Town Meeting, March 4, 2025, is just around the corner and the Underhill Selectboard will be holding an in-person, with virtual participation options, Informational Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Underhill Town Hall on Thursday February 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, to discuss Articles 6-8, as they appear on the 2025 Official Town Meeting Warning. These articles will be voted on by Australian Ballot. This is not a forum for those running for Town Officer or School Director positions.

The main topic of discussion will be Article 8, which addresses the proposed replacement of Bridge #7. The bridge is located near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Deane Road. Article 8 reads as follows:

Article 8: Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Underhill in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Eight Hundred Seventy-eight Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($878,000.00), subject to reduction from available state and federal construction grants-in-aid and other financial resources, be issued to finance the removal and replacement of Bridge #7 on Pleasant Valley Road?

If the voters approve the sale of Town bonds (Article 8), the Town can then borrow from banks, up to the approved amount, using Bond Anticipation Notes. By statute, the maturity for the bonds is 20 years. The Town will be applying for a Vermont Agency of Transportation Structures Grant, this spring, which would reduce the overall amount needed for replacement by $200,000, but as with any grant, they're not guaranteed. Article 8 reflects the total replacement cost based upon an updated construction estimate. The construction estimate and The Resolution of Necessity, signed by the Selectboard, can also be found by following the link below.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation states that this bridge was constructed in 1927, which was the year of the Great Flood but most likely it was constructed shortly after that event. Nonetheless, it's nearly 100 years old. The latest inspection report, complete with photographs, can be found by following the link below. The bridge is in serious need of replacement according to the structural engineer retained by the Town. We encourage voters to view the inspection report, so you can see for yourselves. Due to the poor condition of the bridge the Selectboard has reduced the load limit and overweight vehicles are prohibited.

Please follow this link for more details: https://www.underhillvt.gov/selectboard/meeting/town-meeting-day-informational-meetingregula[...]ing

Please join us on Thursday, February 27th at 6:00 PM or feel free to reach out to me at 802-899-4434 Ext 7 or email at bholden@underhillvt.gov if you have further questions. Thank you

Event Info

Feb 22, 2025, 10:30 to 11:30 AM

Feb 25, 2025, 10 AM to 12 PM

Feb 26, 2025, 4:30 to 5:30 PM