News & Information

News and information sections, from near to far

Brattleboro Representative Town Meeting Survey Report Summary

by cgrotke | Town News

You might enjoy reading this:

“…A survey titled ‘Brattleboro Town Meeting: Your Opinion’ was conducted starting July 9, in order to get feedback on what annual representative town meeting (RTM) attendees and participants think about their experience with the Brattleboro RTM. 

The objective of this survey is to hear opinions about what people want changed or want preserved in our town meeting process, so that the RTM Steering committee can be better informed and can take this opinion into account, in our work.

The RTM proposal that was adopted for the Steering committee states: “…to review the rules, procedures and structure of Representative Town Meeting for the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the body…”

2021 Brattleboro Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes Due

by Not Signed In | Town News

The first installment of the 2021 Brattleboro Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes will be due on August 23, 2021.  Payments made after August 23, 2021 will have an additional 1% interest added to the unpaid balance.

The Town of Brattleboro utility bills are also due on August 23, 2021. Payments made after August 23, 2021 will have an additional 1% interest, as well as an 8% penalty added to the unpaid balance.

Selectboard Special Meeting Notes: Masks Redux

by cgrotke | Town News
brattleboro selectboard august 17 2021

The Brattleboro Selectboard approved a new rule requiring face covering indoors, subject to the approval of Dr. Levine and the Vermont Department of Health. If Levine doesn’t approve, the board strongly recommends, rather than requires, the face coverings. This is all in response to a rapid rise in regional COVID cases, more Delta variant, and a fluctuating CDC rating of viral transmission.

In a related action, the board recommended to everyone who is able, please get vaccinated.

Hinesburg Road Re-Opens

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Department of Public Works is happy to report that Renaud Brothers has completed the replacement of the stone culvert on Hinesburg Road that failed during the severe rainstorm on July 17.  The guardrails have been installed and the roadway has been paved.  Hinesburg Road is reopened to normal traffic, effective immediately.

We appreciate your cooperation, understanding and patience as these repairs were made.

Brattleboro Selectboard Special Meeting Agenda – New Mask Requirements

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard will meet on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 6:15pm in the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (320 Main Street). The public is encouraged to participate in the meeting over Zoom. The Municipal Center will be open to the public with limited seating spaced six feet apart and face coverings will be required in the meeting. 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.

The 2020 Census and Windham County, VT

by cgrotke | State News

The new census is being rolled out. Both Vermont and Windham County have seen population growth, if the numbers are reliable, since 2010.

Windham County had a 3.1% change in population, from 44,513 in 2010 to 45,905 in 2020. Vermont’s population grew by 2.8%, from 625,741 in 2010 to 643,077 in 2020.

The percent of Windham County population over 18 is 82.5%, or 37,893 people.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Refugees, and a New Police Chief is Sworn-In

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard returned from summer break to take up issues such as refugees and a new police chief. BDCC explained why they think the refugee program is a must, ECDC explained what their program was, and Brattleboro can look forward to up to 75 refugees a year and the anticipated financial and housing challenges, as well as the hoped-for benefits to the community and economy.

The board also swore-in new Police Chief Norma Hardy. The entire department showed up in support.

Representative Town Meeting Steering Committee External Issues Working Group Meeting Meeting Agenda

by Not Signed In | Town News

External Issues Working Group Meeting

August 5, 5:00 pm

Outdoor patio at the Brattleboro Food Coop

The agenda is to review suggestions concerning items related to the lead-up and preparation for Representative Town Meeting.

The public is invited to attend this discussion on issues concerning Representative Town Meeting.

Blog88.org August Issue (The Word, “CRAZY!”) Is Out!

by SK-B | Other

With a few last-minute glitches and a few hours late, the new issue of Blog88.org is online. The theme of this edition is:

The Word, “CRAZY!”

Featured as the lead article, is a powerful, first-person account of the horrendous, routine abuse of human beings in the guise of psychiatric care: CRAZY OR NOT, HERE I COME by Phoebe Sparrow Wagner.

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting Agenda and Notes – August 3, 2021

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard returns from their summer break to take up issues of new people in the community. They will swear in our new Police Chief Norma Hardy in a welcoming ceremony. They’ll also hear a presentation about the possibility of welcoming refugees to the area.

The Solid Waste Fund’s final transfer from the General Fund occurs, liquor permits will be given out, water and sewer repairs will be considered, and committee members will be appointed. You can also bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Chase Street – Notice of Road Closure and Water Service Interruption

by Not Signed In | Town Plan

There will be an interruption of water service on lower Oak ST and Chase ST from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, while Utilities personnel can replace valves in the intersection of Oak ST and Chase ST.

Work will begin on Monday, August 2, when the intersection will be closed for utilities crew to dig up the old valves and will remain closed until the work is completed on Tuesday, August 3. Residents at #6 – #26 Chase ST should use Forest ST for access and residents at #30 – #49 Chase ST will be able to use Linden ST for access in both directions.

Another Jobs Blow To Brattleboro

by David Cadran | Business

In another disappointing blow to the jobs market in Brattleboro; M&T Bank (Formerly People’s United) has filed a WARN notice with the state that next year they intend to lay-off 51 employees at the Brattleboro Operation’s Center.

People’s United is the largest depositor in Vermont with 26% of the state’s total deposits. Perhaps this will kick off the discussion again about the possibility of establishing a state bank who’s charter is to serve the people of Vermont. Just an idea…