Police Committee Minutes 5-6-2026

Police Committee Meeting 5-6-2026

RUTLAND TOWN SELECTBOARD POLICE COMMITTEE MEETING

May 6^th, 2026

The Police Committee of the Rutland Town Selectboard met at 4:30 PM on Wednesday May 6^th, 2026, at the Municipal Town Hall. Present were Selectboard Chair Mary Ashcroft, Selectboard Member Matt Getty, Town Police Chief Ted Washburn, Town Police Officer Jimmy Plakas, and Town Administrator Bill Sweet.

Reviewed the proposed Walmart project, regarding their security plan.

• There is nothing obvious in their amended Act 250 application.
• The existing permit requires a contract with the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department.
• They did not include reference to calls to the existing Walmart in Rutland City. There were approximately 420 calls last year.
• There has been limited contact from Walmart since the meeting they had for the initial presentation and discussion.
• Discussed the impact this call volume would have on our Police department. They would not be able to handle this with the current staffing and other obligations.
• Discussed reaching out to other Town police departments in Vermont which have these types of Walmart’s. Chief Washburn will do this.
• Some funds could be requested during the application process to help offset some of the anticipated impact.

Discussed the ordinance in town which has the most to do with the Police Department.

• Chief Washburn will look at them and report back at the next Police Committee meeting.

Discussed the plan to remove the traffic island at the entrance to the Green Mountain Plaza.

• The project is on hold pending feedback from the State.

Discussed speed enforcement.

• There is an effort to have officers out doing speed control.
• The grant found to pay for speed detection signs changed and won’t cover them.
• Officers on patrol are the most effective.

Discussed Police Policies.

• The full set exists in the Police Department.
• There are some policies which are confidential.

Discussed the inventory record list.

• The vehicle list is complete.
• The i9nventory list has not been started yet.

Discussed the cruiser which is scheduled to be replaced.

• Talked about making it available to the 2^nd He indicated his patrol efforts are more successful in his truck.
• With a new officer’s position being advertised, it should be kept as a reserve.
• The new cruiser is being built and is scheduled to be ready in the next several weeks.

Discussed the status of hiring for the new officer position.

• Three applications have been received so far. They will be notified soon of an interview schedule.
• Two have law enforcement experience.

The Committee entered executive session to discuss a security matter and a personnel matter.

The meeting adjourned at 5:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet