Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Water Main Break
A broken water pipe burst open Wednesday April 29, 2009. This caused homes and businesses on the East Side of the bridge to lose water. The entire town was put on a water boil notice, to prevent being exposed to contamination which may have been released into the water due to the break. The boil notice was lifted Friday afternoon May 1st after test results taken from the water came back negative for contamination. It remained lifted until Monday May 4th when the boil notice went into effect again to allow for repairs to the pipe. The ban was lifted again on May 6th at 1 am when the repairs to the pipe were finally complete. Businesses and homes suffered from this break, but the town is now looking into solutions in case these type of problems were to arise again.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
St. J Police Receive Stimulus Money
As part of Barack Obama's stimulus package, St. Johnsbury police will be receiving a piece of the pie. They will be receiving around $27,000, which will be used for new equipment, such as scanners in the car and guns for the policemen. This will ensure more safety for the officers when they are out patrolling.
Future of Northeast Regional Correctional Facility
A deficit in Vermont state budgets is now requiring for some cuts. The Northeast Regional Correctional Facility is on the chopping block. Local representatives proposed a bill that would stop the closing of the correctional facility. The deficits Vermont is facing are nearly 250 million dollars over the next two years. Two million of that money would be saved with the correctional facility closing. The deadline for the House Representatives for Vermont was on March 27th and as of right now, it is still undecided what the future for the facility will hold.
Maple Festival
St. Johnsbury welcomed back the Maple Festival after 20 years on the weekend of April 18th. The last time the town held this event was in 1987. Hand made gifts and an assortment of food were sold as vendors lined the streets. Governor Jim Douglas made an appearance to the event that honors our signature agricultural product. Douglas also mentioned how in 1915 Maple Grove Farms was established right in St. J. That farm is now the leading maple syrup company in the world, earning Vermont the title as Maple Capital of the World.
Video Courtesy of News 7's Kyle DuBreuil
Video Courtesy of News 7's Kyle DuBreuil
Australian Ballot going to the Senate
On March 2, 2009, St. Johnsbury residents voted to eliminate the traditional Town Meeting they have each year. Instead, voters want to move to strictly Australian Ballot. The decision to rid the town of the Town Meeting was sent to the House and passed. The next step is to get the approval from the Senate. If that is passed, the new system with the Australian Ballots will begin next year. Some people are opposed to this new system, but most feel it will be a more convenient way for people to voice their opinions on issues on paper ballots.
St. Johnsbury School Improvements
The St. Johnsbury School saw a huge improvement this year when it comes to the Adequate Yearly Progress, but still came up short of the state expectation. To improve upon this, the administration has come up with a plan so ensure that the school meets the state's requirements. The "Pyramid Of Supports" is a program that would help the school adopt a formal strategy that would track student's learning and access them on a regular basis. Marion Anastasia is the school's principal, but she is also the Professional Development Coordinator of the program who works with professors around the school to make this a successful program. You can view St. Johnsbury's complete report on the test results by clicking on the link below:
http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/pgm_assessment/data/08/NECAP/NECAP_PS400_08.pdf .
http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/pgm_assessment/data/08/NECAP/NECAP_PS400_08.pdf .
Excessive Parking in St. J
With Spring upon us more people are out around town. But what does that mean for local parking? Spots on Main St. in St. Johnsbury are occupied for the entire day with cars that don't move. Currently, meters have a 2 hour time limit. To reduce the problem of excessive parking, some businesses would like to see the meters change to 15 minute limits. The hope is that more traffic and more available parking will increase sales. To resolve the issue, business owners are looking to take the problem into their own hands.
Vermont Stimulus money
Vermont is receiving a part of the stimulus money and various towns around the state were asked what they would use the money on. St. Johnsbury submitted a list of 16 projects which totaled to nearly $54 million. Some of these projects include repairing streets and bridges and renovating the Welcome Center. Other towns, such as Lyndonville only submitted one project. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns will be the deciding factor in which projects are picked and which are tossed to the side.
Kiwanis Auction
This year marked the 59th year the Kiwanis club held it's annual auction. Some fifty-five plus members ranging to as old as 96 are a part of Kiwanis and each bring their own individual talents to the table. This year's big ticket item was a hearing aid donated by Armstrong's Better Hearing Service. With the failing economy, the auction also has been affected. To alleviate the problem, the Kiwanians have thought up a new bidding system so that more people are able to bid on things on display.
St. Johnsbury welcomes new businesses
St. Johnsbury selectmen along with town manager Mike Welch and Governor Jim Douglas welcomed the addition of two new St. Johnsbury businesses as they celebrated their grand openings on March 13. Milne Financial was actually open months before the grand opening, but didn't begin to get recognition until they installed their business sign outdoors. The Bread Box was the second business welcomed to the St. Johnsbury community that day. The owner Lisa Morse already had a franchise of Pepperidge Farm products and had been delivering to various grocery stores until she decided to try opening her own business.
St. Johnsbury disappoints Catamount Arts
Back in March on Town Meeting Day Catamount Arts asked ten different towns for funding. All said yes to the motion except for one, their own St. J. St. Johnsbury residents said no to nearly four thousand dollars that would go to the organization. Catamount officials just see this as an opportunity to prove themselves. The money they usually receive from St. Johnsbury goes towards the free gallery and school programming. Though this is a setback for Catamount, it is just a way for them to become more creative in fundraising.
Monday, March 16, 2009
NOTICE: ST JOHNSBURY BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RETURN
Pursuant to Title 32 § 4005 which states “All business are required to make and return an inventory which states among other items, machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, apparatus, tools, implements, electronic office equipment, etc, which is to assessed by a ‘cost less depreciation’ method”
Most business owners will receive from the Assessors’ office a Business Personal Property tax return form. However, business owners that do not receive a return form should request one form the Assessors’ office by calling 802.748.4272, or download it here: Vermont Business Personal Property Tax Return. Completed and signed returns should be returned to the Assessors’ office at 1187 Main Ste# 2, St. Johnsbury VT 05819 no later than April 20, 2009.
Most business owners will receive from the Assessors’ office a Business Personal Property tax return form. However, business owners that do not receive a return form should request one form the Assessors’ office by calling 802.748.4272, or download it here: Vermont Business Personal Property Tax Return. Completed and signed returns should be returned to the Assessors’ office at 1187 Main Ste# 2, St. Johnsbury VT 05819 no later than April 20, 2009.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
2009- 2010 School Budget Passed
ARTICLE 02. Shall the Town School District vote to adopt a budget for the school year ending June 30, 2010 including an appropriation of a sum of money for the support of schools with provisions for current expenses, capital improvements, a deficit if any, and for other lawful purposes?
St. Johnsbury resdidents got together for their 219th Town Meeting on Monday night, March 2nd. The big debate was about the school's annual budget. The school board proposed raising the budget to nearly $15 million, which is a 2.4 percent increase over last years budget. That sparked some discussion.
"Then it's not an old fashioned Town Meeting. All the more reason to have Australian Ballot." A plumber by trade, Tony Greenwood didn't think taxpayers could afford the increase because of the bad economy. "I am opposed to the budget primarily because the community can't afford it and it's not just that. It's the entire economy this year. The condition that the economy is in. I think it's time for everybody to be level funded and cut back if at all you can. We just lost Lydall Westtech. That's $8 million out of the local economy and then other jobs that are affiliated with it. So that number there can snowball to a much greater number and then there's other businesses that are falling left and right."
Others didn't like the 2.4 percent school budget increase, but eventually voted for it. Mark Finn, a retired analog technician, was one of those voters. "I think it's slightly too high. I'm not dead set against it. The motion that I made was for level funding and on one scenario we make. Under the scenario two we miss it by two cents. It's not a huge increase in tax burden, but I would have liked to see my motion pass. It would have guaranteed a little funding for our homestead property tax."
The majority thought the money was a good investment in St. Johnsbury's children. Th 90 minute debate ended with the passage of the nearly $15 million budget on a vote of 155 to 93.
St. Johnsbury resdidents got together for their 219th Town Meeting on Monday night, March 2nd. The big debate was about the school's annual budget. The school board proposed raising the budget to nearly $15 million, which is a 2.4 percent increase over last years budget. That sparked some discussion.
"Then it's not an old fashioned Town Meeting. All the more reason to have Australian Ballot." A plumber by trade, Tony Greenwood didn't think taxpayers could afford the increase because of the bad economy. "I am opposed to the budget primarily because the community can't afford it and it's not just that. It's the entire economy this year. The condition that the economy is in. I think it's time for everybody to be level funded and cut back if at all you can. We just lost Lydall Westtech. That's $8 million out of the local economy and then other jobs that are affiliated with it. So that number there can snowball to a much greater number and then there's other businesses that are falling left and right."
Others didn't like the 2.4 percent school budget increase, but eventually voted for it. Mark Finn, a retired analog technician, was one of those voters. "I think it's slightly too high. I'm not dead set against it. The motion that I made was for level funding and on one scenario we make. Under the scenario two we miss it by two cents. It's not a huge increase in tax burden, but I would have liked to see my motion pass. It would have guaranteed a little funding for our homestead property tax."
The majority thought the money was a good investment in St. Johnsbury's children. Th 90 minute debate ended with the passage of the nearly $15 million budget on a vote of 155 to 93.
Australian Ballot is Passed
During the voting at Town Meeting yesterday, the majority of St. Johnsbury residents voted yes to using the Australian Ballot in future town meetings instead of holding an actual meeting. That is a huge change, as Town Meeting has been a tradition in Vermont for 219 years. The article passed 843 to 306. Though the resident's voted for the change, the ultimate decision will be made by the legislature. If the article is passed by the legislature, voting with the Australian Ballot will allow more citizens to vote on articles, as opposed to decisions being made by only the people who show up at Town Meeting. This year's meeting saw only 5% out of the total number of voters in the town, leaving many people unable to vote on the specific issues dicussed at town meeting. Will St. Johnsbury really say goodbye to Town Meeting for good? The decision has yet to be decided. Updates will follow.
Vital Statistics
2008 Vital Statistics
Births
January= 20
February= 18
March= 11
April= 29
May= 17
June= 30
July= 18
August= 11
September= 16
October= 16
November= 16
December= 14
Totals= 216
Deaths
January= 7
February= 16
March= 18
April= 10
May= 12
June= 12
July= 13
August= 9
September= 14
October= 8
November= 10
December= 20
Totals= 149
Marriages/Civil Unions
January= 3
February= 4
March= 1
April= 1
May= 4
June= 8
July= 4
August= 9
September= 8
October= 3
November= 3
December= 3
Totals= 51
Births
January= 20
February= 18
March= 11
April= 29
May= 17
June= 30
July= 18
August= 11
September= 16
October= 16
November= 16
December= 14
Totals= 216
Deaths
January= 7
February= 16
March= 18
April= 10
May= 12
June= 12
July= 13
August= 9
September= 14
October= 8
November= 10
December= 20
Totals= 149
Marriages/Civil Unions
January= 3
February= 4
March= 1
April= 1
May= 4
June= 8
July= 4
August= 9
September= 8
October= 3
November= 3
December= 3
Totals= 51
Town Report Dedication
Andrew and Clara Fisher
Take a look around downtown St. Johnsbury, almost anywhere. You can turn in just about any direction and witness the handiwork of Andy and Clara Fisher. From the trees that will soon be budding out on Main Street, to Portland Street, to Concord Avenue, to Railroad Street. From the beautifully landscaped parking area off from Railroad Street, to the flowers that will bloom on Route 2, along Portland Street Park, on South Main Street, and on Main Street. From the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center to the signs that Welcome everyone to St. Johnsbury. From Fred Mold Park, to Arnold Park, to Railroad Street Park, to Ramsey Park, to the park at Main and Winter. From annual Holiday decoractions, to handmade wooden trash containers. From the Town Forest to the St. Johnsbury School.
The odds are pretty good that no matter where you are in the old St. Johnsbury Village, you will be very close to an improvement that has been inspired by, planted, maintained, constructed, or installed by Andy and Clara Fisher. They leave a well-marked trail of beauty behind them throughout our community.
The improvements that have been made by Andy and Clara will be appreciated for many years to come. We hope that their efforts will inspire even more people to become active stewards for all that has been sown - and for all of the work that remains.
"article came from 2008 Town Report found on the official St. Johnsbury website"
Take a look around downtown St. Johnsbury, almost anywhere. You can turn in just about any direction and witness the handiwork of Andy and Clara Fisher. From the trees that will soon be budding out on Main Street, to Portland Street, to Concord Avenue, to Railroad Street. From the beautifully landscaped parking area off from Railroad Street, to the flowers that will bloom on Route 2, along Portland Street Park, on South Main Street, and on Main Street. From the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center to the signs that Welcome everyone to St. Johnsbury. From Fred Mold Park, to Arnold Park, to Railroad Street Park, to Ramsey Park, to the park at Main and Winter. From annual Holiday decoractions, to handmade wooden trash containers. From the Town Forest to the St. Johnsbury School.
The odds are pretty good that no matter where you are in the old St. Johnsbury Village, you will be very close to an improvement that has been inspired by, planted, maintained, constructed, or installed by Andy and Clara Fisher. They leave a well-marked trail of beauty behind them throughout our community.
The improvements that have been made by Andy and Clara will be appreciated for many years to come. We hope that their efforts will inspire even more people to become active stewards for all that has been sown - and for all of the work that remains.
"article came from 2008 Town Report found on the official St. Johnsbury website"
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Pre Town Meeting Day
The residents of St. Johnsbury will meet on Monday evening March 2nd at 7 pm and Tuesday March 3rd at 10 pm. to vote on issues in the town. On Monday night one issue that will be discussed is the town school budget. Other articles that will be discussed are general budgets for the town. On Monday, the residents will vote in their new officials or re-elect the current ones. A big issue that will be voted on will be whether or not the town of St. Johnsbury should enforce the Australian Ballot. This may eliminate Town Meeting Day all together. The selectmen would prepare an annual budget for the Town. The school directors shall also prepare an annual school district budget. These all would be voted on by Australian Ballot.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Town Warning Details
Town School District Warning
WARNING
ANNUAL ST. JOHNSBURY TOWN AND
TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEETING
ON March 2, 2009 AT 7:00 PM
TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
TO ACT ON THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES
ARTICLE 01. Shall the Town School District vote to collect its 2009 taxes by the Town Treasurer?
ARTICLE 02. Shall the Town School District vote to adopt a budget for the school year ending June 30, 2010 including an appropriation of a sum of money for the support of schools with provisions for current expenses, capital improvements, a deficit if any, and for other lawful purposes?
FOR THE TOWN MEETING
TO ACT ON THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES
ARTICLE 03. Shall the town vote to adopt an essential service budget for the town general fund?
ARTICLE 04. Shall the town vote a general town tax to defray the ordinary expenses and liabilities of the town for the current year for the interest of its inhabitants and for the prosecution and defense of the common rights, and if so, how much?
ARTICLE 05. Shall the town vote to adopt an essential service budget for the town highway fund?
ARTICLE 06. Shall the town vote a highway tax to be appropriated for laying out and repairing highways and if so, how much?
ARTICLE 07. Shall the voters residing within the former Village of St. Johnsbury, as it was bounded December 31, 1965, vote to adopt an essential services budget for the town special service fund?
ARTICLE 08. Shall the voters residing within the former Village of St. Johnsbury, as it was bounded December 31,1965, vote a special service tax, pursuant to 24 VSA App Part II Ch 151 2(b), to be assessed by the Selectmen on the grand list in said former Village of
St. Johnsbury to pay current expenses and indebtedness incurred in continuing functions within that area which are not common to the Town of St. Johnsbury, and if so, how
much?
ARTICLE 09. Shall the town vote to collect its 2009 general, highway and special service taxes by its Treasurer?
ARTICLE 10. Shall the Town, without reduction, apply up to the entire amount of the water system improvement bonded indebtedness authorized on March 4, 2008 for use as matching funds in order to maximize the receipt of construction grants-in-aid for such improvements?
ARTICLE 11. Shall the Town vote, pursuant to 32 VSA, Section 3832(7), to exempt from taxation real and personal property of St. Johnsbury Baseball, Inc. used primarily for recreational purposes?
ARTICLE 12. To transact any other business which may come before the meeting.
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2009
BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 A.M. AND 7 P.M.
TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING
TOWN AND TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
ARTICLES BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT*
ARTICLE 13. To elect the following Town and Town School District Officers as required by Law: Town Moderator, School District Moderator, School District Treasurer, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Selectperson for three years, Two Selectpersons for one year, First Constable, School Director for three years, One School Director for one year, One School Director for Two years, Two Town Grand Jurors, Town Agent to prosecute
and defend suits in which the Town or Town School District is interested, Trustee of Public Money for three years and an Agent to Convey Real Estate.
ARTICLE 14. Shall the Town vote to amend its charter, 24 VSA Appendix, Chapter 151, Section 16(a), as set forth in the following concise summary:
ARTICLE 16. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Nine Thousand dollars ($9,000.00) to be used toward the expense of maintaining and operating the Good Living
Senior Center for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 17. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of One Hundred Three Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($103,500.00) to be used toward the expense of
maintaining and operating the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 18. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred Seventy dollars ($770.00) to the St Johnsbury Band for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 19. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Fifty dollars ($450.00) to the Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Inc. for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 20. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Thousand One Hundred Forty-Two dollars ($6,142.00) to Northeast Kingdom Human Services, Inc. to assist in maintaining services for mental health, developmental services, family counseling, services to children and the elderly, substance abuse treatment, and 24 hour emergency services for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 21. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($4,500.00) to Umbrella, Inc., to serve victims of domestic and sexual
violence and their children, families seeking child care and child care providers?
ARTICLE 22. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Eighteen Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Two dollars ($18,382.00) to Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice to be used in providing health care services for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 23. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Twenty-Seven Thousand Three Hundred Twenty dollars ($27,320.00) to Caledonia – Essex Area Ambulance Service, Inc. to be used toward the expense of providing ambulance service in St. Johnsbury for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 24. Shall the Town vote to raise, appropriate and expend the sum of Fifty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred dollars ($56,700.00) for the support of the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium to provide free unlimited general admission to the Museum to
residents of the Town?
ARTICLE 25. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred dollars ($14,400.00) to the St Johnsbury Kiwanis Club to maintain and run the Kiwanis Pool for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 26. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Four Hundred Eighty dollars ($6,480.00) to assist the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont in providing services to senior citizens in St Johnsbury for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 27. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty dollars ($6,750.00) to St. Johnsbury Nutritional Center to serve meals to homebound and disabled citizens in St Johnsbury for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 28. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Eight Hundred Ten dollars ($810.00) to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for Central Vermont and Northeast Kingdom (RSVP), Caledonia County for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 29. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Seventy-Five dollars ($675.00) to support the mission of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 30. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of One Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Seven dollars ($1,737.00) to Riverside Life Enrichment Center, Adult Day Health Services in providing day services to disabled adults and seniors in the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 31. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($4,275.00) to Catamount Arts to further Catamount’s mission to enhance the cultural climate of northern Vermont for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 32. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($4,225.00) for the operation of the St. Johnsbury Child Care After School Program, a state-licensed non-profit, which provides services for the town’s children in grades K through 5?
ARTICLE 33. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Thirteen Thousand Fifty dollars ($13,050.00) for services provided by Rural Community Transportation (“RCT”) to residents that live in the Town of St. Johnsbury?
ARTICLE 34. Shall the Town vote to raise, appropriate and expend the sum of One Thousand Eight Hundred dollars ($1,800.00) for the support of the Northern Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross to provide services to residents of the Town?
ARTICLE 35. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Twenty-Two Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($22,500.00) for the support of St. Johnsbury Works, the Designated Downtown organization, whose goal is to develop the downtown by recruiting new businesses and
supporting current businesses in St. Johnsbury?
* Discussion and Informational Meeting on Articles 13-35 take place on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at St Johnsbury School Gymnasium 257 Western Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION NOTICE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST TO ENSURE THAT THE MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF DISABILITY. REQUESTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO SANDRA P. GRENIER, TOWN CLERK, 1187 MAIN STREET, ST JOHNSBURY, VERMONT 05819, TELEPHONE (802) 748-4331.
DATED at St Johnsbury, Vermont this 26th day of January 2009.
Selectboard of the Town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Bryon G. Quatrini, Chair
Gerald W. Reis
Daniel Kimbell
James Rust
Jean Hall Wheeler
Attest: Sandra P. Grenier
St Johnsbury Town Clerk
DATED at St Johnsbury, Vermont this 26th day of January 2009.
School Directors of St. Johnsbury School District
Lisa Rivers , Chair
Bruce Corrette
Thomas Zabek
Werner Heidemann
Cathy Demers
Attest: Sandra P. Grenier
St Johnsbury Town Clerk
Official Town Warning
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 3, 2009
The legal voters of the Town of St. Johnsbury are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Father Lively Center, 481 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 between the hours of 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon (a.m.) at which time the polls will open and 7:00
o’clock in the afternoon (p.m.) at which time the polls will close, to vote by printed ballot upon the following article of business:
ARTICLE I
Shall general obligation bonds of the Town of St. Johnsbury, in an amount not to exceed $5,250,000 be issued for the purpose of making water, sewer, storm drain, sidewalk, curb and roadway improvements within the West Side Infrastructure Improvement Project, upon condition that the Town receive not less than 65% of the total project costs (estimated to be $15,000,000) in the
form of construction grants-in-aid or other financial assistance?
The legal voters of the Town of St. Johnsbury are further warned and notified that an informational meeting will be held on February 23, 2009 at the Municipal Building, 1187 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont commencing at 7:00 o’clock in the afternoon (p.m.) for the purpose of
explaining the proposed water system improvements.
The legal voters of the Town of St. Johnsbury are further noticed that voter qualification, registration and absentee voting relative to said special meeting shall be as provided in Chapters 43, 51, and 55 of Title 17 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
Adopted and approved at a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of St. Johnsbury, duly called, noticed, and held on January 26, 2009.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION NOTICE
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST TO ENSURE THAT THE MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF DISABILITY. REQUESTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
SANDRA P. GRENIER, TOWN CLERK,
1187 MAIN STREET, ST. JOHNSBURY,
VT 05819, TELEPHONE (802) 748-4331.
Dated at St. Johnsbury, Vermont this 26th day of January, 2009.
ST. JOHNSBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Bryon Quatrini, Chair
Gary Reis
Daniel Kimbell
Jean Hall Wheeler
Jim Rust
2008 Town Report
WARNING
ANNUAL ST. JOHNSBURY TOWN AND
TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEETING
March 2, 2009 and March 3, 2009
The voters of the Town and Town School District of St Johnsbury, Vermont are hereby notified and warned to meet on March 2, 2009 at the St. Johnsbury School Gymnasium, 257 Western Avenue, and March 3, 2009 at the Lively Center (former Frank R. Adams School Auditorium), 481 Summer Street, in the Town of St Johnsbury, as follows:ON March 2, 2009 AT 7:00 PM
TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
TO ACT ON THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES
ARTICLE 01. Shall the Town School District vote to collect its 2009 taxes by the Town Treasurer?
ARTICLE 02. Shall the Town School District vote to adopt a budget for the school year ending June 30, 2010 including an appropriation of a sum of money for the support of schools with provisions for current expenses, capital improvements, a deficit if any, and for other lawful purposes?
FOR THE TOWN MEETING
TO ACT ON THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES
ARTICLE 03. Shall the town vote to adopt an essential service budget for the town general fund?
ARTICLE 04. Shall the town vote a general town tax to defray the ordinary expenses and liabilities of the town for the current year for the interest of its inhabitants and for the prosecution and defense of the common rights, and if so, how much?
ARTICLE 05. Shall the town vote to adopt an essential service budget for the town highway fund?
ARTICLE 06. Shall the town vote a highway tax to be appropriated for laying out and repairing highways and if so, how much?
ARTICLE 07. Shall the voters residing within the former Village of St. Johnsbury, as it was bounded December 31, 1965, vote to adopt an essential services budget for the town special service fund?
ARTICLE 08. Shall the voters residing within the former Village of St. Johnsbury, as it was bounded December 31,1965, vote a special service tax, pursuant to 24 VSA App Part II Ch 151 2(b), to be assessed by the Selectmen on the grand list in said former Village of
St. Johnsbury to pay current expenses and indebtedness incurred in continuing functions within that area which are not common to the Town of St. Johnsbury, and if so, how
much?
ARTICLE 09. Shall the town vote to collect its 2009 general, highway and special service taxes by its Treasurer?
ARTICLE 10. Shall the Town, without reduction, apply up to the entire amount of the water system improvement bonded indebtedness authorized on March 4, 2008 for use as matching funds in order to maximize the receipt of construction grants-in-aid for such improvements?
ARTICLE 11. Shall the Town vote, pursuant to 32 VSA, Section 3832(7), to exempt from taxation real and personal property of St. Johnsbury Baseball, Inc. used primarily for recreational purposes?
ARTICLE 12. To transact any other business which may come before the meeting.
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2009
BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 A.M. AND 7 P.M.
TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING
TOWN AND TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING
ARTICLES BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT*
ARTICLE 13. To elect the following Town and Town School District Officers as required by Law: Town Moderator, School District Moderator, School District Treasurer, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Selectperson for three years, Two Selectpersons for one year, First Constable, School Director for three years, One School Director for one year, One School Director for Two years, Two Town Grand Jurors, Town Agent to prosecute
and defend suits in which the Town or Town School District is interested, Trustee of Public Money for three years and an Agent to Convey Real Estate.
ARTICLE 14. Shall the Town vote to amend its charter, 24 VSA Appendix, Chapter 151, Section 16(a), as set forth in the following concise summary:
Deleting Section 16(a) in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
Section 16: Preparation of budgets and Australian Ballot.
(a) The selectmen shall prepare an annual budget for the Town including a Town annual budget, and a former village district special services budget.
The school directors shall prepare an annual school district budget. The annual budgets, other articles providing for the appropriation of funds, and public questions shall be voted by Australian Ballot.
(The official copy of the proposed charter amendment is on file for publicinspection in the office of the Clerk of the Town of St. Johnsbury, 1187 MainStreet, Suite 2, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; and copies thereof shall be made available to members of the public upon request)
ARTICLE 15. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Fifty-Five Hundred dollars ($5,500.00) to support the programs of the Northeast Kingdom Youth Services for the ensuing year?(The official copy of the proposed charter amendment is on file for publicinspection in the office of the Clerk of the Town of St. Johnsbury, 1187 MainStreet, Suite 2, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; and copies thereof shall be made available to members of the public upon request)
ARTICLE 16. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Nine Thousand dollars ($9,000.00) to be used toward the expense of maintaining and operating the Good Living
Senior Center for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 17. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of One Hundred Three Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($103,500.00) to be used toward the expense of
maintaining and operating the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 18. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred Seventy dollars ($770.00) to the St Johnsbury Band for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 19. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Fifty dollars ($450.00) to the Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, Inc. for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 20. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Thousand One Hundred Forty-Two dollars ($6,142.00) to Northeast Kingdom Human Services, Inc. to assist in maintaining services for mental health, developmental services, family counseling, services to children and the elderly, substance abuse treatment, and 24 hour emergency services for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 21. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($4,500.00) to Umbrella, Inc., to serve victims of domestic and sexual
violence and their children, families seeking child care and child care providers?
ARTICLE 22. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Eighteen Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Two dollars ($18,382.00) to Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice to be used in providing health care services for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 23. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Twenty-Seven Thousand Three Hundred Twenty dollars ($27,320.00) to Caledonia – Essex Area Ambulance Service, Inc. to be used toward the expense of providing ambulance service in St. Johnsbury for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 24. Shall the Town vote to raise, appropriate and expend the sum of Fifty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred dollars ($56,700.00) for the support of the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium to provide free unlimited general admission to the Museum to
residents of the Town?
ARTICLE 25. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred dollars ($14,400.00) to the St Johnsbury Kiwanis Club to maintain and run the Kiwanis Pool for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 26. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Four Hundred Eighty dollars ($6,480.00) to assist the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont in providing services to senior citizens in St Johnsbury for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 27. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty dollars ($6,750.00) to St. Johnsbury Nutritional Center to serve meals to homebound and disabled citizens in St Johnsbury for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 28. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Eight Hundred Ten dollars ($810.00) to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for Central Vermont and Northeast Kingdom (RSVP), Caledonia County for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 29. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Six Hundred Seventy-Five dollars ($675.00) to support the mission of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 30. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of One Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Seven dollars ($1,737.00) to Riverside Life Enrichment Center, Adult Day Health Services in providing day services to disabled adults and seniors in the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 31. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars ($4,275.00) to Catamount Arts to further Catamount’s mission to enhance the cultural climate of northern Vermont for the ensuing year?
ARTICLE 32. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-Five Dollars ($4,225.00) for the operation of the St. Johnsbury Child Care After School Program, a state-licensed non-profit, which provides services for the town’s children in grades K through 5?
ARTICLE 33. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Thirteen Thousand Fifty dollars ($13,050.00) for services provided by Rural Community Transportation (“RCT”) to residents that live in the Town of St. Johnsbury?
ARTICLE 34. Shall the Town vote to raise, appropriate and expend the sum of One Thousand Eight Hundred dollars ($1,800.00) for the support of the Northern Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross to provide services to residents of the Town?
ARTICLE 35. Shall the Town vote to appropriate the sum of Twenty-Two Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($22,500.00) for the support of St. Johnsbury Works, the Designated Downtown organization, whose goal is to develop the downtown by recruiting new businesses and
supporting current businesses in St. Johnsbury?
* Discussion and Informational Meeting on Articles 13-35 take place on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at St Johnsbury School Gymnasium 257 Western Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION NOTICE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST TO ENSURE THAT THE MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF DISABILITY. REQUESTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO SANDRA P. GRENIER, TOWN CLERK, 1187 MAIN STREET, ST JOHNSBURY, VERMONT 05819, TELEPHONE (802) 748-4331.
DATED at St Johnsbury, Vermont this 26th day of January 2009.
Selectboard of the Town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Bryon G. Quatrini, Chair
Gerald W. Reis
Daniel Kimbell
James Rust
Jean Hall Wheeler
Attest: Sandra P. Grenier
St Johnsbury Town Clerk
DATED at St Johnsbury, Vermont this 26th day of January 2009.
School Directors of St. Johnsbury School District
Lisa Rivers , Chair
Bruce Corrette
Thomas Zabek
Werner Heidemann
Cathy Demers
Attest: Sandra P. Grenier
St Johnsbury Town Clerk
Official Town Warning
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
MARCH 3, 2009
The legal voters of the Town of St. Johnsbury are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Father Lively Center, 481 Summer Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 between the hours of 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon (a.m.) at which time the polls will open and 7:00
o’clock in the afternoon (p.m.) at which time the polls will close, to vote by printed ballot upon the following article of business:
ARTICLE I
Shall general obligation bonds of the Town of St. Johnsbury, in an amount not to exceed $5,250,000 be issued for the purpose of making water, sewer, storm drain, sidewalk, curb and roadway improvements within the West Side Infrastructure Improvement Project, upon condition that the Town receive not less than 65% of the total project costs (estimated to be $15,000,000) in the
form of construction grants-in-aid or other financial assistance?
The legal voters of the Town of St. Johnsbury are further warned and notified that an informational meeting will be held on February 23, 2009 at the Municipal Building, 1187 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, Vermont commencing at 7:00 o’clock in the afternoon (p.m.) for the purpose of
explaining the proposed water system improvements.
The legal voters of the Town of St. Johnsbury are further noticed that voter qualification, registration and absentee voting relative to said special meeting shall be as provided in Chapters 43, 51, and 55 of Title 17 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
Adopted and approved at a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of St. Johnsbury, duly called, noticed, and held on January 26, 2009.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION NOTICE
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST TO ENSURE THAT THE MEETING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF DISABILITY. REQUESTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
SANDRA P. GRENIER, TOWN CLERK,
1187 MAIN STREET, ST. JOHNSBURY,
VT 05819, TELEPHONE (802) 748-4331.
Dated at St. Johnsbury, Vermont this 26th day of January, 2009.
ST. JOHNSBURY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Bryon Quatrini, Chair
Gary Reis
Daniel Kimbell
Jean Hall Wheeler
Jim Rust
2008 Town Report
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)