08/08

Editor’s Note: Please send news, ads and items of interest by August 22nd to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com

Support your town newsletter with an ad in the Wallingford News. Rates are $50 for a business card size ad and $75 for a double ad. Your ad will run for 12 issues. For more information, call the Town Clerk 's Office at 446-2336. Or, do you have a used car, boat or services to sell? A one-month ad, 25 words or less is $5.00. Is there anything you’d like added to this monthly newsletter? Let us know.

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

Selectboard Meeting

06/25/08 . Present: B. Lohsen, F. Bruce, C. Angel, J. Crowley, and B. Brooks

Preliminary year-end financials were reviewed. Because of the high amount of unpaid delinquent taxes of $95,000, the Town will have to get a loan to meet expenses. Salary increases for 2009 were revised.

Tony Esposito, owner of Nail it Down Hardware sought support from the Selectboard to urge the U.S. Postal Service to move the Wallingford Post Office to Maple Street . He explained that the main reasons. 500 people have signed a petition. The Selectboard agreed to issue a letter.

Jan Landon feels the Selectboard should ask the Chair to resign. She urged the Selectboard to use the constable to bring in more speeding ticket money for the town.

Two Caterer Permit requests were approved. A Violation of the Parking Ordinance will be issued.

Julie gave an update on the grant pertaining to the next construction phase of the Route 140W bridge.

The Selectboard reviewed and discussed the results of FEMA’s community assistance visit in June with the Zoning Administrator.

Heating fuel and winter sale prices were discussed. The Town Hall and Garage thermostats will be lowered to 55º at night to conserve on energy this winter.

Hartsboro Road was inspected by Vermont Local Roads and is a good candidate for paving. Bid requests will be mailed.

J. Crowley questioned the number of tickets written by the Sheriff during June vs. the hours worked which led to more discussion concerning the Sheriff’s role.

The Commissioner of Taxes set the Wallingford Homestead Education Tax Rate at $1.2631 (up .1866¢ from $1.0765 in 2007) and the Non-Residential Tax Rate at $1.2638 (up .1885¢ from $1.0753 in 2007). The base school spending amount is $8,210 and Wallingford is at $12,826, or 56% above base.

The Selectboard approved a town tax rate of .2452¢, an increase of .0287¢ over last year of .2165¢.

06/09/08 . Present: J. West; W. Brooks; E. Crelin; L. Miller; R. Soule; and A. Tiplady

There was discussion relative to keeping the Town Plan in mind when revising the zoning regulations. The subdivision bylaws need revision also.

07/14/08 . Present: J. West; E. Crelin; L. Miller; R. Soule; A. Tiplady; and M. Whitmore

E. Crelin has done some of the replacement wording on the subdivision bylaws document and would forward it to the board. He will also attempt to craft some language for the less than 5 lot subdivisions.

The board discussed the need to present several additional zoning changes along with the amended Subdivision Regulations ASAP to the Select board to address the addition of previously passed interim zoning regulations that have expired. Crematoriums and Asphalt Plants were added to prohibited uses. Language adding conditional zoning to Forest and Parks and Multiple Residential zones was added from the previously proposed zoning regulations.

J. West presented drafts for new Rules of Procedure and Conflict of Interest Policies and was approved by the Commission.

Storm Water Management Guideline suggestions from VLCT were reviewed and discussed.

07/28/08 . Present: J. West; E. Crelin ; L. Miller; R. Soule, M. Whitmore, and A. Tiplady

06/18/08 . Present: S. Duskiewicz, L. Marchinkoski, K. Shelvey, and T. Phillips

The Committee reviewed the lifeguard’s responsibilities. Other issues for the lake were discussed. The summer rec program was discussed.

07/09/08 . Present: S. Duskiewicz, L. Marchinkoski, K. Shelvey, and T. Phillips

Duties of the lifeguards were discussed again. Items that need repair at the lake were discussed. Possible projects, to be funded by grants, were sought.

Chief J. Duchesne questioned the possible sale of old, extra fire hose by the department as is.

Recently there have been “no shows” at scheduled events. The Prudential Committee decided that those people should be held responsible for honoring the contracts. They will be billed for the remaining balances due on their contracts.

Mr. French contacted C. Baker on the subject of changing fire district boundaries. The Prudential Committee will investigate, checking on the statutes and with the Secretary of State.

06/25/08 . Present: C. Rabtoy, S. Sendra and C. Baker

S. Goulet stated that the fire department’s Air Paks are obsolete Turnout gear suits are old, mismatched, and missing parts. Due to the cost, the Committee suggested that grants be applied for.

Mr. Cobleigh spoke about a drainage ditch in his backyard being removed from the blow-off list. Insulation is required and the job will be put out to bid.

W. Sendra, Delinquent Tax Collector, presented material regarding the statute for disconnection of services. Final requests for payments will be mailed.

B. Auer was asked about the Wallingford Rescue Squad’s plan to build their own facility. They have 25% of the financing on hand, and their goal is to get up at least a shell by the fall.

Letters are being sent out with Balance Due Amounts being billed to the people who had booked the Lodge, made deposits and partial payments, but failed to honor their contracts by not showing up.

A request for a sewer bill adjustment was reviewed. The rule is that residents must call the office before power washing their homes. In the future, a representative will read the meter before and after the event for a fee of $15.00.

Mr. McGee from Recovery House requested a review of his meter readings and an accounting for unusually high water usage, resulting in an unusually high bill.

John West came with a proposal from Highland Water Supply to include the testing of their water supply. The Committee approved to absorb Highland Water Supply monitoring, contingent to the agreement that there be no additional cost to the Fire District.

B. Kelley of Meacham Street asked about adding an a bedroom and bathroom above his garage.

Everyone in the District will have a water meter on their property, regardless of their water source. This applies to properties who are billed for sewer only at present. Letters will go out to property owners, informing them of this decision and requesting convenient times for the installations of the meters.

Fire Station indoor repairs were discussed. Radio controlled push-button for regulating the traffic light was discussed.

The Committee discussed with J. Duchesne the procedures used for recruiting new members, the application process, the voting regulations, etc.

Brian Hempl of the RSSU Business office reviewed the latest financial data. He noted that, while he needs to look at it further, it looked tight, but overall WES looked OK for the year in regard to budget and revenue. The Board approved a tax antici pat ion note with Chittenden Bank for up to $400,000.

Cheryl Maniery discussed the Wallingford Summer Recreation Program and clarified many details relating to the use of the building by the Program.

Gary Fredette reported on the latest flooding in the basement. He also noted that a sinkhole developed in the playground and may be related to the flooding issue. He stated that the flooding problem had grown beyond his ability to solve the issue and was given permission to hire a contractor to help him solve the problem.

Gary gave an update on the installation of the security system. He detailed problems with Royal Glass and specifically noted his disapproval that the costs of their work had exceeded the bid. The Board concurred and asked Walter to write a note to Royal Glass expressing the Board’s dissatisfaction with this recent development.

Walter stated that WES did receive a grant from the Vermont Community Preschool Collaborative for $18,244. He presented the Board with the draft agreement with the Wallingford Daycare & Preschool. Walter noted that he is currently in discussion with VAC to explore the possibility of paying the cost of the Wallingford students in VAC.

Superintendent Goetz distributed WES Calendar for 2008-2009, gave an update on the Lundeen lawsuit, and stated the food service has been put out to bid.

K. Fredette reported on his partici pat ion with VSBA’s “Education Delivery Group.”

The Board completed the first reading of a new policy on animal dissection, which was mandated during the most recent Vermont Legislative session.

Royal Glass apologized for overlooking the repairs needed to doors in the building and offered to extend the warranty on his company's work by one year.

Principal Jason Morse sent his schedule for July and August. Walter will extend an invitation to Jason to attend the regular board meeting on August 7.

Three quotes for the food service program were received: Cafe Services, Abbey Group, and Fitz-Vogt. The Board gave approval to contract with Abbey Group.

3. totally disabled as a result of disease or injury suffered while serving in the armed forces, or

Holders are eligible statewide for reduced prices on goods and services from hundreds of Vermont ’s private businesses and for free admission state-sponsored public events, exhibits, concerts, museums, and state parks, historical sites and lands. Overnight camping and other park fees are excluded.

Tree Warden needed to oversee public trees, organizing and implementing tree planting, maintenance and protection programs. Three major areas are: to remove trees that cannot be saved, salvage those that can be saved; and implement a tree preservation program for the Town. This is a volunteer position. Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard, P.O. Box 327 , Wallingford .

Auditor needed to review the accounts of local officials and report the findings directly to the taxpayers for review. This position receives a small stipend. Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard, P.O. Box 327 , Wallingford .

Zoning Permits Issued

William & Patricia Major, 114 Haven Hill Road , Fence

Kate Fredette, 201A Creek Road , Driveway

Tom Heffernan, 8 Centerville Road, Septic

Erin McGraw, 1929 Route 140W, Septic

Kevin & Linda Brown, 75 Lidstone Lane, Septic

Thomas Phillips, 188 Haven Hill Road , Wood boiler

Property Transfers

Seller: Eric & Barbara Davenport, Buyer: Thomas & Mary Ryan, 801 East Street , Sales price: $85,000; Assessed value: $89,600.

Seller: Amanda Eltinge, Buyer: Hal Derby & Melissa Lynch, 48 Church Street , Sales price: $149,400; Assessed value: $148,500.

Seller: Leona Fish Estate, Buyer: Milton & Nancy Moore, 106 Olde Pine Lane , Sales price: $235,000; Assessed value: ?

Wallingford Seniors Happenings

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

Many thanks to Elsie Badamo and Bill Baker for the great job they did at the Senior Table on Wallingford Day.

Senior Trip is Friday, August 15^th to the Williams College Museum of Art in Williamstown , Massachusetts . Admission is free. Lunch will be at the Williams Inn . There is an afternoon performance at Mass MoCA of an Australian Troupe Performance in the Air. Admission is $8. Contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050 for more information.

Watch the bulletin boards at the Town Hall and the Library for future trip information or contact Peggy Rice.

Remember the Senior lunch every Monday at noon at the Rotary. Contact Linda Weightman at 446-2301.

The children’s summer reading program has been a smashing success thanks to the efforts of our enthusiastic volunteers: Lois Johnston, Connie Johnson , Adrian Eisler , Clare Bornarth , Joel Daubenspeck AND Wallingford Day Care staff members. Lots of fun times, storytelling, and bug-viewing AND bug-catching shared by all. The Bugs in Your Back Yard program presented by Jerry Schneider lead to an exploration and buzzing around the library grounds to “meet” some of the insects and bugs talked about in the programs.

The final program for the summer will be held on Tuesday, August 5, at 10:30 . Certificates will be awarded AND there will be lunch and ice cream! Please join us.

Not only are Wallingford children taking time to read and taking advantage of the services provided by the library, adults of our community are also joining in the fun, according to our library statistics anyway. Our circulation for July has increased by 10% over that of June and 24 new library cards have been issued during the month of July, and it isn’t even the end of the month! It’s great to see all the family and community activity at the library. We invite you all (that’s y’all down South!) to take advantage of all the services offered by the library: new books, audios, movies, and magazines; Interlibrary Loans; ECHO pass; and it’s also a place to meet your neighbors! Y’all come join us and enjoy the fun!

Book Review: This month’s book review is not a NEW book (it was released in February 2008), but it is one that has been suggested by several pat rons to be covered in my book review. The book is Song Yet Sung written by James McBride. If you remember McBride also wrote a best-seller, The Color of Water, which examined his upbringing in a large, bi-racial family. In his latest book, McBride takes us back to a terrible time in American history and introduces a character that would seem to merit our pity: a slave woman in Maryland . You would think a slave woman’s dreams, wishes, and hopes would be “personal”, centered on her personal freedom, but her dreams are not so personal. She has been granted the gift (or curse) of prophecy: “And it was not pleasant. She dreamed of negroes driving horseless carriages on shiny rubber wheels with music booming throughout, and fat black children who smoked odd-smelling cigars and walked around with pistols in their pockets and murder in their eyes . . . and colored men dressed in garish costumes like children, playing odd sporting games and bragging like drunkards – every bit of pride, decency, and morality squeezed clean out of them.” With that opening to this powerful novel, McBride makes it clear that he is not just interested in staring into an antique, horrible past. This past is living. It is linked to the present, and the work ain’t done yet. The book is currently on loan, but stop by anyway. I’ll add your name to the list of people who want to read it, and, in the meantime, I’m sure you’ll find another book to enjoy.

Thanks to all those folks who donated or made bids on items for the silent auction! We raised approximately $1,100 and funds will be used to help pay for library automation. We appreciate your support!

After working at the library for approximately 10 years, Carol Pratt, Library Assistant, resigned her position effective June 29, 2008 . I wish to extend my appreciation and those of the Board of Trustees to Carol for her time and devotion to the library. She will be missed and will never be replaced!

The Friends do not even want to think of summer winding down, and, of course, we do have lots of summer days ahead of us. But for the Friends, we are thinking of plans for the new fall season.

Before that, however, we are having our annual party. As before, it will be at Sue Thayer’s house in East Wallingford on Centerville Road (which is off Sugar Hill Road ). Sue has beautiful gardens, and it is a peaceful, lovely place to be. Just bring a dish to pass and a chair; we’ll take care of the rest. The date is August 13 from 10-2 p.m. Meet at the library at 10 a.m. to carpool to Sue’s house. All friends (official and non-official) are invited to come.

Wallingford Day saw us busy with customers most of the day, which is always fun, and business was good. Our picnic backpack is still on display at the library with raffle tickets on sale through the Labor Day weekend ($1 each or 6 for $5). It is a handsome outfit, and more food items will be added to it when we’re sure they won’t spoil.

We have made the selection for our fall and winter book discussions. The discussions will begin in September but firm dates are yet to be decided. I list them to whet your appetite for the coming season: Peace Like a River, Home, Death in a Tenured Position, Bubbles Unbound, Growing Up, and A Hell of a Place to Lose a Cow. There seems to be a mixture of mystery, biography, fiction and travelogue. It should be an interesting season!

Looking ahead, our fall fundraiser dinner will be Saturday, October 18, at the Rotary Building . The menu will be Mediterranean and the fun will be lots!! Save the date!

We are already talking about the Chris tmas fair that will be held in December. It will be different this year, and at the library. More to come - - there’s no need to hurry toward Chris tmas with summer weather to enjoy. Enjoy yours!

Mark Your Calendars!

Line Dancing

Beginners & Experienced
Maple Valley Grange Hall

Every Tuesday, $5.00 per person
6 – 9 p.m.
Snack Bar Available

The youth group is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner at the Wallingford Congregational Church on Saturday, August 16th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm . The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. The money is going towards the registrations for the 16 kids that are going to Camp Berea in August.

Last year’s event was such a tremendous success with so many wonderful items on display from paintings to quilts and hooked rugs that we’re repeating it this year.

The Boy’s Camp also proved to be a great location. Indoors at the lodge the setting is magical and outdoors there are picnic tables and a lovely view of Elfin Lake for those who want to bring a picnic.

When: Tuesday, August 26 from 5 to 7 o’clock . Items for display need to be brought to the Boy’s Camp between 12 noon and 3 pm .

What: Photos, paintings, prints, quilts, jewelry, rugs, pottery, and baskets

For more information, contact: Diane Cooney (446-2514), Chris Bannerman (446-3560), Marlene Dawson (446-2904), or Joyce Barbieri (446-2336).

East Wallingford - 3 Bedroom/2 bath restored farmhouse 8 miles to Okemo and 12 miles to Rutland . Updated bathrooms and kitchen with stainless appliances, wood floors, replacement windows, wood stove, ample closets and second floor laundry. Two-car garage, mature landscaping with pat ios, water garden and hot tub. $195k. 802-259-6006

Attention! Maps that show the new Special Flood Hazard Area in Wallingford that become effective 8/28/08 are available at the Town Office. Please stop in to view if your property is now in or has been dropped from the SFHA. You may wish to acquire flood insurance. For more information, contact the Vt. DEC at 802-241-3759.

Please remember that if you don't pick up after your dog when walking in our Village, you give all of us responsible dog owners and lovers a terrible reputation. As I look out my front window on to Main Street , I am encouraged by the efforts of the local businesses and homeowners to upgrade the appeal of our town by putting up flags in the summer as well as planters and fall and winter decorations. However, regular local dog walkers are letting their dogs relieve themselves in the middle of the sidewalk without a look back. Should we toss it on your lawn? Leaving it for people to walk through and the sidewalk snow plow to spread is totally disgusting and insulting to everyone. I hear constant complaints about the same few dog walkers. Most of the dog owners I know are extremely conscientious about picking up after their pets. It's a simple thing to be prepared for. Thank you!

TOTALLY WORTH IT – Reduce the temptation to spend money and cut down paper clutter at the same time by sigining up at catalogchoice.org. Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. Use it to reduce your mailbox clutter, while helping save natural resources.

In the open air on the ballfield by the playground (bring your own lawn chairs/blankets).