Selectboard approves appointments, legal representation and authorizes solar lease memorandum; manager reports on water shut‑off and transportation program

The Milton Selectboard took a cluster of administrative actions and heard staff updates at its July 6 meeting.

Appointments: The board reappointed Fran Tougas to the Recreation Commission (term through 06.30.2029), appointed Michael Boucher to the Recreation Commission (term through 06.30.2029) and appointed Roger Morse to finish a term through 06.30.2028. The board reappointed Rich Desouza (business member) and Lindsey Ruhl (community member) to the Economic Development Commission and appointed Brandy Companion and Peter Hatfield to fill remainder terms. The Selectboard reappointed Chuck Wilton as Milton’s primary CCRPC board representative and appointed Cassie LaFayette as alternate CCRPC representative as well as alternate to the Transportation Advisory Committee and Clean Water Advisory Committee; all appointments were approved unanimously.

Legal representation and solar lease: Town Manager Chris Taylor asked the board to authorize Stitzel, Page & Fletcher to represent the Town in Chad Wheeler’s appeal of a Development Review Board decision involving Vermont Aggregates in the Environmental Division of the Vermont Superior Court; the board approved the request. Taylor also asked the board to authorize recording a memorandum in the land records for the solar site lease previously approved in 2025 with Milton Memorial Solar LLC; the Selectboard authorized the Town Manager to execute and record that memorandum.

All‑Hazards and manager updates: Director of Emergency Management Kyle Brouillette gave a biannual update on mitigation actions, highlighting stormwater infrastructure maintenance by Public Works and progress toward Storm Ready and Firewise certifications. Manager Chris Taylor updated the board on the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities transportation program (critical care rides remain unlimited; other medical and food rides limited to four per month) and announced a planned water shut‑off for July 16–17 affecting much of the downtown area; staff are assessing whether the shut‑off can be localized to reduce impacts. Taylor also announced a new shared administrative assistant hire, Kaitlyn Tice, starting July 13, and that an entertainment permit was signed for an Aug. 22 dance organized by the Milton Democratic Committee.

Executive session: The board entered executive session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss confidential attorney‑client communications under 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1) and closed the session at 8:47 p.m.; no action was taken afterward.