Selectboard Meeting - The Long Version.
Adding to last night's report: More detail on the nudity ordinance and other agenda items.
Last night the Brattleboro Selectboard passed an ordinance banning "the showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic areas or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion of the areola. A woman brestfeeding her child, irrespective of whether her breast is covered , shall not be considered in a state of nudity."
The ordinance applies to all public areas, including private clubs, and to private locations which are observable by the public. Nude modeling is only permitted in specific venues: colleges and art schools.
Definitions:
As originally written (and since modified in regard to art modeling) the ordinance applies: "in any location likely to be observed by members of the public and where the public is is present or likely to be present, including streets, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, and business and commercial establishments (both for profit and not-for profit and whether open to the public at large or where entrance is limited by a cover charge or membership requirement) bottle clubs, hotels, motels, restaurants, night clubs, country clubs, cabarets, and meeting facilitites utilized by any religious, social, fraternal, or similar organization."
"'Prohibited Public Location' shall NOT include doctors' offices, hospitals, enclosed single sex public restrooms or functional showers, locker and/or dressing room facilities; nor shall it include those places in which nudity or exposure is necessarily and customarily expeted outside of the home and where the sphere of privacy constitutionally protected therein; nor shall in include a person appearing in a state of nudity in a modeling class operated by: (1) a proprietary school licensed by the state; a college, junior college, or university supported entirely or partially by taxation; or (2) a private college or university which maintains and operates educational programs in which credits are transferable to college, junior college, or university supported entirely or partially by taxation or an accredited private college."
The above language is a complete reproduction of the definition sections of the original proposed ordinance. The final version adds to the exemptions: "a school of art operated for profit or not for profit in the Town of Brattleboro."
Enforcement:
"Nudity is not acceptable in Prohibited Public Locations The officer observing any person in a state of nudity or receiving the complaint should order the person to dress."
Penalties:
The penalties are a $100 fine, or a $50 waiver fee "for any person who declines to contest a municipal complaint and pays the waiver fee." The ordiance allows allows the town to seek "injunctiveand other appropriate relief, or to pursue any other remedy authorized by law."
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The Arguments -
Both sides cited the recent incident in which an out-of-town visitor was charged with lewd and lacsivious conduct for exposing himself at the Co-op. He said he had specifically been drawn to Brattleboro because of the nudity issue, and he had spoke against a nudity ordinance at the last Selectboard meeting. Those against the ordinance said that the incident proves that existing, state law is already effective in dealing with offensive behavior, and it is offensive behavior, not nudity per se that we should be addressing.
Pro-ordinance speakers said that this man was drawn to Brattleboro in the mistaken belief that since nudity is permitted, he would be free to expose himself at will, and that this shows a need for the ordinance.
Reflecting the views of a number of speakers at the hearing, Laura Austin said that the ordinance is part of a trend which started with the Reagan presidencey of, "new laws and an ever so slow erosion of liberty and tradition. Part of the joy of Vermont is the tradition of a live and let live social conscience. Whe we resort to such harsh and ridiculous regulations, we have lost our community, we have lost trust in each other, we have lost tradition, we have lost another part of Vermont."
Responding to speakers who said that the ordinance would have a chilling effect on liberty, Paul Burdo of Brattleboro said: "There are those who view liberty as behavior which is defined only by my own desires, but there is another form of liberty: That liberty is bounded by rights and needs of other people and not walk down Main Street and have young children, abused women traumatized by my behavior." He said that the ordinance will help those who are unable to grasp this distinction, "to set the boundaries."
Brattleboro resident Joanne P. [didn't get her last name] told of being confronted by a naked man at 4 a.m. in the parking lot of Dunkin Donuts, where she had gone for bagels. "It was very strange, it was upsetting....We should not have to deal with it in our face."
A number of speakers expressed concern about whether skinny dipping would be illegal under the new ordinance. The Town Attorney acknowledged that in many locations it probably would be, but he said that he would expect police to use common sense in exercising discretion as to when to enforce and when not to.
A number of speakers objected to women being required to cover their chests but not men, and warned of possible lawsuits. Sandra Camp identified herself as a frequest visitor to Vermont who vacations here, reads Vermont newspapers, and feels connected with our state. She said: "New York, as you know, does not discriminate between men and women in regards to baring of the chest. And that was upheld by the highest court in 1992. I cherish that right and whether I choose to exercise it or not is of no importance. What's important is the right to not be discriminated against exists. I would be very disappointed in Vermont if Vermont became more restrictive than New York."
Chris Grotke expressed his concern about the impact of the ordinance on the arts:
"I would love for the town to strike all the language regarding the arts.... Life drawing and figure drawing is the crux of all art. As an artist and as someone who supports the arts, life drawing and figure drawing is the crux of all the arts. You have to be able to be able to do that. For a student to become an artist without being able to draw from models is an impossibility. And the way this is written, only an accredited college -- I think it rules out existing art programs and it puts a damper on the possibility of attractive even more in the future." In response, art schools were added to the list of exemptions. When the amendment passed I looked at Grotke and it was clear from his expression that he was not pleased, apparently feeling that it was only a token gesture, not addressing his concern.
Just before the vote, three of the Selectboard members discussed the ordinance.
Richard Garant, who previously had offered amendments to exempt breasts and buttocks from the definition of nudity, said that it had been a difficult issue, and noted that there had been strong feelings on both sides, no consensus. He urged anyone who does not like the way the vote turns out to propose something better and collect signatures from 20% of the voters so that it go be put to a general vote. He did not explain why he had changed his postion, although he seemed to imply that it was time to compromise and focus on other issues.
Dora Bouboulis, said that although she is a very modest person and could just say that the ordinance would not affect her, said that it is important to defend the rights of those who are different than the majority. She said that the ordinance far outreaches the original intent, and that "there has been no demonstrated risk to public health, safety or health which is not already covered by existing laws. All the arguments in favor come from personal preference, cultural sensitivities and religious beliefs. In this country we are very carerful not to legislate morality"
She said that she has not come lightly to the decision to vote against the ordinance: "I am concerned that there are those who are afraid to go downtown. A community's heart and soul are measured by how it treats and responds to those who are outside the norm. The Brattleboro which I have come to know and love has served as a refuge for [word was unclear, but she was talking about people who are different from the majority]. I feel that this type of reactionary law is not fitting for a town which celebrates diversity and welcomes eccentricity."
Dick DeGray defended the extension of the scope of the ordinance: "This is not just a downtown issue, we've had nude people walking around various parts of the community....As an elected official, my community has asked me to do something.... I believe that our town has been used [by outside groups] for their profit at the expense of our sensibilities, which is too bad. I appreciate everybody's feeling here. I certainly know that Dora is going to vote against it, I certainly applaud her if that's how she truly feels. Certainly I'm confused about some things that she has done in the past, but I'm willing to let that go. That's just the way it is. We take our votes and we stand by them."
There was a presentation by the Windham Solid Waste Management District about DOs and DON'Ts of recycling. Notes below give these rules, but see their website for a more definitive explanation:
http://www.wswmd.org/recycling#what
The other major issue, an update on the status of the Union Station Project, is probably the more important issue because its outcome will affect the character of our town far into the future. The notes below give an account of that presentation, which was about one hour, and there is to be a link published on the town's website for the power point presentation explaining the project. To paraphrase an old ad: "Sorry Charlie (Miller) only inflammatory issues get to be Starkist" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_the_Tuna]
Below are my notes, defects, typos, embarrassing spelling or other errors, omissions and all. I disclaim that the reader should check accuracy for anything which may be of importance, and I apologize for anyone I misquoted or for getting names wrong. Please request corrections where needed._
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Selectboard meeting December 4, 2007
Barbara Sondag, Town Manager
Two boilers were down, we have since gotten one back up so that buys us some time. A heating expert is scheduled to come and give us an assessment. There are conflicting reports on the status of the boilers, so we need the assessment.
Audrey - Barb was out of town when the problem happened. John was very helpful in getting things under control. We called Efficiency Vermont and they were very helpful.
Barb - Interpretive services are here tonite, we had a special request because of the scheduled presentation on recycling. We are looking into having them here regularly, it is a budget issue.
Barb - Wellness Program
Town is looking into health maintenance and eduction for employees. Last year received a premium rebate for participation in health & safety awareness program. Check was presented by Dan Roda, Member Relations Representative, VT League of Cities and Towns, who said that last yer Brattleboro was the only town in Vermont which had a net decrease in insurance premiums. It is based on lower than average claims.
Barb - Steve Steidel broke his leg. Will join meeting later by phone.
Ann Livermore of BBAB for getting holiday lights for downtown.
Rich - Recreation Field Committee will be meeting tomorrow night to talk with farmers about getting a field for athletics. 7 pm at Gibson-Aiken Center, 2nd fl.
River Garden tomorrow 6 - 8 meeting on energy choices for Vermont. Legislators will be there, seeking comments.
Dora - Planning Commission at last meeting voted on a plan for West Brattleboro, which will be presented to the Selectboard.She thanked everyone who had worked on it.
Public Participation
Betty Elwell- Meeting on Thursday morning on Senior Housing 7:30 am at Gibson-Aiken. It is a legislative breakfast. $5 for breakfast.
George Savory -Asked about whether use of force policy will be discussed. Audrey said there is another meeting which police are attending tonight, so it was postponed, but it will be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
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Proclamation to designate Eden Park as Brattleboro's Official North Pole Substation.
Read by Dora,
Rich Garant suggests a friendly amendment that the Elves should get the prevailing wage for Elves elsewhere.
Audrey: This is the 3rd year that the staff and
Dec 17 - 23 from 5pm - 7
10am -12 Morning hours on the 17th
Children are encouraged to call the Ho Ho Hotline: 866 99 Santa to speak to Santa and Mrs. Clause
Proclaimation Passed
Proclaimation
Proclamation to support Project Feed the Thousands.
Passed
Tim Johnson: There has been a horrendous increase in the gap between rich and poor, with a 25% increase this year in the use of foodshelves. Tim thanks everyone for their support in the past and urges everyone to give the Project as much help as they can.ws
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Recycling demonstration - Cindy Sterling of the Windham Solid Waste District
Recycling DOs and DON'Ts
[check their website, there is a lot of information there - www.wswmd.org]
Anyone who wants to be sure that they have the rules with absolute accuracy should look on the website, as my report is subject to errors and omissions. They also have a newsletter.
Major principal: When you buy something, always be conscious of whether the packaging is recyclable.
FIBER:
Hardcover books - remove the cover first, then they will recycle the paper.
Jane Southworth- If you run a utility knife down where the cover is attached, it removes very easily.
She suggest using the brown bag system to fill with "fiber recyclables" because you can squeeze the bag between the bars on the recycling roll-off. Pizza boxes are OK, but not the greasy part, which is trash, not recyclable.
Boxboard is OK, despite what the stickers say. That was true in the old days, but now it doesn't matter. Don't read that sign, but read all the other signs [laugher].
Get rid of plastic covers on fiber recyclables. If it rips easily it is OK. For example a dog food back which looks shiny on the outside, if it rips easily it is ok. Envelopes with plastic window is now OK.
Tape on boxes is OK. But they do not want newspapers with twine. Put your papers in a brown, paper bag. Some people bind newpapers with duct tape, that is a problem and should not be done. Staple in boxes are OK. Even paper clips. If you can remove them it is good, but they are acceptable. Tops on bottles are OK. If you can rince cans and bottles it is good, but if you can't, they would still rather get the recyclables. Plastic is trash, so they have to remove it and that increases their costs.
Jane Southworth, from audience: Curbside: Flatten cardboards and make sure it is under 3 feet. If larger, bring it to roll-off.
Jerry Benjamin: Asks about how to handle Christmas-wrap.
Cindy: Paper OK, no foil. OK if there are some bows and ribbons, but they prefer if you remove them. They do not want styrofoam or peanuts.
Audrey: Black Mountain Printing will take peanuts.
CURBSIDE:
Plastic containers with motor oil or lighter fluid is trash unless it is totally drained.
If the container has not neck it is trash, throw it away. If it has a neck, it is recyclable. You can leave the lid on or remove it first.
Metal: OK, but there is always a question about paint cans. The system is realy for food containers. They would prefer that you bring paint cans to their drop off facility on Old Ferry Road.
Aluminum is OK, including cans.
Bottle, including colored bottles, are OK.
Laura Austin: Asks whether any of the plastic from DVDs and CDs are recyclable. Cindy - It is not.
Even though cardboard egg cartins tear, nonetheless it is not recyclable. No egg cartons, cardboard or plastic, are recyclable. Carboard egg cartons is low quality carboard and has a negative economic value.
Windham Solid Waste Districts operates on revenue from recyclables and a small assessment to towns within the district. So they would rather that you focus on the right materials, both in buying them and in putting them in with recyclables.
Dora: Could you explain why Windham Solid Waste does not accept things like containers whithout necks, like yogurt containers, which seem like they should be recycled?
Cindy: It is molded differently. Even though it has the same pollimars, it melts down differently, so it has a different value. For us to take on marketing tubs, we would need one more storage facility, so it would involved an extra capital investment. Markets are more limited. In a big city they can make it work.
No plastic pipes, no plastic bags. No wax covered cardboard boxes (they can be composted if you like). No aluminum foil - it contaminates the quality of the rest of the recyclables, which lowers the value.
Do not recycle medication containers. They do take needles, but not at drop off or curbside. They will take them if you bring them in a bottle. They get rid of them in a medical waste facility.
GLASS:
Not bulbs, pottery, dishware.
Barb - Committe to promote recycling (with a goal of increasing recycling to 20%) will become part of the Windham Solid Waste Management
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UNION STATION PROJECT- INFORMATIONAL SESSION
Bob Stevens of Steven Associates, Engineering firm
Charlie Miller, Rail Planning Coordinator for the state
Stevens - This is an opportunity for us to encourage people to use public transit. If we can make more comfortable facilities which allow it to be easier to drop off and pick up passengers, more people will use the trains.
Miller - Last year Brattleboro had a 19% increase in use of trains. It is a convenient way for people to access NYC and Washington DC. Having said that, the station is probably in the worst condition of any station in the state. Amtrack does not invest instations, it is up to the communities to invest in stations.
Stevens - Impetus for this project really began with the Museum, which got a group together to try to figure out what they could do to improve the area. A committee was formed in 1999 which looked not only at the station, but also at the waterfront and inititated a feasibility study. We started with a meeting seeking public input. There were over 100 people at the meeting. The study resulted in a very clear set of needs and alternative scenarios. We then had another meeting attended by about 80 people which resulted in the committee recommending a preferred plan. Parking and pedestrian access would be on the waterfront side of the tracks. Identified opportunity for a pocket part overlooking the waterfalls of the Whetstone Brook. In the beginning it was a plan about improving the neighborhood not connected with the Transportation Center. that was the first study.
Second study was an environmental assessment, which began in 2001. It was linked to the transportation center as a district. Identified about 5 possible alternative plans. Emphasis was on environmental impacts.
There were 3 criteria which had to be approved by Federal Government in order to give green light to proceed beyond planning state:
1. Clearly a need.
2. Best Solution to address that need
3. How impacts can be best mitigated.
Feds signed off on it and that was what allowed us to begin spending Federal money for Transportation Center.
2002 Preliminary design was done for the project and the process for acquiring property needed for the project began. Final resolution of property acquisition finished in 2006, but at that time the funds were put on hold because of towns' accounting problems.
Stevens had power point presentation to show plans. The idea is to make the area very attractive, making good use of the views of the river and mountains. Rich Garant asked if he can make it available as a link to the town's website, and he said he would.
Process "has sat for a long time" and we should probably take a good look at it and make sure that we still feel that it is the best plan, and what we want.
Miller: Talked about platform heights, and a proposed new rule which would impact the plans. I didn't understand a word of it. I think he was saying that a raised platform would be required, whereas most small towns currently have low platforms. He said that we have always been able to make full accommodations, including wheelchair lifts.
Stevens: There will be a variance process, so if we can address the concerns, we may be able to get a variance.
Dick asks whether this is the best use for the funds.
Stevens: The project is funded 80% by Federal money (FTA) 10% by town (which is being covered by equity of building, rather than cash -- I don't quite understand this unless he means the town's portion is being borrowed) and 10% state. The federal money can only be used for this purpose. Stevens then talked about all the benefits of the project.
Audrey askes Barb is she wants to add anything.
Barb: We have purchased all but 2 parcels needed. She talked about technical challenges in making those final purchases, which are being resolved through negotiations.
With regard to the project itself, once we get those properties we need to get more citizens on the committee which will look at the design and give feedback on that. Then there will be biweely meetings overseeing details as project unfolds.
Rich Garant asks about whether Federal grants can be in jeopardy if a project seems to have become inactive.
Miller says, yes, if -- for example -- there were no signs of life for 3 years, the Feds would want to know what is going on.
Christopher Grotke asks if the money can be used to improve the museum. Barb: Money can be used only for train station related items.
Gerry Benjamin: If the project ground to a halt, for example if the expected money were withdrawn, what would happen to our obligations for money already spent?
Both Miller and Stevens gave very long and informative responses, but I didn't understand what they said, and could not discern the answer to Gerry's question. (Maybe I didn't even get his question right... Jerry seemed to be happy, so I guess I just didn't get what was being said.)
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Second Reading for Cemetary Ordinance
Ordinance addresses rules for the cemetary comittee, and rules for what can be done in the cemetary, such as decorations, monument requirements, sale and transfer of plats.
Only public comment was Chris Grotke who thanked the cemetary committee for their good work.
Ordinance Passes 4 -1
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Steve Steidel joins meeting by telephone
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Discussion on Objectionable Noise Ordinance - NOT OF FIRST READING
Dora - If we are going to consider this ordinance, we should have an extensive community dialogue about the issue. She specifically asked that the South Main Street Neighborhood Association weigh in.
Audrey - Can you have any example of an ordinance we passed without discussion?
Dora - We had discussions at the Selectboard. If we are going to have a boom box ordinance, we should seek out the views of the people who are using boom boxes, and see what they have to see rather than to just impose an ordinance.
Dick DeGray questions town Attorney Bob Fisher about the decible level of the ordinance, and how the proposed ordinance differes from current disturbing the peace laws.
Bob - There is a state statute, noise in the night time, which is a criminal statute. Typically an officer would respond to a noise complaint, ask them to keep it down, and then issue a citation if there were another complaint. There would be some overlap, but the new ordinance would be civil, not criminal.
Audrey asks about existing laws against honking car horn unnecessarily, and discharging firearms in town.
Bob agrees that there would be some overlap with existing no-fire-zone ordinance, and with dog ordinances.
Dora suggests adding something to the firearm provision of the civil ordinance so that people do not read it and think that it contains the entire restrictions on firearms and not realize that there is a no-fire-zone. Bob agrees that it is a good idea.
Rich: Wants to remind us that this ordinance is in response to extremely annoying bass tones.
Audrey: There is a current ordinance (Section 13-7) which prohibits noise which violates ordinary sensibities. Since it is substituting new language, we have to be very careful how we word it.
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Nudity Ordinance - Second Reading
Nudity definition includes genitals, buttocks, and breasts except for nursing mother.
Exempt places, such as medical setting, are named.
Private land out of view of the public exempt.
Civil penalties - $100 or $50 waiver fee for person who chooses not to contest the charge.
PUBLIC HEARING OPENED
Scott Barr asks about West River, most of the land is privately owned, but the public has access. Will people be able to go nude there as they have for years? He also asks if there are any lawsuits where a woman's breasts were exposed. He mentions a NYC case which was settled out of court.
Fisher: First question - If along a river bank it is a location which is likely to be observed by the public, it is an area which could be enforced. The practicality depends on who is going there and whether anyone complains. If it is a secluded place, it is likely that people would not complain. A place like the Whetstone pathway, would be different.
Second. Cases involving women's breasts have gone both ways. The NYC case was an out of court settlement, so it doesn't set a precedent. There are no cases which change my opinion that there is no constitutional right to nudity as a matter of freedom of expression.
Bob: You can regulate the time and place where your constitutional rights can be expressed. Gives the example of yelling "fire" in a crowded theater.
Spoon: I have stayed out of the fray until now. It hasn't seemed that important to me. I have gone skinny dipping for years. I felt that I could live with the previous ordinance banning nudity downtown. But now we are being faced with a comprehensive ordinance, which by its length and comprehensively is practically ludicrous and that has pushed me into opposing something which I could have been
Joanne P. of Brattlboro - Went to Dunkin Donuts at night and was faced with a nude man, it was very upsetting. She wasn't sure what to do. "Should I call Dunkin Donuts and let them know there is a nude man in their parking lot?" There are certain things we are just accustomed to. Most of the people in town want this ordinance passed and there is nothing ludicrous about it. It is normal behavior. I want to be able to go out for a bagel and not have to be faced with a naked man. She said that she wants her family to be able to visit without having to be confronted with nudity on the street.
Laura Austin - Has a statement and a comment - This has been a tough issue from the beginning, and I want to thank you for all the work you have been doing.
Her statement addresses why this is a matter of freedom. There are
Our laws about lude and lascivious behavior are already sufficient.
Laura gave me a handwrittencopy of her statement, and I will transcribe it for ibrattleboro later.
Audience member (didn't get her name) - Said she has foster children who have come from traumatized backgrounds, and she wants to be able to bring them downtown without them having to risk them facing something which would be upsetting for them.
Chris Grotke - "I would love for the town to strike all the language regarding the arts Drawing from models is the crux of art, and the way this is written allows only accredited art schools to have nude models. As an artist and as someone who supports the arts, life drawing and figure drawing is the crus of all the arts. You have to be able to be able to do that. For a student to become an artist without being able to draw from models is an impossibily. And the way this is written, only an accredited college -- and you can read the I think it rules out existing art programs and it puts a damper on the possibility of attractive even more in the future." Second thing: If you are going to pass an ordinance forbidding women from not wearing tops, then you should also require that men be required to wear tops.
Rich asks for clarification from Bob Fisher, he asks about more general wording such as exempting: "Those places where nudity is normally ..."
Bob said that if we don't specifically say an art studio, it leads too much to ordinance.
Richard Dudmen: Agrees with Spoon that language should be more general and apply common sense instead of rigid restrictions.
Sandra Camp: Read a statement supporting woman's right to be top free, regardless of whether or not she chooses to exercise that right. She warned of possible litigation, citing a case in New York. She said that the proposed ordinance would be more restrictive than the laws in NY and asked whether we want Vermont to be more restrictive than NY.
Tim Wessel: Asks about how the ordinance applies to children.
Bob: Discretion of the officer. He have the example of a 3 year old running naked through a sprinkler, or an out of town tourist accidentally stumbling upon a skinny dipping spot and getting offended. In those cases the officer could use discretion not to enforce the ordinance
Tim: This seems to be an ordinance in search of a problem, since we already have lewd and lascivious laws. He feels that it is about moralism. He have the example of having a law against picking one's nose. He said you cannot legislate common sense. He doesn't like to see someone picking their nose, but he doesn't want a law against it.
Gary - Said that only 5 years ago the town dropped an ordinance against exhibitionism, and we were assured that it would be covered by the state criminal statute. But prosecutors lack the will to prosecute cases, so we were lied to. He said the expression "life and let live" came from the Grange, and that it was an expression of anti-slavery.
Gale Gassette (of Vernon) - It seems that with such a hot bed issue and with some of the women who have had the courage to come up here and speak about some of the experiences to which they were exposed, he raises the question of whether we could find ourselves on the receiving end of ligitation, not from someone who wants the right to be nude, but from the other side: someone who has been offended or traumatized.
Virginai Schnee - Board Member, Nautrist Action Committee, responsible for New England States.
She and her husband and children regularly vacation here. Skinny dip in the West River, then put their clothes on and come into town. Her organization defends rights of skinny dippers throughout the state. She said that the selectboard, until now, has been very reasonable in addressing the question, but now she thinks they should reconsider a law which is ambiguous in regard to skinny dipping. The recent case involving John Lockwood shows that the existing laws work well. It is not nudity that is the problem, it is bad behavior and that is what should be addressed.
Phil _____ (missed his name) He visits and enjoys the area. He reads the Reformer and has been following the debate. He said he believes in diplomacy, that the police should be diplomats and not just rely on enforcing ordinances. He was sure that this would not turn into the Wilmington fiasco because everyone in Brattleboro has been reasonable about discussing the issue. He asks Bob if the police can be a complaintant? Bob: They could be. Phil: This has gone well byond the limits I thought it would, it has gotten out of hand. He quoted Ben Franklin about those who would
Kevin ______ (said he is a preacher) Points out that a lot of people who spoke against the ordinance are from out of town. He encourages the Board to pass the ordinance, but says that if they don't feel comfortable passing it, they should put it out for a townwide vote. Audrey tells him that there has been a lot of misinformation, and in fact the Selectboard does not have the power to put it before a townwide vote.
Peggy Frost (Vernon) - Wilmington started as a place to go innocently skinning dipping, but ended up as a place to have sex in the woods and I'm opposed to that. She urged passing ordinance.
Bob Woodworth (downtown business owner) I believe this is a time to get beyond this and move on to other things. Either the selectboard can pass the ordinance, or we can put it to a vote.
Rich Garant: Can be put to a townwide vote by petition.
Paul Burdo: There are two types of liberty: "There is the liberty which is defined only by my own desires, but there is another form of liberty 2. That liberty is bounded by rights and needs of other people." If somebody is traumatized by my picking my nose, then maybe we need an ordinance against that. He said that he once read that there are 4 million laws and ordinances on the books in the United States and 8,000 more each year. After hearing this discussion, I am beginning to understand why we need 8,000 new ordinances each year.
Public hearing ends.
Bob Fisher reads revised language to exempt art schools.
Dora speaks against the ordinance. She says that she always respected Steve Steidel for standing by his conservative principles by voting
Glad that national media is not here at this meetings.
"There is only one board member who And that creates the type of media attention which brings the type of person you say you don't want here, Dick"
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Jerry Carbone - LIbrary
Procurement of turnkey public access computer system from sole source venter.
At Nov. 20 meeting, Board voted to accept award of $5,250 Bill and Melinda Gates grant award to replace outdated public access computers in library. Jerry is recommending acceptance of a propoasal from Userful Corporaton. "
"Userful Corporation is the only vendor to market a product that integrates the public access computing on all levels, from the hardware with one CPUY and 4 monitors, to using a Linux operationg system and open source software that is fairly impervious to virus attacks"
The Userful proposal os $20,440.55 is a three year purchase of 13 computers plus 7 current PC's converted to Userful machines. The proposal includes maintenance, phone support, ILS integration, setup, and training." The Gates grant would be combined with other grants.
Passed 5 - 0.
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Steve Barrett, Public Works
Proposal to rebuild Church Street Walls.
There were 6 proposals coming in at different amounts, but also with different specifications for height, configuration, and developing use of public space (proposed park area).
Steve recommended a Zaluzny Excavating Company proposal for a curved wall and improved park area not to exceed $79,500.
Passes 5 - 0.
Announcements of upcoming meetings (see town website)
Meeting adjourned