Cavendish Update 5/14/21: SB Mtg/Construction/Tag Sale/Covid
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The Cavendish Volunteer Fire Department will hold a walk in Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday May 22 from 9-11.
5/14/21
1. Route 131 Road/Bridge Construction/: Week of May 17
2. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 5/10
2. Cavendish Info
3. Covid update
4. Events
1.ROUTE 131 ROAD CONSTRUCTION/91 BRIDGE: Week of May 17-
RT 131: The current phase of berm removal and ditching is scheduled for completion this week. These operations will resume later in the summer after the cement reclaim has been completed.
The pulverization pass for reclaim has been completed. This process involved pulverizing the top 8 inches of the roadway subbase in order to allow the process of rebuilding the subbase to proceed.
The contractor is now grading the roadway and placing gravel on the pulverized subbase in order to shape the road to the new profile. This process will be ongoing for several weeks and will involve graders and rollers. The crew is currently in Cavendish Village and working eastward. The traveling public should expect longer delays where the gravel spreading is taking place and it is recommended that extra time be added to travel plans.
The roadway will not have lines on the gravel surface to delineate travel lanes. Rough road should be expected and the contractor will be grading the rougher areas as needed.
Bridge: On the Southbound bridge (Bridge 30S), the deck and upper portions of Abutment 2 that support the span of the bridge have been removed. The removal process on Abutment 1 may possibly begin next week. The new span for Girder 2 has been bolted in place. Diaphragms are being installed this week and it is anticipated that all steel work will be completed by the end of next week. Localized paint work has been completed. Painting crews will return after the new deck is completed to repaint the entire steel super structure. The remaining lower portion of Abutment 2 is being repaired as needed.
Crews began installing form work and rebar for the Abutment 2 back wall. This work will be ongoing for several weeks. Next week crews will be working on concrete repairs to Abutment 2 (north end) and installing the new steel. Once all the steel has been bolted on, crews will begin forming the deck.
Expect minor delays and enforcement of 55 mile per hour speed reduction.
2. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING MAY 10: Videos of the Cavendish Select Board (SB) meetings are available at the Okemo Valley TV website, with minutes available at the town’s website . Both the Chester Telegraph and VT Journal have reports on Monday night’s meeting.
Below is additional information on some of the topics discussed and/or voted on by the SB at the May 10 and their special meeting held May 3:
• Road construction on 131 has been delayed in Proctorsville until the end of the school year. The last day of school is June 17.
• Sewer Line repair: A sagging sewer line, that runs between Singleton’s and Depot Street, will be replaced. Similar to water main breaks, which happens periodically throughout the year, the repair itself is a short term project but will coincide with the road repair, saving money and making it more convenient. This will result in one way traffic but not a detour. For those concerned about a “big hole” or odor, not to worry, the hole is filled at the end of each day and there shouldn’t be any unusual smells. Note: The Town Wide Tag Sale (see article 3 below) and concerts will take place. Just be aware that parking on 131 isn’t going to be feasible in various locations.
• 131 is going to be a dirt road this summer: Vtrans has estimated that the 131 project will be ongoing until Oct. 11. Please observe the flaggers and when possible, seek alternate routes and/or allow more time for travel. Flaggers can hold a “stop” for no more than 10 minutes. As many people know, when there are a variety of “stops” it can take a long time to travel the 9 miles between 106 and 103 on 131. On Thursday we post the construction report from Vtrans on the Cavendish Facebook page and it’s included in Friday’s Cavendish Update.
• ARPA Funds/Broadband: Cavendish will receive about $412,000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to be used on water, wastewater and broadband.
As far as Cavendish’s broadband, Cavendish Connects conducted a short survey in March. While TDS service has significantly improved and Comcast now covers the northwestern part of town, there are spots where TDS is not providing anywhere near close to the federal standard of 25/3 Mbgs. These areas include Hard Scrabble, Newton, parts of Heald and Davis, and Morigiloni roads. The Consolidated Communications area (formerly Fair Point), which is now predominately covered by Comcast, has two areas of poor or no service-Stevens Rd and Birmingham Rd.
There is considerable discussion in Montpelier about how much and how to distribute ARPA funding for Broadband-the Governor requested $250 Million, while the House budget bill offers $150 M and the Senate bill $100M. Until there is agreement, we’re in a holding pattern as far as available funding and how it can be accessed. The Cavendish Telecommunications Committee is working on this issue.
• Actions Taken
- At the May 3 special SB meeting, Abe Gross was appointed to one of the two vacancies on the GMUSD board. At the May 10 meeting, Julia Gignoux was appointed to fill the second vacancy.
- Approved a lien on the property of 228 Cavendish Gulf Rd so that the town can fix the driveway, remove the trash from the property, and deal with rodent infestation. The property is in violation of the Health Order
- Approved the Town Highway Annual Financial Plan
- Approved the purchase of a loader-May 3 meeting. The new loader has been delivered.
• Tax Sale: Seven Cavendish properties were slated for the town’s May 5 tax sale. Prior to the sale, four resolved their issues with the town. Two of the properties were sold, with the third withdrawn as the exact location of the parcel is unknown. The town collected $50,000 in delinquent taxes.
• Cavendish Transfer Station: The town is looking at better ways to control flow at the transfer station to ensure that items are: properly disposed of; tipping fees are paid; and the facility is being used by permit holders only. The town manager is going to be working with a transfer site expert who will provide recommendations. To help in supporting the transfer station for maximum efficiency and useability:
- Review guidelines for what is recyclable in Zero Sort, belongs in the E-waste building, compostable etc.
- Purchase a transfer station sticker. Recycling and trash disposal at the transfer station is by permit only. Permits are available to Cavendish residents and property owners and may be obtained in person at the Town Office, at the Transfer Station, or via mail. They are $5 a piece for each vehicle that will be using the transfer station. FMI: Call the town office 802-226-7292
• Other Town Projects: Bill Bigwood has retired from the highway depart and Derek Bruce has been hired. Paving on Greven and Wheeler roads is complete. Parking spaces at the EV charging station will be painted soon.
3. CAVENDISH INFO
• TRSU Board Meeting: 2 schools to participate in state Covid testing program-Proms and Graduation to occur: Mt Holly Elementary School and Green Mountain Union High School will be participating in a Covid-19 testing program through the remainder of the school year and during the summer. If all goes well it could be put in place for all schools. Proms will be held during the first week in June, following Covid guidelines that are in place at that time. Outdoor graduation will be on June 18 (Friday). Chester Telegraph
• Families Urged to file taxes soon to claim expanded child benefit
3. TOWN WIDE TAG SALE: In spite of the 131 road construction and the Proctorsville sewer repair, the Cavendish Annual Town Wide Tag sale will take place on July 31 (Saturday) from 9-2. If you live on 131 and are planning to set up that day, if you don’t have an easily accessible place for parking, please consider locating to one of the town greens this year. For more information, check out the Tag Sale Website.
4. COVID UPDATE: Cavendish’s had three new cases of Covid this past week, bringing the town’s total to 29 cases. As of 5/13, there have been 23,724 cases of Covid in VT with 252 deaths. Approximately 70% Vermonters, aged 16+, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 51% being fully vaccinated. VT now leads the country in vaccinations.
CDC Issues New Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Individuals: The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings. Fully vaccinated people can:
• Resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance
• Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel
• Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States
• Refrain from testing following a known exposure, if asymptomatic, with some exceptions for specific settings
• Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic
• Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible
VACCINATIONS: The newest changes in vaccines for eligibility includes anyone who lives out of state but works in Vermont and youth 12-15, which were just approved by the FDA and CDC for Pfizer vaccination. Vaccination for this latter group began yesterday and will continue with special clinics at schools. Note, those 12-17 can only receive a Pfizer vaccine and will require a parents permission.
Make an appointment for your free vaccine on-line or by calling 855-722-7878. Also check the VDH Facebook page for notifications of pop up and walk in clinics.
Less than 1% of COVID cases since January 2021 have been among fully-vaccinated Vermonters. Almost 250,000 people have been fully vaccinated in VT. Of this group, only about 0.06% have experienced a “breakthrough.” As good as the vaccines are at preventing infection, disease and death, it’s not 100%. Since January, there have been 161 vaccine breakthrough among Vermonters. Of those cases, six required hospitalizations and less than 2% of vaccine breakthrough cases have died. To date, vaccine breakthrough cases are more likely to be health workers or residents in a long term care facility. This is expected. These populations are at increased risk of exposure than the general population and are more apt to be tested. While the Covid vaccines are effective, VDH recognizes that a small percentage of vaccinated people will test positive, as vaccinated who become infected are less likely to show symptoms.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS:
MAY 14 (FRIDAY): Estate sale, 8-2, 43 Carlton Rd, Intersection of Carlton Rd and 131). A huge selection of small furniture items, bed frames, furnishings, decor, artwork, Christmas decor, glassware, kitchenware, pool table, hand crafted wood/iron bar, barstools, lawn/garden tools, tent/campsite package, TV, CDs, books, dozens of old National Geographic magazines, and more! Cash/Venmo/Paypal only; no personal checks.
MAY 15 (SATURDAY): Estate sale continues at 43 Carlton Rd from 8-noon
MAY 22 (SATURDAY): Fabric and Craft Supply Sale, 1-2 in the Fletcher Farm Gift Shop. Lots of fabric, yarn, art supplies, books, frames, raw wood products and more.
MAY 25 (TUESDAY): Household Hazardous Waste Day 2-6 pm at the Springfield Transfer Station. FMI.
MAY 28 (FRIDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale early bird special, 5:30-7 pm on the Museum grounds. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com
MAY 29 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society’s Annual Plant Sale 9-2 on the Museum grounds. FMI: 802-226-7807 or margocaulfield@icloud.com
MAY 31 (MONDAY): MEMORIAL DAY. Legal holiday. Town office closed.
JUNE 14 (MONDAY): Gift and Craft Shop opens at Fletcher Far for the season. The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10-4. Crafters and artists who are also members of the society may enter their work into the shop for sale.
JUNE 17 (THURSDAY): Last day of school
JUNE 18 (FRIDAY): GMUHS Graduation-will be held outside
JUNE 19-20 (SATURDAY-SUNDAY): Vermont Art Council’s Open Studio Weekend. Fletcher Farm School will be one of the spots.
JUNE 26 (SATURDAY): Birds in Bloom, market gathering of local art, decorated bird houses, and plants sponsored by Cavendish Streetscapes from Noon to 5 on the Proctorsville Green.
JULY 3 (SATURDAY): Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.
JULY 4 (SUNDAY): HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!
JULY 31 (SATURDAY): 11th Annual Cavendish Town Wide Tag Sale
AUGUST 21 (SATURDAY: Fletcher Farm Craft Sale. Vendors and volunteers needed. FMI: Festival Director Sue Carey at SueSmyserCarey@hotmail.com.
SEPT. 11 (SATURDAY): VT Golden Honey Festival 10-4 at the Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville Depot St. Free
CA❤︎ENDSH VACCINATES TO PROTECT SELF & OTHERS