Selectboard debates volunteer waiver language and whether town crews should clear contested trail

The board reviewed a draft release intended for volunteer trail crews and debated language that could place liability on volunteers rather than the town. One member suggested rewording so volunteers retain responsibility for their equipment and actions but the town assumes responsibility if an incident arises during an official town activity. Several participants recommended having the road crew perform initial, potentially contentious clearing and then using volunteers for lower‑risk tasks such as raking and hauling.

Members discussed indemnification and suggested the board seek model language used by VAST and other volunteer organizations that protect municipal volunteers. One member volunteered to work with the town attorney or review Vermont statutes (title 24, chapter 33 was cited) to craft safer, balanced language before adopting the release.

The board asked the trust chair to coordinate a revised draft and to identify examples from other towns; no final vote was taken at the meeting.