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Town Meeting – Feb 28 – DRAFT MINUTES
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DRAFT – Robin Durkee, Town Clerk
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.
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.
Select Board – March 9 – MINUTES
by admin
Town of Woodbury Select Board Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members: Diana Peduzzi, Chris Casey, John Gordon
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer); Stephen
Murphy (Town Moderator)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner); Peter Dailey (Road Foreman); Michael Gray (WSB
Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Carol Ray
Media: Jerome Lipani -HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda The Road Commissioner's Report is moved up in the agenda to occur before the TC
report; Updates on the EWPP grant and vrrans yearly documents are added to the road report.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the February 23, 2026 and March 5, 2026 Select Board meetings were approved.
Public Comment None
Select Boa rd Governance Newly elected select board member, John Gordon, was sworn in by
Woodbury's Town Clerk, Robin Durkee. Diana nominated Chris to be WSB chair and John to be WSB vice chair and
Chris nominated Diana to be WSB secretary. WSB approved all nominations. Dates for the regular WSB meetings
will be the 2
nd
and 4
th
Mondays of each month, 6 PM at the Community Room. The Times Argus to be the printed
newspaper of record for all legal notices and designated the following physical sites -the town office, the bulletin
board in the post office parking lot and the board inside the post office -for posting public notices.
Recap of Town Meeting Robin thanked all of the town residents who helped with town meeting. All
agreed town meeting went smoothly including the visit from the town's state house reps.
EWPP grant and VTrans yearly documents with Michael Gray
Michael shared that the EWPP grant, long stalled, now is back on track. USDA/NRCS will now be doing the design
work for the two projects and that work has already begun. Michael will be meeting with the NRCS civil engineer
and property owners for site visits on Tuesday. Details are being worked out for the town's 25% match for the
implementation of the work. Michael also presented a series of vrrans documents that are updated yearly. The
WSB signed the annual Certification of Compliance for Town Road and Bridge Standards and the Road Inventory.
Road Commissioner's Report with Alfred Larrabee and Peter Dailey
The road crew has been working on the roads in anticipation of mud season, grading back the snowbanks so water
will run off the roads. Roads will be posted for mud season, on Wednesday of this week. VT rans notices legalizing
the posting of roads will be placed by Robin in the display case at the town office and in the village on the bulletin
board by the post office. A question was asked -when the roads are posted, will the trucks from the quarry be
allowed to use the roads? Alfie explained that the quarry has always called for Alfie's permission when they want
to run the trucks on a cold morning. Generally if the temperature is around 20 degrees the roads are frozen and
safe from heavy truck damage, it will be allowed ..
Alfie has requested that PACIF send an insurance adjuster to give the town an estimate for the repair of the town
garage ceiling/roof and insulation. He will be asking the adjuster how much PACIF would be willing to pay for the
repair or replacement of the garage roof. Chris suggested that if the roofing is removed to do the repair that the
town consider replacement of the roof with a ventilation space and insulated with cellulose. This would greatly
increase the insulating affect, prevent the icing up of the roof and save the town's heating expense at the garage.
Finding out what PACIF is willing to give the town for this project will help with further discussion of this project.
The inoperable Ford 550 is discussed. Cost for replacement of the 550 is too costly an option. The Ford dealership
has estimated the repair would cost $10,000. Alfie will explore other mechanics that might come to repair the 550
at the garage, hoping the repair would be cheaper. The WSB suggests Alfie do the search for an independent
mechanic to do the repair. If this is not successful, the WSB approves bringing the 550 to the Ford dealer.
Town Clerk's Report with Robin Durkee
Since town meeting Robin has been contacting appointed officials to see if they will serve another term. Most have
agreed and Robin will prepare letters for Chris to sign. The WSB will discuss unfilled positions at a future select
board meeting. The WSB assigned Diana to sign overweight permits.
Town Treasurer's Report with Lillian Baron
The General Fund is currently operating at a budget deficit of $78,866, with our expenditures outpacing
revenue. The Highway Fund has a budget surplus of $232,402. Expenditures to date are slightly
lower than estimated for this period. With these two funds combined, the Town is currently in an
overall budget position of $153,536.
Total cash on hand is $988,843. The General Fund balance is currently $24,569, which is relatively low
compared to last year. This drop was expected, as we are still recovering from the miscalculated tax rate
two years ago. At this time, there are no large scheduled payments in the queue. The HERF Fund has slightly
increased due to the sale of the old truck last month and a recent Swenson Quarry deposit.
At this time, no specific budget line items require immediate attention based on the previous month's
activity. Moving forward, one item worth noting is heating fuel costs. After discussing usage with our
heating fuel provider, it appears that due to the exceptionally cold winter, we have underestimated the
amount of fuel required for the season. There is currently $6,214 remaining allocated for heating expenses for the
year.
Lilly has appointed Bonnie Collins as interim Assistant Town Treasurer to provide backup coverage during her
vacation. In looking for a new Assistant Treasurer, Lilly would like to post the position. In previous
years this was not the norm, but Lilly feels it would be good to clearly define the role and responsibilities of
this position and open it up to the community. Although the duties of the assistant treasurer will change
slightly, the hours for this position are not expected to change significantly.
Recovery Officer's Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip's last email from FEMA was dated 2/18. The state's VEM rep let Skip know FEMA is on lockdown. Senator
Welch's office is following the town in the ongoing dispute over the leftover funds from the FEMA bridge projects.
Senator Sander's and House Representative Ba lint's staffs are in communication with Senator Welch's staff about
this situation. Lilly has supplied Skip with VLCT PDFs on audits should the WSB wish to appeal a FEMA decision on
the leftover funds.
Updates on Buyouts with John Gordon
John shares that Nicholas Lowe, of Tarrant and Gillies Law Firm, is doing the legal work for the buyout. The
Shattuck property is scheduled for a closeout on March 20th. John will serve as the town rep for a walk-through
before the closing. The WSB has agreed to a settlement amount. The town will need to reimburse the owner for the
taxes paid equal to the remainder of the year, approximately $151. The closing for WVFD old fire station will likely
happen on March 30
th
• The WSB voted to accept the settlement amounts for the Shattuck and The WVFD
properties and signed the legal documents. If there changes by the state for the WVFD property, the WSB will need
to re-sign that settlement document.
Swenson Granite Company Act 250 Permit Application
At a recent special meeting, the WSB decided to ask Swenson for a payment of 12 cent per-cubic-foot of all granite
products leaving the site, and to ask for a donation of armoring stone for the EWPP Cabot Road project. Diana
noted that the quarry has changed its traffic patterns to avoid safety issues with the road curve at the top of the hill
near the new entrance. Dump truck traffic (purchasing crusher product) will use the old road exclusively. Tractor
trailers carrying blocks will use the old road in the winter. The quarry has also reduced the truck traffic request
from 50 to 40 loads a day. The town has until March 17
th
to request a hearing. Carol Ray has concerns about the
traffic and the quarry's use of the old entrance. She also feels the town should monitor the noise levels to see if the
quarry is in compliance. Skip Lindsay told Carol about cell phone apps that can measure sound.
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 7:53 P.M.
Signatures an,,g A~pr~_l
Chris Casey f!:j_L ?;_,,---,
John Gordon 0-'1=
1G· Jg ~/) '
1
(
Diana Peduzzi ~~-'-(~t.if~
£./0-2 I " -Date Approved ·':::1 J ~~
,. l
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;
CVR PC -Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission; DHC -Department of Health; EC -Ethics Commission;
EMO-Emergency Management Director; EMS-Emergency Medical Service; 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; GIA-Grants in Aid; HED -Hardwick Electric Department;
HERF-Highway Equipment Replacement Fund; HMP-Hazard Mitigation Plan; HPD-Hardwick Police
Department; H&H -Hydrological & Hydraulic; LEOP-Local Emergency Operations 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; SS-Seacoast Securities; TAC -Transportation Advisory Committee; TAN -
Tax Anticipation Note; TC -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; wee -Woodbury Conservation Commission; WGL-Woodbury
Community Library; W/CFS-Woodbury/Calais Food Shelf; WCSD-Washington County Sheriff's Department;
WHRT -Woodbury-Hardwick Rail Trail; WSB -Woodbury Select Board; WPC -Woodbury Planning Commission;
WNRCD-Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District; WVFD-Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department; ZBA
-Zoning Board of Adjustment
March 9, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members: Diana Peduzzi, Chris Casey, John Gordon
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer); Stephen
Murphy (Town Moderator)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner); Peter Dailey (Road Foreman); Michael Gray (WSB
Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Carol Ray
Media: Jerome Lipani -HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda The Road Commissioner's Report is moved up in the agenda to occur before the TC
report; Updates on the EWPP grant and vrrans yearly documents are added to the road report.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the February 23, 2026 and March 5, 2026 Select Board meetings were approved.
Public Comment None
Select Boa rd Governance Newly elected select board member, John Gordon, was sworn in by
Woodbury's Town Clerk, Robin Durkee. Diana nominated Chris to be WSB chair and John to be WSB vice chair and
Chris nominated Diana to be WSB secretary. WSB approved all nominations. Dates for the regular WSB meetings
will be the 2
nd
and 4
th
Mondays of each month, 6 PM at the Community Room. The Times Argus to be the printed
newspaper of record for all legal notices and designated the following physical sites -the town office, the bulletin
board in the post office parking lot and the board inside the post office -for posting public notices.
Recap of Town Meeting Robin thanked all of the town residents who helped with town meeting. All
agreed town meeting went smoothly including the visit from the town's state house reps.
EWPP grant and VTrans yearly documents with Michael Gray
Michael shared that the EWPP grant, long stalled, now is back on track. USDA/NRCS will now be doing the design
work for the two projects and that work has already begun. Michael will be meeting with the NRCS civil engineer
and property owners for site visits on Tuesday. Details are being worked out for the town's 25% match for the
implementation of the work. Michael also presented a series of vrrans documents that are updated yearly. The
WSB signed the annual Certification of Compliance for Town Road and Bridge Standards and the Road Inventory.
Road Commissioner's Report with Alfred Larrabee and Peter Dailey
The road crew has been working on the roads in anticipation of mud season, grading back the snowbanks so water
will run off the roads. Roads will be posted for mud season, on Wednesday of this week. VT rans notices legalizing
the posting of roads will be placed by Robin in the display case at the town office and in the village on the bulletin
board by the post office. A question was asked -when the roads are posted, will the trucks from the quarry be
allowed to use the roads? Alfie explained that the quarry has always called for Alfie's permission when they want
to run the trucks on a cold morning. Generally if the temperature is around 20 degrees the roads are frozen and
safe from heavy truck damage, it will be allowed ..
Alfie has requested that PACIF send an insurance adjuster to give the town an estimate for the repair of the town
garage ceiling/roof and insulation. He will be asking the adjuster how much PACIF would be willing to pay for the
repair or replacement of the garage roof. Chris suggested that if the roofing is removed to do the repair that the
town consider replacement of the roof with a ventilation space and insulated with cellulose. This would greatly
increase the insulating affect, prevent the icing up of the roof and save the town's heating expense at the garage.
Finding out what PACIF is willing to give the town for this project will help with further discussion of this project.
The inoperable Ford 550 is discussed. Cost for replacement of the 550 is too costly an option. The Ford dealership
has estimated the repair would cost $10,000. Alfie will explore other mechanics that might come to repair the 550
at the garage, hoping the repair would be cheaper. The WSB suggests Alfie do the search for an independent
mechanic to do the repair. If this is not successful, the WSB approves bringing the 550 to the Ford dealer.
Town Clerk's Report with Robin Durkee
Since town meeting Robin has been contacting appointed officials to see if they will serve another term. Most have
agreed and Robin will prepare letters for Chris to sign. The WSB will discuss unfilled positions at a future select
board meeting. The WSB assigned Diana to sign overweight permits.
Town Treasurer's Report with Lillian Baron
The General Fund is currently operating at a budget deficit of $78,866, with our expenditures outpacing
revenue. The Highway Fund has a budget surplus of $232,402. Expenditures to date are slightly
lower than estimated for this period. With these two funds combined, the Town is currently in an
overall budget position of $153,536.
Total cash on hand is $988,843. The General Fund balance is currently $24,569, which is relatively low
compared to last year. This drop was expected, as we are still recovering from the miscalculated tax rate
two years ago. At this time, there are no large scheduled payments in the queue. The HERF Fund has slightly
increased due to the sale of the old truck last month and a recent Swenson Quarry deposit.
At this time, no specific budget line items require immediate attention based on the previous month's
activity. Moving forward, one item worth noting is heating fuel costs. After discussing usage with our
heating fuel provider, it appears that due to the exceptionally cold winter, we have underestimated the
amount of fuel required for the season. There is currently $6,214 remaining allocated for heating expenses for the
year.
Lilly has appointed Bonnie Collins as interim Assistant Town Treasurer to provide backup coverage during her
vacation. In looking for a new Assistant Treasurer, Lilly would like to post the position. In previous
years this was not the norm, but Lilly feels it would be good to clearly define the role and responsibilities of
this position and open it up to the community. Although the duties of the assistant treasurer will change
slightly, the hours for this position are not expected to change significantly.
Recovery Officer's Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip's last email from FEMA was dated 2/18. The state's VEM rep let Skip know FEMA is on lockdown. Senator
Welch's office is following the town in the ongoing dispute over the leftover funds from the FEMA bridge projects.
Senator Sander's and House Representative Ba lint's staffs are in communication with Senator Welch's staff about
this situation. Lilly has supplied Skip with VLCT PDFs on audits should the WSB wish to appeal a FEMA decision on
the leftover funds.
Updates on Buyouts with John Gordon
John shares that Nicholas Lowe, of Tarrant and Gillies Law Firm, is doing the legal work for the buyout. The
Shattuck property is scheduled for a closeout on March 20th. John will serve as the town rep for a walk-through
before the closing. The WSB has agreed to a settlement amount. The town will need to reimburse the owner for the
taxes paid equal to the remainder of the year, approximately $151. The closing for WVFD old fire station will likely
happen on March 30
th
• The WSB voted to accept the settlement amounts for the Shattuck and The WVFD
properties and signed the legal documents. If there changes by the state for the WVFD property, the WSB will need
to re-sign that settlement document.
Swenson Granite Company Act 250 Permit Application
At a recent special meeting, the WSB decided to ask Swenson for a payment of 12 cent per-cubic-foot of all granite
products leaving the site, and to ask for a donation of armoring stone for the EWPP Cabot Road project. Diana
noted that the quarry has changed its traffic patterns to avoid safety issues with the road curve at the top of the hill
near the new entrance. Dump truck traffic (purchasing crusher product) will use the old road exclusively. Tractor
trailers carrying blocks will use the old road in the winter. The quarry has also reduced the truck traffic request
from 50 to 40 loads a day. The town has until March 17
th
to request a hearing. Carol Ray has concerns about the
traffic and the quarry's use of the old entrance. She also feels the town should monitor the noise levels to see if the
quarry is in compliance. Skip Lindsay told Carol about cell phone apps that can measure sound.
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 7:53 P.M.
Signatures an,,g A~pr~_l
Chris Casey f!:j_L ?;_,,---,
John Gordon 0-'1=
1G· Jg ~/) '
1
(
Diana Peduzzi ~~-'-(~t.if~
£./0-2 I " -Date Approved ·':::1 J ~~
,. l
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;
CVR PC -Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission; DHC -Department of Health; EC -Ethics Commission;
EMO-Emergency Management Director; EMS-Emergency Medical Service; 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; GIA-Grants in Aid; HED -Hardwick Electric Department;
HERF-Highway Equipment Replacement Fund; HMP-Hazard Mitigation Plan; HPD-Hardwick Police
Department; H&H -Hydrological & Hydraulic; LEOP-Local Emergency Operations 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; SS-Seacoast Securities; TAC -Transportation Advisory Committee; TAN -
Tax Anticipation Note; TC -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; wee -Woodbury Conservation Commission; WGL-Woodbury
Community Library; W/CFS-Woodbury/Calais Food Shelf; WCSD-Washington County Sheriff's Department;
WHRT -Woodbury-Hardwick Rail Trail; WSB -Woodbury Select Board; WPC -Woodbury Planning Commission;
WNRCD-Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District; WVFD-Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department; ZBA
-Zoning Board of Adjustment
Select Board – March 15 – DRAFT MINUTES
by admin
MINUTES
Woodbury Select Board – Special Meeting
Sunday, March 15, 2026 4:00 P.M.
at the Woodbury Town Office
4:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Chris Casey at 4:00 PM, Present were Select
Board Members, Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi and John Gordon. By invitation, Alfred Larrabee,
John Reid, and Jonah Meacham. John Reid made an audio recording of the meeting.
One adjustment to the agenda – Chris asked if the Board would convene an executive session
pursuant to I V.S.A. 313 -----. a t the request of Alfred Larrabee. The motion was made to hold
the executive session. The session was closed at 4:30. The Board will continue to negotiate with
Larrabee, the terms of his departure, and possible retention of some services, with a proposed
final agreement by May 1.
The regular meeting was re-opened with an opportunity for public comment. Larry Ferno asked
to address the Board and it was allowed. He was reminded that the subject of the meeting was
the Swenson Granite Company pending application and that was the subject he wished to
address.
He asked about how the per-cf fee was developed, and whether the amount is justified, he thinks
the crushing operation will not make a profit for the company and he doesn’t like to see the town
beat up on a company.
At 4:40 the Board voted to convene an Executive Session pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(A)
(Contracts) and 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(E) (Pending or probable civil litigation or prosecution, to
which the public body is or may be a party.) Larrabee, John Reid (Town Auditor) and Jonah
Meacham (ZBA chair) were invited to participate.
At 6:22 the Executive Session was closed.
John Gordon made a motion that the Town send a letter to the District Environmental
Commission explaining the town’s concerns and requesting that a hearing be held. The motion
passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:24.
Minutes Approved on ___________________
Chris Casey ______________________ Diana Peduzzi ____________________
John Gordon ______________________
Woodbury Select Board – Special Meeting
Sunday, March 15, 2026 4:00 P.M.
at the Woodbury Town Office
4:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Chris Casey at 4:00 PM, Present were Select
Board Members, Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi and John Gordon. By invitation, Alfred Larrabee,
John Reid, and Jonah Meacham. John Reid made an audio recording of the meeting.
One adjustment to the agenda – Chris asked if the Board would convene an executive session
pursuant to I V.S.A. 313 -----. a t the request of Alfred Larrabee. The motion was made to hold
the executive session. The session was closed at 4:30. The Board will continue to negotiate with
Larrabee, the terms of his departure, and possible retention of some services, with a proposed
final agreement by May 1.
The regular meeting was re-opened with an opportunity for public comment. Larry Ferno asked
to address the Board and it was allowed. He was reminded that the subject of the meeting was
the Swenson Granite Company pending application and that was the subject he wished to
address.
He asked about how the per-cf fee was developed, and whether the amount is justified, he thinks
the crushing operation will not make a profit for the company and he doesn’t like to see the town
beat up on a company.
At 4:40 the Board voted to convene an Executive Session pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(A)
(Contracts) and 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(E) (Pending or probable civil litigation or prosecution, to
which the public body is or may be a party.) Larrabee, John Reid (Town Auditor) and Jonah
Meacham (ZBA chair) were invited to participate.
At 6:22 the Executive Session was closed.
John Gordon made a motion that the Town send a letter to the District Environmental
Commission explaining the town’s concerns and requesting that a hearing be held. The motion
passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:24.
Minutes Approved on ___________________
Chris Casey ______________________ Diana Peduzzi ____________________
John Gordon ______________________
Select Board – March 23 – AGENDA
by admin
NOTICE AND AGENDA
Woodbury Select Board
Monday, March 23, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Room at the Woodbury Library
6:00 P.M. Call the regular meeting to order
Adjustments to Select Board Agenda
Approve Minutes from the March 9 and March 15 meetings
Public Comment (for items not on the agenda)
6:10 P.M. Town Clerk’s Report – Robin Durkee
Announce dates for school budget re-vote
6:20 P.M. Daniel Koenemann,Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District- presenting
concept designs for some of the Sabin Pond Lake Watershed Action Plan projects
6:35 P.M. Road Commissioner’s Report – Alfred Larrabee, Peter Dailey and Michael Gray
6:50 P.M. Town Treasurer’s Report – Lilly Baron
7:00 P.M. Update on Buyouts – John Gordon
7:05 P.M. Recovery Officer’s Report – Skip Lindsay (written report)
7:10 P.M. Appointments
7:20 P.M. Swenson Granite Company Act 250 application – update
7:35 P.M. Updates and Other Business –
Approve Bills and Payroll Orders
8:00 P.M. Adjourn
Woodbury Select Board
Monday, March 23, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Room at the Woodbury Library
6:00 P.M. Call the regular meeting to order
Adjustments to Select Board Agenda
Approve Minutes from the March 9 and March 15 meetings
Public Comment (for items not on the agenda)
6:10 P.M. Town Clerk’s Report – Robin Durkee
Announce dates for school budget re-vote
6:20 P.M. Daniel Koenemann,Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District- presenting
concept designs for some of the Sabin Pond Lake Watershed Action Plan projects
6:35 P.M. Road Commissioner’s Report – Alfred Larrabee, Peter Dailey and Michael Gray
6:50 P.M. Town Treasurer’s Report – Lilly Baron
7:00 P.M. Update on Buyouts – John Gordon
7:05 P.M. Recovery Officer’s Report – Skip Lindsay (written report)
7:10 P.M. Appointments
7:20 P.M. Swenson Granite Company Act 250 application – update
7:35 P.M. Updates and Other Business –
Approve Bills and Payroll Orders
8:00 P.M. Adjourn
Assistant Treasurer Posting
by admin
Assistant Treasurer (Part-Time)
Position Summary:
The Assistant Treasurer is a part-time municipal finance position that plays a key role in
supporting the Town’s financial operations and administrative functions. This position offers an
opportunity to be involved in a range of municipal processes and contribute to ongoing projects.
Please send resume and cover letter to Treasurer@woodburyvt.org by 03/27/26.
Key Responsibilities:
●Perform monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial
records.
●Serve as backup to the Treasurer for Select Board orders, payroll processing, and
accounts payable functions.
●Assist with the preparation of annual tax bills.
●Participate in the development and implementation of new financial or administrative
projects as needed.
●Assist with the preparation of the Town’s Annual Report.
Qualifications:
●Basic knowledge of accounting or municipal finance preferred.
●Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
●Ability to work independently and collaborate with the Treasurer and other town officials.
Compensation & Schedule
Hourly Rate: Starting at $25
Position Type: Part-time, hourly
Typical Hours: Approximately 3–8 hours per month
Schedule: Flexible
Position Summary:
The Assistant Treasurer is a part-time municipal finance position that plays a key role in
supporting the Town’s financial operations and administrative functions. This position offers an
opportunity to be involved in a range of municipal processes and contribute to ongoing projects.
Please send resume and cover letter to Treasurer@woodburyvt.org by 03/27/26.
Key Responsibilities:
●Perform monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial
records.
●Serve as backup to the Treasurer for Select Board orders, payroll processing, and
accounts payable functions.
●Assist with the preparation of annual tax bills.
●Participate in the development and implementation of new financial or administrative
projects as needed.
●Assist with the preparation of the Town’s Annual Report.
Qualifications:
●Basic knowledge of accounting or municipal finance preferred.
●Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
●Ability to work independently and collaborate with the Treasurer and other town officials.
Compensation & Schedule
Hourly Rate: Starting at $25
Position Type: Part-time, hourly
Typical Hours: Approximately 3–8 hours per month
Schedule: Flexible
Select Board – March 5 – MINUTES
by admin
MINUTES
Woodbury Select Board Special Meeting
March 5, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
At the Woodbury Town Office
6:02 PM The Woodbury Select Board Special meeting was called to
order. Present were Select Board Members Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi, and John
Gordon. Also Town Clerk Robin Durkee. Jonah Meacham, Zoning Board chair,
joined the meeting late.
No adjustments were made to the Select Board agenda.
There were no public comments.
6: 10 agenda item: To review the Swenson Quarry expansion for benefit of John
Gordon who was elected as a Select Board member at Town Meeting on Feb 28,
2026. Because of time constraints recently imposed by the State (District 5
Environmental Commission), it is necessary to bring John up to speed in preparation
for some decisions that the WSB may have to make soon.
Diana prepared and handed out a 3-page packet of summary notes. First was a
general history of Swenson Granite permit history since 1986, then a summary of
correspondence for the recent pending permit request, starting in June 2025. Copies
of other documents and correspondence were also provided for John.
Town and state reviews proceed in parallel. An early contact with Bob Martin, Town
Zoning Officer, was unclear and Bob told the applicant that no zoning review would
be needed. When the Town received a copy of the permit application Swenson
had submitted to the District Commission, it was obvious that the big project needed
a local review. Diana called Bowmen, Swenson's engineering consultant, to let them
know a permit was needed and soon the zoning permit application came in. Under
Woodbury's Zoning Ordinance, the quarry qualifies as a Non-Conforming Use and
the standard is, the Board of Adjustment must find that the project will not result in a
detrimental effect on the community. The Zoning Board of Adjustment has held
two well-attended hearings on the application.
In Dec 2025, Diana called the District Permit coordinator to let her know that the
Town of Woodbury would like to be involved and requested that the Commission
schedule a hearing. District Coordinator sent Polycor/Bowmen a message stating that
they could not go forward until they had a statement from the Town. The Zoning
Board of Adjustment held two hearings, November 18 and January 14. After the first
hearing, Bowmen responded with a letter. suggesting a change to the traffic pattern -
they would use the old (lower, private) road for the trucks that will be hauling the
crushed material and during the winter all trucks would use that road. After the
second hearing, Bowman responded with other capitulations, they would limit loaded
truck trips to 40, from the original proposal of 50. Other conditions requested by the
ZBA were agreed to.
Diana listed the names of people who attended the hearings and who might request
party status at the Zoning Board level, which would give them the right to appeal.
These are property owners who are either adjoiners or in the immediate
neighborhood: Robin Durkee, Carol Ray, Tim Perry, Wayne and Gail Prescott,
Brandy Smith, Skip Linsday, Mark Danner/Jennifer Lovin, and Roy Eastman.
The Select Board qualifies as a "Statutory Party" under Act 250 and has a different
path from the ZBA. They can decide to rule with the Zoning Board of Adjustment or
go a different way, it would be good if they can come to an agreement. The ZBA has
another deliberative session next Thursday March 12. The Town needs to respond
by March 17, 2026. Diana drafted a letter outlining some proposed conditions that
the Town can ask of Swenson. More trucks will increase wear and tear on Cabot
road. The per-square-foot assessment of 6.5 cents has been in place since 2001 with
no increase. Just to meet the rate of inflation, we should be getting 12 cents
now. Chris believes that we should ask for 12 cents.
Also, the USDA/NRCS project Michael Gray has been working on, requires a 25%
town match and this has not been budgeted for. If Swenson would donate the rock
needed for the project, that would qualify as match. Without this the project might
not happen this year and the grant could be lost. The bank has eroded in the last two
flood years and the pavement is starting to break down at the edges. Jonah (zoning
Board Chair) states that the only things that Bowmen has not addressed are the tower
and dust (silica) which can travel 50 miles with the wind. Cloud Alliance owns the
tower, and the tower needs to be moved for the expansion. The town cannot
negotiate for the privately-owned tower. The town emergency services rely on the
tower.
The Board asked Diana to touch base with Colen Johnson and let them know
informally, of the two requests the town is considering. If we can come to a
agreement before March 17, the Act 250 hearing will not be requested.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 P.M.
March 11 'ZOZf:
I
Diana Peduzzi
Woodbury Select Board Special Meeting
March 5, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
At the Woodbury Town Office
6:02 PM The Woodbury Select Board Special meeting was called to
order. Present were Select Board Members Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi, and John
Gordon. Also Town Clerk Robin Durkee. Jonah Meacham, Zoning Board chair,
joined the meeting late.
No adjustments were made to the Select Board agenda.
There were no public comments.
6: 10 agenda item: To review the Swenson Quarry expansion for benefit of John
Gordon who was elected as a Select Board member at Town Meeting on Feb 28,
2026. Because of time constraints recently imposed by the State (District 5
Environmental Commission), it is necessary to bring John up to speed in preparation
for some decisions that the WSB may have to make soon.
Diana prepared and handed out a 3-page packet of summary notes. First was a
general history of Swenson Granite permit history since 1986, then a summary of
correspondence for the recent pending permit request, starting in June 2025. Copies
of other documents and correspondence were also provided for John.
Town and state reviews proceed in parallel. An early contact with Bob Martin, Town
Zoning Officer, was unclear and Bob told the applicant that no zoning review would
be needed. When the Town received a copy of the permit application Swenson
had submitted to the District Commission, it was obvious that the big project needed
a local review. Diana called Bowmen, Swenson's engineering consultant, to let them
know a permit was needed and soon the zoning permit application came in. Under
Woodbury's Zoning Ordinance, the quarry qualifies as a Non-Conforming Use and
the standard is, the Board of Adjustment must find that the project will not result in a
detrimental effect on the community. The Zoning Board of Adjustment has held
two well-attended hearings on the application.
In Dec 2025, Diana called the District Permit coordinator to let her know that the
Town of Woodbury would like to be involved and requested that the Commission
schedule a hearing. District Coordinator sent Polycor/Bowmen a message stating that
they could not go forward until they had a statement from the Town. The Zoning
Board of Adjustment held two hearings, November 18 and January 14. After the first
hearing, Bowmen responded with a letter. suggesting a change to the traffic pattern -
they would use the old (lower, private) road for the trucks that will be hauling the
crushed material and during the winter all trucks would use that road. After the
second hearing, Bowman responded with other capitulations, they would limit loaded
truck trips to 40, from the original proposal of 50. Other conditions requested by the
ZBA were agreed to.
Diana listed the names of people who attended the hearings and who might request
party status at the Zoning Board level, which would give them the right to appeal.
These are property owners who are either adjoiners or in the immediate
neighborhood: Robin Durkee, Carol Ray, Tim Perry, Wayne and Gail Prescott,
Brandy Smith, Skip Linsday, Mark Danner/Jennifer Lovin, and Roy Eastman.
The Select Board qualifies as a "Statutory Party" under Act 250 and has a different
path from the ZBA. They can decide to rule with the Zoning Board of Adjustment or
go a different way, it would be good if they can come to an agreement. The ZBA has
another deliberative session next Thursday March 12. The Town needs to respond
by March 17, 2026. Diana drafted a letter outlining some proposed conditions that
the Town can ask of Swenson. More trucks will increase wear and tear on Cabot
road. The per-square-foot assessment of 6.5 cents has been in place since 2001 with
no increase. Just to meet the rate of inflation, we should be getting 12 cents
now. Chris believes that we should ask for 12 cents.
Also, the USDA/NRCS project Michael Gray has been working on, requires a 25%
town match and this has not been budgeted for. If Swenson would donate the rock
needed for the project, that would qualify as match. Without this the project might
not happen this year and the grant could be lost. The bank has eroded in the last two
flood years and the pavement is starting to break down at the edges. Jonah (zoning
Board Chair) states that the only things that Bowmen has not addressed are the tower
and dust (silica) which can travel 50 miles with the wind. Cloud Alliance owns the
tower, and the tower needs to be moved for the expansion. The town cannot
negotiate for the privately-owned tower. The town emergency services rely on the
tower.
The Board asked Diana to touch base with Colen Johnson and let them know
informally, of the two requests the town is considering. If we can come to a
agreement before March 17, the Act 250 hearing will not be requested.
The meeting adjourned at 7:10 P.M.
March 11 'ZOZf:
I
Diana Peduzzi
Select Board – Feb 23 – MINUTES
by admin
Town of Woodbury Select Board Meeting
Minutes
February 23, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members Lizzy Higgins, Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi,
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer); Stephen
Murphy (Town Moderator)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner); Michael Gray (WSB Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Nate Sicard (Ruggles Engineering)
Media: Jerome Lipani -HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda
There was discussion as to whether discussion of the Valley Lake Road culvert replacement bids should be done in
executive session as stated in the agenda. The WSB decided to "wait and see" if an executive session would be necessary,
after the bids were opened.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the February 9, 2026 Select Board meeting were approved.
Public Comment Stephen Murphy confirmed that he wishes to continue for another year as the town's
moderator and went over the procedure for his election to that position at town meeting. WSB and Stephen discussed
when the town's State reps would join the town meeting. Stephen advised that they be asked to arrive around 12:00,
thinking that by that time most of the voting will be finished. Diana will make the invitation. Stephen also reminded the
WSB of the town government gathering and the informational pre-town meeting forum taking place on Thursday Feb. 26.
Valley Lake Road Culvert Replacement Project with Nate Sicard
Two bids were submitted for the project. Alliance Consulting & Excavation bid $297,582 and the J.A. McDonald. bid
was $311,800. The original estimate from Nate, made in 2024, was for $278,524. Nate said both bidders were qualified
and there was no reason not to award the contract to Alliance, the lowest bidder. The Alliance bid was accepted. Nate
will contact both bidders. The Town budgeted $75,000 for this match so we'll have to find $22,000 more somewhere.
Nate mentioned the two culvert replacement projects on County Road that he was asked to do engineering design work
for. Alfie and the WSB confirmed they would like him to proceed with that work, although no funding has been budgeted
to implement the projects.
Town Clerk's Report with Robin Durkee
A question came up about a loan issued to Robert and Susan Pickett years ago, which was never officially "discharged"
although it was fully paid off. In the I 990's the town participated in a home improvement program with financing
through Central Vermont Community Action Council. Homeowners could receive grants or loans depending on their
income qualifications. Loans were paid back over the years and the town could use that money to continue the program.
This money was the source of the loan to the Picketts. It was repaid in full. The Picketts have passed away and they left
two sons, who now are deciding what to do with the property. Their attorney drafted a discharge for the WSB to sign,
and it was signed. Robin has a busy week ahead overseeing Woodbury's voter checklist at the MVUSCD board elections
on Tuesday evening and the Hazen Union board elections on Wednesday evening. Thursday will be spent at Woodbury's
pre-town meeting gathering and Town meeting will be on Saturday. Voting on the school budgets will be on Tuesday
March 3, again at the school.
Town Treasurer's Report with Lillian Baron
Lilly presented the review for January,2026. The fund balances remain stable as of the end of January, with the exception
of the FEM A-related accounts. The FEMA 2023 Flood fund is shown with a negative balance due to unreimbursed
Category Z administrative expenses that are pending reimbursement. The FEMA Mitigation fund reflects the remaining
excess un-obligated funds. The FEMA 2024 Flood fund shows a positive balance, due to additional ERAF funds received
from the state -YEM -last month.
The auditor's monthly reconciliation review, for December 2025, showed no discrepancies.
Lilly reviewed revisions she has made to the Budget vs Actual monthly report that presents all line items in the General
and Town Highway Budgets with columns that include the actuals for the past fiscal year (FY25) and what was budgeted
originally for the current fiscal year (FY26). For January, there are no individual budget line items that require specific
attention or explanation.
Lilly met with PACIF, the town's insurer, to better understand the increase in the town's insurance rates. The main
takeaway from the meeting is that the significant increase in our Property & Casualty insurance is largely due to the 2023
Fire Department claim as well as a claim for flood damage at the Town Office. Even though the Fire Department is no
longer on our policy, that claim will continue to impact our rates through 2029. For Workers' Compensation, claims affect
rates for three years. One option Lilly presented to reduce premiums would be to review and potentially lower the agreed
upon values of Town buildings. This would require negotiations with PACIF and formal appraisals. Lilly offered to gather
more information on that process; the WSB decided that this is not worth pursuing. Last year PACIF asked the town to
upgrade their building values to assure adequate coverage, and we did. Again the option to find another insurance
provider came up. The Board had previously decided not to have Lilly do more research on that option. PACIF is a large
insurance pool that specializes in coverage for municipalities and also provides safety trainings and some grants for safety
equipment. It is unlikely the town would find a better option.
PACIF also offered to review the town's lease agreement with MVUSD to clarify how liability is allocated between the
Town and the MVUESD. Following the review, PACIF provided a couple of suggested amendments to better define those
responsibilities. Lilly will bring these suggested amendments to the WSB for discussion at their next meeting. Lilly
reported that PACIF informed her that racoons are not considered vermin and therefore the town is eligible to file a claim
for the repair of the damage revealed when a pair of adult raccoons fell through the ceiling in the Town Garage. PACIF
could cover the repair costs minus the $1,000 deductible. Alfie suggested exploring the option of an insurance claim and
the WSB discussed this. Lizzy feels it is worthwhile filing a claim, though the WSB, in view of increased rates as a result
of recent claims, wonders if this would affect future insurance rates. This discussion ventures into the need to replace the
entire roof and/or rebuilding a new town garage. Alfie mentioned that the Town of East Montpelier is constructing a new
garage and they have received some grant funding too help. Diana will explore this. Lilly will pursue the claim process.
A small error in calculating the employee share of their health insurance premium was discovered. The error will result in
total refunds of $594.26. Lilly also provided a copy of the 2026 health insurance contract, already signed and ready to be
sent after WSB review.
Road Commissioner's Report with Alfred Larrabee
The road crew has been pushing back the snowbanks and cleaning up intersections and the village. Alfie noted that it is
hard to get more road salt at this time. Chris suggested that what salt remains be used for the paved section of Cabot Road
and that the paved section of Foster Hill Road be sanded instead of using salt. Alfie has researched the replacement of the
550 (now unusable with exhaust coming into the cab). Estimated repair cost from a Ford dealer is about $10,000. A new
replacement would come to $160,000. He is exploring other repair options. With two part-time drivers in place, the new
configuration for the road crew is working out well.
Recovery Officer's Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip reported that he and Chris met with reps from FEMA and YEM/Public Safety to discuss the potential de-obligation
of excess funds from the TH23 and TH24 bridge replacements. FEMA/VEM are adamant that they want the total return of
any excess beyond the two road repairs. Skip will continue to explain to them why the town should keep the $105,000
that was used for mitigation projects with FEMA knowledge and according to FEMA guidance. Skip shared email
correspondence between FEMA and Senator Welch's office that resulted following this meeting. It was requested by
FEMA/VEM that Skip provide a timeline of correspondence that led Woodbury to believe the town had provided the
necessary information and to communicate to FEMA the change of work scopes for the projects; Skip has provided this
timeline and shared a copy of that in his report to the WSB. Chris has contacted Senator Sanders office and is waiting for
a response. Lizzy suggested that the town consider hiring a lawyer if we take the appeal option. Skip has found relevant
PDFs on YLCT's website but is unable to access them because he is not an elected official. Lilly offered to access these
PDFs and send them to Skip for his review.
Updates and Other Business
Swenson Quarry Update
Diana reported that the Town just received notice that the District 5 Environmental Commission (DSEC) has issued a
"Notice of Minor Application" and a "Proposed Land Use Permit" which means that they will not hold a hearing unless
the Town or another party request a hearing by March 17. This is not what was indicated in a December 18 memo
directing the applicant to provide a statement of support from the Town. The Zoning Board of adjustment will not hold
their next deliberative session until March 12. Diana suggested that the best way forward is to speed up deliberations with
Swenson, this deadline will give both sides an incentive to come to a negotiated agreement and ask the DSEC to include
certain permit conditions.
Bills and Payroll
Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8: IO P.M.
Signatures ayd ~pproval
Chds Casey v{,,-4
Lizzy Higgins _________ _
Diana Peduzzi
Date Approved
Minutes
February 23, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members Lizzy Higgins, Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi,
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer); Stephen
Murphy (Town Moderator)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner); Michael Gray (WSB Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Nate Sicard (Ruggles Engineering)
Media: Jerome Lipani -HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda
There was discussion as to whether discussion of the Valley Lake Road culvert replacement bids should be done in
executive session as stated in the agenda. The WSB decided to "wait and see" if an executive session would be necessary,
after the bids were opened.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the February 9, 2026 Select Board meeting were approved.
Public Comment Stephen Murphy confirmed that he wishes to continue for another year as the town's
moderator and went over the procedure for his election to that position at town meeting. WSB and Stephen discussed
when the town's State reps would join the town meeting. Stephen advised that they be asked to arrive around 12:00,
thinking that by that time most of the voting will be finished. Diana will make the invitation. Stephen also reminded the
WSB of the town government gathering and the informational pre-town meeting forum taking place on Thursday Feb. 26.
Valley Lake Road Culvert Replacement Project with Nate Sicard
Two bids were submitted for the project. Alliance Consulting & Excavation bid $297,582 and the J.A. McDonald. bid
was $311,800. The original estimate from Nate, made in 2024, was for $278,524. Nate said both bidders were qualified
and there was no reason not to award the contract to Alliance, the lowest bidder. The Alliance bid was accepted. Nate
will contact both bidders. The Town budgeted $75,000 for this match so we'll have to find $22,000 more somewhere.
Nate mentioned the two culvert replacement projects on County Road that he was asked to do engineering design work
for. Alfie and the WSB confirmed they would like him to proceed with that work, although no funding has been budgeted
to implement the projects.
Town Clerk's Report with Robin Durkee
A question came up about a loan issued to Robert and Susan Pickett years ago, which was never officially "discharged"
although it was fully paid off. In the I 990's the town participated in a home improvement program with financing
through Central Vermont Community Action Council. Homeowners could receive grants or loans depending on their
income qualifications. Loans were paid back over the years and the town could use that money to continue the program.
This money was the source of the loan to the Picketts. It was repaid in full. The Picketts have passed away and they left
two sons, who now are deciding what to do with the property. Their attorney drafted a discharge for the WSB to sign,
and it was signed. Robin has a busy week ahead overseeing Woodbury's voter checklist at the MVUSCD board elections
on Tuesday evening and the Hazen Union board elections on Wednesday evening. Thursday will be spent at Woodbury's
pre-town meeting gathering and Town meeting will be on Saturday. Voting on the school budgets will be on Tuesday
March 3, again at the school.
Town Treasurer's Report with Lillian Baron
Lilly presented the review for January,2026. The fund balances remain stable as of the end of January, with the exception
of the FEM A-related accounts. The FEMA 2023 Flood fund is shown with a negative balance due to unreimbursed
Category Z administrative expenses that are pending reimbursement. The FEMA Mitigation fund reflects the remaining
excess un-obligated funds. The FEMA 2024 Flood fund shows a positive balance, due to additional ERAF funds received
from the state -YEM -last month.
The auditor's monthly reconciliation review, for December 2025, showed no discrepancies.
Lilly reviewed revisions she has made to the Budget vs Actual monthly report that presents all line items in the General
and Town Highway Budgets with columns that include the actuals for the past fiscal year (FY25) and what was budgeted
originally for the current fiscal year (FY26). For January, there are no individual budget line items that require specific
attention or explanation.
Lilly met with PACIF, the town's insurer, to better understand the increase in the town's insurance rates. The main
takeaway from the meeting is that the significant increase in our Property & Casualty insurance is largely due to the 2023
Fire Department claim as well as a claim for flood damage at the Town Office. Even though the Fire Department is no
longer on our policy, that claim will continue to impact our rates through 2029. For Workers' Compensation, claims affect
rates for three years. One option Lilly presented to reduce premiums would be to review and potentially lower the agreed
upon values of Town buildings. This would require negotiations with PACIF and formal appraisals. Lilly offered to gather
more information on that process; the WSB decided that this is not worth pursuing. Last year PACIF asked the town to
upgrade their building values to assure adequate coverage, and we did. Again the option to find another insurance
provider came up. The Board had previously decided not to have Lilly do more research on that option. PACIF is a large
insurance pool that specializes in coverage for municipalities and also provides safety trainings and some grants for safety
equipment. It is unlikely the town would find a better option.
PACIF also offered to review the town's lease agreement with MVUSD to clarify how liability is allocated between the
Town and the MVUESD. Following the review, PACIF provided a couple of suggested amendments to better define those
responsibilities. Lilly will bring these suggested amendments to the WSB for discussion at their next meeting. Lilly
reported that PACIF informed her that racoons are not considered vermin and therefore the town is eligible to file a claim
for the repair of the damage revealed when a pair of adult raccoons fell through the ceiling in the Town Garage. PACIF
could cover the repair costs minus the $1,000 deductible. Alfie suggested exploring the option of an insurance claim and
the WSB discussed this. Lizzy feels it is worthwhile filing a claim, though the WSB, in view of increased rates as a result
of recent claims, wonders if this would affect future insurance rates. This discussion ventures into the need to replace the
entire roof and/or rebuilding a new town garage. Alfie mentioned that the Town of East Montpelier is constructing a new
garage and they have received some grant funding too help. Diana will explore this. Lilly will pursue the claim process.
A small error in calculating the employee share of their health insurance premium was discovered. The error will result in
total refunds of $594.26. Lilly also provided a copy of the 2026 health insurance contract, already signed and ready to be
sent after WSB review.
Road Commissioner's Report with Alfred Larrabee
The road crew has been pushing back the snowbanks and cleaning up intersections and the village. Alfie noted that it is
hard to get more road salt at this time. Chris suggested that what salt remains be used for the paved section of Cabot Road
and that the paved section of Foster Hill Road be sanded instead of using salt. Alfie has researched the replacement of the
550 (now unusable with exhaust coming into the cab). Estimated repair cost from a Ford dealer is about $10,000. A new
replacement would come to $160,000. He is exploring other repair options. With two part-time drivers in place, the new
configuration for the road crew is working out well.
Recovery Officer's Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip reported that he and Chris met with reps from FEMA and YEM/Public Safety to discuss the potential de-obligation
of excess funds from the TH23 and TH24 bridge replacements. FEMA/VEM are adamant that they want the total return of
any excess beyond the two road repairs. Skip will continue to explain to them why the town should keep the $105,000
that was used for mitigation projects with FEMA knowledge and according to FEMA guidance. Skip shared email
correspondence between FEMA and Senator Welch's office that resulted following this meeting. It was requested by
FEMA/VEM that Skip provide a timeline of correspondence that led Woodbury to believe the town had provided the
necessary information and to communicate to FEMA the change of work scopes for the projects; Skip has provided this
timeline and shared a copy of that in his report to the WSB. Chris has contacted Senator Sanders office and is waiting for
a response. Lizzy suggested that the town consider hiring a lawyer if we take the appeal option. Skip has found relevant
PDFs on YLCT's website but is unable to access them because he is not an elected official. Lilly offered to access these
PDFs and send them to Skip for his review.
Updates and Other Business
Swenson Quarry Update
Diana reported that the Town just received notice that the District 5 Environmental Commission (DSEC) has issued a
"Notice of Minor Application" and a "Proposed Land Use Permit" which means that they will not hold a hearing unless
the Town or another party request a hearing by March 17. This is not what was indicated in a December 18 memo
directing the applicant to provide a statement of support from the Town. The Zoning Board of adjustment will not hold
their next deliberative session until March 12. Diana suggested that the best way forward is to speed up deliberations with
Swenson, this deadline will give both sides an incentive to come to a negotiated agreement and ask the DSEC to include
certain permit conditions.
Bills and Payroll
Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8: IO P.M.
Signatures ayd ~pproval
Chds Casey v{,,-4
Lizzy Higgins _________ _
Diana Peduzzi
Date Approved
Select Board – Feb 23rd – DRAFT MINUTES
by admin
Town of Woodbury Select Board Meeting
Minutes
February 23, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members: Diana Peduzzi, Lizzy Higgins, Chris Casey
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer); Stephen
Murphy (Town Moderator)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner ); Michael Gray (WSB Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Nate Sicard (Ruggles Engineering)
Media: Jerome Lipani - HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda
There was discussion as to whether discussion of the Valley Lake Road culvert replacement bids should be done in
executive session as stated in the agenda. The WSB decides to “ wait and see” if an executive session would be necessary.
No adjustment was made.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the Febr uary 9, 2026 Select Board meeting were approved.
Public Comment Stephen Murphy confirmed that he wishes to continue for another year as the town’s
moderator and went over the procedure for his election to that position at town meeting. Discussion by WSB and Stephen
on when the town’s reps would join the town meeting followed with Stephen advising they be asked to arrive around
12:00. Diana will contact the town’s representatives to make the invitation. Stephen also reminded the WSB of the town
government gathering and the informational pre-town meeting forum taking place on Thursday Feb. 26.
Valley Lake Road Culvert Replacement Project with Nate Sicard
Two bids were submitted for the project. One from Alliance Consulting & Excavation and the second from J.A.
McDonald. Alliance’s bid came to $297,582 and McDonald’s bid was $311,800?
The original estimate from Nate, made in 2024, was for $278,524. Nate said both bidders were qualified and there was no
reason not to award the contract to Alliance, the lowest bidder. The Alliance bid was accepted. Nate will contact both
bidders. The Town budget $75,000 for this match so we’ll have to find $22,000 more somewhere.
Nate mentioned the two culvert replacement projects on County Road that he was asked to do engineering design work
for. Alfie and the WSB confirmed they would like him to proceed with that work, although no funding has been budgeted
to implement the projects.
Town Clerk’s Report with Robin Durkee
A question came up about a loan issued to Robert and Susan Pickett years ago, which was never officially “discharged”
although it was fully paid off years ago. In the 1990’s the town participated in a home improvement program with
financing through Central Vermont Community Action Council. Homeowners could receive grants or loans depending on
their income qualifications. Loans were paid back over the years and the town could use that money to continue the
program. This money was the source of the loan to the Picketts, who had repaid the loan in full. The Picketts have passed
away and they left two sons, who now are considering selling the property. Their attorney drafted a discharge for the
WSB to sign, and it was signed. Robin has a busy week ahead overseeing Woodbury’s voter checklist at the MVUSCD
board elections on Tuesday evening and the Hazen Union board elections on Wednesday evening. Thursday will be spent
at Woodbury’s pre-town meeting gathering and Town meeting will be on Saturday. Voting on the school budgets will be
on Tuesday March 3, again at the school.
Town Treasurer’s Report with Lillian Baron
Lilly presented the review for January,2026. The fund balances remain stable as of the end of January, with the exception
of the FEMA-related accounts. The FEMA 2023 Flood fund is shown with a negative balance due to unreimbursed
Category Z administrative expenses that are pending reimbursement. T he FEMA Mitigation fund reflects the remaining
excess un-obligated funds. The FEMA 2024 Flood fund shows a positive balance, due to additional ERAF funds received
from the state – VEM - last month.
The auditor’s monthly reconciliation review, for December 2025, showed no discrepancies.
Lilly reviewed revisions she has made to the Budget vs Actual monthly report that presents all line items in the General
and Town Highway Budgets with columns that include the actuals for the past fiscal year (FY25) and what was budgeted
originally for the current fiscal year (FY26). For January, there are no individual budget line items that require specific
attention or explanation.
Lilly met with PACIF, the town’s insurer, to better understand the increase in the town’s insurance rates.The main
takeaway from the meeting is that the significant increase in our Property & Casualty insurance is largely due to the 2023
Fire Department claim. Even though the Fire Department is no longer on our policy, that claim will continue to impact our
rates through 2029. For Workers’ Compensation, claims affect rates for three years. One option Lilly presented to reduce
premiums would be to review and potentially lower the agreed-upon values of Town buildings. This would require
negotiations with PACIF and formal appraisals. Lilly offered to gather more information on that process ; the WSB
decided that this is not worth pursuing. Last year PACIF asked the town to upgrade their building values to assure
adequate coverage, and we did. Again the option to find another insurance provider came up. The Board had previously
decided not to have Lilly do more research on that option. PACIF is a large insurance pool that specializes in coverage
for municipalities and also provides safety trainings and some grants for safety equipment. It is unlikely the town would
find a better option.
PACIF also offered to review the town’s lease agreement with MVUSD to clarify how liability is allocated between the
Town and the MVUE SD. Following their review, PACIF provided a couple of suggested amendments to better define
those responsibilities. Lilly will bring these suggested amendments to the WSB for discussion at their next meeting. Lilly
reported that PACIF informed her that racoons are not considered vermin and therefore the town is eligible to file a claim
for the repair of the damage revealed by a pair of racoons falling through the ceiling in the Town Garage. PACIF could
cover the repair costs minus the $1,000 deductible. Alfie suggested exploring the option of an insurance claim and t he
WSB discussed this. Lizzy feels it is worthwhile filing a claim, though the WSB, in view of increased rates as a result of
recent claims, w onders if this would affect future insurance rates. This discussion ventures into the need to replace the
entire roof and/or rebuilding a new town garage. The WSB wonders if there might be possible grant opportunities for such
a major project. Diana will explore this. Lilly will pursue the claim process. A small error in calculating the employee
share of their health insurance premium was discovered. The error will result in total refunds of $594.26. Lilly also
provided a copy of the 2026 health insurance contract, already signed and ready to be sent after WSB review.
Road Commissioner’s Report
with Alfred Larrabee
The road crew has been pushing back the snowbanks and cleaning up intersections and the village. Alfie noted that it is
hard to get road salt; the salt is largely unavailable. Chris suggested that what salt remains be used for the paved section of
Cabot Road and that the paved section of Foster Hill Road be san ded instead of using salt. Alfie has researched the
replacement of the 550 (now unusable with exhaust coming into the cab). Estimated repair cost from a Ford dealer is
about $10,000. A new replacement would come to $160,000. Alfie feels this is not feasible at the moment . He is
exploring other repair options. With two part-time drivers in place, the new configuration for the road crew is working
out well. Alfie will be away on vacation again next week.
Recovery Officer’s Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip reported that he and Chris met with reps from FEMA and VEM/Public Safety to discuss the potential de -obligation
of excess funds from the TH23 and TH24 bridge replacements. FEMA/ VEM are adamant that they want the total return of
any excess beyond the two road repairs. Skip will continue to explain to them why the town should keep the $105,000
that was used for mitigation projects with FEMA knowledge and according to FEMA guidance. Skip shared email
correspondence with FEMA and Senator Welch’s office that resulted following this meeting. It was requested by
FEMA/VEM that Skip provide a timeline of correspondence tha t led Woodbury to believe the town had provided the
necessary information and to communicate to FEMA the change of work scopes for the projects; Skip has provided this
timeline and shared a copy of that in his report to the WSB. Chris shared that he has contacted Senator Sanders office and
is waiting for a response. Lizzy suggests the town hire a lawyer to seek legal counsel if we take the appeal option. Skip
has found relevant PDFs on VLCT’s website but is unable to access them because he is not an elected official. Lilly
offers to access these PDFs and send them to Skip for his review.
Updates and Other Business
Swenson Quarry Update
Diana reported that the Town just received notice that the District 5 Environmental Commission (D5EC) has issued a
“Notice of Minor Application” and a “Proposed Land Use Permit” which means that they will not hold a hearing unless
the Town or another party request a hearing by March 17. This is not what the D5EC indicated in a December 18 memo
directing the applicant to provide a statement of support from the Town. The Zoning Board of adjustment will not hold
their next deliberative session until March 12. Diana sug gests that the best way forward is to speed up deliberations with
Swenson, this deadline will give both sides an incentive to come to a negotiated agreement and ask the D5EC to include
certain permit conditions.
Bills and Payroll
Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8 :10 P.M.
Signatures and Approval
Chris Casey ______________________ Diana Peduzzi _________________________
Lizzy Higgins ______________________ 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; 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; GIA – Grants in Aid; HED – Hardwick Electric Department; HERF – Highway
Equipment Replacement Fund; HMP – Hazard Mitigation Plan; HPD – Hardwick Police Department; H&H –
Hydrological & Hydraulic; LEOP – Local Emergency Operations 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; SS – Seacoast Securities; TAC – Transportation Advisory Committee; TAN – Tax Anticipation Note; TC –
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; 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; WSB – Woodbury Select Board; WPC – Woodbury Planning Commission; WNRCD – Winooski
Natural Resources Conservation District; WVFD – Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department; ZBA – Zoning Board of
Adjustment
Minutes
February 23, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members: Diana Peduzzi, Lizzy Higgins, Chris Casey
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer); Stephen
Murphy (Town Moderator)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner ); Michael Gray (WSB Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Nate Sicard (Ruggles Engineering)
Media: Jerome Lipani - HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda
There was discussion as to whether discussion of the Valley Lake Road culvert replacement bids should be done in
executive session as stated in the agenda. The WSB decides to “ wait and see” if an executive session would be necessary.
No adjustment was made.
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the Febr uary 9, 2026 Select Board meeting were approved.
Public Comment Stephen Murphy confirmed that he wishes to continue for another year as the town’s
moderator and went over the procedure for his election to that position at town meeting. Discussion by WSB and Stephen
on when the town’s reps would join the town meeting followed with Stephen advising they be asked to arrive around
12:00. Diana will contact the town’s representatives to make the invitation. Stephen also reminded the WSB of the town
government gathering and the informational pre-town meeting forum taking place on Thursday Feb. 26.
Valley Lake Road Culvert Replacement Project with Nate Sicard
Two bids were submitted for the project. One from Alliance Consulting & Excavation and the second from J.A.
McDonald. Alliance’s bid came to $297,582 and McDonald’s bid was $311,800?
The original estimate from Nate, made in 2024, was for $278,524. Nate said both bidders were qualified and there was no
reason not to award the contract to Alliance, the lowest bidder. The Alliance bid was accepted. Nate will contact both
bidders. The Town budget $75,000 for this match so we’ll have to find $22,000 more somewhere.
Nate mentioned the two culvert replacement projects on County Road that he was asked to do engineering design work
for. Alfie and the WSB confirmed they would like him to proceed with that work, although no funding has been budgeted
to implement the projects.
Town Clerk’s Report with Robin Durkee
A question came up about a loan issued to Robert and Susan Pickett years ago, which was never officially “discharged”
although it was fully paid off years ago. In the 1990’s the town participated in a home improvement program with
financing through Central Vermont Community Action Council. Homeowners could receive grants or loans depending on
their income qualifications. Loans were paid back over the years and the town could use that money to continue the
program. This money was the source of the loan to the Picketts, who had repaid the loan in full. The Picketts have passed
away and they left two sons, who now are considering selling the property. Their attorney drafted a discharge for the
WSB to sign, and it was signed. Robin has a busy week ahead overseeing Woodbury’s voter checklist at the MVUSCD
board elections on Tuesday evening and the Hazen Union board elections on Wednesday evening. Thursday will be spent
at Woodbury’s pre-town meeting gathering and Town meeting will be on Saturday. Voting on the school budgets will be
on Tuesday March 3, again at the school.
Town Treasurer’s Report with Lillian Baron
Lilly presented the review for January,2026. The fund balances remain stable as of the end of January, with the exception
of the FEMA-related accounts. The FEMA 2023 Flood fund is shown with a negative balance due to unreimbursed
Category Z administrative expenses that are pending reimbursement. T he FEMA Mitigation fund reflects the remaining
excess un-obligated funds. The FEMA 2024 Flood fund shows a positive balance, due to additional ERAF funds received
from the state – VEM - last month.
The auditor’s monthly reconciliation review, for December 2025, showed no discrepancies.
Lilly reviewed revisions she has made to the Budget vs Actual monthly report that presents all line items in the General
and Town Highway Budgets with columns that include the actuals for the past fiscal year (FY25) and what was budgeted
originally for the current fiscal year (FY26). For January, there are no individual budget line items that require specific
attention or explanation.
Lilly met with PACIF, the town’s insurer, to better understand the increase in the town’s insurance rates.The main
takeaway from the meeting is that the significant increase in our Property & Casualty insurance is largely due to the 2023
Fire Department claim. Even though the Fire Department is no longer on our policy, that claim will continue to impact our
rates through 2029. For Workers’ Compensation, claims affect rates for three years. One option Lilly presented to reduce
premiums would be to review and potentially lower the agreed-upon values of Town buildings. This would require
negotiations with PACIF and formal appraisals. Lilly offered to gather more information on that process ; the WSB
decided that this is not worth pursuing. Last year PACIF asked the town to upgrade their building values to assure
adequate coverage, and we did. Again the option to find another insurance provider came up. The Board had previously
decided not to have Lilly do more research on that option. PACIF is a large insurance pool that specializes in coverage
for municipalities and also provides safety trainings and some grants for safety equipment. It is unlikely the town would
find a better option.
PACIF also offered to review the town’s lease agreement with MVUSD to clarify how liability is allocated between the
Town and the MVUE SD. Following their review, PACIF provided a couple of suggested amendments to better define
those responsibilities. Lilly will bring these suggested amendments to the WSB for discussion at their next meeting. Lilly
reported that PACIF informed her that racoons are not considered vermin and therefore the town is eligible to file a claim
for the repair of the damage revealed by a pair of racoons falling through the ceiling in the Town Garage. PACIF could
cover the repair costs minus the $1,000 deductible. Alfie suggested exploring the option of an insurance claim and t he
WSB discussed this. Lizzy feels it is worthwhile filing a claim, though the WSB, in view of increased rates as a result of
recent claims, w onders if this would affect future insurance rates. This discussion ventures into the need to replace the
entire roof and/or rebuilding a new town garage. The WSB wonders if there might be possible grant opportunities for such
a major project. Diana will explore this. Lilly will pursue the claim process. A small error in calculating the employee
share of their health insurance premium was discovered. The error will result in total refunds of $594.26. Lilly also
provided a copy of the 2026 health insurance contract, already signed and ready to be sent after WSB review.
Road Commissioner’s Report
with Alfred Larrabee
The road crew has been pushing back the snowbanks and cleaning up intersections and the village. Alfie noted that it is
hard to get road salt; the salt is largely unavailable. Chris suggested that what salt remains be used for the paved section of
Cabot Road and that the paved section of Foster Hill Road be san ded instead of using salt. Alfie has researched the
replacement of the 550 (now unusable with exhaust coming into the cab). Estimated repair cost from a Ford dealer is
about $10,000. A new replacement would come to $160,000. Alfie feels this is not feasible at the moment . He is
exploring other repair options. With two part-time drivers in place, the new configuration for the road crew is working
out well. Alfie will be away on vacation again next week.
Recovery Officer’s Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip reported that he and Chris met with reps from FEMA and VEM/Public Safety to discuss the potential de -obligation
of excess funds from the TH23 and TH24 bridge replacements. FEMA/ VEM are adamant that they want the total return of
any excess beyond the two road repairs. Skip will continue to explain to them why the town should keep the $105,000
that was used for mitigation projects with FEMA knowledge and according to FEMA guidance. Skip shared email
correspondence with FEMA and Senator Welch’s office that resulted following this meeting. It was requested by
FEMA/VEM that Skip provide a timeline of correspondence tha t led Woodbury to believe the town had provided the
necessary information and to communicate to FEMA the change of work scopes for the projects; Skip has provided this
timeline and shared a copy of that in his report to the WSB. Chris shared that he has contacted Senator Sanders office and
is waiting for a response. Lizzy suggests the town hire a lawyer to seek legal counsel if we take the appeal option. Skip
has found relevant PDFs on VLCT’s website but is unable to access them because he is not an elected official. Lilly
offers to access these PDFs and send them to Skip for his review.
Updates and Other Business
Swenson Quarry Update
Diana reported that the Town just received notice that the District 5 Environmental Commission (D5EC) has issued a
“Notice of Minor Application” and a “Proposed Land Use Permit” which means that they will not hold a hearing unless
the Town or another party request a hearing by March 17. This is not what the D5EC indicated in a December 18 memo
directing the applicant to provide a statement of support from the Town. The Zoning Board of adjustment will not hold
their next deliberative session until March 12. Diana sug gests that the best way forward is to speed up deliberations with
Swenson, this deadline will give both sides an incentive to come to a negotiated agreement and ask the D5EC to include
certain permit conditions.
Bills and Payroll
Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8 :10 P.M.
Signatures and Approval
Chris Casey ______________________ Diana Peduzzi _________________________
Lizzy Higgins ______________________ 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; 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; GIA – Grants in Aid; HED – Hardwick Electric Department; HERF – Highway
Equipment Replacement Fund; HMP – Hazard Mitigation Plan; HPD – Hardwick Police Department; H&H –
Hydrological & Hydraulic; LEOP – Local Emergency Operations 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; SS – Seacoast Securities; TAC – Transportation Advisory Committee; TAN – Tax Anticipation Note; TC –
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; 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; WSB – Woodbury Select Board; WPC – Woodbury Planning Commission; WNRCD – Winooski
Natural Resources Conservation District; WVFD – Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department; ZBA – Zoning Board of
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