The Barnet Selectboard learned June 22 that the Vermont Agency of Transportation has denied the town's request related to the closure of Bridge #42 on Garland Road, but board members said negotiations would continue over a possible temporary bridge. According to draft minutes, the board also discussed approaching abutting landowners for a right of way to host a temporary structure while the town considers repair or replacement of the existing bridge.
Road Foreman Mark Chase reported the town lacks enough three-inch-minus gravel for the West Barnet Road construction project. Rather than wait for crushing to resume in the fall, Chase said he had compared prices from independent sellers, estimating the cost at $14,000 to $30,000 for roughly 2,000 yards, plus the cost of crushing gravel already stockpiled. He said he would check whether Fire Chief Ronald Morse and a town employee identified as Caleb could help coordinate the work.
The board approved a service agreement with Alarmco, Inc. for the Town Garage alarm system on a motion by Benjamin Gates, seconded by Ben Adams. It also approved a highway access application from Gene and Sandra Redfield on Roy Mountain Road, with the condition that the access remain at the top of the crest. Chief Morse asked that the access point be marked with a stake for 911 purposes, and Chase said he would relay that request.
The board signed paperwork prepared by Town Attorney James Barlow to begin delinquent tax collection proceedings, after Barlow said direct outreach by a town official identified as Roberts had gone unanswered.
Chief Morse told the board that Barnet Fire and Rescue plans multi-season training from late summer 2026 through spring 2027, including practical fire search and rescue exercises. He asked about using the town-owned TCO building for crawl-through and visibility training. The board said that would be permissible as long as the town still owns the property, which is listed for sale. Board member Lena DiGenti raised the Ashoka Bhavan property as a possible alternative but noted it may not remain under Karme Choling's ownership for the full period.
The board directed Dylan Ford to contact the town constable to conduct a two-day speed study on Harvey Mountain Road, in connection with a proposed speed limit change.
Senator Scott Beck told the board that changes are anticipated to nitrogen-load requirements for the Northern Connecticut River Basin, and said Barnet can expect additional road funding from the state this year. The board reported it continues completing tasks required by FEMA, the state and the Federal State Highway program for reimbursement from the July 2024 flooding. It declined a request from Waterford to borrow Barnet's grader and operator, citing a lack of manpower.
Originally reported by The North Star Monthly.
Photo: Emmanuel Munoz via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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