Good Morning Early Birds,
Here’s a bit of “this and that” from Thursday’s Woodstock Flood Response meeting.
*Rep. Alison Clarkson is suggesting someone be put in overall charge of Riverside Park issues and reconstruction going forward, most likely someone not “in the thick of it.” Discussions will be had with Richard Williams of the Vermont Housing Authority which has oversight over the Park.
Also with regards to Riverside Park, there are “equity issues” concerning those who are asking to virtually “adopt-a-home” through Sustainable Woodstock. Certainly someone can independently do this. However, it may not be possible, legal or in the best interest of the 501-c-3 Flood Response Fund to do this.
*Look for an update on the hours for the Volunteer Command Center going forward. It is likely to be weekends only, but we’ll get some firmer info on this. Again, volunteers are needed for requested projects this weekend.
*Rep. Alison Clarkson visited the Vermont Law School legal clinic and says they are particularly “dialed-in” to help Vermont farmers with the assistance that may be available to recoup losses. Clarkson notes that the USDA may expect farmers to kick in 30% of their own capital for providing flood assistance. She indicates this is probably an untenable proposition.
*Sewer main. “Still trying to find the end of it…” This is the break under the Elm Street Bridge. Sewer technicians and contractors are putting dye through the system to find out where the flow is going or being interrupted. A “bubbler” will also be put in to see if air bubbles can help detect the break under the river. But, it’s still a mystery…ongoing.
*Discussions in general about the need to completely re-engineer Route 4 in the future.
*Water Conservation needed with tap water and flushing for the foreseeable future until the main pipe is fixed under the Elm Street bridge. It’s a case of needing keep up water pressure for general use but also for hydrants in case of a fire.
*Riverfront property. According to Town Manager Phil Swanson, “all of that river bank is private property.” Swanson can put folks in touch with a grant program that will pay for bank work but ONLY IF A BUILDING IS IMMEDIATELY BEING THREATENED. Otherwise there is no municipal, state of federal funds for bank reconstruction. The person to contact for bank work to protect a home or building is Bill Van Fossen in White River Junction at 802-295-7942 ext. 22. Again and otherwise for all bank and river questions, you need to contact the State of Vermont. The contact is Todd Menees whose cell phone is 802-345-3510. He has been giving verbal permits over the phone for some stream and bank work.
*Jungle property bank has been devastated and flooding completely exposed the Woodstock sewer line. It is essential to protect that sewer line. This is the area that has been used by the Town as a snow dump. There is much less there now in which to dump snow. Rip-rapping may be required. (and an aside that there is no current shortage of stone, according to the Town’s David Green, “Lebanon is making it as fast as they can…)
*Taftsville Covered Bridge is closed to both vehicles AND PEDESTRIAN traffic until further notice. The whole structure took a very hard hit. Chains will be going up across the Bridge and are also meant for pedestrians. Engineers have taken a look and say it is not safe for use. Some of the major stones holding up the bridge were sent down the river. There is already a plan to “fix the bridge” and if that is approved and work is done in a timely manner, the Taftsville Bridge may be open again in the spring of 2013. But for now: CLOSED!
*Another BUSINESS MEETING WORKSHOP:Tuesday at 2pm, September 20th at the Town Hall. To address many who are “hitting the walls” in terms of getting the right answers to how to recoup losses and recover from flooding. Among other agenda items for this meeting (see Charlie Kimbell), Megan Smith from Vermont Tourism will be on hand to give a presentation and to address concern.
*Free Counseling available TODAY (Friday, Sept 16th) from 12pm-2pm at Ottauquechee Health Center. A group workshop to help you understand what might be some emotional responses to the flooding crisis. And, for those who may want a private session, the opportunity to get some individual help.
*Jay Morgan gave his own personal read-out from the Counseling Workshop earlier this week. He noted that our reactions may be subconscious or they may just show up as increased tiredness and irritability. It’s important for everyone to be patient and non-judgemental about different ways people may be reacting. Some real-time concrete advice he got: Be careful and be extra aware and safe. As an example, you may see a person step out in front of you in traffic but not process that you need to stop your car. Reaction times may be slowed because your thoughts are elsewhere. Also, another resource for all health and mental health issues if Susan Jantos of the Ottauquechee Health Foundation.
*Results on Vail Field soil testing are due today (Friday). Bob Pear has been working on a reconstruction plan for all elements of this public recreation area.
*Preserving history and returning it to its owners: Corwin Sharp at Billings Farm and Museum would like to start a “precious stuff ” recovery program. If anyone finds things in their flood debris that might be valued keepsakes to turn them in to him and he will be trying to get these “precious stuff” returned to their owners.
That’s all for now Early Birds. Stay warm. Fluff up the feathers and go out into your day!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 