Cavendish Update 11/13/09 News/SB Mtg/Events

This issue of the Cavendish Update is made possible by the Cavendish Community and Conservation Association (CCCA), a non-profit membership organization that is dedicated to the conservation of land and natural resources and to the preservation of historic sites within the context of sustainable economic growth. FMI: PO Box 605, Cavendish VT 05142 or 802-226-7736

The 11/13/09 Cavendish Update Contains
1. Cavendish Related News
2. Select Board Meeting 11/9/09
3. Upcoming Events

1. Cavendish Related News
Dr. Miller’s License to Remain Pulled

Border Patrol Returns on 91 and 89

Rutland Mall Bookstore to Close

State Issues School Funding Warning

State Urges Eligible to take H1N1 Spray

2. Select Board Meeting 11/9/09
Select Board meetings are aired on LPC TV. Dates and times, along with an on-line version of the Meetings, are available at www.lpctv.org

Items discussed at Monday night’s meeting include:

• Water Filtration Project: The system is now filtering out 90% of the manganese (Mn), but most recent testing showed levels of .12 mg/L which are still above the FDA standard of 0.05mg/L. Richard Svec, town manager, indicated that the back washing being done was found to be too aggressive, and as a result culture medium was being lost, which delayed the lowering of the Mn. This problem has been corrected and it shouldn’t be long before the levels should meet FDA standards.

The Select Board asked about the second well, which can be used to supplement existing water and can be a back up if the primary well would have to be shut down temporarily. Svec said that he hoped to have approval for the well by the spring and that this is a much cheaper project, since the existing filtration building has been retrofitted to handle the new well. Asked to estimate the cost, Svec thought it would be about $35,000.

While the amount of air has been lowered, there are still parts of town where the water is still “milky” coming out of the tap.

• VELCO: VELCO has been cutting trees and clearing timber off of Route 103 near the Cavendish Canine Camp. Svec reported that he has received a phone call from VELCO that Vtrans does not like the aesthetic plan worked out by the town and VELCO. This plan called for the planting of trees near the area where the expansion has taken place. Svec and members of the Planning Commission and Select Board will be meeting with VELCO on Nov. 30 to discuss this further.

• Town Highway Bridge #58 on Depot Street: In August, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAT) sent a warning to the Town about the condition of the bridge. This letter stated that within 60 days of the posting of the letter, the Select Board needed to respond about which recommendation they would follow, properly barricade, control, and close the upstream half of the bridge to traffic based on the state’s recommendation; will properly repair and/or replace deteriorated t-beams and associated supporting seating area; will properly repair hole in deck near the pier. More information about the letter from VAT is available at www.cavendishvt.blogspot.com 9/18/09 post.

Select Board member Peter Gregg noted that recently a hydrogen tanker was seen crossing the bridge. He pointed out that in the worse case scenario, the town could be destroyed if the bridge had collapsed under the weight of the tanker. In very short order, the Select Board voted unanimously to make the bridge one way (from Route 103 to Route 131), which would take effect as soon as the Jersey Barriers could be obtained. Svec is working on finding funding to replace the bridge.

3. Upcoming Events
November 14 (Saturday): Cavendish Baptist Church Holiday Bazaar at the Cavendish Baptist Church

November 19 (Thursday): Community Luncheon, 11:30 am at St James United Methodist Church, Main Street, Proctorsville. This month's holiday menu will consist of Baked Ham with yams, peas, tossed green salad, hot rolls, and apple or pumpkin pie. Coffee, hot tea or fruit drink will be offered as well. We'd love to celebrate the Thanksgiving with our friends and neighbors - come and enjoy a nice, hot meal and good conversation with us! A suggested donation of $3.00 for seniors or $4.50 for those under 60 years will help defray the cost of this event.

November 28 (Saturday): Cavendish Community Holiday Fair Cavendish Town Elementary School from 9AM to 3PM. The fair is sponsored by area churches and nonprofits. Lots of holiday items and goodies. Homemade treats, book sale, church raffles, hats, holiday decorations and much more. Stop by and purchase a holiday wreath, have a tasty lunch and chat with your neighbors. There will also be a free children's craft table.