Hardwick Select Board elects Kaylee Galloway Kane chair, approves slate of appointments and calendar

The Hardwick Select Board reorganized at its March 5 meeting, electing Kaylee Galloway Kane as chair and naming Sherry Cornish vice chair, and approved a slate of town appointments and the board calendar for 2026–27.

Sophie, who opened the meeting, called for nominations for chair; after a nomination and second the board approved "Kaylee Galloway Kane as the chair for the proceeding year," by voice vote. Kaylee Galloway Kane then presided and nominated Sherry Cornish for vice chair; that nomination also passed by voice vote.

Board members approved minutes from the Feb. 19 regular and informational meetings after a combined motion and voice vote. Later in the meeting the board reviewed a list of appointment recommendations — including representatives to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District, NEK Communication Union District, trail and conservation committees, and deputies such as a deputy health officer — and approved the slate as presented while leaving several roles open for recruitment (town energy coordinator, Solid Waste alternate representative and health officer remain unfilled).

Paul Finks, a resident, urged clearer online organization of agendas, minutes and attachments so residents can find documents more easily; he also urged selecting local residents where appropriate for appointed roles. "These should all be in that report," he said, arguing that visibility could attract more volunteers.

The board adopted a meeting schedule that keeps regular sessions on the first and third meetings at 6:00 p.m., with one meeting in July. The reappointment of Kristen Leahy as zoning administrator was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board closed the organizational business and moved on to items including zoning updates and grant work planned for later agenda items.