Cavendish Update 5/15/15 SB Mtg/Composting/Memoirs

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 5/15/15 EDITION OF THE CAVENDISH UPDATE
1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting/Hearing
2. Tiemann’s Cavendish Memoirs Chapter 11/Christmas
3. Cavendish Composting Workshop
4. Events
 
1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING/HEARING
Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website and on Comcast Television.  Written minutes are available at the town’s website.  Monday night’s meeting included the following:
• VTrans Accelerated Bridge Program was in attendance to explain the various alternatives explored for the Depot Street Bridge in Proctorsville. The recommendation is that the entire bridge be replaced with a single span using Accelerated Bridge Construction with an offsite detour. Payment for the replacement would be 80% federal, 15% state and 5 % town funds.
• The Davis Bridge should be finished by mid summer, if not sooner
• The Fletcher Foundation and the Black River Health Center, both exempted from property taxes by the voters in 2014,  provided information to the board about how their respective organizations function.
• From changes in tipping fees to improved signage, the Cavendish Transfer Station is undergoing upgrades to be in accordance with state standards and to continue to meet Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law.
 
A full report on the Select Board is available at The Dish 
 
2. TIEMANN’S CAVENDISH MEMOIRS CHAPTER 11/CHRISTMAS
Winter is in full swing as the Tiemann family celebrates their first Christmas in Vermont. As many people still do, cutting down a tree and making wreaths and swags was part of their tradition. Following Chapter 11,  is a childhood memory of a Cavendish Christmas in the 1940s, approximately a decade after Tiemanns took place.
 
To read the prelude and other chapters of Tiemann’s Memoirs go to Coming to Vermont (Cavendish): Memoirs of Philip Tiemann 
 
3. CAVENDISH COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
In continuing preparation for implementation of Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law,  the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA) hosted a composting workshop on Thursday evening. Approximately 25 people attended.
 
Cavendish has free zero sort recycling. Since, by July 1 of this year all recyclables are banned from the landfill, placing items in the Zero Sort bin will be strongly encouraged. Note that if a waste hauler brings a load to the Vermont landfill, located near the Canadian boarder, containing recyclables, they can be turned away.  By July 1, 2017, transfer stations must provide composting of food scraps and by July 1, 2020 all food scraps are banned from the landfill.
 
Recycling, combined with home composting, significantly reduces what needs to go into the landfill, and since Vermont only has one left, this has become a critical need. In addition, the more you practice appropriate reuse methods, the cheaper your tipping fees will be at the transfer station.
 
One of the handouts distributed listed over 80 items that can be composted, many of which you may not be aware of : crepe paper streamers, balloons (latex only) human hair, pizza boxes and cereal boxes (shredded first), paper towels, paper muffins/cupcake cups, Kleenex (including used). Download 163 Things You can Compost and post it to your refrigerator as a reminder of what can go into the compost pile.
 
In addition to saving money, there are some major benefits to composting-reduce pesticide use, improve soil quality, as well as creating mulch, which can reduce watering as well as weeds.
 
There are many different ways you can do home composting, so check out the following links to see what may be the best option for you to consider:
• Backyard Composting It’s Only Natural 
• Compost Uses Every Homeowner Should Know 
• How to Build a Compost Bin 
 
There are various types of composters that you can purchase, and each spring the Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Sold Waste Management District provides significantly reduced composters for purchase.
 
Because of the upcoming state requirement for composting, be on the look out for more workshops.
 
4. EVENTS
Today starts the Black River Good Neighbor weekend Rummage Sale at Fletcher Farm. To learn more about this and other events go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar.  For regional events, check out the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce Calendar.

Cavendish Select Board Meeting/Hearing 5/11/15

Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website and on Comcast Television.  Written minutes are available at the town’s website.  Monday night’s meeting included the following:

 A. Depot Street Bridge: VTrans Accelerated Bridge Program was in attendance to explain the various alternatives explored for Town Highway Bridget #58, also known as the Depot Street Bridge in Proctorsville. Because the bridge is in such poor shape, the recommendation is that the entire bridge be replaced with a single span bride using Accelerated Bridge Construction with an offsite detour. Payment for the replacement would be 80% federal, 15% state and 5 % town funds. Of the options explored, this was by far the cheapest and the quickest way to take care of the problem.

 A number of people from Depot Street were in attendance to express their concerns. While the majority would like to see the bridge closed permanently, they realize this is not an option and therefore asked the Select Board and VTrans to consider making Depot Street one way, going from 131 to 103. Because this is a town highway bridge, VTrans stated that the town can decide if they want it one way, what the esthetics would be (a covered bridge is not an option), how wide, and whether they would like two walking paths, one path or another configuration.

 VTrans said that the bridge is inspected every year in May. Last year, the bridge received a rating of 4 (poor) on a 1-9 scale, which helps to fast track it for replacement. However, Jess and Craig Goodman, whose property abuts the bridge shared pictures they had just taken, showing a 10 foot hole in the bridge footing that has occurred in the last several weeks. Further, they reported hearing parts of the bridge falling off and landing in the river. Based on this new information, VTrans will ask for an inspection as soon as possible.

 If the bridge receives a rating of 3 or lower from this new inspection, it’s possible the bridge will be immediately closed. Even with the accelerated approach, replacement will most likely not take place until summer 2018. However, in order to keep the bridge open, some temporary repairs may be needed.

 A video of the presentation will be available soon at the Accelerated Bridge website. 

 B. Connectivity: At the last SB meeting, it was agreed that Comcast would be invited to the meeting. Rich Svec, town manager, said he had other priorities and didn’t have time to contact them.

 C. Presentation by Fletcher Farm Foundation and Black River Health Center: Both organizations are currently tax exempt but SB member Wendy Regier wanted to know more about these programs and community involvement. Steve Birge presented for Fletcher Farm. He explained that the buildings on the Cavendish property side are used as follows: Stepping Stones Preschool, Okemo Hospitality, Two Rivers Supervisory Union and a program facility for HCRS, which has congregate and supervised housing for up to 10. Also available on the property is the Craft and arts school, which gives Cavendish residents half off of workshops. There is also a community garden as well as hiking trails and athletic fields. The rent from Okemo is used to help offset building repairs and maintenance, which significantly exceeds rental income. Many community groups, such as Black River Good Neighbor, take advantage of the facilities and use them for a variety of purposes. Rents are low and if organizations have trouble making payments, the Foundation makes accommodations.

 George Timko spoke about the Black River Health Center. For a history of the building and how it was once used as part of a Rural Health Initiative in the 1970s and 80s, go to the Cavendish Historical Society’s post History of the Black River Health Center Building. The current building is primarily being used for social workers with a 60% occupancy.

 Regier thought there should be some town policies around what is viewed as acceptable for tax exemption. Other members of the board stated that determining tax exemption was up to the voters and not the SB and the only policy necessary was already in place.

 D. Energy Committee: The Cavendish Solar Array is working well. Svec discussed the possibility of an extension on the town’s existing interim loan for another year, which has an interest rate of less than 1%, in order to lower the principal. This would help to reduce over all costs on the 20 year bond note, which will have an interest rate of 3.3-3.4%. Svec said he didn’t have final figures and information, but would bring it to the board at the June SB meeting.

 Peter LaBelle provided information about the Solarize Makes Sense program, which hopes to double the number of homes with solar (current number of homes is 8). The kick off of this program will take place on June 6. 

 E. Davis Rd Bridge: Construction continues. Expected completion date is mid summer, but Svec thinks it will be sooner.

 F. VELCO: At a joint meeting of the Planning Commission and SB, held the previous week, representatives from VELCO explained that the Connecticut River Valley Project would rebuild a 15-mile transmission line connecting the Coolidge substation in Ludlow and Cavendish to the Ascutney substation in Weathersfield. For Cavendish, they will not be adding a new line but rather providing upgrades. Pole height will be a bit higher and so it will be more feasible in certain parts of town. Other than regular trimming of trees to prevent line interference, no major clearing is planned and in fact, when completed, it will look pretty much as it does today. For more information about this project, contact Shana Louiselle at slouiselle@velco.com or call 802-770-6381

 G. Transfer Station: Expect to see some changes at the transfer station including- Better signage, a metal bin that is situated so you can drive up to unload, and changes in tipping fees. By adjusting fees, the goal is to make the transfer station pay for itself as well as encourage people to recycle everything they possibly can. Further, the transfer station is to be paid for by those who use it and not taxpayers. It was noted that there will be a composting workshop on Thursday evening as the next phase of Vermont’s Universal Recycling and Composting Law requires that by 2017, all food scraps must be composted. Also note that the law requires that all leaf and yard debris be diverted from the landfill by 2015. If you have questions about Cavendish’s transfer policy, contact the town office 226-7292.

 H. Assistant to Town Manager Position: Svec said that he had seven serious applications for the position and will be making a selection in the next few days. While the job description is still being developed, the new hire will be responsible for a number of projects including cemeteries and transfer station.

 I. Other Projects:

• Svec will be applying for a structural grant to replace the culvert at Greenbush and Stevens.

• The water heater at the town office has been replaced with an electric hot water on demand system. This should save costs as well as reduce space. Grating is needed for the back roads now that mud season is over.

• Woodie Woods is acting as sexton. Bids for mowing in the two largest cemeteries are being obtained.

ª Dan Rose will be mowing for the town this summer. 

Cavendish Select Board Agenda 5/11/15

The Cavendish Select Board will meet on Monday, May 11, 6:30 pm at the Cavendish Town Office. The agenda will be as follows:

1. Call the Meeting to Order

2. Act upon minutes of the meetings of April 13th and May 4th, 2015

3. Sign Orders

4. Review Correspondence

5. Adjust agenda

6. Representatives of the Vtrans Accelerated Bridge Program will be in attendance for an Alternatives Presentation regarding Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street in Proctorsville. This bridge was the subject of a scoping study as it is in serious need of replacement. The Scoping Report examined various alternatives including bridge rehabilitation and replacement along with a number of traffic maintenance options such as short term bridge closure, phased construction and a temporary bridge. The Report recommends replacing the entire bridge structure with traffic being maintained on an off-site detour. The public, affected property owners, emergency service providers and other stakeholders are invited to attend this presentation.

7. Hear Citizens

8. Steve Birge of the Fletcher Farm Foundation and George Timko of Black River Health Center will be present to briefly describe current activities of their organizations and take questions by request of the Board of Selectmen. These two organizations are presently exempt from town property taxes by approval of the Cavendish voters.

9. Updates on Energy Committee activities including the Solarize Program (in partnership with Reading, Windsor, Weathersfield and Brownsville) and an update on Cavendish Solar Array production and a discussion on finance planning.

10. Update on Davis Road bridge project progress.

11. Update on various town activities including spring roads, cemetery, forthcoming project activities, ERP program, recreation, transfer station, etc.

12. Town Manager to update the Board on his progress in filling the assistant position.

13. Other business

14. Adjourn

Celebrating Mother's Day in Cavendish

So you’re down to less than 48 hours until Mother’s Day. What to do? There are lots of places to purchase a special gift or gift certificate from a local business or organization. Use the Cavendish Connects Business and Organization Directories  to help you out.

If purchasing something isn’t in your budget this year, here are a variety of ways to celebrate Mom that won’t cost you anything more than your time.

• Share your Amazon Prime, Netflix or HBO Go password. Be sure to give her a  tutorial on how to use it.

• Give her your copy of your favorite book.

• Take a break outdoors together: a walk at Greven Field or around town.; fly a kite at Fletcher Field; go for a bike ride; visit Knapp Pond.

• Do the laundry, wash and vacuum her car, clean the house, till the soil for her garden, yard work and/or do another chore she needs to have done but has been putting off.  Top it off with her favorite home cooked meal.

• For a computer savvy Momma, consider: a photo collage that she can post to her Facebook page; create a Spotify playlist of tunes she’ll like; “friend” her on Facebook so she knows what’s happening in your world

• Don’t worry if your budget doesn’t allow you to purchase a gift certificate at the Aveda Spa at the Castle (definitely a lovely treat though), try doing the following: 

-       Hand Massage 

-       Foot massage 

-       Back Rub  

-       Home Facial

• Make her a pair of “Mom” glasses. Just download the templates- at the end of the article – print them out, cut, score, and glue. 

 • Make her a card, send her a special e-mail, spend time with and in general, let her know how important she is to you.