TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday October 27, 2025
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
Minutes
Guests
Mike Klopchin, Chair Chreston Rabtoy
George Ambrose, Clerk Sarah Kumm
Robert Congdon, Selectman John McKenna
Cash Ruane, Selectman Ed Baker
Don Pratt, Selectman Shelly Lutz
Heidi Congdon, Treasurer Chris Gatti-Palance
Kimberly Young, Administrative Assistant Cindy Davis
Bob Underhill Nicolette Asselin
Kevin Peck
William – PEGTV
Call to Order – Chair Mike Klopchin called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Agenda additions/deletions – George Ambrose would like to add discussion of the Transfer Station under Old Business. The motion is made for this addition by Robert Congdon and seconded by Don Pratt. All present board members approve.
Approval of Meeting Minutes – Ambrose motions to approve the Meeting Minutes from October 13, 2025. Robert Congdon provides the second and all approve.
Approval of Select Board Warrants – Warrants are approved and signed.
Guests – Evan Fitzgerald to explain the Cold River Management Plan via phone/zoom.
Engineer Fitzgerald states the objective of the work done is to understand and create a plan for maintaining sediment around the river which will aid in protecting infrastructure and neighboring homes. To accomplish this plan measurements have been taken over several years aiding in indication on how the river has changed following floods. In synopsis, it is explained that the bed of the river has accumulated sediment at the bridges over time. Fitzgerald’s evaluations provided measure of the varying levels of aggradation and determine/value risks. Problems begin at Railroad bridge which is vastly undersized and as it fills it affects the other upstream areas. Middle Road Bridge’s tall opening is okay, however the speeding flow through here is problematic creating erosion and further velocity. There is an additional hazard for the largest floods to over stop into the southern flood chute. Trigger points need maintenance to mitigate risks. Fitzgerald recommends the Town review the Plan Summary then Josh Carvajal, VTDEC River Engineer can be met with to discuss the recommendations.
Discussion ensues regarding the idea of the Town monitoring measurements going forward to save money. Congdon recommends the Board take a couple of weeks to review the data and then submit their thoughts on the plan to Evan with a following of contacting Josh. Evan is thanked for his time and further discussion will occur regarding establishing historic data.
New Business
–John McKenna discusses a town-wide survey for the Planning Commission regarding updating the town plan. There will be approximately 1,400 plus surveys to be mailed out. While they typically get a 2-3% response, the last one received a 10% response. Residents will have until the end of the calendar year to respond. Surveys can be dropped off at the Town Hall, mailed in or entered online. McKenna uses google sheet for tally.
–Signing of FY26 Municipal Resolution Form and Act 154 Good Standing Certification. (For Municipal Planning Grant Application/Hazard Mitigation Plan approved at the last meeting) Robert Congdon makes a three-part motion for the Select Board to sign the Municipal Resolution form, the Chair to sign the Good Standing Certification and the Planning Committee to proceed with expenditure of mailing of the surveys. Ambrose provides the second and it is unanimously approved.
–Chreston Rabtoy to introduce himself and express interest in becoming a member of the Recreation Committee. Clarendon resident Chreston Rabtoy forgoes becoming a member of the Recreation Committee in pursuant of a volunteer rank. Rabtoy indicates interest in updating existing trails and opening up of new trails on the Town property on East Road with the board’s approval. Past owner Mr. Clark Smith’s wishes for this property were in support of woods, wildlife, water and recreation. There is mention of existing monitoring of this property by Town Forester Joe Peterson. Other than a check in with Peterson and a follow up of insurance coverage of such work and maintenance, the board gives Rabtoy their permission to labor the land for clearing and creation of trails. Discussion of allowed tools ensues. Rabtoy will look to the Town office for a Plot Map.
–Sarah Kumm to discuss Route 7B Speed Limit and a Hunting Issue in Recreational Park. Sarah Kumm presents a letter to the Select Board requesting a change to the speed limit on Route 7B (North and South) from 45 mph to 35 mph. Robert Congdon makes a motion for Administrative Assistant Kim Young to reach out to VTRANS regarding the speed limit change on behalf of the board. Ambrose provides the second and it is unanimously approved. Kumm then describes the Recreation Committee’s upcoming Veteran’s Day Event. It will be on 11/11 at 11:00 am. She asks for permission to print out approximately 10 flyers at the Town Office and have the Flyers posted on the Town’s website. The Select Board approves of both requests. Then a discussion about the Recreation Field and Hunting ensues. Robert Congdon makes a motion to have Kim Young reach out to VLCT for directions on how to obtain an Ordinance for no hunting on the Recreation Field. George Ambrose seconds the motion and it is approved by all. Congdon recommends that it be a board member authorized for no trespassing rather than the Recreational Chair. Don Pratt agrees to be the point of contact, however without an ordinance there isn’t any power behind it. Congdon provides a motion to have the land posted with Ambrose seconding it. All are in approval, however there is no decision yet on who will do the posting.
–Nicolette Asselin to discuss Clarendon Heritage in regards to Senior Citizens and the North Clarendon Chapel. A presentation is given from Nicolette Asselin of Clarendon Heritage on her endeavor to stabilize and restore the North Clarendon Chapel 1871. Asselin’s ultimate goal is for the historical structure to be utilized as a senior center/cultural and social club. In summary everyone is positive about saving the structure, however it is noted that the Chapel 1871 has limited parking and Asselin, in addition to repairs, must look in to fire safety, water and wastewater regulations. Congdon states that non profits need to apply as an article in March to be on the ballot. A petition will be needed, as well as for it to be a 501( C) (3). Ownership documents, deed filings and title search will be researched. Don Pratt expresses the importance of reading Marjorie White Southard’s note to the board regarding the subject of the Chapel. Although she was unable to attend tonight’s meeting, she wished to share her thoughts that the Chapel is a house of GOD and should be used for worship, Christmas services, funerals, weddings and hymn sings. A printed brochure on the Chapel Presentation and Project will be at the Town Hall for anyone who wishes to see it.
Old Business
– George Ambrose to provide an update on the Transfer Station. Horst Gebar, transfer station attendee has been enforcing the regulation of not accepting cash. This system is working and there has not been pushback on the issue. It is noted that Horst is doing a great job and we are making progress in gaining more income.
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
-Treasurer Heidi Congdon provides that tax collection has wrapped up with a total of $238,916.98 in debt to be collected. This figure is within our normal range. Delinquent tax collector Ashley Robinson will be sending out notices soon. Congdon asks the board if a Budget Meeting time can be set up. A Budget Workshop is then scheduled for Wednesday November 12th 2025 at 5:00 PM, one hour prior to the 6:00 PM Select Board Meeting.
-Robert Congdon sends his appreciation to Deputy Sweet for his patrol of Creek Rd. which has slowed traffic down and caught at least one perpetrator.
Adjournment
– Robert Congdon makes a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 PM. Don Pratt provides the second. All approve; meeting is adjourned.
TOWN OF CLARENDON BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING REGULAR
Monday October27, 2025
Clarendon Town Hall @ 6:00PM
Agenda
Call to Order
Agenda additions/deletions
Approval of Meeting Minutes -Approval of Meeting Minutes from October 13, 2025
Highway -Road commissioner’s report
Approval of Select Board Warrants
Guests -Evan Fitzgerald to explain the Cold River Management Plan via phone/zoom
Public Comments
New Business
-Signing of FY26 Municipal Resolution form and Act 154 Good standing Certification (For Municipal Planning Grant Application/Hazard Mitigation Plan approved at the last meeting)
-Chreston Rabtoy to introduce himself and express interest in becoming a member of the Recreation Committee.
-John McKenna to discuss a town-wide survey for the Planning Commission.
-Sarah Kumm to discuss Route 7B Speed Limit and Hunting Issue in Recreational Park.
-Nicolette Asselin to discuss Clarendon Heritage in regards to Senior Citizens and the North Clarendon Chapel.
Old Business
Town Officer’s & Committee Member Report
Select Board Member Concerns
Adjournment
