A major effort is underway to recover damage to the Woodstock Inn and Resort
Woodstock Early Birds, hopefully most of you are back at work, at school, getting into a bit more of a routine — even if the new routine is making phones calls to get more help, and yes watching the rain fall and wondering.
Here are some notes from Wednesday morning’s Town of Woodstock Flood Response recovery meeting. Watch here: http://wdstksafetymtgs.wctv8.com/
Two other sources to get direct OFFICIAL info: www.townofwoodstock.org and a few hours or so after every meeting you can see TV coverage at Woodstock’s Community TV Station: www.wctv8.com.
Sewer System: Town Manager Phil Swanson wants to refute “rumours” that the Woodstock sewer system is knocked out. “That’s not true.” He says one pipe broke affecting some 40 to 50 homes. Those homes are on River Street, North Street and from the Recreation Center out to White Cottage. He asks that everyone continue to “take it easy” on water use. As soon as the river goes back down (it’s up again due to rains) there are contractors ready to put the fix in. Contractors, unfortunately had to be diverted from sewer system work to help buttress the Elm Street Bridge. Work is ongoing under the bridge, although it has been deemed safe for travel.
Swanson said he appreciates everything that is being done at the high school to conserve water and to mitigate sewer issues. All sewer in West Woodstock is being collected a pumping station. He said, overall of the sewer system, “So, no loss…we got that under control. The other pipes are fine.”
State Business Assistance: Vermont Economic Development Administration has money to help with business emergency losses. However, it is first come, first served. The entire state is going after that money, so get your request in.
B&B’s: Homeowner assistance and B&B assistance based on how you file your taxes. There is help. Proportion of assistance based on what part is home and what part is business.
FEMA: If you are not able to file online or don’t want to call FEMA, there is currently a Disaster Recovery Center in Barre at 14 Auditorium Drive. You can get your questions answered there and get help filing your paperwork. The State is slated to have 10 centers open. It’s not known if Woodstock will be one of them. However, Town Manager Phil Swanson says he’s looking for office space to offer to FEMA. Needs to be able to have desk/computer space for 5 to 10 staff with a waiting area. The Town has also asked for a mobile FEMA disaster recovery center van.
Debris in Your Yard: One option — locals to truck your stuff away or a major company such as Jewel Trucking out of Claremont which can bring in a “SUPER DUMP TRUCK” to get rid of major debris. 452-5622.
Roads: Town Roads Manager Dave Green says virtually all roads are now passable. Everything is “open” except for a couple bridges: Robert’s Road Bridge and Larry Curtis Road Bridge. Just because they are open does not mean you should drive them. Some are still reserved ONLY for emergency vehicles. “They are not for sightseeing.”
Permit Fees: The Town has suspended charges for permits. However, you are still required to apply for permits. Woodstock Planning and Zoning will do everything possible to expedite requests for permits including holding special meetings. If you are rebuilding exactly as your place was to begin with you do not need a permit. Interior changes do not need a permit.
Retaining Walls: Sorry, but these are not subject to Town of Woodstock approval. You MUST go through the State of Vermont. Swanson says the town does not have the ability to make decisions about work in flood plains, “If we skirt federal regulations it will put us in jeopardy” for federal emergency funding.
Water/Aqueduct System: We are told that we are doing better at conserving water! Good job! Village Trustee Bob Pear has spoken with Woodstock Aqueduct and reports we have gained considerable volume in our tank. However, we are not there yet and need to keep up the conservation — don’t flush unless you have to, flush with utility water if you have it, limit baths/showers, if you have to do laundry only do what is absolutely essential!
Woodstock Aqueduct is apparently in receipt of major valves needed for a fix and a major pipe has been ordered. An eight-inch main was broken and washed away in the storm.
Water Boil Order: It is in effect until further notice. Woodstock Aqueduct has taken and passed along some water samples. However, the boil order cannot be lifted until the new pipe and that compromised part of the system is attached to replace the hose that is now part of the municipal water system.
Vail Field Soil Testing: The Town will be asking its contractor Mike Willis to arrange for soil testing of Vail Field. Kedron Brook washed over it and the fields are what Swanson calls “an asset of the Village” which are needed for recreation programs. However, Vail is now cordoned off since it’s not known what is covering the field.
Property Owner’s Soil Testing: Chip Kendall suggests Department of Agriculture may have suggestions. Also Jon Bouton’s office may have guidance.
Use of Fire Station #2: Engine 2 needs a roof over its head. Fire Chief L.D. Sutherland, Jr. asked how long volunteers would need West Woodstock Fire Station #2 since the engine that is housed out there is outside now and not protected. Discussions about possibly moving the entire volunteer center and clothing distribution point to the Grange Hall down the road so that Engine #2 can get back inside. Sutherland said it’s of great importance to keep a fire truck located in West Woodstock. (There’s also an ambulance that is housed there).
Trucks: Police Chief Robbie Blish says while all the large dump trucks are essential for flood recovery, Woodstock Police will be stepping up safety and speed enforcement in the Village. It would also be helpful if everyone used crosswalks and used extreme caution at all times when getting in and out cars. Also, parking enforcement returns next week. (Ticketing has been suspended these past ten days since Tropical Storm Irene came through).
That’s it for now Early Birds. Stay dry out there today!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 