Cavendish Update 6/15/12 SB/News/Events/Benefits

Information can also be posted on the Cavendish VT Facebook Page

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 6/15/12 Cavendish Update Contains:
1. Selectboard Meeting
2. Cavendish Related News
3. Thank you NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont
4. Benefit Greven Field Restoration Project
5. Cavendish 250th Anniversary Banners for Sale
6. Lost Dog in Cavendish
7. Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) Food Shelf in Need
8. LPC-TV Seeking Board Members
9. Vote for Your Favorite Picture for the Cavendish Calendar
10. Cavendish Events 6/15-6/24

1. June 11 Select Board Meeting/Town Plan Hearing
Select Board meetings are videotaped by LPC-TV and will be shown on Comcast Channels 8 and 10. They are also available at the LPC website.

At Monday night’s select board (SB) meeting, the following items were discussed:

• Public Hearing on the Re adoption of the Town Plan: The Select Board readopted the existing town plan, with the addition of a slight modification to the map on views and vistas and the inclusion of the following policy Commercial and private aviators shall utilize existing regional aviation facilities for their activities. The installation and/or construction of landing sites for commercial and personal aircraft are prohibited in the Town of Cavendish. This prohibition specially does not apply to police, emergency and disaster response aircraft, which may land takeoff as may be required and safely accomplished. It was noted that in order to keep private helipads from being built on Cavendish property, an ordinance was needed. Language to this effect is included in the plan. “Develop and adopt a town ordinance to prohibit the installation and/or location of personal and commercial aircraft landing sites within the Town of Cavendish.” The select board was encouraged by the audience present to develop an ordinance, as it will take at least 90 days to implement it. Note that the passage of the readopted town plan has no baring on the current situation with David Coutu, who is suing the town and select board regarding his desire to have a private helipad on his property.

• Helipad: No additional information was available on how the lawsuit/mediation against the town and select board members is proceeding. It is up to the VT Dept of Transportation to determine if David Coutu can build a helipad on his property, located off of Heald Rd in Proctorsville. For more information, see the May 18, 2012 Cavendish Update.

• 250th Banners: The blue 250th anniversary banners that have decorated the town for the last year, have all been taken down. Rich Svec presented one of the banners to Margo Caulfield for her work in seeing that the 250th anniversary celebrations took place in spite of Irene. There are still a few banners for sale. Please see item 5 below for more information about purchasing one.

• Carlton Rd Project: USA Properties has requested that the Board meet with the Project Engineers (Holden Engineering) and with the Town’s consultant engineer Weston and Sampson concerning a proposed plan to connect the development project proposed for Carlton Road to Town Water and Sewer Services. Those in attendance, as well as some of the SB members, are perplexed by this request, since presentations have been made on multiple occasion to the board, and no real changes have been made to the project design.

In March of 2011, representatives from USA Properties came to the SB once again to explain their project-50 individual homes-4 bedrooms per home; 7 multi dwelling structures, which will be 4 stories in height and contain 30 units per building for a total of 210 units. Each unit will have three bedrooms. These buildings would be as high as the Jackson Gore condominiums; and a recreational area. Not only can’t the town’s existing water and sewer accommodate this project, but the project, as described does not conform to goals and objectives of the Town Plan that was just adopted by the board. Goal 1 states To ensure development that maintains the rural atmosphere of the community and historic settlement pattern of compact village centers separated by rural countryside. As Etienne Ting, chair of the Cavendish Planning Commission, noted, this project would basically create a third village for the town.

Rich Svec noted that during Irene, the proposed project area was completely cut off, and people would have been stranded, regardless of whether there was a second bridge.

Members of the audience expressed their concern about the considerable issues with town water, and wondered why would it make sense to add a project when it’s already known that existing reserves couldn’t meet the proposed project’s needs. With several realtors present, who are aware there is little or no market for such project, it was very difficult for anyone to entertain the validity of the project. None the less, the SB agreed to respond to the request by asking USA Properties to file an Act 250 Project Review Sheet and provide accurate plains for the proposed project, which include other options for entering and exiting the property. All were in agreement that the town should not be involved in spending a lot of time on this.

Svec will draft a letter to USA Properties identifying next steps.

• Town/van Schaik Property Swap: Pieter Van Schaik spoke to the SB about swapping a portion of land he owns below the Transfer Station for a right of way over town owned land starting at the Power Plant Road so he is in closer proximity to the Eagles Head gravel pit (a van Schaik family owned property). Irene eliminated the access road (now part of the “Canyon”) from Rt 131 to the gravel pit. Van Schaik, who first approached the SB about three years ago with this proposal, believes that the swap would help to deal with potential liability issues, as both town and Eagles Head face the problem of managing storm water runoff onto the adjoining downhill property. Since this is new to many of the SB members, it was agreed to have a site visit of the property next week. Van Schaik is very interested in creating a nature path on this land so that the public would have access to “river walks.”

• FEMA Update: Rich Svec estimates that when it’s all said and done, the cost for Irene recovery will be close to $4 million for Cavendish. To date, the federal government has given the town $237,000 and the state $13,000. FEMA is now reimbursing costs at 90% and the state at 5%. In addition, some of the town’s highway department were used for road repair. Consequently, the cost to the town will be less than 5% of total recovery costs. The person from FEMA now working with the town office is doing an excellent job and projects are going through. It is anticipated that a large influx of money will be coming in soon. The first to be “paid down,” is the loan from Berkshire Bank, which had an interest rate of 1.9%. Money has also been borrowed from Mascoma, where the interest rate is 1%.

• Black River Health Center (BRHC) Exemption: Selectmen and Chair of the BRHC, George Timko, presented the SB with an agreement, signed by the BRHC board, which would transfer the Health Center building to the town, thereby taking it off the tax rolls. However, the town’s attorney had examined the agreement and had two concerns about the document. Ultimately, the board voted unanimously, with Timko sustaining, to turn down the agreement. Given the board’s refusal to accept the document as written, there is no longer sufficient time to include the property as the town’s for determination of the town’s tax rate. Since the citizens voted at the March town meeting, to turn the building over to the town, no provision was made to exempt BRHC from this year’s property taxes. To help people understand the history of the building in view of the current discussions, the Cavendish Historical Society has prepared an historic timeline of the building, which is available at the CHS blog.

2. Cavendish Related News
Ernie Shand Retires/Mark Huntley to Run: After 12 years of service, Ernie Shand, House Representative from Cavendish and Weathersfield has retired. To celebrate Representative Shand’s work in the legislature, a picnic was held at the Cavendish home of Gene and Phyllis Bont, attended by many supporters from Cavendish and Weathersfield, and Windsor County’s three senators. Mark Huntley who, with the support of the Democratic Committees of both Weathersfield and Cavendish, will run for the Cavendish/Weathersfield House seat vacated by Shand. Huntley, a financial advisor and musician, is a Cavendish resident and services on the Select Board. Press Release

Irene Recovery will cost $733 Million: According to VT’s Irene Recovery Report, http://www.vpr.net/uploads/files/vt_recovering_stronger_rpt_june_2012.pdf of the estimated $733 million recovery costs, $110 million will be the state’s share of the bill. VPR

100 Year Forecast? More Frequent and Serious Flooding: The floods caused by Hurricane Irene and the spring rain and snowmelt of 2011 were some of the worst Vermont has ever seen, but we may expect more and worse floods in the future, according to Mathias Collins, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Even though speakers at a conference on flood resilience at the University of Vermont consistently expressed awe at the destruction caused by last year’s flooding, they are concerned that the worst is yet to come. VT Digger

VT to Subsidize Bus Service in Southern VT: In the face of a service cut that is set to begin June 20, the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has reached an agreement with Greyhound to maintain I-91 corridor service between White River Junction and Springfield, MA, including stops in Bellows Falls and Brattleboro. The agreement would ensure that existing Greyhound runs to New York City through Springfield, MA would be maintained in Vermont through the end of 2012, while VTrans continues an intensive study of inter-city bus service and potential ridership statewide. Press Release

Candidates for Public Office in VT: June 14 was the date by which anyone wishing to hold a public office has filed with election officials. Those who have filled include: Gov. Shumlin (D); Sen Bernie Sanders (P); Sec of State Jim Condos (D) The primary election date is Aug. 28 for Republicans, Democrats and Progressives.

3. Thank you NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont
On Friday, June 8, close to 100 volunteers from all over Vermont and parts of New Hampshire, came to Cavendish and Ludlow to help restore various parts of our community that were damaged by Irene. Cavendish had a variety of projects, including a major cleaning behind Crows Bakery, the Episcopal Church and the condo buildings on Depot St. in Proctorsville and help for families in the Whitesville area of town. The difference these volunteers made was incredible.

This event was organized by NeighborWorks Alliance of Vermont. It was great to see so many people, wearing t-shirt’s from the respective housing organizations, using chain saws, weed whackers, wheel barrows, hammering, sweeping , pouring concrete, raking etc. No task was too small for this group and what a difference it made.

Special thank you to:
• Abe Gross for his coordinating efforts and for the use of the Cavendish Baptist Church as the gathering point for the volunteers

• Bill for opening the transfer station and helping the volunteers put things where they belong.

• The “locals” who were on hand to help: Margo Caulfield, Peter LaBelle, Kathy Mahoney, Neil Snyder and John Turco.

If anyone has before and after pictures, please e-mail them to margoc@tds.net or drop them off at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum on Sunday between 2-4 pm so we can include them in our flood exhibit this summer and ultimately the Society’s archives.

4. Benefit Greven Field Restoration Project
On Thursday, June 21st, The Outback in Ludlow will host a fundraising event for the Greven Field Restoration Project (GFRP) to continue rebuilding the community baseball and softball fields and the family park in Proctorsville, Vermont that were destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene. The proceeds of all pizza sold at the Outback on Thursday, June 21st will support the Greven Field Restoration Project. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with awards presentations, pizza and at 6 p.m, a live auction of Red Sox tickets and autographed baseballs.

The highlight of the evening will be an auction of four tickets for each of two Red Sox baseball games at Fenway Park in September, 2012. The auction will also feature ten baseballs autographed by current Red Sox players including Jacoby Ellsbury and Josh Beckett. After pizza and the auction, the Union Street Band featuring Greven Field´s own Mark Huntley will rock the night out. For more information about the band, check out http://unionstreetvt.com/

The Greven Field Restoration Project is a community effort. We would like to thank the following local entities that have donated their time, labor and equipment:

Mike O´Neill of M&M, Rod Williams and the Okemo Valley Golf Club, Alfonso Chambers and the Cavendish Road Crew, Howard Barton and Ludlow Electric Co., Villages Painters. Terry O´Brien Painting, Diamond Realty, Freedom Hill Design, Hill-Martin Corporation, Huntley Financial Services, and HB Septic. Cota and Cota, The Castle/Cavendish Pointe and IAVC Intelligent Audio Visual have also made generous financial contributions.

GFRP is keeping our money local by making our purchases at neighborhood businesses such as Okemo Valley Golf Club, LaValley´s Build Supply, Singletons Store, Gilcris Enterprises, Brett Bartalotta Barco Builders, and Weathersfield Fencing.

5. Cavendish 250th Anniversary Banners for Sale
The last of the Cavendish 250th Anniversary banners have been taken down. What a year 2011 was and one that will be remembered for many generations to come.

While a number of the banners have been already purchased, there are still some available for sale.

Since the banners are double sided, you can purchase a single banner ($80) or the regular double sided banner ($175). Send a check for $150 payable to the 250th Anniversary Fund and mail to Cavendish 250th Anniversary Committee, PO Box 126, Cavendish, VT 05142-0126. You can also stop by the town office and pick one up. They will also be for sale during the Summer Fest, June 30 at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

Money raised will help to pay for a new Welcome to Cavendish sign on Rt 131.

6. Lost Dog in Cavendish
If anyone in town has lost a dog (looks like a Shepard mix), he was last seen in Bill Barrow’s kitchen eating. Very friendly feller, we hope he can be re-united with his family soon. He has been hanging out here since Sunday night, mostly outside, but we did manage to lure him inside to dry out for the night and fill his belly. 226-7213

7. Black River Good Neighbors (BRGN) Food Shelf in Need
Due to high demand in the last two weeks, the food shelf at BRGN is low. They are in need of the following: canned fruit and vegetables; Pork and beans; spaghetti; noodles; peanut butter; juice; dry potatoes; rice and pasta mixes; pancake mix; soup; granola bars; and coffee. Donations of money are also welcome. Please drop items off at the Ludlow location. FMI: 228-3663

8. LPC-TV Seeking Board Members
LPC-TV is looking for interested candidates for the Board of Directors. There are 1, 2, and 3-year terms opening up on the Board this year. We are at a critical point at LPCTV – it is time to complete Phase 1 of the building project, move in, and continue on with the capital campaign so that we can complete Phases 2 and 3 this upcoming year. Fresh ideas and creative energy are welcomed. If you or someone you know might make a good candidate, please call 228-8808.

9. Vote for Your Favorite Picture for the Cavendish Calendar
The 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest will be exhibited at the Cavendish Library June 19-21 (Tuesday-Thursday), during Library hours 9-6:30. Be sure to take a look at what your neighbors have chosen as their favorite views in our township! Winners will be announced at the June 30 Summer Fest on the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.

10. Cavendish Events 6/15-6/24
June 15 (Friday): GMUHS Graduation, 7 pm at the school
• CTES Plymouth State Park School Outing
• Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.

June 17 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net

June 18 (Monday): Last day of school at CTES.
• GMUHS 8th grade graduation, 5:30 pm potluck dinner at the school

June 19 (Tuesday): Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870
• 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest 6/30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.

June 20 (Wednesday): 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest on June 30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.

June 21 (Thursday): The Friends of the Ludlow Library are hosting a program for people with diminishing eyesight. Minta Fish, from the VT Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will discuss various eye conditions, services available and demonstration of several adaptive devices. The program will be held at the Gill Apartments. FMI: 802-672-4041.
• Bone Builders Class at the Cavendish Baptist-- Class from 10-11:15. FMI: Linda at Green Mountain RSVP & Volunteer Center of Windsor County at (802) 885-2083, Charlotte Snyder at 226-7343 or Anne Oakes or Andrew Ohotnicky at (802) 228-5236, Dot Ramsdell at (802) 226-7870
• Community Luncheon at St. James Church in Proctorsville. The Menu will include baked chicken pieces with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, along with broccoli, Paula's special coleslaw and hot rolls, a cake with fresh strawberry topping and hot coffee, tea or a cold beverage. A suggested donation of $4.00 for seniors or $5.50 for those under 60 years of age helps to defray the cost of this delicious meal.
• Sit & Knit" at the Six Loose Ladies yarn shop, Pollard Building, Proctorsville Green, 2:00 -9:00 PM. Open to knitters, spinners, crocheters, hookers. Free. FMI: 226-7373
• 2013 Cavendish Calendar Photo Contest are on display at the Cavendish Library from 9-6:30. Stop by and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at Summer Fest 6/30, which takes place at the Cavendish Historical Society Museum grounds 9-3 pm.

June 22 (Friday): Ludlow Farmer’s Market, 4-7 pm in front of Okemo Mountain School, 53 Main St.

June 24 (Sunday): Cavendish Historical Society Museum Open 2-4 pm. Featuring flood exhibit and 250th Cavendish Historical Timeline. FMI: 226-7807 or margoc@tds.net