Select Board Votes to Remove Library Tree for ADA Parking

Select Board · Meeting of February 24, 2026

BROOKFIELD — The Brookfield Select Board advanced a library ADA-parking project by voting to proceed with removing a Norway tree at 18 Common Street, with a public hearing set for April 2. Chair Richard A. Chaffee recused himself because he personally volunteered to cut down the tree. Library Trustees Chair Shelby Hill said the move is needed "to get an ADA-compliant space" with a meeting room and program area.

The board tabled a request to reimburse the Animal Control Officer for a personally purchased firearm, citing a 2024 state law restricting guns on municipal property and unresolved questions about the officer's "public safety officer" status. Members also approved $3,000 from the fleet repair account for truck repairs, noting the snow and ice budget already runs more than $60,000 over, and heard a payroll consultant say temp staffing for a vacant financial clerk post would cost "in the neighborhood of about $50 an hour."

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Brookfield's community access TV: Select Board meeting, February 24, 2026
• The complete report: 1,002 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of February 24, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.