my neighbors
Last month I wrote about how we can prepare better for climate-related emergencies and disasters. In addition to packing a go-bag and signing up for VT-Alert, I got several responses to the prompt “know your neighbors” - everything from disbelief that someone could not know their neighbors, to lament about the conflict between them and a neighbor, to (my favorite): “I don’t have neighbors.”
As our federal government guts resources and our state tries to navigate funding increasing needs, it is more important than ever that we build mutual aid infrastructure. Our future will be determined by how well we work together - with the people who live and work in our community, whether or not you voted for the same candidates, or argued over a fence, or have kids who did or didn’t get along. We are, for better and worse, stuck with each other.
I am grateful for this community. This community has taken care of my kids at a moment’s notice, picked up medication, walked with me while I pushed a screaming baby in a stroller, jumped my car, lent me a carpet cleaner, driven me to the hospital, taken my calls late at night and early in the morning, taken out my trash when I was away, and fed my family. I am so lucky. We are so lucky. But we are also still learning how to work together.
So how can we do better?
credit: Greta Thomas
Volunteer. Woodstock is home to many organizations that do important and specialized work. Whether you are looking to meet people, learn something new, or put a skill to use, this is the best way to do it. Here’s a list of organizations you can join (not a comprehensive list, feel free to add to it). We also have several civic boards in need of volunteers, like the Town Development Review Board and the newly-created Marketing Committee. Please reach out to me if you are interested in either of these.
But, Laura… I don’t have the time or I don’t want to deal with the drama. If you want to have community, engagement is the entry fare. There are many opportunities with various levels of commitment, because I get it: some seasons of life are filled to the brim with taking care of obligations (work or family or health or all of the above). But for our community to be reflective and representative, participation is necessary. What are you passionate about? Go there first.
Stay informed. Coming to our public meetings can be a part-time job, and certainly while the Selectboard loves to see more folks engaging with us, we understand the demands of life. However, I frequently come across folks who speak with absolute confidence about something that is not based in fact. It is likely that unless you come to meetings regularly or talk to our boards to understand the work that’s being done, there is very little that can be reduced to a headline or hot take. Our problems and solutions and personalities have layers and no one is being helped by an uninformed opinion. You can always:
Don’t wait, do. See some trash on the Green? For the love of creemees, pick it up. Considering doing some work on your property that might inconvenience abutters? Knock on your their door and have a conversation. Want to start a club, organize an event, or change a policy? Let’s go! Each of us has ownership and accountability over this place, but often it feels as though we are just here to complain about how things aren’t working. When you take action, you’re not only having impact, but you are strengthening social institutions, and possibly becoming happier.
Ask for help. This is a hard one for us stoic New Englanders, so you can start small. Ask for something in the Buy Nothing group, or ask to carpool to an event. If you’re not sure where to start, let me know and I can help match you with resources.
But why do all this?
Because no man is an island. Especially here. Especially now. I am telling you in earnest, there will come a time (if there hasn’t already), where you will need your neighbors. And likely in a way that makes you uncomfortable. But it will come, and it will be a whole lot easier if you’ve already delivered a meal in a time of need, or shared vegetables, or given them a wave in passing.
Because even Thoreau left Walden Pond to help Emerson.
An ask
Chris Barr, a wonderful and dedicated member of our community, passed away last week. In addition to being the Director of Public Works, he was a father, a partner, and a friend to many. We mourn his loss and celebrate the impact he had on Woodstock. His friends have started a GoFundMe to help support his daughter Charlotte and her mom, please consider donating if you are able.
Reading:
Calling all good news
A bulletin for good news? In the year 2025? We actually have so much of it (looks around) but we need to share it - I’ll go first:
The Town, Village, and Sewer Departments all ended the fiscal year with surpluses.
Your turn - tell me something good!
the creek will rise
On the second anniversary of what I refer to as “Bummer Summer 2023,” parts of Vermont experienced flash flooding for the third consecutive year. Vermont has a history of significant flooding events: The Great Flood of 1927, the floods of June 1973, and Hurricane Irene - all of which were unprecedented at their respective times. But, we know after the past 3 years, these are no longer rare events.
After Hurricane Irene, the Vermont Economic Resiliency Initiative published an extensive report of recommendations in 2015 to help make Woodstock more resilient against climate events In the future. You can read the report here.
The town is making progress on several of these recommendations: the biggest being the suspension of the water main under Elm Street bridge (which we are now able to do thanks to our acquisition of the Aqueduct Company earlier this year). The Selectboard has approved applications for FEMA buyouts for the Dead River and Woodstock Farmer’s Market properties along West Woodstock Road (though this report encourages flood proofing and elevating), and we are investigating projects for RIVER grant funding to preserve the floodplain and floodproof areas around the Ottauquechee (like Riverside Park) and Kedron Brook.
The Ottauquechee River at the White Cottage Snack Bar, Summer 2023
But what else can we do?
Federal cuts to NOAA and FEMA mean that not only will we have less resources for preparedness and disaster relief in the future, but that we could still be recovering environmentally and financially when the next climate event occurs.
More than ever, we are going to have to rely on our regional and local community infrastructure to see us through these events. What does this look like?
Adopting common sense public safety policies like E911 Compliance Addressing in the Village, which ties your address to your physical location so that emergency responders can easily know where you are and how to get to you. This is very important in a community like ours that relies on the mutual aid of responders from other towns.
Continuing to work with Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission to adopt zoning regulations that follow best practices for flood resiliency; to identify and apply for funding for flood management projects (including relocation or flood proofing); and to coordinate these projects with communities both upstream and downstream.
Devoting more funds to public works and infrastructure (in operating costs and in capital reserves) so that in the event of disaster, the roads and bridges can be cleared/repaired quickly and we can more easily navigate staffing and overtime.
Supporting local organizations that prioritize mutual aid, such as Woodstock Community Food Shelf, Ottauquechee Health Foundation, Woodstock Community Trust, and Sustainable Woodstock.
Additionally, I highly recommend the following household preparations:
Update your Emergency Address in your cellphone. If you have an iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Calling > Emergency Address.
Pack a go-bag with portable battery chargers, flashlight/headlamp, water bottles and dry food, a blanket, clean underwear, important documents, and medications.
Know your neighbors!
Have a planned route to get to Hartford High School where American Red Cross will set up a regional shelter in case of emergency, and Woodstock Elementary School which may be activated if HHS is at capacity or unable to be used.
NWPL wants your feedback!
Norman Williams Public Library is collecting feedback on the children’s space and programming. If you are a parent, grandparent, caretaker, or someone who otherwise visits the space frequently please take a few moments to fill out the survey with your honest feedback. The survey closes soon!
Upcoming!
Water bills are due on July 30th! Please reach out to our Finance Department if you haven’t received yours or have questions.
Sustainable Woodstock is hosting a potluck picnic on King Farm tomorrow Tuesday, July 22nd I know you are all debating about whether or not to go to this or the Selectboard meeting :)
Get outside while it’s nice!
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.
the land of sludge, part 1
The rain continues, there is a new Pope, Vail Field is newly mowed, and we are barreling towards the end of the school year. A belated Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to the staff and teachers at WES who have seen me in my pajamas often and not said anything about it.
Good news!
Thanks to our Shared Energy Coordinator, Harry “Grants” Falconer, Woodstock was awarded a Municipal Planning Grant from the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development for $18,756. This will be used to update our Town Plan, specifically our Future Land Use map. The Planning Commission will be taking on this work once they are done updating our Village zoning bylaws.
The artist known as MWWTP
Our main wastewater treatment plant on Maxham Meadow Way is due for renovation. This is for two reasons:
Like much of our infrastructure, the treatment plant has been a victim of underinvestment. The plant was built in 1967 and the last major upgrade was in 1982.
In order to meet our discharge permit, we need to update our filtration process, as the state regulates the levels of nitrogren and phosphorous we put into the Ottauquechee River.
Wastewater treatment in this plant starts by removing large debris and grit from the incoming water in the headworks building. The water is then pumped into two large tanks, where air is added to help break down waste. After that, the water flows into two settling tanks that separate out solids. Next, it passes through two chambers where it's disinfected with chlorine, then treated to remove the chlorine. The cleaned water is measured and then released into the Ottauquechee River. Solids are collected in two holding tanks and later removed by a contractor for disposal. Historically, the solids, or dewatered sludge, were spread on local farms. Currently, there is one contractor in the region who will haul away the sludge.
In December, the Selectboard asked the engineering firm Hoyle Tanner to investigate biological process alternatives that could be incorporated into the new plant design to increase efficiency and reduce both operational and construction costs. These processes include:
1. Anarobic/Anoxic/Oxic (A2O)
2. Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS)
3. Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBRs)
Each of these processes has pros and cons, and you can watch the detailed presentation Hoyle Tanner gave the board last week, or just skim the comparison chart below. The next step is for the Selectboard to decide which process to move forward with.
Before the meeting adjourned, our lead operator Tim Lyons made a plea to the board: “This can has been kicked down the road as long as I’ve been here… the longer we wait, we know the more it’s going to cost. Nobody and no board has wanted to do this, and we’re getting to the point where the State is going to step in and put us on a compliance schedule.”
Reading/watching:
Can luxury housing do anything for homelessness? (this link was broken last time, apologies!)
Greensboro voters reject affordable housing project the saga continues in Greensboro
Arts education produces creative leaders from Woodstock’s very own Elizabeth Frascoia
Savannah Bananas on 60 Minutes - Baseball I can get behind
Question for the readers
When was the last time you felt connected to our community?
“you get used to anything”
We had two sunny days back to back this week, so I’m back to loving life again. If you are already sentimental for winter, I highly recommend North of North on Netflix.
We have some special meetings coming up next week as we are set to close on the Aqueduct. But for now, here’s what’s going on:
Economic Development
As I wrote in my last update, the Selectboard is developing a job description for Economic Development Director. I thought I’d give a quick refresh on why this role is important.
If you saw my video for WCTV, you know that most of the symptoms Woodstock is currently experiencing are because we don’t have enough housing. We have near to no housing opportunities for teachers, nurses, firefighters, town employees, not to mention the folks who work in the shops, restaurants, and cafes in Woodstock. We know that area employers have been in the housing business for years, renting and purchasing homes for their staff, because otherwise it would mean cutting back on operating hours and/or services. We know that our aging community members are staying over-housed, in homes that don’t match their needs and are increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible, because there is no smaller housing available. We know that we are facing mounting infrastructure costs due to years of underinvestment. We need more households to help us absorb these increasing costs. Every day we don’t have new housing units costs our community in economic productivity and increased costs of services. How much longer can you afford to live here if we don’t add new housing? Can you afford to live in a community where your car can’t get reliably serviced? Where your roads can’t get plowed early enough for you to go to work? Where you go even longer than you do now without seeing a doctor or a dentist? Where your business can’t stay open because your staff lives an hour away? Where you can’t find reliable childcare?
We are already living this reality to varying degrees. I am hopeful that by hiring someone full-time on bringing development to Woodstock, we can add more housing than we’ve historically been able to, through the free market or with previous iterations of housing incentives.
Lights, baskets, action!
Did you ever think we could spend so much time talking about flower baskets? The Selectboard received a request from the Chamber of Commerce to fund the maintenance of hanging flower baskets in the Village. This request comes after last month’s emergency request to fund the soil in the baskets. Despite what the Chamber proffered in the meeting and on the unofficial petitions they submitted, the funding of the baskets was granted last year with the agreement it would be the last year they were to be funded from the Economic Development and Community Fund. This came before the pausing of Community Grants and the redirection of the Economic Development Commission. Since the Chamber failed to raise the funds, we are here (yet again) discussing them. The Selectboard voted to include costs for the baskets and the Christmas lights in the Village in our operating budget, which will be voted on next Town Meeting day. Hopefully we can split it with the Village as the Trustees developed an actual objective tied to Village beautification last year.
Why does this matter? For a lot of reasons, but mainly, because the Economic Development and Community Fund should not be a piggy bank we break every time we want to fund something outside of the budget process. I have no doubt baskets and lights add to the charm of the Village (and to a point a fellow board member made last year, distract people from the poor condition of some of our downtown buildings), but they will not solve the real economic issues we are facing - they do not add housing, nor make us resilient against extreme climate events, nor insulate us from national economic policy.
The bell is tolling for the old way of doing things in Woodstock. And though it appears to some that the Selectboard is ringing said bell, it is the world around us demanding we adapt. I hope the Chamber can be a better partner and help us meet the moment. I know our businesses and our community deserve it.
FEMA
Speaking of changing climates, the board voted to approve the FEMA buyout application for Woodstock Farmer’s Market. Those who lived through Hurricane Irene and Bummer Summer 2023 know this stretch of land is particularly susceptible to flooding. The board approved the buyout application for Dead River property that abuts the Farmer’s Market a few months ago. The buyout process is a long one, and this is just the first step. The Farmer’s Market has no immediate plans to move. If and when they do move, I hope we can reimagine this stretch as something beneficial to the community as the land returns to the floodplain.
Reading/watching:
*discuss*
Bills, bills, bills
Property taxes are due May 2nd
Sewer bills are due May 30th
spring forward?
After 7 weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles flag is finally coming down from my porch. Good riddance :)
It’s been a long few weeks between the weather, various media outlets coming to town, and did I mention the weather?
Let’s get into it.
WAC APA
On March 14th, the Selectboard signed the Asset Purchase Agreement for the Woodstock Aqueduct Company. I am VERY MUCH looking forward to the Town closing on this sale (hopefully by the end of the month) and having the Town of Woodstock Water Department up and running.
Federal Funding
While many agencies and organizations remain level-funded through September thanks to the continuing resolution, we can brace for:
The state legislature is also preparing contingency plans for federal cuts that the state budget has historically relied on. Vermont Public is also keeping tabs on the cuts.
Economic Development
The Selectboard has been discussing developing a full-time Economic Development role for Woodstock. This came out of several conversations during our joint goals and objectives meetings last year where boards identified the need to increase housing and development in Woodstock. While we have advisory groups, part time contractors, and staff lending their time here and there, there is an argument to be made for someone devoting full-time energy and hours to economic development.
I am grateful to the Economic Development Commission who, as Roger Logan so eloquently put it, “serves as an R&D lab” for Woodstock and has made a measurable impact on our community, including my household. Right now, the plan is to develop a job description and have the person in this role decide how they want to leverage the Commission when they come onboard.
Misc.
In honor of my birthday last week, I’m asking folks to donate to Woodstock Community Trust, either to Local Deeds or the Hub. The Trust helps our community in countless ways, but these programs specifically help people buy homes and help them stay in their homes. If you aren’t in a position to donate, it would mean the world if you would share the site with folks you know.
Upcoming:
Inner Rhythms Info Night for Families : 4/9 at 5:30pm at WES Gym. Inner Rhythms seeks to provide tools for schools to grow a community of self-aware, compassionate, resilient, and confident kids. Kelley Boymer is running at pilot program at WES right now, and has expanded to a summer camp offering, and hopefully more schools in the next year.
Next Selectboard meeting is 4/15
Property taxes are due 5/2
Sewer bills are due 5/30
Get outside and stay off the listserv if you can :)
state of nature
It’s been a week! Many thanks to everyone who voted this past week whether in person on last Saturday, at the polls on Tuesday (or both), or absentee. Town Meeting requires the work and collaboration of many: Town Hall staff; our Moderator; the Clerk’s office; our Justices of the Peace; WCTV; Pentangle Arts; Change the World Kids; and the local Cub Scouts of America troop.
You can find all the Town Meeting results here.
Meanwhile in Montpelier…
Our legislators are still trying to work out education funding. If you haven’t already, please take the time to complete this survey from our Windsor County State Senators (link here).
Reading/Watching:
What It Takes to Close the Poverty Gap, The Daily Show
Do Democrats need to learn how to build? The New Yorker
Let’s stop talking and let’s start building, Bennington Banner
Gov. Scott Appoints Former Lawmaker Brian Campion to State Board of Education, Seven Days
advanced citizenship
Third winter, is that you? I was celebrating the snow melting yesterday but Mother Nature has made a fool of me yet again.
I know in a few short months, I’ll be complaining about the humidity but what I wouldn’t give for some melty ice cream on my stoop right now.
Ok, let’s get into it.
Hurrah for Town Meeting!
If you haven’t heard, Woodstock voters will be gathering on tomorrow at 10am Town Hall for part 1 of Town Meeting. I suggest arriving ahead of time to get a seat and a parking spot.
Many, many thanks to Change the World Kids who are sending two babysitters to watch kids 4+ upstairs in the big conference room until 1pm.
It is very likely we will be doing a paper ballot for the article related to the elimination of the lister’s position. So, prepare yourselves for some orderly single filing in the auditorium.
If you are an organization that has a petitioned article or if you are running for office, I highly encourage you to attend to speak to the community on behalf of your cause or yourself :)
Here’s your ballot guide (again)
Part 2 of Town Meeting Day will be Tuesday, where voters can vote by paper ballot from 7am-7pm at Town Hall. You can still pick up an absentee ballot today during the clerk’s office hours.
Ok, let’s go do our civic duty! You can email or text me with questions about the ballot or about the process.
Upcoming:
Make tomorrow a double header! VSSA Humane Society is hosting a rabies clinic at WUMS/HS from 1-3pm. $15 per shot (which is sadly and staggeringly cheaper than the human vaccine)
Twin Pines Housing Trust is hosting two open houses in Woodstock this Sunday.
On Farm Restaurant Amendment public hearing is scheduled for March 31st
Reading/Listening:
Risky business? Volunteering in a small community, The Vermont Standard
How Progressives Froze the American Dream, Plain English (thanks to Justin for sharing)
in times like these
Wow, we made it through January by the skin of our teeth! I apologize for the delay since my last email - my household has had a menagerie of illnesses that had me asking myself why do we even send the kids to school in January?
Ok, let’s catch up:
Town Meeting Prep
The budget has been finalized and Town Reports are heading to the printers as we speak. We have two Town Meeting Days in Woodstock:
Saturday, March 1st at 10am in Town Hall to vote on the floor for Articles 1-15
Tuesday, March 4th to vote by Australian ballot 7am-7pm for officers and petitioned articles, as well as the school district ballot
The Selectboard decided not to take up the issue of changing the voting mechanism this year, given we have what some might consider a controversial article around the elimination of listers. I am working on securing childcare for those that wish to vote on Saturday.
The board will be available at various places over the next month to talk about the budget, articles, and anything else Town Meeting-related. Here is the tentative schedule:
2/10: South Woodstock Country Store - 9am
2/12: Mon Vert Cafe - 10am
2/17: Ottauquechee Yacht Club - 5pm
2/19: Abracadabra Coffee - 9am
2/24: South Woodstock Country Store: 9am
Kitty will update the schedule on the Town website if there are any changes.
I know the language of some of these measures is overwhelming - I tried to break it down as simply as I could.
Reading:
Middlebury College, developer and town join forces on major housing project, Vermont Public
Ways and Means: Legislative Lawyers Are as Busy as Heck, SevenDays