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Your nonprofit community news source since 1958
Thee Charlotte News
Th Thursday, April 21, 2022 | Volume LXIV Number 21
Photo by Jason Stumpff
Turner Elliott fights to move the ball down the field in
CVU’s 8-4 victory at BFA-St. Albans on Monday, April 18.
More on CVU sports page 13.
Thee Charlotte News
Th Your nonprofit community news source since 1958
April 21, 2022 Vol. 64, No. 21
Concern
expressed
Help de-trash over CVSD
administrators
on Green Up leaving
Day May 7
Scooter MacMillan
Editor
The Champlain Valley School Board
planned for a 30-minute executive session
on April 5; instead the closed session lasted
more than two and a half hours.
When the board came back into public
session, the usual committee meetings
scheduled for this, the first Tuesday of the
month, were cancelled. No decision was
made and nothing was revealed.
However, there’s a strong possibility
that some of the executive session was
spent discussing the large number of upper-
level educators leaving their positions,
transferring or being promoted in the
district.
In the public comment portion of the
meeting before the executive session,
allegations were made that something
was wrong with so many in leadership
positions leaving the district, particularly in
Axel Macik cleans up at a previous year’s Green Up Day. Courtesy photo Shelburne.
With more than 20 years of experience
in multiple districts, Shelburne Community
Kim Findlay and Ken Spencer The coordinators believe these are the Findlay would love to have helpers at School music teacher and parent Jodi
Charlotte Green Up Day Coordinators things you should know about Green Up the Quonset Hut. Two-hour (or more) Sanders said she was concerned about “a
Day in Charlotte: shifts available. mass exodus of highly skilled, well-liked,
Vermont was the first state to designate a • Sign up for a route (three ways): 1) on • Tires: The de-trashers will only accept exceptional leadership from our district.”
day of the year to clean up litter along the our website charlottevtgreenupday.com tires found on roadsides. This is not the “I’ve been through the hiring of
roadsides. until 6 p.m., Friday, May 6; 2) email place to get rid of your personal tires. principals, the turnover of superintendents,
Green Up Day started 52 years ago in Kim at farafieldfarm@gmail.com until The Chittenden Solid Waste District the changes of boards and the consolidation
1970. The first year, participation and results 6 p.m., Friday, May 6; or 3) at the event transfer stations take tires. of schools many times and I’ve never seen
far exceeded expectations. on Saturday, May 7. Signing up for a • Hazardous waste: This is not a this amount of leadership change in a single
According to a release from Charlotte’s route makes sure everyone gets a road hazardous waste drop off event. year,” Sanders said. “As both a staff member
Green Up Day coordinators, 95 percent of that hasn’t been cleaned up yet. • Visit Our Website: It has all the and a parent, this change and this amount of
the 2,400 miles of the interstate and state • Get bags: This year green bags for trash information you need and lots more. change is unnerving and concerning.”
roads and 75 percent of the 8,300 miles of will be given out and optional clear Visit charlottevtgreenupday.com or In her experience in education, Sanders
town roads were cleared of garbage, that first bags for redeemable and recyclable contact farafieldfarm@gmail.com with said the amount of change is unprecedented
year. plastic containers that get rinsed and any questions, to help out, or sign up and a red flag that something is wrong.
Vermont’s wonderful tradition of de- recycled. Bags can be picked up at the for a route. Former board member Dave Connery
trashing will be celebrated this year 9 Old Brick Store, the library and Spear’s Findlay said, “It warms my heart to see was among several who sent messages about
a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, May 7. As usual the Corner Store starting April 30 and at the folks out cleaning up our town together. the leadership exodus.
collection site will be the parking lot on the event on Saturday. Please do not leave Whether driving, biking or walking around Connery sent the paragraph below
west side of Charlotte Central School. filled bags on the roadside — they must town, isn’t it great to not see that junk on on social media, part of a post urging
As in the past, the annual e-waste be returned to the event site. the side of the road and to share a collective others to copy, amend and send it to the
recycling will once again be sponsored by • Volunteer: Volunteers are needed. Co- feeling of stewardship?” superintendent:
Sustainable Charlotte at the event. coordinators Ken Spencer and Kim “This week, Shelburne lost an amazing
educator who truly cared about the students
Planning wrestles with land use regulations and faculty in the building. I am a concerned
parent, shocked at the number of people
leaving the district in the past few months.
Scooter MacMillan person who owns a noncomforming lot Yes, I understand that turnover is an
Editor should be able to sell it, and, if someone issue, and we will always hear stories of
buys it and wants to develop that property, retirements, and COVID fatigue. We will
Of late, the Charlotte Planning they should follow “the criteria.”
Commission has been enmeshed in planning. hear stories of how people relayed the news
Commissioner Kyra Wegman said and dispute the veracity of their claims. But,
Just what was intended by the switch to a CHARLOTTE she believed it is stated as a goal in the
development review board — a planning the loss to Shelburne of Scott Sivo is a real
commission that works on planning. town plan to decrease the number of
nonconforming lots and the rest of the
disappointment.”
This disappointment is exacerbated by
And a development review board that commission agreed with this.
reviews development applications. the exodus of leadership, Connery said.
“I feel like these days a lot of
Much of the planning commission’s regulations “to the effect that the more properties are owned by trusts and limited
planning has been working on amendments The lure of better jobs?
we constrain people from being able to partnerships,” Lewack said. Part of the flotsam left by the pandemic
to Charlotte’s land use regulations. Lots of sell preexisting, nonconforming lots, the A lot of times the same corporation or
that conversation has been about how much is a massive employee shortage. The
more we foreclose on any other kinds of owner buys related parcels with the thought administration’s response has essentially
the town wants to constrain people in selling development that could happen.” of eventually being able to do something on
nonconforming lots, said town planner Larry been to respond that a massive overturn in
The planning commission spent a good a merged block of land that they couldn’t do upper administrative leadership has been
Lewack. bit of time discussing whether someone who on separate blocks. Lewack said it’s difficult
A nonconforming lot is property that was happening all over the state.
owns a larger piece of property that’s been “to tease out who are the actual legal Sanchez said in emails to parents that the
grandfathered in when land use regulations subdivided with undersized nonconforming owners based on these complicated trust
were enacted, for example property where Champlain Valley School District’s large
lots should be merged if they sell the documents.” overturn in leadership is in large part due to
homes were already built on less than five property together. The planning commission is in the middle
acres per home when this requirement went poaching.
It is better to have a permitting process of considering a number of amendments “More than a quarter of the Vermont
into effect. “that is as permissive as possible,” Lewack to the land use regulations. The vast
At the planning commission on April superintendents and more than 60 principals
said.
7, Lewack said there had been “pushback” Commissioner Linda Radimer said a
on a too rigid interpretation of land use see LAND USE page 3 see CVSD page 4
The Charlotte News • April 21, 2022 • 3
Letter from the Editor
If you’ve got the volunteering bug,
write for The Charlotte News
Any ideas you have about how to make boundlessly appreciative.
The Charlotte News better are welcome. The assembled scribes described their
One major discussion was how to handle motivations and rewards from writing for Mission Statement
Scooter MacMillan the holes in the newspaper after the death of The Charlotte News. The mission of The Charlotte News is:
EDITOR Edd Merritt. Merritt regularly contributed Too often we look to national figures • to publish rigorous, in-depth, fair reporting on town
affairs, and,
three stories to The Charlotte News and for inspiration. Phyl Newbeck said her “Hi • to source stories of interest from our neighbors and
everyone gathered thought it was vital Neighbor” column is an opportunity to friends.
that some way was designed or, better yet, show “readers that there are people just as The Charlotte News is a forum for the free exchange
The Charlotte News held a gathering for of the views of Charlotte residents and community
writers who are regular contributors to the someone be recruited to take some of those incredible, accomplished and inspirational volunteers on matters related to the town and the people
newspaper at the Senior Center last week. responsibilities over. much closer to home.” who live here.
The level of commitment to community The newspaper is not expecting to find Bradley Carleton said he was motivated Editorial independence
journalism and The Charlotte News present another triple-threat writer like Merritt. At to write “Sacred Hunter” column by a The editor makes final decisions on stories that are
in that room was off the charts. least two people are most likely needed — desire to share his understanding of hunting, published in The Charlotte News. While we are funded
by advertising revenue and donor contributions, our news
These writers’ dedication to keeping their someone to write and compile an “Around fishing and foraging as a way of conveying judgments are made in accordance with our mission and
community informed and to helping draft Town” type of column where the tidbits that “the spiritual meaning in our lives and our are independent of all sources of financial support.
the first account of Charlotte’s history is reflect the life of the community such as the connection to nature and the outdoors.”
Letters, Opinions and Obituaries
stupendous and inspiring, and they would births, the deaths, the pets, the promotions, Carleton said he strives to be as unbiased Consistent with our mission The Charlotte News
like for you to join them in keeping the the dean’s list, the recipes, the holes-in-one, as he can as a way to being a community publishes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and
the 6-year-old who’s lost their first tooth are healer. obituaries submitted by our readers. All such materials are
community in this community newspaper. subject to review and approval by the editor in accordance
These folks grapple with thoughts and gathered and someone to wrangle a CVU Don’t you want to gather information with the following standards and requirements:
wrestle with words to help fan the fires of sports roundup which either could be just about what’s happening to people in • The views expressed in letters or opinion pieces are
those of the author, and are not endorsed by either
community and herald the home team just gathering game information or even writing Charlotte or information about CVU sports the board or the editorial staff of the paper. Opinion
because of their love for their community. four to six sentences on each of the sports contests? Is there something else you’re pieces and letters to the editor will be clearly
Besides being an opportunity to meet contests from the previous two weeks. interested in writing about? labelled as such.
• The News strives to stay clear of conflicts of
the new editor and make sure that we’re Finding someone to mine their thoughts Or do you have some beautiful photos of interest. If an actual or perceived conflict arises
all on the same page, both literally and and backyard for the type of gems that Charlotte? or becomes known at a later date, it will be fully
Merritt produced in his “Out Takes” If the answer is yes, or even just kind disclosed.
figuratively, the gathering was a chance to • While letters or opinion pieces may endorse
turn the page and look at what might be next column is probably shoes too big to fill, but of yes, please give me a call at 802-881- political positions or candidates for public office,
for making the newspaper even more vital, if someone wants to take a run at such a 4738 or send me an email at news@ the paper always remains objective and impartial in
such matters.
lively and engaged with Charlotte. column, we’d be endlessly supportive and thecharlottenews.org. • All submissions are strictly monitored for personal
attacks, score settling, blatantly false information
and inflammatory language. The editor reserves
the right to reject any submission that is deemed
LAND USE contrary to the paper’s standards.
“
• All submissions are subject to editing for clarity,
snowmobiling on all open space conserved
continued from page 2 In my opinion the land if the owners and the snail darters
factual accuracy, tone, length and consistency with
our publishing style.
• Efforts will be made to publish submissions in
approve.
and overwhelming majority of these
amendments are either minor edits to clear
land use regulations With 9 p.m. nipping at heels of the
their entirety and to preserve the original intent
and wording, but minor editing may nonetheless
planning commission, before the meeting be necessary. Contributors will be notified before
up language like changing references to a are clear on what the adjourned, Pughe took an opportunity to
publishing, if in the editor’s judgment, significant
changes are required, or the submission is rejected.
zoning board to the new development review
board or only slightly more significant intent is, and they’re object to waivers the new development
review board has issued that some have
• Submission requirements:
• Letters to the editor, opinion pieces and obituaries
“technical updates” edits the commission should be emailed to news@thecharlottenews.org
refers to as the “oops list.” consistent with how objected to.
“In my opinion the land use regulations
as attachments in .doc format and must contain
the writer’s full name, town of residence and, for
Most of the “oops list” is amendments
to brief language covering changes in we’ve done things in are clear on what the intent is, and they’re editing purposes only, contact phone number.
• Letters may not exceed 300 words, obituaries 500
”
consistent with how we’ve done things in the words and opinion pieces 750 words.
regulations or procedures over time or
language in the land use regulations that the past. past,” Pughe said, explaining how he sees
some of the development review board’s
• All published letters and opinion pieces will
include the writer’s name and town of residence.
needs to be clarified. • Before publishing any obituary, we will need
― Pughe waivers as inconsistent with how the land proper verification of death.
The 11 more significant amendments use regulations have been practiced in the
that would mean policy changes address a Editorial Staff
past or the regulations’ intent. Editor: Scotter MacMillan
variety of such issues as when unattended, In so doing, Pughe staked out an opinion (scooter@thecharlottenews.org)
wrecked buildings become abandoned; consistent with the views of a letter from Production Manager: Anna Cyr
requiring new construction to comply with (anna@thecharlottenews.org)
which the accessory dwelling? the conservation commission to town Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Katherine Arthaud
state energy codes; considering waivers to However: How can you build an boards and commissions, criticizing the Proofreaders: Mike & Janet Yantachka
minimum lot line and shoreline and wetland accessory unit if you don’t have an existing development review board for waivers it has Business Staff
setback requirements; restricting accessory house? asked Bill Stuono. For the time being granted.
Ad manager: Christy Hagios
(ads@thecharlottenews.org)
dwelling units; changing minimum lot sizes at least, his question went unanswered, Pughe and the conservation commission Bookkeeper: Susan Jones
for homes built on property in either of the tossed into the echo chamber of unclaimed believe the development review board has (billing@thecharlottenews.org)
town’s villages from five to one acre; and rhetoric. incorrectly ignored the 300 feet of road
Board Members
allowing water and wastewater lines to run President & Publisher: John Quinney
The members of the planning commission frontage requirement for a property owner (john@thecharlottenews.org)
under roads to a property in an adjacent appeared to agree that size limitations on in recent decisions and granting waivers Treasurer: Margery McCracken
village commercial district. accessory dwellings should be amended so permitting a road that connects with a town
(treasurer@thecharlottenews.org)
Board members: Bob Bloch, Susanne Davis,
Lewack argued for clarity in the it’s based upon square footage rather than road via a right of way across a neighbor’s Claudia Marshall, Ben Miller, Gay Regan, Bill
land use regulations. For example, if a the number of bedrooms. Septic limitations property. Regan, John Hammer (emeritus),
nonconforming structure burns down, the may already impose bedroom limitations, Vince Crockenberg (emeritus)
Pughe argued the problem with Technical advisor: Melissa Mendelsohn, Orchard
regulations should be clear about whether but if the property has sufficient septic interpreting the frontage requirements Road Computers
the owner can rebuild the structure with capacity, people should be able to decide the way the development review board
Website: charlottenewsvt.org
the same nonconformity. A nonconforming what rooms they want within a footage has could mean eventually people could Subscription Information
structure might be a building built too close The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all
restriction. try to use right of way to change lot size Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for
to the required setbacks from lot lines when Before wrapping up this meeting’s requirements. first-class delivery at $60 per calendar year.
those requirements were enacted or taller discussion, Pughe threw another log on He said the purpose of the frontage
Want a subscription? Subscribe on our website,
charlottenewsvt.org
than current restrictions. the rhetorical fire of land use regulation requrements is to “kind of keep people from
One of the interminable topics covered amendment considerations: “I think developing lots way back and way off the Postmaster/Send address changes to:
in the planning commission’s epic something we should talk about at some The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251,
road.” Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 802-425-4949
reexamination of the land use regulations point is what an open space agreement Lewack said he had looked for text to Circulation: 2,100
is accessory dwelling units and whether is because it’s kind of like all over the support this interpretation by Pughe but
an accessory building can be built before a Copyright © 2022 TCN, Inc., dba
place,” he said. “Currently, it’s effectively hasn’t found it. Member of the New England Newspaper
primary building. a conservation easement and I’m not sure Pughe said the planning commission is and Press Association, LION Publishers
The planning and zoning office is “often that’s what the intent is for everywhere.” planning to amend the land use regulations
and the Vermont Press Association.
in a pickle” when people have a proposal He believes people want to use some so they “circumvent” actions like the
to build an accessory dwelling unit first to open space land for other things than just be development review board’s waivers.
live in while they build their larger primary reserved as habitat. “We don’t agree with how the NEXT PUBLICATION DATES
home, Lewack said. “If it’s critical habitat for snail darter fish, development review board has done that,”
He asked if the commission’s position we should treat it one way. If it’s just simply May 5, 2022
Pughe said.
about a hypothetical situation where a couple a farm field as you drive into the town you Eventually, the conversation came to
Copy Deadline: Friday, April 29
build a smaller accessory building for their want to keep it as a farm field, that doesn’t an end because of the time and not so Ads Deadline: Friday, April 29
child and their spouse. Then, as the younger seem like the rules,” Pughe said. much because of closure. But the planning
couple has children and that family grows, Advocating for interpreting the open commission will have at least four more TO ADVERTISE CONTACT:
the older couple slows down and decides to space agreements differently in different public meetings about land use regulation ads@thecharlottenews.org
swap houses so the growing family has more places, Pughe admitted that he was a amendments before they are officially
room. Overtime, how should the houses snowmobiler and he doesn’t believe that SEND YOUR CHARLOTTE NEWS TO:
adopted. news@thecharlottenews.org
be considered as which is the primary and open space agreements should prohibit
4 • Apri 21, 2022 • The Charlotte News
CVSD
continued from page 2
“theI’veturnover
In an email to Shelburne Community
will be new to their roles next year,”
School families, Sivo said, “The ability to
be bold and strong, in difficult moments,
been through the hiring of principals,
Sanchez said. “These and other central office
departures create opportunities for movement
is predicated on trusting that you are of superintendents, the changes
well supported and fully backed by well-
around the state. As a result, many of my
superintendent colleagues in the state are
established systems of leadership and of boards and the consolidation of schools
governance. While change is always difficult,
looking for applicants for their leadership
the unprecedented amount of leadership many times and I’ve never seen this amount of
”
positions.”
change we have and will face as a school
Connery said he wanted to hear from the
superintendent how he planned “to staunch
district, along with the general uncertainty it leadership change in a single year.
brings, greatly impacted my decision to seek
the flow” of experienced, talented leadership ― Jodi Sanders
and accept this new opportunity.”
“before they are all gone.”
“I don’t believe it is a coincidence that
His list of those leaving includes Meagan
these leaders are resigning one year after a
Roy, director of student support services; Jeff
new superintendent was hired,” Jeff Nowlan
Evans, director of learning and innovation; is Jensen, who is stepping down as chief language, are weighted. Right now, students
said in an email. “The sheer amount of
Jeanne Jensen, chief operating officer; operating officer to shepherd the district from backgrounds that inhibit learning are
turnover is quite unnerving. From what I
Mike Kanfer, director of IT; John Pontius, through the perils of weighting. weighted at 1.25 of a theoretically regular
have heard, superintendent Sanchez has been
Hinesburg Community School principal; The state is in the midst of a weighting student for determining tax rates.
criticized for being absent, non-responsive,
Peggy Sue Van Nostrand, Shelburne study that appears to have “pretty serious The study looks certain to conclude that
and that his vision/educational values do not
Community School special education ramifications,” Jensen said. She can’t handle 1.25 is not enough weight to make up for the
align with those of our current leaders and
administrator; and Scott Sivo, Shelburne her job and keep up with those ramifications. difference.
community.”
Community School lead principal. The school district is looking to hire a When the weighting per pupil is changed,
The Shelburne Community School has
Roy is leaving to become superintendent chief operating officer who will have a year it could have a big effect on the tax rate. The
been through this before, Connery said. Five
of the Washington Central Supervisory to settle into the job with Jensen’s help. This school system has been told “if you weren’t
years ago the school needed a new principal,
Union. Evans, Kanfer and Pontius are will give Jensen the opportunity to cut back willing to raise your tax rate, it could cost
a vice principal and another administrator.
retiring. Van Nostrand accepted the position on her duties as she prepares to retire in a the district $10 million,” Jensen said. “We
The new principal the school got then was
of director of student supports for the year. have some hard work to do to figure out
Sivo and that worked out well.
Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools. The school weighting study is research what we’re going to do about that. It’s not
Sivo is taking over as principal at into whether the way students who may cost something I can do on top of a really intense
Not leaving but shifting
Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School in South more if, for example, they are experiencing job when I’m thinking about retiring.”
One administrator who is not leaving but
Burlington. poverty or learning English as a second
shifting to another job within the CVSD
Letters to the Editor
Grange thanks community of our town. statewide agricultural soils; steep slopes; who are not elected by us. Therefore, it
These boards/commissions, specifically, flood hazard areas, surface and groundwater is of utmost importance that our elected
for online auction success the new development review board and resources; shoreland buffers; special natural selectboard members take responsibility for
the planning commission, are composed areas, wildlife habitats, water supply source the folks they appoint and provide oversight
To the Editor:
of volunteers who give their time to the protection areas, and other ecologically of the decisions made by these boards. The
The Charlotte Grange says a loud and
evaluation and approval of new building and important natural areas; scenic views and selectboard must not only provide guidance,
ringing “Thank You” to the whole Charlotte
development in Charlotte. Charlotters do not vistas; historic districts, sites and structures; but also intervention, should the planning
community. Over one hundred townsfolk
elect these folks. Members of the planning and conserved land; commission and development review
donated to our online auction, generating
commission and development review board Densities for proposed development board make decisions that deviate from the
hundreds of generous bids and counterbids
are appointed by the selectboard. will be reviewed with consideration of Charlotte Town Plan.
during the course of the week. As well as
The selectboard members, also volunteers existing settlement patterns, distance to Short of being appointed to boards/
being a fun and exciting few days, we raised
but democratically elected, represent us. and availability of town services, physical commissions, one avenue Charlotte citizens
important funds that will let us keep the
If we are displeased with their actions, capability of the land for development, the do have to influence the future of our town
lights on at the Grange Hall in East Charlotte
we have the power to vote them out in presence of significant areas of high public is to be vocal in expressing our support for
and continue to plan for our future work.
the next election. This is not the case with value, the size of the parcel, and the need for the Charlotte Town Plan in meetings, in
This year’s Grange programs are
the appointed planning commission and affordable housing. newspapers, in Front Porch Forum posts. Our
energized and going strong—we’ve already
development review board members. We The planning commission and elected officials and their appointees need
held a successful clothing drive for low-
cannot vote them out should they be driven development review board appointees to hear our strong support for our Charlotte
income families and started a conversation
by personal motives and make decisions that have a difficult balancing act. Decisions Town Plan.
with Charlotte farmers, and plans are well in
are out of line with the desires of the majority regarding development and whether to allow All Charlotters, including most
hand for our summer concert series “Grange
of Charlotters. waivers that enable the bypass of land use importantly, the municipal bodies must
on the Green.”
So how does a Charlotte citizen have regulations and the goals of the Charlotte be active in their adherence and support
This work is all driven by our enthusiastic
a voice in determining the future of our Town Plan are complex and complicated. for the democratically approved Charlotte
and dedicated volunteer members, and
town? The answer: The Charlotte Town Plan Obviously, landowners have rights. However, Town Plan. The Charlotte Town Plan is the
it is both heartening and inspiring for us
which was voted into existence by Charlotte landowners who own and purchase property vision for the future voted upon by Charlotte
to see so much support and messages of
citizens. The entire town plan is available at in our town know that there is a Charlotte citizens and the reason many of us choose to
encouragement from the wider community.
the town web site (charlottevt.org), however, Town Plan and Land Use Regulations. live in this beautiful town.
Thank you again on behalf of all of the
here are a few selected quotes from that Development that does not abide by goals
members of the Grange, and we hope to see
document which was revised in 2019: set forth in the town plan should be denied. Sharon Mount
many of you as our programs take shape
The Charlotte Town Plan expresses our Waivers to the Land Use Regulations should Charlotte
through the year.
vision for the future of Charlotte. In its require very careful consideration before
vision for the future, the Charlotte Town being approved.
Mike Walker
Charlotte
Plan builds on the town’s most valuable
characteristics — its rural landscape, healthy
environment, small-town character, history,
The truth of the matter is that the future
of our town is in the hands of approximately
a dozen volunteers on the planning
Send us
Who actually determines
the future of our town?
and a long tradition of active participation by
citizen volunteers in local government and
commission and development review board your photos!
community activities.
My husband and I have lived in Charlotte To balance property owner rights to
for over 26 years. Six of our seven children reasonably use their land in keeping with
attended Charlotte Central School. We truly overall public health, safety, welfare and the
love this town. Honestly, every day we feel goals of this town plan.
grateful that we live here. To reinforce historic settlement patterns
Between full-time jobs in health care and by focusing growth in our hamlets, and east
a big family, we have not been ideal citizens. and west villages, while conserving our areas
Of course, we vote and try to support our of high public value. WE HAVE MOVED!
community, but we have fallen short of To maintain and enhance the integrity and Our office is now located at:
volunteering for the commissions and boards continued viability of natural and cultural
which hold such power in deciding the future features with high public value, including 73 Charlotte Road
land and active agricultural use, prime and Hinesburg, Vermont
Business Formation & Transactions
Integrating compassion, Land Use Permitting
Real Estate Transactions
expertise & service Wills & Trusts Charlotte events, people or places.
• Advanced surgical and Medical Care We want to publish your photos.
• Exotics and Companion Animals Michael T. Russell Email them to:
news@TheCharlotteNews.org
• Evening Hours Available (802) 264-4888
The
482-2955
205 Commerce St.
www.peasemountainlaw.com
peasemountainlaw.com
info@peasemountainlaw.com
Charlotte News
Hinesburg info@peasemountainlaw.com
The Charlotte News • April 21, 2022 • 5
Around Town
Many ways to volunteer with United Way Connection
United Way’s Volunteer Connection
site is set up to help connect agencies and
p.m. Contact Andre Clark at clark@
newplacevt.org.
Sympathy up, she was an active volunteer with many
organizations, including the Presbyterian
volunteers. Agencies are working hard to • Reaching out — Common Good Church in Westfield, N.J. She and Dick
navigate volunteering during this time, but Vermont will be surveying Vermont Robert Titus retired to Williamsburg, Va., in 1994 and
opportunities are increasing. nonprofits for detailed information about A memorial service moved back to Vermont in 2012.
To learn more about some volunteer the range, average, levels of wages for longtime Charlotte Patsy and her family spent every summer
opportunities with the United Way here are and benefits to help with recruitment resident Robert Titus, at the family cottage on Lake Champlain
links for Volunteer Connection: and retention efforts in the sector. They who passed away in Grand Isle, Vt., which she enjoyed for
• Bring a meal — Hope Lodge are looking for volunteers to help with Dec. 24, 2021, will 55 years. She spent her time at the lake
offers a home away from home for outreach to make nonprofits aware of be held April 23 at gardening, swimming and taking long walks.
cancer patients and their families this opportunity via phone or email 1 p.m. at the North Family meant everything to Patsy, and she
while the patients are undergoing and encouraging them to complete Ferrisburgh United was jokingly referred to as “the matriarch” of
treatment. Volunteers are invited to the survey. A good opportunity for Methodist Church at her extended family of 18, who congregated
drop off a home-cooked meal that volunteers who care about this element 227 Old Hollow Rd. frequently to Patsy’s adoring eye at Grand
would serve about 15 people. Dinner of the nonprofit sector. Contact Isle. The cottage was a place that her family
morgan@unitedwaynwvt.org. and friends enjoyed immensely, and she
is at 6 p.m., but drop-offs can happen
at your convenience. To sign up for the
Mary ‘Patsy’ oversaw it with kindness and generosity.
• Urgent need — Franklin County Meals Patsy was very active throughout her life
meal train, call 802-658-0649 or visit on Wheels has an urgent need for Schweyer Nostrand and loved swimming and playing tennis. She
TakeThemAMeal.com/JVXC0633. volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels in Mary “Patsy” Schweyer Nostrand of also enjoyed gardening, reading, decorating
• Spring cleaning — Winooski Valley St. Albans and Swanton between 9:30- Shelburne, Vt., passed away peacefully in and collecting antiques. Patsy was a member
Park District and the Ethan Allen 11:30 a.m. once a week, once a month, her home at Wake Robin on April 2, 2022. of the Charlotte Congregational Church.
Homestead Museum need help getting or whatever fits your schedule. Here’s Patsy was born in Owego, N.Y., on Oct. 14, Patsy was a wonderful mother, beloved
ready for the coming seasons. Volunteers the chance to be the friendly face that 1927, to Mildred Sanford Schweyer and mother-in-law, grandmother and great-
are needed for a general spring cleaning brightens a senior’s day. Contact Jillian Benjamin Franklin Schweyer. grandmother. She was always interested in
of the grounds and buildings, including Brady at jbrady@agewellvt.org. Patsy grew up on Kingsland Terrace in their lives and was great fun to be around.
raking, moving gravel for paths, Burlington, where she met Dick Nostrand, Patsy will be greatly missed.
touching up paint, dusting, window Water data made who lived across the street. Patsy was a Patsy was predeceased by her husband,
member of Burlington High School’s class
cleaning and sweeping. Flexible
schedules 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Tim
accessible of 1946. She graduated from the University
Dick, and her brother Ben Schweyer. She
Lewis Creek Association has been is survived by her children, Susan Nostrand
Larned at timlarned@wvpd.org. of Vermont in 1950 with a Bachelor of Boston and husband, David, of Woodstock,
working to make water quality data results Arts in history. Patsy and Dick Nostrand
• Serve a meal — ANEW Place is looking more accessible and understandable to Vt.; Peter Nostrand and wife, Kristen, of
married in 1952 and were happily married fo Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Ben Nostrand
for volunteers to serve evening meals watershed towns and citizens. r 63 years. and wife, Susan, of Charlotte, Vt.; as well
at the Champlain Inn Low Barrier The association has finalized its analysis Patsy started her career working for the as six grandchildren, Sarah, Peter, Helen,
Temporary Housing Facility. The food and the results of the 2021 sampling in map Girl Scouts of America in Massachusetts and Leah, Elizabeth and Sam; and four great-
is provided by New Moon Catering. format are at bit.ly/LCA-WQ-2021. Rochester, N.Y., as a trainer to troop leaders. grandchildren, Anna, Isla, Sally and Jane
Volunteers help to set up, serve Find out why sampling is within certain Patsy and Dick had three children, Susan, Memorial gifts in the name of Patsy can
and clean up after the meal. Pick a parameters or why chloride is important and Peter and Ben, while living primarily in New be sent to the Lake Champlain Land Trust, 1
day, Monday-Sunday, from 6-8:30 what it does to our streams. Jersey. While her children were growing Main St., Burlington, VT 05401 (lclt.org).
Commentary
What’s good for public
schools is good for private
Bruce Baker and Rebecca Holcombe tuition rates for students who take vouchers
to private schools. A 2015 analysis found
Based on a University of Vermont study, that Vermont students who take vouchers to
the Vermont Legislature is updating the private schools are more advantaged than
education funding formula so districts that the average Vermont student. Failing to
serve more disadvantaged students have the adjust tuition voucher rates for needs makes
Gorgeous ability to raise the revenues they need to care
for their children.
The study used school spending and
inequality even worse.
Moreover, if the legislature continues to
exempt districts that don’t operate public
new jewelry, test scores statewide to estimate how much
additional school spending is associated
schools from the excess spending penalty
that applies to districts that operate public
clothing, with the ability to educate different types
of students to the state average test score.
schools, it incentivizes smaller and wealthier
districts to close their public schools to limit
Those estimates informed how much more what they have to pay into the Education
gifts and to “weight” the formula for different kinds of
students.
Fund.
These two related policies — weighting
more! These newer, bigger proposed weights
are an estimate of how much more districts
vouchers and applying the same high
spending penalty to districts that don’t
need to spend to overcome harms to students operate public schools — must be changed
caused by factors like low wages, unstable at the same time, unless the legislature’s goal
housing, exposure to environmental toxins, is continued erosion of both equity and the
lack of access to health care, disrupted state’s public education system.
education and trauma. The assumption is that Changing weights in the funding formula
spending in schools can compensate for these would make it possible for less wealthy,
harms. sparsely populated and remote districts to
The state could support paid leave, raise more revenue to support their children.
affordable housing, higher minimum wages, The resulting increase in spending won’t be
more affordable and accessible health care, offset by reductions in other districts, because
and a fully funded mental health system, so there are limits to the cuts many districts
that all parents can care for their children. In can and will support, especially when their
the absence of that, Vermont turns to public schools compete with “independent” schools
schools as the last safety net. that are dependent on voucher-funded
However, Vermont does not weight the students, sell themselves based on low
vouchers to private “independent” schools student to teacher ratios, and are not required
for which our Education Fund pays. It makes to comply with the same statutes and rules
little sense to fund public districts based that apply to public schools
on estimated needs and costs, but then pay Currently, private schools that serve more
Free gift wrapping! private school vouchers without regard for privileged students are “overfunded” through
needs and costs of the students they enroll, their vouchers, including in private schools
shelburne bay plaza especially since the legislature allows these with exclusionary enrollment practices.
private schools to decide which students are The rest of the state helps pay, in ways that
2989 shelburne rd | 985.9909
a “good fit,” thus opening the door to a wide incentivize more privileged districts to close
alittlesomethingvt.com range of discriminatory practices.
Jewelry & Gifts Next to the Shelburne Meat Market Currently, the state relies on statewide
average public school spending levels to set see SCHOOLS page 6
6 • Apri 21, 2022 • The Charlotte News
Commentary
SCHOOLS
continued from page 5 voucher worth about $40,000, supposedly to
provide additional support services although,
At what price
their own public schools. of course, there is no way to verify if and
The UVM report produced a simulation to how those “support” dollars would be used in
inform weighted funding, which can also be private settings. One Massachusetts private
used to inform weighted vouchers. Using the school said Vermont’s “vouchers save the
would you sell?
weights in the UVM simulation, high school school dollars to give to other students with
students who: financial aid needs.” These could include
• are not economically disadvantaged and students from other states.
not living in remote rural areas would If voters in a Vermont voucher school
receive vouchers for about $10,000, district want to provide larger vouchers for
• are economically disadvantaged would wealthier children, they could do so through
get vouchers closer to $35,604, a vote. However, they’d also be subject to Reach out to us today and let us help you
the excess spending penalty, just like districts
• are eligible for English Language that operate public schools. maximize the value of your property and
Learning services are eligible for We don’t think Vermont should pay
another $13,502, vouchers to private schools that do not navigate the area real estate market.
• are economically disadvantaged and have open enrollment and which are not
eligible for English Language Learning designated as a public education replacement
vouchers worth $40,506. for a sending district by a vote of their
electorate. But since this is the system our
For example, a high school student in elected leadership prefers, they can at least
Lyndon who is not disadvantaged would protect our wallets and children by weighting
receive a base voucher of $10,000 to take to the tuition vouchers for which taxpayers are
Lyndon Institute (or Phillips Exeter Academy forced to pay.
which otherwise provides education free Bruce Baker is a professor at the Rutgers
to families with incomes under $75,000) Graduate School of Education and Senior
as the legislature allows. An economically Fellow at the Learning Policy Institute.
disadvantaged student who was also an Rebecca Holcombe lives in Norwich and is a
English language learner would bring a former Vermont Secretary of Education.
Why wait when overdose
Source: Trendgraphix Data - 03/01/21 - 03/31/21 vs. 03/01/22 - 03/31/22 - Charlotte, VT & Chittenden County VT
prevention sites will save lives?
Jay Diaz and Ed Baker overdose prevention sites around the globe.
Monthly Market Stats
They exist throughout Canada, Australia and
Vermont is experiencing a full-blown Europe. Every country that has implemented CHITTENDEN COUNTY
overdose crisis. A record 210 Vermonters these sites has seen substantial reductions in
died of preventable opioid-related overdoses overdose deaths. New York City just opened
in 2021, marking 33.7 overdose deaths per the first official sites in the United States, and
100,000 people. That’s a 500 percent increase Rhode Island recently became the first state
since 2010. to statutorily authorize overdose prevention
-6.3% +22.4% +31.3% +1.7%
For context, Portugal, which has sites. To this day, there has never been an
committed to handling addiction with a onsite overdose fatality in an overdose
public health approach since the early 2000s, prevention site.
saw less than 1 overdose death per 100,000 The Senate Health and Welfare Committee TOTAL UNITS TOTAL $ AVERAGE SALE DAYS ON
people from 2008–18. is considering a bill, H. 728, that would SOLD VOLUME PRICE MARKET
The extent of this crisis is shocking, create a working group on overdose
not least because Vermont has a relatively prevention sites, but the working group’s
robust addiction treatment infrastructure. report wouldn’t be due until late 2023. In the CHARLOTTE
But accessible treatment is insufficient if we meantime, Vermonters will continue to die
don’t keep our friends and neighbors alive preventable deaths. We need to act with far
long enough to access treatment when they more urgency.
are ready. Clearly, what we’re doing isn’t Of course, overdose prevention sites are
working. only one piece of the harm reduction puzzle.
Sadly, state leaders are still ignoring The overdose crisis requires a multi-pronged
commonsense strategies that would save
lives. One such necessary and proven step
approach, and that includes making naloxone
and fentanyl test strips more widely and
-60.0% -50.3% +24.2% -100%
would be the opening of overdose prevention easily accessible; expanding access to sterile TOTAL UNITS TOTAL $ AVERAGE SALE DAYS ON
sites, medicalized facilities that allow people safe injection devices and disposal boxes; SOLD VOLUME PRICE MARKET
to use opioids in a safe, non-judgmental improving good Samaritan protections for
space where they can receive vital medical seeking emergency health care for overdoses;
services if necessary. and providing mobile treatment, mobile
Opioid users at an overdose prevention site overdose prevention, and greater access to
have access to sterilized syringes, fentanyl transportation for people seeking treatment.
test strips, overdose reversal medications and Every one of these proposals should be on
other life-saving tools. They also have an the table right now.
opportunity to connect to long-term treatment Without these kinds of public health
services that can be essential to recovery. strategies and science-based innovations
These facilities not only save lives — they that are succeeding in countries around the
also make our communities healthier and globe, we can expect more of the same grim
safer. They help reduce the transmission outcomes. For many Vermonters struggling
of HIV, hepatitis C and other blood-borne with substance use disorder and the families
pathogens, while reducing the incidence who love them, time is running out.
of endocarditis, a deadly heart infection Vermont has a choice to make. Will we
resulting from unclean syringes. continue to allow Vermonters to die of
In addition, overdose prevention sites preventable drug overdoses — wasting tens
can lower costs in our public health and of millions of dollars from opioid settlement
safety systems. Because they provide on- funds on failed and incomplete strategies? Or Nancy Warren Jay Strausser
site medical care for people experiencing will we implement bolder and more effective
overdose, local emergency rooms, law policies to save lives? Nancy.Warren@FourSeasonsSIR.com | 802.734.5024
enforcement, EMTs, fire departments and Before the Legislature adjourns in May,
Jay.Strausser@FourSeasonsSIR.com | 802.578.2094
ambulances can focus attention elsewhere. Vermonters should call on Governor Scott
Providing safe places to use also results in and legislators to see this crisis for what it
less public drug use and fewer discarded is and take decisive action to respond. That
syringes in public spaces. includes the immediate authorization of Find and follow us on social media for new listings and updates!
A review of the scientific literature shows overdose prevention sites in Vermont. @WarrenStrausserGroup
that overdose prevention sites save lives, Ed Baker, a retired licensed alcohol/drug
contribute to lower rates of crime and drug counselor of 30 years, lives in Burlington
use, and help to alleviate the other myriad and has been in recovery from addiction 550 HINESBURG ROAD | SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT
harms that drug criminalization has done to for more than 37 years. Jay Diaz is general FourSeasonsSIR.com | WarrenStrausser.com
our neighbors and loved ones. counsel for the ACLU of Vermont and lives in Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
There are currently more than 120 Williston.
The Charlotte News • April 21, 2022 • 7
Report from the Legislature
Legislature takes responsibility for integrity and pension systems
The Code of Ethics applies to elected the retirement age, increasing employee
and appointed State officers, the General contributions, and lowering the payouts.
Assembly, members of the judiciary and Teachers and state employees reacted
Rep. Mike Yantachka state employees. The Code of Ethics immediately to protect the benefits they had
provisions include: earned by contacting legislators to plead
• disclosure and recusal for conflicts of their case. After a considerable amount
interest; of controversy within the Legislature and
Code of Ethics
for state government
• not using a state position, resources or
information for personal or financial
between the Legislature and the unions,
a task force consisting of the treasurer,
VERMONT
Back in 2015 the Center for Public gain; legislators and representatives of the unions
Integrity gave Vermont a failing grade from • limits on gifts to public servants; and and of the administration was created
the State Integrity Investigation, ranking • limits on other outside and post-state to address the problem. This task force
Vermont 50th out of 50 states in the employment. worked throughout the summer of 2021
category of ethics enforcement because it S. 171 also provides protection for and hammered out a solution that all parties
previously had no ethics body of any sort. whistleblowers who report a Code of agreed to.
In response Vermont passed Act 79 of Ethics violation and mandatory training S.286, as passed by the Senate,
2017, enacting its first comprehensive state on the Code of Ethics. By setting out clear implements the final recommendations of
ethics laws and creating the State Ethics rules that public officials must abide by, the task force which are expected to reduce education fund appropriation for fiscal
Commission. This week the Legislature Vermonters can have confidence in the Vermont’s long-term unfunded retirement year 2022 is made to the Retired Teachers’
took another important step by passing integrity of our state government. liabilities for state employees and teachers Health and Medical Benefit Fund to begin
S.171 which creates Vermont’s first by approximately $2 billion by prefunding prefunding health care benefits for retired
statutory State Code of Ethics. Pension systems find support other post-employment benefits (retiree teachers. S.286 was voted out of the House
Vermont was one of only five states In 2021 the sustainability of the public health care), modifying the pension benefit Government Operations Committee and
without a code of ethics. In 2020, all pension systems covering state employees structure, and making additional state and sent to the Ways and Means Committee for
six statewide elected officials — the and teachers was called into question. State employee contributions into the retirement review. It is expected to pass and be sent to
governor, lieutenant governor, secretary Treasurer Beth Pearce announced that the systems. Governor Scott by the end of this week.
of state, auditor, treasurer and attorney state pension funds for teachers and state The bill contains a $200 million one- As always, I welcome your emails
general — called for passage of legislation employees were underfunded by about time general fund appropriation to the (myantachka.dfa@gmail.com) or phone
to create a code of ethics for Vermont’s $3 billion and recommended that action state employees and teachers’ pension calls (802-233-5238). This article and
public servants in all three branches of be taken, including painful changes to systems to pay down unfunded liabilities. others can be found at my website
government. pension benefits. These included increasing An additional $13.3 million, one-time (mikeyantachka.com).
Opinion -Where do we go from here?
Village districts won’t develop without water and wastewater systems
Peter Joslin wastewater treatment facility. shortage is “Vermont’s complicated duplexes and multi-family units. These
Chamberlin said since 1985 there have regulatory model for new development, updates would also include compatibility
“Change is the law of life, and those who been “four big pushes” to expand the water which is made more unpredictable by the standards to maintain the character of the
look only to the past and present are certain and wastewater systems beyond the current ungovernable human resistance to change.” area. Once these updated regulations are
to miss the future” — John F. Kennedy Village District, and all four attempts were Additionally, she says “In the end, the fate completed, they will be put before the
voted down, with one exception. The last of a proposed housing project often depends town for comment. After public comment,
There was a time when Richmond did time, the voters approved to extend the water less on a town’s zoning codes than on the the Planning Commission may make
not have a water and wastewater district. (and wastewater) only as far as the Mobil gas community’s willingness to accept what modifications before submitting to the
Kendall Chamberlin remembers. He has been station on Route 2 near Interstate 89. might be allowed. ‘What it often boils down Selectboard for approval.
Richmond’s water quality superintendent One of the fears of implementing public to is this very broad idea of compatibility Richmond was astute in realizing that
since 1985. water and wastewater systems in small with the neighborhood.’” This will sound water and wastewater were central to the
As he describes it, Richmond did not have towns is that development will run rampant. familiar to many Charlotters. future of the Village and now they are
enough water in the village district and there This has not been the case in Richmond. The state is encouraging local focused on amending zoning regulations to
was no cohesive system. A few reservoirs ran Without some level of municipal water and municipalities to update their land use promote development.
dry. wastewater systems in small towns, growth regulations to promote the statewide Back in the West Village of Charlotte,
So, what did Richmond do? The town in Village Districts will be, at best, extremely planning goal of fostering development change is afoot. In March 2022, Charlotte
voted to develop a water district and hired limited. There is no water system in either in village centers to prevent sprawl in the Village Partners purchased the LeBoeuf
an engineering firm tasked with performing Charlotte’s East or West Village. There is a rural areas. This year, the state has awarded property on Ferry Road (54 acres). The
the necessary hydrology studies to find small wastewater system in the West Village $500,000 in grants to assist 41 municipalities house close to the street (that was to be the
water. They investigated three sites and that has additional capacity. update zoning regulations. More grants are location of the Health Center), as well as the
found the mother lode on a farm near the old On April 7th, Seven Days ran a story planned for 2023. out-buildings, are now being renovated and
round church. Chamberlin says the well has titled: “Obstruction Zone: How Vermont’s Richmond was a recipient of such a grant. brought back to life. The field behind the
unlimited supply. Land-Use Regulations Impede New As a result, Ravi Venkataraman, Richmond house, which runs south and east, is being
According to Chamberlin, an agreement Development-and Complicate the State’s Town Planner, and the Richmond Planning cleared of scrub and the drainage reworked.
was reached between the town and the Housing Crisis.” The article details a number Commission have been focused on growth Mike Dunbar, of Charlotte Village Partners,
farmer to access the water. A bond vote was of development projects in the state, their in the Village Districts. Their guide has been and owner of Charlotte Crossings said:
approved and the town secured state and success or failure, legal disputes, restrictions “Enabling Better Places: A Zoning Guide “We began immediately cleaning out
federal grants that covered 90 percent of in land use regulations and the pros and cons for Vermont Neighborhoods.” This guide, the existing structures and maintaining the
the project. Thus began Richmond’s water of Act 250 on larger projects (subdivision of referenced extensively in my last column, property to put the land back into working
system. The year was 1969. At some point 10 lots or more in a 5-year period). states in its introduction: order. In the next several months, we will
thereafter, the town assumed ownership of In this article, Nancy Owens, co-president “Vermont’s statewide planning goal renovate all three structures, returning the
the land. In 1970, Richmond constructed its of Evernorth, a non-profit developer, stated to maintain the historic settlement pattern house and garages to usable and desirable
the reason for the state’s chronic housing of compact village and urban centers conditions…our plans for this property
separated by rural countryside provides are aligned with the town’s overall vision.
a wonderful context for individual town We believe the revival of the property will
and village comprehensive and growth significantly benefit Ferry Road’s general
plans. Yet in many cases, the bylaws in appearance within the town’s village center.”
many communities do not reflect either the This is a fine first step toward revitalizing
statewide planning goal or the local village the West Village, but without significant
or town plan.” changes to the Land Use Regulations and
The goal of Richmond’s grant work municipal water and wastewater systems,
is to implement changes to their zoning little to no new development will occur in
regulations to increase density in the Charlotte’s Village Districts.
Village District to meet the state standards
Lake Front Painting, LLC for neighborhoods. This “gentle infill,” as
described by Venkataraman, would include
Peter Joslin is the former chair of the
Charlotte Planning Commision.
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