The project committee for the Northfield Common Conceptual Design Plan will be holding a public forum on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the Brown Public Library Community Room.

The purpose of the forum is to get public feedback about the Town Common. What do you like and want to preserve? How often do you visit?

What additions to the Common might encourage you to visit more often? The Common is a valuable Town asset and caring for it and planning for its future will take community support.

Please attend the forum to share your ideas, and questions at the Community Conversation Night.

Thank you!

Jeff

Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822

Vermont Route 12:
Beginning Monday, April 15th, there will be multiple single lane closures with alternating one way traffic. Milling will begin at the Northfield end of the project working north and motorcycles should use caution on roughened surfaces.

Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive):
Motorists should watch for crews accessing the shoulders along approach routes to the project for the installation of construction signs. No traffic impacts are planned.

Montpelier Junction State Highway (Dog River Road):
Motorists should watch for crews accessing the shoulders along the project for the installation of construction signs. No traffic impacts are planned.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

Vermont Route 12:
The milling operation, in which the contractor grinds down the existing pavement to prepare the roadway for new pavement, will begin Monday at the Northfield end of the project and work north.

Also on Monday, on the Berlin end of the project, a crew will be removing and resetting guardrail to allow for shoulder widening. By midweek, shoulder widening work will begin at the Northfield end of the project.

Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive):
Crews will continue to install construction approach signs along the shoulders.

Montpelier Junction State Highway (Dog River Road):
Crews will continue to install construction approach signs.

LOCATION:
The Northfield-Berlin STP PS24(1) resurfacing project begins just south of the Cumberland Farms gas station on N. Main Street in Northfield and extends northerly approximately 8 miles on VT Route 12 to the Berlin/Montpelier town line. A portion of this project is also located on Montpelier Junction State Highway (aka Dog River Road) and includes resurfacing the Montpelier park & ride at the Exit 8 interchange with I-89.

The Montpelier NH PS24(12) resurfacing project begins under the Exit 8 overpass and extends along Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive) for 3/4 of a mile and ends at the Class I Town Highway limits with the City of Montpelier.

Work includes milling and paving of a leveling and wearing course, pavement markings, signs, guardrail, drainage, and other highway improvements.


PROJECTED COMPLETION: Fall 2024.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

Motorists are advised to watch for crews accessing the shoulders along Vermont Route 12, Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive), Montpelier Junction State Highway (Dog River Road) and adjacent side streets as they begin to install construction signs.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

The contractor is tentatively scheduled to begin installing construction signs along the impacted corridors and adjacent side streets on Tuesday, April 2nd. Other preliminary construction layout will be conducted as well.

LOCATION:
The Northfield-Berlin STP PS24(1) resurfacing project begins just south of the Cumberland Farms gas station on N. Main Street in Northfield and extends northerly approximately 8 miles on VT Route 12 to the Berlin/Montpelier town line. A portion of this project is also located on Montpelier State Highway (aka Dog River Road) and includes resurfacing the Montpelier park & ride at the Exit 8 interchange with I-89.

The Montpelier NH PS24(12) resurfacing project begins under the Exit 8 overpass and extends along Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive) for 3/4 of a mile and ends at the Class I Town Highway limits with the City of Montpelier.

Work includes milling and paving of a leveling and wearing course, pavement markings, signs, guardrail, drainage, and other highway improvements.


PROJECTED COMPLETION: Fall 2024.

Contact Information:
Name - Bethany Oprendek
Phone - 802.267.4044
Email - bethany@bbo-enterprises.com

NORTHFIELD PEDESTRIAN PATH SCOPING STUDY PRESENTATION

The Town of Northfield is exploring options to create a continuous sidewalk or
pedestrian path primarily along Wall Street, connecting Depot Square to Dog River
Park, crossing Dog River and the railroad tracks.

After robust community discussion and site reviews, the project team is presenting
alternative design solutions.

At this Alternatives Presentation the project team will show different potential designs for a pedestrian path in this area. If you’d like an opportunity to discuss this project, ask questions about the design alternatives, or voice concerns, please join us in person at the Select Board Regular Meeting on March 26, 2024 (6 pm -11 pm) in the Community Room in the Brown Library - 93 S Main St, Northfield, VTor online at GoTo: https://meet.goto.com/205955837

There are still 105 Northfield Electric customers still without power due to eight outage events. Green Mountain Power crews are in Northfield working to restore power. We are hopeful that GMP can restore power to all customers this evening.

However, due to the type of storm, some customers could be without power until tomorrow.

This was a difficult storm due to the wet heavy snow, which requires the removal of wires from trees and, in some situations, difficult rewiring to the poles.

We appreciate your patience - stay safe!

STORM - POWER - UPDATE FOR NORTHFIELD
Northfield Electric is working on a major power outage that has impacted all Northfield Utility customers as well as Green Mountain Power customers outside of the village.

Green Mountain Power crews are on the scene working on the issue, but power could be out for an extended period of time. We appreciate their quick attendance to this issue.

The Highway Department is out plowing, but the roads are in poor condition with the large snowfall, so please don’t travel unless you have to.

Please be assured our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Northfield, VT – A Local Concerns Meeting for the project listed below will be held on Tuesday March 26th, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Community Room at the Northfield Brown Public Library at 93 South Main Street in Northfield, VT. The meeting will be held by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Town of Northfield.

Town Highway Bridge Project(s):

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(7) – Bridge 10, ‘Upper Cox Brook Covered Bridge’ on TH 3 (Cox Brook Road) over Cox Brook

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(8) – Bridge 11, ‘Lower Cox Brook Covered Bridge’ on TH 3 (Cox Brook Road) over Cox Brook

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(9) – Bridge 15, ‘Northfield Falls Covered Bridge’ on TH 3 (Cox Brook Road) over Dog River


The intent of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders, including Town Officials, local residents and businesses, emergency services and other interested parties. During this meeting we will discuss the existing conditions of the bridge(s), site constraints, and options that should be considered in the scoping report(s).

Representatives from both VTrans and the Town of Northfield will be available at the meeting to gather concerns about the project.

Project Title: Municipal Pool Painting and Structural Repairs

Project Schedule:
January 22, 2024 Request for Bids Released
February 23, 2024 @ 4:00 pm Deadline for Submission of Bid
April 25, 2024 Project Start Date
June 1, 2024, Project Completion Date

Project Title: Municipal Pool Painting and Structural Repairs

Project Summary:

The Town of Northfield is accepting bids from qualified contractors to paint and make structural repairs to the Northfield municipal pool located at the end of King Street (Memorial Park), in Northfield, VT.

The Northfield pool was constructed in 1991 and is a 600,000-gallon pool with approximately 15,000 square feet of surface area for painting. The repairs and painting must be made and dried by June 1 to provide for adequate time for pool reopening for the summer season. The contractor shall complete the following project elements.

1. Power wash and clean the pool using an approved chemical wash.
2. Replace 15 to 20 damaged pool skimmers and associated piping.
3. Repair pool deck around replaced skimmers.
4. Repaint the pool with one coat of primer and two coats of epoxy paint depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Repaint all lane lines and other pool markings.
6. Install anti-skid substances on stairs and entry areas.

The contractor shall guarantee all work for one year after substantial completion.

Submission Requirements

All responses to the request for bids shall include the following:

1. Cover Letter - A cover letter and general description of proposal.
2. Scope of Work – Provide a scope of work.
3. Proposed Schedule – Provide a schedule of project start and end date.
4. Experience – List of similar projects
5. Project Budget – Provide a budget, including estimated project hours and materials.
6. References - A minimum of three (3) references for whom a similar project has been completed within the last three (3) years.

Questions regarding the request, please contact Town Manager, Jeff Schulz at jschulz@northfield.vt.us or 802-485-9822. One (1) electronic Adobe (PDF) file shall be received on/before 4:00 pm on February 23, 2024, by email to jschulz@northfield.vt.us.
Alternatively, two hard copy proposals shall be received by the Town by 4:00 PM on February 23, 2024, attention Jeff Schulz, Town Manager 51 South Main Street Northfield, VT 05663.

The Town of Northfield reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as part of this solicitation, to negotiate with any qualified source, to waive any formality and any technicalities or to cancel the request for bids in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the Town of Northfield. This solicitation of proposals in no way obligates the Town of Northfield to award a contract.

The Town of Northfield will negotiate contract terms upon selection. The contractor shall not start the project until the successful applicant enters a written contract with the municipality. The Town of Northfield is not liable for any cost incurred by consultant prior to issuance of a contract. The contractor shall provide proof of Insurance Coverage such that All contractors, and any sub-contractors must carry adequate insurance coverage (not less than $1,000,000-per occurrence). $1,000,000 - General Aggregate Applying, in total, $1,000,000 - Products/Completed Operations Aggregate, $50,000 – Fire/Legal/Liability, and $1,000,000 – Automotive Liability), and must affirm being an equal opportunity employer.

The Town of Northfield's Joint Meeting of the Northfield Electric and Water & Wastewater Commissions will meet on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Municipal Building - 6:30 p.m.

This meeting can be attended either in person, or from a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/223483805

You can also dial in using a phone.
Access Code:
223-483-805
United States:
+1 (224) 501-3412

AGENDA
Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
Meeting of the Water & Wastewater Commission
Main Street Water Line and Tank Replacement Project
Budget Status Reports
Other Business
Meeting of the Electric Commission
King Street Battery Storage Project
Budget Status Reports
Other Business
Adjournment

Please note that the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAOT) will be performing an engineering review and scoping of the three covered bridges on Cox Brook Road which includes a structural analysis of the bridges and a review of other bridge related issues.

This scoping process will require a detailed inspection of the three covered bridges and will require the closing of the bridges as follows:

Upper Cox Brook CB – Close to all traffic on Monday, 11/6 from 7 am to 5 pm.
Lower Cox Brook CB – Close to all traffic on Tuesday, 11/7 from 7 am to 5 pm.
Northfield Falls CB – Close to all traffic on Wednesday, 11/8 and Thursday, 11/9 from 7 am to 5 pm.

Traffic from Berlin and Moretown will be detoured onto Aseltine Road. Please note that in the event of an emergency, public safety vehicles will be allowed to travel across the bridges during the closure.

VAOT’s engineering and scoping process of these bridges includes the structural analysis of the bridges. Next, VAOT will develop alternatives/options to address any issues/deficiencies identified during the review. The options can range from doing nothing to full bridge replacement.

The scoping process for the three covered bridges is likely to recommend structural repairs to the bridge. VAOT also will hold public meetings at future Select Board meetings to receive additional public comment on the covered bridges.

VAOT has the funds to pay for the recommended improves to the bridges.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Jeff
Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822

Cox Brook Road Bridge Repairs

The Town of Northfield will be performing repairs to the third covered bridge on Cox Brook Road starting on 9/18/2023. The repairs will take two days and require the closing of the bridge to traffic from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Traffic will be detoured to Aseltine Road Chandler Road.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Jeff

Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822

Northfield, VT – A Local Concerns Meeting for the project listed below will be held on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Community Room at the Northfield Municipal Offices located at 51 South Main Street in Northfield, VT. The meeting will be held by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Town of Northfield.

Town Highway Bridge Project

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(4) – Bridge 65 on TH 57 (Rabbit Hollow Road) over NECR and Dog River

The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders, including Town Officials, residents and businesses, emergency services and other interested parties. During this meeting we will discuss the existing conditions of the bridge, site constraints, and options that should be considered in the scoping report. Please note that depending on the scope of work of the project, there may be an adverse effect to historic resources.

Representatives from both VTrans and the Town of Northfield will be available at the meeting to gather concerns about the project.

The Town of Northfield is pleased to announce the hiring of Pierre Gomez (pictured on the right side of the attached photo) as the Town's new Police Chief. Pierre is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and brings nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience to Northfield.

Pierre attended Norfolk State University, and prior to starting a career in law enforcement, worked for the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice system and as a security supervisor in Lower Marion, Pennsylvania School District.

Mr. Gomez's first position in law enforcement was as a patrol officer for the Philadelphia PD working in the South Street Task Force. In 2015, he moved to the Prosecutor's Office as a County Detective in the Dignitary Protection Unit, the Private Criminal Complaints Unit and deputized as a DEA Task Force Officers assigned to the Liberty-Philadelphia High Intensity Drug Tracking Unit.

Pierre is an avid baseball fan having played for Norfolk State and minor league baseball with the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Mircle organizations.

Pierre Gomez is scheduled to begin as Northfield's Police Chief on September 18.

The Town of Northfield Select Board has adopted a new Encampment Policy, the details of which can be found below.

TOWN OF NORTHFIELD, VERMONT
Encampment Policy

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure:
• The Town has a safe, respectful, and effective response to homeless encampments on municipal property,
• The Town balances the rights of individuals without an adequate place to sleep against its duty to maintain public safety and health.

2. SCOPE
This Policy establishes procedures for the Town of Northfield to address homeless encampments on municipal property. This policy provides the municipality effective and respectful procedures when interacting with persons camping on municipal property; whereby the Town will assess the person’s situation and determine whether outside human resource agencies and/or local public safety staff should be contacted to assist the persons. The Policy also establishes a respectful procedure for the removal of persons, and their property, from municipal property through either a voluntary or involuntary approach.

3. APPLICATION
This Policy applies to all municipal property, including sidewalks and roadways within the Town of Northfield.
This Policy does not apply to private property.
This Policy shall not restrict law enforcement from responding to an incident involving persons camping on municipal property committing a criminal act.

4. POLICY
The Town, when implementing this policy, shall respond to persons camping on municipal property in a respectful manner and shall adhere to the following procedures.
4.1 Initial Contact with Persons Camping on Municipal Property.
1. Municipal employees encountering persons camping on municipal property shall notify the Town Manager’s Office immediately and shall not interact with the persons.
2. Upon receiving a report of an encampment, the Town Manager or designee shall start a report on the situation using the attached form (see APPENDIX 1).
4.2 Contact with Persons Camping on Municipal Property.
The Town Manager or designee shall take the following steps when investigating a report of an encampment:
1. Visit the site and make an initial assessment of whether the persons need medical attention, and if so, contact Northfield Ambulance
2. Contact local law enforcement to obtain possible background information on the encampment prior to visiting the site,
3. Make an initial assessment of whether there is possible criminal activity, and if so, contact the Northfield Police Department.
4. Assess whether the individuals intend to remain on the property.
 
5. If the individuals intend to remain on the property, politely ask that they voluntarily leave the property.
6. Provide the individuals with information regarding available human resources and services.
7. If the individuals intend to remain on the property, contact human resources agencies to inquire as to available programs and housing options.
4.3 Compliance
The Town Manager or designee shall adhere to the following procedures regarding possible removal of individuals from an encampment.
1. Ask the individuals to leave the property voluntarily.
2. If the persons do not leave the property voluntarily, call a representative of an appropriate state or local agency to assist.
3. Offer shelter or shelter referral.
4. If individuals are unable or unwilling to voluntarily comply, the Town Manager may intervene and consider the following options.
a). Seek out restorative justice opportunities and sleeping options.
b). Post the area against Trespassing and have the individuals cited and/or removed in coordination with the State’s Attorney.
4.4 Unattended Encampment Clean-up Policy
The Town Manager or designee shall adhere to the following procedures regarding removal of materials from an unattended encampment in which no individuals are present.
1. Leave a packet of materials and instructions to include:
a). Sleeping on municipal property is not allowed,
b). The time and date of visit and the time and date when Town representatives will return to the site to remove materials, which will be seven days after the initial visit,
c). A statement that any materials taken from the site will be stored out of the elements and properly labeled.
d). Copies of supportive resources.
2. Take photos of the site and materials prior to removing any materials,
3. Take photos of the site after the removal of all materials,
4. Leave a note at the site providing contact information on how to retrieve materials.
5. Store removed material in the basement of the municipal building.

4.5 Disposal of Unclaimed Property
The Town Manager or designee shall make a reasonable effort to allow the owner of the unclaimed material to retrieve their property. If the unclaimed property is not retrieved within 30 days from the date of removal from the encampment site, the Town is authorized to dispose of all unclaimed property.

The full report from the visit from the Vermont Council on Rural Development has arrived.

Free, printed copies are available at the Brown Public Library or Town Offices.

It can also be viewed here in pdf form here -

https://www.northfield-vt.gov/_files/ugd/13fb68_46f1144b4ab447f0b08ab54dd3d6b080.pdf

There was nothing “soft” about the “soft opening” of the Common Cone on Saturday, June 15, the newest business to open downtown in the Mayo Block Building.

Owner Morgan Davis said on social media: “Wow! Just wow! Yesterday was an incredible whirlwind of scoops, smiles, and overwhelming support!”

A Line Out the Door, Heatwaves, and Resilience

Davis told the public: “You showed up in droves, and we couldn't be happier! Despite the scorching heat (both inside and out) and a line that stretched out the door for most of the day, your patience and enthusiasm were truly remarkable. We apologize for any inconveniences caused by the unexpected demand and equipment snafus, but thanks to our incredible staff, we were able to overcome every challenge that came our way!”

The reviews were equally as enthusiastic, with hundreds of “likes” and “loves” and one glowing comment after another raving about the ice cream flavors and the positive addition to the town’s common.

I went yesterday. Very busy but no wait. This is so what we need in town. I will be back!” said one local resident.

Reflecting on what the Common Cone hopes to mean to Northfield, Davis said, “We believe in building a warm and inviting community around our ice cream parlor, where friends and families can gather to create lasting memories.”

From the Northfield Town Manager:
Currently, Lovers Lane, the upper portion of Turkey Hill beyond Forest Ave. and Aseltine Road are closed to through traffic.

The Highway Foreman anticipates Lover’s Lane and Aseltline Road being repaired and open at the end of next week.

Turkey Hill should be fully open early next week.

Northfield’s water and sewer plants were not negatively impacted by the recent flooding.
The Water Department tested the municipal water supply earlier this week and the tests came back negative for any contamination.

As a result, the water supply is safe to drink and there is no need to boil water.

For residents and property owners that have experienced property damage due to the recent flooding and wish to seek assistance, please contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362.

We are so appreciative of how our town bands together in difficult times to help and watch out for each other.

Northfield Town Manager
jschulz@northfield.vt.us

From the Northfield Town Manager:

As of Tuesday morning, July 11, 2023, the town’s water, sewer and electric systems were not seriously impacted by the storm. The water system was not breached or inundated with water, and is fully intact. No boiling of water is required.

Fortunately, the sewage treatment plant was not flooded. It is fully intact and operating normally. Little or no power outages were reported.

The town’s highway department and emergency crews were on full alert through late last night and back at it early this morning. We understand that there are isolated pockets of damage on gravel roads and we are attending to them as quickly as possible.

Much of the work done post-Irene was beneficial to our resistance to greater flooding. You can still report damage by emailing me at the address below.

We appreciate how Northfield, as always, banded together to watch out for one another and keep us all safe.

Jeff Schulz
Northfield Town Manager
jschulz@northfield.vt.us

Emergency shelters are now open in Northfield both at the Plumley Armory at Norwich University and the Northfield Middle High School.

Directions to both locations are linked in this post.

If you are traveling out of town, please consult New England 511 to find the status of all Vermont roads before departing.

Here are the links:
https://www.northfield-vt.gov/news
Link to New England 511: https://newengland511.org/
Directions to Plumley Armory: https://goo.gl/maps/5YReDSwGGBRtD7aa9
Direction to Northfield Middle High School - https://goo.gl/maps/Gq7FrAwM7EzuCBa29

To report flooding in your area please contact the Town Office at 802-485-9822

To report an emergency please contact the Northfield Ambulance Service by calling 911.


Jeff Schulz
Northfield Town Manager
jschulz@northfield.vt.us

The Northfield Road Crews and Emergency Management Team are out in the community monitoring the flood conditions around the village and surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service is reporting widespread, heavy rainfall capable of producing considerable to catastrophic flooding is beginning to unfold. Road washouts are ongoing, and are expected to increase in extent and severity over the course of the day.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts of over 7 inches especially near and along the spine of the Green Mountains. While the heaviest rainfall rates should abate by Monday evening, widespread area and river flooding is expected to persist through Tuesday http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

To report flooding in your area please contact the Town Office at 802-485-9822

Jeff Schulz
Northfield Town Manager
jschulz@northfield.vt.us