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At Tuesday’s long meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard the new solar farm was explained in detail and public support for the project appears to be substantial. The board also approved a “quick fix” approach to ice rink repairs in order to be able to open the season on schedule. It also gives them more time to consider long-term options for the facility. 

The Fire Department presented an overview of their operations, a store on Guilford Road was again denied a liquor permit, tax rates were set, Patrick Moreland was named the interim Town Manager when Barb Sondag officially resigns, and much more was packed into the over three hour meeting.

The Brattleboro Selectboard would like to know what you think about the proposed solar farm along I-91. They’ve carved out time during Tuesday’s meeting to listen to your ideas.

If you go, you’ll also be able to participate in discussions of the skating rink compressor, local hiring, the town website, the Town Manager search process, various grants and permits, and other issues. 

The proceedings are broadcast and streamed by BCTV, and you can read a wrap-up here the day after.

Donna Macomber was unanimously selected to fill the vacancy on the Brattleboro Selectboard at a special meeting Thursday evening.

She and Michael Bosworth were nominated after being interviewed; Ian Kiehle and Steve Cormier were not nominated. Kate O’Connor thanked all who applied. “We were really lucky to have four really good people interested.”

During her interview Macomber said she hoped to bring energy and excitement to the board, as well as humility, emotional intelligence, a “beginner’s mind,” and an ability to make decisions.

The Brattleboro Selectboard bid farewell to Ken Schneck, whose resignation is effective this week, but in a surprise announcement it was learned that Town Manager Barb Sondag will be resigning as well.  Sondag said that she’ll be taking a position in Missouri to be closer to family, and so the board must find a replacement. 

The Brooks House’s complex funding may be in place by next week, with construction beginning in late July. Skating rink repairs have been put on ice until the board’s next meeting. And the public is invited to comment on a proposal to put 8,000 solar panels near the Holiday Inn, viewable from I-91.

And much, much more. Read on for the details.

Selectboard Chair David Gartenstein just announced that Barb Sondag, Town Manager, will be resigning effective July 23rd. She’s taking a job in Missouri.

More in the full Selectboard report later on.

Overpriced ice rink compressors will be a topic of conversation at the next regular Tuesday meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. The single bid received for fixing the ice rink came in more than $100,000 over what was anticipated to be a $364,000 project, and the Town can’t afford a $471,000 price tag, says the Finance Director.

The Town also plans to purchase a new dump truck and brush chipper, BaBB will give the board a status update, Brooks House owners Mesabi, Inc. will return to ask for an additional $50,000 in loans from the Town of Brattleboro, and much more. Tune in to watch on BCTV, attend in person at the Municipal Center, and read full coverage here the day after.

The Brattleboro Selectboard chose an architectural engineering firm for the Police Fire Facility project at their Tuesday meeting. The board also started a discussion about asking property owners with tax exemptions to pay something anyway for the services they receive.

Arkham fought for and received their outdoor consumption permit, the Town got a clean bill of health from auditors, the Grand List is up, and an upcoming Selectboard vacancy was officially announced. Read on for details.