Northfield Select Board approves liquor licenses, new pool lesson fees and regional appointment; schedules executive session

Northfield — At a regular meeting called to order at 7 p.m., the Northfield Select Board approved a package of routine agenda items and took several decisions that affect town services and regional representation.

The board unanimously approved liquor-license renewals and outside-consumption permits for Depot Square Pizzeria and Northfield Country Club following brief motions and voice votes. Members also approved warrants covering town bills and payroll, including warrants 22–26 and subparts, and acknowledged the bi-weekly payroll through May 10 totaling $103,898.35.

The board adopted the Memorial Park 2026 pool schedule and fees after discussing repeated no-shows for previously free swim lessons. The pool director had recommended charging for lessons to reduce empty slots; the board voted to implement the fee schedule while preserving hardship assistance administered by the manager or pool staff. The board discussed possible approaches (a refundable-hold model was raised but described as an accounting burden) before approving the schedule.

Town Manager Mary Smith updated members on capital work and grants. Smith said bids for the Cross Brothers Dam project were received and an award was expected by the end of the week, and that construction on the Hill Street water tank and associated water lines is finishing. She also announced completion of an ARPA-funded disc-golf course funded through an earlier town grant to Andrew Padilla: “There are 18 baskets. The course winds through Norwich University land, has splendid views of Northfield and is open from sunrise to sunset,” Smith said, adding the course will be maintained by Norwich and there is no charge for town residents.

Board members raised infrastructure concerns about Elm Street, where a failing retaining wall has been under discussion for years. Members noted prior engineering studies and estimated costs from earlier proposals; staff said the water department has a related water-line project on its two‑year schedule and urged coordinating wall and water-line work when feasible.

During general business the board also appointed Mary Smith as an alternate representative to several regional bodies — including the Mountain Alliance and the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission — by voice vote. Members were reminded the board retreat is set for Wednesday, June 3 at 4:30 p.m.

Near the end of the meeting the board moved to enter executive session for a legal and contract matter; the motion passed and the board recessed for the closed session.

Actions at a glance - Liquor-license renewals for Depot Square Pizzeria and Northfield Country Club: approved (voice vote). - Outside consumption permits for both businesses: approved (voice vote). - Approval of minutes (May 12, 2026, as amended): approved (recorded in meeting as 4–0). - Warrants 22–26 and subparts (total referenced in meeting record approximately $915,964.89): approved (voice vote). - Bi-weekly payroll (through May 10): acknowledged/approved ($103,898.35). - Memorial Park 2026 pool schedule and lesson fee proposal: approved; free-lesson policy replaced with paid lessons and hardship assistance. - Appointment of Mary Smith as alternate representative to regional organizations: approved. - Motion to enter executive session for a legal/contract matter: approved.

Next steps: staff will follow up on bond detail for the Cox Brook paving loan, provide updated status on Cross Brothers Dam bid awards and the ARPA-funded rural wireless project (members requested an update), and the board will reconvene from executive session as required.

(Reporting based on the Northfield Select Board meeting transcript.)