what happens next
Well, it’s been an eventful month to say the least. What is it they say about June? In like a lamb, out like an illegal war?
The good: Sound of Music at King Farm, the Alumni Parade, family fun night at the Rec Pool, those new bagels at Mac’s
The bad: ticks, the muffler on the red station wagon, the AC on the sedan, potty training
Let’s get into it.
NBRC Grant
Woodstock was just named a recipient of a grant in the amount of $868,858.52 from the Northern Borders Regional Commission. Many thanks (again) to Harry Falconer, our TRORC Shared Energy Coordinator, for writing and submitting this application on our behalf.
This is one of the grants mentioned last year when the Selectboard was campaigning for the purchase of the water system. The funds will go towards supporting water infrastructure upgrades. Speaking of water…
Water rates
Since there’s been some irregularity in billing over the past few months as we transition from the Aqueduct to the Water Department, users are going to receive bills with the following rates:
The SB voted to set a minimum usage of 100 cubic feet per month which allows us to establish a baseline, which ensures users aren’t treated differently during this catch-up period.
After 100cu/ft of usage, users will be charged $0.02961 per cu/ft.
We also charge pipe size fees for the following per month:
1" - 2.42; 1.5" - 4.00; 2" - 6.65; 3" - 14.60; 4" - 19.47; 6" - 30.00.
This mimics the billing structure of the Aqueduct. A new rate card is currently in the works.
MMWTP - Design Phase
Last time, I mentioned the different biological processes that the engineering firm Hoyle Tanner pitched including in the new wastewater treatment design. The Selectboard voted to opt for aerobic granular sludge (AGS) as the process as well as include dewatering technology in the design phase. If you want to brush up on how wastewater treatment works, I recommend this overview (complete with graphics).
Zoning bylaws
The Planning Commission continues their review of our zoning bylaws, led by the aforementioned Harry Falconer. As a reminder, this work is being undertaken to identify and resolve obstacles to housing and development. Their edits should follow best practices (often called “Smart Growth”), remove unclear language, and lessen the legal liability for the municipality. If you’re interested in seeing how the sausage is made, you can join the next meeting on 7/16.
Reading:
As floods keep coming, this small city can’t afford to let people leave (h/t to Dineen for sharing)
Lola Duffort on what happens next with Vermont’s education system
Upcoming
It’s the end of the fiscal year which means both the Village Board of Trustees and the Selectboard will be meeting over the next month(s) to review our goals for FY25 and make updates and changes as necessary. You can see them here.
