TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday July 14, 2025
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
Minutes
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair
George Ambrose, Clerk
Robert Congdon
Cash Ruane
Don Pratt
Kimberly Young
William – PEG TV
Bob Bixby
Kevin Peck
Jimmy Austin
John Colvin
Ed Baker
Sarah Kumm
Harry Withington
Kevin Smith, Marble Valley Engineer
Call to Order
Chair Mike Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:01PM
Agenda additions/deletions
Robert Congdon made a motion to add under New Business Jimmy Austin’s application for a Fireworks Permit. George Ambrose provided the second. The motion was approved by all.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
-Approval of the last meeting minutes from June 23, 2025
George Ambrose motioned to approve the minutes from the last meeting with Don Pratt providing the second to the motion. All board members approved.
Highway
-Road Commissioner’s report
Cash Ruane provides an update on the Road Crew who have been working on East Tinmouth Road replacing culverts, addressing ditches and reshaping the road in general.
-Access Permit Applications
Brian Godnick has two Access Permit Applications with blueprints given. One of them north of the Whistlestop will have the septic going across the road. Ruane would like to have the septic line bored under the road rather than digging up the new pavement. No culvert needed here. Guest Engineer for the project, Kevin Smith confirmed septic line was indeed going to be jacked and bored as well as insulated. Robert Congdon motioned to approve the applications with the notion that the septic line would be bored under the road. Goerge Ambrose provided the second and it was unanimously approved.
Marty Pinkowski has two Access Permit Applications, one on Moulton Avenue that is very straightforward and in need of a culvert and one off on Middle Road across from the farm driveway. Ruane is concerned about this one as it will require a ditch. He would like to discuss with the landowner the possibility of changing its access to Mouton Avenue. Robert Congdon motions to both approve the Mouton Avenue application and put the Middle Road application on hold until further conversation happens. George Ambrose second the motion and the entire select board approves.
Discussion ensues regarding dangerous intersections and our Sheriff’s patrol areas. Robert Congdon suggest having George Ambrose put the North Shrewsbury road on their radar as well as to report to Google maps that there is a one way in that area.
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Select board approves all warrants.
Guests
–Guest Harry Withington to discuss 3 topics: Roadside mowing, the Sheriff’s Department, and a financial question for the Treasurer.
Ahead of Harry’s concerns with the topic of roadside mowing, Road Commissioner Cash Ruane interjects that the mower tractor is up and running with work being done on the Shrewsbury side of town. Withington is glad that the equipment is fixed but suggests the town buy a new one as every year it breaks down. Cash explains that the mower addresses 700 miles roughly. He is open to getting quotes on a new tractor and mower for the town with a target date of action on quotes in November which is budget time. Guest Ed Baker suggests getting a quote on a new mower with continuance of the current tractor and making repairs to it.
Public Comments
New Business
–Listers to discuss errors and omissions from the Grand List
Kevin Peck received email from the State regarding a revision to utilities. Robert Congdon motions to approve the increases on V08506 and V05150 utilities. George Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved by all.
-Review of Legal Documents (Bill of Sale and Quitclaim Deed) pertaining to the Historical Society and Chippenhook Schoolhouse
Robert Congdon makes a motion for a memorandum to be drafted on a a relationship agreement. Administrative Assistant Kim Young will draft it with George Ambrose’s assistance. Don Pratt second the motion and it is approved by all.
-Fireworks Permit
Robert Congdon motions to approve a Fireworks permit for Jimmy Austin. Don Pratt seconds the motion and it is approved unanimously.
–Approval of Town of Clarendon Highway Personnel Evaluation
-Approval of change to Evaluations Policy in Town of Clarendon Personnel Rules
Robert Congdon motions to approve both the Personnel Evaluation Forms and small adjustment to the Clarendon Town Personnel Rules. George Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved.
Old Business
–Update on Roadside Clearing on Quarterline Road
An update is provided on Beland’s roadside progress. Guest Jimmy Austin provides that 4-5 people were out working on it on Sunday. More updates need to be done; we will check in periodically as the due date for completion is the end of August.
-Discussion of Slate Roof Repair and possible updated assessment of Town Hall upper level
It is discussed that Len Page or Jim Mailhiot will be contacted to repair the issue with the slate roof/soffit. For now, the assessment will not be pursued.
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
George Ambrose thanks John Colvin for the work he has done for the Historical Society and his communication with the lawyer to get legal paperwork moving on the schoolhouse.
Select Board Member Concern
George Ambrose discusses a recent situation with the Town Transfer Station in which we were almost shorthanded. Jimmy Austin had volunteered to step in as paid help in the situation, but was then not needed. George proposes that a position be posted as an opening for an alternate attendee.
Executive Session
–Road Crew Personnel
George Ambrose makes a motion to enter in to executive session at 6:54 PM. Robert Congdon seconds the motion and it is approved by all. Executive session ends at 7:21. A statement is given that a finalized date was set for a Road Crew meeting concerning evaluations. That date is Friday August 25th at 12:30.
Adjournment
Robert Congdon motions to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 PM. George Ambrose seconds the motion and it is so approved.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday July 14, 2025
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes
-Approval of the last meeting minutes from June 23, 2025
Highway
-Road Commissioner’s report
-Access Permit Applications
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
–Guest Harry Withington to discuss 3 topics: Roadside mowing, the Sheriff’s Department, and a financial question for the Treasurer.
Public Comments
New Business
–Listers to discuss errors and omissions from the Grand List
-Review of Legal Documents (Bill of Sale and Quitclaim Deed) pertaining to the Historical Society and Chippenhook Schoolhouse
–Approval of Town of Clarendon Highway Personnel Evaluation
-Approval of change to Evaluations Policy in Town of Clarendon Personnel Rules
Old Business
–Update on Roadside Clearing on Quarterline Road
-Discussion of Slate Roof Repair and possible updated assessment of Town Hall upper level
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Select Board Member Concern
Executive Session
–Road Crew Personnel
Adjournment
Public Comment Instructions
Members of the public have the right to participate in public meetings.
If you wish to speak during Public Input, please note that your time will be limited and must follow the below guidelines:
- Before speaking, please state your full name.
- When you are informed by the Chair that your time is up, you will be expected to yield to the next speaker. Speakers will have a maximum of 3 minutes to make their comments.
- Public input is for receiving comment on items pertaining to this or past agendas. Public comment will not be used as a time for problem solving or reactions to comments made. We do take note of your comments as they help to inform the boards’ future actions.
- Rudeness, ridicule or profane language, lack of respect and personal attacks are not acceptable behavior.
