The Citizen - 5-9-24

Charges dropped against driver who struck cyclist

cyclist Gerard Malavenda of Williston.

A state prosecutor has dismissed charges against a Hinesburg man who killed a cyclist with his car, ending a years-long case stemming from the October 2022 accident.

In a notice of dismissal filed to the Chittenden Superior Criminal Court on March 8, Kelly Olney, a deputy state’s attorney for Chittenden County, wrote that she was dropping the state’s charge against Richard K. Lewis “without prejudice,” meaning the charges could theoretically be refiled in the future.

Lewis, 70, of Hinesburg, had been accused of operating his vehicle in a grossly negligent manner and causing the death of

In a written statement to The Other Paper, Sarah George, Vermont’s top prosecutor in Chittenden County, said that her office decided to drop the charge against Lewis after new evidence emerged during the trial that undermined the state’s case.

Specifically, George said that the testimony of one unexpected witness appeared to have “devastated our ability to prove the case,” though she did not further elaborate on the nature of that testimony.

“I want to be clear that there is no question at all that Mr. Lewis struck Gerard and caused his death,” she said. “That, however,

See LEWIS on page 11

New rule regulates wakeboats on lakes across the Vermont

LIBERTY

DARR STAFF WRITER

For those looking to hang loose this boating season, a new state rule adopted in February, dubbed the first of its kind in the nation, regulates wakesports and wakeboats on certain lakes across the state.

Under the new rule, wake sports are now confined to a “wakesport zone” of 50 contingous acres defined by a 500-foot shore buffer from all sides, a depth of more than 20 feet, and at least 200-feet wide. The rule allows wake sports to occur on 30 lakes throughout the state, like Lake Iroquois in Hinesburg, Lake Caspian in Greensboro and the Waterbury Reservoir.

A wake boat is designed to create large, powerful wakes, making it ideal for wakesurfing and boarding. The wakes created by the motorized boats serve as a prime launching point for riders where waves wouldn’t usually occur.

Because ballast tank systems used in the boats help with water displacement, additional state rules implement a decontamination requirement for wake boats travelling between lakes as studies have also shown that these tanks can spread invasive species

See WAKE BOATS on page 11

NOW SERVING BREAKFAST

Pancake Bites, Egg

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN A barred owl perches from a tree on Mt. Philo.

HABIB SABET STAFF WRITER

CVU principal Adam Bunting named interim superintendent

HABIB SADET STAFFWRITER

Adam Bunting, principal of Champlain Valley Union High School, will take over as interim superintendent of the school district for the coming school year.

The Champlain Valley Union School District announced Bunting’s appointment May 1 in a press release. According to the release, Bunting will start his new job July 1, taking over for outgoing superintendent Rene Sanchez, who announced this March that he would be stepping down after three years on the job.

“I really love the Champlain Valley Union School District. I love our community and our students and our team of educators,” Bunting said in an interview. “I think in my years as being an administrator in the past two decades there’s nothing more exciting to me than collaborating with other people to Bunting has been principal of CVU since 2015. Prior to that, he was the principal of Montpelier High School, and was formerly an English teacher and house director at CVU, according to a biography posted on the district’s website. Bunting holds a master’s degree in school leadership from Harvard University and was named Vermont Principal of the Year in 2018.

Meghan Metzler, chair of the district’s school board, said that the school board selected Bunting from a pool of four potential candi-

In Hinesburg

dates who interviewed for the job.

Noting Bunting’s long history with the district, Metzler said his “deep understanding of the community” made him a standout choice.

“I’m positive that Adam has the ability to do a really great job as our interim superintendent,” Metzler said. “Obviously he has strong relationships with people around the district and strong relationships with people across the state.”

After taking the helm for the district in July, Bunting will have to shepherd the Champlain Valley schools through a daunting transition period. Last month, the district passed a revised budget after voters struck down a first proposal on Town Meeting Day.

The approved budget, which represents about $5 million in spending cuts from the initial version, requires the district to scrap 42 full-time equivalent positions for next school year. That

includes reductions in teaching staff, paraprofessionals, math and literacy interventionists, and central administration positions, among other cuts.

Still, Bunting said that he was eager to take on the challenges ahead and is hopeful that the district and the communities it serves can move forward and address student needs as efficiently as possible.

“I’m interested in being a learner and then seeing how I can translate some of that learning for our educators and our community so we can make as thoughtful decisions as possible,” Bunting said.

For now, Bunting is expected to lead the school district in an interim capacity for fiscal year 2025, but he suggested that he might be interested in applying for the role for the longer term.

“The nice part about this transition is that the district gets the chance to see whether I’m a good fit and I get to understand whether the position is a good fit for me,” Bunting said. “At the end of the day, I just want to serve the district as best I can.

According to Metzler, the school district will likely begin its broader search for a long-term superintendent in the fall, and said she hopes the district will have a selection by early next spring.

Metzler also said that the district is beginning the process of finding an interim principal to fill Bunting’s role at the high school and will hopefully do so by the end of this school year.

Zoning rewrite prompts opposition

Proposed zoning changes in Hinesburg in the works since 2021 are set for another public hearing with the selectboard this month.

The changes the town’s Rural Residential 1 zoning district — an area that extends from the village growth area to the town’s northern border near Mt. Pritchard — would establish three new districts with different priorities and development potential. But some landowners have voiced serious concern over what the new proposals would do to the value of their land and ability to develop it.

According to Alex Weinhagen, director of planning and zoning, the proposed changes are outlined in the town plan and correspond to work that began over a decade

ago. Specific proposals concerning the rural residential zoning district try to balance the rural character of the north and south sections of town, which are the least developed and the most constrained by natural features, with the middle of the district that features some of Hinesburg’s most densely populated areas.

“This district is so diverse, so disparate and large, that the pattern of development within it is all over the map,” he said. “We have the areas along Richmond Road that are in this district that are some of the most densely settled parts of Hinesburg. To the north in an area frequently called the Mt. Pritchard area, we have some of the lowest development density and a very different pattern of development compared to that center slice along the Richmond Road.”

Under the plan, the Rural Residential 1 district would be sectioned off three ways: the Richmond Road corridor, an area just above the village growth area that is served by municipal water and sewer, would be changed to the Residential 3 district, allowing one home per acre.

“We basically are saying that’s a built landscape and an area where we’re going to prioritize housing,” he said, adding that the new proposals are consistent with new state law that prioritizes development in areas served by water and sewer. “That Residential 3 district is going to be treated more permissively in that sense,”

The Residential 4 district would then extend above that area and

Adam Bunting

ZONING

continued from page 2

would allow one home per 3 acres as a transitional zoning district between the village growth area and the more rural districts, Weinhagen said.

But the greatest distinction, and where most of the controversy lies, is the newly proposed Rural 1 district — which would encompass large portions of land to the north and east of Hinesburg’s downtown.

Limitations on subdivision and density requirements in this new zoning district would mirror the town’s Rural Residential 2 and agricultural districts — which occupy nearly 80 percent of Hinesburg — with only one home per 10, 12 or 15 acres based on the quality of the public road that provides access, while also adding other layers of design review standards that have historically only been applied to Hinesburg’s most rural areas.

“We’re fixing the density and that’s been a big part of the conversation, but the other is, we are applying the rural area design standards, which currently apply in just the most rural districts,” Weinhagen said. “Those two proposed districts would have this new layer of conservation subdivision design standards applied.”

Dozens of residents have shown up to planning commission meetings and past hearings to voice opposition to the new changes.

“One of the biggest concerns is these landowners have owned this land for 60, 70 even more years with a lot of them saving it for their kids or grandchildren,” selectboard member Dennis Place said. “It’s just taking away some of their property rights and we have so many regulations for these areas that I truly believe would take care of a lot of these issues.”

Property owner Joe Lester, who got a proj-

ect approved that includes more density than would now be allowed under the proposed rules, voiced concern that the new density regulations feel like a “double whammy” to already stringent development regulations.

“Of my 65 acres that are RR1, under the new regulations, probably only about 10 acres would actually look to be developed and then you further reduce the density,” he said. “Why do you have to reduce the density? It’s already difficult and you’re making it more difficult.”

Another resident, Tony St. Hilaire, said that although he has no plans to develop his 47-acre property, he doesn’t want to lose the potential to in the future.

“That’s acreage that we purchased, and we wanted to have the availability to build houses,” he said. “I think this is BS. I think this is driven by people that are trying to protect s--t that they don’t own. You ought to listen to the townspeople and have that hearing, because I’m going to put out as many people to that meeting as possible because you’re stealing rights from people that have purchased land.”

The selectboard will hold a public hearing on May 29 where it will hear from community members and either adopt the revisions, make changes and hold another hearing, or return the proposal to the planning commission for more substantive changes.

“We are under no gun or state requirement for these changes,” Weinhagen said, adding that if the board doesn’t act on these within a year of the planning commission closing its public hearing in September, then it’s deemed denied. “But the fact that there’s controversy around this and the need for public comments and some level of accommodation means that you can take your time with this.”

“Spring always arrives right on time,” says Suzie McCoy, who took this photo in her Hinesburg garden last week.

CRIME & COURTS

Brunell set to stand trial in July on murder charge in Fern Feather’s death

ALAN J. KEAYS VTDIGGER

A man held without bail in the murder of Fern Feather, a transgender woman from Hinesburg who was stabbed to death two years ago, is set to stand trial in July.

Seth Brunell, 45, was arrested April 12, 2022, on a charge of second-degree murder several hours after Feather was found dead in Morristown.

During a hearing May 1 in Lamoille County Superior criminal court in Hyde Park, Judge Mary Morrissey told attorneys in the case to be ready for trial in July, with the exact date to be determined. The judge said the trial would begin with jury selection on July 15 or 22.

Interim Lamoille County State’s Attorney Aliena Gerhard, the prosecutor in the case, asked Morrissey to consider delaying that date to sometime in August or

September, citing a heavy caseload in her office as well as a staffing crunch.

Defense attorney Jessica Burke, representing Brunell, objected to that request, telling the judge that her client wanted the trial to take place as soon as possible.

The judge sided with Burke and set the trial for July.

Brunell pleaded not guilty to the murder charge in April 2022. He has been held without bail since.

According to investigators, witnesses reported that Brunell and Feather had been spending time together since meeting each other while Brunell was hitchhiking a few days before the killing.

The Lamoille North Supervisory Union called authorities around 8 a.m. on the morning of April 12 to report a car that had been parked in their lot “for some time,” according to charging documents.

Arriving officers found Brunell

Vermont State Police Blotter

May 3 at 9:25 p.m., police responded to a one-vehicle crash on Greenbush Road in Charlotte and subsequently

arrested Keagan R. Bothwell, 20, of Charlotte, for driving under the influence, first offense.

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and Feather, who said they were looking for a place to walk their dogs, the filings stated. About two hours later, Brunell used Feather’s cellphone and called the victim’s friend, telling that person he had killed Feather, according to investigators.

Morristown police officers arrived minutes later and found Feather lying face up and bloody on the side of the road and Brunell sitting in the car.

Brunell, according to the charging documents, told officers that Feather had attacked him after making a sexual advance, which Brunell said he had rejected because “I wasn’t gay.” Officers reported that Brunell had no injuries nor “indications of an altercation,” the filing stated.

phobic rhetoric.

The year prior, Gov. Phil Scott signed a law banning the LGBTQ “panic” defense, a legal strategy in which suspects justify violence by citing their victims’ sexual or gender identity.

Seth Brunell has been held without bail for more than two years in the fatal stabbing of Feather, a transgender woman from Hinesburg. Feather’s killing led to an outpouring of grief and condemnation across Vermont.

Feather’s killing led to an outpouring of grief and condemnation across Vermont, with advocacy groups and the state’s top officials calling for an end to trans-

In addition to the murder count against him, Brunell was charged with attempting to escape from the St. Johnsbury prison in April 2023. He allegedly used a sheet tied in knots to try to scale a fence, according to the Vermont Department of Corrections.

Burke, Brunell’s attorney, said she would prepare a questionnaire for potential jurors to fill out prior to jury selection, noting the significant amount of press attention the case has drawn.

Both attorneys said they anticipated the trial, including jury selec-

tion, would take about a week. Morrissey asked Burke if a “resolution” to the case might be possible before the trial.

Burke replied “yes,” but added “we don’t have an offer.”

“I asked Ms. Gerhard for an offer the last time we spoke, which was a couple weeks ago,” Burke said. “I kind of laid out what I thought would be a viable resolution, but I have not heard back.”

Gerhard said before making any offer, she would meet with Feather’s family to discuss the matter. She said was working with her staff to set up such a meeting “soon.”

The judge set the next hearing in the case for May 28.

Seth Brunell

OPINION

Vermont is taking steps to align, coordinate health care system

From the Senate

Building accessible, affordable, quality health care for Vermonters is an overdue work in progress. Regardless of mixed results of past major reform efforts, Vermont’s goals to improve population health, advance health equity by reducing disparities in health outcomes and curb health care cost growth are possible.

It is possible to build a system available to all Vermonters regardless of where they work. In fact, Vermont is recognized nationally for being well ahead of other states because of continued efforts at reform and innovation. The future of the state’s health care landscape is one of system alignment — building continuity within the system of care — integration of social and medical services, improved payment systems, alignment of public and private insurance clinical data and reduction of administrative burden on medical professionals and patients.

grow larger. Integrating a payment system that reflects Medicare can add accessibility and affordability to our system of care.

Health care is not a commodity to be treated as a consumer product. It is a public good. Unfortunately, our centuries-old fee-for-service payment model is a disincentive to prevention and care coordination. Fee for service implies competition for health care services, resulting in inequitable reimbursement for providers and limited access to care.

In the past, fee for service has led to overutilization of services. As we move forward with payment reform it will be important to balance access and cost. It is also important to consider alignment of public and private insurance requirements within the system of care.

Recently passed legislation will reduce administrative burden on primary care providers. When placed into law, it will align private insurer codes and claims edits with public Medicare and Medicaid programs. This offers greater predictability for clinical treatment.

Wholistic patient centered care demands coordination between medical and social services such as Vermont’s Blueprint for Health. The blueprint is one of the state’s longest running health care reform initiatives. It is focused on increasing high quality primary care, preventive care and care coordination, particularly for patients with chronic health conditions, including substance use and mental health disorders. Prevention is the bottom line to improve population health.

Prior authorization legislation and lower prescription drug costs are just two ways that we are improving patient access and affordability.

A January 2024 report indicates that Blueprint primary care patients “had an average of $2,600 less in annual medical and pharmacy costs per person compared with patients” in non-Blueprint practices and “a higher percentage of Blueprint patients visited their primary care practitioners each year.”

Primary care has driven much of Vermont’s health reform and must continue with payment models and relief from administrative burden. The challenge is that primary care doctors are disappearing and a workforce gap over the next 12-15 years offers little reassurance.

Equitable reimbursement for primary care practices as well as community service providers can ensure gaps do not

Provisions also improve timely access to care. Going from a primary care visit to a community mental health counsellor, hospital or specialist shouldn’t require hours of phone calls either by the primary care provider or by the patient. Before providers are paid for patient treatment or before patients can be treated, insurance payers approve treatments or payments. The burden comes when insurers are inaccessible, or it takes months for treatment or payment approval.

Current prior authorization policies have resulted in physician burnout, loss of primary care providers and overwhelming loss of care for patients. It has meant that providers have had to hire staff to wait on the phone for hours and submit requests for patient care. It has meant needless emergency room visits by patients.

This and previous legislation to lower prescription drug costs are just two ways that we are improving patient access and affordability.

Regulation can make or break the health care system. Hospitals, primary care, mental health, substance use, longterm care and other providers need a holistic, predictable, coordinated and inclusive regulatory structure. Having clear, sensible, collaboratively developed benchmarks and standards in place enhances efficiency and can reduce confusion or frustration.

Sen. Ginny Lyons

Sen. Ginny Lyons

Recent no vote for education secretary misses the point

Guest Perspective

John Clifford

On April 30, the Vermont Senate voted 19-9 to not confirm education secretary Zoie Saunders. The decision not to approve her was, in part, largely due to intense political pressure spurred on by Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman’s comments, some senators and the state’s plethora of teachers, administrators and education associations.

The big four as I call them — Vermont School Boards Association, Vermont Principals Association, Vermont-National Education Association and the Vermont Association of School Business Officials, the educational political ecosystem in Vermont — was armed to shoot down her appointment. But why? Was it justified? Adding fuel to the political fire was Zuckerman, who released a one-sided and inaccurate letter to the Senate body alluding to the possibility that Saunders had received an award from Gov. Ron Desantis of Florida.

If you are anything like me, the Florida governor comfortably resides on the very bottom end of my political hit parade, and the thought he approved of the work Saunders did in Florida was traumatic and thought-provoking. Zuckerman later apologized to the Senate body for releasing “erroneous” information, but the damage had been done. I came to expect this from the previous national administration but not Vermont.

Like many of you, I studied science in college and when faced with a troublesome decision I look for the facts. I try not to be swayed by emotion or preconceived ideas.

As I watched Saunders’ confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Finance on April 23, one fact is not only did I not hear any response I would consider disqualifying — or in any way alarming — overall, but I was also impressed with the depth and sincerity of her responses.

She describes her leadership style as team building, focused, achieving, long-term visionary, active learner and driven for shortterm success. Her official resume,

which you can download, reflects those accomplishments and more. Many questions asked by committee members that she reflect more precisely on potential future policies for the education department and State Board of Education were premature and wrong at best, after only completing her first week on the job. At the time that I watched the online video of her confirmation hearing there had been about 600 views, that’s less than 1 percent of Vermont’s total population. So what evidence are people using to characterize her positions?

I’m also a little disappointed in my fellow well-educated Vermonters for jumping to the assumption that just because a person did not advance up a traditional career path, that means they are somehow less able to achieve real and significant successes. How many times in our scientific and technological history have some of the greatest discoveries come from the minds and creativity of thinkers who worked in less glamorous professions?

Vermont statute says that

the qualifications for education secretary, at the time of appointment, shall have expertise in education management and policy and demonstrated leadership and management abilities. Saunders exceeds these qualifications without factoring in any political stiff arming or alarmist ideas. Nowhere has it been reported by any Vermont news organization or senator, who bothered to interview or do the research, of any education decision made by her while in Florida that was averse to Vermont traditions, even though she worked as vice president for a charter education management company.

Considering what it takes to

get into Harvard and complete the grueling undergraduate education program there, why would Saunders choose to tutor for afterschool and summer programs in a Boston neighborhood plagued by historic rates of violence. Because she challenges herself. She describes “witnessing the trauma children brought to school every day.”

Because that experience taught her to value the “critical importance of context in educational programming, meeting with parents and education activists underscored the vital role of

See CLIFFORD on page 9

Letters to the Editor

Be wary of reinstating spending threshold

To the Editor:

As the chair of the Burlington School District School Board, I am fortunate to witness firsthand the profound impact of educational policies on our diverse community. Among these policies, Act 127 stands out as a beacon of progress in the continuous effort to achieve equity and finally address the inequity across Vermont’s schools. However, while we navigate the benefits of such transformative legislation, we also face potential challenges that could undermine those efforts, such as the discussions around the excess spending threshold.

Act 127 was a significant milestone passed to rectify the longstanding educational funding disparities. By recalibrating the funding formula to reflect the needs of today’s students more accurately — particularly those in economically disadvantaged or culturally diverse districts like Burlington — it promises to level the playing field.

This act is crucial for Burlington, where the student population is incredibly diverse, with 63 percent of students facing basic needs challenges, as well as New Americans who bring a wealth of culture but also face unique educational challenges.

The success of Act 127 in promoting equity is something to be celebrated and protected. As such, while there is talk of reinstating the excess spending threshold — a policy that could restrict the ability of districts to spend beyond a certain limit — I urge caution. It is essential that any modifications to financial policies are considered through the lens of their long-term impact on educational equity.

(Editor’s note: Districts with

per-pupil spending that is greater than the excess spending threshold incur “an additional tax for the amount over the threshold.”) The excess spending threshold, if not handled carefully, could potentially penalize those it was designed to protect by capping necessary funding in districts that are just beginning to find their footing with the passage of Act 127.

Indeed, financial prudence is vital, and we must ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. However, we must also recognize that the path to equity is multifaceted. It involves understanding the unique needs of each district and ensuring that they have the resources to meet these needs. As we discuss the excess spending threshold, let’s ensure that our decisions do not inadvertently halt the progress we are making toward a more equitable educational landscape.

I believe in a Vermont where every child has access to quality education that meets their specific needs, regardless of their background or where they live. Act 127 has started us on this path with modernized pupil weights and an equitable funding formula. As we move forward, let’s continue to champion policies that uphold this vision and approach changes like the excess spending threshold with a careful, equity-focused perspective.

Let’s work together — legislators, educators and communities — to maintain the momentum toward true educational equity. It’s a goal worth pursuing with both passion and caution, ensuring that all Vermont students can succeed in a supportive and fair learning environment.

Clare K. Wool Chair, Burlington School Board

Pouech to seek second House term

From the House

Rep. Phil Pouech

As many of you know, I am now completing my second year as the Hinesburg representative (Chittenden-4) in the Vermont Legislature. I have found the work challenging and enjoyable and I feel, after two years, I understand a great deal more about how to be the most productive member of this body I can be.

I am also quite pleased that my committee recently trusted me to report a bill on the House floor, and I’ve been asked to support key bills for which I have unique knowledge or experience. For these reasons, as well as my care and concern for the wellbeing of the town of Hinesburg, I have decided to run for a second term.

meetings. I am always available to town government and the selectboard when proposed legislation has unique impact on Hinesburg, or when state funding or grants might support our town.

I honestly work very hard to be a productive and collaborative legislator.

I have served on the House Committee on Transportation. The work we do has a direct impact on us. Specifically, I work to increase the safety and ease of non-vehicle (bike and pedestrian) use on roadways. Of particular interest are rules and roadway policies that would address Route 116 where it travels into the core village. I have also fought to increase state funding for town roads and structures, along with a doubling of sidewalk state grants to all Vermont towns.

When I ran two years ago, I spoke of my commitment to serving Hinesburg. My time as a selectboard member and chair provided me with a better understanding of the issues facing our community and fueled my desire to do more. I am fortunate to still have the time and energy to engage on a statewide level.

The last two years have been quite an education, to say the least. I have worked hard to understand the processes and procedures of the Legislature, have participated fully in all my committee work and have been present for House floor votes.

I am always willing to attend constituent events, and business or organizational collaborative

Though I know some may not agree with every position I have taken on various bills, I have always considered what is in Hinesburg’s best interest and listened to my constituents’ thoughts on any issue before I vote. When I am unsure or unaware of a bill, which is of a concern to any constituent, I have contacted a member of the controlling committee to “dig in” to the details. I have also worked hard to respond to all constituent questions or concerns in a timely way.

I look forward to talking to many of you as I gather petition signatures to earn a place on the Democratic ballot and look forward to two more years of

service. I am proud to represent Hinesburg.

As always, you may contact me anytime at ppouech@leg. state.vt.us.

Phil Pouech, a Democrat, represents Hinesburg in the Chittenden-4 House district.

Meyers will run for Chittenden

Southeast Senate seat

Political Notebook

Dr. Louis Meyers

Dr. Louis Meyers has announced his candidacy for the Senate in Chittenden Southeast. Meyers hopes to use his many years of experience as a physician to help repair Vermont’s broken health care system and help patients and providers receive the care and support they need. Whether in health care, housing, education or other areas, controlling costs while continuing to maintain high standards will be Meyers’ focus if elected. Learn more at louismeyers. com.

Dr. Louis Meyers

Rep. Phil Pouech

COMMUNITY

Band, choral concert honors mothers on Sunday

The Hinesburg Artist Series celebrates spring and Mother’s Day with a concert on Sunday, May 12, at 4 p.m. in the Champlain Valley Union High School auditorium.

The concert will feature the Hinesburg Community Band and South County Chorus, both directed by Rufus Patrick.

“We have put together a lovely mix of music that families are sure to enjoy,” Patrick said. “This concert will be a wonderful way to celebrate spring and mothers.”

The Hinesburg Community Band will present selections by James Swearingen, Randall Standridge, Robert Longfield and a rousing piece entitled “Dragons Fly on The Winds of Time” by Larry Neeck.

The South County Chorus will sing selections by Michael Engelhardt, Howard Helvey and David Waggoner. Other featured selections will be “Turn the World Around” by Harry Belafonte, arranged by Mark Hayes, and “A Million Dreams” from the “Greatest Showman” arranged by Mark Brymer.

The concert is free; donations are accepted. Go to hinesburgartistseries.org for more information.

Community Notes

Tour Tranquility at Sail Beyond Cancer event

The nonprofit Sail Beyond Cancer Vermont kicks off the season with a SPLASH! for Tranquility fund raiser on Saturday, May 18, 3-6 p.m., at the ECHO Center in Burlington

Sail Beyond Cancer brings those being challenged by cancer, their family, friends and caregivers on a sail to experience the tranquility and transformative powers of wind, water and sail on Lake Champlain. Tranquility is the name of the newly purchased boat for the organization.

At SPLASH! for Tranquility, tour the docked vessel (Tranquility), enjoy a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar and connect with other supporters who are making a difference in the lives of people facing cancer. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply interested in supporting a worthy cause, all are welcome at the event.

RSVP to reserve a spot at this free event and to find out more at sailbeyondcancer.org.

Shelburne church, Age Well host May luncheon

Age Well is offering a luncheon on Wednesday, May 22, in the St Catherine of Siena Parish Hall, 72 Church St. in Shelburne.

The menu is stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, dinner roll, pumpkin cookie with raisins and milk.

Check-in time is 11:30 a.m. and the meal will be served at noon. There is a $5 suggested donation.

Diners must register by May 16 to Kerry Batres, nutrition coordinator, 802-662-5283 or email kbatres@agewellvt.org.

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, May 9, is from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center and features lasagna rollup with tomato marinara meat sauce, vegetable blend, wheat bread, strawberry cake with icing and milk.

You must pre-register by the

prior Monday at 802-425-6345 or meals@charlotteseniorcentervt. org.

The suggested donation is $5. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at bit.ly/3FfyLMb.

The meal for Thursday, May 16, features chicken breast with vegetable sweet and sour sauce, brown rice pilaf with veggies, cannellini beans, Brussels sprouts, wheat roll, cookie and milk.

The meal for Thursday, May 23, features roast beef with sauce, diced potatoes with parsley, green

beans, wheat bread, oatmeal cookie and milk.

Sign up now for Shelburne grab and go meal

Age Well and St. Catherine’s of Siena Parish in Shelburne are teaming up to provide a meal to go for anyone age 60 and older on Tuesday, May 14. Meals will be available for pick up in the parking lot at 72 Church St. from 11 a.m. until

noon and are available for anyone 60 or older. Suggested donation is $5.

The menu is chicken breast with sweet and sour sauce, brown rice pilaf with veggies and cannellini beans, brussels sprouts, wheat roll, cookie and milk.

To order a meal, contact Kathleen at agewellstcath@gmail.com or 802-503-1107. Deadline to order is Wednesday, May 8. If this is a first-time order, provide your name, address, phone number and date of birth.

PHOTOS BY JOE GANNON

Above: The Hinesburg Artist Series band rehearses in anticipation of its Mother’s Day concert.

Right: Music director Rufus Patrick conducts the Hinesburg Artist Series band.

CLIFFORD

continued from page 6

community engagement in developing educational opportunities that are tailored to meet the needs of the whole child.” It appears she discovered some of the same teaching lessons without the classroom.

Partly based on my own experience graduating from the layers of Vermont education system, which left me honestly ill-prepared to compete at the University of Vermont, although getting straight As in high school, and the fact recent assessment test scores would seem to confirm substandard performance for current students, why wouldn’t an outside-the-box thinker like Saunders not be a perfect fit

LYONS continued from page 5

The Green Mountain Care Board is doing its job effectively and needs to keep the system moving forward. The board is responsible for hospital budget review, reduction of excess hospital spending, rate setting for private insurers and hospitals and other activities. It is analyzing a hospital pricing structure for a report during the next legislative session. The board is also working with the Agency of Human Services to assess possible next steps for our current payment model.

Act 167, passed in 2022, directs the Green Mountain Care Board for continued development of hospital global budgets, and to carry out a statewide hospital transformation community engagement process this summer. Identifying and coordinating community health needs with hospital services and hospital financial capacity is a critical step for Vermont.

Identifying service gaps across the state will suggest changes for hospital, primary or long-term care services. What are the predominant social determinants of health in local communities? Where are primary care providers needed, what hospital services are available for which acute care needs? Are mental health, long-term care and substance use treatments available? The stress of working with regulators to determine global budgeting and a transformation of services is concerning to hospitals. Nevertheless, it makes sense for hospitals to change and to respond to community health needs. And while digital access and telemedicine can reduce stress, it will not always provide a substitute for in-person visits.

So much of what happens to patients in the system today feels disorganized and inaccessible. Improvements won’t happen without collaboration. Hospitals,

for Vermont?

Is the opposition to Saunders by Vermont’s education political elite about her qualifications or disqualifications? Are they fearful that shedding light on a broken education system may lead to better fiscal responsibility? That it has nothing to do with the tenants of sound education theory? Recent legislative trends and discussions, including the appointment of a strong education secretary with substantial management experience, may ultimately improve school budgets that voters can digest.

Charlotte woman heads to Pan American games

federally qualified health clinics, social services, recovery centers, primary care, independent clinics, long-term care, home visit organizations, patients, public and private insurance programs, regulators (especially the care board), executive and legislative branches of government each have a legitimate role to improve Vermont’s population health outcomes. If Vermonters are to have access to quality, affordable health insurance, primary or long-term care, hospitals, mental health counseling or access to substance use treatment and recovery services, we must align these foundational structures into a coherent system.

Ginny Lyons, a Democrat from Williston, represents South Burlington, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne and several other towns in the Chittenden-Southeast Senate district.

in Cali, Colombia in November 2024. McGrade is captain of the Cornell taekwondo team that swept the University of Vermont tournament on March 30, where Cornell was also named Eastern Collegiate Taekwondo Conference Division 1 champions and McGrade was named conference MVP for the women. She had previously been selected for its 2024 Sparring All Star team. The Pan American games are held every two years. McGrade is a 2020 Champlain Valley Union graduate who was a member of the open water rowing team that won the Northeast Regional Youth Open Water Rowing Championship in 2019 and 2020. When she arrived at Cornell during the pandemic, team sports had been canceled so she joined cardio kickboxing, which was led by the taekwondo coach, launching her into a new sport. After graduating from Cornell in May, she will train in Charlotte and other locations in the months leading up to the Pan American University games. Above, McGrade, in red, with Cornell team at the University of Vermont tournament where they were named Division 1 champions.

Superior Roofing Solutions

COURTESY PHOTO

Charlotte resident, Anna McGrade, 21 (in red jacket at left), will represent the United States at the Pan American University Games

John Clifford lives in Hinesburg.

CVU baseball team remains undefeated with win over Essex

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Girls’ Ultimate

Champlain Valley 15, Milton 8: Grace Thompson scored six goals and added five assists to pace Champlain Valley in a win over Milton on Saturday in Ultimate.

Zoey McNabb added four scores, while Abby Bunting chipped in two and Ruby Opton dished out five helpers.

CVU moved to 2-0.

Baseball

Champlain Valley 4, Essex 0: Stephen Rickert threw a completegame shutout over Essex as CVU beat the Hornets on Saturday, May 4.

Riley McDade went 2-for-3 at the plate, while Russell Willoughby drove in three runs. Rickert allowed just four hits and struck out eight in seven innings of work.

With the win, CVU moved to 6-0.

The Redhawks also won Thursday, May 2, beating Mount Mansfield 8-1 after scoring five runs in the top of the seventh.

Travis Stroh had a double and an RBI for CVU, while pitcher Aaron LaRose got the win.

Boys’

tennis

Champlain Valley 5, Stowe 2: The boys earned a convincing win over Stowe on Friday to move to 4-1 this season.

Addie Mauer got the lone singles win for the Redhawks, while Millie Boardman and Leonie Schwetlick won in doubles. CVU moved to 2-1.

Boys’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 8, Rice 5: Matias Williams’ four goals helped lead Champlain Valley to a win over Rice on Friday, May 3. Jacob Bose tallied twice for CVU, while Peter Gilliam added one goal and one assist.

The Redhawks moved to 7-0.

Girls’ lacrosse

Champlain Valley 11, Burr and Burton 8: Stella Dooley netted four goals and added an assist to help Champlain Valley win over Burr and Burton Thursday.

Bibi Frechette, Kate Boehmcke and Carly Strobeck each tallied twice for CVU, who moved to 3-1.

Marlie Cartwright chipped in a goal and an assist, while Clare Stackpole-McGrath made five saves in goal for the Redhawks.

Softball

Champlain Valley 20, Mount Mansfield 9: The softball team captured its first win of the season on Thursday, beating Mount Mansfield 20-9.

Boys’ Ultimate

The teams of Dash Tota and Silas Cohen and Nik Blasius and Henry Frost combined to sweep both doubles matches.

Oscar Andersson, Ziggy Babbott, and Kyle Krieger each got wins in singles for the Redhawks.

•

•

•

•

Champlain Valley 15, Rice 5: The Champlain Valley boys’ Ultimate team beat Rice on Friday, and moved to 4-0.

Girls’ tennis

Stowe 5, Champlain Valley 2: The girls’ team dropped its first match of the season, falling to Stowe 5-2 Friday.

The Redhawks followed up the win with a 17-0 loss to Essex on Saturday.

Baylee Yandow went 2-for-2 for the Redhawks at the plate in the loss.

The Redhawks are now 1-5.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Abernathy Bunting gets into good position as a Milton player tries to block the frisbee during Saturday’s Ultimate match at home. CVU won decisively, 15-8.

continued from page 1

when moved between water bodies.

While other states have adopted similar policies, “this is the first and most stringent statewide rule in the nation,” Pat Suozzi, president of the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds, said at a special meeting on March 26. “I think that’s a great accomplishment.”

The adopted rule comes after a nearly two-year-long process that was initiated by a group known as Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes, which petitioned the Agency of Natural Resources in March 2022 to implement rules for the sport, which is exploding in popularity. According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, in recent years wake boats constituted the fastest-growing segment of new powerboat sales.

The authority under which this new rule was made comes from the Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules adopted in 1994 and originally administered by the former Vermont Water Resources Board. In 2012, the authority was given to the Agency of Natural Resources and then handed down to the Lakes and Ponds Program.

“These rules regulate recreational activities, basically how people interact on the water, and they were developed especially to resolve conflict between different uses,”

LEWIS continued from page 1

Laura Dlugolecki, lakes and ponds permitting and Vermont Project WET coordinator with the Agency of Natural Resources, said. “Use of public waters rules can restrict the types of watercrafts on certain waterbodies, they can be used to restrict speed, boat size and motor size in addition to a few other things.”

Before the new wakeboat rule, the most notable public waters decision happened in the 1990s, which prohibited jet skis or personal watercrafts in lakes under 300 acres in size.

“A lot of times it can be made for big statewide decisions that affect all water bodies, but it can also be used to make specific rules for specific water bodies,” Dlugolecki said. “We haven’t really had a big statewide rule since this jet ski rule.”

There are essentially two different ways a rule can be made, she said. They can either be generated internally from a state department or agency or the public can petition for the rule, which, in this case, officially came to the agency in 2022.

“We have received a lot of complaints over the years about the impact that these boats have on shorelines and other recreational activities,” she said, citing that most complaints stemmed from nuisances for kayaks, canoes and swimmers. Home-

owners also voiced concern over increased erosion and the spread of invasive species.

To start the rule-making process, the agency gathered scientific information and met with individual affected user groups — water ski enthusiasts, loon biologists and summer camp owners — to hear firsthand how a rule might impact their operations.

The proposed rule went through an administrative process before a public comment period kicked off last June.

From June to August, the agency received over 750 comments from the public with over 90 percent of the comments in favor of some type of regulation for wake sports.

“It was pretty overwhelming,” she said.

The Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules formerly adopted the rule in a 7 to 1 vote on Feb. 15.

letter of support for some regulations, the Lake Iroquois Association said that it did not take a stance on the petition or rule, but greeters at the boat launch will have information to give out to wakeboaters this summer.

But other groups, like the Friends of the Waterbury Reservoir, are petitioning for even stricter regulations.

Eric Chittenden, President of Friends of Waterbury Reservoir, presented a petition to the Stowe Selectboard last week requesting endorsement to ban wakesports on the Waterbury Reservoir altogether. Justifications for a ban, he said, include harm to the environment and negative impacts to other users of the reservoir.

But other groups, like the Friends of the Waterbury Reservoir, are petitioning for even stricter regulations on the Waterbury Reservoir.

The new rule is less restrictive than the 1,000 feet shore-buffer proposed by the petitioning group, mostly because after further research “the scientific literature didn’t support the 1,000-foot offset,” Dlugolecki said. That rule would have only allowed wake sports on 15 lakes across the state.

While the Hinesburg Selectboard and the town’s conservation committee sent a

“The adoption of this lake-specific rule would ensure the safety of the thousands of canoeists, anglers, campers, boaters, kayakers, and others who enjoy many forms of normal and traditional outdoor recreation enabled by the Reservoir,” they wrote in their petition, which garnered more than a dozen letters of support from surrounding neighbors.

The Stowe Selectboard agreed to table supporting the petition until the Waterbury Selectboard has taken action on it. isn’t always the same as the conduct being a crime, or the same as our office being able to prove a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt.”

At the time, police said there were no witnesses to the crash.

Lewis did not respond to requests for comment. Lewis’s lawyer, Brooks McArthur, also did not respond to email and phone messages seeking comment.

The case against Lewis developed from an Oct. 15, 2022, incident in which South Burlington police responded to an accident on Hinesburg Road and found Malavenda “breathing but not speaking,” according to the affidavit of probable cause.

death resulting and pleaded not guilty the charge at his arraignment in April 2023.

Lewis was driving alone in his GMC truck and told police that he had been going to visit his son, who lives off Hinesburg Road in South Burlington. He “denied looking at his cellphone, being distracted by the interior of his vehicle or looking around directly before the crash occurred,” South Burlington officer Hazen Powell wrote in her report.

“By all accounts it appears as though he feels immense remorse for what happened and that this has drastically impacted his life.”

— Sarah George

Malavenda had been bicycling on the side of the road when Lewis allegedly swerved “at least 2.84 feet over the white fog line” and struck Malavenda, according to court documents based on a police investigation into the crash. Malavenda was given medical care at the scene and eventually taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he later died.

Lewis was subsequently cited for grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle with

He stopped his car, asked a nearby resident to call 911 and then called his son, she said.

Prior to dropping its case, the state sought to have Lewis “imprisoned not more than 15 years or fined not more than $15,000 or both,” according to court documents.

George said that, although Lewis would not ultimately be penalized for the incident, he has nevertheless been adequately “held accountable” for his alleged actions because of his lengthy experience with the justice system and the resulting public scrutiny he has endured.

“By all accounts it appears as though he feels immense remorse for what happened and that this has drastically impacted his life,” George said.

CLASSIFIEDS

TOWN OF HINESBURG

SELECT BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Highway Positions Available

Highway Foreperson

Town of Charlotte

REQUEST FOR PAVING BIDS

REQUEST FOR PAVING BIDS April 22, 2024

This is a supervisory position that is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the town’s highway infrastructure. A valid VT issued CDL Class A license is required. Required skills include proficient operation of a road grader, excavator, front-end loader, backhoe, and tandem plow truck. Starting pay is $32.00 - $38.00 an hour depending upon qualifications.

The Hinesburg Select Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Office on May 29, 2024 at 6pm to receive public comment on proposed changes to the Zoning Regulations and Subdivision Regulations. The purpose is to divide the Rural Residential 1 zoning district into three new zoning districts (Residential 3, Residential 4, Rural 1) to better reflect different land forms, patterns of development, and land use priorities. The geographic area affected is principally the RR1 district, but some changes will have a townwide effect.

Highway Maintainer

Copies of the proposed revisions, as well as a report on how the proposed changes comply with State Statute and the Town Plan, are available on the Town web site (www.hinesburg.org), and/or by contacting Alex Weinhagen (Director of Planning & Zoning) at the Town Office or aweinhagen@hinesburg.org or 482-4209. A list of the affected section headings follows, as required pursuant to Title 24, Chapter 117 V.S.A. Section 4444 (b).

This is a semi-skilled position of moderate complexity in highway maintenance and equipment operation. The Highway Maintainer II performs a wide variety of manual and automotive equipment operation tasks involved in municipal road maintenance. Work extends to responsibility for maintenance and servicing of assigned automotive equipment, requiring strong mechanical and trouble shooting skills. A valid Vermont issued Class B CDL is required. Starting pay is $22.00 - $25.00 an hour depending upon qualifications.

Zoning Regulation Sections:

1.1 – Zoning districts

1.3 – Lots in two zoning districts

Both positions provide health, dental, vision and disability insurance; paid time off; pension plan; and 13 paid holidays.

2.3 – Special uses

2.4, Table 1 – Area/dimensional requirements

2.5.5 – Multiple structures and uses

2.9 – Village growth area density bonus options

A highway application can be found on the town’s website www. hinesburg.org under “employement.” Applications can be emailed to Todd Odit, Town Manager at todit@hinesburg.org.

2.10 – Rural area development density

3.2 – Agricultural district

3.3 – Rural residential 1 district (deleted)

3.3 – Rural 1 district (new)

3.4 – Rural residential 2 district

3.10 – Residential 2 district

3.11 – Residential 3 district (new)

3.12 – Residential 4 district (new)

3.15 (now 3.17) – Shoreline district

4.5.7 – Planned unit development greenspace

5.1.8 – Home occupation, vehicle repair service

5.2 – Larger home occupation, size of lot

5.3 – Home occupation contractor yard, location

5.6 – Commercial/industrial design standards

5.20 – Camping, camping vehicles, campgrounds

5.26 – Rural Area Design Standards

5.29.3(9) – Outdoor lighting, street lights

10.1 – Definitions (various) Zoning district maps

Subdivision Regulation Sections:

6.12 – Rural Area Design Standards

10.1 – Article 9 – Definitions (various)

Notice Date – May 9, 2024

May 9, 2024

BID DEADLINE IS MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024 @ 4:00 PM

BID DEADLINE IS MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024 @ 4:00 PM

The Town of Charlotte is requesting bids for the placement of hot mix asphalt on approximately 3.0 miles of town highway (Please see attached list). Approximately 3.0 miles is to be Type III asphalt; approximately 0 miles is to be Type IV asphalt. Asphalt is to meet VTrans Standard Specifications for Construction Section 406-Marshall Bituminouss Concrete Pavement. Bids shall include sweeping, emulsion application, two rollers (including back roller), traffic control, and cost for moving between sites. Emulsion application by truck mounted system is preferred. Minimum emulsion application shall be sufficient to cover one lane (12’ +/-) in one pass. All equipment shall be provided in good repair and fully operational. Bids shall also include finishing all pavement edges with a tapered “safety edge.” Paving will take place on such roads, at such thicknesses and at such times as the Road Commissioner shall designate. Specified locations may change at the Town’s discretion.

All paving work shall be completed by June 30, 2024

INNOVATIVE PROPOSALS

The Town of Charlotte will entertain proposals for new or innovative approaches to resurfacing. Such proposals will be carefully considered by the Town for cost effectiveness.

The Town of Charlotte is requesting bids for the placement of hot mix asphalt on approximately 3.0 miles of town highway. (Please see attached list). Approximately 3.0 miles is to be Type III asphalt; approximately 0 miles is to be Type IV asphalt. Asphalt is to meet VTrans Standard Specifications for Construction Section 406-Marshall Bituminouss Concrete Pavement. Bids shall include sweeping, emulsion application, two rollers (including back roller), traffic control, and cost for moving between sites. Emulsion application by truck mounted system is preferred. Minimum emulsion application shall be sufficient to cover one lane (12’ +/-) in one pass. All equipment shall be provided in good repair and fully operational. Bids shall also include finishing all pavement edges with a tapered “safety edge.” Paving will take place on such roads, at such thicknesses and at such times as the Road Commissioner shall designate. Specified locations may change at the Town’s discretion.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

All paving work shall be completed by June 30, 2024.

The selected bidder shall provide, prior to starting work, a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Charlotte as an additional insured with liability coverage of no less than $1,000,000. The Certificate must also include Workers Compensation Insurance, and Automobile Insurance for vehicles used to transport paving machinery.

INNOVATIVE PROPOSALS

BID

The Town of Charlotte will entertain proposals for new or innovative approaches to resurfacing. Such proposals will be carefully considered by the Town for cost effectiveness.

Bidders’s Name:

Bidder’s Address:

Bidder’s Phone Number:

Bidder’s E-mail Address:

INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

The selected bidder shall provide, prior to starting work, a certificate of insurance naming the Town of Charlotte as an additional insured with liability coverage of no less than $1,000,000. The Certificate must also include Workers Compensation Insurance, and Automobile Insurance for vehicles used to transport paving machinery.

TYPE III HOT MIX ASPHALT (IN PLACE) $________________________________________ PER TON

TYPE IV HOT MIX ASPHALT (IN PLACE) $________________________________________ PER TON

BID

TOTAL PROJECT PRICE SHALL NOT EXCEED $350,000 UNLESS APPROVED BY THE CHARLOTTE ROAD COMMISSIONER

Bidders’s Name: ______________________________________________ _

Bids shall be valid for the period ____________________ to , subject to the attached asphalt price adjustment.

Bidder’s Address: _______________________________________________

For more information, call Hugh Lewis, Jr., Road Commissioner at (802)-425-2223.

Bidder’s Phone Number: _________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL OR HAND DELIVER BID FOR RECEIPT PRIOR TO DEADLINE TO: Nathaniel Bareham, Town Administrator, Charlotte Town Office, P.O. Box 119, Charlotte, VT 05445

Bidder’s E-mail Address: _________________________________________

THE TOWN OF CHARLOTTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS FOR ANY REASON, AND MAY NOT NECESSARILY SELECT THE LOWEST BID

TOTAL PROJECT PRICE SHALL NOT EXCEED $350,000 UNLESS APPROVED BY THE CHARLOTTE ROAD COMMISSIONER

Bids shall be valid for the period _________________ to _________________, subject to the attached asphalt price adjustment.

For more information, call Hugh Lewis, Jr., Road Commissioner at (802)-425-2223.

PLEASE MAIL OR HAND DELIVER BID FOR RECEIPT PRIOR TO DEADLINE TO: Nathaniel Bareham, Town Administrator, Charlotte Town Office, P.O. Box 119, Charlotte, VT 05445

THE TOWN OF CHARLOTTE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS FOR ANY REASON, AND MAY NOT NECESSARILY SELECT THE LOWEST BID.

Fuel dealers want timeline on clean heat standard

EMMA COTTON VTDIGGER

Fuel dealers in Vermont have asked the Public Utility Commission to specify the date at which they would be required to comply with a potential clean heat standard if the measure clears the Legislature next year. At issue, they say, is the pricing for pre-buy fuel deliveries for the upcoming winter, which dealers typically offer from May until September.

Lawmakers passed what’s often described as a blueprint for a clean heat standard during the 2023 legislative session. They directed the state’s Public Utility Commission to fully design the system, with a deadline to present a plan to the Legislature by Jan. 15, 2025. At that point, lawmakers would vote to implement it — or not.

to pre-buy fixed price heating plans for the 2024-2025 winter. To make their decision, they said they want to know when the clean heat standard would begin to apply to them, if it’s implemented.

“Most local heating fuel dealers provide customers the opportunity to pre-buy their winter heating fuel or enter into fixed-price contracts,” the filing, written by attorney Joshua Diamond, states. “These popular price protection plans provide price stability, and in most years, they lower costs compared to fuel purchased only during the colder, winter months.”

“We understand (the commission) can’t answer what the Legislature will do. That’s a crystal ball game.”

— Fuel industry spokesperson

In an April 25 filing to the commission, the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association said that dealers who sell heating oil, propane and kerosene must soon decide whether they’ll offer customers the option

The goal of the proposed clean heat standard is to require businesses that bring heating-related fossil fuels into the state to help fund the transition to new heating systems that pollute less, thereby reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

It would operate through a credit market: Fossil fuel dealers would owe a certain number of credits to offset the

emissions footprint associated with the fossil fuels they brought into the state. The requirements are expected to apply to a large percentage of fuel dealers in the state.

Fuel dealers could fulfill their credit obligation by paying a fee or installing clean heat measures. Those measures would include improving a home’s energy efficiency by adding insulation or sealing windows, installing cold-climate electric heat pumps, advanced wood heat or solar hot water systems and using some biofuels.

Money collected from fuel dealers would be funneled back into the market and used to subsidize installation of clean heat measures. Other Vermont businesses and individuals could earn credits by installing clean heat measures, too.

Fuel dealers have often expressed frustration about the uncertainty baked into the process. Until the commission’s process is farther along, fuel dealers won’t know how much the clean heat standard will change the cost of bringing their product into the state.

Matt Cota, a lobbyist for the fuel industry and owner of Meadow Hill Consulting, serves on the Technical Advisory Group, a collection of stakeholders who are helping to advise the commission. Some of the advisory group members have interpreted Act 18 — the Affordable Heat Act, which

put the clean heat standard in motion — to mean that fuel dealers would need to pay into the system beginning in January 2025, Cota said.

Others believe the fuel dealers would begin owing credits in January 2026, at the earliest, because the Legislature likely wouldn’t finalize the clean heat standard until the end of the 2025 legislative session.

What’s more, on April 18, the Technical Advisory Group unanimously recommended Jan. 1, 2026, as the earliest start date.

Rep. Laura Sibilia, I-Dover, said May 1 that her understanding of the law, which she worked on throughout the 2023 session, is that fuel dealers would not be obligated until after the legislature approved the clean heat standard in 2025.

“I think the earliest I could start is 2026,” she said.

As of May 1, the Public Utility Commission had not replied to the association’s request.

“We understand (the commission) can’t answer what the Legislature will do. That’s a crystal ball game,” Cota said. “We understand that they can’t tell us what the fee is now — they will tell us later, but not now. What they can tell us is whether, January 1, gallons delivered in the calendar year 2025 could become obligated, should this become law.”

The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

ANTIQUES WANTED

RABIES BAIT continued from page 2 saliva. ways fatal treatment 100 percent a person So far have tested those have According animals mal behavior, an animal it. People animals

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies.The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

Outpatient Surgery Center: a big piece of the access puzzle

By: Dr. Stephen Le er, President and COO, University of Vermont Medical Center

“This isn’t a facility that would be nice to have — for the people of our region, it’s a must-have.”

Every week I get calls and letters from patients who say they are waiting too long for care, especially surgical care. Often, they are right — no question. There are several reasons behind the wait times and it’s going to take work to make a dent in our access challenges, but serving our patients and ensuring they get great care is why I became a physician, so I’m deeply committed to that e ort.

We know one of the solutions to improve timely access to care is construction of the outpatient surgery center in South Burlington that we have asked the Green Mountain Care Board to approve.

This isn’t a facility that would be nice to have — for the people of our region, it’s a must-have.

First, the proposed outpatient surgery center replaces our five ORs at the Fanny Allen campus with eight larger, modern ORs where — unlike the Fanny Allen — we can do more complex surgeries such as joint replacements.

Second, our population is growing and aging, which drives an increasing demand for surgeries — particularly surgeries that can be done in an outpatient surgery setting. We’re seeing this in the less-than-desirable waits that some of our patients experience today.

If current population trends continue as projected — aging throughout the region, a growing population in Chittenden and surrounding counties — by 2030, our current surgical case backlog is going to be more than 4,000 surgeries annually.

That’s 4,000 people who need care who will wait longer than they should for surgery, leave the state for care, or even worse, go completely without the care they need — with potential serious impacts to their health as a result.

While that’s the five-year projection, we feel the urgency now. Today, UVM Medical Center’s operating rooms are running at full capacity, and we are still not keeping up with our patients’ needs for surgery as quickly as we should. Every time a patient is waiting, I assure you there’s a doctor or nurse at UVM Medical Center who is concerned about them and feels it is absolutely imperative to get them in sooner.

Not only would the new center help us keep up with both highly complex and more routine needs, but it would let us do so in a way that responds to how people prefer to receive health care. Studies across the country show that the number of outpatient surgeries are increasing. Advancements in surgical fields allow more procedures to be performed outpatient, and it is more convenient for patients compared to hospital stays for the same procedures. We also know patients prefer an outpatient setting because they can return home quickly to recover in a familiar environment.

Beyond simply having enough space, construction of this facility will help us recruit, retain and train medical professionals our community sorely needs. Our learners need to train at a place that o ers them time to hone their professional skills alongside our exceptional physician teachers, with access to time in modern ORs with robotic surgical resources — this is an experience that we cannot deliver to all of these learners with our current facilities.

I’m a frugal Vermonter, so I get it. As a state we want to make sure this $130 million project is justified and in the best interest of patients. Please know that we are focused on making sure the outpatient surgery center won’t drive up costs for our patients — in fact, studies show that outpatient procedures keep costs down compared to the inpatient setting, which requires a hospital stay.

We already provide advanced, high-quality care in our region. What’s clear is that our community needs more of it, and that need is growing. I say both as president of UVM Medical Center, and as someone who will someday need the excellent care provided by UVM Medical Center for myself or my family, I hope we are able to move forward with this crucial project so that all who need care will be able to access it easily and without delay.

Scan the QR to watch our clinicians talk about the need.