DRB says “highly unlikely” that Norwich sign regulations are valid under First Amendment

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In April, the Norwich Development Review Board (DRB) denied an appeal from the determination by the Zoning Administrator regarding the Black Lives Banner on Main Street. The ZA had concluded that the BLM banner is exempt from the Town’s sign regulations.* However, perhaps a more far-reaching aspect of this decision is the conclusion by the DRB that it is “highly unlikely” that the content-based aspects of the Norwich sign regulations are constitutional under the freedom of speech provisions of the Continue reading DRB says “highly unlikely” that Norwich sign regulations are valid under First Amendment→

Planning Commission recommends that Town study sewer options

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The Norwich Planning Commission is recommending to the Selectboard that the Town fund a study to examine sewer options for the Town. The resolution passed at the Commission’s meeting last week. The vote was unanimous, with one abstention according to the draft meeting minutes. At the time of this post, the video of the meeting is not yet available on the Town’s YouTube channel. Town efforts to connect with the Hartford sewer system may be at cross-purposes with the School Continue reading Planning Commission recommends that Town study sewer options→

Selectboard mailbag: Preferred site status for solar

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In the packet for the Selectboard meeting on April 14, 2021, is correspondence to the Selectboard on an issue of concern to me. That issue is the Town Plan’s declaration that essentially all land in Norwich is a preferred site for solar development. At page 1 of the packet is a memorandum from former Selectboard member Steve Flanders. In it, he questions the “advisability of that approach.” The memorandum makes two key points. First, designating specific parcels sends a better Continue reading Selectboard mailbag: Preferred site status for solar→

Delay hiring a new police chief?

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A number of residents are asking that the Town delay hiring a new police chief in order for the Town to revisit what residents want from their police force. Their correspondence is in the packet for the Selectboard meeting for April 14, 2021 at pages 4-25. “Due to the resignation of the Chief, we have an opportunity to take time to rethink what Norwich really needs in view of new understandings of the impact of policing on our communities,” wrote Continue reading Delay hiring a new police chief?→

ICYMI: Montshire Executive Director Stepping Down

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In a press release issued last week, the Montshire Museum of Science, located in Norwich, Vermont, announced that its executive director was leaving to take a position in New York City. Marcos Stafne, the Executive Director of the Montshire Museum of Science, will step down from his current role at the end of April. He has accepted a position with the Wildlife Conservation Society as their Director of Learning Experiences, Zoos & Aquarium. In this new role, he will envision Continue reading ICYMI: Montshire Executive Director Stepping Down→

Selectboard to discuss body cams for police

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Police body cameras are an important tool to enhance accountability and transparency in policing. Is Norwich ready to the make the move? How about if a grant covered nearly 80% of the cost? The matter is on the Selectboard agenda for its meeting on March 24. Discussed below are the stated reasons for the proposed purchase as well the Selectboard Chair’s opposition. At the end, I rant about the lack of a capital plan. The proposal is to purchase four Continue reading Selectboard to discuss body cams for police→

Selectboard agenda item number 8: Reaffirm Master Financial Policies

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This is a wonkish post. Read no further if you don’t want to delve in the details of the the Town’s Master Financial Policies, unless you suffer from insomnia and need somnolent reading material. Listed as agenda item number 8 for the Selectboard meeting on Wednesday, March 10, is the topic: Reaffirm Master Financial Policies. I don’t recall reaffirmation of the policies as an annual housekeeping event in Norwich. But, it’s a good idea. A nice project for Finance Committee Continue reading Selectboard agenda item number 8: Reaffirm Master Financial Policies→

Town Meeting Article 11 – Incentive or gift to solar farms?

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The text of Article 11 is convoluted. However, its intent is clear – to eliminate municipal property taxes on solar farms. The Energy Committee’s recommendation to the Selectboard says it wants “to set their municipal taxes as close to $0 as possible.” To what end? The most important question to ask about a tax break is whether it will make a difference.** Will the tax incentive cause a developer to build a solar farm, when it would have otherwise passed Continue reading Town Meeting Article 11 – Incentive or gift to solar farms?→

Is it a good idea to have the Town Manager select four members to the Article 36 Task Force?

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The Selectboard gave a first reading approval to the Article 36 Task Force proposed by Selectboard Vice Chair Roger Arnold at its last meeting. Overall, a task force is a good idea. However, one aspect of the proposal troubles me. The Town Manager selects four members to the nine member Task Force. That novel approach seems to lack transparency. Public participation is also lost. To be accurate, the Town Manager “recommends” each person. Then, the Selectboard does the appointing. But, Continue reading Is it a good idea to have the Town Manager select four members to the Article 36 Task Force?→

Selectboard and School Board races set

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Who’s running for Selectboard and School Board? Neil Odell is running unopposed to retain his Norwich School Board seat. That position includes a seat on the Dresden School Board. Mr. Odell currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Dresden School Board. For Selectboard, Marcia Calloway is running unopposed for two-year seat. John Langhus decided to not seek reelection. For the three-year seat, incumbent Mary Layton will face Pam Smith. [END]