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The selectboard got through a long meeting, accomplishing much but under strained and tense moments at times. They chastisted one of their own for poor judgement and actions, explored a change in Rt 30 as it approaches and leaves Brattleboro, voted to go forward with a switch to single stream recycling, killed the MRF at the WSWMD, offered suggestions to organizations over workplans and budget requests, and more.

It’s going to be a long meeting Tuesday night when the Brattleboro Selectboard takes up an agenda covering just about everything.

There will be an update on the Police and Fire facilities, a presentation on the Rt 30 “gateway,” a decision on what to do about recycling and the Town Representative voting against Town wishes, and more budget discussion. And…

The Brattleboro Selectboard held a special meeting to continue their discussion of the proposed FY2018 town budget. In the very short meeting we learned of two big announcements – a first mention of a $2 million DPW facility being pencilled in as a placeholder in the 2021 budget, and news that Brattleboro’s downtown crosswalks and intersections would be cleared of snow by the DPW this winter.

The Brattleboro Selectboard, sans John Allen, held a special meeting regarding the FY18 budget, focusing on the numbers for the Police and Fire departments.

With no preliminary announcements, the meeting got right down to business.

Public Participation

Rich Holschuh returned to the Selectboard with a petition signed by 540 voters, over 5% of the registered voters in town. The petition asks to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day in Brattleboro, and for the question to be placed on the 2016 Representative Town Meeting warning for a vote.

David Schoales’ recent vote as Brattleboro’s representative to the Windham Solid Waste District was called into question by fellow board members who were shocked to learn that he had voted in favor of something the Brattleboro Selectboard had recently resolved to be against.  His vote has now been scheduled as a discussion topic for a December meeting, and he may be facing removal from his position as representative.

FY18 budget revenues, projects and expenses were the kick-off topics in the annual budget setting process. The board is learning what town staff propose, and are beginning to question and push back on items. Do we really need to replace the fire truck that failed inspection? Budget meetings will continue into January.

The skatepark and dog park projects were approved by the state, with permits granted for work to get underway. Brattleboro may have some permanent micro housing for the homeless, and the new West Brattleboro fire station walls will have better moisture control thanks in part to someone noticing and asking questions.

Brattleboro’s budget season kicks off in earnest at the next regular Tuesday night meeting of the selectboard at the Municipal Center. They begin with a discussion of revenues as well as capital projects and equipment planned for FY18.

A facilities project update, October finances, a permanenent housing project, a liquor license for Dollar General, and business loans and grants will also be on the agenda. You can also bring up other items during public participation.

The Brattleboro Selectboard attended to multiple pedestrian and traffic safety matters, allocating a substantial amount of money for new flashing signs and other safety devices for about town.

The board received their introduction to the FY18 budget, they decided to endorse a WSWMD budget with no Materials Recycling facility included, discussed where to send recycling if we close our recycling location, and determined that money would likely be saved as a result.

Banning single use plastic bags will require a petition to become an ordinance, Brattleboro would like a new firetruck, and we have the second best police department in the world!