CRAFTSBURY, The Craftsbury Select Board discussed plans to replace a section of the Town Hall roof with a more durable material capable of supporting solar panels during its July 7 meeting. The board did not take a formal vote but directed town staff to gather additional estimates for heavier-duty roofing options, including galvanized and standing-seam stainless steel. Board members said these materials require less maintenance than alternatives that need periodic screw-tightening, and a metal roof would not need to be drilled for solar panel installation.
According to meeting minutes, the town has received verbal approval from a state energy grant program confirming the project meets grant specifications.
In other business, the board set a public hearing for July 28 at 5:30 p.m. on a proposal to discontinue an unused town road identified as Stephen Martin's road, Town Highway 23. The hearing date was established at a June 23 special meeting.
The road foreman reported that the Hatch Brook Road project is progressing well and may require less stone than anticipated. Recent paving exceeded budget by about $1,000 due to material costs, with the crew filling potholes beforehand. Roadside mowing is scheduled from July 20 through fall, and the town is seeking quotes to remove a dead elm on a right-of-way.
The town clerk reported that tax bills have been mailed and some receipts received, with $50,000 remaining in a reserve fund if needed. Construction of the Town Garage bridge is on schedule, with the deck delivered and guardrail installation pending.
The board approved editorial changes to the town's Appropriation Policy, which the clerk said clarified wording without altering substance. The board declined a request from Matthew Mannix to include a direct quote in prior minutes concerning police enforcement and a potential town vote, noting that minutes generally do not contain direct quotes and that residents can raise the matter at Town Meeting.
The July 7 minutes are draft and subject to revision.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: RDNE Stock project via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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