The Montpelier public swimming pool is open, and on July 15, some people took a dip in the evening. Photo by J. Gregory Gerdel.
Kismet to Reopen on Barre Street
When renovations are complete, Kismet restaurant will reopen its dining room at 207 Barre Street in Montpelier according to an announcement published on their website, kismet-kitchencollaboration.weeblysite.com. Meanwhile, the staff of Kismet is serving oysters at Barr Hill and other places (to be announced). To make a reservation or to order cocktails to go at Barr Hill, follow this link: exploretock.com/barrhill. Kismet is no longer in charge of serving brunch at Hugo’s Bar and Grill, however.
City of Montpelier Lacks Enough Summer Workers
The Montpelier Recreation Department is in urgent need of more lifeguards and summer camp staff. Without bringing on more lifeguards, the pool may not have enough staffing to open with its typical schedule. Not having enough lifeguards to safely staff the pool means the pool’s open hours may need to be reduced, or the amount of the pool that can be used at one time limited; that is, half of the pool may be closed at a time to public access. City officials are actively trying to recruit more staff through the schools, newspaper, and all social media.
Staffing Shortages Cause Shaw’s Supermarket to Close Deli Counter
And on another staffing shortage front … for at least a couple of evenings last week the Montpelier Shaw’s deli counter was closed after 3 p.m. A staffer told The Bridge this was because of a shortage of workers. It was suggested the pay rate might be a barrier to attracting workers. An internet search aggregating several sources suggests the starting rate at Shaw’s is around $11.00 to $12.00 per hour.
DPW Sprucing Up — Flowers Soon to Arrive
Crews from the Montpelier Department of Public Works/Street Division have been out early sweeping downtown streets. Additionally, flower pots were put out, and flowers are scheduled to arrive on or around May 26. The department has also been installing bike racks on parking meters downtown.
Police Make “Place of Last Drink” Referral to Liquor Control Board
The Montpelier Police Department recently faced several incidents of finding drivers to be under suspicion of drunk or drugged driving. At least one incident resulted in a report to the Department of Liquor Control. According to Cpl. Samuel Lambert by phone to The Bridge, when someone is brought in under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, the police fill out a form. If the person consumed alcohol at a licensed establishment and they have become impaired, the establishment may be found to have legally “overserved” the person. Such a case occurred on May 11, but Cpl. Lambert declined to name either the individual or the establishment pending arraignment May 26. Police discovered the situation when responding to a “report of a patron at a local restaurant and bar, who appeared impaired, that (sic) entered their vehicle and drove off erratically.”
—compiled by Carla Occaso with a contribution by Phil Dodd
