TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Workshop
Monday August 24, 2026 5:00PM
Minutes
Attendees:
Mike Klopchin, Chair
George Ambrose
Cash Ruane
Don Pratt
Kimberly Young
Call to Order:
Chair Mike Klopchin calls the workshop to order at 5:00 PM
Agenda additions/deletions: N/A
Workshop for Reviewing Road Crew Applications:
Selectman Cash Ruane motions for the attending board members to enter in to Executive Session at 5:02 pm. Selectman George Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved by all.
Administrative Assistant, Kimberly Young is invited to join in the session around 5:30 pm.
Public Comments: N/A
Recess: At 5:57 PM, Selectman Ambrose provides a motion to officially exit out of Executive session with Ruane seconding the motion. All are in approval to recess at this time.
A summation statement is provided from Ambrose stating that all road crew job applications and resumes were reviewed. Interviews with all three candidates will be scheduled within the hour preceding the next Select Board meeting on September 14, 2026.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday August 24, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
Minutes
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair Shelly Lutz
George Ambrose, Clerk Jim Austin
Cash Ruane, Selectman Joel Baker
Don Pratt, Selectman Ed Baker
Kimberly Young, Administrative Assistant Bob Underhill
William PEGTV John Colvin
Chreston Rabtoy
Call to Order- Chair Mike Klopchin calls the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Agenda additions/deletions- N/A
Approval of Meeting Minutes -Selectman Ruane motions to Approve the meeting minutes from the regular Selectboard meeting July 27, 2026 and the Workshop on July 27th, 2026. Selectman Pratt seconds the motion and all approve.
Highway Road Commissioner’s Report – Road Commissioner Cash Ruane updates that the Town’s mower has been fixed and is doing roadside mowing. One pass is to be done on all town roads, with select other areas receiving a second pass. Jim Austin questions when the grader will be back on the road as he feels North End Road needs addressing. Ruane informs that grading of roads will be forthcoming.
Approval of Select Board Warrants –Warrants are approved and signed.
Guests -N/A
Public Comments-N/A
New Business
-Chreston Rabtoy provides an update on the R. Clarke Smith Forest & Wildlife Area. From October to the present, an incredible amount of work has been done to the area by volunteers along with equipment donation from Pro Cycle. Clean up, trail ID of 32 trails, education, research and water mitigation have been no small feat; with 477 hours and counting by volunteers, primarily by Rabtoy himself. A boundary line is in question that affects a spring and power; however, the issue should resolve itself with reposting of signs to the area. Guest Shelly Lutz indicates that land owner liabilities will be nonexistent according to VT Statute. She will forward that information to both Rabtoy and the town. She does suggest that the Landowner and Town of Clarendon create a Memorandum of Understanding with one another. Additionally Chair Klopchin suggests looking up an older agreement for the property under Jeff Taylor. Rabtoy asks that Pro-Cycle be thanked for their generous donation of equipment and looks to the Town Road Crew for support in a refresh of the recreational parking area.
-John Colvin discusses the progress that has been made with the Chippenhook Schoolhouse. With mostly volunteer labor, along with some contracted labor, the schoolhouse structure has been saved. Since work on it was first initiated in 2023, many updates have been accomplished including property clean up, a new support system, new doors, signage, a flag, a chimney, painting, (roof, wall and bell tower repairs) and a school bell installed. Selectman Ambrose asks what the Town can do? Colvin informs that more work is still needed including window repairs, ceiling, floors and wiring estimated to cost around $12-15 thousand or more. Ambrose suggests putting it on a ballot. Klopchin adds that a proposal should be put together in preparation for the November budget that townspeople can consider. Bob Underhill informs that this schoolhouse is the oldest surviving schoolhouse structure in Vermont with historical significance. WCAX this Thursday will showcase the Chippenhook Schoolhouse during its Super Senior segment on our own John Colvin.
-Selectman Ambrose provides a motion for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Vermont National Guard and the Town of Clarendon. This is for the participation in the VTNG PRIME/Work for Warriors VT Program and is to be signed by Chair Mike Klopchin. Selectman Pratt seconds the motion and all approve.
Old Business
– Town Hall Flooring: Selectman Pratt discusses the flooring in the downstairs of the Town Hall. He pulled up carpet in several places and found 2 ¼ inch hardwood underneath. It is suggested that bids be sought for to either replace the carpeting with vinyl plank or refinish the existing hardwood. Foremost should be bids for removal of the carpet to see what is truly underneath its entirety. Pratt additionally notes that the upstairs of the Town Hall also has beautiful wood floors and would be a nice area to recover.
-Noise Ordinance: Administrative Assistant Young, having received a recent phone call of complaint regarding dog barking, wanted to reiterate on the record that the Town of Clarendon does not have a noise ordinance, thus such complaints would require a townsperson to call Animal Control (Our local Sheriff’s Department). Ambrose adds that the subject of noise ordinances has been brought up a few times. Suffice to say they are complicated and involve actual noise decibel measuring
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Select Board Member Concerns
-Clerk Ambrose brings up the Select Board’s recent Public Hearing regarding a dog bite incident. Despite numerous phone calls and emails from one individual looking for further recourse, the Select Board holds strongly to their final determination. The Board is satisfied with all efforts made by the dog owner. Any further action would be between the two neighbors.
Adjournment – Selectman Ruane motions to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 pm. Clerk Ambrose seconds the motion all approve. Meeting adjourned.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Workshop
Monday August 24, 2026 5:00PM
AGENDA
Attendees:
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Workshop for Reviewing Road Crew Applications
Public Comments
Recess
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday August 24, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes – Approval of the last meeting minutes from July 27, 2026
Highway – Road Commissioner’s Report
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comments
New Business
-Chreston Rabtoy to provide an update on R. Clarke Smith property
-John Colvin to discuss the Chippenhook Schoolhouse
-Memorandum of Understanding between the Vermont National Guard and the Town of Clarendon for participation in the VTNG PRIME/Work for Warriors VT Program to be signed by Chair Mike Klopchin
Old Business
–Discussion on Town Hall Flooring
-Noise Ordinance
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Adjournment
