Woodstock trustees hear public accusations, approve Rotary plaque variance and authorize Conservancy outreach

The Woodstock Village Trustees met June 9 and fielded heated public comments alleging misconduct before taking action on several agenda items.

Attorney Nicholas Seldin used the public-comment period to accuse trustees of misrepresenting village finances and of permitting an “illegal transfer of taxpayer money,” and to alert the board to an open-meeting complaint about an alleged assault by a named official. "Where is the line between terminal misconduct and, malfeasance that can be overlooked?" Seldin asked during his remarks. The board did not respond during the meeting; Seldin asked the trustees to place code-of-conduct and recall mechanisms on a future agenda.

After public comment, trustees received an operational briefing from municipal manager Eric, including utility-bill deadlines, FY25 audit timing, and public-safety and parking revenue figures. Trustees also voted to approve a variance allowing the Woodstock Rotary to install a commemorative plaque on the village green and authorized the Woodstock Conservancy to work with municipal staff on public-feedback sessions about rehabilitating the green and bicentennial planning. The meeting record shows votes to approve various event permits (the Prouty race and a Music on the River extension) and several conditional approvals for historical markers and park uses; one land easement (33 Central Street) was tabled for additional language and applicant consent.

The board concluded with a Bookstock recap and a request to assess fire risk on the Mount Pegg trails; trustees asked staff to follow up on both items and to bring zoning sign-off or updated language back to a future meeting. The meeting adjourned shortly after 8 p.m.