Middlebury selectmen appoint ZBA alternate, reappoint conservation commissioner; approve parks job descriptions and legal defense

At the April 6, 2026 meeting, the Middlebury Board of Selectmen appointed Brett Kales (R) to serve as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five‑year term and reappointed incumbent Joseph Bernardi (R) to the Conservation Commission through April 21, 2030. Both motions passed unanimously.

First Selectwoman Jennifer A. Mahr read several announcements: a "Latest News" feature and e‑blast signup are live on the town website, a CodeRED emergency‑alert signup link is active, municipal email addresses are being migrated to middleburyct.gov to comply with state requirements, Public Works is transitioning from winter cleanup to street sweeping, and there are several small grants recently awarded or in progress (e.g., two $1,000 awards to the Fire Department and Fire Marshal and nearly $2,000 to Social Services). She also invited residents to the Annual Budget Public Hearing on April 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Larkin Room and noted an Arbor Day tree planting on April 24 at 11:00 a.m.

On parks and recreation, the board reviewed revised job descriptions submitted by Director Betsy Anderson. The board approved the revisions with recommended edits, noting the town will not operate a snack bar this season and that the Department of Public Works will assume mowing responsibilities.

After an executive session on legal matters, the board authorized Zellenburg & Schellenberg, PLLC to defend the town in three pending matters: Ronald J. Pugliese v. First Selectman, et al (FIC# 2025‑0910); Mary Miller v. First Selectman, et al (FIC# 2025‑1127); and Patricia Kurze v. Town of Middlebury (CHRO# 2630197). The board did not vote on Southford Park, LLC et al v. Town of Middlebury (No. 3:25‑cv‑021160KAD) at this meeting.

The meeting also approved routine tax rebates listed in the agenda packet and confirmed the next Board of Selectmen meeting for April 20, 2026.