​Boards

​and

Commissions

Pownal works best with citizen involvement. There are many opportunities to serve the town; from asking to be appointed to a board or commission, asking for appointment to an open position, volunteering for specific events or activities, and running for an elected position. The information below describes the various boards and commissions that keep the citizenship involved in the process of town government. In addition, current vacancies, volunteer opportunities and employment positions are shown.​

Southwest Vermont Union Elementary School District Board
The Southwest Vermont Union Elementary School District (SVUESD) has a vacant position for a representative from Pownal on the SVUESD board.  The SVUESD is responsible for the pre-kindergarten through grade 6 in Pownal, Shaftsbury, Woodford, and pre-kindergarten through grade 5 in the town of Bennington.  This includes 6 elementary schools.  If you are interested and qualified to run for the Pownal seat of the SVUESD please email a letter of interest to Amie Gosselin, Executive Assistant to Superintendent James Culkeen, at amie.gosselin@svsu.org .  You must be 18 years of age and a resident of Pownal, VT.
​
JOIN A BOARD OR COMMITTEE
To apply for an open position please submit a letter of interest by selecting the button below, email info@townofpownal.org or mail 467 Center Street Pownal, VT 05261.​ Please be sure to indicate the position you wish to hold. 
Thank you for your interest!
​
x

    Open Position - Letter of Interest
    Please indicate the position you are applying for along with any relevant information you would like to share why you are suited for the role.​

Visit the home page for details of the next scheduled meeting for our various boards and commissions. 
​When one is scheduled the date/time and agenda will be available at the bottom of the page.
Development Review Board (DRB)
The Development Review Board (DRB) is a (7) member board plus two alternates appointed by the Selectboard. The DRB elects its own officers and adopts rules of procedure. Meetings are held at the call of the Chair or as determined by the Board. The DRB may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of material germane to any issue before the Board. The board keeps minutes of its proceedings and records the vote of each member on each question, which minutes are filed with the Town Clerk.
The DRB:
  1. Considers appeals from actions of the Zoning Administrator;
  2. Acts on requests for variances on appeal;
  3. Considers applications for conditional use permits;
  4. Considers applications for expansions or changes in nonconforming uses or structures;
  5. Reviews site development plans; and
  6. Reviews and approves subdivisions under the Town's Subdivision Regulations.
The mission of the Pownal DRB is to hear all permit appeals and render a fair and reasonable decision that we believe will benefit the town as a whole.
The DRB meets on the the first and third Wednesday of each month. Please contact Hannah at 802.823.0116 x102 with any questions about attending a meeting.

​Current Board Members

Matthew Gardner, Chair  
(3 year term, expires 2024)
John Bushee 
(3 year term, expires 2023) 
Karl Strohmaier 
(3 year term, expires 2023)
Olden Dwyer
(3 year term, expires 2025)
Cindy Legge  
(3 year term, expires 2025)
Cody Gardner 
(3 year term, expires 2023)    
Jim Winchester (alt.)
Planning Commission
The planning commission may have not less than three nor more than nine voting members. The planning commissioners are appointed by the town's select board. The following are the powers and duties of planning commissions in the State of Vermont:
  • Prepare a municipal plan and amendments thereof for consideration by the Selectboard, and review amendments thereof initiated by others as set forth in 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117 subchapter 5.
  • Prepare and present to the legislative body proposed bylaws and make recommendations to the Selectboard on proposed amendments to such bylaws.
  • Undertake studies and make recommendations on matters of land development, urban renewal, transportation, economic and social development, urban beautification and design improvements, historic and scenic preservation, the conservation of energy, the development of renewable energy resources, and wetland protection.
  • Prepare and present to the select board recommended building, plumbing, fire, electrical, housing, and related codes and enforcement procedures, and construction specifications for streets and related public improvements.
  • Prepare and present a recommended capital budget and program for a period of five years for action by the select board.
  • Hold public meetings.
  • Require from other departments and agencies of the municipality such available information as relates to the work of the planning commission.
  • Enter upon land to make examinations and surveys in the performance of its functions.
  • Participate in a regional planning program.
  • Retain staff and consultant assistance in carrying out its duties and powers.
  • Undertake comprehensive planning, including related preliminary planning and engineering studies.
  • Perform such other acts or functions necessary or appropriate to fulfill the intent and purposes of 24 V.S.A. Chapter 117.
The Planning Commission is charged with setting the overall policy and goals for land development and use in town.  The primary functions of the Commission are to prepare and amend the Town Plan and the Land Use Regulations.
The Planning Commission meets on the the first and third Tuesday of each month. Please contact Hannah at 802.823.0116 x102 with any questions about attending a meeting.
Current Commission Members

John Bushee, Chair 
 (4 year term, expires 2022)
Bryan Harris  Vice-Chair 
(4 year term, expires 2024)
Megan Randall, Clerk 
 (4 year term, expires 2025)
Michelle Pekrol  
(4 year term, expires 2023)
Fred Miller  
(4 year term, expires 2025)
Stacy Boxer 
(4 year term, expires 2025)
Open position  
(4 year term, expires 2023)
James Winchester  
(4 year term, expires 2023)
Open Position  
 (4 year term, expires 2023)
Open Position 
(4 year term, expires 2023)
​Parks & Recreation
The Pownal Parks and Rec Committee was formed to discuss and generate ideas for use of town-owned lands and their potential development for outdoor recreation.  Members are volunteers who desire to enhance the quality of life for Pownal residents, and build a sense of community.  The Committee is under the supervision of the Selectboard, and has no decision-making powers or authority of its own. The initial focus of the Parks and Rec Committee is to build capacity with an emphasis on small, attainable projects to garner community support.  All forms of recreation will be considered by the Committee, with special attention given to those opportunities for families and children of all ages.  
The Town of Pownal Parks and Recreation Committee purposes to enrich the quality of life for all residents and build a sense of community.  Recognizing the unique value that Pownal's vast natural resources offer, the Committee will work to develop diverse recreational opportunities on town-owned properties and to cultivate partnerships with other local groups to further our mission. ​

​Citizens are encouraged to share their ideas for outdoor recreation with the Parks and Rec Committee. This may be done by participating in a meeting or sending an e-mail to info@townofpownal.org.
Current Board Members

Jennifer Boucher, Chair

Brian Foppes, Vice-Chair

Rebecca Dragon

Bryan Harris
Economic Development
The Economic Development Committee members are appointed by the Pownal Selectboard and has been organized based upon the guidelines set forth in the Pownal Town Plan.

​Visit Helpful Information to review the town plan.
School Board
The Southwest VT Union Elementary School District (SVUESD), is responsible for the prekindergarten through grade 6 in Pownal, Shaftsbury, Woodford, and prekindergarten through grade 5 in the Town of Bennington. This includes 6 elementary schools. Any Pownal Resident can run for a seat on the school board, and those who do run are motivated by a variety of reasons. The most common reason to run for a seat is because the candidate has a child in the schools and wants to have an impact on that child's education. Other reasons include aspiring to a position in town governance, seeking to improve the standing of the school district, or to taking the district in a new direction. Whatever the reason is, we encourage you to become involved in our wonderful school.
Pownal Elementary School
Attn: Southwest VT Union Elementary School District Board
94 School House Road
Pownal, VT 05261
Current Board Members

Scott McEnaney, Chair 
 (3 year term, expires 2024)
Cynthia Brownell, Vice-Chair  
(3 year term, expires 2022)
Tammy Sohl, Clerk  
(3 year term, expires 2023)
Christopher Murphy, Chair  
(3 year term, expires 2024)
Chaila Sekora  
(3 year term, expires 2023)
Susan Hoag  
(3 year term, expires 2024)
Dick Frantz 
(3 year term, expires 2023)
Jeff Leake  
(3 year term, expires 2024)
Board of Abatement
The Board of Abatement follows a statutory process for relieving taxpayers from the burden of property taxes, penalty (collection fees) and interest when the law authorizes abatement and when the board, in its discretion, agrees that the request is reasonable and proper. It exists to permit the board to prevent an injustice or to help a taxpayer who faces extraordinary circumstances that make it difficult for the taxpayer to meet their tax obligations. Abatements are cautiously granted as they reduce the income to the town and require the town to either spend less or increase the taxes on the rest of the taxpayers to make up the difference. A board may abate "in whole or part" property taxes, interest or collection fees. 24 V.S.A. §1535(a). The Board of Abatement is formed by members of; the Select Board, Justices of Peace, Board of Listers, the Treasurer, and the Town Clerk. You can learn more about abatement at this link.
Board of Civil Authority
The Pownal Board of Civil Authority ("BCA") is required by 32 V.S.A. Chapter 131 to conduct appeal hearings of lister property valuation decisions. The Board is formed by the members from the Select Board, Justices of Peace, and the Town Clerk. The purpose of these rules is to establish uniform procedures for conducting such appeal hearings and to ensure compliance with Vermont's Open Meeting Law. The BCA also determines voter eligibility, and hears appeals of Lister grievance decisions, conducts tax assessment appeals.
Board of Health
The Board of Health of a municipality is made up of the local Health Officer and the Town Selectboard. The duties and responsibilities of the Vermont Boards of Health are established by Statute, which include taking action to mitigate significant public health risks and enforcing health laws and rules set by the State of Vermont. They meet when necessary.
 
​Please contact the Town Health Officer with any questions or concerns.
Fred Miller
pownal.boardofhealth@townofpownal.org
Sewer Commission
The Sewer Commission is responsible for running the wastewater treatment facility and budget.  In Pownal, the Selectboard serves as the sewer commission. They meet on the 4th Thursday of each month when necessary.
The Town of Pownal's mission, by partnering with the community, is to create a culture of unity and shared purpose, foster civic engagement, and deliver cost-effective and practical solutions to the governance of the town and its citizens.
511 Center Street
Pownal, VT 05261-0411
802.823.0116
info@townofpownal.org
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