TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN HEARING
April 27, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 5:00PM
MINUTES
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair Janine Nielsen
George Ambrose, Clerk Andrea Hawkins
Robert Congdon, Selectman Sheriff Dept – Justin Cram
Don Pratt, Selectman John Turner
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer Sharon Cook
William, Peg-TV
Sheriff Cram read Janine Nielsens statement.
Janine agreed with the statement. She noted that she had to yell to have Andrea Hawkins get the dog away from her. Selectman Ambrose asked how many mailboxes are in a row across from the house. Janine stated around 5. Andrea stated that they plan to have the dog in obedience classes starting in the next couple of weeks. Selectman Klopchin asked if the dog has a muzzle. Andrea noted he does not. Selectman Ambrose noted his concern is with people coming and going from the mailboxes. Janine is concerned for anyone walking by. Andrea noted the dog does not leave their property. Janine expressed that she feels she didn’t do anything to upset this dog and doesn’t want this to happen to anyone else.
Selectman Pratt asked if when Janine asked if she should bring the mail and Andrea said no and Janine said “well, I’ll bring it anyways”, she wasn’t really invited onto the property.
Selectman Ambrose asked Andrea to explain the classes she’s going to be having the dog in. They will be focusing on having the dog not be as reactive. He asked if she will solely rely on the training. Andrea said no – she will be using a shock collar and a choke collar to make sure to have control of the dog.
Janine noted there was no sign that there was a dog on the property. She is also concerned that a shock collar would not stop the dog from people walking by and she is concerned about walking by the driveway with her 6-year-old grandson.
Selectman Klopchin asked the Sheriff if he has a recommendation. The sheriff said that every dog is different and that the training can be beneficial. Beware of dog signage on the property is a good notice to have for all, delivery folks as well. Clarendon does have a leash law, but because the dog was on its own property, it is not an issue at this point. He recommends an inground fence. He did also states that if the dog hasn’t left his property in 2 ½ years, the dog sounds like it already knows it’s boundaries.
Janine is looking for a fence or some sort of physical barrier that the dog would not be able to leave the end of the driveway/property.
Andrea stated there was someone walking by yesterday, barked at him, looked back at Andrea, Andrea told the dog “No” and the dog walked back to her with no issue. Andrea has stated the dog is never outside without Andrea.
Selectman Congdon asked if there is any other information to be shared before they go into deliberative session. Janine said she is not asking for anything horrible to happen to Andrea or the dog, she just wants to feel comfortable walking by. Janine also noted that they did move their mailbox to the other side of the street to be proactive.
Selectman Ambrose asked if there was permanent damage. Janine showed the current state of her arm and fingers.
Selectman Congdon motioned to go into deliberative session at 5:30pm, seconded by Selectman Ambrose and all approved.
Selectman Congdon motioned to come out of deliberative session at 5:47pm, seconded by Selectman Ambrose and all approved.
Selectman Congdon motioned that the acting administrative assistant will send the decision to the interested parties seconded by Selectman Pratt and all approved.
Selectman Congdon motioned to adjourn at 5:48pm, seconded by Selectman Pratt and all approved.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday April 27, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
MINUTES
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair Ed Baker
George Ambrose, Clerk Jim Austin
Robert Congdon, Selectman Cindy Davis
Don Pratt, Selectman Joel Baker
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer Chreston Rabtoy
William, Peg-TV Kevin Peck
Call to Order
Chair Mike Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Agenda additions/deletions
Selectmen Pratt motioned to table the RRPC appointment, seconded by Selectman Congdon and all approved.
Selectman Congdon motioned to update the liquor license approval from 2 to 4, seconded by Selectman Ambrose and all approved.
Approval of Meeting Minutes – Approval of the last meeting minutes from April 13, 2026.
Selectman Ambrose motioned to approve the minute, seconded by Selectman Congdon and all approved. Selectman Pratt abstained as he was not here for that meeting.
Highway –Road Commissioner’s Report
Selectman Ruane was not here to give a report.
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
N/A
Public Comment
N/A
New Business
Selectman Congdon motioned to approve all four liquor licenses, seconded by Selectman Pratt and all approved.
Old Business
N/A
Joel Baker noted that all roads have been graded and will be going to spot grade as needed. Joel stated he needs more weight on the grader. If he pushes shurpac up a hill, he has to do it in 2” lifts or he just spins out. Ed Baker offered to see about tie-on weights. Selectman Congdon suggested the board having further discussion at a future meeting. Selectman Pratt asked for clarification – Joel and Ed say weight is needed on both ends. Ed offered to work on the hydraulic issue on the roadside mower as well. Selectman Congdon committed to looking into it with the board.
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Treasurer Heidi Congdon provided a budget status to the selectboard.
Select Board Member Concerns
N/A
Executive Session –Personnel Issue
Selectman Ambrose motioned to go into executive session at 6:08pm, seconded by Selectman Congdon and all approved.
Selectman Congdon motioned to come out of executive session at 6:51pm, seconded by Selectman Ambrose and all approved.
Statement: Discussed personnel concerns that involve future policy updates which will be worked on at the next workshop to be scheduled before an upcoming meeting.
Adjournment
Selectman Congdon motioned to adjourn at 6:52pm, seconded by Selectman Pratt and all approved.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
DOG BITE/VICIOUS DOG HEARING
The Selectboard of the Town of Clarendon is required by 20 V.S.A. § 3546 to conduct a hearing when a dog/domestic pet has bitten a person while the dog/domestic pet is off the premises of the owner or keeper, the person bitten requires medical attention for the attack, and the person bitten has filed a written complaint with the Selectboard.
In response to a written complaint filed by a local resident, the Town of Clarendon Selectboard shall hold a public hearing on Monday April 27 at 5:00 PM as required by law.
Hearing Date: Monday April 27, 2026
Hearing Time: 5:00 PM
Physical Location: Town Hall in Clarendon located at 279 Middle Road, Clarendon, Vermont 05759
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday April 27, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes -Approval of the last meeting minutes from April 13, 2026.
Highway –Road Commissioner’s Report
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comment
New Business
-Appointment of Dan Pinkwowsi to Rutland Regional Planning Committee (RRPC) as Alternate.
-Two Applications for licenses/ Department of Liquor and Lottery
Old Business
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Executive Session -Personnel Issue
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.
