Monumental Decisions Dominate Selectboard Meeting

by Robbie Stanley

On behalf of the town’s Monument Committee, landscape architect Jim Donovan presented a plan at the November 24 Selectboard meeting to create a more prominent home for the town’s embattled World War II monument. The monument, currently at Charlotte Central School, is adjacent to the west parking lot and has suffered damage over the years from cars. It would be moved to the northeast corner of the Town Green and become the center of a new circular site. A combination of plantings and seating would surround the monument; flags representing the United States and branches of the armed services are also planned for it. The final cost has not yet been determined but could be as high as $30,000 to $40,000. The committee is considering various ideas that would help pay for the project, including the sale of inscribed bricks that would then be used in the circle. The Selectboard agreed to recommend the project at Town Meeting, and plans will be available to the public at the Town Hall prior to the meeting.
In the meantime, Jenny Cole, a member of the Selectboard and the Monument Committee, said that the committee is searching for names of fallen Charlotte veterans of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, which will then be inscribed on the monument.

WWI Monument site report recommends reconfiguration, repairs
Jenny Cole also reported that the committee asked Alan Pidgeon, P.E. of Engineers Construction in South Burlington, to study and make recommendations for improving the World War I monument at the West Charlotte four corners. Pidgeon suggested that the town create a tear-dropped-shape garden around the monument with granite edging; the tentative cost would be $15,000. Granite edging would cost more but last much longer than concrete. The stop signs would be moved so they were not directly in front of the monument. He recommended starting with a survey, at a cost of around $2,500, including engineering, drafting and surveying work. His recommendations are based on leaving the monument where it is currently located. The monument itself would be cleaned and possibly rotated. Selectboard member Ed Stone suggested that the town “spend $600 to put bricks around it and put the money toward the WWII Town Green project. People like the WWI monument the way it is.” The Selectboard decided that further discussion is required before making a decision.

Town Constable presents year-to-date report.
Town Constable Josh Flore reported that, so far this year in Charlotte, there have been a total of 516 incidents, or calls for service, excluding calls for burn permits. The Shelburne Police responded to 19 incidents in Charlotte, and Vermont Fish & Game responded 26 times. Constable Flore has fielded 16 complaints so far this year, including reports of garbage dumped on the side of roads, a suicide attempt and animal problems. Calls to the State Police result in a state trooper responding.
Flore asked the Selectboard to appoint someone else to provide animal control, although he would be willing to back someone else up. He will continue to act until a replacement is named.

New committee members named
Virginia Keyser, Gretchen Morse and Joan Braun were appointed to a new committee to review donation requests that the town receives from various organizations. The committee will report to the Selectboard, and chosen donations will be included in the town’s budget.