Council schedules June retreat to set priorities; adopts resolution honoring outgoing member Raj Chala

The Essex Junction City Council discussed plans for a strategic retreat on June 4 and read a resolution of appreciation for outgoing councilor Raj Chala at its April 23 meeting.

Staff presented a draft retreat agenda intended to let councilors and department heads jointly review accomplishments, identify priorities for the coming budget and clarify where staff resources would be required. Staff recommended a facilitator to guide the process. Council members suggested reserving a portion of the day for a council-only session to focus on roles, responsibilities and internal priorities separate from department-head input; several councilors said a full day would likely be required to cover the agenda. Possible locations and scheduling details were discussed; staff indicated the venue (CVE) and final logistics were still being confirmed.

Councilors emphasized balancing robust public and staff participation with preserving council deliberation time. Staff suggested department heads need not attend the full day and that the council could structure the day so department input informed council votes without diluting council direction.

Separately, the council read and presented a resolution thanking Raj Chala for his service; the resolution recited his electoral service beginning in April 2019, roles as vice president and president of the board, and contributions to projects including the Crescent Connector Road and drafting cannabis regulations. The record notes appreciation and remarks from council members and residents; the resolution language as read states it was adopted in April 2025 by the Essex Junction City Council.

No additional formal decisions about the retreat agenda or logistics were finalized at the meeting; staff and councilors agreed to coordinate before the retreat to refine topics and timing.