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Selectboard Meeting Notes: Panhandling Sign Defeated, Budget Season Approaches

by cgrotke | Town News

There will be no Town panhandling sign. That was the split decision of the Brattleboro Selectboard Tuesday evening.

The board had an active and long night. Much of it had to do with financial matters and planning, such as approving a letter of intent to rent space in the Municipal Center, reviewing long term financial plans, buying a fire truck, debating the thickness of single use plastic bags, and contemplating energy issues.  

Budget season starts officially at the next meeting, but it peeked its head in and said hello this week.

Desensitization

by cgrotke | Philosophy

Desensitization occurs when someone is overexposed to scenes of violence, cruelty or suffering. Those scenes then become less likely to cause feelings of shock or distress.

Contributed By: Spinoza

by cgrotke | Books

When we started iBrattleboro, we had some grand visions. In addition to wanting to provide a platform for local news, views, and opinions, we hoped that local writers would enjoy publishing their work to a large, local audience. It would be possible for any writer to have a regular place on the site, and build a following of regular readers, but also compile their collected works into a book if they so desired.

How to Discard Syringes and Other Sharps

by cgrotke | Health

Zoning Administrator Brian Bannon sent along a flyer from the Vermont Department of Health with information about disposal of syringes. The text is below and the flyer PDF is attached so you can download, print out, and share. Thanks, Brian!

The New Panhandling Sign Up For Discussion

by cgrotke | Town News

So that everyone will be informed about the proposed panhandling sign being discussed at Tuesday’s Selectboard meeting, here is the latest draft under consideration. (text below). This is the official Town version, unrelated to the one proposed by the downtown organization.

Kushner Using Private Emails/Server

by cgrotke | Politics

Jared Kushner is reported to have used a private email account and a personal server to send/reply to e-mails while working on White House business. Other White House aides have also used private accounts.

Boating Accident at Exit 3

by cgrotke | Travel

I was out on errands and was thinking about the long list of disasters we’ve seen lately – hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, earthquakes, nuclear saber-rattling, and so on. No specific thoughts, but just general awe of the list.

Selectboard Meeting Notes: Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Signs, & Climate

by cgrotke | Town News

Brattleboro’s Town Manager revealed the results of his summer explorations of issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity. He got generally good reviews for the summary of his report, but more than a few requested some additional specifics be included. Brattleboro seems to be in a good position to make progress over the long term, but benchmarks and budgets might help.

The pesky panhandling sign returned in a semi-uncertain form, with wording in question and sponsoring organizations and services asking for their logos to be removed. The private effort was to be a collaboration, but appears to have offended a few too many.

The board also signed a statement in support of other climate agreements being signed around the globe.  (For Kate O’Connor’s sake, I’ll say here that Brattleboro has been working on climate issues for a long time, is committed to action, and will continue to be so.)

All this, and possibly more.

Gibson Aiken & Harris Parking Lots – Project Update

by cgrotke | Town Plan

A significant project to improve the Gibson Aiken and Harris Parking Lots is about to get underway. The scope of the project includes replacing all pavement, new sidewalks and curbing, improved drainage, and fresh paint. The public should expect these lots to be closed for public parking throughout the majority of the estimated four week project.