Warning for Cavendish Town/School Meetings

WARNING ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: On Tuesday March 5, from 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Department,  the legal voters of Cavendish will vote by Australian for: Town Officers; school budgets as well as “Shall the voters of the Town of Cavendish adopt the Town Plan as modified and approved by the Cavendish Board of Selectmen on January 25, 2018.” 

 Of the elected town officers, there is only one position where there is a contest-the three term for Select Board between George Timko and Michael Kell. Vacancies still exist for Auditor (2 and 3 year terms) and for the Library Trustee five-year position. The position for a 2 year lister term is vacant while Jane Pixley is running for the three years. Note that in the town warning, Article 5 calls for the elimination of the Office of Town Lister to be replaced with a professional assessor.

 The slate of elected positions will be as follows: 

Town Moderator 1 year Michael J. Ripley

Town Agent 1 year Stuart Lindberg

Auditor 1 year Peter J. Labelle

Select Board 1 year Sandra Russo

Select Board 1 year Stuart Lindberg

Select Board 3 years George Timko & Michael F. Kell

Town Grand Juror 1 year Theresa H. McNamara

Lister 3 years Jane Pixley

Trustee of Public Funds 3 years Daniel W. Churchill GMUSD

Director 3 years Doug McBride

 Town Meeting will be on Monday, March 4th, 7 pm at the Cavendish Town Elementary School. While the usual articles will be discussed and voted on (acceptance of town report; collection of all taxes; adopt the town budget; authorize the select board to set a tax rate to support the budget) there are two additional articles.

Article 5: Shall the voters eliminate the office of Town Lister and replace it with a professionally qualified assessor

Article 6: Shall Fletcher Farm Foundation, a non profit organization, be exempt from all taxes on real and personal property for the next five years.

Article 7: Shall the Black River Health Center, Inc., a 501 non profit be exempt from all taxes on real and personal property for the next five years on its building and lot in the Cavendish village.

The Town Warning Notice is available at the Town Website in PDF format.

GREEN MOUNTAIN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT WARNING: The vote for the school budget will take place on March 5 (Tuesday), 10-7 at the Proctorsville Fire Hall. Article 1 reads as follows: Shall the voters of Green Mountain Unified School District approve the School Board of Directors to expend $12,937,250.00 which is the amount the school board of directors has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? It is estimated that the proposed budget, if approved, will result in education spending of $15,938.07 per equalized pupil.” The Warning is available in PDF format.

Cavendish Update: 1/25/19 131 & 103/News/Events

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1/25/19 Cavendish Update

1. Cavendish Related News

2. Conditions of 103 and 131

3. Events

1. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

GMUSD Adopts a Budget: At the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) board meeting on Thursday, Jan 17, the board voted 8-3 to adopt a budget which included a new assistant principal for Chester Andover Elementary School (CAES). This position has been discussed at various meetings, and was eliminated from last year’s budget. The principal at CAES stated that she is spending 60%-70% of her day on behavior issues. Last year the school hired a full time behavior interventionist to work with the Positive Behavior and Interventions Support coordinator for $42,000. If the assistant principal is approved, this position would be eliminated and $32,000 would be added to the budget to cover a salary and benefits of $74,300 for the Asst. Principal. Some board members questioned whether adding another administrator would resolve the issue indicating that a mental health practitioner might be more appropriate.  One of the board members, Jeff Hance of Chester, said he wanted to hear from teachers directly about what they felt the needs were. However, when trying to contact them, he was told they were under a gag order and threatened with disciplinary action if they spoke to a GMUSD member. The CAES principal, denied this. Chester Telegraph

Angelo’s Bachelor Party Comes to Proctorsville: There has been considerable coverage of Angelo’s Bachelor Party, with national attention being paid to Will Novak from Arizona. Accidentally receiving an e-vite to a bachelor party of someone he didn’t know, Novak responded that he would love to come.  Thanks to a Go Fund Me page, Novak raised not only $4,000 (he only needed $750 for the airfare) but also the attention of the country. With the bachelor party being held at a friend’s ski house in Proctorsville, Bobby Glidden and Chris Marks of the Proctorsville Fire Department, escorted them to Killarney’s via a fire truck with lots of fanfare. As they reported to several news outlets, this was one of the highlights of their weekend. Read more coverage of the story at the Vermont Journal and watch the interview on Good Morning America, which includes a nice picture of Angelo’s Bachelor Party with Proctorsville Fire Dept.

Threats at Springfield State Offices: For the second time in less than a week, a bomb threat was called into the state offices in Springfield. On both occasions, the threat turned out to be a hoax. WCAX

 Scott Calls for first tax hikes, more money for clean water: Gov. Phil Scott used his budget address Thursday to call for the first proposed tax increases of his tenure, but simultaneously backed a plan to dramatically lower the estate tax paid by wealthy Having resisted any proposals for new taxes or fees, the budget he delivered to lawmakers’ desks Thursday includes both. Scott wants to increase fees by $8.5 million, the majority of which would come from fee increases on stockbrokers, mortgage lenders and other financial services professionals. Scott also wants to raise an additional $10 million in taxes, primarily from a sales tax on online purchases. Scott also wants to increase the tax on E-cigarettes to 92%, which would generate about $1 million annually. In this same speech he stated he would seek to spend $1 million in bonding available for municipal broadband in the areas that still need it. Read the full speech on line

$5,000 to Move to Vermont: Vermont is losing residents at an unsustainable rate, Gov. Phil Scott told lawmakers at his budget address Thursday. His solution: a plan to pay out-of-staters $5,000 to take a job in Vermont, any job. VT Digger

2. CONDITIONS OF ROUTES 131 AND 103: Representative Annmarie Christiansen has issued a letter regarding the conditions of both Route 103 and 131.

The challenges of driving on Routes 131 and 103 in Cavendish cannot be ignored or dismissed. Route 131 is pocked with potholes that cause expensive damage to car’s tires and suspension. The intersection of Routes 131 and 103, both of which are major arteries used by trucks and skiers, is a dangerous hazard. And to make it a perfect storm, so to speak, is the unfinished portion of Route 103 that extends to Mount Holly.

I drive these roads and know the substandard shape they are in. But, just looking outside our windows, we all know that nothing much can be done until spring.

I continue to work on the problem and spent the last week making these roads a priority with various officials in the state transportation department as well as the Southern Windsor County Transportation Advisory Committee of the Regional Planning Commission.

What has been done is that as of Friday, Jan. 18, VTrans installed additional signage on VT Route 103 in both the north and southbound lanes to assist motorists navigating through the intersection with Route 131. The state will continue to work with the contractor throughout the winter to maintain delineation as best as possible.

Jesse Devlin, VTrans Highway Safety and Design program manager, said, “Moving forward, the resurfacing project [of Route 103] will be completed in 2019, which will result in an improved pavement surface as well as the application of durable pavement markings.

“Also in 2019, the bridge on Depot Street, spanning the Black River in Cavendish, is scheduled to be replaced, and it is anticipated that this bridge will be open to traffic in December 2019. This is significant, as past traffic analysis of this intersection has indicated that when Depot Street is open to traffic, it provides relief to the intersections of Routes 103 and 131, allowing it to operate more effectively.”

I have also spoken to Anthony Summers, who is head of the regional planning commission Transportation Advisory Committee. At their February meeting, he is going to move that repaving Route 131 from Route 106 to Route 103 be the state’s top priority in our region. The complete repaving of the nine miles is scheduled to begin in 2020, but I am hoping that it can be moved up to 2019.

For any further inquiries, I can be reached at the Statehouse at 802-828-2424 or at achristensen@leg.state.vt.us. To read VTrans response, go to www.Annmarie4VT.org.

Sincerely,

Rep. Annmarie Christensen

Windsor-2, Cavendish and Weathersfield

Perkinsville, Vt.

3. EVENTS: The Cavendish Town Budget process is now underway and the Select Board will be meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 at the Cavendish Town Office as part of this process.

JANUARY 27 (SUNDAY): Cavendish Library Dinner and A Movie ----Crazy Rich Asians playing at Cavendish Fletcher Memorial Library, Sunday 1/27  1pm.  Food to be prepared by Kata and she has chosen a wonderful menu...Spicy Coconut Noodle Soup. Dumplings, Singapore Noodles, Roli Prata, Chicken Satay, Hainanese Chicken, Chicken Rice, Matcha White Chocolate Chip Shortbread and Sugee Cake... 

All for free although Donations are Gratefully accepted

• SunCommon in conjunction with the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) will host a free workshop to discuss solar power generation and battery storage; 1 pm; Crows Bakery on Depot St. in Proctorsville. FMI: Robin Timko 226-7736

FEBRUARY 12 (TUESDAY):  Cavendish Fire District #2 Annual Meeting; 7:30 Pm Cavendish Town Office. Warning information is available at the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

MARCH 4 (MONDAY): Town Meeting

MARCH 5 (TUESDAY): VOTING! Proctorsville Fire Department from 10-7.

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Update 1/18/19: Town Mtg Prep/SB/Fire District 2

This special edition of the Cavendish Update has been made possible by donors who wish to remain anonymous. 

Thank you to the Cavendish Fire Department and all those who donated to make it possible to purchase a generator for the Cavendish’s Shelter, which is at the Cavendish Baptist Church. While we expect lots of fluffy snow from the approaching storm, it’s good to know that hot showers and food will be readily available if needed. Donations are still being collected to help with the installation of the generator and can me made to Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department Att: Emergency Shelter Initiative, PO Box 453, Cavendish VT 05142

The forecast includes a snowstorm warning-Sat 4pm to Sun 4pm-and will be followed by frigid temps. Please check on neighbors, particularly those who are home bound.

CHECK THE CAVENDISH VT FACEBOOK PAGE DAILY FOR THE LATEST NEWS You don’t have to be a Facebook subscriber to see this page.

1/18/19 Cavendish Update

1. Open Positions for Cavendish Elected Officials

2. Select Board Budget Meetings

3. Cavendish Related News

4. Warning Annual Meeting of Cavendish Fire District #2

5. Events

1. OPEN POSITIONS FOR CAVENDISH ELECTED OFFICIALS: Those interested in seeking an elected office, petitions are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, Monday-Friday, 9-4. Deadline for filing with the Town Clerk nominating petitions for town offices, to be voted on by Australian ballot, is January 28, 2019 by 5pm. Election will take place on Tuesday March 5 at the Proctorsville Fire Department. Positions open are as follows:

Town Moderator                    1 year

Select Board                            3 year and 2 openings for 1-year terms

Town Agent                            1 year

Lister                                       2 positions for 3-year terms

Auditor                                   1, 2 and 3 year terms

Library Trustee                       5 year

Trustee of Public Funds         3 year

Town Grand Juror                  1 year

GMUSD                                 3 year

2. SELECT BOARD BUDGET MEETINGS: As part of the budgetary process, the Cavendish Select Board (SB) is meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout January, unless otherwise noted. Budget meetings are not filmed, but minutes are available at the Municipal Website. Below are some of the activities and decisions made during these meetings:

• Windsor County Sheriff’s office: In Cavendish 12 hours per week to enforce speed limits and respond to emergency calls if they are in the area. Requesting an increase in the hourly rate from $53 to $55 with mileage rate .60¢ per mile. Town manager Brendan McNamara noted that tickets have been higher due to more tickets being issued during the 103 construction.

• Eliminated Bruce McEnaney’s position of Asst. Town Manager. McEnaney will remain as sextant.

• Will include the consideration of the Black River Health Center exemption from property taxes for a period of 5 years on the Town Meeting Warning

3. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

Route 131/103: There are considerable concerns about the lack of lines on 103 as well as the condition of 131, to say nothing of the intersection of the two roads. This was a major topic of conversation at the Cavendish Select Board Meeting on Monday night. Cavendish representative Annmarie Christensen replied to an e-mail on this topic January 17 (Thursday), I have been working on it and anticipate hearing more tomorrow. I understand from the project manager that signs will be installed later this week or early next week on Rt 103 informing motorists driving north and south bound lanes of turns onto route 131. Proctorsville resident Mary McCallum talked about the difficulties route 103 is posing this winter in a commentary for VT Public Radio Faded Fog Lines .

GMUSD Finance Panel Deadlocks, Sends Budget Options to Full Board: Monday night, the Two Rivers Supervisory Union (TRSU) board rejected the request of the Green Mountain Unified School District (GMUSD) to reopen the supervisory union (SU) budget and look for some cuts that would lower the district’s assessment for SU services. [See Chester Telegraph for information on this meeting ] Tuesday night, the GM finance committee was back in session trying to get a 4.3 percent budget increase down below 3.5 percent. But, in the end, the panel deadlocked and decided to present a menu of options to the full GMUSD board, which must finalize a budget at its monthly meeting on Thursday, January 17. The spending plan proposed on Tuesday would represent a per pupil cost of $15,904.59. The SU calculated an estimated tax rate of $1.49 before an Act 46 merger credit reduction of $.06. The tax rate would be further increased or decreased by each town’s Common Level of Assessment. The higher the CLA above 100 percent, the lower the tax rate for that town and the lower the CLA the higher the tax rate. This year, the CLA for Andover is 100.87 percent, Baltimore is 97.17 percent, Cavendish is 113.67 percent and Chester is 117.73 percent*. Chester Telegraph

Help for Government Shutdown Employees: Black River Good Neighbor Services in Ludlow reminds any government employee who is having trouble meeting financial obligations that we stand ready to help with food or heating assistance. They are located at the thrift store, 37B Main Street in Ludlow.

3Square VT Users-Shutdown Impact: Due to the government shutdown the Department for Children and Families (DCF) will be issuing February 3SquaresVT benefits early, on January 20th. These benefits will be for the entire month of February, so it is important that participants budget accordingly.

DMV To Clamp Down on Car Inspections: Vermont drivers received a postcard from the DMV alerting them of car inspection changes. Cars that didn't meet emissions requirements ended January 15. The state instructs repair shops to direct customers to check their warranties to make sure they don't spend money that they don't have to. And if the emissions repairs aren't covered, to help them with a waiver if they can't afford the fixes. For repairs that cost more than $200 and are not covered by dealer warranties, car owners can still get a one-year waiver.

Increasing Number of Scams Targeting Vermonters: WCAX has a special report on scamming in Vermont. If you wish to be notified of scam alerts by text, e-mail or call, sign up the University of Vermont’s Scam Alerts

State of Vermont Workers 2018: Ten years after the start of the Great Recession and more than eight years after it officially  ended, there are signs of recovery in Vermont. The economy has continued to grow, if more  slowly than the rest of the country. Yet whatever growth or prosperity the state has achieved, many have not benefited from it. Average Vermonters still struggle to make ends meet. The economy is improving, but not for most Vermonters: For the past 13 years State of Working Vermont has told the same story. This year again, because the fruits of economic growth have not shown up in the pockets of a  lot of Vermonters, the indicators point to mixed results. More Vermonters were working, yet at  the end of 2017 their numbers were still below the all-time high of 344,135, reached in 2006.  Poverty fell a bit last year, but for young Vermonters, Vermonters of color, and single parents  the rates remained high. Fewer families were relying on the Reach Up program for assistance in  2017, but still nearly 70,000 Vermonters lived in poverty, and over 75,000 depended on 3SquaresVT  to get enough to eat. In the large majority of families with children, all parents in the household worked, but affordable, high-quality childcare was out of reach for many of them. State of Working Vermont 201

Mobile Wireless in Vermont: In October and November of 2018 The Department of Public Service (PSD) conducted a drive test of the state of mobile wireless coverage in Vermont. The initiative was undertaken primarily to demonstrate that good cause exists to expand the territory in the state  that is deemed eligible for forthcoming  federal grants. The two largest carriers, AT&T and Verizon have a similar number of blocks where they have at least some service-72% Verizon, 74% AT&T. 65% of the tested blacks have service from both AT&T and Verizon; with 54% of these  tested blocks having speeds better than 0.256 kbps. Verizon has the largest number of blocks with the highest speeds. The report, issued Jan. 15, contains an interactive map of findings. DPS

4. WARNING ANNUAL MEETING OF CAVENDISH FIRE DISTRICT #2: The legal voters of Cavendish Fire District #2 are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Meeting Room at the Cavendish Town Office on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 7:30 pm to act on the following articles:

Article 1:To hear and act on the Auditor’s report (position vacant)

Article 2:To elect officers as follows:

• Moderator for one year (currently Abraham Gross)

• Prudential Committee Member or one year term (Currently Scott Ranney)

• Prudential Committee Member for three-year term (Currently Stuart Lindberg)

Current members are Stuart Lindberg-term up 2019; Scott Ranney-term up 2019; Robert Evens-term up 2021; Clerk for one year-currently Michele Lindberg; Tax Collector for one year (Town Manager-Brendan McNamara); Treasurer or one year-Currently Bob Evens; and Auditor for one year (currently vacant)

Article 3: To see if the legal voters of District #2 will raise money and in what amount or the purpose of defraying expenses for this fiscal year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020

Article 4: To conduct any other business to come before the meeting.

Minutes from 2018’s Annual meeting are available on-line. Financials are also available on-line

5. EVENTS: The Cavendish Town Budget process is now underway and the Select Board will be meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 at the Cavendish Town Office as part of this process.

JANUARY 18 (FRIDAY): Municipal utility payment due

JANUARY 21 (MONDAY): Martin Luther King Day Town Office closed

JANUARY 23 ( WEDNESDAY): Foxes in our Midst workshop. Free open to the public. Speaker is Michael Clouth from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum; 6 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. Sponsored by CCCA. Refreshments served. FMI: Claire Walker at 226-7259.

JANUARY 27 (SUNDAY): SunCommon in conjunction with the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) will host a free workshop to discuss solar power generation and battery storage; 1 pm; Crows Bakery on Depot St. in Proctorsville. FMI: Robin Timko 226-7736

FEBRUARY 12 (TUESDAY):  Cavendish Fire District #2 Annual Meeting; 7:30 Pm Cavendish Town Office. Warning information is available at the Cavendish Connects Calendar.

MARCH 4 (MONDAY): Town Meeting

MARCH 5 (TUESDAY): VOTING! Proctorsville Fire Department from 10-7.

For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.  

IF YOU READ THIS PLEASE HELP SUPPORT CAVENDISH CONNECTS

Cavendish Fire District 2 Annual Meeting Minutes Tuesday February 13, 2018

Cavendish Fire District 2 Annual Meeting Minutes: Tuesday February 13, 2018

 Those in attendance: Michele Lindberg, Lorens N. Lindberg, Diane McNamara, Carly Snyder, Jason Nareau, Rebecca Pixley Nareau, Shane Turco, Brian Fitzgibbons, John Turco, Karlene Glidden, Robert Glidden, Brendan McNamara, Ken Emery, Abe Gross-moderator, Robert Evens-Treasurer, Stu Lindberg-Prudential Committee chair.

 be Called the meeting to order 7:34 p.m.  Abe discussed state rules regarding agenda items and then read the meeting warning.  

Article 1 To hear and act on the auditor’s report.

Article 2 To elect officers as follows

• Moderator for one year.  (Currently Abraham Gross)

• Prudential Committee member for three year term (currently Robert Evens)

Current members are: Stuart Lindberg-term up in 2019, David Burgess, term up in 2020, Robert Evens-term up in 2018, Clerk for one year (currently David Burgess)   Tax collector for one year(Town Manager-Brendan McNamara)  Treasurer for one year(currently Robert Evens) Auditor for one year(currently vacant)

Article 3 To see if the legal voters Cavendish Fire District 2 will raise money and in what amount for the purpose of defraying expenses for the fiscal year July 1, 2018 to June 30th, 2019

 Robert Evens made a motion to approve the agenda. Bob Glidden seconded. All approved.

 Diane McNamara made a motion to add an Article 4 to the agenda called “any other business”.  Bob Glidden seconded. All approved.

 Bob Glidden made a motion to accept the Auditor’s report. Seconded by Michele Lindberg. All approved.

 Diane McNamara made the motion to elect Robert Evens for a three year term as a Prudential Committee member. Bob Glidden seconded.   All approved.

 Diane McNamara made the motion to elect Michele Lindberg as secretary for a one year term, seconded by Bob Glidden. All approved.

 Bob Glidden made a motion to elect Brendan McNamara as tax collector for one year. Seconded by Rebecca Nareau.  All approved.

 Lorens Lindberg, Sr. made a motion to elect Robert Evens as treasurer one year. Jason Nareau seconded.

 Auditor for one year. No one nominated. Position remains vacant.

 Carl Snyder made a motion to accept the proposed budget of $67,985 stating that it “seemed reasonable and responsible” Motion seconded by Lorens Lindberg, Sr.  Abe asked for discussion. Discussion ensued.    Stu Lindberg informed that voters that due to an unanticipated period of extreme cold the heating costs at the station had gone over budget by nearly $3000.  Stu made a motion to increase the budget by $3000.   This motion was seconded by Lorens Lindberg, Sr.  All approved.

 Under Article 4. Carl Snyder asked about the status of merger talks between the Cavendish Fire District 1 and Cavendish Fire District 2.  Carl gave the history of a few years back at town meeting where there was a nearly unanimous straw poll taken in favor of unifying the two departments in order to save taxpayers money and increase departmental performance.

 Stu Lindberg, to the best of his ability, explained that there exists a specific and detailed legal process for this merger to take place which includes approval by the Vermont Legislature.

 Bob Glidden stated that “it is debatable if any cost savings would be found in merging the fire departments.” Stu Lindberg stated that “it was possible to save money but  unsure of any cost savings as one never knows what kind of unexpected legal and financial burdens the state might impose upon the departments and the town while going through the process.”

 Michele Lindberg suggested that any private citizen interested in pursuing a merger take action on their own and contact the Vermont Secretary of State’s office or the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

 John Turco made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Bob Glidden.  All in favor.  Meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.