The Hardwick Selectboard voted June 4 to pursue a formal scope-of-work study for Jackson Dam and authorized formation of a steering committee. Board members emphasized the vote was for information gathering, not a commitment to any specific outcome.
Emily Finnegan of the Caledonia County Natural Resources Conservation District outlined the next phase's responsibilities. Board Chair Ceilidh Galloway-Kane read a passage from a support letter clarifying that the vote does not represent a final decision or endorsement of a design, but rather supports continued technical evaluation. Zoning and Floodplain Administrator Kristen Leahy described the process as unfolding over the next decade. Board member Derek Richardson abstained.
In other business, Hardwick Electric Department Manager Renae DiGregorio reported two billing errors discovered during a rate case review: solar net metering credits had been applied at the wrong point in the billing cycle, and some credits had been shared among accounts. Both practices have been corrected; a two-year historical review will adjust affected accounts, likely benefitting customers. The board also consolidated two lines of credit into a single $1,174,000 note.
The board agreed to form a community task force to evaluate Town Meeting formats after resident Maureen Demers noted that only about 10 percent of registered voters cast ballots on the town budget, compared with 33 percent for the school district budget (conducted by Australian ballot). The task force will begin appointments June 18.
Leahy reported that the town has closed on both East Hardwick flood buyout properties; a demolition request for proposals is being drafted. The site may eventually provide parking for the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Leahy also won a national award from the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the first recipient from New England.
Other actions included approval of the FY27 water and sewer budgets, appointment of Teddy Wenneker to the Planning Commission, and authorization to engage with AmeriGas regarding town ownership of property on Charlevoix Street.
NEK will be looking into the results of the two-year billing adjustment review for affected electric customers.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: Jonathanking (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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