Fairlee Select Board: Reviews setback concerns, fire dept. bylaws and water grant; no action after closed session

Fairlee Select Board · Meeting recap · meeting of Monday, October 26, 2026

Vice Chair Lance Mills called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Town Hall. Chair Miranda Clemson was absent, and a quorum was met. The minutes are marked final.

Decisions

• The board approved the agenda as amended, adding a Historic Preservation Grant discussion under New Business. The motion passed unanimously.
• The board approved the October 19, 2026 minutes as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
• The board opened an executive session for legal reasons at 7:53 PM and came out at 8:28 PM. No action was taken.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.

Also discussed

• Public comments: Clyde Blake said the speed humps on the west side of Lake Morey worked well. He asked about a 2027 fireworks display. The board would like another campaign but first needs the cost, and the fireworks company expects a 4-8% increase.
• Setback concerns: Residents told the board they believe porch construction at a Lake Morey Road site is too close to a neighboring property line under the town's 15-foot setback rule. They also raised concerns about the size of a parking structure and a storm pipe. They asked the board to enforce zoning regulations. A hearing and appeal is set for 6:00 PM on November 11, 2026.
• Town Administrator's report: Updates covered the beach fencing, which was donated, and the EMS roof, for which a contractor is being sought. Also covered were ditching on Bald Top Road, the transfer station shed, the sale of the old fire truck, water system work, budget meetings, and stormwater and Bridge + Main grant work.
• Water internship grant: Administrator Gene Craft will contact River Bend Career and Technical Center about interested students.
• Historic preservation easement: Peter Berger received a document stating the town will maintain the building's historic nature for 15 years. It was distributed for review.
• Cemetery: Junipers were delivered. The Cemetery Commission or the town will find someone to plant them.
• Fire department: The board is reviewing bylaws from Richmond, Bradford and Highgate. It would like software to track data and modernize the department.
• Correspondence: The board put several letters on record, including one about road conditions after logging, which led to a long conversation about Class 4 roads, permits, culverts and loggers.

Money

• Town Clerk Georgette Wolf-Ludwig said a 10x12 vault structure from a Pennsylvania company would cost about $90,000.
• The National Rural Water Association is offering a $20,000 incentive for small rural water systems to hire an apprentice or someone who needs training.

The next meeting is Monday, November 2, 2026.

This is an automated summary of the town's posted minutes. The official record is the original document. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.