Select Board – Feb 23 – MINUTES

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

School Budget Votes

The results of the school districts votes Tuesday, March 3: • Haven Union School District: Yes 396, No 352 • Mountain View Union School District: Yes 377, No 389

Select Board – Feb 23rd – DRAFT MINUTES

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

Town Meeting Results

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING -- RESULTS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026


Article 1: Who shall be elected moderator? Stephen Murphy

Article 2: To consider the printed Woodbury Town Report for the year ending December 31, 2025.

Considered, and corrected as follows:

• Page 58, add the names of
Cemetery Commission Secretary Stephanie Appleton
Cemetery Commission Member Amy Eldred.


• Page 79, correct the amount requested by the Vermont Rural Fire
Protection Task Force to $200.

• Page 82, in the photo caption for the back cover, add Stephanie
Appleton to band members not in the photo.

Article 3: Who shall be elected to fill the following positions as Town Officers?

Town Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 years Lilly Baron
(Lilly Baron 98, Brandy Smith 18)

>> The following town officers were elected by unanimous vote. <<

Select Board Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 years John Gordon

Lister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 years Ron Wells

Auditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 years Susan Martin

Collector of Delinquent Taxe s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 year Ron Wells

Cemetery Commissioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 years Susan Stitely

Cemetery Commissioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 years Cacky Peltz

Library Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 years Allison Schmitt

Hazen Union School District Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 years Steven Freihofner


>> ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES WERE APPROVED. <<

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

Article 9: Shall the voters appropriate $26,987.00 for the support of the Woodbury Community
Library?

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 $750.00 to Aid to Women, Men and Children in Abuse and
Rape Emergencies (A.W.A.R.E.)?

Article 13: Shall 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 $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 from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027?

Article 34: Shall the voters authorize Highway Fund expenditures of $864,599 for the period from
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027?

Article 35: To transact any other non-binding business that may legally come before the meeting.

Article 36: To adjourn the meeting.

Select Board – Feb 9th – MINUTES

Town of Woodbury Select Board Meeting
Minutes
February 9, 2026
Attendees
Select Board Members Chris Casey, Diana Peduzzi, Lizzy Higgins
Town Officials: Robin Durkee (Town Clerk), Lilly Baron (Town Treasurer) Skip Lindsay (Recovery Officer);
John Reid (Auditor)
Town Employees: Alfred Larrabee (Road Commissioner); Michael Gray (WSB Assistant/Scribe)
Members of the Public: Lisa Flood; Nicole Centerbar and Colen Johnson (Bowman staff, representing
Swenson Granite); Randy Cleveland (Director of Quarry Operations for Swenson Granite)
Media: Arthur Hynes -HCTV
Call to Order Chris called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Adjustments to Agenda Update on the spring in the gulf; Road Erosion Inventory Update
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from January 29, 2026 Select Board meeting were approved.
Public Comment
Lisa Flood has been looking into the possibility of historic preservation grant money that could help finance
needed repairs at the school. She asked how the need for proposed work on the fire escape and elevator
originated. The WSB answered that the repairs have been mandated to meet state fire and safety codes.
Michael suggested that she bring her inquiry to the Woodbury MVUESD representatives and that the town
paying for renovations may prove to be a liability for the OSSU while the school is a designated campus within
the MVUESD. Lilly will provide Lisa with a copy of the town lease with MVUESD.
Swenson Granite Company -Request for Municipal Impact Statement
with Colen Johnson, Nicloe Centerbar and Randy Cleveland
Colin and Nicole attended the meeting to answer any questions the WSB may have regarding the Municipal
Impact Statement requested for the Swenson Granite Act 250 application. Colin summarized the project for
which permits are required from the town and the District Environmental Commission. These include footprint
expansion; the production of aggregate from tailings at the quarry that would involve the use of a crusher at the
quarry for 45 working days per year. Sale of the aggregate products would involve increased truck traffic to
and from the quarry. They have asked for a total maximum of 50 loaded truck trips per day including the
blocks and the crushed. Based on the first ZBA hearing, Colin's impression is that the town's major concern is
the increase in truck traffic and the wear and tear on Cabot Road. Chris shares that his impression of town
concerns are the increase in noise, increase in truck traffic and Cabot Road traffic/public safety concerns.
Colen explained some changes that have been made since the earlier ZBA hearing. The dump trucks
carrying the crushed aggregate will use the old quarry entrance, a private road off Cabot Road, which will

mean no increase in aggregate trucks over the section of Cabot Road between the new and old exits. All truck
traffic including the blocks, will use the old entrance in the winter. In the summer, the block trucks will go back
to using the new entrance. Regarding the noise produced by the crusher, he explained that a new support
area is being prepared at the northern-most corner of the site. Alternative sites are available within the quarry
walls .. In the amendment request, the aggregate extraction limit is 20,000 cubic yards per year. The creating
and selling of aggregate is a new aspect of the quarry's business that is being explored so they don't have all
the answers of how operations will proceed. They will use CB radios to control trucks entering and exiting the
old road which is not wide enough for two trucks to pass. . Dust from the road with the truck traffic is expected
to be controlled by the town road crew. Alfie expresses his concern that some of the trucks are not properly
equipped, especially with the tires they run on, and suggests the use of chains in winter, to travel Cabot Road.
He suggests the quarry have a requirement that the trucks be properly equipped in this regard to avoid the
problems the trucks have had, especially this winter. Randy believes that the use of chains would tear up the
pavement. Randy and Alfie discussed a project to widen the road at the steep curve just downhill from the
new entrance. The company would provide the fill material.
The subject of the financial payments to the town came up. To assist with additional road maintenance,
Swenson has long paid 6.5 cents per usable square foot of granite hauled from the quarry. The aggregate will
add to the total tonnage and increase the reimbursement to the town. Both Colen and Randy state that they
are open to more money coming to the town but neither are authorized to make that arrangement. The town
needs make the request. Diana mentions she still needs to contact the WVFD and Hardwick Rescue, to get
their input for the Municipal Impact statement.
Town Clerk's Report with Robin Durkee
Land Records research at the town office has been quiet and Robin has been focused on preparations for
town meeting. Robin also mentioned that the WOOF contest, intended to inspire more residents to license their
dogs, is getting a good response.
Town Treasurer's Report with Lillian Baron
Lilly will be meeting with the PACIF insurance providers to get a better sense of why insurance costs have
recently increased and discuss possible ways to lower insurance costs. The January financial review is
postponed until the February 23
rd
WSB meeting to allow time for the midyear review and budget projections on
the agenda for this meeting. The CVRPC Mutual Aid agreement has been finalized and is ready for the WSB to
sign. Lizzy recalled that John Gordon and Tim Neill would be the designated contacts in the agreement and
that she still needs to confirm with Tim to know if he is willing to be a contact person. Lizzy will connect with
Tim and the WSB will sign the agreement at its February 23
rd
meeting.
Lilly presented a mid-year review of the town's FY26, looking at budgeted expenses and revenues; she then
provided projections for the budget items at the end of the fiscal year. The town's various reserve funds were
also reviewed. Lilly's summary of the town finances, based on mid-year revenue and expenditures, is that the
town's total expenses will slightly exceed total revenues by the end of the fiscal year, resulting in a modest
budget deficit across the combined General and Highway Funds.
Total cash on hand at mid-year stands at $1,093,577. The General Fund Budget is currently operating at a
deficit, meaning the town's expenditures are outpacing revenues. The Highway Fund Budget continues
strongly, with a surplus and healthy fund balance. Overall, expenditures are trending slightly above budget,
while revenues remain steady, supported by state aid, clerk fees, and delinquent tax collections. The primary
financial risk for the remainder of the year is unbudgeted or under-budgeted expenses, including unanticipated
truck repairs, post-budget wage increases, and higher-than-expected insurance and technology costs
impacting both of the town's major funds.
Projections for the end of FY 26 show cash on hand at $383,403. This reflects the anticipated return of the full
amount of excess FEMA funds, included as a conservative, worst-case assumption. The General Fund Budget
is projected to remain in deficit through year-end. Lilly will continue to watch the delinquent tax revenue, as she
feels it is the defining revenue that will have the largest impact on the health of the town's General Fund

Balance at year end. The Highway Fund is projected to end the year with a 46% increase in its fund balance.
Lilly feels it will be important to monitor payroll expenses as the transition of highway crew members evolves.
The bottom line is that the town is not at risk of needing to borrow, however, fund balances-particularly the
General Fund-are projected to fall below best-practice levels, limiting financial flexibility and increasing
exposure to unanticipated costs.
Looking ahead, Lilly suggests the town's best practice is to maintain approximately two months of operating
expenses in both the General Fund and the Highway Fund at year-end. Based on the current FY27 budget,
which reflects more realistic expenditure levels, this target equates to roughly $125,000 in our main
Funds (Highway and General). Maintaining this level of fund balance serves two primary purposes: it
helps bridge cash flow needs before tax revenues are received, and it provides capacity to absorb
unbudgeted or unexpected expenses during the fiscal year.
Lilly then quickly reviewed the various special funds the town holds, such as the HERF, library, cemetery,
lister's education, reappraisal and separate FEMA funds, giving their current financial status and projections for
fiscal year end balances.
Road Commissioner's Report with Alfred Larrabee
With snow coming daily, the crew has been busy. The new truck is back in action and the old 4900 has been
sold .. The road crew now has two part time road crew members. Dana Huoppi has agreed to fill in for a few
weeks and the other is awaiting results of the required drug test. This will finally allow Alfie to step aside from
daily plowing duties. Alfie continues to train Peter to take on more road commissioner duties. Alfie reported that
he will be starting a 10 day vacation.
Big news of the day is the two raccoons that literally dropped through the sheetrock ceiling into the garage,
revealing the lack of ceiling insulation and the need for roofing repairs. Ice has been building up on the roof
and snow melt has begun to run into the building. Alfie worries about the poor retention of heat in the building
and the fuel expense from the lack of insulation. From this, Alfie brings up the need for a new roof or, perhaps,
a new building. This topic will be discussed in further WSB meetings. The road crew will patch the hole with
plywood for a temporary fix.
The roadside spring beside Route 14 in the gulf has not been running. Alfie, Michael, Peter Dailey and Dana
Huoppi visited the spring last week. The spring box is badly deteriorated, and water is leaking from the ground
around the spring box not allowing the buildup of water in the box to flow through the pipe to the water tub;
also, the water in the pipe has frozen. There was a fix attempted at the spring and an attempt to thaw the pipe
at the water tub site that was not successful. The crew that was there plan to do a major fix with the coming of
warmer weather. Lizzy mentioned an email she received regarding the spring. The person sending the email
assumed that the town was responsible for the spring. It is not. The spring is under the purview of VT rans.
Dana Huoppi, who used to work for VT rans, has been the person to get the spring running when it has stopped
flowing in the past, as a VTrans employee and then as a volunteer after he retired. As this water source is
important for many homeowners, the four will continue to volunteer to make the repairs when weather permits.
Town Highway Grant Projects -with Michael Gray
Michael updated the board on the Valley Lake Road culvert replacement, the Emergency Watershed
Protection Program/USDA/NRCS grant for Cabot Road/Buck Lake Brook and the Better Roads Road Erosion
Inventory (REI) grant. The RFP for the Valley Lake Road culvert replacement has been sent out to 14
contractors. Bids should be coming in soon. Bids will be opened at the February 23
rd
WSB meeting. Nate
Sicard, engineer and project manager for the culvert replacement, will attend the meeting. The grant for this
project is a VT rans Structures grant. The limit of the grant is $200,000 and the town has budgeted $75,000 to
make up the difference.
Michael met with Brian Voigt, senior planner for CVRPC, for an initial consultation on the RFP for engineering
design for the EWPP/USDA/NRCS awarded grant for bank stabilization of Buck Lake Brook as it enters
Woodbury Village. The bank erosion seriously compromises Cabot Road as the road enters the village. Brian
and CVRPC will be serving as project manager for this grant. Vermont's division of the NRCS originally

planned to do the design work with its own engineers but many engineers have been laid off with federal
budget cuts. A final draft of the RFP for the design will be reviewed and then sent out to contractors. Michael
suggested that the technical assistance portion of the grant -$3,377 -be awarded to CVRPC for its role as
project manager for this project. No decision on that was made at this meeting.
The town was awarded a grant of $7,856 from Better Roads for the mandated updating of its REI, originally
done in 2017. Michael contacted John Reid about the purchase of an I Pad for the work of inventorying town
highways for the required update of the town's REI. Estimates for the cost of the !Pad are about $400. This
expense will be covered with the grant. Michael will be doing this inventory with the help of the road crew over
the next two summers in anticipation of the October 31
5
1, 2027 deadline for completion of the inventory. The
WSB approved the purchase.
Recovery Officer's Report with Skip Lindsay
Skip's report focused on the ongoing communications centered around the "deobligation" and return of leftover
funds from the TH23 and TH24 bridge replacements. Chris contacted Peter Welch's office about the heated
rhetoric coming from the VEM/Public safety rep Skip has been corresponding with. A staff member from Peter
Welch's congressional team contacted Skip and Skip sent all related email documentation relevant to the
unused funds to that staff member. Skip then received a positive response from the VEM/Public Safety rep that
this issue will be resolved in a more thoughtful manner. Skip and Chris will meet with FEMA and VEM reps to
discuss the two projects, the balance of the leftover funds and the funds used from the original leftover funds
for other town mitigation projects. Skip had reason to believe these projects met FEMA standards and that the
leftover funds were available for use for such projects.
Executive Session -citing 1 VSA 313 (a)(1 )(A) and (a)(3)
The WSB voted to enter Executive Session at 8:05 p.m. inviting Lilly Baron and John Reid
The Executive Session was closed at 8:55 PM.
No action was taken.
Updates and Other Business
Bills and Payroll
Bills and payroll orders were signed at the end of the meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9: 10 P. M.