Select Board
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Meeting Minutes

Select Board:  Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott, Andrea Hodson
Attendees: Steve LaMears, Dave O’Neil, Ranae O’Neil, Ned Hulbert, Paul Clark
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

Agenda, Minutes of 1/9 – With the addition of an update on the SR bridge project, the board approved the agenda as amended. The board then approved the Jan 9th meeting minutes.

Fire Department – The board discussed proposed building improvements to the Fire Department with Steve LaMears and Dave O’Neil. Given budget considerations, the proposed improvements have been prioritized and are likely to be phased over two years. The board will continue budget analysis relative to the proposed work and will continue discussion through budget and warrant preparation work. The board also reviewed the proposed 2026 FD operating budget and had no concerns. Mr. O’Neil noted training will be available once again in Fitzwilliam.

Affordable Housing Team (AHT)– Ned Hulbert attended to update the board on Southwest Region Planning’s invitation to the SB, Planning Board, Ordinance Review Committee and the housing team volunteers for a joint meeting to be hosted by the Planning Board on Feb 11.  The intent is to discuss the effectiveness of the housing project work and next steps in light of the end of the SWRPC mini-grant. An update also will appear in the next Common Threads and on the town website. Mr. Hulbert noted that, once the grant runs out, any consulting work done by planner Carol Ogilvie will be out of pocket. She suggests that a group of 5-7 people meet monthly to continue ordinance work and a beta test of a pocket neighborhood. The AHT looks to recruit more volunteers, and potentially landowners willing to offer property for a pocket neighborhood beta test/test case and also would-be pocket neighborhood dwellers. Financial models will also be a focus in 2026.

Public Works – Mr. LaMears reviewed with the board the payroll line for the Recycling Center noting he has added for a few additional hours for staff in the coming year.  Regarding winter road maintenance, he met with a representative of Innovative Solution about the use of magnesium chloride vs. salt for treating roads, and the economic, time and environmental effect benefits of this method.  He awaits a quote for further consideration.

Pay warrant – The SB signed the pay warrant for $42,209.20 and accounts payable (from 2025) expenditures for $10,938.

South Road Bridge – Dubois & King notified the board that an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) should go out. Andrea Hodson will explore existing templates and work on this.  The RFP will follow the RFQ.

The next meeting of the SB is Thur 1/22 at 7pm for additional budget and warrant work.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.