TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN HEARING
Planning Commission Zoning Bylaws
Minutes
July 13, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 5:30PM
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair
George Ambrose, Clerk
Cash Ruane, Selectman
Robert Congdon, Selectman
Don Pratt, Selectman
Kimberly Young, Admin. Assistant
William, Peg-TV
Cindy Davis
Jimmy Austin
Chair Mike Klopchin called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
Selectman and Planning Committee member, Don Pratt provides an overview for this hearing. Amendments were made to the Town of Clarendon’s Zoning Bylaws to incorporate new Flood hazard Overlay District Regulations as well as a few minor zoning updates, made with the intention of making it easier for townspeople to do small projects around their homes.
No public comments are given.
Selectman George Ambrose suggest that the Board should accept and adopt the changes.
Adjourn: Selectman Robert Congdon motions to both adjourn the meeting at 5:36 PM, and proceed to officially approve and adopt the new Zoning Regulations under New Business at the Select Board meeting tonight at 6:00 PM. Selectman Ambrose seconds the motion and all members approve.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
July 13, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
Minutes
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair Jimmy Austin
George Ambrose, Clerk Cindy Davis
Robert Congdon, Selectman Ed Baker
Don Pratt, Selectman Bob Underhill
Cash Ruane, Selectman Rich Gallo
Kimberl Young, Administrative Assistant Matt Jakubowski
William – PEG TV Tom Fuller
Kevin Peck Shelly Lutz
Call to Order – Chair Mike Klopchin calls the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Agenda additions/deletions – Robert Congdon provides a motion to add 2 items to New Business: Grants in Aid Contract and Formal Approval of the Zoning Regulations. Clerk Ambrose provides the second and it is approved by all.
Executive Session – Discussion Personnel
At 6:01 PM, Congdon motions to enter in to an Executive Session that upon exit Guest Speaker Rich Gallo will directly follow. Don Pratt provides the second and all approve.
At 6:22 PM, Congdon motions to exit Executive Session. Ambrose seconds the motion. All approve. A formal apology is made by Chair Mike Klopchin to Selectman Cash Ruane for words said at the last meeting. Ruane says, “Thank you.” A statement is given by Congdon that the Executive Session was pertaining to Personnel Issues. The Board takes responsibility for letting meeting rules go slack. A reminder is given to the public to follow the instructions outlined at the bottom of every Agenda. Any private employee information will be treated as confidential; discussions to occur only in executive sessions. Additionally, all future employee evaluations will be reviewed by the entire Select Board before being given to employees.
Guests – Rich Gallo from Vermont Veterans Employment Outreach speaks about Prime (Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military), a VT National Guard program that connects employers directly with qualified candidates. Prime works alongside Work for Warriors Vermont, a free career assistance program dedicated to helping VT National Guard members, Reservists and Veterans, along with their families to achieve sustainable employment. If Clarendon joined this program, a Memorandum of Understanding would be written up, normally a 5-year agreement. It would entail a signing procedure and a photo opportunity. Casella, Velco and JBM in Bennington are examples of other businesses that have signed on to this initiative. Selectman Congdon motions for the Board to have the Administrative Assistant draft a Memorandum of Understanding for the Town of Clarendon, that could be approved and signed at the next Select Board meeting. Ambrose seconds this motion and it is approved.
Approval of Meeting Minutes -Selectman Congdon motion to approve the last meeting minutes from June 22, 2026. Ambrose provides the second and it is approved.
Highway – Road Commissioner’s Report
Ruane updates that the road crew has been working with the railroad to get brush cut and discusses a visibility issue on Route 7B due to evergreen trees. Congdon relays that in the past the landowner had them trimmed. Ruane will reach out to the landowner regarding the issue.
Paving: Three paving bids have been received. The two being considered are from Tom Fuller at $382,419and Wilk at $411,977.60. Ruane informs that in addition to the secured paving grant, specific highway town funds could be used to extend the paving area further on the Middle Road. Paving is to be done before school starts. Selectman Congdon motions for the board to approve Tom Fuller’s bid. Selectman Pratt seconds the motion and it is approved.
Winter Sand: There are three bids being presented. Wallingford Crushed Stone (a manufactured sand) at $14.50 a ton, Florence at $11.75 a ton and Pike at $10.00 a ton. These are at pit prices of which Town of Clarendon will haul. Selectman Congdon motions in favor of Pike’s bid. Selectman Pratt provides the second and it is approved by all.
Approval of Select Board Warrants- Warrants are approved and signed.
Public Comments- Bob Underhill, of the Historical Society, updates on the progress of the schoolhouse. A brick mason has built a chimney structure in replica of the original via a photograph that will function purely as an aesthetic. Some painting of primer has been done. Another big project will be to replace the roof shingles. Perhaps next year the inside roof will be given new sheetrock. It will eventually look like the 1800’s. Wooden shutters are discussed with a few availability options.
New Business
-Fire Chief Matt Jakubowski updates all on the changes to Town Fire Warden design. With Act 162 bill passed, Fire Wardens will no longer be appointed by the town. Our current Forest Fire Warden, Clayton Rockwell will remain for the interim, however with this new law there will be transitional changes including the hiring of four deputies who will undergo training.
– Sullivan Powers has provided two copies of an External Audit Contract. With only two spots for signing, Clerk Ambrose motions for the Chair and Clerk to sign in approval of the contract. Selectman Ruane seconds the motion. It is approved and signed accordingly.
-Kevin Peck discusses the deterioration of the South Flats Cemetery Receiving Vault. The wall inside the door is collapsing. A section came down in the spring and needs attention, although not a safety issue yet. It has been around since the 1800’s and last used in 1916. Selectman Congdon received confirmation from Jeff Mangan, who will look at it within the next 2 weeks. Matt Jakubowski informs that Mangan will also be addressing the chimney issue at the Grange Hall. The Grange Hall/Community Center building will be pressure washed before the Townwide yard sales at the end of this month and has had a window replaced recently.
-Selectman Congdon motions to have Chair Mike Klopchin sign the Grants in Aid Contract on behalf of approval of the board. Clerk Ambrose provides the second and it is approved by all.
-Selectman Congdon states that earlier this evening there was a public hearing regarding a few updates to Zoning Bylaws. No public input was given; however, the board was in favor of the changes made. Congdon motions for the board to officially approve and adopt the New Zoning Bylaws. Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved.
Old Business – Approve and Sign Personnel Policy with all changes made.
– Selectman Congdon motions to approve the New Personnel Policy and assure that a copy will be given to all employees. Clerk Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved and signed.
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
-Assistant Young updates that she will continue acquiring painting bids for the interior and exterior of the Town Hall. Young adds that the Select Board will need to decide what to do with an older copy machine set a side recently. Congdon has ideas for a new home for it.
-Clerk Ambrose suggests the scheduling of another workshop to discuss income generation ideas and a no hunting ordinance at the recreational fields on Route 7B. Selectman Congdon motions to schedule a Workshop on July 27th at 5:00 PM, ahead of the Select Board Meeting at 6:00 PM. Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved. Selectman Pratt advises that Assistant Young should reach out to the Recreation Chair, Sarah Kumm with the workshop schedule.
Select Board Member Concerns –Selectman Congdon thanks everyone for the congratulations him and his wife Heidi have received. He requests for the board to consider letting Treasurer Heidi Congdon provide the Treasures Report at the beginning of future meetings for her benefit. All Select Board members agree in favor of this. The Treasures report will occur on the agendas directly after the approval of past meeting minutes.
Adjournment – Selectman Congdon motions to adjourn this meeting at 7:15 PM. Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved by all.
Town of Clarendon, VT
NOTICE OF SELECT BOARD PUBLIC HEARING
Place: Clarendon Town Hall Date: 7/13/2026 Time: 5:30 p.m.
The purpose of the hearing is to amend the Town of Clarendon’s Zoning bylaws to incorporate new Flood Hazard Overlay District Regulations and make minor updates.
- The geographic area affected is all areas in the Town of Clarendon.
- Town of Clarendon draft amended Zoning Regulations – Table of Contents:
- Article I – Enactment, Objectives, and Purpose
- Article II – Establishment of Land Use Districts and Map
- Article III – Table of Uses
- Article IV – Dimensional Requirements
- Article V – Uses Permitted Subject to Conditions
- Article VI: Site Plan
- Article VII: Nonconformities
- Article VIII – General Regulations
- Article IX: Waivers
- Article X – Definitions – Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Attachment A – Clarendon Zoning Maps
- Attachment B – Clarendon Special Flood Hazard Area Regulations
- The full text of the proposed amendment to the Town of Clarendon Zoning Regulations can be reviewed at Clarendon Town Hall
Planning Commission Reporting Form for
Municipal Bylaw Amendments
Town of Clarendon, VT – Zoning Bylaws Update
Date of Update: 5/4/2026
This report is in accordance with 24 V.S.A. §4441(c) and has been prepared and updated by the Town of Clarendon Planning Commission. The report includes a brief explanation of the proposed zoning amendment, a statement of purpose, and findings regarding the proposal’s compliance with statutory requirements.
Brief Explanation of the Proposed Amendment and Statement of Purpose
The proposed bylaw is an amendment to the existing Zoning Regulations to regulate mapped River Corridors and incorporate new Special Flood Hazard Area language that aligns with the State of Vermont’s Model Flood Hazard Bylaws. The purpose is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, minimize and prevent the loss of life and property, and make the Town of Clarendon, its citizens, and businesses eligible for federal flood insurance, federal disaster recovery funds, and hazard mitigation funds, as may be available.
Minor changes to sections 103, 104, 105, 202 A, 202 C, 305, 401, 402, 504 F, 506, 805, 806, 807, 808, 819, 820, 823 were made to allow more uses of properties in certain zones and make required updates.
Conformance with Municipal Plan Goals and Policies
The municipal plan has a policy of “Allow appropriate development that fits the size, layout, and character of the community”.
Conformance with Municipal Plan’s Proposed Future Land Uses and Densities
The proposed bylaw retains the existing compatibility with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan. None of the density requirements of the underlying zones are changing, as the Flood Hazard Area and River Corridor Areas are Overlay Districts.
Any Specific Proposals for Any Planned Community Facilities
No specific proposals.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
July 13, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Cal to Order
Executive Session – Discussion Personnel
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes -Approval of the last meeting minutes from June 22, 2026.
Highway – Road Commissioner’s Report
– Paving and Winter Sand Bids
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests – Rich Gallo from Vermont Veterans Outreach
Public Comments
New Business
-Fire Chief Matt Jakubowski – Changes to Town Fire Warden design
– Sullivan Powers – External Audit Contract
-Kevin Peck – South Flats Cemetery Receiving Vault
Old Business – Approve and Sign Personnel Policy with all changes made.
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Select Board Member Concerns
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.
