Housing needs
In limbo
Hinesburg committee outlines approach
Act 127 throws school budget process into chaos
Page 5
Page 8
February 15, 2024
Police merger talks restart
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Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
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At forum
Balanced
Charlotte candidates weigh in LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER
COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
Three Charlotte Selectboard candidates and one for the library board of trustees talked affordable housing, governance models, Charlotte’s future and other issues with more than two dozen residents during Tuesday night’s hourlong community forum. Incumbent Frank Tenney is running uncontested for a threeyear term on the selectboard alongside incumbent Louise McCarren and Natalie Kanner, who are both vying for the two-year seat. McCarren was present for most of the meeting before signing off for the remaining last few questions. Matthew Bijur, who was also present at the forum, is running unopposed for a seat as a five-year library trustee.
With the public safety plan released to the selectboard, Hinesburg and Richmond officials are restarting talks to merge their departments into a single municipality covering both towns. Even before the plan was released, Richmond had reached out to town officials to schedule a meeting. Selectboard Chair Merrily Lovell in December said that she, selectboard member Maggie Gordon, town manager Todd Odit and police Chief Anthony Cambridge met with Richmond officials to continue discussions that were paused a year before. A second meeting has yet to be scheduled, Odit said, but officials are working on dates for the two towns to meet. “This is an ongoing collaboration — it’s fluid and it’s developing,” Lovell said. Since last spring, Hinesburg has provided patrol and administrative services for Richmond’s beleaguered department. At the time, Richmond had only two officers on hand and an interim chief. Now, the department is empty, with no officers of its own to patrol the town. The contract has been a benefit to Hinesburg. The town is expecting to collect $240,000 in revenue from the shared agreement, which
Town Meeting Day The first question posed to candidates was how they believe Charlotte should structure Town Meeting Day. The selectboard this year originally opted to switch Town Meeting Day back to in-person, but after hearing concerns from residents about holding the annual meeting on the last Saturday of school vacation, the board — in a 3-2 vote — moved back to Australian ballot. “I really love the idea of a continued in-person Town Meeting Day followed by an election day,” Kanner said. “I think the way that it was structured to vote on the budget in person and then vote on PHOTO BY AL FREY
See SAFETY PLAN on page 12
CVU’s Violet Wenschhof competes on beam during a gymnastic competition against Burr & Burton and Burlington. More on page 13.
See FORUM on page 10
Page 2 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
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Hinesburg planners seek input from community on town plan The Hinesburg Town Plan serves as the framework for the future of Hinesburg, especially with regard to the decisions that will guide growth. It looks ahead to both the near term — the next five to 10 years — and the long term. It describes the town’s history, existing physical, social and economic conditions and establishes a vision for the future. This vision is supported by specific goals and action items. The town plan was amended in 2021 (energy chapter rewrite), but the last comprehensive update was adopted in September 2017. The Hinesburg Planning Commission
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is charged with preparing updates every eight years. The commission will be seeking input and participation from residents and organizations throughout 2024. More information available on the Town website — hinesburg.org. The planning commission wants to hear from you before it starts revising the plan. Register your opinions at surveymonkey. com/r/K2MQ7HW. The commission hopes this survey will provide feedback from a larger percentage of those who live, work or own property in Hinesburg. More information about the town plan update is available at hinesburg.org.
Water bill assistance program ends next month Do you need help paying an overdue water or sewer bill? The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program can help. Eligible households have until March 15 to apply. The program pays for overdue water and sewer bills, including back charges and fees associated with the outstanding balance. In addition, the program may be able to provide a one-time future payment. Payments are made directly to your water or sewer provider. To be eligible, you must be a customer of a public drinking water or wastewater utility. In addition, gross household income must be below 60 percent of the state median income based on household size. For a household of four, this would be $66,396.
Renters are eligible for this program. To apply, mail the application and your current water or sewer bill to Economic Services Division, Application & Document Processing Center, 280 State Drive, Waterbury VT 05671. The application can be found at dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/hwa or by calling 800-339-6433. This program is administered by the Vermont Department of Children and Families using funding provided by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the program has paid over half a million dollars in water and sewer bills, and there are still funds remaining. However, all funds must be spent by the end of March, or they will be returned to the federal government.
Time to nominate Vermont Tree Steward Awards The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program is accepting nominations for its 2024 Vermont Tree Steward Awards. The deadline for nominations is March 29. The annual awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting and nurturing Vermont’s trees and forests. Award recipients will be announced in April and recognized at a special ceremony at the Vermont Arbor Day conference on May 23. To submit a nomination for one or more categories or to view the list of past award winners, go to go.uvm.edu/tsa. Categories are the Hamilton Award, given in honor of a former Charlotte tree warden, that recognizes a current or past tree warden who has significantly advanced the goals of urban and community forestry through effective conserva-
tion planning, sustainable forestry practices, public education and increased citizen engagement. The Leadership Award recognizes any individual who demonstrates strong leadership and dedication to organizing and carrying out an urban or community forestry project. The Unsung Hero Award recognizes an individual or group for their ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to make a difference in a local urban and community forest. Nominees for the volunteer award, group or community, includes any organization, team, ad/hoc group or community that has shown outstanding dedication and commitment in introducing or sustaining an urban and community forestry project in their community. Learn more at vtcommunityforestry. org.
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Page 4 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
CRIME & COURTS Hinesburg Police Blotter: Feb. 5-12 Total incidents: 40 Feb. 5 at 7:55 a.m., police investigated a burglary on Mechanicsville Road. Feb. 5 at 10:11 a.m., an officer investigated the theft of an automobile on Mechanicsville Road. Feb. 5 at 11:45 a.m., officers assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Feb. 6 at 7:38 a.m., an officer responded to a two-car crash on Route 116. Feb. 6 at 10:15 a.m., an officer assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Feb. 6 at 5:52 p.m., officers recovered a stolen vehicle in Hinesburg from a residence on Hillview Terrace. Feb. 7 at 1:40 p.m., an officer assisted state troopers with a traffic stop on Silver Street in Monkton. Feb. 7 at 7:08 p.m., officers assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Feb. 8 at 12:04 p.m., an officer recovered a stolen vehicle from Williston at a residence on North Road. Feb. 8 at 1:07 p.m., a pup on the
loose was turned in to the police department. The owner was later located. Feb. 9 at 9:36 a.m., officers responded to CVU to investigate the report of threats to the school. Feb. 9 at 11:51 a.m., officers responded to a business on Route 116 for a report of suspicious activity. Feb. 10 at 11:17 a.m., an officer investigated the theft of an automobile on Route 116. Feb. 10 at 4:02 p.m., an officer assisted another agency to deliver a death notification. Feb. 10 at 5:48 p.m., officers assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Feb. 10 at 11:33 p.m., an officer was called to Walts Way to investigate suspicious activity. Feb. 11 at 3:25 p.m., an officer investigated an animal complaint on Pond Road. Feb. 11 at 5:15 p.m., officers assisted first responders with a medical emergency on Hawk Lane. Feb. 12 at 7:00 a.m., an officer investigated the theft of a motor vehicle on Upper Access Road. Feb. 12 at 5:40 p.m., an officer investigated a juvenile issue on Green Street.
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Officer resigns after disparaging migrant worker during criminal justice meeting apologized again and announced his resignation from the council. Later that day, he resigned from his partA police officer resigned from time patrol officer position with the the Vermont Criminal Justice Coun- Bristol Police Department, accordcil and the Bristol Police Depart- ing to Police Chief Bruce Nason. “Mike called me earlier today, I ment on Wednesday, Feb. 7, after have accepted his resigsaying “you’re fucknation,” Nason said in an ing here illegally” as a email. migrant worker testified “Major’s comments before the council that do not reflect the views of morning. the Bristol Police DepartMichael Major, who ment or the officers that represented the Vermont seek to make the BrisPolice Association on tol Community safe and the 24-member council, welcoming to all.” interrupted the migrant Major was hired by worker, who was speak- Michael Major the Bristol department in ing in support of a revised March 2020. fair and impartial policHe remains employed as a parting policy. The worker, who identified time deputy with the Chittenden himself as Eduardo, spoke about County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff the urgency of approving the policy, Daniel Gamelin told VTDigger by which immigrant rights advocates email Wednesday evening. Major, have long pushed for. The council who previously worked in the had planned to vote on it Wednes- department but left in 2018 after day but postponed the decision making an unsuccessful bid for due to new concerns raised by the sheriff, was re-hired by Gamelin in Vermont Association of Chiefs of February 2023. Later Wednesday, the crimiPolice. “To many of you, waiting a long nal justice council issued a written time might feel normal, but for us statement condemning Major’s it’s very different. You know this remarks, saying “the impact of his plays into our everyday lives, the words was devastating.” “The Council wishes to reiterreality of dealing with the police is different (for us),” Eduardo said ate that Mr. Major’s words are not through a translator. He added that representative of the Council nor migrant workers, many of whom of law enforcement in the State of are undocumented, are often reluc- Vermont,” it said in the statement. After Major made his remarks tant to go to the doctor when they are sick, for instance, because they and before he announced his resigfear being reported to immigration nation, several council members interjected to express their dismay. authorities. A speaker appearing at the Erin Jacobsen, who represents the meeting remotely with their camera Office of the Attorney General on turned off then interrupted, saying, the council, was the first to do so. “I feel just really discour“You’re fucking here illegally, and you’re worried about being safe. Oh aged, disturbed, saddened by that comment, Mike Major,” Jacobsen yeah.” Bill Sorrell, the governor-ap- said, calling herself “outraged” and pointed chair of the council, inter- saying she did not find his explavened to say, “Who’s ever stating nation credible. “Those kinds of that opinion, it’s not welcome, and comments have no place in this kind wait your turn and don’t interrupt of forum. It’s especially damaging when we are here discussing a fair please.” After participants asked for and impartial policing policy. The the person to be identified, Major point of view that you just raised named himself and apologized for calls into question community trust his remark. He also claimed that he of law enforcement.” Another council member, Karim had not been addressing Eduardo. “It wasn’t directed towards the Chapman from the Life Intervention discussion. I was having a discus- Team, said, “This feels like racial sion with my daughter. I apolo- profiling.” Identifying himself as “a gize … extremely,” he said. “And Black man in America feeling the it should not be reflected on the fear of being pulled over,” Chapperson that was talking at the time.” man continued, “this really hits After council members spoke home for me.” Tim Lueders-Dumont, who up to criticize the comments — and question his explanation — Major represents the Department of State’s AUDITI GUHA VTDIGGER
Attorneys and Sheriffs on the council, jumped into the conversation to say that his department believed that Major should consider resigning from the council. He said that if he were serving as a prosecutor and heard an officer utter such a remark, he would consider issuing a “Brady” or “Giglio” letter, often considered the scarlet letter of policing. Later in the meeting, Kelly Price, a vice president of the Vermont Police Association, said the organization’s president had asked him to “express our extreme disapproval of the statement that was made earlier.” Price said the VPA planned to address the matter internally. Shortly thereafter, Major spoke up again. “I just wanted to apologize again to the council,” he said. “And I’ve heard everything the council has said, and I will be resigning my position with the council effective immediately. I cannot apologize enough that it was not directed at the speaker or any member on the council, and I just wanted to apologize again. And sorry.” To that, Sorrell responded, “All right. Well, perhaps this has all been a teaching moment for any number of council members and others.” Major’s remarks continued to hang over the council’s gathering. Heather Simons, executive director of the Criminal Justice Council, responded later to apologize to the community and to tell Major he was no longer welcome at the Vermont Police Academy. “I would imagine that you are mortified and if you’re not then you have even more work to do,” she said. “But the extent of the damage you have caused today I’m certain that you don’t understand.” She said that all of Major’s colleagues in law enforcement would have to help repair the harm that he had caused, adding, “This is a really kind of a tragic day for process and for showcasing the progress we are making.” Cassandra Burdyshaw, who represents the Vermont Human Rights Commission on the council, denounced the “derogatory” comment as “wholly inappropriate” and said it underscores the urgency of revisiting the fair and impartial policing policy, which the commission is committed to advance. “No person is illegal; each deserves respect, whether voicing their opinion at a meeting or interacting with law enforcement in Vermont’s communities,” she said in an emailed statement.
The Citizen • February 15, 2024 • Page 5
OPINION State, communities face unremitting challenges met with national leaders to learn how to reduce wait times within the courts and about challenges Sen. Ginny Lyons facing people with mental illness and other disorders when they are Some Vermonters think legislative work begins and ends when involved with public safety or the courts. we are paid between January and A September summit May. The reality is that on mental health and legislators remain fully the judiciary allowed engaged in constitucouncil members to ent and policy work share work done during throughout the year. 2022-23. Out-of-session Related to this work, work contributes to my I sponsored, and we understanding of issues passed legislation in critical to all of us. This 2023 to improve compeincludes meetings about tency evaluation and needed housing, health Sen. Ginny Lyons treatment procedures care, mental health, for criminally involved substance use, educafolks with mental health tion funding and others. issues. This session, the Senate During the last out of session Committee on Health and Welfare (unpaid months), I worked with local, state and national experts to is completing work on another one of my bills to clarify judicial develop legislation. process for folks with an intellecSome of this off session work tual disability who have commitis described below. ted a significant crime. As a member of the Vermont Each of these bills resulted Judiciary and Mental Health from questions about how those Council I attended a meeting with mental illness or intellectuconvened by Vermont Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Reiber in al disabilities should be treated when they commit a serious crime May. Judges, public safety, legal or might be incompetent to stand and mental health representatives
From the Senate
trial. Sending those with mental illness or intellectual disability to a safe place with treatment services is the right thing to do. The alternative might be sending them to jail without support services. In June I was invited to the White House to meet with legislators from across the country to share legislative policies that protect health care professionals and patients involved with reproductive health care. Our work gives comfort to Vermonters that abortion access and gender affirming, and other reproductive care, is available in our state. I have proposed legislation that expands protection and keeps personal consumer health care data from being collected, shared or sold. This protects patients from unwanted intrusion into very personal parts of their lives. I developed this legislation after meeting with legislators from Connecticut, Washington, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and other states. My bill was introduced on Jan. 3. Members of the House incorporated this proposal into a broader consumer protection bill. I look
Committee outlines approach to Hinesburg’s housing needs Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee Carl Bohlen and Dave Nagel This is the first of a series of future articles from the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee to address the potential implications of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission’s updated report on Hinesburg’s housing needs assessment. The committee will also highlight important housing issues facing Hinesburg and Vermont that will hopefully help the community better understand the affordable housing crisis. Vermont’s first official census in 1791 identified 85,000 people. The state’s population more than tripled by 1850, but then slowed considerably to 359,000 by 1940. From then onward, Vermont’s population has steadily grown, reaching 643,000 in 2020. By comparison, Hinesburg’s
population grew from 454 people in 1790 to 1,834 people in 1850. Hinesburg’s population then declined significantly, and by 1960 there were only 1,180 residents. But there was a growth spurt over the next four decades, and by 2000, Hinesburg’s population topped 4,340. Along with this growth, there were concerns, particularly regarding the potential risk of unplanned growth. An initial town plan was developed in 2004. To help plan future growth and provide support for affordable housing projects, in 2006 the town established the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee. Over the years, Hinesburg has taken steps to concentrate new housing in a walkable town center. By 2020, Hinesburg’s population had grown a bit more, to 4,609. In 2023, the town asked the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to prepare an updated housing needs assessment. It looked back over the last
20 years, and evaluated demographic and economic trends, as well as housing market conditions. The commission also made recommendations in five areas: • Planning for additional housing and diversified housing stock. • Partnerships to create and maintain affordable housing. • Creation of senior and service-supported housing. • Mobile homes. • Permitting fees, the permitting process and regulatory incentives. In future articles, we will present additional information and insights from the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment, including more details on the five areas listed above. The full report can be found at the Housing Needs Assessment link on the on the town’s website. Carl Bohlen and Dave Nagel are both members of the Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee.
forward to working with members of the House and Senate to pass legislation that protects people from what has happened in other states — to prevent harmful intrusion or harassment when personal reproductive health care becomes public. In June 2023 I convened a meeting of the Senate, administration and local and visiting national leaders to determine how Vermont can better support opioid addicted patients in community recovery centers. I met through summer and fall with national leaders from Kentucky. They presented how community-based wraparound recovery programs are evaluated in other states. A pilot program by Jenna’s Promise in Johnson, and work with local and national leaders will determine benchmarks to ensure success for Vermont patients and programs. Our goal is to identify best practice and outcome measures, and to help those in recovery avoid relapse and return to productive lives. I introduced and look forward to
passing legislation that supports substance use recovery. Recovery is prevention and is critical within Vermont’s continuum of care. My work between sessions is ongoing. Some of it is related to mental health, privacy of health care information and substance use as described. However, the combination of unremitting challenges confronting our communities drives a very challenging legislative session. The combination of mental health, substance use disorders, access to housing, public safety, climate-driven debilitating weather events, inflationary pressures on food costs or school funding cannot be understated. There is a lot to be done and always too little time. Please stay connected as we work through legislation. Ginny Lyons, a Democrat from Williston, represents South Burlington, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne and several other towns in the Chittenden-Southeast Senate district.
Dr. Jeanne Kellner, founder and owner of Shelburne Pediatrics, is retiring after 35 years in practice. The office is closing as of March 16, 2024. Dr. Jeanne, Paula, FNP Leah, and nurses Nancy and Martha wish you all the best. It has been an honor and a pleasure caring for you and your families. Please check the website, shelburnepediatrics.com to request medical records after the closing date.
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Page 6 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
Letters to the Editor Affordable housing committee clarifies budget request
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To the Editor: The Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee would like to correct the budget information reported in the Feb. 1, 2024, issue of The Citizen. The committee’s budget request was a $500 increase and not $10,000 as stated in the article. The committee’s initial placeholder request was a total of $10,500, but after town manager Todd Odit met with the committee, our December request to the selectboard was $5,500, a $500 increase above our current budget amount of $5,000. The board level funded the committee at $5,000. The Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee accepted this level funding as we understood the budget pressures facing the selectboard. It’s only a minor error, but we wanted to clarify the circumstances of the request. Carl Bohlen Chair, Hinesburg Affordable Housing Committee
Don’t close state’s fish hatchery To the Editor: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is considering closing its Salisbury hatchery to meet fiscal goals for 2025. This decision would have a significant impact on the fishing community, as it would result in a halt to statewide fish stocking until new brood stock mature and can produce eggs. This means no catchable brook trout stocking for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, and no brown or rainbow trout stocking from 2027 through the end of 2029 season. Fishing is not just a sport in Vermont, it’s part of the culture, contributing significantly to the economy and tourism industry. I urge the department to reconsider this decision, find alternative ways to meet its fiscal goals without compromising our fishing heritage. The hatchery in question is not just a piece of our national history, but also a vital part of Vermont’s ecosystem. As a National Historic Site, it requires proper maintenance and curation to preserve its historical significance. Furthermore, it serves as Vermont’s brood-stock station,
producing approximately nine million trout eggs annually. This function is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of our waters. We don’t want to outsource eggs. Why are we getting rid of our “seeds,” if you will. I believe most Vermont citizens do not want genetically engineered seeds and they definitely don’t want eggs from out of state when we have a rich tradition of seeds that will grow into our shared bounty at our tables. The hatchery also raises and spawns five different trout species for Vermont’s lakes and streams, contributing significantly to the local aquatic life. Moreover, it rears and maintains the oldest and largest fish of the hatchery program, which is an essential part of our state’s natural heritage. We must ensure that this important institution continues to operate effectively while preserving its historical value. It’s not just about protecting our past, it’s about safeguarding our future too. We call on relevant authorities to allocate sufficient resources toward maintaining this historic site while ensuring its continued operation as an essential brood-stock station. The economic impact of fishing in Vermont is significant and growing. In 2018, fishing contributed approximately $141 million to the state’s annual economic activity, a notable increase from $131.2 million in 2012. A substantial portion of this contribution is attributed to stocking — $35.4 million in 2018, assuming a stable percentage from its $31.6 million contribution in 2012. Moreover, participation has seen further growth and should be promoted as a reason to visit Vermont. These figures underscore the importance of decisions related to fishing and their impact on local economies across the state. It is crucial that we recognize and protect this valuable industry for the sake of the economy and local livelihoods. We urge decision-makers to consider these facts when making policies affecting fishing activities within state boundaries. Call your local representative, senator and governor if you stand for protecting and promoting Vermont’s economically significant fishing industry. Jeremy Ayotte Fletcher
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The Citizen • February 15, 2024 • Page 7
COMMUNITY Community Notes Landscape designer talks spring beauty in the garden Go beyond forsythia and look at other plants that can bring added color and beauty to your garden at winter’s end — shadbush, redbud, magnolia, lilac, woodland phlox, wildflowers and a rainbow of bulbs suitable for the Northeast. Join speaker Charlotte Albers for “Spring Beauty” and take a virtual tour through lush gardens, learn how to use more natives and spring blooming shrubs beneficial to pollinators and consider layering certain key perennials to create a glorious opening performance in this talk by landscape designer. For more information about this Burlington Garden Club event on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., in South Burlington, go to bgcvt.org.
Shelburne students hold food drive through Feb. 24 Seventh graders at Shelburne Community School need your help. Charlotte Flanagan, Grace Cowles and Lucy Lefrancois are leading a school and community project on a sustainable solution to hunger in Vermont. “Almost 57,150 people are facing hunger in Vermont, and many of these people rely on food shelves and or homeless shelters near us,” the trio wrote in a press release. “We are working with COTS homeless shelter, Charlotte Food Shelf and South Burlington Food Shelf to get these people what they need.” Here’s how you can help. Students will be holding a food drive to help collect food, hygiene products and clothing for those in need in our community through Saturday, Feb. 24. Drop off donations at Shelburne town
hall, the school’s front office (students and families) or the coffee shop. Drop off donations when the town hall and coffee shop are open, or during school hours. Look for the light pink or dark blue boxes labeled for food and hygiene products. Items needed include: • Canned goods like meats, fruits, soup, pasta, tomato sauce, vegetables, beans. • Nonperishables like cereal, snacks, mac and cheese boxes, coffee, tea, sauces and salad dressings, rice, peanut butter and jellies and jams. • Flour, sugar, cooking oils. • Gift cards to local supermarkets. • Can openers. • Mittens, gloves, hats, coats, scarves, fuzzy socks. • Paper towels. • Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, soap, lip balm, hand sanitizer, lotion, combs and feminine hygiene products.
Learn how to keep Vermont’s woodlands healthy If you love your woodlands, enjoy seeing wildlife and want to learn how a healthy forest can enhance wildlife habitat and, provide recreational and timber benefits, come to a Spring Vermont Coverts cooperator training on an upcoming weekend in 2024. Learn about managing your woodlands and reaching out to others in the community by attending. This program connects participants with resource professionals, landowners and others while learning how to improve woodlands for forest health, resilience and wildlife. Trainings will be held May 17-19 at the Shutesville Hill Wildlife Corridor in Waterbury and Stowe, and Sept. 13-15 at the Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton.
COURTESY PHOTO
From left, Charlotte Flanagan, Grace Cowles and Lucy Lefrancois are leading a food drive at Shelburne Community School.
To learn more, see a sample agenda or download an application visit vtcoverts.org or contact Lisa Sausvilleat lisa@vtcoverts. org.
Love tested in Players’ ‘Long Live Love’ Essex Community Players offers the world premiere of “Long Live Love,” opening Friday, Feb. 23, for eight performances. The comedy cast includes local performers from six Chittenden County towns, including Margaret Allen and Ben Certa of South Burlington In this romantic farce, it’s opening night for playwrights Harold and Bright’s “Long Live Love,” and the cast is struggling through one last rehearsal, trying to strike a balance between its misguided letters,
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misplaced infants, saber duels and mistaken identities. They’ve almost gotten it just right when one of the playwrights arrives and declares, due to an argument with his wife, that he’s lost all faith in love and has written a new, devastatingly artistic ending. Gone is the happy ending with three couples kissing at the same time; now it’s a cauldron of misery and suffering. The cast has two hours to put it together. They try, until playwright Marjorie Bright, Harold’s writing partner and estranged wife, arrives with her own new ending for the play. Chaos ensues. Performance dates are Friday to Sunday, Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3, and Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10. More at essexplayers. com.
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Page 8 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
School district budgets in limbo
Vantage point
State tries to rework education spending formula LIBERTY DARR AND COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITERS
With less than three weeks until Town Meeting Day, legislators are proposing new changes to the state’s education funding formula that’s brought headaches for school officials this year, leaving South Burlington and Champlain Valley school districts’ budgets in limbo. Budget season in Vermont has quickly become even more complicated — especially for districts that have already passed and warned budgets for the annual vote — with the effects of Act 127, a law passed in 2022 that changed the state’s education funding formula. “It’s extremely unprecedented,” said South Burlington superintendent Violet Nichols, who added that boards and educators are having “extremely taxing conversations” and are “looking at decimating schools and programs that we’ve dedicated our lives to developing for the benefits of students in our community.” A new law being fast-tracked through Statehouse committees would not only nix a major facet of Act 127, but also allow time for districts to adjust spending by postponing Town Meeting Day school budget votes until April 15. The proposed law offers $500,000 to offset election costs resulting from the delay. Act 127, which adjusted the state’s previous equalized pupil weighting system, allowed districts a 5 percent tax cap to soften the blow for districts that saw pupil weights drop dramatically as a result. The law also allowed districts a 10 percent per-pupil spending limit — meaning that whether the Champlain Valley school district, for example, approved an $88.5 million budget or a $105.8 million budget would have no difference in its $1.37 tax rate increase. Similarly, the South Burling-
ton school district could have spent anywhere from $63 to $71.5 million with the same exact effect on tax bills. But legislators took issue with that aspect of the law early in the legislative session, arguing that districts throughout the state were taking advantage of the spending mechanism. The new bill proposed by legislators in the House Committee on Ways and Means would replace the 5 percent cap with a one-cent tax rate discount for every percent decrease loss in the district’s taxing capacity since Act 127’s implementation. Although the 5 percent cap was available for every district, this new discount would only be available to districts negatively affected by the new funding formula. Tim Jarvis, senior director of operations and finance for the South Burlington School District, said that of the 122 school districts and supervisory unions in the state, nearly 38 of them were deemed to be disadvantaged by Act 127,
PHOTO BY JANICE RUSSOTTI
Shelburne Bay as seen from South Burlington.
Gary Marckres, the Champlain Valley district’s chief operations officer, said the district would ultimately be worse off than it was under the current law, and the new calculations would likely leave tax rates higher than what was projected in the last couple weeks. South Burlington, meanwhile,
was once an 18.26 percent tax rate could very well not be that in a very short time,” Nichols said. The Champlain Valley district’s board approved its $105 million budget in January and had tacked on an 18 percent school tax increase to residents in Hinesburg, Charlotte, Shelburne, St. George and Willis-
“The problem for South Burlington is that once we push past this March 5 date, we’re still having to communicate information and pass a school budget to staff our school. It benefits the district to have a passed budget on March 5, so that operationally we can staff our schools. When there isn’t a finalized budget, that impacts hiring and our ability to staff.” — Violet Nichols, school superintendent, South Burlington including just about every school in Chittenden County aside from Winooski and Burlington. The Champlain Valley School District saw a 17 percent decrease in its taxing capacity because of Act 127. Under the new law being moved through the Statehouse, the district, instead of utilizing the 5 percent cap, would see a 17-cent discount on its tax rate.
would receive only about a 5-cent discount under the proposed law. Under the new methodology, its $71 million budget would now generate a tax rate increase of 24.15 percent, Jarvis said. “I feel a responsibility to the community who has live ballots out there to understand what’s happening and to understand that the just over $71 million (budget), that
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ton. South Burlington approved a $71 million budget — a 14 spending percent increase over last year — including an extra $2 million set aside in a capital reserve fund that produced the 18.26 percent tax rate increase. Regardless of Act 127’s provisions, both districts would have seen their tax rates increase by 13 percent resulting entirely from the
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recent common level of appraisal figures. Simply put, the common level of appraisal compares the assessed value of properties on a town or city’s grand list to actual property sale prices considered to represent their fair market value. The 5 percent cap made it difficult for school districts to find tax relief with budget cuts since any spending up to a certain point would still reap the 5 percent increase, but the new methodology would allow districts to “actually get tax relief with virtually any cut that we make from the adopted budget,” Jarvis said. Both districts have yet to decide on whether they will postpone their budgets or how they will revise them. There is already little wiggle room in the budgets that are balancing various budgetary pressures — inflation, negotiated contracts with built-in increases, and double-digit percentage increase in health insurance and other employee benefits. “The problem for South Burlington is that once we push past this March 5 date, we’re still having to communicate information and pass See ACT 127 on page 11
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The Citizen • February 15, 2024 • Page 9
Legislature considers funding school construction ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDIGGER
A long-awaited report on how Vermont should address its billions of dollars in school construction needs arrived in the Legislature Feb. 1. In short, the report suggests the state should consider incentivizing districts to build in ways that align with the state’s goals. That could mean a “newer and fewer” approach, building healthier schools (perhaps by remediating PCBs), and considering equity, such as supporting districts with more impoverished students or a smaller tax base. Informed by guidance from the Agency of Education and the Office of the State Treasurer, the report also suggested that Vermont use its bonding capacity to support the construction, at least partially, and recommended directing the state’s economists to study separate, perpetual revenue streams. Vermont ended its school construction aid program in 2007. Since then, officials say, deferred maintenance has grown significantly, with an estimated $300 million in construction needed each year for the next 21 years if schools were only to replace buildings as they already are. Jill Briggs Campbell, the education agency’s director of operations, and Ashlynn Doyon, the director of policy in the treasurer’s office, presented the recom-
mendations and findings of the report to lawmakers to the House Committee on Education and the House Committee on Ways and Means. Briggs Campbell called the findings “step one” of what will likely become a multi-year process. “We’re hoping to lay out the road map for all of you,” she said. Vermont’s schools are the second oldest in the nation, according to the agency, and face declining enrollment. Yet increasingly, schools have become hubs for more than just learning, functioning as community social service centers, leaders say. “We need these robust, resilient school buildings to be able to serve those needs. Many, many of our school buildings serve as emergency shelters,” Briggs Campbell said, illustrating the need for construction. She also pointed to “mounting evidence” indicating that healthier school buildings lead to better student outcomes. Legislation last year created the school construction aid task force with the goal of considering funding options for a statewide school construction program, how such a program would be governed, and how to prioritize funding, among other charges. Informing the task force’s work was Vermont’s school facilities assessment, which estimated Vermont’s schools will need more than $6.3 billion just to fund in-kind replacements in the next 21 years, a number widely considered a significant
underestimate. master plans and have some requirements The task force proposed creating an in place to help guarantee that they don’t independent governing board that would put off maintenance of new buildings. oversee school construction project “If we’re going to do a state construcproposals, deciding what percentage of tion aid program, we want to ensure that each project the state should subsidize, a those dollars are going to be invested model used in Massachusetts. wisely,” Briggs Campbell said. And though the task force’s report did The House Education Committee not solidify criteria the later met to digest the governing board should morning’s report and “We also know that consider, it did make drum up its immediate suggestions. action items. Its goal: many, many bonds Among the prioritizacontinue the momentum tion criteria proposed, the fail. So, we know that toward creating a school report suggested the state construction aid program. give consideration to a The list includes the local capacity … district’s poverty level and directing the Legislative is not there.” taxing capacity, and that Joint Fiscal Office to the state should consider begin researching possiproviding some money to — Jill Briggs Campbell ble perpetual revenue districts that have engaged sources, thinking about in construction projects the future composition in the years immediately preceding the of the program’s governing board, pausing yet-to-be-created school construction aid PCB testing when the funds allocated to program. support it near zero, and creating a workPrioritization could also provide ing group to nail down the specifics of any “bonuses” for projects that “align with future aid program. Vermont’s education priorities,” such as If all goes according to plan, a worka “newer and fewer” approach to school ing group could present its findings at the construction. beginning of the 2025 legislative session, “We also know that many, many bonds and the construction aid program could be fail,” Briggs Campbell said. “So, we know created in the next biennium. that the local capacity … is not there.” “We’re building the car,” said Rep. The task force also recommended Tesha Buss, D-Woodstock, pausing. “And school districts be required to complete the road.”
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Page 10 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
FORUM
60 years of Bread & Puppet
continued from page 1 other issues allows a lot of people ing Day to me has always been to have an opportunity to have a special,” Tenney said. “Even when say in what happens in town.” I had to stand out there in the She added that the tradition cold to be elected because we had offers a unique opportunity for voting on the same day. I just wish residents to come together and we could continue that.” have conversations that may not Town manager controversy otherwise happen. McCarren, who cast the decidCandidates were also asked to ing vote last month to switch back explain their stance on the looming to Australian ballot, agreed with controversy regarding a switch to Kanner that there is no solution a town manager form of governto make everyone happy, but the ment. The ballot question began most important as a resident-led thing is to ensure petition last year “The feeling of Town as the town’s that everyone’s voices are heard. former town Meeting Day to me “Unfortunateadministrator, ly, the best way Dean Bloch, has always been to do that is by was retiring. Australian ballot While all special. Even when but there are the candidates downsides and agreed that I had to stand out basically it’s pretty making the impersonal,” she g o v e r n a n ce there in the cold to said, noting that switch would moving back to an not be benefibe elected because in-person event is cial to the town very labor-intenwe had voting on the at this time, they sive for staff. all expressed same day. I just wish Tenney, who that allowing voted in favor the town to vote we could continue of keeping the on the issue is in-person floor the best way that.” vote, said that the forward. easiest way to “I think at know about the — Frank Tenney this point in our budget is to go to development selectboard meetings. The down- that a town manager is a really bad side to an Australian ballot vote, idea,” McCarren said. “We need to he said, is that once the budget is explore how many issues we can on the ballot, it’s difficult for resi- have the town administrator do dents to make changes unless it is and the town manager proposal voted down. requires a charter change. I would “The feeling of Town Meet- like to see that over the next year,
PHOTO BY JUNO STEWART
Join Farmers Night 2023 for a free celebration of Bread & Puppet on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Vermont Statehouse. Peter Schumann’s acclaimed Bread & Puppet Theater is known for drawing attention to the urgent issues of the day with its iconic puppets and paper mâché creatures of all sizes. This year for the 60th anniversary Bread Puppet will perform a Paper Mache Mas and fill the House chamber with colorful protest and pageantry for all to experience. For information, contact David Schutz, Vermont state curator, at david.schutz@vermont.gov or 802-279-5558.
we try some other alternatives.” Tenney echoed McCarren’s thoughts saying that he thinks the town isn’t quite ready for a move like that quite yet. “I don’t think we have the infrastructure that needs to be overseen,” he said. “We don’t have the number of employees that I see a lot of other towns that do have a manager, even Hinesburg has a lot more employees. A town administrator can be authorized to do just about anything a town manager can do.”
Kanner, a newer resident of Charlotte and brand new to municipal government, expressed similar ideas. She said a five-person board allows for more community touchpoints than just one town manager. “I recognize that the selectboard would still exist, but when there’s decision-making power, the more people that you are in contact within the community, the more likely you are to making decisions that reflect what the community wants,” she said. “It seems to me that the current model serves that
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purpose really nicely.” They unanimously recognized that should the town vote for the switch, they would support the transition.
Charlotte’s future The planning commission is currently undergoing a planning project that seeks to re-examine the future development of Charlotte’s East and West villages. Candidates were asked their thoughts on what a future Charlotte should look like with emphasis on affordable housing and increasing infrastructure to make more housing possible. Tenney, who has lived in Charlotte all his life, attends nearly every planning commission meeting to stay informed about what changes are being proposed. He said that he would like to see more businesses come to the villages, but also the town must balance the need for growth with protecting open space. “I think there’s a lot of room for expansion in Charlotte, affordable housing, senior housing,” he said, adding that the lack of water and septic infrastructure in the villages makes it difficult to expand. “These village plans are great, but the properties may not be able to handle it with water or septic.” Kanner, who moved to Charlotte in 2020, said that she wouldn’t envision a town much different than the way Charlotte is now. “I would envision a continued rural but perhaps more vibrant town with maybe more civic engagement,” she said, adding that she wants her kids to be able to See FORUM on page 11
The Citizen • February 15, 2024 • Page 11
FORUM
WARNING TOWN OF CHARLOTTE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING 2024
continued from page 10 look back in 40 years and remember healthy, vibrant villages. “One where we have been mindful of workforce housing development, where we are mindful of how we develop in the town so that we’re protecting the limited natural resources and also enhancing access for people who need to need employees who can either get here by way of transit or live here, by way of more affordable housing.” Bijur added that having a thriving library is integral to the future of Charlotte.
The future of fire, rescue services Another looming controversy that’s been stirring for almost two years is whether the nonprofit volunteer services, Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue, should become a town-run service. CVFRS is historically one of the largest allocations in the town’s general fund budget. Nearly $1 million of the selectboard’s approved $4.2 million budget will be allocated for the service. Tenney admitted that the selectboard doesn’t have power when it comes to the volunteer service. He noted that the crew unionized
in November and the town has been having its own conversations about regionalizing services with other towns. A switch to a municipal service, he said, is not something he sees as an easy solution. “I personally would like to see if a regional one could work,” he said. “Maybe with the help of Shelburne and Hinesburg. Maybe Vergennes and Bristol. If we could come up with a way for a regionally supported fire and rescue service, I think that looks like a better picture in the future.” Kanner said while she recognizes this is a contentious subject she doesn’t yet know enough about the issue. “Of course, Charlotters want good quality rescue services,” she said. “But also, Charlotters want us to be mindful of the budget and it seems extremely important for the selectboard to balance those very equal sometimes competing needs. Charlotte will hold a public informational hearing on Monday, Feb. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the town hall to discuss and hear questions regarding the articles to be voted by Australian ballot at the annual March 5 meeting.
The legal voters of the Town of Charlotte are further notified and warned that a public informational hearing to explain and discuss the Australian ballot articles set forth below will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Charlotte Town Hall, located at 159 Ferry Road in the Town, beginning at six thirty o’clock in the afternoon (6:30 P.M.). The public may attend the informational hearing in person or on Zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84047650499?pwd=bDVMOXhFUEJrUzZvNTlVZmdmc1I2dz09 Meeting ID: 840 4765 0499 Passcode: 798972
ARTICLES TO BE VOTED BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT Article 1: Shall the voters authorize the payment of property taxes, with the payment due on or before Friday, November 15, 2024, and to have payments made to the Town Treasurer as provided in 32 VSA § 4773(b)? Article 2: Shall the voters approve total fund expenditures, as set forth in the Selectboard’s budget, of $3,252,147 for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, of which an anticipated sum of $1,540,380 will be raised by property taxes and an anticipated sum of $1,711,767 will be raised by non-tax revenues? Article 3: Will the voters of the Town approve an allocation of $989,087 to Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services, Inc. for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, to be raised by property taxes? Article 4: To elect Town Officials.
ACT 127
continued from page 8 a school budget to staff our school,” Nichols said. “It benefits the district to have a passed budget on March 5, so that operationally we can staff our schools. When there isn’t a finalized budget, that impacts hiring and our ability to staff.” The Champlain Valley district is set to hold a finance committee meeting Tuesday night, after press deadline, where it will discuss budget and tax rate figures based on the draft law and try to come up with an agreement on the best course of action for students, staff and taxpayers to “try and make some sense out of all this,” Marckres said. The options for the district, he said, is to delay and rework the budget and start the communication cycle with constituents again. The other option is — since there’s no change in the law yet — to stay the course with the budget currently built for fiscal year 2025 and see if voters support it. “Even with all the unknowns, both situations are challenging for various reasons,” he said. He noted, however, that “the big unknown” in all this is the state’s yield, the number generated by the Agency of Education and approved by the Legislature, which represents the overall draw on the education fund and is how districts determine per-pupil costs. That usually isn’t set until sometime in
The legal voters of the Town of Charlotte are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Charlotte Town Hall, located at 159 Ferry Road in said Town, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 to vote by Australian ballot to begin at seven o’clock in the forenoon (7:00 A.M.) and to close at seven o’clock in the afternoon (7:00 P.M.).
Article 5: To elect Champlain Valley School District Officials. May or the end of the legislative session. “That’s super hard to predict, and it all depends on how many districts statewide decide, because of the potential law change, to delay and potentially reduce the budget,” he said. “That can have a big impact on the yield if you get $10 or $12 million statewide in reduction, that has a major impact on final tax rates for towns.” Some South Burlington School Board members, during their recent meeting last week, expressed frustration with the process the Legislature is taking with this new methodology since it has yet to become law and some voters have already received absentee ballots. “I’m just thinking a lot about the integrity of this process, which feels pretty troubling to me,” board Chair Kate Bailey said. “It’s not my practice to listen to testimony given in one House committee and then treat it as law and that’s sort of what they’re asking us to do in order to make decisions from a local budget standpoint. Never mind the integrity of just us having enough information that we can communicate with the community about making informed choices on voting day.” The Champlain Valley and South Burlington school boards are expected to make more definite decisions at their board meetings next week on Feb. 20 and 21.
Article 6: Shall the voters authorize the Town to submit to the General Assembly of the State of Vermont a proposal to adopt a municipal charter which contains the following sections: Section 1: Corporate Existence Section 2: General Provisions Section 3: Town Manager/Road Commissioner Section 4: Separability Section 5: Amendment Section 6: Effective Date The official copy of the Charter proposal, in its entirety, is on file and available for public inspection at the Charlotte Town Clerk’s Office, 159 Ferry Road in said Town, during regular office hours, MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Copies thereof are available to members of the public upon request. Article 7: Shall the voters authorize the Town to issue general obligation bonds or notes in an amount not to exceed Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($365,000.00) to purchase a new ambulance to be financed over a period not to exceed 10 years? Dated this ___ day of January, 2024 at Charlotte, Vermont.
Town of Charlotte Selectboard
Page 12 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
SAFETY PLAN
TOWN MEETING WARNING Informational Meeting March 4, 2024 Annual Meeting March 5, 2024 Town of Hinesburg, Vermont PUBLIC HEARING Hinesburg Development Informational Meeting March 4, 2024 In-person and via Remote Access Review Board The legal voters of the Town of Hinesburg, Vermont are hereby warned and notified Tuesday, February 20, 2024 to meet in-person and remotely in said Town of Hinesburg, on Monday March 4, 7:00 pm
2024 at 7:00 P.M. at the Champlain Valley Union District High School, at 369 CVU Rem & Meredith Kielman/ Road, Hinesburg, VT &05461, Rolf Kielman Stevie for an informational meeting on the articles to be voted upon by Australian Ballot Spencer – Final platon Tuesday March 5, 2024. application for a two-lot
subdivision to create a 1.54Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85100211073?pwd=KLAv7hpm6J acre developable lot from WJ4sOSFy6XYzpZ8M9Bpg.1 portions of a 107.38-acre lot Meeting ID:a 3.05-acre 851 0021lot1073 Passcode: 613392 and located on the east side of Turkey
This Informational Meeting will be held in-person and remotely. Available options to Lane in the Agricultural Zoning District. watch or join the meeting: meeting will both in • AttendThe in-person inbe the auditorium at Champlain Valley Union High School. and remote. See using the log-in information above. • Join theperson meeting via Zoom meeting agenda on town • View remotely by streaming on the Media Factory website with details on • For the purpose of recording minutes, you will be asked to provide your how to participate. first and last name. • HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE: There is no deadline to register to vote. You can register by going to olvr.vermont.gov to register on-line, by going to the town clerk’s office and filling out a paper registration form, or on election day at the polls. • HOW TO REQUEST AN EARLY BALLOT: You can request an early ballot by visiting mvp.vermont.gov and signing in to your voter page. You or a family member may also request a ballot by phone, in person or via email at hroberts@hinesburg.org or kfrazier@hinesburg.org ARTICLE I: To hear the reports of the officers of the Town of Hinesburg. ARTICLE II: Any other business thought proper. Annual Meeting Tuesday, March 5, 2024 via Australian Ballot The legal voters of the Town of Hinesburg, Vermont are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Town Hall at 10632 Vermont Route 116 in Hinesburg, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 to transact the following business by Australian ballot. Said voting by Australian ballot will begin with the polls opening at 7:00 A.M. and closing at 7:00 P.M. ARTICLE III: To elect the necessary Town and School District officers by Australian ballot: • Selectboard member for a term of 3 years • Selectboard member for a term of 2 years • Town Moderator for a term of 1 year • Cemetery Trustee for a term of 3 years • (3) Library Trustees for terms of 3 years • Peck Estate Trustee for a term of 3 years ARTICLE IV: Shall the Town approve a General Government budget of $2,012,928 with the sum of $1,298,598 raised through taxes? ARTICLE V: Shall the Town approve a Highway Department budget of $846,806 with the sum of $610,806 raised through taxes? ARTICLE VI: Shall the Town approve the Hinesburg Community Police Department budget of $924,944 with the sum of $633,944 raised through taxes? ARTICLE VII: Shall the Town approve the Hinesburg Fire Department budget of $629,248 with the sum of $560,748 raised through taxes? ARTICLE VIII: Shall the Town approve the Carpenter-Carse Library allocation of $256,200 with the sum of $256,200 raised through taxes? ARTICLE IX: Shall the Town approve Capital Transfers of $722,483 with the sum of $722,483 raised through taxes? ARTICLE X: Shall the Town appropriate the sum of $41,450 with the sum of $41,450 raised through taxes, to be distributed as specifically designated below?
continued from page 1 has Hinesburg police officers patrolling Richmond, with Cambridge providing administrative services. It’s a component of Hinesburg’s public safety that consultants lauded in their report. “You stole one of the ideas that we would have laid out for you, which is regionalization,” said Paul Bishop, a consultant with the Center for Governmental Research based in Rochester, N.Y. who prepared the report. Regionalization, he said, is an “important thing to consider in a rural community when you have expensive services, and you share that expense.” “The fact that it’s been put into place and is working is something that you should continue to foster and do everything you can to support it,” Bishop said. But concerns remain over whether Hinesburg can continue to provide those services effectively. Selectboard member Paul Lamberson, during a presentation of the report, asked consultants whether they sensed any indication that covering Richmond was stressing the department and its operations. Bishop said that there was an increase in calls to the six-person department since the contract and said there was a “definite increase in their workload, but based on the amount of work that they have to do while they’re on the duty, there’s still enough police officer time available.” Bishop instead pointed to chief Anthony Cambridge and his “intense” workload, as an area of concern for Hinesburg. Cambridge since 2022 has been essentially on call 24/7. “You have a police chief right now who gives an awful lot of himself, and he might not acknowledge it, but I can say from seeing this in other communities — that’s a lot of strain on any one individual,” Bishop said. “The community really
needs to figure out a way to try and help him lessen that burden.” That workload has increased since the contract with Richmond. But the Hinesburg Police Department has also stabilized since 2022, when, after the department’s budget was voted down, half of the department left to join neighboring towns. The Shelburne dispatch center, which manages Hinesburg’s incoming calls for service, has also gotten better at referring calls to the state police when necessary, rather than directing all calls to Cambridge, leaving the burden on him to decide whether to go out himself or refer the call to a state trooper. The report recommended that the town develop an on-call process within the police department “involving other officers including the sergeant” to reduce the strain on Cambridge. Community members who were surveyed by consultants said they wanted 24-hour coverage in the town, and Bishop in his report suggested increasing the daily 16-hour shift to 20 hours to provide more coverage. Cambridge did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment. Odit said that it was “not as heavy of a burden as it was before” on Cambridge, but said that adding more police officers, or increasing hours for the sergeant or other officers to help shoulder the burden could be challenging. “Right now, we’re just really financially challenged, with Richmond being temporary at this point, we don’t really have the financial resources to implement something at staff,” Odit said. The full report, which can be read online at bit.ly/492lT9a, also said the town’s public safety services, including its fire department, “are meeting the current level of needs for the community.”
TOWN OF HINESBURG TOWN MEETING WARNING - continued Steps to End Domestic Violence UVM Home Care & Hospice (VNA) Committee on Temporary Shelter Age Well (CVAA) VT Family Network VT Red Cross Vermont Center for Independent Living Hinesburg Meal Site Prevent Child Abuse Vermont Hinesburg Community Resource Center
$2,500 $7,500 $1,000 $4,500 $1,000 $400 $200 $650 $600 $23,100
(If voters approve Articles 4 through 10, total expenditures of $5,434,059 will be required, with the estimated amount of $4,124,229 to come from property tax revenue.) ARTICLE XI: Shall voters authorize the payment of real and personal property taxes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, payable in full to the Town of Hinesburg in one (1) installment, with the due date being November 15, 2024 and to be collected by the Town Treasurer? Any and all payments received in the Town Treasurer’s Office later than midnight on November 15, 2024 will be considered delinquent and will be subject to the collection of interest at the rate of 1% per month or fraction thereof for the first three (3) months and thereafter at the rate of 1.5% per month or fraction thereof. Signed and dated this 25th day of January 2024, by the Hinesburg Selectboard and attested by the Hinesburg Town Clerk.
The Citizen • February 15, 2024 • Page 13
PHOTOS BY AL FREY
Above: Eva Mazur drives the puck down ice in a game against Colchester Feb. 10. Mazur scored twice in the 3-3 tie. Right: Ruby Opton, Warner Babic and Cadence Haggerty at a gymnastics competition Feb. 9 where CVU beat Burlington and Burr & Burton.
Redhawks basketball extends winning ways CVU gymnasts win recent competition Boys’ basketball Champlain Valley 50, Burr & Burton 43: Champlain Valley outscored Burr and Burton 10-2 in the second quarter to pull away for a win on Sunday, Jan. 11. Colby Morehouse scored 16 points to lead all scorers for CVU, which also outscored the Bulldogs 16-8. Kyle Eaton added 11 points for the Redhawks, who moved to 15-3.
Girls’ basketball Champlain Valley 50, Brattleboro 28: Champlain Valley outscored Brattleboro 23-8 in the fourth quarter to pull away for a win on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Samara Ashooh led with seven points and 10 rebounds. Merrill Jacobs had eight points and seven rebounds while Elise Berger added seven points and six assists. With the win, the Redhawks moved to 14-1. Champlain Valley beat Mount Mansfield 59-47 on Thursday, Feb. 8. Zoey McNabb led with 18 points, while Ashooh added 13 and Jacobs chipped in with 10 points.
Girls’ hockey Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 3, Burlington-Colchester 3: Sophie Brien scored in the third period to help Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield beat Burlington-Colchester on Saturday. Eva Mazur scored two goals for the CougarHawks, while Mackenzie Rivard
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Boys’ hockey Colchester 5, Champlain Valley 1: Champlain Valley lost its third game in a row, falling to Colchester on Saturday. Nic Menard scored the lone goal for the Redhawks, who fell to 5-9-3.
Gymnastics Champlain Valley 137.95, Burlington 98.7, Burr and Burton 91.25: Champlain Valley went 1-2-3 on the beam and beat Burlington and Burr and Burton in a meet on Friday, Feb. 9. Ruby Opton came first in beam, Cadence Haggerty followed in second and Mckena Lesage was third.
Opton and Lesage also tied for second in floor exercise, while Lesage and Opton were second and third in vault. Jasmine Dye was first on bars while Warner Babic came in third. In the all-around competition, Opton came in second and Lesage came in third.
Alpine skiing Champlain Valley came in second in the Essex Carnival on Thursday at Smugglers’ Notch. For the girls, Kate Kogut came in first after the combination of the giant slalom and slalom runs. Addie Bartley was sixth for CVU, while Elizabeth Nostrand came in 10th. Sawyer Lake was second overall to finish as the top CVU skier for the boys, while Kai Schulz came in fifth place.
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The Citizen • February 15, 2024 • Page 15
Horoscope February 15, 2024
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
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Page 16 • February 15, 2024 • The Citizen
3 New Destinations in Florida!
Service to Tampa (TPA) began January 31 and flights to Orlando (MCO) will begin February 14. NEW Breeze-Thru service through Raleigh, NC to Jacksonville (JAX) will start this May on Breeze Airways. learn more at
flybtv.com