Tag Archives: Norwich VT

Budget Watch: Does Norwich need a capital plan?

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The Town’s need for a capital plan was on display at the Selectboard meeting on May 27. The Town Manager reported that Norwich will likely need to borrow money to repair the box culvert on Route 132 and to replace an aging dump truck. These expenses are not covered by sufficient reserves in their respective designated funds. Ad hoc decisions by the Selectboard on the financing of significant expenditures is not a preferred approach. Financial experts suggest instead a capital Continue reading Budget Watch: Does Norwich need a capital plan?→

Family objects to solar panel farm in ‘front of our house’

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The relaxed solar siting rules in Norwich have possibly claimed its first casualty. A family whose home is across from the proposed 150 kW solar farm on Turnpike Road recently wrote to the Selectboard to complain. “[We] were shocked to discover the proposed site for this very large installation is directly across Turnpike Road from the front of our house.” In the past, the Selectboard had the power to step in and exercise some control over site selection on undeveloped Continue reading Family objects to solar panel farm in ‘front of our house’→

Selectboard says ‘no’ to agenda item on saving $450,000 on Tracy Hall geothermal project

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A proposal to save up to $450,000 on the Tracy Hall geothermal project will not get an airing by the Selectboard. Why? Not enough interest by Board members to place the item on the agenda. The facts as I understand them follow. At no cost to the Town, former Selectboard member Steve Flanders has been working with two consultants reviewing the project proposal by EEI. In a memorandum to the Selectboard, Mr. Flanders wrote: “Communication with two engineering experts in Continue reading Selectboard says ‘no’ to agenda item on saving $450,000 on Tracy Hall geothermal project→

Voters to reconsider Article 8. Date of the election remains uncertain due to coronavirus.

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Norwich voters will have the opportunity to reconsider their decision in favor of Article 8 at a special election. Coronavirus concerns may push the date for that election out by several months. Concerned Citizens of Norwich recently announced the completion of its successful petition drive to hold a special town meeting to reconsider Article 8. “We’re excited to share the good news that the petition—OUR PETITION—had the sufficient number of signatures (224 submitted on March 25th and dozens more after Continue reading Voters to reconsider Article 8. Date of the election remains uncertain due to coronavirus.→

Budget Watch: Did the Selectboard just spend $15,000 not in the budget?

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Last week, the Norwich Selectboard approved spending of up to $15,000 on the Tracy Hall geothermal project. Amazingly, to me at least, there was no mention during the hour discussion about where this money to pay the bill might come from. I watched the replay of the meeting on CATV. There was acknowledgement that residents have the statutory right to a re-vote and that voters may reject the project on the re-vote set for May 12. But, the Selectboard wanted Continue reading Budget Watch: Did the Selectboard just spend $15,000 not in the budget?→