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Orange Selectboard updates rules, approves licenses and contractor selections at May 11 meeting
Summary
The Town of Orange Selectboard on May 11 adopted revised rules and procedures, approved multiple liquor licenses for The Barn at Lonestar Acres, awarded a contingent mowing contract, authorized an RFP for a flood-damaged culvert contingent on FEMA funding, selected a contractor for underground tank removal and approved a 3% pay raise for four employees following executive session.
The Town of Orange Selectboard on May 11, 2026, adopted revised board Rules & Procedures, approved liquor licenses for a new event venue, awarded a contingent three-year mowing contract, authorized an RFP for culvert work pending FEMA funding, selected a contractor for underground storage tank removal, and approved a 3% pay raise for four town employees after an executive session.
Chair Steve Simpson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. During public comment John McNeil said the amount Barre pays in property taxes on the reservoir “was lower than commonly believed” and offered to provide additional information to the board.
Carmella Tucker, who led the Rules & Procedures discussion, said the board’s rules are intended for annual review and that the current draft—updated from a 2024 version using VLCT recommendations—had been distributed at the prior meeting. Tucker moved to approve an edited copy to be retyped and formally signed at the next meeting, and then moved to adopt the Rules & Procedures effective May 11, 2026; both motions were seconded by Chair Simpson and approved.
Licensing for The Barn at Lonestar Acres was the most detailed agenda item. Martin Prevost of the Department of Liquor and Lottery outlined local licensing authority, permit conditions and enforcement under Title 7. Seth and Katie Osgood described plans for weddings, community events, dinners, dancing and use of a mobile trailer bar and food service. The board approved a First Class License (Application #46160), a Third Class License (Application #54924) and an Outside Consumption Permit (Permit #73314). The Selectboard signed the applications and Diane Hallenbeck, the town clerk, will complete online approvals.
On procurement, the board reviewed three-year mowing bids and discussed pricing, insurance documentation and past performance. Carmella Tucker said Johnson Repair should be given an opportunity if it provides liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Kristin Paya moved to award the mowing contract to Johnson Repair contingent on receipt of required insurance documentation; the motion passed and the town clerk will request proof of insurance and issue a letter.
The board discussed infrastructure and funding for the Cutler Corner Culvert, damaged in 2024 flooding. Members agreed to issue an engineering RFP contingent on FEMA funding approval; Carmella Tucker moved the motion, Kristin Paya seconded and the board approved the contingency-based RFP.
Board members postponed action on updated Roads & Bridges Standards pending review by Matt Wadsworth. The board also agreed to list an out-of-service dump truck on Auctions International with a minimum bid to be determined.
The board reviewed PACIF insurance audit findings and recommended corrective maintenance at town properties, discussed a town-forest grant opportunity reported by Chair Simpson, and heard routine reports from the town clerk and road foreman.
Regarding environmental remediation, the board reviewed estimates for removal of underground storage tanks tied to the MERP project and voted to proceed with Wheeler Environmental Engineering.
The board entered executive session at 8:27 PM and exited at 8:58 PM. After the session Chair Simpson moved to approve a 3% pay raise for Matt Wadsworth, Mike Utton, Diane Hallenbeck and Diane Waters, effective June 1, 2026; the motion was seconded and approved.
Votes at a glance: the minutes and agenda date change, payroll and accounts-payable warrants, the three liquor-related approvals for The Barn at Lonestar Acres (First Class License #46160; Third Class License #54924; Outside Consumption Permit #73314), awarding the mowing contract to Johnson Repair contingent on insurance, issuing the Cutler Corner Culvert RFP contingent on FEMA funding, listing the dump truck for auction, selecting Wheeler Environmental Engineering for tank removal, and approving the 3% pay raises were all approved by the board during the meeting (recorded in the minutes as motions seconded and “all in favor”). The minutes record motions as passed but do not provide individual roll-call tallies.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. The Selectboard set its next regular meeting for Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
