HARDWICK ― The first select board meeting, March 6, after town meeting, had a mixed agenda, with flood repair work again requiring attention. This meeting is an organizational meeting and began with the nomination and appointment of several positions. Eric Remick was unanimously voted as chairperson, as was Ceilidh Galloway-Kane for vice-chair.
The board moved on to discuss town appointments. Tim Ricardiello agreed to be the alternate for the Northeast Kingdom Communication Union District. Chair Eric Remick will serve as agent to convey real estate. Among his other appointments, Remick is now the designated town health officer via the Vermont Department of Health, with Town Manager David Upson serving as deputy health officer.
The select board then moved on to discuss a potential grant opportunity, brought forth by Business Manager Casey Rowell. The Vermont Bond Bank has a program called the Small System Capacity & Resiliency Program (SCRP) that would help bring the sewage plant lift stations up to codes and standards after they flooded twice, as well as increase capacity for the future. The total offer letter is $1.7 million at .09% interest. The intent of the program is to provide up to three years of cost-free capital with principal repaid by proceeds from FEMA and the State of Vermont. After proceeds from FEMA and the State of Vermont are received and used to pay down the loan, the required local match may be eligible for forgiveness. After some discussion, the board voted to move forward with the grant anticipation note for $1.7 million with Vermont Bond Bank and to authorize the town manager to sign the commitment letter.
The board moved on to review and consider selecting an engineering firm for the design and engineering work for the East Main Street bridge, off Rte. 16 before Greensboro Bend. The town received two proposals, of which the price varied significantly. Horizons Engineering totaled at $69,900 compared to $367,457 from Dubois & King for engineering only and $147,124 for construction administration.
After some discussion the board voted unanimously to accept the Horizons Engineering proposal to do the engineering work for the East Main Street bridge.
Shari Cornish, representative of both the Downtown Partnership and NEKarts, shared that the two organizations had unauthorized funds taken from them by their bookkeeper. Since this discovery, both organizations have received reimbursement.
Business Manager Casey Rowell informed the board that the 2019 unmarked police car needs costly repairs, around $5,500 to $6,000. The vehicle is scheduled to be replaced in 2026, but this may need to happen sooner.
Danny Hale then inquired about the pedestrian bridge. Rowell informed the board that if they can get an additional downtown transportation grant, then they will have the funds to move forward. Having confirmed all the funding, USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) will then give the board a notice to proceed. The board noted this project must be completed during construction season, or they will apparently lose several of their funding sources.
The meeting concluded with the discussion of the buyout of the Civic Standard building, of which Shari Cornish said the buyout is still in the early stages and not of great concern currently.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
