01/10

Wallingford News January 2010

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads, and items of interest by 1/20 to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com.

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Wallingford Town Office will be closed December 31^st and January 1^st. Happy New Year.

Town Meeting On March 2nd, Wallingford voters will elect the following officers for the term noted:

   Town Moderator – 1 Year
   School Moderator – 1 Year
   Selectboard Member – 2 Years & 3 Years
Wallingford School Director – 2 Years & 3 Years
MRU School Director – 3 years
   Lister – 3 Years
   Auditor – 2 Years & 3 Years
   Town Agent – 1 Year
   Grand Juror – 1 Year
   First Constable – 1 Year

The deadline for submitting petitions for officers and articles to be placed on the warning for Town Meeting is approaching. The deadline for petitions to have articles on the warning and officers for inclusion on the ballot is January 25.

Townwide Meeting
Join the Wallingford Selectboard on Monday, February 1^st at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall to discuss and seek public input on the possibility of the Town assuming the responsibilities for fire protection from the Wallingford Fire District #1 so that all voters in the outlying areas except for East Wallingford can vote on budgetary items for the Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department. There may also be discussion on mutual aide at that meeting.

NEW Zoning Office Hours are Mondays and Fridays from 8 to 11 a.m. Contact Zoning Administrator Chris topher Schmelzenbach, P.E. at 446-2874 or zoning@wallingfordvt.com with any zoning questions.

Zoning Permits Issued
Leo & Bonnie Wood, Gilbert Hart Lane , new single family home.

Property Transfers
Seller: Leo & Bonnie Wood, Lot G, Gilbert Hart Lane , Buyer: Anton & Janet Poell, Sales price: $75,000; Assessed value: (land) subdivision.

{Please note that these meeting minutes are a brief summary and are not the final approved version.}

Selectboard

Sheriff Stephen Benard informed the Selectboard that he will not be increasing the patrol and cruiser rates for next year. The Selectboard level funded the public safety budget. The Selectboard approved a budget of $500 for the new Energy Committee at the request of Chair Tim Chila .

Jim Marquis explained that he did not receive a property tax prebate in 2009 because he did not notice that the percentage for business use on the property was wrong on his 2008 tax bill. The Selectboard will research this issue.

J. Gilman gave a recap of the Recreation Committee meeting he attended last week. The Selectboard reviewed a partial budget from the Recreation Committee. There was a lengthy discussion about the summer recreation program, additional programs that could be offered, fees for non residents, salaries, the Committee’s proposed responsibilities, creating the part-time recreation director position, etc.

The Selectboard signed a Notice of Violation for unregistered vehicles at a residence on Prospect Street.

The Selectboard approved a budget of $93,500 for the Transfer Station to include cement pads for $1,700 and a port-o-potty at $600.

Julie reported on the special announcement made 11/23 by the VT Dept. of Public Service that there is $4.8 million funding available for Vermont towns through the Energy Efficiency Grant Program. Ralph Nimtz and Bert Jones assisted in the application completion, which requested funding for an energy audit, insulation, insulated shades, weather stripping and asbestos containment.

J. Gilman reported that the Fire Department received their new truck yesterday and it should be in service later this week.

The Notice of Violation for unregistered vehicles at a residence on Prospect Street was not issued because the vehicles were found to be registered, although not inspected.

The Selectboard reviewed and approved a letter J. Gilman proposed for the Recreation Committee concerning some issues.

J. Gilman discussed the master plan for the “pit” and lake as prepared by the Recreation Development Committee. He asked for $10,000 to begin pat h and trail building, grant matching, adding topsoil, etc. The Selectboard agreed to add it as an article in the warning.

The Selectboard reviewed a new VTrans Scour report on the new Elm St. Ext. Bridge.

The fire protection agreement for 2010 with Fire District #1 was signed by all parties.

There will be a public meeting on 2/1 to discuss and seek input as to the possibility of the Town taking over the fire protection budget.

Conservation Commission

11/23/09. Present: R. Nimtz, C. Macleod, K. Blodgett, T. Chila, and D. Scranton

Kathy Upton explained that Elsie Badamo and Bill Baker set up a recycling program for the Wallingford House and need someone to take it over for them. They have tried to recruit other volunteers but have not had any luck. Hubbard is the contractor that takes the garbage but will not do the recycling. The manager of the WH is not been interested in participating. Ralph will check again with Hubbard.

We will put the seniors on our email list so we can advertise programs/activities they might be interested in, in order to consider coordinating our presentations with other town organizations (seniors, Fred Thurlow’s group, etc.).

The walking brochure is stored at the town hall and available for additional copies for distribution. The CC’s offer still stands to help with the Natural Resources section of the town plan. We will work on a strategic plan in January. David drew a draft sketch of a kiosk. The new Energy Committee held their first meeting and has four charges. Tim researched the logistics for community composting.

Tim will talk with the Selectboard about next year’s budget. This year’s fund will be for the purchase of kiosk materials and that next year’s will go towards trails and infrastructure for the pit.

Shannon wrote a grant for the pit area and planned to get permission from the Selectboard at last week’s meeting because the grant is due December 4^th

Josh requested a master plan for on-the-ground work at the next meeting. There are two additional grant proposals due in January: Trails and Greenways and tree planting.

Tim will be attending the Statewide energy meeting on December 5^th. Ralph will look into attending the AVCC meeting on the same day.

Ralph suggested a “Kudos Corner”- we will feature Elsie and Bill for setting up the recycling program at the Wallingford House. Each month we will focus on someone new who has contributed to town conservation efforts.

At the January meeting, we will develop a calendar of monthly meeting dates and pick the dates that we will take responsibility for (in terms of developing programs) and then contact Fred and Kathy to see if their groups are interested. Presently, Fred’s group meets the 3^rd Monday of every month. The WCC has been scheduling their presentations on Thursdays.

Prudential Committee

Bill Brooks and Josh Gilman discussed the issue about the Fire Protection being taken over by the town.

Steve Baker reviewed the contract that was drawn up for him to tap the Fire District property. The price will be established after the bulk price comes out in May. The Committee gave approval that Mr. Baker is allowed to go onto the property and log anything that needs to be taken down before he taps.

John West discussed the fire hydrant flushing. The board will discuss it again in the spring as to who will flush the hydrants. The fire dept is open to having someone come and show them the proper procedure.

The board is going to develop a clean-up check list following a rental for Jim at the Lodge. This will be started with next season.

The budget meeting dates were discussed. The Board will be looking at proposing a 6 month and a fiscal year budget at one time.

Alicia Sharp came with printouts for all board members to look at regarding the corrected amounts for 2008 as well as what the books look like so far for 2009. She has been working closely with Maureen to make sure all figures are correct for upcoming budget meetings.

The fire district is going to be looking into changing propane service as we have had some issues this year with the deliveries from our current supplier.

11/09/09. Present: J. West; R. Soule; E. Crelin , A. Tiplady, D. Farmer and B. Clark

The Planning Commission held interviews for the Zoning Administrator position. They decided to recommend Chris Schmelzenbach to the Selectboard for appointment as ZA.

There was a short discussion on flood regulations. They voted in favor of recommending that the Selectboard adopt the interim zoning regulations as the final version.

Existing zoning /building permit application form was discussed with recommendations made. Also, it was recommended that a checklist be developed for the applicant clearly indicating which items would trigger a Development Review Board, DRB review. C. Schmelzenbach is to develop draft revisions to the application form for review by the commission in future meetings.

The Town Plan was discussed. It was decided that the “10 bullet” checklist was necessary to be available to all Commission members during further discussions to ensure each requirement has been addressed. A. Tiplady had significant suggestions relative to the introductory sections of the plan. The PC agreed that she produce the suggested revisions and forward to Commission members for review and comment.

The interim flood regulations were discussed with specific focus on the National Flood Insurance Program Community Floodplain Management Regulations Review Checklist as recently completed by Rebecca Pfeiffer, VT DEC that indicated that numerous sections of the interim regulations did not meet Federal Regulations. It was decided that further clarification as to the extent of suggested revisions was required. Christopher Schmelzenbach, ZA was requested to contact Rebecca for clarification to be presented at the meeting of Jan. 11, if available.

12/02/09. Present: K. Shelvey, T. Petrossi, L. Marchinkoski, and T. Phillips

There was extensive discussion regarding the recreation programs and the structure of the recreation budget. The lake and summer rec will be merged into one budget. There was extensive discussion about the salaries budget.

12/10/09. Present: C. Macleod, T. Phillips, S. Pytlik, R. Nimtz, T. Chila, J. Gilman, and D. Scranton

The Committee discussed the Vermont Watershed Grant Application, which is to extend and improve the existing trail on the Hemlock ridgeline from the beach along the westerly side of the road leading into the beach from Route 140, and to create rain gardens and drainage to decrease erosion of the beach at Lake Elfin .

The Committee discussed the VT Trails and Greenways grant, which is due in January, for the purpose of trail maintenance and building of a boardwalk over the bog area just easterly of the beach.

The Committee developed the components of a master plan for Recreation development; development and improvement of paths accessing playground area and ball fields to the beach area; straighten, raise wet areas, upgrade existing road from bridge to beach, so that it can be used for pedestrian traffic in 2010; continue the pat h from the playground area off Meadow Street, in back of the basketball court, following the edge of the fields along the Otter Creek to the new pedestrian bridge.

11/10/09. Present: T. Chila, J. Barbieri, J. White, K. Welch, B. Jones, T. Esposito, E. Safford and R. Nimtz

Energy inventories were reviewed. Joyce read South Wallingford Grange, Town Hall and Town garage figures. Tim reported the school is already in the process of an energy audit. Jay still needs to measure the fire station. He did report on the Masonic Hall and will also be checking on the Rotary and Library with Bert.

Ken spoke with the sewer plant operator Mark Breznick about changing out motors. It was agreed that Ken would talk to chief sewer plant operator John West to see about an audit there.

Tim is looking into adding a version of the Town of Thetford's energy plan to our plan. He hasn't heard back about the Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project yet. He also emphasized about the importance of reading "Low Carbon Diet" and the need to reduce our carbon footprint.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant preliminary application due December 8th was discussed. Joyce will talk to Maureen (in the fire district office) about an energy audit for the streetlights and replacement of the bulbs for more energy efficient ones.

12/03/09. Present: C. Piotrowski, K. Fredette, D. Klock, P. Rondinone, and C. Watts

Glenn Eno questioned the 2.2% increase in the education tax has been recommended by the State. He reported that there was a tentative agreement between the Governor and the State Employees Association to take a 3% reduction in pay and freeze it for 3 years. Wallingford teachers are asking for a pay increase of 5% for each of the 3 years. Mr. Watts stated the Board is trying as hard as they can to keep the increase down and yet get contracts signed. Glenn envisions a number of school budgets being voted down this year. They discussed the tax rate and the grand list. Last year there was a 12.75% reduction in the school’s budget and yet the taxes went down one cent.

Ken reported on the VT VSBA Video -- reducing the student/teacher ratio would result in significant savings and it is not just school spending that is driving the tax increase.

J. Morse reported that basketball is starting with volunteer coaches for one 5th/6th boys’ team and one 5th/6th girls’ team. The projected enrollment for next year is 104, but could be up to 112. Discussion on combining classrooms was held.

Walter reported that Wendy Savery expects an increase from $1,700 to $1,750 for preK. Walter reviewed the current budget draft: The tax rate was recommended at .882 by the Tax Commissioner however, the legislature sets the rate. Preliminary review of budget held. Discussion on how to bring the preK into the building.

An offer has been made for the Business Manager position. Superintendent Search Committee has forwarded a name to the RSSU Board. David Klock is replacing Paul Rondinone as a voting member to the RSSU Board. An update on policies was given.

“ Wallingford Seniors Happenings”

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, January 6th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Our next Planning meeting will be Wednesday, January 13^th at 10 a.m. at the Town Hall. We hope to see some new faces and we could use your input.

The January Seniors Trip will be to Aldi’s Discount Food with lunch following. The bus leaves the Wallingford House at 10 a.m. Contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050 with any questions.

Remember Senior’s lunch every Monday at Noon at the Rotary. Contact Linda Weightman at 446-2301.

Join us on Monday, January 18^th at 1:30 p.m. at the Wallingford House for a talk by Mary Jean Vernon on her early memories on the Rutland Railroad.

The Board of Trustees, Kevin, and I wish you a very Happy New Year! May your year be filled with magic and fulfilled dreams. I hope you read some interesting and fun books, see some good movies, and kiss someone who thinks you are wonderful! Don't forget to do something creative - write a book or some poetry, draw, build something, sing, AND I hope, at least once this year, we all do something to surprise ourselves!

After my pleas for monetary contributions/donations were published in the Wallingford News, several patrons asked me what I thought were the high priorities and needs of the library. Rather than responding individually to these questions, I thought it a good idea to put my thoughts in the newspaper in order to answer their question as a group and to continue soliciting additional help from the community.

Director Reeves’ list of Gilbert Hart Library priorities and needs (in priority order):

1. Funds sufficient to eliminate the current deficit of approximately $18,000. Without the additional funds, the library’s hours of operation, purchases of new materials (books/audios/movies), and other services will be reduced.

2. A multi-year action plan and fund-raising schedule that will raise sufficient funds to allow the library to provide quality services and materials to the Wallingford community for many more years.

3. If sufficient funding is provided, it is essential that the library have a paid staff position that is focused primarily on developing and implementing an effective Children’s Program. The children are our community’s most important concern.

4. There are plans to automate library services, i.e., checking materials in/out; on-line catalog for easy reference by patrons. Without additional funding, this will not be possible.

5. To keep patrons coming through our doors (and not through the doors of another library), the Library must continue to provide high-quality materials and services, e.g., books, audios, movies, periodicals, computer services. Someone said “we don’t want our library to be a retired library, with the books and other materials sitting on the shelf and gathering dust, but an active library with new releases and popular materials.” I agree completely. We will continue to provide high-quality materials and services with sufficient funding and support.

Not listed above are other important items such as diverse and energetic ADULT programs, better seating for the Klock Room, computerized programs that allow patrons to download electronic materials, additional staff work hours or more volunteers so the library staff has time to train and instruct patrons in such skills as basic computer operations, and other similar items intended to encourage folks to frequent the library.

These are my personal and professional thoughts and opinions. If you have questions or would like to provide suggestions or ideas, please stop by the Library for a chat or give me a call (446-2685). You may also send an email to ghlib@comcast.net.

If you would prefer to talk to a member of the Board of Trustees, I’ll be glad to send you a list of names. I welcome your input, and the Library needs your support.

One way you can support your Library is to dust off that library card and pay us a visit! The Library wants to help make your new year brighter and more interesting. While the number of patrons frequenting the library has increased, there is always room for more! We invite YOU to take advantage of your community library. We can provide books, movies, audios, magazines, and good company! If we don’t have it in our collection, we’ll try and get it from another library. We also provide computer service with internet access. So, come on down and pay us a visit! If you have suggestions as to how we can improve services, please let us know. We appreciate your input.

Book Review: To Life: a Celebration of Vermont Jewish Women was written by Wallingford resident Ann Buffum and co-authored by Sandy Gartner. In 2004, Ann and Sandy founded DAVAR, an ambitious oral history project about Jewish women in Vermont . Until they began their project, there existed no other collection of Vermont Jewish women's life stories. Ann and Sandy stated that "[O]ur five-year odyssey to collect oral histories of Jewish women in Vermont has taken us on highways and back roads across the state. The women we have interviewed are as diverse as the terrain. Their journeys have been as varied as escaping the Nazis in 1940 and teaching labor organizing in

China

in 2009. Some women have chosen paths closer to home, with their baking, pottery and music. Others are doctors, farmers and community volunteers. Their stories and dreams are connected by the thread of tikkun olam, 'repairing the world', which is a foundation of Jewish ethics." This is a touching, informative, and enlightening read and many of you know at least one of the authors!

We were glad to see so many come to our tree-lighting ceremony with the arrival of December 1. In putting up the lights on the tree this year, Rob Parker offered his opinion that it was reapply time to replace the current tree. It has outgrown its space, and, having needed trimming, now looks funny, as though it doesn’t belong there. He will have recommendations when we, i.e., the Board of Trustees, decide to take action on it. Meanwhile, enjoy it as emblematic of the season.

Thank you all of Wallingford and beyond for all you made for the Chocolate Shoppe or whatever you purchased. It was another good season for us; other craft fairs in town also did well, I’m told, with lots of food available at every venue.

The scheduled meeting of the Friends for December was also the day of the storm, which closed down about everything in the area, so there’s little news to report for January, except what I know for dates.

Whist Parties will resume on January 8^th and also on January 22. Call Carol Pratt, 446-2843, to make sure the games will be played. The Friends have just bought 4 new card tables. The folding mechanism is so easily bent, it can mess up the whole table sometimes (In the olden days they were easier to fold up!).

The Board of Trustees’ meeting this month is on January 12, at 7 p.m., and the Friends’ meeting is on January 13 at 2 p.m. We have several things on the agenda to discuss, so hope you’ll all be there.

The next book discussion still is not until February 17, but those books will be coming in around the middle of January to get you started. The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason is about one Edgar Drake who in 1886 must leave a quiet life in London to travel to Burma, where a rare Erard grand piano is in need of repair. The piano belongs to an army surgeon-major with unorthodox peacemaking methods—poetry, medicine and now music—have brought a quietness to the Shan States, but have been questioned by his superiors.

From Lois Johnstone comes the following information on the rug braiding workshop. Classes will take place on Saturdays from 9-12. This year’s workshop will focus on braiding in the round—making chair pads, a basket, bowl, or tote bag. Dates are: January 30, February 13, February 27, and March 13. Mark your calendars. Call Lois, 446-2442, to register and inquire about materials to bring; most materials will be furnished.

Events for the Maple Valley Grange #318 on Route 7 in South Wallingford ……

Every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. Line Dancing. $5 per person. Snack bar available. Beginners & experienced.

The Chipman Lodge 52 FAM holds meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge.

Suicide Survivors Support Group meetings for those who have lost a loved one or friend through suicide are held at the Maple Leaf Clinic, 167 North Main Street in Wallingford (446-3577) on the third Tuesday of each month.

Come join us for lunch at the Wallingford Congregational Church on South Main Street every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you’d like to receive emails under the Wallingford “Neighborhood Watch” system, send an email to townadmin@wallingfordvt.com and keep updated on vandalism, thefts, etc. in Wallingford and surrounding towns.

Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing substantial grocery savings to communities
throughout the

U.S.

Angel Food is available monthly to any household in a quantity that can fit into a medium sized box at $30. Each month’s menu is different and consists of both fresh/frozen items with an average retail value of $60. Generally, one box of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. Angel Food gladly accepts debit/credit cards, cash and food stamps.

You may have heard that they no longer require the purchase of a Signature Box, Allergen Free or Senior Convenience Box to order specials, like the fresh produce box, the chicken or the beef grill boxes, so please take a look at the new Angel Food Ministries offerings at www.rutlandangelfood.com. Order deadline for the next delivery is January 14^th @ 11:30 a.m.

Questions can be directed to Carleen Eaton at (802) 342-2703. Gift cards are now available for Angel Food!

Orders will be taken in person by a volunteer who will be at the Town Hall on Tuesday, January 5^th from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Stop by.

Affordable cemetery lots are available in the Green Hill Cemetery on Route 7 South in Wallingford . Contact Superintendent Charlie Gauthier at 353-0996 for pricing.

For a limited time Wallingford residents can dispose of their Christmas Trees, help the environment and save money. Between December 26th and January 30th the District will accept trees (cleaned of all tinsel and decorations) at no charge at the Gleason Road Transfer Station. The trees are ground into mulch, which is then composted - the ultimate in organic recycling! Each year approximately 1,200 Christmas trees are recycled by the District through this program.

January 23, 2010 , 5 – 7 P.M. @ The Rotary Building – North Main Street, Wallingford featuring Pork and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, applesauce, spinach salad, rolls, with a dessert choice of strawberry rhubarb potpie, or apple crumble. Cost: $10/adult; $5/child (under 12) Take Outs available. Benefits: community projects & MRUHS scholarships. Contact: Lois Johnstone 446-2442

This weekend’s snow reminded many Vermonters of what is to come on our roads and highways. A majority of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles. That’s why it’s important to prepare for winter driving and the possibility of a problem. The following is a list of Automobile Safety Tips and a list of items to be included in your Winter Emergency Car Kit.

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.

Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions.

Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time. The first ½” of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking distance from the car in front of you.

Slow down. Many times hazards like black ice are not seen until it is too late. Remember bridges and overpasses can freeze up sooner than roadways.

Yield to snowplows giving them plenty of room to safely do their job. Be pat ient and follow at a safe distance.

If a blizzard traps you in your car, pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a brightly colored distress flag/cloth from your radio antenna or window.

Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are more likely to find you. Do not set out on foot, unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, crack open the window slightly for ventilation. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electricity energy needs: the use of lights, heat and radio.

211 – For information on emergency resources like fuel assistance. 211 is a service of the United Way .

Vermont Emergency Management’s Family Preparedness Workbook has these and other helpful tips for a number of hazards. You can obtain a copy by calling 800-347-0488 or at www.vemvt.com.

East Wallingford resident Tammy Heffernan is looking for stories about Wallingford , to be published in the Rutland County Express, such as events or residents with interesting hobbies, talents, or a business that has some unique appeal to all. Send your suggestions to Tammy at tammy.heffernan@mac.com or call her at 259-3711.

When aging parents and loved ones live at a distance and need some assistance, help is available in finding programs and services across the country. Just as Vermont ’s five Area Agencies on Aging help people over age 60 to remain independent, similar agencies in all of the 50 states are doing the same important work. To find a particular agency, use the Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator at www.eldercare.gov ; search by zip code, town or state. Or call 1-800-677-1116 weekdays. For local assistance, call the Senior HelpLine at 786-5991 or 1-800-642-5119 and someone will provide the out of state contact information for you. The Senior HelpLine is a service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington counties since 1974. www.svcoa.org. Seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.

A New Kid's Ministry at East Wallingford Baptist Church. Every Friday from 6:30-8:00PM beginning January 15^th. Call 259-2831 for more information. Hope to see you there!!