The Brattleboro Selectboard had a regular meeting and approved of more changes to the recently-changed parking system. Zones will get new names, there will be new signs and stickers, rates and times will change, and more. This will make it easier for everyone, the Town assures us.
There are big beautiful plans by locals in Brattleboro for the old Hinsdale bridges, but they are owned primarily by New Hampshire and that side of the river isn’t too keen on maintaining them in the long term. It will take might private efforts to make something happen at this juncture, but a “balanced” letter will be sent to the NH DOT, with or without support from Hinsdale.
And Kate O’Connor is again director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Preliminaries
They start late. While we wait, thanks again to those who have made a donation to support this. : )
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Chair Elizabeth McLoughlin – We’ve had 10 weeks of meetings since Feb 24th. I have some rules to read, which on the surface might not seem important but turns out it is. (reads rules again.. (chair is to make sure opposing viewpoints are heard.))
Town Manager John Potter – We are gearing up for committee appointments. If anyone is interested, reach out to the Town manager’s office. Get your dog license asap. Before June 3! Renew your business license asap to avoid fines May 23. 7pm May 21 is info meeting for special RTM at Academy School. May 27 is the special RTM at the BUHS gymnasium.
Isaac Evans-Frantz – I went to a vigil for the homeless in our community at Pliny Park. Brought together lots of people. Thanks for putting it on. “Remember the unhoused people who have died, people can’t get warm at home if they don’t have a home. We’re all in this together,” says Michael, a homeless person.
Public Participation
Kate O. – The Charter Revision Commission will meet May 22 and May 29 at 6:15 at Municipal center – we’ll talk about the form of government, then we’ll make a recommendation on the type of town meeting we should move forward with. Come to the meeting or email us. This is a chance to help make a big decision.
Dick Degray – A week and half ago when discussing the budget, the auditor showed that we were short – did you run the numbers for the current year to make sure there are no deficiencies in those areas. Id not, I hope you would. Next, the lights at the junction, when will the state synchronize them. Traveling north on Canal Street, you miss the light. I count about 6 cars getting through going north. The lights on lower Main, too. It is a mess down there and you should get the state down there.
Potter – we do have a similar issue in the FY25 budget and we will be taking about it. The lights, – that is an issue that DPW and Trans are working on it. Whenever you make a change, it can have other consequences. Trying to figure out the best overall timing for all of them.
Oscar Heller – I have seen confusion about the FY26 budget error and we will find a way to make those numbers clearer before town meeting.
Kate T – thanks to our partners for a great Gallery Walk event. We have an extensive list, and I’m so proud of the energy, food, music, arts… a testament to what is possible. Also, thanks for Green Up Day and new partners helping us.
Liz – great events.
Bob O – I think I’m here. I shall read – (reads the beginning of the Rescue letter….). That was the first paragraph of a Rescue Inc letter read at the last meeting, board members have received it, and I do hope a deeper dive will take place into those numbers because it is still an issue. VLCT says the rules of procedure work only as well as they are followed, and applied fairly to all.
Liz – is there anyone else from the public who would like to speak? No?
Consent Agenda
A. Liquor and Tobacco License Renewals – Approve
B. Royal Diner – Approve Outside Consumption Permit
C. Melchen Road Grant Agreement – Accept Up To $235,406.34 Grant
D. Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions Tiny Grant – Ratify $600 Request
E. Emergency Pump Repair at Water Treatment Plant – Ratify $15,600 Expenditure
F. Martocci’s – Approve Outside Consumption Permit
G. AIDS Project of Southern Vermont AIDS Walk – Approve Parade Permit
consented!
Parking System
Potter – This has been a great team effort – Darren, Chief Evans, Dan Tyler , Pete Lynch, and others have been working on a great team effort to reconsider the parking system to come up with a quite interesting set of recommendations for the selectboard tonight. For relieving parking concerns.
Assistant Police Chief Evans – the police department is now overseeing parking again. My first day here I spent half of it doing meters in 1998. When Kim Frost resigned and Patrick left, we took over the parking section. We made significant changes last year to the parking system – zones and fees – and we’ve revived a lot of feedback and we are looking for making some good changes.
Darren P – (has a slideshow) – we’re 6 months in to the new system and got feedback and have some remedies that can cure some concerns. It is an enterprise fund meant to cover its own expenses. Last November the new system with zones, no meters went into effect. Currently we have 7 zones, 26 kiosks around town, and 3 parking lots are for long term parking. You can pay at kiosks by entering license plate and payment, by confusing text and web browser, or the park smarter app if downloaded to a phone and tied to geolocations around town. People aren’t using coin or cash. 13% is coin or cash. The rest is credit card. About 9k less transactions this April over last April. But the previous system was counting meters being fed. We see an upward trend. We won’t see great data until the end of summer. Total revenue is up mostly due to the rate increase. The feedback we’ve gotten is it is hard to adapt to change, kiosks are hard to find and use, lack of signage, zones are hard to find on mobile payment methods, and accessibility. We will add more signs and instructions. We suggest changing the multiple zones so that parking lots and adjoining streets would become the new zones. We need to mirror the street rates to the parking lots. High Grove is long term, and High Street isn’t. We suggest 11 spots on High Street become like the parking lot. Some want quick turnover there, but it is up to you. The next change would be zone names changing from zone 1, zone 2, etc. to 05301, , 05302, 05303, 05304, 05306, and 05307 – it will be much easier and more clear about what zone number to type in, and the app that enforcement uses has some issues seeing zone names if not numerical. The last big change is two spare kiosks at DPW – to put them downtown to help people finding kiosks. A big thing is distance to kiosks. One by Peter Havens and one by Key Bank. Lastly, we suggest removing Sunday from enforcement, add hours to Monday-Saturday. Make a violations appeal form. Create an easier permit purchase process for employees and employers. Institute loading-only zones that are not for parking. Without meters, we can’t “bag” those spots anymore. Questions?
Potter – thanks Darren, great presentation. You could focus on the recommended motions we could implement tomorrow, then have a discussion of the “further discussions’ list.
Liz – I’d like to ask if Kate T has any comments.
Kate T – Darren did a great job – the whole crew. It was a bumpy rollout. The changes make sense. The zone changes will be more intuitive.
Oscar – what’s the vernal feedback from merchants? We’re unhappy, or just rough spots to work out?
Kate – the initial response was “this is terrible we hate it.” As they learn to use it… one piece they talk about is that older customers have difficulty walking far to the kiosk to the car and back. The accessibility piece.
Darren – adding more kiosks to the Main Street area. There is capital planning to purchase more.
Liz – these potential motions. Board comments? We’ll do A-E all together, then the additional discussions.
Peter Case makes the motion for all 5 changes.
Amanda Ellis-Thurber – when would the extra hours be? Oh do that later? Ok.
Oscar – some general questions. It is a limitation of the software that one zone gets one dot? (Yes)
Darren – kiosks can only be assigned to one zone. We thought you could use any one, but that’s not the case. High Street kiosks can only be used for on High Street, not the parking lot. Reconfiguring puts the streets and lots in sync.
Oscar – changing the rates. I know we would run a deficit, but the actuals were strange, fees down and fines up? Are we still on that track?
Darren – we are working on the FY26 budget for the next meeting and give a more accurate answer.
Oscar – kiosk cost? (7k)
Isaac Evans-Frantz – thanks for gathering feedback and making recommendations. What is the purpose of having an enterprise parking system? Why change id it barely covers the cost of the system?
Darren – it has a lot of assets to it – the parking lots – that need improvements. The hope is that it won’t run deficits.
Potter – last year the board considered no parking lots, but decided that people would just park and not have lots of turnover, and you’d stilll need to enforce things, so the General Fund would pay for it. So we believe we can make it profitable for itself.
Isaac – and why the new system?
Darren – we had an enterprise fund in a deficit, and part of the reason was the single pole meter being damaged or not working. This system has challenges but we hop one day it will be profitable.
Peter – also it was paid for with a grant.
Isaac – could we pilot or test some of the changes. Adopting rate and time changes on High Street and Elliot and Flat, and adding two kiosks seem straightforward. But how about testing the others and getting more feedback. Maybe add a sign saying have no space?
Darren – the signage could be done pretty soon. A pilot program, we didn’t think about it. We’d like to rip that bandaid off. There will always be visitors from out of town not seeing signage, but changing zone names and locations should help tourists and residents.
Evans – alphanumeric is a problem for enforcement, too.
Peter – trying to go through how many High Street spaces there are. (13?) Is there a reason, or unrealistic to bend those into a Main Street zone?
Darren – we talked about that and spoke with merchants. It went against the lot-tied-to-street philosophy. Then the problem of kiosks. If you were to change the rate and time limitation and want to change it, you can change it without changing the ordinance.
Peter – I was going to make a motion based on a previous conversions. What will this cost us on High Street?
Darren – the data we get is hard to determine, but we dug in and it wasn’t a huge difference in cost.
Pete – I like these suggestions. I have a shop downtown and people ask me how to park and they aren’t a happy about it. The zip code thing will present its own confusion. I’m familiar with the app. Numeric is the way to go.
Darren – the maps are color coded, so the signs and decals will match, and maps will be displayed around town.
Liz – thanks for being responsible for this and taking it over from Patrick. All the things about the kiosks… when you have the app it doesn’t apply. I am in favor of all these things being done at once, and fewer sets of changes.
Amanda – this is great. It makes sense. Business cards or flyers that the subway has, or even merch or a T-shirt or a parking gallery walk. It’s brilliant.
Darren – there are decals we can get out to merchants for doors and windows – 7 inch by 7 inch.
Oscar – as for signage, I see people struggling. We should consider putting a banner across Main Street directing people to the town’s web site for information about parking.
Peter – people complained about meters. This is a direction in which we are going. It’s all app driven. The number one complaint is credit cards – people struggle with it.
Liz – public?
Bonnie G – I’m not opposed to this, but have questions. I’m concerned around Centre Church on Sundays – if you don’t drop it, we could cover meters for parking in front of the church on Sundays near the ramp. Handicap spots? We have memorial services that we’d like to accommodate. We don’t have our own parking other than. We’re not a loading zone. It would be great to have spaces on Sunday in front of the church.
Darren – follow up with us, but we do offer renting spaces out with a fee but we might block spots for Sunday service. We can work something out.
David L – two things – High and High Grove proposal makes sense, and second, I would discourage a pilot system for naming zones. That’ll be confusing.
Steve P – I answered my own question.
Dick D – I commend the town for changing the system to what it is today – meters were broken and bent, and I think you should look attractive to attract people to town. It was an obstacle for snow removal. Looking at the changes and color coding, could we paint the kiosk to match the color of the map, to make them easier to find and stick out? And to know what zone you are in.
Darren – it is a good idea – we can’t color the top solar panels, but should do something.
Isaac – when I say pilot, it could just be one day – test it with zipcodes and see if they have challenges. I did quality improvement and you do things incrementally before doing system changes. We could create challenges with our new changes if not careful.
Liz – interesting but town staff will tell you everyone hates everything so go with what we think will work.
Isaac – we can vote to approve and let staff how best to roll it out, but if you can feedback, that would be great.
Darren – we’d have a bit of time while waiting for stickers and decals. Before summer. We think the numerical only zone will help a lot of the issues. We think we can make the changes in a day, but we could look at other options.
Oscar – the rates are only being changed to be cheaper and long?
Darren – the other ones are zone 3 and 5 – rates are currently the same but times are not. Harmony is currently 3 hour and Elliot 2 so Elliot will becomes 3.
All changes approved – 5-0
Peter – I’d like to suggest a motion of its own. Along with the other complaints while rolling this out, the biggest one I heard was about Sunday parking. You suggested add ing two hours Monday through Saturday and fee parking on Sunday. I’d like to make that motion.
Liz – we could put all five items together.
Potter – we need to bring these back as ordinance changes. Should we bring these back, or don’t do one of these?
Liz – nodding approval.
Peter – I was hoping to make this motion to get started asap.
Liz – That is extreme. The staff needs time. I register your enthusiasm for the Sunday change.
Amanda – Great idea. How much longer would weekdays be? 2 hours in evening? Until 8 pm?
Darren – we put them in the evening and we need to recoup that revenue lost on Sundays.
Amanda – adding two hours in the evening is reasonable, kind of a lot., Maybe 1 hour would be better.
Darren – we could bring back better numbers to show what one vs two hours would bring.
Oscar – Makes sense. These will have first reading and second reading… it will take a little while.
Isaac – when I was talking to business owners about parking, there were mixed sentiments about Sunday parking. Residents were taking advantage of the free spots all day on Main Street. Change is hard, and they don’t like fees. Is there some acceptance of the Sunday cost. If we charge in evening, won’t people push back? People just don’t want to pay. Have you done polling about people wanting to pay on evenings rather than Sundays?
Darren – merchants told Kate T they wanted Sundays back. Haven’t gotten lots of feedback on the extended Monday-Saturday hours.
Oscar – this is along process so we’ll have multiple meeting for people to show up and offer thoughts.
Liz – I like the idea of two extra hours M-S and not on Sundays.
Dick D – I was an advocate of parking on Sunday, as Isaac said, the free spaces get filled. It is an enterprise fund that has suffered in recent years. The only two nights people are downtown is Friday and Saturday. We’ll have two hours of parking with no cars downtown, and probably no enforcement. I like charging for Sunday spots. The lots and parking at Harmony and Main Street are valuable to the businesses, and letting locals take them away, it is an enterprise fund and revenue is down. You won’t make up the $43k in income two night a week.
Oscar – I assume we will have enforcement if we do 6-8?
Potter – Generally yes we do.
Nell M – Would evening enforcement be overtime? Is Sunday patrols overtime? Also, loading zones – I see multiple spots the are blocked off for loading zones. I’ve gone on the app and didn’t have to pay on Sundays.
Potter – what is your license plate number? Shifts get changed around – not overtime!
Kate T – The Sunday idea – in my experience, most merchants want free Sundays, for the local population. Merchants tell me they do not see local customers coming downtown. This is a form of concession. Restaurants do a great business in the evenings, and parking lots are often full. I think we could be creative with permits for long term lots and parking lots – have landlords incorporate it into rent, maybe.
Bethany R – We are a town that birder tow other towns – Keene and Greenfield – as we look at extending our days – Keene and Greenfield both stop at 5pm, and both have free days on the weekend. You might choose to go elsewhere for a movie if it costs more to park here.
A New – Alfred New – The people who live downtown like to park close to do groceries or bring things in on Sundays. Both Greenfield and Keene have lower parking rates. Restaurants have some evening hours. I don’t think you’ll recover a lot by adding evening hours. Won’t be good.
David L – this may have changed but there was a mention of online purchases. Typically you had to go to the office to get a permit… could that be online? A sticker to print and put in the car of no one is in the office? What is the commission we pay to the parking app people?
Potter – not sure.
Darren – we can get that number. We want to streamline the whole permit process. WE’d look at al different options and bring them back to you.
Liz – the memo had 5 items to explore. Consider a nod to continue the exploration and bring data back to us?
The nod is given…
Potter stops them from discussing all the others.
Liz – the appeals process, loading zones, and parking permits.
Amanda – the loading zones . We deliver veggies. I’d like to learn more about the plan.
Darren – there are some loading zones now, and some half-time loading zones. We’d like to add more loading-only because the half-time zones are confusing.
Amanda – sometimes we use a family vehicle, not a box truck, and get a ticket. It would be good to have a sticker to post or something.
Darren – Fish has deliveries from trucks from all over?
Amanda – how about a senior parking permit?
Darren – can look into it.
Liz – let’s take a break until 8:05pm.
Brattleboro Thrives Update
Kate T- we had a Powerpoint?
Potter – no you didn’t get it to the right people.
Liz – this very dark one?
Kate T – We’ll update you on the timeline. In January 2024, Chamber and DBA wanted an economic development program or person. Brattleboro should have a position to augment the work, and the program was funded for two years. In June 2024 we hired someone. That didn’t work. Dec 2024 we hired another consultant (Neil), and now in April 2025 we have a program strategy and action steps. Our goals are to increase economic vibrancy in Brattleboro, centralizing resources, connecting stakeholders, attracting and retaining businesses, and pursuing grant funding.
Neil – it is a long term game, no simple silver bullet. Lots of focus to develop a strategy and take actions. We did market research, cataloging existing business resources, cataloging grant and funding opportunities, and update the Doing Business in Brattleboro Guide.
Kate T – the guide was created in 2013. It’s about creating an integrated system. We did a draft of market research (passes it out). The idea behind this one-sheet is to make it available if a business asks about these details. To be more proactive in business recruitment.
Neil – (shares some market data) $91k avg income. We took in more revenue in 2014 than 2024. Daily car traffic 20k. So, next steps – update the guide, develop partnerships, create and implement programming, and pursue grant funding. Tax stabilization, events, fit-up support, etc.
Kate T. – we’ve done pop-ups that generated some activity. The more we get people in spaces the better. We need to start telling the story that Brattleboro is open for business and there is an opportunity here. We’ll still do events, but we need to encourage developers, investors, entrepreneurs.
Kate O. – The guide will help everyone, the partnerships will help everyone. It can go town-wide.
Amanda – for recruitment, where and when?
Kate T – we’ve learned that it is easier to recruit existing businesses than start-ups and entrepreneurs. We have a wish list in our office, so we want to work with our inventory as well. We need to keep that up to date. It’s matchmaking. We want to start now. It’s the long game. We want to work with people who are thinking about a transition. BDCC is doing great transition planning. That kind of stuff.
Amanda – are you going to conferences, or other parts of the country? Climate refugees? Liberals?
Kate T – we should use the Brave Little State tagline. We are looking close to home – getting something in the Vermont Business magazine, then working that last of potential business types we think would do well in downtown.
Amanda – we have tax stabilization already.
Neil – not proposing anything, but in other towns there is a single person that does it. It would be a formal person coming and making recommendations.
Kate T – other towns have a more formal program.
Amanda – events and promotions, what specifically?
Kate T – we did shop local and Plaid Friday, and Independence month in July. A retail rental open house program for businesses looking for a second location and a pop up program formalized so we have landlords who are ready with spaces and prices. And attracting people into the downtown. Scaling up holiday lights and displays. And placemaking in third spaces – pride of place and making it look good. These all fit together.
Amanda – does doing business in Brattleboro – is there a video component?
Kate T – we had 5 videos last year featuring businesses. Video testimonials are a part of the plan.
Amanda – could it be on the town website?
Kate T – yes links everywhere.
Oscar – reinvestment part?
Kate T – every year we collect reinvestment data to give back to the state. The investment data is public and private investment downtown .
Isaac – $1 million in reinvestment in 2024? That’s the value of…?
Kate T – public and private investment in downtown projects.
Sue Fillion – it is estimates people put on permits for the improvements they are making, plus some grants and town projects.
Isaac – $65 million in rooms and meals tax? Where does it end up? On one of the slides?
Neil – we took the numbers from the state website and we adjusted it for a ten year period.
Peter – I’ve know of this data and use this data and it works. It is a lot of people and cars on Main Street. This is a home run.
Liz – thanks. Tavernier Chocolates is the best, according to Yankee magazine. Your consumer demographics are in the community profile?
Kate T – plus the downtown visitation we get from geotracking, so we can generate the data.
Liz – when is Neil done?
Neil – my time is wrapping up.
Liz – Kate, we all grieve the loss of Greg Lesch, he was the heart and soul of the Chamber. You’ve stepped in as an interim basis?
Kate O – I became the permanent Chamber Executive Director as of yesterday. We won be searching for second staff person.
Liz – comments?
Steve – nice. In conversations with businesses, are there things that are key attributes that could turn maybe’s into yeses? Any policy opportunities?
Kate T – some are smaller franchises. There was an outdoor retailer. For folks like that, they want to see what sales look like for their product already, and are enough people within drive time with income to frequent there? Are storefront turnkey ready? That’s the holdup with Sam’s space. Nothing is being done to break up the 7k square feet. We need to work with landlords. Main Street level businesses are not going to afford rents that upper floor housing will offset.
David L – two things – rooms & meals – the figure in the slide doesn’t correspond with the budget pages. The motel program does not pay rooms tax, correct? That could be another issue with the motel program that is a concern.
Liz – correct about motels.
Nel – could you share what you learned about third spaces, and people using them without paying for them. I’m involved with one.
Kate T – we’ve been thinking about third spaces that are public spaces. these are potentially open all the time – parks, catering places, and how do we activate them in different ways to make spaces more attractive to people.
Sparks Street Mural Project Public Art Applications
Liz – Sparks Street Mural Project Public Art Applications!
Potter – the DBA came tot he Town with the suggestion that public art exhibits be displayed in downtown Brattleboro so they are here to solicit your support.
Kate T – We got a town arts grant, put out call for artists to artify electrical boxes around town, selected artists, got Town Arts Committee approval, and will do the project in July 2025, with your approval. One mural shows moose in the woods. Another is a cosmic flower garden. The final is about pride and the pride flag. Each brings different pieces of Brattleboro in different ways.
Liz – so you’d like our approval?
Amanda makes a motion to approve the murals.
Oscar – how are they applied?
Kate T – each will use the same as used on the High Street mural.
Oscar – I was sure I remembered an artwork with a lynx in it.
Kate T – we chose the moose out of the three…
approved.
Anna Hunt Marsh and Charles Dana Bridges
Liz – John?
Potter – So, the board met with the Hinsdale Selectboard to learn about a project NH DOT is doing to renovate the old bridges – Anna Hunt Marsh and Charles Dana Bridges – DOT staff asked questions. Since then there was a follow-up meeting and we were planning a second joint meeting with the selectboard, but it got into a discussion of writing a joint letter with a number of requests to the NH DOT – addressing ways both towns could benefit from the renovation. Further, the group though a series of request could be made like asking a public RFP process for use and stewardship prior to giving feedback on design. Second, that the towns have input on RFP design guidelines. And also, asking ion he towns could be part of the decision process on which proposal is accepted. Also talk about the sidewalk being kept in use, a nighttime gate and public safety plan. Maintaining lighting and long term maintenance. Those things were discussed as we talked about a second meeting. Hinsdale said they had several discussions nd have been seeing negative activity on the island over the past rate last few months and their interest in doing a lot is waning. They have increased calls for service to the island for homelessness, dogs, fires, drug use. Police went to 6 calls in a week, probably Brattleboro people. They want to know who will police it, getting compensation for services? Gating the bridges. No trespass signs. That could throw a twist in how this board moves forward. You could work on a joint letter, or you could do your own letter. That’s where it is at and I’d like guidance on next steps.
Liz – not in the memo- an alternative that Hinsdale suggested and others have suggested – tearing down one or both bridges and focus on the island itself, with a dock for kayaks. There are alternatives. We need to keep in mind the negative activity. We would also provide mutual aid to them
Amanda – I’ve been closely connected to citizens interested in that area – clean-ups, programming, and positive ideas and action oriented motion toward this space. The group wants to be a stewardship non-print, interested in the RFP process. For public safety, NH Fish & Wildlife could be involved. We don’t have money to spend but the citizens are interested. Too bad things have changed in Hinsdale. More on that and we could have a meeting to talk about a potential letter, or selectboard?
Liz – we promised Hinsdale to collaborate on the letter. John Neds to know shall we be drafting a letter as presented here? Everyone agree?
Amanda – yes, and the letter could articulate there is large interested group of potential stewards.
Liz – we can tell Hinsdale we know of a bidder. But the letter is what we need to give John approval… okay with the other aspects?
Oscar – everything makes sense but the end of the memo seems to make it…
Potter – Hinsdale might not sign on. I could see if they are interested in your letter. My plan would be to draft a letter, run it by them, and if we can do it together okay and if not we’ll send our letter.
Oscar – I share Amanda’s desire to turn this into something positive. We have enthusiasm for this and want to work for the best outcome. We should communicate this to Hinsdale and the State. For me, how do we pitch it to appeal to Hinsdale, but that’s a question for John.
Liz – there are risks and liabilities and need to be mindful of them. I’m not far from the Hinssdale position myself, so we need to explore this and wrestle with what type of responsibility would a potential bidder have in the RFP process. There are downsides and financial responsibilities.
Oscar – those are important considerations. I’m advocating for shadings of how a problem is approached. In this early stage, let’s stay positive. let’s not color it too early with all the downsides.
Peter – I keep going back to — his commitment to the project after the money spent…how low on the priority list would NH DOT put this? WE’ll fix it, then it will be your problem. It was repeated a dozen downtown. I’ve never maintained a bridge.
Amanda – it’s not just volunteer help. NH DOT would do the initial work then staff hands-off. That makes it a great opportunity for Brattleboro. I asked if we can find mutually beneficial economic opportunity in this and he said yes. It has a lot of opportunity but it is a leap of faith.
Peter – it could be a beautiful thing, but the old Chesterfield bridge just sits there to look at. It will become our function. I want to beielve this can be more. I need to be convinced.
Amanda – can’t lose site of the new Amtrak station is a new start in that area of town. Different from Chesterfield bridge.
Potter – I heard adding large stakeholder interest as a possible positive, but also we need to look at long term renovations. 20-30-50 years from now what are the maintenance costs? they won’t be in the federal highway system, just state or town funding.
Amanda – budget numbers could be super helpful.
Peter – we now 7% of the Anna Marsh bridge…
Liz – do we want NH to spend this money repairing the bridge then walk away or are there alternatives. When you drive over, it is clear the bridge is nowhere near Hinsdale and they won’t foot the bill for Brattleboro’s spot.
Isaac – I’ve seen the island used for multiple purpose s over the years, even with car traffic. People camping there long ago. Not sure how much is new. If there is pedestrian and bike traffic… what’s the difference about concerns around island activity. I think this is an exciting opportunity – get of Amtrak and walk to the trail. We are a river town community, but it is easy to forget – building block the view. I’d like us to explore this and support this letter. Makes motion to communicate with NH DOT, and invite Hinsdale to sign on if they want.
Liz – I’d like to add that we should be respecting Hinsdale concerns some of which I share. We need a balanced letter talking about the plusses and minuses.
Amanda – that’s fair. That’s reality. And emphasis of lighting the area.
Oscar – process wise – does it come back to us?
Liz – not necessary. John can send the letter with our guidance.
Oscar the guidance is the first two bulleted lists and the summary before them?
Liz – no, broadly respecting Hinsdale’s concerns as well. Curious how that will go. I can imagine an optimistic and pessimistic version. I’m not getting a clear picture of the letter.
Potter – not a huge deal. I’d use this conversation. There are stakeholders interested. I’ll add some Hinsdale concerns which might bring them on board, and asking about money for long term maintenance.
Oscar – the incidents on the island can’t be new – it’s not attracting a new population.
Liz – it might on July 1.
Susan B – that island and a bridge belongs to NH. The reason we don’t hear about the calls is it is NH’s issues. We get called on mutual aid. If the board puts out there to be financially responsible, we’ll need a lease agreement for the space, after we just did a budget … a new project of the two bridges so out of line with whet we are financially and with our priorities. I’d like to see the town get back to basics. Full funding for roads, sidewalks, infrastructure, eater and sewer not upgraded in 200 years. I’d be really sad.. I appreciate the concept – we just can’t afford it.
Amanda – the intention, and only path forward, is for a non-profit or other group invest in long term stewardship and security. It would not be imposed on the town. We can’t afford it. No worry.
Ivan H – I’ve done a fair bit of traveling on the old and new bridges on foot and bike. The new bridge is a barrier for anyone without a car. Not the location, but the harsh environment. The wind on that thing caused physical harm – wind burn – it is intense to travel across if not in a car. If I advocate for the old bridge for access that means I’m also advocating for snow removal and another expense. It is an important service for a significant population in town – to get to retail outlets without relying on inaccessible transportation systems.
Liz – the Moover gors to Walmart.
Marta – I agree with Ivan – walking over the new bridge takes all the time I have for a walk. Amanda – the group of folks – so many people in town are interested in something like the Bridge of Flowers. Is there a way to put together a semi-official group to join.
Amanda – it’s forming. Let’s talk.
Marta – DBA and Chamber should be involved, too. It can help businesses.
Amanda – we’ll bring you in.
Gemma S – I want to say how disappointed I am with this conversation. I opposed the new bridge plan – the design is unsuitable for our needs and it is a disaster. the entire design was predicated on the idea that the existing bridges would be renovated for pedestrian and recreation, but now that’s not so sure. The old bridge is never going to be maintained as a vehicle bridge. I only see two paths – either we petition NH to red the land to Brattleboro, or the bridge needs to be deconstructed and Hinsdale can deal with it. I live without a car and need to go across the bridge to afford things. I’m forced to use an unsafe path to gather. Get rid of the old bridge. Build something new if necessary. The old bridge is decrepit .
Liz – I agree with you on many of those points. NH DOT was not a good partner when they negotiated their money from the federal government. They only got money to maintain them for themselves – all the co-planning was not recognized by NH DOT. There is a balance to be made – the wonderful idea and the tremendous liability. I’d choose to demolish it.
Degray – if you were in Hinsdale you’d say the same. The Bridge of Flowers, spends $3.1 million to renovate that bridge. It draw a lot of people, but we won’t have anything like that here and why would Hinsdale pay for it? You just went though a budget process – we can’t afford to take on a project like this and it is not our property. NH won’t jump to do this for Brattleboro. Don’t waste the town manager’s time. What would the financial impact be? yeah, nice idea, but the implications financially – not the best place to place our energy.
Liz – wants to reflect on the comments just heard. I suggest we go forward with the memo but recognize the potential and the liabilities and take baby steps until we understand financial ramifications.
Peter – I agree.
Liz – let’s make a motion and vote.
Isaac – I’d like to speak tot he motion – we spoke about including mentioning people interested in bidding. We could address some of these questions – we can say these questions any bidder would need to address in their proposal. It addresses Hinsdale’s concerns and suggest a path forward.
Liz -A bidder would not assume all the responsibilities that the Hinsdale municipality now has, so we have to be clear that you expect a bidder to take on all the responsibilities – that’s the type of thing that would have to be in the letter.
Dick D – if Hinsdale wanted to lease or sell it, what rights do we have in negotiations, and what implications on the successful bidder, and what would it mean for us?
Liz – that’s what the letter is about – chiming in on what Hinsdale is asking of DOT and what they will present to potential bidders. We have the opportunity to inject ourselves into he process while limiting our liability.
Potter – NH DOT might ignore us, but we should ask. One thing you have, the town does own 7%. That is a benefit and a huge liability down the line.
Oscar – I’m losing the thread – John writes a letter that results in a joint letter to the NH DOT. Is this our final participation in that process?
Potter – depending on what they say back to us yes.
Oscar – we are not making any promises or commitments, just letter with some concerns. The commitments and liabilities don’t exist yet.
Potter – they exist.
Liz – there are potential benefits and real liabilities.
Oscar – as a result of the letter we send – no new liabilities sending the letter.
Liz – I just want a letter that is balanced, that says we ask for input in the RFP process and we recognize and share Hinsdale’s concerns.
Isaac – I’d leave it as we recognize the concerns. I’m not ready to say we share all the concerns. Alternatively, we could ask that this be from us and we could review it at a future meeting.
Liz – if we write letter by committee that would defeat the purpose of the Town manager.
Peter – micromanaging…
Isaac – we approve our minutes. If we are sending letter that isn’t micromanaging at all.
Oscar – the idea of us approving the messaging, especially when there is confusion…
Peter – I’m not confused at all.
Liz – I trust him..
Peter – We’ve always trusted him to come back to us if necessary. We’ve never approved a letter so why do it now. WE can give him direction and that’s ok by me.
Oscar – we ahem heard a lot of different views and am not sure how it comes together in one letter.
Liz – we are asking for a balanced letter – the strengths and the concerns would be a balanced letter. Ready to vote?
Isaac reads motion again.
Liz – you are changing the motion to bring the letter for our review. That’s not what we promised Hinsdale to do. We spent time on the budget while Hinsdale met on this topic. We are late to the party. If we can’t direct John to write a balance letter… I suggest we adopt the motion as originally appointed. You modified the original motion. Let’s vote on that.
Amanda – let’s vote
Liz – do we need to bring it back for review, or just ask to write it.
Amanda – don’t need to review it. We’ll all get to see it. Just not approve it.
Liz – we will see it as sent.
Motion changed back to not review the letter.
5-0
Housing Plan Update
Sue Fillion – Planning Director. My 4th Housing Report since 2022. making progress toward units needed and other activities. The need for 519 new units in 2022 was identified. We track new units being permitted. A permit doesn’t always mean it is built. 213 permits have been issued… a little less than halfway. In 2024 we permitted 72 new housing units – highest since the 1980s. In 2025 so far – 69 new units. One project is at the Chalet. Another at the Winston Prouty campus in a new building. Permitting is highest since 1980s – a mix of affordable and mixed rate. More multi-unit dwellings than in the past. More range in sizes and numbers of units now. Reducing zoning barriers for 1-9 units has helped. VHIP state program is being used by Brattleboro residents – 37 units got grants in the first round. A second round is coming. Coming up, 80+ units coming maybe. Outlook for housing construction is generally poor – tariffs, supply chains, etc. WE’ve done more weatherization, participated in the housing coalition , doing a housing resource fair in Brattleboro coming up, and Act 181 is a reform to Act 250 that could get certain designations for town that could help by end of 2026. I attended a workshop with a case study of a large development – the importance of partnerships to make development work. Simplify regulations – establish designated areas, revise zoning for flexibility, and streamline permitting. We’re doing these things and seeing the results. Towns should defy upfront risks. And partner for funding opportunities, which we do. Be innovative and use creative tools the state is considering when the time comes.
Liz – thanks and this follow up is so welcome and is good news for our town and the history of all your work – zoning, permitting, assistance, innovation… Brattleboro is a leader in development regulations. Thanks for that. What we provide is the certainty of our regulations and commitment to seeking new housing in our town.
Amanda – thanks.
Oscar – thanks
Peter – thank you.
Liz – thanks for keeping us on schedule. Everyone thanks you.
Sue – I have a great team I work with.
Financial Services
Potter – we haven’t found a new finance director, and we lost the assistant Town Manager position. HR has been holding it together for now, but isn’t a CFO. And RTM rejected the budget, which led to the auditors to see if Bonnie K. Batchelder of Batchelder Associates, P.C will help us during April and beyond. She put in a proposal. She’s been helpful. She’ll help us with software, internal controls, existing financial policies, procurement, conflicts of interest, grants, etc. She’ll consult during union negotiations, make monthly financial reports and give quarterly in person reports. $140k for one year. I’ve been impressed with her work and ,meticulousness. I ask you consider approving the contract.
Peter makes a motion to hire her! We have to do it.
Oscar – what will her day to day experience be for us? She won’t be available for every meeting – just quarterly – how often would she be interacting with town staff – does she work from her office? What percentage a full time finance director are we getting.
Potter – she’s available for anything and turnaround has been fast. She would comment – generally a day a week, then available by phone and email. Coming once a month is a lot to ask, but will do any reports. Just speaking to you quarterly to keep costs down.
Oscar – you just said she would be her once a week commuting? But once a month for?
Potter – in the evenings for a meeting .
Oscar – does this cover most eventualities or is there a potential for overtime. (No overtime, full CFO services)
Isaac – we anticipated some savings from not having a finance director, we may not see them but we should do this and look toward other options for a finance director moving forward. For now I support this.
Liz – we talked about finance director and assistant town manager and the savings would come from assistant town manager.
Dick D – I stayed late just for this. Looks like you will hire her. Who will do the audit? The person doing financial shouldn’t do the audit.
Potter – absolutely – we’ll do an RFP for audit services asap.
Nell – my understand is that the finance director savings would be exceeded by the contract amount. It changes the budget line. Pleased to hear of the contract.
Gemma S – my concern is we are looking at a false economy. The available salary was 90k, but $140k is a full time salary but getting someone barely part time? If no one wanted the job at $85k, what salary should have Benn offered. if that’s more than $10k, how much more? Should we really be hiring a full time finance director – someone loyal to town and not to their private work.
Potter – not sure what we’d have to offer to attract someone like Bonnie. As a consultant she has got to cover costs. It’s generally cheaper to hire our own staff. I don’t know if we could find someone for $140k plus benefits, but it is probably the neighborhood, if we want to find a finance director.
Liz – she’s worked with us 10 years.
Potter – good insights!
Liz – it’s okay to use the consultant services – you hire services you don’t have on staff – it is a specialty.
Oscar – Maybe 140k will get it done, but $140k plus benefits is a lot more.
Approved 5-0
That’s it. 10:08 pm.