Select Board Meeting Agendas for 9/10 and 9/12/14

Select Board Agenda for 9/10/14, Cavendish Town Office 5 pm.

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Board of Selectmen to open proposals received for the Cavendish Solar Project. The deadline for proposal submission was 4:55 pm, September 10, 2014. The proposals will be logged in by the Board and checked for apparent completeness. A brief extract of the proposal elements including the total proposed project cost for each received proposal will be read aloud by the Town Manager. Questions regarding clarification may be posed to the proposing contractors present by the Board.

3. The Board is scheduled to convene a meeting at 4:15 pm on Friday, September 12th, 2014 at which time the Board will again review the proposals but with a summary analysis report offered by the Cavendish Town Energy Committee and the Town Energy Coordinator. The Board will then contemplate further action, including award, on the proposals.

4. Sign Selectmen’s Weekly Orders

5. Adjourn

Select Board Agenda for 9/12/14, Cavendish Town Office 4:15 pm.

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Board of Selectmen to review the proposals but with a summary analysis report offered by the Cavendish Town Energy Committee and the Town Energy Coordinator. The Board will then contemplate further action, including award, on the proposals.

3. Adjourn

Select Board Meeting 9/8/14

Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website  and on Comcast Television.  Discussion and voting at Monday, Sept. 8’s SB meeting were as follows:

A. Local Broadband Access: There have been a number of complaints about TDS Internet service starting in June. The complaints have fallen into three broad categories: intermittent service; slow speed and poor response from TDS. At the August meeting, the SB voted to have a representative from TDS attend the Sept. Meeting in order to discuss concerns and how TDS is planning to address them.

Since the last meeting, Rich Svec, town manager, has been in touch with the new TDS Field Service Manager, Dave Colbert. Responsible for all of Vermont and Northern NH, Colbert’s first day of work was on Monday. Unlike his predecessor, Colbert did respond to Svec’s calls and provided the following information:

• Cavendish is built to capacity and there is no more bandwidth.

• There are currently no plans in the 2015 TDS schedule to change this situation. 

Those in attendance noted that the system isn’t just built to capacity, but rather over built. However, there could be an immediate improvement if the remote terminals were switched from the existing copper to high fiber optics.

 Selectmen Mike Ripley said that he had recently switched from TDS to Comcast and found the service to be faster and a cost savings. Three of the five SB members are now using Comcast and not TDS. The town receives free complementary service from Comcast as does the school. Comcast is limited to certain areas of town. One resident e-mailed the board and town manager suggesting that maybe part of the solution is to see if Comcast would consider extending their service to additional areas.

 VTel  was awarded the Rural Utilities Service contract to provide a WOW 4G/LTE network for underserved areas of the state by the middle of 2015. While a number of residents were part of the Beta test for VTel, the system is still not fully operational in Cavendish. According to a phone conversation with VTel on Sept. 9, there will be some type of upgrade happening in October, which will improve service in some parts of Cavendish. However, all towers will not be complete until the summer of 2015.  This service is more expensive then what TDS and Comcast offer.

 Svec was given the name of the Product Manager Developer in Madison, WI Matt Apps, and told to write a letter outlining the issues people were experiencing. At the direction of the board, Svec is drafting a letter that the members will sign on Wednesday. As part of this, Svec would like as much documentation as possible by Friday. Consequently, if you are a TDS subscriber and have had or are having problems, please document and e-mail this information to rsvec@comcast.net as soon as possible.

 B. Temporary Liquor License: A one day special event liquor license has been given to a vendor who will be selling mead at the upcoming Golden Honey Festival at the Golden Stage Inn on Saturday, Sept. 13.

 C. Solar Project: With the Aug. 26 approval of the voters to proceed with securing a bond to install a 150 KW solar system, the town office has been moving forward with the project as follows:

• 8/28/14: RFP (request for proposal) was issued. One of the stipulations is that the project must be completed and on-line by Dec. 27. In order for the town to get the full .6¢ per KW incentive, the project must be operational by Dec. 31, 2014. After that date, the incentive drops to .4¢ per KW.  In the event this condition is not met, there will be a $35,000 penalty,  which would be the amount lost over the 10 year period that the incentive will be available.

• 9/5/14: A mandatory site visit was held for those interested in submitting RFPs

• 9/8/14: The SB agreed to and signed a Reimbursement Resolution prepared by bond counsel to ensure that project expenses incurred will be properly reimbursed by the permanent financing proceeds and the issuance of a Bond Opinion letter from bond counsel.

• 9/10/14: At 5 pm, the SB will open the bid envelopes and review them. Svec anticipates 3-4 construction bids.

• 9/12/14: At 4:15 pm, the SB will select a firm for the project.

 D. FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant: In order to maximize the town’s eligibility for disaster funds in the event of a future catastrophe, such as an Irene type storm, the town needs an All Hazards Mitigation Plan. The grant will cover three quarters of the cost associated with plan development. The remaining quarter can be in-kind contributions, such as the town manager’s time to meet with the regional planning council. The SB approved the submission of the grant application.

 E. Cavendish Village Green Project: On Saturday Sept. 8, volunteers will assemble at the Cavendish Green to install a new play area. As part of this project, the spruce tree, which is infected with blight, will be removed this week. Volunteers are needed for this event. As noted in the Sept. 5 Cavendish Update, three local school children Rhyan and Sarah Devereux and  their cousin Bradley Frye were responsible for planning this renovation and spent considerable time with their parents helping to raise the money and in-kind contributions needed. The video, created by Shannon Devereux, explains the children’s ideas for the park. 

F. Roads and Bridges

• Davis Road Bridge: While the state says that the Bridge replacement is a high priority, the review process continues to grind on. This is a more complex process because it’s FEMA funding. The vendor selected for the project is still willing to do the work for the agreed price. However, as Svec noted, this wont last forever and there will come a time that the vendor either doesn’t have time to do the work and/or there will be cost increases. The reflective mirror from Chubb Hill has been installed at the Davis Rd Bridge area in order to improve safety.

• Whitesville Bridge and Center Road: The hump and guard rail of the newly replaced Whitesville Bridge is blocking visibility for drivers turning onto 131 from Center Road. This is an unsafe intersection and something needs to be done to protect motorists prior to the winter season.

G. Streetlight Replacements for Cavendish Village: Green Mountain Power is switching out old fixtures (most mercury vapor) and replacing them with LED heads. By the end of this week, all of the street lights in Cavendish Village should be equipped with LED lights.

H. Recreation Department: Terry O’Brien, the new recreation director, provided a report to the SB about activities relating to this new town department. While the primary focus at the moment is the fall soccer program, other activity information is available at their Facebook page. 

Select Board Meeting Agenda 9/8/14

The Cavendish Select Board will meet on Monday, Sept. 8, 6:30 at the Town Office. The agenda will be as follows:

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Act upon minutes of the meetings of August 11th

3. Sign Orders

4. Review Correspondence

5. Adjust agenda

6. Hear Citizens

7. Discuss recent complaints with regard to local broadband access.

8. Review of results of the special town meeting bond issue vote of 08-26-14. Town Manager to discuss with the board the procurement, legal and financial activities that now must be undertaken in order to conduct the necessary business to implement the solar project. This will include the approval tonight of a Reimbursement Resolution prepared by bond counsel to ensure that project expenses incurred will be properly reimbursed by the permanent financing proceeds and the issuance of a Bond Opinion letter from bond counsel.

9. Town Manager to review: details of the RFP for Solar Project contractor proposals; the recent Solar Project Mandatory Site Visit (08-05-14); the schedule of Select Board activities for bid opening (5 pm, September 10th) and anticipated bid award (4:15 pm, September 12th several other time frames specified in the RFP.

10. Town Manager to discuss a recent application for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant for the purpose of Development of an All Hazards Mitigation Plan specific to the Town of Cavendish as a replacement/update of the current plan which is a more generic Regional Planning Commission wide plan. This plan is a critical component in maximizing the town’s eligibility for disaster funds in the event of future catastrophe.

11. Town Manager to report on the Flood Resiliency Forum he recently attended in Chester.

12. Progress updates on ERP Grant Program activities and Bridge #37 on Davis Road

13. Progress update on Recreation Department

14. Update Cavendish streetlight replacements (Green Mountain Power) entails switching out the old fixtures (mostly mercury vapor) and replace them with LED heads.

15. Town Manager to update the Board on various other town activities.

16. Other business

17. Adjourn

Cavendish Update 9/5/14 News/Events

 The 9/5/14 Cavendish Update Contains the Following:

1. Cavendish Connects Information

2. Cavendish Related News

3. Household Hazardous Waste Collection-9/13

4. Raise the Roof Concert Series Again

5. Bottle Drive for Camp Keewaydin

6. Local Youth Raise Money for the Cavendish Green /Volunteers Needed

7. Annual Phineas Gage Talk and Walking Tour

8. Events

1. CAVENDISH CONNECTS INFORMATION: Mail Chimp: We are now using Mail Chimp for the weekly Cavendish Update. Because of slow connection speeds in various parts of town, photographs will generally not be included. You can always check out our Instagram site. 

Events/Classifieds/Calendar: If you want an event included on the Cavendish Connects Calendar, please use the on-line form or e-mail us directly. You can always post directly to the Cavendish VT Facebook page or send a press release. Please check the calendar before scheduling an event. We’re a small town and people do like to participate, so where possible, let’s try to avoid conflicts.

Support: Thank you to those who have already shown their support for Cavendish Connects by sending a contribution. We’ve now made it possible to donate via credit card directly from the website.  A check payable to Cavendish Connects and mailed to PO Box 3, Cavendish, VT 05142 is always an option.

2. CAVENDISH RELATED NEWS

West Nile Virus Likely Widespread in Vermont: The Vermont Department of Health says mosquitoes captured in multiple towns across southern Vermont have tested positive for West Nile virus. The Dept. Urges Vermonters to take cause to prevent mosquito bites. VT Digger 

 September is Preparedness Month: Are you Prepared?: Irene and other damaging storms show us the importance of being ready for anything. September is Preparedness month in Vermont. Learn more about how to prepare your Cavendish home in the event of an emergency. 

 Springfield Medical Center Urges Signing up for Practice Patient Portal: Springfield Medical Care Systems has recently announced the availability of its physician practice patient portal, with new and improved features that include the ability to request and view appointments, refill prescriptions, and message clinicians and nurses. The service is free, and makes information readily available via any computer or smartphone. Contact your primary care provider's office –includes Ludlow Health Center-to request portal access or visit Springfield Health Center at 100 River Street, Springfield, VT. Press Release 

 Buchanan Named President of Black River Produce: Sean Buchanan, who has been with the company for more than five years, was promoted to the president’s position Friday, effective immediately. Buchanan will take over the day-to-day running of the company from founders Mark Curran and Steve Birge, who started Black River Produce 35 years ago in Proctorsville with the motto “Give Peas A Chance.” Rutland Herald 

Corren is Lt. Governor Write-In Winner: A special canvassing committee has formally certified the results of last week’s Primary election. In a high profile effort, Progressive Lt. Governor candidate Dean Corren received just under 4,000 votes in the Democratic primary. This represents 60 percent of the votes in this contest. NPR

Rate Hikes for VT Health Connect Customers: Customers of Vermont Health Connect will pay a lot more for insurance next year, but not as much as the insurance companies wanted. The insurance companies say the higher rates are a result of rising costs of care and pharmaceuticals and changes in federal law. WCAX 

3. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION: Sept. 13 (Saturday) is the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for Cavendish. You can take items to the Springfield Transfer Station or the Weathersfield Transfer Station between the hours of 9-1. Up to 10 gallons of hazardous waste is taken free-of-charge. There is no limit on paint, but anyone with at least 300 gallons should call for a pickup.

Bring: Aerosols; antifreeze; automotive products; gasoline; hobby chemicals; household cleaners; kerosene; paint (latex and oil based), stains etc., paint cleaners; pesticides; pool chemicals; mercury thermometers; mercury thermostats

Do Not Bring: Alkaline batteries; ammunition; asbestos; auto batteries; computers; empty container; fireworks; fluorescent bulbs; medical waste; medicines; radioactive material; waste oil.

Were to take Stuff: The Cavendish Connects Environment & Sustainability site provides information about what to take where, including a variety of recycling options.

4. RAISE THE ROOF CONCERTS RISE AGAIN: The 2014-2015 Raise the Roof Concert season will kick off with the Vermont- grown acoustic team of the Dupont Brothers  on Sunday October 5.  On November 16, Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers  will return by popular demand. January 4 features The New Line, led by Brendan Taaffe, performs Appalachian ballads blended with African rhythms.  All concerts are on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. at Gethsemane Episcopal Church on Depot Street,  and cost $10.00 at the door. 

 5. BOTTLE DRIVE FOR CAMP KEEWAYDIN: On Sept. 6 (Saturday), there will be a bottle drive by the CTES 6th grade to help raise money for the class’s annual trip to Camp Keewaydin. Bottles can be dropped off until noon at the school in Proctorsville. To arrange for a pickup or for more information, please call Shannon at 376-3632.

6. YOUTH RAISE MONEY FOR PLAYGROUND/VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Living close to the Cavendish Village Green, Rhyan and Sarah Devereux, both students at CTES, along with their cousin Bradley Frye, a student at GMUHS,  decided it was time to restore the Green’s play area. Phase I, the design, can be seen on-line. 

Phase II was the task of raising money and in-kind donations. At the Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale, their booth raised $120. Next was a letter writing campaign for in-kind donations. Wayne Gilcris said the bark mulch was free, but the cousins had to come collect it. A meeting with Ron Godfrey at LaValley’es secured the lumber for the project. They also wrote to the Cavendish Recreation Booster Club asking for limited support to help supplement the costs of the slides.

The last phase is implementation and this is where you come in. There will be a construction party on Saturday, Sept. 13 starting at 8 am and volunteers are needed. Food and drinks will be provided.

Thank you Sarah, Rhyan, and Bradley for being such a great example of how to get things down

7. ANNUAL PHINEAS GAGE TALK AND WALK: On September 13, 1848 Phineas Gage, a foreman, was working with his crew excavating rocks in preparing the bed for the Rutland and Burlington Railroad in Cavendish. An accidental explosion of a charge he had set blew his tamping iron through his head. It entered under the left cheekbone and exited through the top of the head. The rod, covered with brains and blood, was found approximately 30 yards from the site of the accident.

It is remarkable that Gage survived this accident, let alone lived for 11 more years. Fortunately Dr. Harlow and Dr. Henry J. Bigelow, a professor of surgery at Harvard University, tracked Gage as much possible, thereby documenting one of the first cases of traumatic brain injury in medical science. It was also the first understanding that different parts of the brain have different functions. With this knowledge, the first brain tumor removal operation became possible in 1885.

On September 14, at 2 pm, the Cavendish Historical Society will hold it’s yearly “talk and walk,” which includes a discussion of the accident, the latest historical information about the case and an approximately two mile round trip walk to the location of the accident. Meet at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum at 2 pm. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

8. EVENTS: It’s a busy weekend coming up. On Saturday, there are three event:

• The Bottle Drive for the CTES 6th Camp Keewaydin trip

• RiverSweep (goes rain or shine)-register at the Ludlow Gazebo, starting at 8 am, with cleaning taking place on the Black River in Cavendish and Proctorsville. Free T-shirt and pizza.

• Reception for Jane Hart’s exhibit of local portraits at the Cavendish Library, 7 pm.

On Sunday, the Cavendish Baptist Church will be hosting Back to School Sunday. For more information about these events and other activities, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. 

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