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Residents raise concerns about backyard animals, budget cuts and pedestrian access; board to consider bylaw changes
Summary
At the July 21 meeting residents urged the Selectboard to address deteriorating neighboring properties and asked the town to consider new zoning rules for backyard chickens. The meeting also covered trees and mowing, a reduced police budget, an ADA concern about Upper River Street and equipment maintenance; the board entered executive session afterward.
During the meeting several residents raised unrelated concerns under Other Business. Debra Burns told the board that neighboring properties have deteriorated, that a prior complaint led to zoning violations being recorded on her property, and that rats have appeared on three lots. Acting Zoning Administrator Karen Cangelosi told the board that the town's current zoning bylaws do not govern backyard chickens; the Selectboard agreed to explore changing the bylaws and Burns said she will bring paperwork showing prior permits for older structures.
Rowena Brown thanked crews for removing trees in Davis Park and along Intervale Avenue but said weeds remain where trees were removed and urged the mowing contractor to cut to the river. Brown also noted Green Avenue is scheduled for paving.
Brown asked about a police budget line originally listed as $151,000; Town Clerk Kiley Deuso said the amount was cut to $75,000, that some funds are being used for cameras and that some of the remaining money had not yet been allocated. Resident Robert Wetherby raised a pedestrian-safety concern about recent parking changes on Upper River Street, saying the changes left pedestrians without a place to cross and could violate the Americans with Disabilities Act; Chair Steinhour said crosswalk use has not changed and Eric Collins offered that the ADA requires equal placement of handicapped access and stated the town is in compliance.
Wetherby also asked whether the fire department's Aerial Platform truck was in service; Selectman Andy Pond said the truck is out for maintenance and awaiting parts.
Later the board voted unanimously to enter executive session for contractual and personnel matters and adjourned afterward.
