Cavendish Update 1/22/21: SB Mtg/Covid/News/Events
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1/22/21
1. Cavendish Select Board Meeting 1/7/21
2. Cavendish Info
3. Covid update
4. Events
1. CAVENDISH SELECT BOARD MEETING 1/7/21: Cavendish Select Board meetings are held via Zoom. Minutes are available at the Town’s Website. The board has begun work on the Selectmen’s Budget. These meetings are open to the public, with agenda and times posted to Cavendish VT Facebook page.
Items Discussed/Approved
• Approved the People’s United Bank Corporate Resolution that Jane Pixley, Trustee of Public Funds and Diane McNamara, Town Treasurer are authorized to act on behalf of the Town of Cavendish as written.
• Discussed options for March Annual Town Meeting.
• Selectmen’s Budget: Town Manager, Brendan McNamara provided an overview, with the first draft showing an increase of $149,000 or 9% from last year, without adding any funds into the capital equipment or resurfacing funds. The largest budget increases were due to increased costs of insurance and retirement, mainly due to employees joining or changing health insurance plans. He said that another area of large increase is paying down some of the debt that the Town holds, including the delinquent tax note, garage construction bond and grant revenue anticipation note. another area of increase is the Solid Waste department. Salary costs have increased due to having two employees working there now as well as hauling costs increases. McNamara suggested that the Board might look into increasing disposal fees to better cover operating costs
2. CAVENDISH INFO
• CVFD Air Hose: The air hose at the Cavendish Fire Department is currently out of service.
• Zoom Info for Pandemic/Epidemic Talk: For those interested in signing up for the talk on Jan 27 at 7pm, go to the Okemo Valley (OVTV) TV web link to register and obtain the information needed to join the Zoom talk. It can also be watched at the OVTV uTube page. This talk is jointly sponsored by the Cavendish Historical Society and OVTV.
• GMUSD budget up less than 1% despite special ed hike: The directors of the Green Mountain Unified School District approved a $14.2 million budget last Thursday. It represents an increase of less than 1 percent over last year’s spending plan, despite a recent 14 percent increase by the Two Rivers Supervisory Union, which charges its spending back to its two school districts. It will go before voters on March 2. Chester Telegraph
• Addressing the ash tree EAB crisis in southern Vermont: On Monday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m., there will be a Zoom meeting about the pending ash tree crisis in southern Vermont, caused by the emerald ash borer. The meeting, hosted by Okemo Valley TV, will update the participants on the status of EAB in the state, detail how local governments may prepare for EAB, and explain some of the steps private property owners may take to deal with the problem. Contact Ralph Pace at ralphcpace@gmail.com or 802-228-7239 to receive the access information to the Zoom meeting.
• Rockingham Veterinary Clinic preparing new home in Chester
• Big Eyes Bakery in Ludlow closing in early February
• State purchase of Okemo State Forest tract completes 100-mile wildlife corridor
3. COVID UPDATE: The good news is that the surge appears to have peaked and we’re leveling off. However, as of 1/21/21, there have been 10,580 cases in VT. Cavendish, as of Jan. 13, has had 14 cases, 5 of which occurred in the previous week. Windsor County continues to show a high number of new cases, which in part is from the outbreak at Cedar Hill in Windsor. They have 10 residents and six workers with Covid as of Jan. 18, with one of the residents dying on Wednesday.
Governor Scott and those attending the most recent press conferences are now in quarantine due to an exposure by a contract employee. All are doing well and showing no symptoms. Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine have tested negative. Press conferences will continue, with Scott and his cabinet being tested again on Jan. 26th.
President Joe Biden signed 10 new executive orders on his second day in office to fight COVID-19. " He has promised to restore public trust, in part by having scientists and public health experts speak to the public. "That's why you'll be hearing a lot more from Dr Fauci again, not from the president," Biden said, adding that the experts will be "free from political interference." While Biden's executive orders can help accomplish some of the plan's proposals, the majority will require new funding from Congress and will be included in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue package that Biden hopes legislators will approve.
New Economic Relief Programs for VT Businesses: Five economic relief programs for businesses were announced on Tuesday thanks to the new federal stimulus package. The programs include the Employee Retention Tax Credit, which is a refundable credits; and direct grant programs, like PPP or the Payroll Protection Program. Also on the list: the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. To learn more about these programs and how to apply, go to Business Economic Relief Program.
Modeling: The modeling presented on Jan. 19, shows not only a sustained national decrease in Covid cases, but a 12.43% dip regionally with test positivity reducing from 11% (7 day average) to 6%, though this remains above the 5% threshold. VT has been the last state to reach 10,000 Covid cases. The state’s 7 day test positivity rate continues to hover around 2.7% and reached a new low yesterday of 2.5%. Of the 165 Covid deaths in VT, 92% are 65 years or older, with 62% of all hospital admissions being 65+. VT continues to rank number one in the country as having the lowest average positive tests and hospitalizations and number 3 for fewest cases and deaths.
Vaccine Schedule: VT’s vaccine schedule is based on: current supply; the need to administer two doses of the same drug; and saving the lives of those most at risk of dying if they contract Covid. As new vaccines are approved and/or the federal government starts providing more doses, the quicker the vaccinations will go.
The state plans to provide vaccines at health department run sites, plus pharmacies, local health providers and hospitals. EMS will help with the home bound population. The system can be ramped up quickly with expanding supplies. Note that vaccines will be distributed via an appointment based system and will even have a “call back” program. If someone fails to keep an appointment, calls will be made to see if other people can come in that day. The goal is to make sure every dose available goes into a Vermonter’s arm.
On January 25, those 75+ can start registering on-line, or by phone, for a vaccination appointment. The state is asking people not to call the health department or health centers as there is no list. Closer to the 25th, the state will release both the URL and the telephone number. The best way to register is on-line and they’ve requested that family or friends help with this.
When you receive your first dose of the vaccine, you will set up an appointment for the 2nd shot.
There are an estimated 50,000 Vermonters in this first age band category and at the current rate, it will take about 6 weeks to get them vaccinated. The next age bands are 70 and then 65, with the expectation that everyone 65 and up will be vaccinated by the end of March/beginning of April.
The priority group after the 65+ age bracket are those people 18-65 with one of the following pre-existing conditions: current cancer; kidney disease, COPD (emphysema), various heart conditions, weakened immune systems, severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, Down syndrome, pregnant woman and sickle cell disease.
In order to be vaccinated in VT, you will be required to show proof of VT residency. 2nd home owners, even if staying here for extended periods of time, are not eligible for vaccination in VT.
Local Resources: If you need to quarantine either from exposure or because you have Covid, local resources are available to help you:
- CHS Cares Closet: Masks (cloth and disposable), books, toys, craft supplies. Open 24/7. All free. Located next to the steps of the Cavendish Historical Society Museum.
4. UPCOMING EVENTS:
JANUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY): Pandemic/Epidemic talk, 7 pm via Zoom, sponsored the Cavendish Historical Society and Okemo Valley TV. This will also be available at the OVTV UTube channel. To register for the Zoom call, go to the OVTV website.
FEBURARY 3 (WEDNESDAY): The Cavendish Fletcher Community Library's Spoilers Club. will meet via zoom on Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00 to discuss the modern western "Yellowstone" starring Kevin Costner. All three seasons of which are available to borrow from the library. FMI: 226-7503
FEBRUARY 15 (MONDAY): President’s Day, Town Office Closed.
CA❤︎ENDSH-A SAFER SIX COMMUNITY
Covers mouth & nose
Always masks in public & washes hands
Vermonters keep each other safe
Elbow coughs
Never socializes with those outside their immediate household
Disinfects common surfaces
Is alert for symptoms
Stays at least 6 feet apart from others
Has respect for personal space
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