Staff shortage
Idea man
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Will Raap, steward of both land and people, dies
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December 22, 2022
Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
thecitizenvt.com
Hinesburg hires strategic safety plan consultant Postpones Richmond police merger talks COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
The Hinesburg selectboard has approved the hiring of a consultant to conduct its public safety strategic plan, moving ahead with the comprehensive overview of its rescue services while postponing a move to combine police services with Richmond. The company, the Center for Governmental Research based in Rochester, N.Y., will conduct the town’s first overview of its public safety services since 2008 — an effort that began earlier this year to craft a vision for its police, fire and EMS services as the town’s population is set to grow by more than 15 percent in the coming years. Municipal Resources, Inc., which conducted Hinesburg’s 2008 study of its police department, was, along with Center for Governmental Research, the highest ranked of the six proposals that were received and reviewed by the town. The proposals were ranked by town manager Todd Odit, assistant town manager Joy Dubin Grossman, police chief Anthony Cambridge, fire chief Nick Baker
and selectboard member Dennis Place. But the town ultimately opted for the Center for Governmental Research at its Dec. 7 meeting. The company submitted an original bid of $76,500 but agreed to drop the price to $71,500. The company’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices were the leading factor for their approval, officials said. “I know they’re quite a bit of money, but I have a gut feeling they might save us money in the end,” said selectboard member Dennis Place. “I think it’s a good investment.” The town had asked Municipal Resources, after it submitted its bid, if they could include diversity, equity and inclusion “as a lens to this,” Grossman said. “And we didn’t really get an affirmation of yes. We got a lot of talking along the subject, but not an answer to it ... we felt that was an important piece.” The Center for Governmental Research, according to its proposal, “has conducted numerous public safety studies and delivered more technical assistance to See CONSULTANT on page 12
PHOTO BY LIBERTY DARR
Matt and Lauren Daley with their three children, Greta, Owen and Griffin at their Charlotte tree farm.
Split Rock Tree Farm puts down deep Charlotte roots LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
Lauren and Matt Daley, along with their three children, are helping to create holiday traditions for the residents of Charlotte and
the surrounding area at their new Christmas tree farm, Split Rock Tree Farm. The tree farm is nestled at 4224 Greenbush Road and welcomes everyone. Although the passion for Christmas tree farming wasn’t
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initially in the cards for the family, it has become a way for the family to build community and spread joy throughout the holiday season. “My college roommate’s See TREE FARM on page 12