Just Build The Tower

from the listserv on March 13:

Hard to believe but on July 19, 2012, a DRB hearing was scheduled to start
the permitting process for the tower. What is on the Selectboard agenda for
tonight -- more discussion about an additional bond. Sheesh!

If I was tower czar, I'd be dusting off my tower plans that predated VTel and
contacting our Planning Director [to whom the Town voted a nice raise] to
find out the earliest date the Town could get on the DRB calendar.
Money to pay for the site plans, communication gear and tower? There is
enough to get started. As tower czar, I would ask the Selectboard for
permission to use the Town's emergency fund, IF necessary.

Money. There is $45,000 in the communication reserve fund. Two weeks ago
the Town Manager was set to finance the purchase the communication gear with
$120,000 from Lake Sunapee Bank. Keep that in place. Paying under 2% is a
good deal. The $275,000 bond approved by voters can be borrowed from a
local bank, instead of waiting for the Vermont Bond Bank. The two loans total
$395,000. Even under the worst case scenario, less than $90,000 is needed
from the emergency fund.

Asking for another bond is just procrastination. Why are we considering a
Special Town Meeting when public safety is at issue. How much will the
typical property taxpayer save --$10 a year, $20?

Come on. Beg the DRB to fast track the tower application. Begin preliminary
site work. VTel moved at glacial speed. Let's have a sense of URGENCY and
get the tower built. If the Town Manager feels unsure about managing the
project, then find a project manager. Norwich voters approved the bond so
that the Town could control its destiny. Carpe diem.

Selectboard meeting starts at 6:30 pm. at Tracy Hall in Norwich, VT.