HARDWICK – The May 21 regular selectboard meeting saw the introduction of a new candidate for Caledonia County Sheriff, Robert Gerrish. Former selectboard member Danny Hale was present, bringing a number of issues to the board’s attention.
Hale began with suggestions for improving the quality of zoom for remote attendees. Hale recently visited the cemeteries, expressing concern about their condition. He proposed creating a cemetery commission with five members, and hopes to have the matter voted on at town meeting.
He asked the board either for permission to proceed or to work with town manager David Upson on the effort. Chair Ceilidh Galloway Kane noted that each cemetery is in a different stage of need and that there are separate projects associated with each one. She stated that she would like to see a plan developed for each cemetery. Upson mentioned the town has funding available for these projects. Hale added that Sexton Joe Mangan is doing a good job and emphasized that his comments were not a criticism of Joe’s company.
Regarding the old Hardwick Gazette building, Hale stated that he does not believe FEMA should acquire the property. Instead, he believes the town should purchase the property, demolish the building, and redevelop the space so Main Street does not lose the property entirely. Tim Ricardello asked whether acquiring the building would create significant liability for the town. Hale clarified that he envisioned converting the space into a parking lot. He also suggested that the town should consider acquiring Mike Brochu’s property as well for parking spaces.
The town manager’s report saw some FEMA and construction updates. Upson said the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) insulation work through NEK Comfort is scheduled to begin at the Town House next week, followed by work at the Memorial Building and then the Public Safety building. The work is being funded through a state grant. He said there was a second phase of the grant for the installation of heat pumps; however, the town is waiting until the current installation work is completed before moving forward with that portion.
Upson has had several meetings with the town’s project manager and the engineers regarding the bridge projects. The project manager is working on transitioning FEMA involvement from A&E services to the construction phase.
The town continues to meet biweekly with FEMA regarding the wastewater treatment facility and fire station. Currently the town needs to decide if the design work is going to include rebuilding or relocating and how to proceed without spending unnecessary time or money on it, said Upson who noted that the town needs to move forward by issuing a request for proposal (RFP). The bridge and wall project remains on schedule and is progressing well. A minor redesign to the micro pile system was required in order to coordinate tie-ins with the wall structure, and the issue has since been resolved. The coffer dam installed at the site performed well during recent rain events. Upson also reported that the north abutment has been completed.
Funding updates for the Hardwick Rescue project to create a facility were also discussed, specifically the congressionally delegated funding application. Upson noted there is still significant work ahead on the project.
The town partnered with Heartbeet Life Sharing on a grant application two years ago. Heartbeet recently withdrew from the grant. He reported the town incurred legal fees related to the matter, which will be repaid by Heartbeet.
After some discussion, the board voted to appoint thirteen of the fourteen applications who applied to the Buffalo Mountain Steering Committee: Andrew Gilbert, Brendan Buckley, Danny Hale, James Kelley, Joe Nudell, Julie Sullivan, Leif Goldberg, Lucian Avery, Matt Renaud, Paul Cillo, Philip Robertson, Renaud Demers and Sue Rivard.
In other business, the board voted to approve the 2026 Local Emergency Management Plan.
The board approved a 3-year contract for the Highway Department, authorizing town manager David Upson to sign the contract.
