf; WCSD – Washington County Sheriff’s Department; WHRT – Woodbury-Hardwick Rail Trail; WRSC –
Worcester Rangers Snowmobile Club; WSB – Woodbury Select Board; WPC – Woodbury Planning Commission;
WNRCD – Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District; WVFD – Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department;
ZA – Zoning Administrator; ZBA – Zoning Board of Adjustment

Town of Woodbury Select Board Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members: Diana Peduzzi, Chris Casey, John Gordon
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk}, Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner); Peter Dailey (Road Foreman);
Members of the Public: Graham Christie; Bob Martin; Skip Marchesani
Media: Jerome Lipani -HCTV
Call to Order Chriscalledthemeetingtoorderat6:01 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda LEMP approval struck from the agenda; THO added to Appointments
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the April 13, 2026, Select Board meeting were approved
Public Comment None
Road Commissioner's Report with Alfred Larrabee and Peter Dailey
The road crew is focused on grading the Class 3 roads. The roads are still posted but signs will come down this
week. The 550, recently repaired, broke down again after a few days. This time the trouble is with the engine, with
the fix suggested by the Ford dealer, who did the initial repair, that the motor needs to be replaced. Peter does not
feel it is worth the town's expense to invest more money in this vehicle. Alfie needs to speak with the tech and
dealership at Ford to better understand why the engine trouble was not taken into account before the previous
$12,000 repair work was done. It will cost at least $165,000 to replace the 550. Discussion follows on how that will
be accomplished with thought of putting the 550 replacement at the top of the HERF priority listing, bumping back
the excavator as discussed at a previous meeting. No decision was made at this meeting.
CVFiber wants to place underground fiber in the ROW of some sections of the Class 4 section of Scribner Road.
The town has a permit form for work within the right-of-way.
Alfie announces that the roadside spring in the gulf is now flowing again. The road crew and town volunteers
contributed to the repair work. Peter has been talking with a person interested in applying for the 3
rd
full-time road
crew member position. This person is currently working to get a CDL license and will be submitting an application.
The WSB thanks Alfie for his care and efforts during his time as the town's road commissioner. Alfie's last day will
be May 1
st
.

Town Clerk's Report with Robin Durkee
Robin asked if her resignation has been accepted. Chris states that the resignation has been accepted and
apologizes for not letting Robin know. Robin has a copy of the Town Meeting Minutes that the town moderator and
the WSB will need to sign and then the TC will attest to as a witness. Chris has not had a chance to review the
draft, so the approval may have to wait until a subsequent meeting.
The ad for the town mowing contract stated that bids be sent sealed and by mail. Robin presents 3 bids, only one
came as requested and the other two arrived through email. The WSB reviewed all three bids, and discussed rates
presented. After discussion, the WSB voted to award the mowing contract to AW Lawncare. Robin will call AW
Lawn care to notify them they have received the contract award.
Robin has been working to clean up errors on the voter checklist, in preparation for turning over to the new clerk.
The MVUESD budget re-vote will be held on May 20
th
• Chris thanks Robin for her 6 years of service as town clerk.
The WSB also presents Robin and Pam with thank you gifts.
IT Management during Town Clerk Transition with Skip Marchesani
Skip gave an update of the recent upgrades to the town's IT systems over the last two years, including the services
provided by RB Technologies. He also shared the town's protocol for IT management, with Skip appointed as our
volunteer IT manager and Wayne Lap pen as the Assistant, with John Reid and -Ben Witte managing the web site. IT
questions and support are dealt with by Skip as the town's first line of resolving problems. RBT is the town's
second "go to" for help but only after Skip has had a chance to resolve any issue. This is being done to help reduce
costs as RBT's support is valuable but expensive.
Town Treasurer's Report with Lillian Baron
The Fund Balance Policy, developed by Lilly and already approved by the WSB, was signed by the WSB. The CVR PC
Mutual Aid Agreement was signed by the WSB chair. John Gordon, as the town's EMO, is designated as the point
of contact. He is working on finding a second person to be designated as his backup. The amendment to the
town's school lease to MVUESD, discussed at the last meeting, was again discussed. The amendment is regarding
the insurance coverage and clarifies language suggested by PACIF, the town's insurer. Lilly requested the WSB
send her any suggested changes to the amendment. Lilly will connect with OSSU to share this lease amendment
with them and get their opinion of the change.
Lilly reported that the town will receive a $7,869 refund on its Workers Comp PACIF insurance for 2025, which will
appear as a credit on the next PACIF bill for FY27. This refund is the result of an overestimation of the
2024 annual highway payroll by approximately $100,000. The payroll estimate has since been adjusted
for 2026, and an additional credit following the completion of the 2026 WC audit after the year-end is anticipated.
As a result, the town can also expect lower insurance costs in FY27.
Lilly then discusses the possibility of transferring some of the unassigned TH funds from FY 25 to the HERF to
cover the cost of the truck purchased in FY 26. This had been previously discussed informally with the WSB when
the final cost of the truck exceeded what was in the HERF. This transfer to the HERF can be done legally but will
need formal WSB approval. The transfer will not involve the use of current-year funds or funds raised for the FY26
tax year. Lilly requested WSB approval for time, mileage, and registration reimbursement (6.25 hours, 34 miles,
$40 fee) for her attendance of the Women Leading Government Conference. The WSB approved the request.
Updates on Buyouts with John Gordon
John has received two versions of the RFP for the demolition of the buyout buildings supplied by Keith Cubbon of
CVRPC. Chris asks about the possibility of an extension. John states that is a possibility but the town would need
to show some steps of progress toward the demolition work. Getting out an RFP that shows a timeline for progress
would help in that extension request. John asks other WSB members to review the RFPs. John did reach out to an

electricians to discuss the transfer of the wiring connecting the emergency generator that presently goes to the old
fire station, to the town hall which is another emergency shelter. Tim Higgins looked it over and gave John an
estimate -$3,000 and two days work. There will also be a need to re-configure the water distribution -currently the
well located on the Post Office property serves all three buildings, with the pump station in the old fire station.
There are hot water tanks in the fire station and the town hall. These changes will have to be financed by the town,
not as part of the demolition contract. John suggests the electrical transfer could be done at a later date to help
with budget issues but the water would need to be done with the demolition, to maintain water service to the Post
Office building. John believes that both buildings are now under town ownership and covered for liability with
PACIF. Lilly asks about the small fee change incurred; John states that issue has been resolved. A final question
asks when the RFP should go out. John suggests the WSB review the RFPs. Site visits for each of the buildings is
also discussed with the thought of hazardous materials that would need to be addressed in the demolition. Diana
will look up the RFP used for the demolition of the old store, which may be helpful. Those RFP's were prepared by
Skip Lindsay. John also requests, on behalf of the WVFD, if they could use the old Shattuck property for training.
WSB okays this.
Recovery Officer's Report
Skip was not in attendance for this meeting but did provide a written report to the WSB. The main issue of this
meeting is presented by Chris addressing the leftover funds, the change of work scope for the bridge replacements
on TH23 and TH 24 and the town's ongoing dispute with the return of the leftover funds to FEMA. Chris had spoken
with Mark Johnson of VEM and Skip regarding the acceptance of the change of work scope which would essentially
end the WSB's dispute of the leftover funds used for other mitigation projects, originally thought to be in
accordance with FEMA policy guidance. Mark Johnson unofficially admitted that FEMA, through one of the many
personnel changes of FEMA managers, missed the communications sent by SKIP of the scope of work changes for
the bridges. Mark says this is unfortunate but there is not much the town can do about it. Discussion concludes
that the town has two choices -one is to sign off on the new scope of work changes, VEM will pay for the work of
the bridge replacements based on the actual scope of work costs but will want the leftover funds returned and will
not pay for the other mitigation projects done with those leftover funds. The other option is for the town to refuse to
sign off on the scope of work changes which would cause FEMA to open a new investigation of the FEMA funds
designated for the 2023 flood recovery. Mark suggests that if this happens the town could lose all funding granted
by FEMA for all the 2023 flood recovery work the town undertook. Both Mark and Skip suggest the WSB sign off on
the scope of work changes and not pursue further disputes with FEMA; Chris recommended the WSB follow Mark
and Skip's suggestion. The WSB has considered these options and approved signing off on the scope of work
changes. This means we will be required to return the $105,000 spent on other mitigation projects. There is a brief
discussion of how the town will pay back the $105,000. Lilly offered to work on a contingency plan to help cover
this expense. Diana mentioned that some of the funding in the Town Building Maintenance fund has been intended
to build up sufficient funds to replace the roofing on the Town Hall. That roof replacement was done as one of the
mitigation projects that used "un-obligated" FEMA funds. There are also some ERAF (state match) funds owed by
the state, which cannot be released until all other paperwork on the 2023 projects has been approved and signed.
Town Official Appointments
Appointments to the following positions were discussed:
~-Graham Christie is interested. The WSB is aware that Bonnie Collins has also volunteered
to take this position. Diana spoke with her. Considering her elected role as a lister and new role as assistant to
the Treasurer, Bonnie decided not to pursue the ZA position as long as there is another viable candidate. And she
would be willing to serve as the Assistant Zoning Administator. The WSB appointed Graham as the town's new ZA,

and Bonnie as Assistant ZA .. Bob Martin stated that he is willing to help with the transition. Diana will set up a
meeting between herself, Bob, Graham and Bonnie to plan for the transition.
E911 Coordinator-Darwin Thompson has offered to fill in this position. The WSB appointed Darwin as the E911
coordinator. Diana will contact the E911 Board to let them know of this appointment.
Town Health Officer -Chris spoke with Kathryn Saunders. Kathryn is currently the health officer for Calais and
Worcester and is willing to be Woodbury's THO as well. The WSB appointed Kathryn to this position. Chris will
contact Kathryn and offer to be a backup for her, going along on site visits or guiding her to sites, as needed.
Swenson/Polycor Act 250 Hearing Application Status
Chris reported that John Reid is working on documentation, based on clear data and evidence, to back the town's
request for a hearing before the Act 250 commission, to ask for a larger rate of compensation from Swenson for
road upkeep. Bowman/Polycor have sent a letter to the Act 250 commission asking that the town submit their
evidence prior to any hearing. The Commission has not decided whether to hold a hearing.
The WSB will ask David Mears, the town's lawyer, for his opinion regarding the Polycor letter.
Executive Session citing 1 VSA 313(a)(3)
The WSB voted to enter Executive Session at 7:55, inviting Graham, Robin and Lilly. The Executive Session closed
at 8:43. The following decisions were made during the session:
Town Clerk -the sole applicant was Graham Christie. The board had reviewed his application letter and found him
to be highly qualified. Graham was appointed to fill the Clerk position until the next regular Town Meeting. Agreed
to the advertised wage of $25/hour, for 20-24 hours per week. He will take over on May 4.
Peter Dailey was promoted to the position of Road Commissioner, upon Alfie's end of employment on. April 30.
His hourly wage will be $33.00.
Mi,liichael Gray was granted a raise to $20 I hour for his invaluable work as Select Board Assistant and Road Dept.
Assistant/Grant Manager.
Robin Durkee will be paid $33/hour for her time training the new Clerk. She estimates that it may be two months,
during which time she will also fill in as Assistant Town Clerk.
Updates and Other Business
Bills and Payroll
Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Date Approved