Select Board summer workshop and meeting regular Monday July 27, 2026

TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Summer Workshop

Monday July 27, 2026 5:00PM

Minutes

Attendees:

Mike Klopchin, Chair                                          Kimberly Young

George Ambrose, Clerk                                      Cindy Davis

Robert Congdon, Selectman                             Jim Austin

Don Pratt, Selectman

Cash Ruane, Selectman

William- Peg TV

Call to Order: Chair Mike Klopchin calls the meeting to order at 5:06 PM.

Agenda additions/deletions: Robert Congdon motions to add discussion of Road Crew Job Description to the workshop. Don Pratt provides the second. It is agreed by all to add it.

 Workshop for Creating Revenue and a No Hunting Ordinance for Recreational Field: In regards to a “No Hunting Ordinance”, Selectman Congdon suggests that the Town of Clarendon should add a simply worded ordinance stating that No Hunting or Weapons are permitted on any Clarendon Town recreation property, excluding town forest.  After discussion all members approve.  Selectman Pratt hesitantly agreed, his final agreement due to the fact that children will most likely be in the recreational fields. The select board assistant, Kimberly Young is to draft the ordinance for future official adoption and posting to the public.

Clerk Ambrose opens discussion of the road crew opening and the drafted job advertisement for viewing. Road Commissioner Cash Ruane officially announces that his retirement date will be December 26^th, 2026 at the end of the last pay period of the year. Wallingford’s model of having both a Road Commissioner and Foreman is discussed. Incoming applicants will be asked of any leadership experience. Ideally looking to fill 2 positions in the future. For now, one working position will be posted. The details to be approved at the subsequent Select Board meeting.  Applications to be reviewed by the next meeting August 24^th 2026.

Raising Money: Chair Ambrose discusses fundraising options with examples such as Bingo, Grange events and more Recreational Field events. Selectman Congdon states that the only real chance to make substantial gains financially for the Town is with the Grand List, for example having more lots filled at the Industrial Park. HE expresses that we should expect a push for extension of the contract over there. Ambrose suggests the idea of starting a campaign for donations; naming a project or a building fund to generate interest.

Board members express positivity towards the Recreation Committee and all they have accomplished at the Recreational field.

Public Comments N/A

Recess Selectman Congdon motions to adjourn the workshop at 5:51. Selectman Ruae seconds and it is approved to recess by all members.

TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR

July 27, 2026

Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM

Minutes

Guests

Mike Klopchin, Chair                                                               Cindy Davis

George Ambrose, Clerk                                                           Jim Austin

Robert Congdon, Selectman                                                  Ed Baker

Cash Ruane, Selectman                                                           Bob Knudsen

Don Pratt, Selectman                                                               Kevin Peck

Kimberly Young                                                                         Shelly Lutz

William – PEGTV                                                                       Rich Clark

Call to Order –Chair Mike Klopchin calls the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

 Agenda additions/deletions -Selectman Congdon make two motions; one to add Guest Speaker Bob Knudsen to follow the approval of meeting minutes and one to add the approval of a Road Crew Position posting to Highway. Clerk Ambrose seconds both motions and all approve the additions.

 Approval of Meeting Minutes – Congdon motions to approve both the Hearing minutes and the Select Board meeting minutes from July 13, 2026. Ambrose seconds the motion and all approve.

Guest: Bob Knudsen announces that the next round of pre applications for the Timber for Transit Grant is coming up soon. This time it will be prewritten and done with organization as well as help from a grant writer. Knudsen himself will be filling out the application on the portal with the town’s assistance. Selectman Congdon motions to approve the Town of Clarendon’s collaboration with this application. Ambrose seconds the motion and all approve.

Highway – Road Commissioner’s Report: Ruane updates that the road crew are waiting for parts for the mower, due to come next week, then they will immediately start mowing roadsides. Paving has been completed on Middle Road with the next step being VTRANS to paint markings.

-The posting for applicants will have a line added indicating that a CDL will be required after 6 months. On August 24^th, 2026 the Select Board will decide who to interview from submitted applicants. Job posting is happening now to keep options open for leadership. Road Commissioner Cash Ruane officially states his Retirement date will be December 26, 2026. Statute states a Select Board member has to fill the role if not filled externally or internally.

Approval of Select Board Warrants – Warrants are signed and approved.

 Public Comments: N/A

 New Business

 –Congdon motions for Approval of the Justices of the Peace to be put on the back of the November general election ballot. Ruane provides the second. All approve.

– Pratt motions for Tax Rate approval. Ruane seconds this motion and all approve.

– The carpeting at the Town Hall is discussed as aged and needing to be replaced. It is decided to first discover what is underneath the carpet and then determine whether to either refinish hard wood floors or install solid vinyl plank. Congdon motions to authorize fellow Selectman Pratt to lift up the carpet and determine the flooring underneath. Ruane seconds the motion and all are in agreement. Once decided it will go out to bid.

–Congdon motions to approve the purchase of 2 new computers for the Listers as they are outdated and need replacing. Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved.

-Appoint Primary and Secondary Points of Contact for the Memorandum of Understanding between Town of Clarendon and Prime/Work for Warriors VT Program. Ambrose motions to ask Treasurer Heidi Congdon upon her return if she is agreeable to be the primary contact with Administrative Assistant Kimberly Young as the secondary contact.  Pratt provides the second and it is approved by all members.              

Old Business: N/A

Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report: N/A

Select Board Member Concerns: Congdon thanks the Recreation Committee for their work and success with the Tailgate Party at the Recreational Field and reminds all that the next Selectboard Meeting is not until August 24^th. Chair Klopchin states that the Fireworks display at the Tailgate Party event was outstanding and the parking lot was full. Ruane cautions drivers to be careful on the newly paved Middle Road as accidents can arise on new tar that has not yet been marked with lines.

Adjournment: Congdon motions to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 PM with Pratt seconding the motion and all in approval.

TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Summer Workshop

Monday July 27, 2026 5:00PM

AGENDA

 Attendees:

Call to Order

Agenda additions/deletions

 Workshop for Creating Revenue and a No Hunting Ordinance for Recreational Field                           

Public Comments             

Recess

 

TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR

July 27, 2026

Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM

AGENDA

Call to Order

 Agenda additions/deletions

 Approval of Meeting Minutes -Approval of both the Hearing minutes and the Select Board meeting minutes from July 13, 2026.

Highway – Road Commissioner’s Report

-Harry Withington to discuss Roadside Mowing

Approval of Select Board Warrants

Guests

Public Comments

 New Business

 –Approval for Justices of the Peace to be put on the back of the November general election ballot

-Tax Rate approval

-Carpeting at Town Hall (entry and one side)

–Approve the purchase of 2 new Lister Computers

-Appoint Primary and Secondary Points of Contact for the Memorandum of Understanding between Town of Clarendon and Prime/Work for Warriors VT Program

Old Business

Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report

Select Board Member Concerns

Adjournment

 

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