Public weighs in on potential refugee program
BRATTLEBORO — BRATTLEBORO- At the July 9 Selectboard meeting, a few members of the public weighed in on a pilot program that would help refugees settle in town.
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation is working with the Ethiopian Development Community Council (EDCC).
The EDCC is one of nine agencies working with the U.S. State Department on a resettlement program that seeks to move New Americans to smaller, more rural towns.
Ann Wright and former Selectboard member Audrey Garfield both said they were excited about the program.
“This is a great opportunity for Brattleboro and southeastern Vermont,” Wright said.
Garfield said that she hoped everyone in town would choose “inclusion over exclusion” and welcome the new community members.
Joseph Runge, who said he didn't live in Brattleboro, had multiple questions about the pilot program, such as how many people the program would move to the area and to which towns.
Board Chair Elizabeth McLoughlin said that the town didn't have the answers to those questions at this time. Representatives from the initiative are planning to speak on the project at the board's Aug. 3 meeting.
Two liquor licenses issued
BRATTLEBORO- The Selectboard, in its role as liquor commissioners, awarded two first-class liquor licenses on July 9.
The board granted a license to the Retreat Farm on Route 30. Managing Director of Impact and Community Lindsay Fahey said the nonprofit wants to augment its ability to host events.
The board also granted a liquor license and annual entertainment permit to the River Garden Marketplace, an entity that is in the process of purchasing the River Garden. The business owners intend to offer craft beer at the downtown location [story, this issue].
Tyler named financial lead for water treatment plant project
BRATTLEBORO- As part of the town's upgrade of the water treatment plant, the Selectboard has designated Dan Tyler as the project's authorized representative.
As part of the project's financing, the town acquired a loan from the state's revolving loan fund. “Authorized representatives” serve as the official go-betweens for the state and town on anything related to the loan.
Elwell said Tyler, the assistant director of the Public Works Department, oversees the project and so for the sake of efficiency, he asked the board give him the authority to also deal with issues of financing.
Elwell and Public Works Director Steve Barrett are also authorized representatives on the project.
High-Grove mural project given the OK
BRATTLEBORO- A mural will soon adorn the concrete wall that spans the west side of the High-Grove parking lot.
The board approved the project from artists Nina Nabizadeh and Emily Tatro. Funding for the project came through the Town Arts Fund, administered by the Arts Council of Windham County.
The new mural will be painted next to the existing AIDS “Concrete Quilt” mural on what once was the back wall of a Grand Union grocery store.
Town replaces two vehicles for DPW
BRATTLEBORO- The Selectboard has approved the purchase of two vehicles for the Department of Public Works.
The department will replace a pickup truck with a smaller Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for $18,731, and will trade in a 2012 Chevrolet pickup for a 2022 Ram 2500 for $41,500.