HARDWICK – The April 13 special select board meeting primarily concerned FEMA funding, specifically for the wastewater treatment plant. A date and warning was also approved for a special town meeting, May 19.
The board discussed offers from FEMA for the wastewater plant, with the types of offers differing in critical ways; The Section 428 option would provide a fixed $8.2 million with greater flexibility but would cap funding and shift the risk of cost overruns to the Town. The Section 406 option would reimburse up to 90% of eligible costs, offering greater financial protection but less flexibility and more administrative requirements. Discussion ensued.
Mark Johnson of Vermont Emergency Management, who was present via zoom, noted the Section 428 option could be combined with USDA funding, however, those funds are nationally competitive rather than designated for Vermont specifically.
Thad Leugemors of the Vermont State Flood Recovery Team noted that a long-term solution had been to relocate the facility out of the flood zone. He also expressed concern about the age of the existing cost estimate and noted that if the Town accepts the 428 offer, it would not be able to request additional FEMA funding if costs exceed the fixed amount.
After discussing which option better suits the town’s needs, the board authorized the town office to move forward with the Section 406 Standard Public Assistance option.
Chair Ceilidh Galloway Kane inquired about the timeline under the chosen 406 option. Johnson stated that July 14, 2027, is the estimated completion date. He noted that FEMA may grant extensions if the project is actively progressing. He also emphasized the importance of moving forward with repairs and noted that, as a large project, the town may request quarterly
reimbursement through the Vermont Department of Public Safety.
A warning published last week in The Hardwick Gazette calls for a special town meeting, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. to take up two articles at an in-person meeting.
Hardwick Town Clerk Tonia Chase will be implementing a new procedure at the meeting to ensure only registered Hardwick voters can be counted when there are votes; She recommends voters arrive by 6 p.m. to be verified against the voter checklist. Each voter will be given a colored card, which voters will be asked to raise when votes either for or against an issue are called for. Chase said she’d be at the Town House to check people in beginning at 5 p.m. and there will be two lines, one for each half of the alphabet, to help the process move along more quickly.
The first article covered by the warning was approved on Town Meeting Day in March, then petitioned to be reconsidered. It asks if the town shall contribute $25,000 toward the purchase of approximately 329 acres of land that includes the top of Buffalo Mountain. The town’s contribution will be matched by more than $700,000 in other funds to create a town forest. The property will be given to the town along with a fund of $25,000 to go toward maintaining the property.
The warning notes benefits of the acquisition as protecting recreational access, fish and wildlife habitat, forestry, Lamoille River water quality and providing outdoor educational opportunities for children.
Hardwick Conservation Commission members have indicated the town’s contribution would help show the town’s support and leverage other funding.
Opponents of donating the $25,000 have expressed concern over the loss of tax revenue amounting to roughly $5,000 annually. In addition, it was pointed out during the previous select board meeting that the board has already voted to accept the property, so voting against the $25,000 donation only means those funds will need to come from elsewhere.
The second question to be considered is “Shall the Town vote to require all future voting at Annual and Special Town Meetings be conducted exclusively by Australian ballot?”
An informational meeting to discuss the Special Town Meeting questions and their implications is planned for 5:30 p.m. on May 7, before the regular select board meeting, said Select Board Chair Ceilidh Galloway-Kane, who added a warning for that meeting will be posted soon.
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.
