Town is closer to a computer upgrade
PUTNEY — PUTNEY - The computer system used by town employees has gotten one step closer to an upgrade.
During the last few months, Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard has warned the Selectboard that replacement was imminent, citing the need for a computer system that could handle the most recent anti-virus software, and allow for online banking.
The town's current computer system, including the server, is outdated enough to pose a challenge to town employees' productivity.
Stoddard asked board members at the Nov. 4 regular meeting if they approved of the purchase for this fiscal year, or if she should plan on adding it to next year's budget.
“When do you need this [computer] equipment?” board member Steve Hed asked Stoddard.
Her reply: “Yesterday."
Stoddard has collected quotes from a number of vendors, and is waiting on one more before she presents the complete comparison to the board. She told board members she expected to have that information by the next regular board meeting.
Safe Routes to School grant increased
PUTNEY - Because of cost over-runs, the state awarded Putney an additional $70,000 grant to complete the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project.
According to its website, SRTS is “a comprehensive program based on a simple premise: our kids should be able to safely walk and bike to school.” Its programs “combine education, engineering, enforcement, evaluation, and encouragement to get more kids walking and biking to school and make conditions safer and more convenient.”
In August, 2008, the town received an initial $63,000 grant to improve crosswalks, create better signs, and build sidewalks near Putney Central School. The total project ended up costing $133,000, and the state will fully fund the extra expense.
The grant's structure required no matching funds from the town.
At the Nov. 4 regular Selectboard meeting, Town Manager Cynthia Stoddard said she is awaiting the final bills from contractors who worked on the project. Once she receives them, she will submit them to the state for reimbursement.
Town gets a new road
PUTNEY - In accordance with Vermont's Enhanced 9-1-1 regulations, and with the assistance of Fire Chief Thomas Goddard, the Putney Selectboard created and named a new road.
Enhanced 9-1-1 standards state “a shared driveway of any length having three or more addresses on it shall be defined as a private road.”
Michael McKenzie chose Adams Lane for his driveway off Banning Road, which contains five buildings that can be reached only through the driveway. At its Nov. 4 regular meeting, the Selectboard unanimously approved his request.