Selectboard reviews appointments, discusses Benner Bridge drawings and bench repairs

The Bristol selectboard reviewed 2026 annual appointments on March 3, including six applications for five regular seats on the shellfish committee and administrative items such as acceptance of meeting minutes.

Board members outlined how they planned to stagger terms for the shellfish committee to restore rotation: two three-year terms, one two-year term and one one-year term so expirations are spread across years. Members noted that long-serving appointee Scott Burke had relinquished his commercial license and now resides outside town; the board discussed how residency and license status affect eligibility for regular versus alternate seats. Applicants named during the discussion included David Cheney, Donald Poland, Jen Patad, Peter Pope, Jennifer (name unclear in transcript), Ron Paul and a new applicant Kevin.

A member moved to accept the minutes of the February 25 selectboard meeting "as drafted," the motion was seconded and the board approved the minutes by voice vote.

Town staff gave updates on several local items: an engineer named Greg will meet with the board on April 1 to present drawings for the Benner Bridge; Sun Dog Solar has outstanding billing to submit for November and December and staff said the company appears to be delaying invoicing; and several park benches with damaged legs could be sent to the prison shop for repair and handle replacement.

The board discussed whether to sign appointment paperwork at the meeting or wait until town meeting. They also noted a planning-board alternate application (Ken Fort Meyer) and said they might wait because of expected write-in activity for a planning-board seat.

The meeting closed with announcements of upcoming meetings and adjournment.