News & Information

News and information sections, from near to far

Vermont Governor Scott Budget Address 2021

by cgrotke | State News

Vermont Governor Scott gave his budget address today. Here’s the full text of his remarks, following a bit of PR from his office

….:

“Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today delivered his fifth budget address to the General Assembly, presenting a balanced budget that, with the help of federal stimulus, includes $210 million in bold new investments to strengthen the economy, create more and better paying jobs, and address big priorities, like downtown revitalization, infrastructure, broadband and climate change. All without raising taxes or existing fees or cutting essential services.

The $6.83 billion budget lays the foundation for a strong economic recovery in all of Vermont’s 14 counties as we build back from the pandemic. This includes $123 million over two years in state capital construction, $680 million in roads, bridges, and other transportation projects, $1.99 billion in general fund spending and $1.89 billion for preK-12 education.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – January 26, 2021

by cgrotke | Town News

At their next meeting, the Brattleboro Selectboard will wrap up their budget season by approving the final FY22 budget and sending it with warned articles to Representative Town Meeting representatives. They’ll also accept a COVID grant and make committee appointments. It could be their shortest meeting in quite some time. You can extend it by  bringing up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

Brattleboro – Notice of Availability of Auditor’s Report 

by Not Signed In | Town News

NOTICE is hereby given that the Brattleboro Town Auditor’s Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, is available and posted on the Town’s website (www.brattleboro.org). It is available upon request by contacting the Brattleboro Town Clerk’s Office, 230 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or calling (802) 251-8157. It is also available by utilizing the curbside service at the Brooks Memorial Library. Please call (802) 254-5290 for information on this service. 

Kaaba

by tomaidh | Other

The Kaaba is an ancient structure In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that is sacred to Moslems. On pilgrimage, people circumambulate it (walk around it) endlessly.

I am struck by the resemblance of the VT Yankee building to the Kaaba.

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Safety Report Accepted, $12.5 Million for Water Treatment, Home Rule

by cgrotke | Town News
Brattleboro Selectboard jan 19 2021

The Brattleboro Selectboard accepted the report of the Community Safety Review Committee with a unanimous 5-0 vote and sent the document to Town staff. Staff will annotate and organize the recommendations for the board, evaluating the legality and logistics for each recommendation.

The board also heard about plans for a new water treatment plant at a new estimated cost of $12.5 million. They approved of a charter change amendment to be put to voters on March 2. And they recommend to Town meeting representatives that the police training budget remain at $27,000 rather than be increased to $40,000.

Brattleboro Downtown Snow Removal

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro would like to remind everyone that the snow emergency ban is in effect.   

Snow and ice will be removed from the streets in the downtown area this evening.   

Parked vehicles in the downtown district must be removed by 11:00pm or they will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Brattleboro Parking Lot Snow Removal

by Not Signed In | Town News

The Town of Brattleboro would like to remind everyone that the snow emergency ban is in effect.  

Snow and ice will be removed from the parking lots in the downtown area this evening.   

Parked vehicles in the downtown parking lots must be removed by 1:00am or they will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda and Notes – January 19, 2020

by cgrotke | Town News

The Brattleboro Selectboard is likely to add a Charter Amendment to the Town Meeting Warning that would eliminate the need for future Charter changes to approved by the state legislature.

The board will hear an update on the Water Treatment facility project, continue finalizing their FY22 budget for RTM consideration, and will continue their discussion of the Community Safety Review Committee’s recommendations. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during Public Participation.

Brattleboro Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closures

by Not Signed In | Town News

 In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all Brattleboro Town Offices will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021, with the exception of emergency services. 

Parking is free at all metered spaces and in the pay-and-display lots on Monday, January 18. All other violations will be enforced. 

Brattleboro Selectboard Meeting January 12, 2021 – Agenda and Notes

by cgrotke | Town News

Outstanding FY22 budget issues will be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard. How much paving should be done? Should board members get more compensation? Should one local media outlet (BCTV) be favored with funding from taxpayers? How much should Brattleboro spend on Human Services?

The board will also continue discussion of the Community Safety Review report and extend a contract for financial services. You can bring up other items not on the agenda during public participation.

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: 

Agricultural Advisory Board 

ADA Advisory Board 

Arts Committee 

Conservation Commission 

Selectboard Meeting Notes – Community Safety Committee Presents Findings and Recommendations

by cgrotke | Town News
brattleboro selectboard jan 5 2021

Marginalized populations of Brattleboro were a common theme for the Brattleboro Selectboard at their first meeting of the new year. They struggled with Human Services funding requests, then listened to an extended overview of the Community Safety report.

Everyone is encouraged to read the full report then return next week for more discussion of this and other topics.

Brattleboro Community Safety Review – Final Report

by cgrotke | Town News

Here’s the Executive Summary from the Community Safety Review report, followed by a pdf of the full report. You can also download this and other related materials on the Town of Brattleboro website. This report will be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting of the Brattleboro Selectboard.

Brattleboro Selectboard Agenda & Notes – January 5, 2021

by cgrotke | Town News

To kick off the new year, the Brattleboro Selectboard will hear a report and recommendations from the Community Safety Review Committee. The board will also consider an increase to Human Services funding, contemplate mailed ballots for Town Meeting Day, and call for volunteers to serve on committees.