Town News

For stories pertaining to the town of Brattleboro at large and its government.

Hotel Pharmacy Going Out of Business Soon!

by MD | Town News

I just learned this sad fact. Even if it’s been posted here already it’s worth saying again. The insurance system doesn’t support independent pharmacies–they don’t pay Hotel what medications cost, for cryin’ out loud. Hotel’s hung on as long as it could; word is we’ll lose their welcoming downtown presence in about 2 weeks. Many of us support our local vendors and producers. It’s a sorry state of affairs to see any of these businesses go. We’ll miss all the folks who were part of that fabric.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda January 10, 2023

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 5:15pm and is expected to enter immediately into executive session to discuss contracts and labor relations agreements with employees. The Selectboard will reconvene the business part of the meeting at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center at 230 Main Street. The public may also participate in the meeting over Zoom. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  ASL interpreters will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.

Brattleboro Committee Vacancies

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro is looking for citizens to serve on the following committees and boards:
ADA Committee
Arts Committee
Brattleboro Housing Partnerships
Citizen Police Communications Committee (CPCC)
Conservation Commission
Design Review Board (Alternate)

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Warnings

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Charter Review Commission will meet on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 6:00pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municipal Center (230 Main Street).

The Brattleboro RTM Finance Committee will meet on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 6:00pm in the Central Fire Station Meeting Room (103 Elliot Street).

Selectboard Meeting Notes – In-Person Representative Town Meeting, Alcohol Rules Relaxed

by cgrotke | Town News
selectboard jan 3 2023

The Brattleboro Selectboard held their first regular meeting of the new year, and new Town Manager John Potter was on hand to answer questions and advise the board.

They discussed changes to the liquor license application requirements, backing off a previous BAPC suggestion that hasn’t had the desired results. They also had an extended discussion about the type of Representative Town meeting to hold this year, and heard from the public about homeless people and cold weather.

Noticed Around Brattleboro – Winter 2023

by cgrotke | Town News

Another edition of “Noticed” where you can make note of little things you’ve seen in and around Brattleboro. 

Retreat Meadows had ice before xmas, but it has warmed up and skaters are being warned to stay off.
Theory Wellness opened up.
Goodwill opened up.
Add your observations below. (And thanks!)

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – January 3, 2023

by cgrotke | Town News

The format for the next Representative Town Meeting – in-person, online, or hybrid – will be up for discussion at the Brattleoro Selectboard’s first regular meeting of 2023.  They will also revise the liquor license process and review flagged items on their FY24 General Fund budget list.

You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation throughout the New Year!

Selectboard Meeting Notes – AP Triton Brattleboro EMS Report Presentation

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard held their final regular meeting of 2022, taking up issues of finance, cannabis, and EMS services. The AP Triton report gave the board four options of EMS services. The top recommendation of the consultants, though, was to get Brattleboro Fire Department up to national performance standards asap.

The board also heard a well argued critique of their recent police budget discussions.

Brattleboro Holiday Closures

by Not Signed In | Town News

In observance of the Christmas holiday:

Brattleboro Town offices will close at 12:00pm (noon) on Friday, December 23, 2022.

In observance of the Christmas holiday all Town Offices will be closed on Monday, December 26, 2022. Brooks Memorial Library will be open on Friday, December 23. The Library will be closed on Saturday, December 24 and Monday, December 26, 2022.

Trash, recycling and composting will NOT be affected by the holiday. Collections will be picked up on the regular schedule.

High Grove Parking Lot Lights and Meters Broken

by Not Signed In | Town News

Due to a vehicle crash in the High Grove Parking Lot the overhead lights are not currently working. Local electricians will be working to secure and install replacement parts. Expect the lights to be out and the lot to be unlit until further notice.

As a result of the incident the pay-and-display stations have also been affected. Those stations are powered by solar with an electrical backup. Use of the pay-and-display stations may be interrupted occasionally during this time.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – December 20, 2022

by cgrotke | Town News

The AP Triton EMS Feasibility Study and its (expected) four options for Brattleboro EMS services will be made available for the next regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard.

The board will also look at financial statements and audits, appoint members to the Charter Review Commission, and more.  You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center at 230 Main Street. The public may also participate in the meeting over Zoom. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  The Selectboard will then meet in executive session at the conclusion of the meeting.

Walnut Street Water Shut-Off

by Not Signed In | Town News

Notice of Water Service Interruption

Crews have discovered a leak in the water main on Walnut Street near the intersection with Terrace Street.  Repairs will be made on Tuesday, December 13 beginning at 3:00pm and continuing through approximately, 7:00pm.  During this work water service will be shut off to all residents and businesses on Walnut Street.  

Once the water is restored, you may experience a short period of discolored water or air in the water lines after the repair is complete.  Running the cold water for a few minutes should clear the lines if this happens.  

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda and Notes – December 13, 2022

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center at 230 Main Street. The public may also participate in the meeting over Zoom. The attached agenda contains information on how to access the meeting remotely, including the required “passcode.”  ASL interpreters will be available for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.

Brattleboro Committee Meeting Warnings

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Human Services Committee will meet on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 11:30am over Zoom.

The Brattleboro RTM Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 6:00pm in the Hana Cosman Meeting Room at the Municipal Center (230 Main Street).

Brattleboro Town Manager Contract Details

by cgrotke | Town News

Amidst all the hoopla and excitement of a contract with a new Town Manager at the Selectboard meeting Tuesday night, the board neglected to inform the public of any details of the contract.

Here’s your quick overview:

$120k salary
$5k for transportation
10 sick days

Selectboard Meeting Notes – McNeills, Budgets, and Park Planning

by cgrotke | Town News
new tm john potter signs contract

A long night of budget talk, with nods to McNeill’s. Plus, Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland admits he  forgot to add in repayment of a bond in the preliminary budget.

Should we fill more potholes? Should we build a year-round pool? Will homes get re-assessed soon? Is it called global warming?  These are the issues of the day.

Saying Good-bye to McNeill’s

by Lise | Obituaries, Town News
McNeills - iBrattleboro Night Out 11-8-2007

One of our favorite places to hang out when we first moved to Brattleboro was McNeill’s on Eliot Street. Having moved up from Boston/Cambridge, home of many gritty, grubby Irish-style pubs that were not then or ever going to be fern bars (remember those?), we were happy to grab a pint at Brattleboro’s equivalent spot whenever we had a free evening. Although many of our new Brattleboro compatriots seemed to prefer fern bars, we never found the clean scene that inspiring. Despite pressure to transfer our allegiance to places shiny and new, we continued to frequent McNeill’s, where an affordable pint was always available and the ambience was right.

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting Agenda and Notes – December 6, 2022

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will continue their journey through the FY24 budget planning season at their next regular meeting. In this installment, they will hear from the DPW, Assessors, and Rec & Parks departments with a special mention of the Living Memorial Park project financing.

The board will approve the contract with new Town Manager John Potter and will discuss ARPA funds, Fossil Free Facility Funds, and more. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation. Another reminder: you can run for office to become a member of the Selectboard. Contact the Town Clerk for details.