2026-09-14 Selectboard Minutes

Town of Warwick
Minutes of Hybrid Meeting of the Warwick Selectboard
Warwick Community School
Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Selectboard Members Present: Alan Genovese, Chair; Keith Ross, Vice Chair
Selectboard Members Present via Zoom: Brian Snell, Clerk
Others Present: Brian Gale; Jill DeLisle, Finance Committee Chair; Signe Friedrichs, Finance Committee; Bruce Kilhart; David Young, Town Coordinator Emeritus
Others Present via Zoom: Lizzie Alwan, Town Coordinator; Diana Noble, Assistant to the Town Coordinator

CALL TO ORDER – Genovese called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm

1. Announcements, and introductions
   1. This meeting is noticed under legacy OML so requires a quorum of the board in the room and if the remote aspect fails the meeting may continue.
2. Chapter 268 Sections 20C and 20D Ethics disclosures or exemptions – none
3. Public Comment 
   1. Brian Gale – Proposed Senior Housing Development – Gale spoke about a proposed 30-unit, 55-and-over housing development on approximately 87 acres on Orange Road. He described the proposal as a homeowners’ association with private roads and two-bedroom, two-bath homes of about 1,400 square feet. Gale said he has been trying to work with the Planning Board on a conceptual plan before investing in engineering and other costs, but the Planning Board, based on advice from Town Counsel, has asked for a written plan before further discussion. He said a major issue is the subdivision requirement for two access points and discussed the possibility of pursuing a Chapter 40B development if the current proposal cannot move forward. The Selectboard did not take a position on the proposal and suggested that Gale put his concept and basic details in writing and bring them to the Planning Board as a starting point.
4. Updated Police Use of Force Policy from Chief Shoemaker – The Board reviewed proposed updates to the Police Department’s use-of-force policy, which Coordinator Alwan said would bring the town’s policy in line with current state regulations. The Board treated the review as a first reading so members would have time to review the policy and bring questions to Chief Shoemaker. The policy will return to the agenda at the next meeting.
   • MOTION: Genovese MOVED to adopt on first reading the revisions of an amendment to update Policy 1.01, subject to final departmental and legal review. 2nd Ross. Snell – aye; Genovese – aye; Ross – aye. Voted unanimously.
5. Vote to approve warrant for Oct 6 vote – The Board reviewed and approved the warrant for the October 6 special election on the Great River Regional School District proposal. Board members present signed the warrant, which will be forwarded to the Town Clerk.
   • MOTION: Snell MOVED to approve the Tuesday, October 6th, 5/6 Town Warrant vote. 2nd Ross. Snell – aye; Genovese – aye; Ross – aye. Voted unanimously.
6. Public Forum on September 24th at 6:00 pm, Town Hall – Alwan reported that a public forum will be held September 24 at 6:00 p.m. to help Warwick residents understand the two questions being voted on October 6: the Great River Regional School District proposal and the Franklin County Technical School building project. Background materials will be available at Town Hall, and the forum is being publicized. The Board also discussed the importance of presenters being clear about which official or personal role they are speaking from when discussing the proposals.
7. Discussions and reports
   1. Coordinator Report 
      1. Special town meeting for WRAP grant and prior-year bills – Alwan reported that a Special Town Meeting will be planned shortly after the October 6 election to address prior-year bills and use of the Winter Recovery Assistance Program (WRAP) grant. Alwan and Noble met with DOR and confirmed that the town could rescind its earlier vote to raise and appropriate $87,257 for the FY26 snow and ice deficit and instead use WRAP funds for that expense. DeLisle and the Finance Committee recommend rescinding that vote and asking Town Meeting to raise and appropriate the same $87,257 into stabilization. The final warrant language will be reviewed to make sure it meets DOR requirements. No date for the Special Town Meeting was set.
   2. Assistant Coordinator Report – none
   3. Selectboard Reports
      1. Town Meeting Location – Based on the recent community straw poll, which favored Town Hall 39–16 over the school, the Board agreed that future Town Meetings will be held at Town Hall. Members also discussed making accommodations for childcare so families with young children can attend, and Alwan reported that she is already working on arrangements.
         • MOTION: Snell MOVED that future Town Meetings be held at the Town Hall. 2nd Ross. Snell – aye; Genovese – aye; Ross – aye. Voted unanimously.
      2. Snell reported that the flags were lowered for September 11 before being raised again while she was away. Snell also reported that the tuition agreement with Pioneer has been approved for the upcoming cycle after some delays and revisions. In addition, the transfer station compost program is now up and running, with the collection cage installed and residents already using it successfully.
8. Actions
9. Citizens’ concerns and suggestions for future agenda items
10. Minutes of previous meetings – none
11. Items unanticipated at time of posting
    1. Selectboard Position on 6-Town Regionalization: DeLisle asked for clarification on how to represent the Selectboard’s position on the 6-Town proposal in informational materials. After discussion, the Board clarified that it is taking a neutral position as a board. Members noted that they have different individual views on the proposal, but agreed that the question should go before the voters and that the Board will respect the outcome.
12. Review topics for future meetings
    1. Meeting schedule: Mondays at 6:00 pm: 9/28/26, 10/12/26, 10/26/26

ADJOURNMENT: Ross MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 pm. 2nd Snell. Snell – aye; Genovese – aye; Ross – aye. Voted unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by Heather Berlin, Town Secretary.

Documents consulted at this meeting:

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