Cavendish Update 5/13/16 SB Mtg/Water/Job/News/Events

Today’s post has been made possible by a donation from Marcia Packlick. Thank you Marcia. Please support Cavendish Connects so we can continue to provide this valuable service to the community.
5/13/16 Cavendish Update
1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 5/9/16 & News
2. Notice: Spring Hydrant Flushing
3. Immediate Job Opening
4. Review of Planning Commission’s Flood Hazard Area Regulations
5. Money for Home Energy Improvements Workshop
6. Beavers in Vermont Workshop
7.Events
 
1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 5/9/16  & NEWS: Select board (SB) meetings are recorded by LPC-TV and are available at their website and on Comcast Television.  Written minutes are available at the town’s website.  The following action was taken at Monday night’s meeting:
• Report by the Telecommunications Committee included that Cavendish has been identified as having a minimum of 134 addresses that are considered un served by the state. As such, the town qualifies for state connectivity funding.
• Approved the VT 100 Race’s 2016 plans, which brings the race through parts of Cavendish
• Reviewed and approved 2016 Local Emergency Operations Plan and 2016 re-adoption of the National Incidence Management Systems (NIMS) for town emergencies.
• Approved Stewart Lindberg to Fire District #2 Prudential Board as current chair Michael Stack has moved to California.
• Received updates on various town projects including Memorial Day, Green Up Day and three grants for highway improvements.
 For a more in-depth report, as well as a PDF of the Telecommunications Committee report, go to The Dish.
 GMUHS Changes Bathroom Policy for Transgender Students: After students walked out of classes in protest of how transgender students were told they were unable to use certain bathrooms, school officials decided that any transgender student can use any bathroom for the gender with which that student identifies. WCAX
 
Health Insurance to Increase by more than 8%: The two insurers offering health care plans on the state exchange have submitted proposals to raise premiums by more than 8 percent for 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care submitted their requests to the Green Mountain Care Board, the state’s health care regulatory body, on Wednesday. BCBS is seeking an average increase of 8.2 percent, while MVP has asked for an average increase of 8.8 percent. Times Agrus
 
2. NOTICE: SPRING HYDRANT FLUSHING: From May 17 (Tuesday)-May 19 (Thursday) the Cavendish Municipal Water System will be underdoing spring hydrant flushing from 9-5.  System users are reminded that: Flushing may cause temporary discoloration and turbidity of the water. We apologize for any inconvenience to our users, however this is very important system maintenance procedure must be done each spring and fall. The flushing program allows the pipes to be purged and the hydrants checked for proper operation. Users are advised to avoid drinking the water or washing clothes (especially whites) while discoloration is in evidence. Following hydrant flushing in your area, users should run cold water until it clears before resuming normal use. It is also a good idea to flush residential water heaters after the water clears following a hydrant flush in your area. FMI 226-7291.
 
3. IMMEDIATE JOB OPENING: Four (4) persons needed by Brook Farm Vineyards in Proctorsville to prune grape vines.  Three to five days’ work.  Starts immediately.  Will train.  Pays $10.00 per hour.  Please email brookfarmvineyards@live.com if interested. 
 
4. PLANNING COMMISSION’S FLOOD HAZARD AREA REGULATIONS: The Cavendish Select Board will meet on May 23 at the Cavendish Town Office at 5 pm to review the revised draft of the Flood Hazard Area Regulations in anticipation of a public hearing for adoption in the near future. Etienne Ting, Chairman of the Cavendish Planning Commission, will be present to highlight the proposed changes, answer questions posed by the Board of Selectmen, and explain the rationale behind the proposed modifications. Other members of the Cavendish Planning Commission are welcomed to join us and participate in this review and discussion. This is a public, open meeting.
 
5. MONEY FOR HOME ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS WORKSHOP: The Cavendish Energy Committee will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cavendish Town Office in association with the USA Solar Store to explain available assistance to homeowners who want to improve the efficiency of their homes.
 
Zero Energy Now is a comprehensive home energy improvement program, providing efficiency upgrades, renewable heating (such as heat pumps and biomass) and solar electric that will reduce your energy costs by 50% to 100%. A qualified general contractor will conduct a detailed analysis of your building and present options for both increasing energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources.
 
Participants in Zero Energy Now can receive up to $2,500 in incentives through Efficiency Vermont for home weatherization, as well as 30% Federal solar tax credits. In addition, for a limited time, a bonus incentive of up to $5,000 is available for participants living in the former service territory of Central Vermont Public Service. Also, low-cost financing options are available. The general contractor will coordinate the work of subcontractors to install the improvements you choose.
 
It costs nothing to listen and the savings to you could be huge. For more information on the meeting please call Peter LaBelle at 802-226-7250.  For information on the program, please come to the meeting.
 
6. BEAVERS IN VERMONT WORKSHOP: The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will sponsor a presentation on Beavers and Trapping in Vermont with Fish and Wildlife expert Chris Bernier, head of the fur-bearer project, and James Stewart, long time trapper in our area. The discussion will be held on May 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the Cavendish Town Office meeting room, 126 High Street in Cavendish.
 
The goal of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources in dealing with human-beaver interaction is two-pronged. First, it is interested in maintaining, whenever possible, the valuable wetlands in Vermont that support biodiversity and vital ecological processes. Secondly, it hopes to provide the public with the best information available for managing problem situations that result from beaver activity.
 
This is a free event and all are welcome to attend. Bring your questions and personal stories about the beavers in your backyard. For more information contact Robin Timko at 226-7736.
 
7. EVENTS
MAY 14 (Saturday): Hazardous Waste Collection 9:00- 1:00 Springfield Transfer Station; Chicken & Rib BBQ Benefit at CTES 5:30-7:00
MAY 17 (Tuesday): Bike Path Meeting, 6:30 pm Cavendish Town Office
MAY 17 (Tuesday)-MAY 19 (Thursday) Spring Hydrant flushing of Municipal Water 9-5
MAY 20 (Friday)-May 22 (Sunday): BRGN Spring Rummage Sale, Fletcher Farm
 For information on upcoming events, go to the Cavendish Connects Calendar. For area events, check the Okemo Valley Chamber of Commerce calendar.