Town garage project update
GRAFTON — GRAFTON - At this year's annual town meeting, voters approved auctioning the original town garage, and the property it sits on, for no less than 85 percent of its appraised value of $93,500.
Williams said the documentation for the sale of the old town garage and property is with the town attorney, but added that prospective buyers should know that “it is flood-damaged property.”
Damaged during Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011, the old garage is part of the FEMA buy-out program and stipulations that come with the property state that the footprint of the original building must be kept. New owners may “build up, but they can't build out,” Williams said.
The new town garage will likely be complete “sometime this fall,” according to town administrator Rachel Williams.
Clerk of Works Stan Mack, told the Selectboard last month that the well drilling and primary water testing was completed. The septic system was installed and the contractor finished the mound system. The concrete footings, radiant heat, piping for the future generator, electrical wiring to the fuel depot, and the conduit for the future salt shed were also completed.
Photos on the town Facebook page show the metal roof being installed. The expected timeline for the completion of the Town Garage is on schedule, if not early, according to Mack. He said he was impressed by the progress and professionalism of the contractors and sub-contractors.
Wind farm subcommittee reports to board
GRAFTON - In June, the Selectboard discussed creating a committee to address and field questions from the community on wind farm development.
The sub-committee was formed June 15, one day before a community discussion meeting called by wind farm developers Iberdrola Renewables (IR) and and property owners Meadowsend Timberland LLC (MLT). At the same time as this discussion, the question was raised as to whether or not a town vote on the wind farm development project would be possible.
The committee is to have two members from the Selectboard, and one member from the community. In July, Ron Pilette, Gus Plummer, and Rich Thompson were selected to be on the Wind Information sub-committee. The committee fields questions from the public and forwards them to IR, MTL and, when necessary, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT).
At the June 15 community meeting, an IR representative told Grafton residents that if the town voted on the wind project, the company would abide by the results of that vote. Grafton voters have not put this on an agenda yet for discussion.
Tax rates set
GRAFTON - The town has received the education tax rate, which has increased to $1.3966 for non-residents and $1.334 for residents. The municipal tax rate is 0.5867 cents.
The total tax rates (education and municipal) are residential, $1.9207, and non-residential, $1.9833. The Municipal Tax rate at 0.5867 cents was approved on July 6 by the Selectboard.
Dog census report
GRAFTON - A dog census taken three years ago found approximately 200 dogs were licensed in Grafton. A recent update found that the number has declined in the past two years to 140 licenses issued.
A new dog census will be completed and Cynthia Gibbs and Kim Record were appointed by the Selectboard as dog census takers in March. The current report notes that two unlicensed dogs live in the town; the constable is required to contact the animal owners.
The Selectboard authorized the constable, Walter Critchfield, to contact the unlicensed animal owners.