TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Policy Workshop
Wednesday May 27, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 5:00PM
Minutes
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair William – PEG TV
George Ambrose, Clerk Cindy Davis
Robert Congdon Jim Austin
Cash Ruane Ed Baker
Don Pratt Marjorie Southard
Heidi Congdon
Kimberly Young
Call to Order
Chair Mike Klopchin calls the workshop to order at 5:07PM
Agenda/Deletions – N/A
Policy Discussion
Treasurer Heidi Congdon opens the discussion, updating that upon review of the Town of Clarendon’s Personnel Policies, she found a few topics that need adjusting. A sheet is provided outlining the findings. After finalizing and agreeing on all changes, they will be documented to take effect July 1, 2026.
-Under Probationary Rate, the wording should not single out the Administrative Assistant Role. It should read, “Probationary rates of pay for all positions will be at the discretion of the Select Board.” All members agree this seems reasonable.
–Promotional Policy Should be removed altogether. It is proposed to then read as follows:
VIII. Supervisory Guidance During Road Commissioner Leave In the event the Road Commissioner IS a sent om work, on vacation, or otherwise unavailable, the Selectboard shall designate a primary and secondary Selectboard contact to assist the Road Crew with operational questions or matters requiring supervisory guidance beyond the authority of the Road Crew employees.
The Road Commissioner shall notify the designated primary and secondary Selectboard members in advance of any planned absence whenever possible. The Road Commissioner shall also communicate directly with the Road Crew regarding the absence and provide guidance as to whether they will remain available by phone during that time.
If the Road Commissioner will not be available, or cannot be reached within a reasonable amount of time, the Road Crew shall direct questions, concerns, or decisions requiring supervisory approval to the designated primary Selectboard contact. If the primary contact is unavailable, the secondary Selectboard contact shall be contacted.
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure continuity of operations, maintain clear communication, and provide the Road Crew with appropriate guidance during periods when the Road Commissioner is unavailable.
-Under Employment Harassment and Discrimination and under Sexual Harassment it is proposed to eliminate specific names and leave simply the positions.
-Under Hospitalization, Medical and Dental Insurance there is a need to add Vision to the title as well as wording of the Vision Insurance Plan to parts B and C.
–Leave of Absence without Pay. For long term leave without pay, there is a need for further clarification due to ongoing issues. A discussion ensues surrounding the topics of unpaid time off, CTO banks and Insurance deductions. It is important to set clear expectations for new and existing employees. There is a consensus to want employees to know that unpaid time off is not forbidden but it is encouraged to not take this type of time off excessively. It is decided that this topic will be monitored for another year to see if it continues to be an issue.
–Holidays. Juneteenth starting in 2027 will be both a Federal and State observed holiday. All agree we should observe the holiday if the State is.
–New Highway Employee Wage. It is agreed that it should be removed altogether as we haven’t used tier levels for years.
-Discussion surrounds a 40-hour work week agreement. Should overtime be given if over 40 hours in a week? Or overtime outside of the 6-2 shift? It is asked if vacation rolls over. Treasurer Congdon relays that 1 week will be paid in lieu of vacation at the end of the year. It is also mentioned that there is a target of 1404 hours a year/27 hour a week to satisfy Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT. A final decision was not reached and will be discussed further with the Selectmen drawing up verbiage for the Town’s Personnel Policy.
–Tier System of Pay. It is agreed to take this section out entirely.
Just prior to Adjournment Selectman Ambrose asks that all review the paperwork provided outlining Endorsement and CDL requirements in relation to Municipalities. No action or discussion taken.
Adjournment – Selectman Congdon motions for the workshop to recess at 5:57 PM with Selectman Pratt seconding the motion. All members are in agreement.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
WEDNESDAY – May 27, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
Minutes
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair William – Peg TV
George Ambrose, Clerk Ed Baker
Don Pratt Jim Austin
Cash Ruane Marjorie Southard
Robert Congdon Cindy Davis
Heidi Congdon John Mckenna
Kimberly Young
Call to Order
Chair Mike Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM
Agenda additions/deletions
Cash Ruane provides a motion to add a short executive session at the end of the meeting. Selectman Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved by all members.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Selectman Ruane motions to approve the meeting minutes from May 11, 2026.
Selectman Robert Congdon seconds the motion and all approve. Ruane additionally motions to approve the hearing minutes from May 11, 2026. Ambrose seconds the motion and all approve.
Highway
Road Commissioner Ruane provides an update that the road crew are wrapping up their work on Schoolhouse Rd. with planting of grass seed and clearing of brush.
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Warrants are approved and signed.
Guests – N/A
Public Comments
Cindy Davis remarks of a need to clear a corner by Firehouse Rd. and Walker Mountain Rd. where a visibility is terrible and an accident recently occurred with injury to a young boy. Ruane suggests a conversation between 2 Selectman and the land owner of this corner in about the importance and safety benefits that would be achieved if the Road Crew were to clear the area. This idea is approved by all Board members.
New Business
Selectman Congdon motions to approve the appointment of Art Hetzel to the Community Center Board. Selectman Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved.
Corpwell Foundation – Letter of Support. Congdon provides amotion to approve the letter but with a couple of adjustments. Ambrose seconds the motion and all approve. Congdon additionally suggests a memo be drafted to Corpwell supporting its efforts with the knowledge that the Town of Clarendon will not take it over at any point in the future.
Town Hall Copier – Treasurer Heidi Congdon explains that one of our current copy machines can not be serviced nor parts found for it due to its age. Congdon recommends the Town take advantage of the Lease/Rental options rather than buy outright. Toner and Maintenance are included in a lease for a 5 term. Copiers like all technology become obsolete quickly. Selectman Ambrose motions in favor leasing a copier. Selectman Congdon seconds and it is approved by all members. The Town Clerk will get the new copier and her existing one will move to the other side of the office.
Zoning Bylaws from Planning Commission – John Mckenna, Chair of the Planning Commission updates that they are wanting a warned public hearing by the Select Board to be held on June 22nd at the Town Hall at 5:30 PM for the new Zoning Bylaws. The Commission has tried to relax some rules for land owners in an attempt to balance the need for some controlled development. Selectman Congdon motions to have the Administrative Assistant warn the Hearing in the Rutland Herald, noting that he personally will not be available for this meeting. Ambrose provides the second to the motion and it is approved.
Selectman Ambrose motions to appoint David Potter to represent Clarendon on the Rutland County Solid Waste Commission. Selectman Pratt seconds the motion and it is approved by all board members.
Old Business – N/A
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report – Administrative Assistant Young updates that Stone Environmental’s letter provides positive results for the Town’s drinking water well. No PFAS detected.
Select Board Member Concerns – Selectman Ambrose updates that he will be gone on vacation from June 6th through the 13th, missing the first Select Board meeting of the month.
Executive Session – Selectman Ruane motions to enter Executive Session at 6:40 PM with Congdon seconding the motion and all in approval.
Adjournment – At 7:10 PM Congdon motions to exit Executive Session and adjourn the meeting. Selectman Pratt provides the second and all approve. A statement was provided stating that there was a personnel discussion with no action taken.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
POLICY WORKSHOP
Wednesday May 27, 2026 5:00PM
AGENDA
Attendees:
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Policy Workshop
Public Comments
Recess
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
WEDNESDAY – May 27, 2026
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
AGENDA
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes
-Approval of the meeting minutes from May 11, 2026
-Approval of hearing minutes from May 11, 2026
Highway
Road Commissioner’s Report
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests
Public Comments
New Business
Community Center board appointment – Art Hetzel
Corpwell Foundation – Letter of Support
Town Hall Copier
Zoning Bylaws from Planning Commission
Rutland County Solid Waste Commission Appointment – David Potter
Old Business
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.
