Barre Select Board orders cease-and-desist against solar contractor over unapproved site changes

BARRE — May 7, 2018 — Barre Select Board votes to halt solar contractor over unapproved site deviations on South Street. The board voted unanimously Monday to direct town staff to serve a cease-and-desist order by constable on contractor Borrego, whose South Street solar installation included an unapproved access road, a break in a stone wall, and utility pole placements that never came before the board for approval. Members also approved a $25-per-season farmers market wine permit fee — established after at least one vendor expressed interest in selling at the market — and unanimously appointed Officer Sawyer to a full-time position with the Barre Police Department, contingent on his signing a memorandum of agreement. The board approved charges for both a new Open Space and Recreation Committee and a five-member Transfer Station Operation Study Committee, the latter required to report back by late February ahead of a contract renewal deadline. A shared economic development coordinator agreement with Hardwick and CMRPC, funded by a state grant, was reviewed but not finalized, with members flagging language that could imply a multi-year financial commitment beyond the grant period.