by Gazette Staff
CRAFTSBURY – At its October 3 regular meeting, the Craftsbury Select Board discussed hiring someone to write grants for the town, received an update from the Freedom and Unity Task Force, and got an estimate of the cost of repairing the flood damage in town.
Craftsbury resident John Zaber was recommended to be added to the Website Committee. After discussion, the board voted to do so.
The board discussed the community development coordinator position. The person in that position would be responsible for identifying and applying for grants on behalf of the town. Funding is available from many sources, largely state and federal agencies. Towns in the area have hired someone to do the job (for example, Hardwick), or are looking to do so (Greensboro), either working for a single town or shared between two towns.
Craftsbury has so far done “pretty well” in applying for grants because it has “lots of people in the community who put in a lot of time.” Discussion of options will continue, including a potential collaboration with Glover.
Website safety reporting form options was discussed. Issues raised included preserving anonymity of those reporting a concern, and how the information that is submitted will be used. No decision was reached.
In an update on the Freedom and Unity Task Force, Susan Clark reported that a “vibrant little committee has been meeting and coming up with ideas.” The next event is scheduled for Sunday, November 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Craftsbury Library. To gather input before the meeting, a link to a survey has been posted on the town website (townofcraftsbury.com/freedom-unity-comm). Questions on the survey include “Why does local democracy matter to you?” and “What’s your wildest idea to make town meeting better?”
An update on work with FEMA regarding flood damage reported that calls and meetings with FEMA representatives are ongoing. The estimate of the cost of repairing flood damage in town is currently $1.3 to $1.5 million.
The Mental Health Resource Group reported that it had raised $4,000. More than 40 people attended the recent “Out of the Darkness Walk.”
The next regular select board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, at 7 p.m.
