Residents criticize Selectboard conduct; ethics complaint submitted

At the August 11 Selectboard meeting, resident and attorney Susan Morris sharply criticized the board’s conduct, alleging “dysfunction,” disregard for the Open Meeting Law and rising legal fees that she said taxpayers are bearing. She recommended appointing Duane Hart to the vacant board seat to restore “steadiness, historical knowledge and a consistent respect for law,” and said, “The Board is not functioning responsibly.”

Jeff Yrsha told the board he believed Vice Chair Jim Linville “is a bully” and described the chair’s behavior as “running rogue,” saying he worried confidential employee information had been shared inappropriately. Resident Ken Hall later delivered an envelope he described as an ethics complaint against Selectboard member Brian Gehlich and raised questions about transparency around a town land sale and whether Gehlich’s status as a licensed real estate professional created an appearance of conflict. Gehlich denied being compensated and said he only reached out for information.

The board did not act on appointments or resignations at the meeting. Selectboard members and staff discussed updating the Code of Ethics Investigation and Enforcement Ordinance and identified the Administrative Assistant, Patty Greene-Pawelczyk, as the Ethics Liaison; a draft template is being prepared for future review. The public comments and complaint were recorded in the minutes; no formal disciplinary action or appointment occurred that night.