Building a Better Brattleboro to Announce Future of Robert H. Gibson River Garden

The Board of Directors of Building a Better Brattleboro will hold a press conference on Monday to announce the future plans for the Robert H. Gibson River Garden.

When: Monday, July 22, 2013 – 10:30 am
Where: Robert H. Gibson River Garden, Main Street, Brattleboro

Building a Better Brattleboro is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to support and nurture the economic, cultural and residential environment of Brattleboro’s downtown district. BaBB is the designated downtown organization for the town of Brattleboro.

Contact: Kate O’Connor, (802) 490-2073


Brattleboro Conservation Commission Hike

The Conservation Commission will meet at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at Eaton Avenue for a hike of Hogle Wildlife Sanctuary Trail.

Directions to the site are included in the attached agenda.

Julia Perks
Planning Services Clerk
230 Main Street, Ste 202
Brattleboro, VT 05301
802-251-8107


Selectboard Meeting Notes: Sondag Sayonara, Strand Ave Stress, Skating Rink Committee

Tuesday night’s meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard was the final regular Selectboard meeting for outgoing Town Manager Barb Sondag. Former Chair Dick Degray appeared during Public Participation to offer her a sincere, heartfelt send off. A public thank you and farewell is scheduled for later this week.

Residents of Strand Avenue came to request that the road and retaining wall repair project on their street be temporarily halted to enable a discussion of closing the street to vehicles. They were told it had been decided long ago to allow cars to go through, but that recent project mishaps would be straightened out.

The Selectboard voted to form a citizen committee to research long-term ice rink options, the board heard about the Recreation and Parks department, and they worked on granting of permits, permitting of grants, public hearings, and more.


Salon Jacque Chosen By Elle Magazine As One Of America’s Top 100 Salons

SALON JACQUE has just been notified by ELLE MAGAZINE that we have once again been chosen as one of AMERICA’s TOP 100 SALONS and the only one in the state of Vermont. This is our 3rd year in receiving this honor and our team is absolutely thrilled.

Congratulations to Jacqueline Bilodeau, Krystie Curtiss, Heather Fish, Ilene ‘Re’ Sheppard, Casey Langstraat, Kelly Darling-Snow and Lorraine Gordon.


Aggressive “Medical Alert” Telemarketer Warning

This evening, I picked up the one non-caller-ID phone in the house to hear a chipper youthful male voice intrducing himself and saying he was calling to arrrange an installation appointment for my new medical alert system.  I quickly said no thanks, not interested, and he just as quickly responded that I already had on on order, they just need to install it.  When I said I never ordered such a thing, he said it was already paid for, and that “someone who loves me or cares about my welfare” must have placed the order for my benefit.  Yeah, right.


Public Farewell to Brattleboro Town Manager Barb Sondag

The Brattleboro Selectboard, Administration and Staff invite the public to a farewell celebration for outgoing Town Manager Barb Sondag on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in the Selectboard meeting room, Suite 212 at the Municipal Center. You are also invited to meet the Interim Town Manager Patrick Moreland. Cake and punch will be served.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100


Ask-a-Cop: Decriminalization of Marijuana

“How has decriminalization of marijuana impacted the department so far? Is the law clear or confusing? Have tickets for small amounts of marijuana been given out to anyone?”

Decriminalization of marijuana has not impacted the department in a meaningful way.  Officers have been trained in the new law and the various enforcement actions involved.  There have been some minor changes in the way we store and process marijuana evidence as well.

The law is relatively complex, with different enforcement requirements based on the defendant’s age and the weight of the drugs.  There were also changes made to the law related to the forensic testing of suspected marijuana by the Vermont Forensic Laboratory.  That said, the law is not confusing.


Will There Be A Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast in July?

Will there be a Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast in July?

The short answer: yes! Please reply if you plan to attend.

The longer answer: The next “Brattleboro Citizens’ Breakfast” will take place on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Gibson Aiken Center, downstairs, hosted by Senior Meals. Doors open at 7:30am.

The presenter will be: you!


Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – July 16, 2013

At their next Tuesday meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard will begin to spend big money on the Police-Fire Facility project with an $800,000 contract for architectural services and $290,000 for property on Church Street on the agenda. 

The board will also form a committee to look at skating rink options, discuss the town website as well as local hiring, hire Lane Construction ofNorthfield, MA for paving, regulate food carts, and more. You can bring up other matters not on the agenda during public participation. Watch on BCTV or attend in person, and read all about it here afterwards.


Brattleboro Town Manager Search – Job Description and Ad Drafts

At the Brattleboro Selectboard’s July 16, 2013 meeting, the Board will consider for adoption a revised job description for the Town Manager’s position, and a job listing/ad for the soon to be vacant Brattleboro Town Manager position. and are now available for consideration and review by the public in anticipation of the July 16 Selectboard meeting.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100


Senator Gannett Drive Dedication Ceremony at Brattleboro Country Club

The private drive into the Brattleboro Country Club from Upper Dummerston Road was recently named Senator Gannett Drive. A dedication ceremony is scheduled on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the Brattleboro Country Club. Governor Shumlin will be present for the dedication ceremony. The public is encouraged to attend.

Jan Anderson
Executive Secretary
Brattleboro Town Manager’s Office
(802) 251-8100


Brooks House Deal Closes; Brown & Roberts Sold

Two bits of interesting business news today in Brattleboro.

First, it’s official, the Brooks House team has closed on the deal to finance the renovations and restoration of the historic downtown building. They should be given awards for being able to come up with the complex interconnection of financing ($24 million) that is making it possible. Work should start soon and a groundbreaking is scheduled for July 17.

Second, the rumors some have heard are true. Brown & Roberts has been sold. The Putnam family ends 40 years of family ownership with the sale.


Brattleboro Committee Meetings Scheduled

The Brattleboro Arts Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 4:00pm in the Selectboard meeting room at the Municipal Center.

The Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 4:30pm in the Hanna Cosman meeting room at the Municipal Center.


State Offices Moving Back to Main Street Building at the End of July

The state offices currently located on Linden Street will be moving back to their permanent home at 232 Main Street in downtown Brattleboro in late July. The offices on Linden Street will be closed at that time.

Transport of equipment will begin on Friday July 26 and will happen over the course of the weekend. Offices located in the building include:

the Vermont Department of Labor;
the Vermont Department of Health;
the Department for Children and Families Economic Services and Family Services Divisions;
the Agency of Human Services Field Services Division;
and the Department of Vermont Health Access Chronic Care initiative.