News and information sections, from near to far
The new census is being rolled out. Both Vermont and Windham County have seen population growth, if the numbers are reliable, since 2010.
Windham County had a 3.1% change in population, from 44,513 in 2010 to 45,905 in 2020. Vermont’s population grew by 2.8%, from 625,741 in 2010 to 643,077 in 2020.
The percent of Windham County population over 18 is 82.5%, or 37,893 people.
1. Call to Order 1 min
2. Agenda Review 2 min
3. Approve minutes 3 min
4. Announcements
1. Convene Meeting
2. Application for exemption for 54 South Main Street.
3. Review of 2021 conditionally exempt properties
4. Other Business
5. Public Comments
6. Adjourn
AGENDA
A. Meeting Called to Order
B. Announcements
C. Public Comment
D. Approve Minutes of July 9, 2021
F. Agricultural Land Protection Fund Discussion
The Brattleboro Selectboard returned from summer break to take up issues such as refugees and a new police chief. BDCC explained why they think the refugee program is a must, ECDC explained what their program was, and Brattleboro can look forward to up to 75 refugees a year and the anticipated financial and housing challenges, as well as the hoped-for benefits to the community and economy.
The board also swore-in new Police Chief Norma Hardy. The entire department showed up in support.
Agenda
• Call to order
• Agenda review
• Announcements
• Open meeting law review for committee workgroups
• Problems identified for RTM day
External Issues Working Group Meeting
August 5, 5:00 pm
Outdoor patio at the Brattleboro Food Coop
The agenda is to review suggestions concerning items related to the lead-up and preparation for Representative Town Meeting.
The public is invited to attend this discussion on issues concerning Representative Town Meeting.
With a few last-minute glitches and a few hours late, the new issue of Blog88.org is online. The theme of this edition is:
The Word, “CRAZY!”
Featured as the lead article, is a powerful, first-person account of the horrendous, routine abuse of human beings in the guise of psychiatric care: CRAZY OR NOT, HERE I COME by Phoebe Sparrow Wagner.
The Brattleboro Selectboard returns from their summer break to take up issues of new people in the community. They will swear in our new Police Chief Norma Hardy in a welcoming ceremony. They’ll also hear a presentation about the possibility of welcoming refugees to the area.
The Solid Waste Fund’s final transfer from the General Fund occurs, liquor permits will be given out, water and sewer repairs will be considered, and committee members will be appointed. You can also bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.
Agenda items:
Approve minutes
Public participation
Planting sites
Guidelines for Memorial Trees
Maintenance Plan
There will be an interruption of water service on lower Oak ST and Chase ST from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, while Utilities personnel can replace valves in the intersection of Oak ST and Chase ST.
Work will begin on Monday, August 2, when the intersection will be closed for utilities crew to dig up the old valves and will remain closed until the work is completed on Tuesday, August 3. Residents at #6 – #26 Chase ST should use Forest ST for access and residents at #30 – #49 Chase ST will be able to use Linden ST for access in both directions.
In another disappointing blow to the jobs market in Brattleboro; M&T Bank (Formerly People’s United) has filed a WARN notice with the state that next year they intend to lay-off 51 employees at the Brattleboro Operation’s Center.
People’s United is the largest depositor in Vermont with 26% of the state’s total deposits. Perhaps this will kick off the discussion again about the possibility of establishing a state bank who’s charter is to serve the people of Vermont. Just an idea…
AGENDA
Call to Order
Review and Approve Minutes of previous meeting.
Review of Cases/Public Hearings to be reviewed under the Brattleboro Land Use Regulations.
2021-87 Paul Belogour for Vermont Re Development, LLC; Service Center District; appeal of a Zoning Administrator’s determination that a ground sign cannot be refaced as it is non-conforming for height, lighting, and area, and non-grandfathered at 580 Canal Street; Tax Map Parcel #00340035.000 Continued from July 21, 2021
On Wednesday, July 28, Utilities Crews will be working to repair a water valve on Chase Street at the intersection with Oak Street. The work will begin at 7:00 am and will continue though 5:00 pm.
Motorists should plan to use alternate routes during this time period.
If you have questions or concerns please contact the Department of Public Works at (802) 254-4255.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Department of Public Works continues to have crews out in several areas of town working on road repairs following the severe rainstorm on July 17.
Motorists and residents are asked to continue to use caution on roadways when approaching crews and equipment working on these repairs and to expect delays.
Hinesburg Road
The stone culvert failed at the intersection of Hinesburg Road and Melchen Road. The road will remain closed for several weeks while repairs take place.
Norma Hardy will become Brattleboro’s next Police Chief on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Hardy had a distinguished 26-year career with the Police Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. After 10 years of service as a Police Officer serving at a variety of Port Authority facilities, she was promoted to Construction Sergeant at the World Trade Center site in 2002, to Executive Officer at the World Trade Center site in 2006, to Police Captain and commanding officer at the Holland and Lincoln Tunnels in 2008, to Police Inspector and Northern Zone Commander in 2011, and to Chief of Port Authority Bridges, Tunnels, and New Jersey Airports in 2013.
She received numerous internal commendations and external awards during her career with the Port Authority, including the 2014 Officer of the Year Award from the International Association of Women Police and the 2016 Trailblazer Award from the National Organization of Black Women in Law Enforcement. Hardy attended the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York and also has completed advanced training in law enforcement leadership, personnel and finance administration, security assessment, and emergency response management.
Marlboro Music Festival has an announcement:
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to share with you the news that Marlboro Music has come to agreement with Democracy Builders Fund—our landlord this past year, following the closure of Marlboro College—to purchase the Marlboro campus that has been our only home since 1951. This arrangement includes an amicable settlement with Type 1 Civilization, which has been engaged with Democracy Builders in a dispute over ownership rights. We have issued a press release about this transaction, which ushers in an exciting new chapter in our history.
From Pro Tim Becca Balint:
“3/ Two appts to the Advisory Cmte. that will guide the VT Cannabis Control Board—@TimWesselVT , a Selectboard member & former Chair from Bratt., will represent municipalities, & Chris Walsh, Director of Sales & Bus. Dev. at @terraveratweets, will represent the Cannabis industry.”
The taxpayers of the Town of Brattleboro are hereby notified and warned that Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes assessed upon the Grand List of 2021 are now due and payable to the Town Treasurer at the Treasurer’s Office in the Brattleboro Municipal Center, 230 Main Street, Suite 111, Brattleboro, Vermont, in four equal installments as follows:
1st Installment due August 23, 2021
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The Department of Public Works has crews out in several areas of town working on road repairs following the severe rainstorm on July 17. The rain caused a great deal of damage throughout town and Town Officials are working with personnel from the State of Vermont and VTrans to manage and seek funding for these repairs.
Motorists and residents are asked to continue to use caution on roadways when approaching crews and equipment working on these repairs and to expect delays.
