HARDWICK – Updates and decisions on a wide range of Hardwick projects and issues were on the select board agenda at its November 20 meeting, including Hardwick Electric Department (HED), the pedestrian bridge, a proposed Essential Services Campus and associated bond vote, budgeting, plus changes to loosen development restrictions in designated downtown and village areas.
drawing courtesy Town of Hardwick
Town Manager David Upson revealed that Scott Johnstone is currently serving as interim manager for the Hardwick Electric Department (HED). Johnstone is now overseeing HED, in addition to his regular position at Morrisville Water and Light, as well as serving as interim general manager at Hyde Park Electric.
Upson says the pedestrian bridge is finally moving along, with pre-construction meetings taking place. A notice to proceed is expected soon. CCS Construction has ordered the bridge, and a temporary walking bridge may be installed in December, followed by demolition of the old bridge. A permit amendment will be submitted soon to hopefully allow work prior to July 1, and monthly construction meetings will occur on the third Thursday of each month.
Upson also delivered the road foreman’s report saying, the highway crew has been busy preparing the trucks for winter. The town is keeping close track of salt usage. When time allows, the crew has been spot grading and performing road maintenance to keep the roads in good condition.
The board discussed potentially changing the date and time of town meeting to improve public participation. The town charter states voting must take place on a Tuesday, regardless. Zoom participation must be further reviewed as a means of official voting.
Discussion then shifted to the Essential Services project on Creamery Road, sometimes referred to as the Essential Services Campus, a proposed shared campus for the highway, fire and rescue departments. The existing highway department building is at the end of its useful life and the fire department needs to be moved out of an area that’s seen regular flooding. The town has a conceptual plan for a new building to incorporate fire, rescue and road services.
Rescue would be self-funding, while the fire department could receive FEMA and USDA funding. The highway portion would be funded by Hardwick taxpayers through a bond vote, which could be for up to $6.5 million.
The goal is to hold public meetings in early January for public input, present information at Town Meeting, and then hold a special vote, said Upson. He added that a decision must be made to have it on the town meeting warning by January 15.
The board also discussed whether the proposed town forest should be placed on the warning. Reactions were mixed, with some board members expressing hesitation whereas others emphasized the need for public engagement. Upson asked what question the town would bring to voters; whether it concerned accepting the land or approving financial contributions. Ultimately after some discussion, the board agreed to receive an update from Northern Rivers Land Trust on December 18, finalize the proposed question, and officially decide whether to warn a bond vote by January 8.
In other business, ten properties from the 2023 FEMA buyout program have now been demolished. The concrete cutting for the new vault door in the Memorial building has been completed. The new door is expected to be installed soon. Weekly Springfest planning meetings are underway, with Hardwick Kiwanis taking the lead.
The select board approved renewing the Cannabis Tier 3 Cultivation License for the Clean Cannabis Company.
The select board voted to adopt a resolution to request Tier 1B status for the purpose of Act 250 jurisdiction. Hardwick’s Designated Downtown District and the proposed East Hardwick Village Center District would fall into that designation, which allows certain modest construction requiring limited or no Act 250 review. It will also place the town in a position to request Tier 1A status in the future.,
The board voted to approve a three-year contract with New England Municipal Consultants for assessing services, authorizing the town manager to sign the contract.
Town assessor Matt Krajeski said the Vermont Current Use Department recently submitted a revised current use plan for two abutting parcels with a single owner. The combination of the two parcels would increase the acreage for the property owner but would keep the grand list value the same for the Town.
The board approved the merger of the two parcels.
The board also reviewed drafts of the FY27 budget for revenues, admin and office, library, police department, line items, as well as trails and recreation.
At the next two December meetings the select board will work through the budget.
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.
