09/08

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

08/04/08 . Present: B. Lohsen, F. Bruce, C. Angel, J. Crowley, and B. Brooks

Stan Wilbur, candidate for the Legislature, introduced himself and explained that he is visiting the local Selectboards to hear their issues.

Fire Warden Dave Gilman and Dog Warden Ben Morgan spoke about an incident with a calf found on Butterworth Road in East Wallingford .

Keith Shelvey asked for guidance in how to go about having a teen banned from the rec fields.

Quotes submitted through the Rutland Regional Planning Commission and the Vermont Leagues of Cities and Towns for road salt pricing were reviewed.

The Town will pre-buy 2,000 gallons of heating oil at $4.39/gallon from Patch’s (a/k/a Proctor Coal)

The Selectboard discussed and gave support to increase the Vermont Interstate Weight Limit.

Changes to the Wallingford Fire District #1 contract will be sent to WFD for review.

The Selectboard discussed the damage caused on Route 140E, between Bear Mountain Road and the west-end of Sugar Hill Road , as a result of a beaver dam collapse over the weekend.

The Wallingford Recreation Committee is holding a co-ed “D” league softball tournament the weekend of September 13^th and the monies raised will be given to the Town.

Julie reported on a complaint received regarding locking up the public beach after the lifeguards leave the lake.

08/18/08 . Present: B. Lohsen, F. Bruce, C. Angel, J. Crowley, and B. Brooks

A Revocation of Agreement to cancel the Memorandum of Agreement with the Phillips was signed by the Selectboard.

A Public Forum on Vandalism will be held tomorrow night with Vermont State Police Lt. Notte, Rutland Co. Sheriff’s Department Lt. Craig Hanson and Rutland United Neighborhood coordinator Lynne Walsh expected to attend.

We received our second payment from Earth Waste Systems for heavy metal recycling in the amount of $948.51.

The Selectboard reviewed an email from Rutland City Treasurer W. Wilton asking for support for unfunded mandates by placing this item on the ballot in November.

The next Selectboard meeting was rescheduled to Tuesday, September 2^nd because of the holiday.

The Selectboard gave approval for the upstairs at Town Hall to be used by GE volunteers and children, ages 8-14, to do hands-on robotic design with legos.

All grievances for the 08-09 Grand List have been heard by the Board of Civil Authority, and the results will be mailed this week.

08/11/08 . Present: J. West; L. Miller; A. Tiplady; E. Crelin and M. Whitmore

Lengthy discussion on changes to the subdivision regulations. Commission approved allowing zoning administrator to permit simple subdivision of less then three lots with all other subdivisions to come before the development review board.

All agreed to change PRD to PUD throughout the regulation and worked on language for section 2.2-sketch plan procedure.

All the Elfin Lake lifeguards have signed off on the list of duties. The water at the lake has been tested weekly.

Rodney will be having volunteers to work next Wednesday afternoon. Work that needs to be done at the lake included fencing, gutters, repair picnic tables.

J. Bowen reported that activities have been going well at the Wallingford Lodge. A water leak on the grounds was repaired. New sand has been added to the Beach.

B. Kelley of Meacham Street gave an update on his project. Hookup to system 140/sewer, permit for 150/water discussed.

M. Breznick requested two pieces of equipment, a small portable generator and a portable air compressor, which was approved.

J. Lambert addressed the Committee with questions regarding the policies put in place for renting the Wallingford Lodge next year.

Fire Chief Duchesne brought in information about new locks for Stations #1 and #2 and re-keying for other locks. One locking system has software that even lets you track who is in the building at any given time. The cost for such a sophisticated locking system is not in the budget for this year, but is an idea that could be presented next year.

R. Regula had questions regarding the need for any new equipment for the Volunteer Firemen.

Mrs. Regula asked why none of the three applicants for the interim position for the Clerk/Treasurer position were hired when it was thought that there was going to be an opening.

R. Reynolds had comments and questions concerning bookings at the Wallingford Lodge, especially concerning courtesy set-up times, which are allowed the evening prior to an event.

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

Walter discussed his conversation with Royal Glass concerning the repairs needed to doors that were overlooked during the assessment of needs for security.

Superintendent Goetz distributed a letter from Principal Jason Morse to WES faculty and staff, which included his schedule for July and August.

He also reported on the food service program selection. The Board approved, barring any unfavorable reports from the Chair, contracting with the Abbey Group.

08/07/08 . Present: C. Watts, C. Piotrowski, D. Baker, K. Fredette, and D. Klock

RSSU Business Mgr. R. Tornatore handed out Estimated Budget Status as of 6/30/08 and Revenue reports.

The Board approved the with Abbey Food Services Group for Food Services for WES.

RSSU’s administrative retreat was held on 8/4-8/5 and some of the topics covered at the retreat were discussed.

W. Goetz discussed the Education Data Warehouse and how it could be of value to RSSU and its schools.

New tiling will be installed in the Art Room to negate the future costs of replacing carpets. Bus Inspections were reported on.

The substitute coordinator seeks more money. The Board authorized the principal to negotiate and come to terms on behalf of the school.

Brief discussion on the wage paid to WES’s substitutes. The issue will be put on a future agenda.

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 .

Tax bills were mailed in mid August. The first half-payment is due October 20th by 4:30 p.m. Please check your tax bill to make sure you have received the Homestead tax rate if you are a Vermont resident. The tax bill will also contain the state payments (prebates) as a reduction if you received a credit.

If you didn't receive the correct tax rate, you have until September 2nd to file your HS-122 Homestead Declaration. You will be charged a 1% penalty on the total school tax amount for late filed Homestead Declaration.

Tax rates - The Town Tax Rate went up nearly 3¢ from .2165¢ to .2452¢ per $100 of property value. The residential School Tax Rate went up nearly 19¢ from $1.0765 to $1.2631, and the non-residential School Tax Rate went up nearly 19¢ from $1.0753 to $1.2638. For those of you in Wallingford Fire District #1, the district tax went up .0029¢ from .0477¢ to .0506¢.

Primary Election Day - September 9th

The polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. upstairs at the Wallingford Town Hall . This is a PRIMARY Election so that means you will receive four ballots (Democratic, Republican, Liberty Union and Progressive) but can only vote for ONE. The primary is where Parties choose who their candidates will be for the November election. You will put your voted ballot into the voting machine and deposit the three unused ballots into a separate bin. Your voted ballot party choice will not be indicated on the checklist. At the General Election in November, you may vote cross party lines, but not in the Primary.

If you need to register to vote in Wallingford , you have until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3rd to be able to vote in the Primary Election on September 9th.

Zoning Permits Issued - Carl Buffum, 57 South Main Street , Addition

Property Transfers - None

Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday, September 3rd at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.

Wallingford Seniors - Friday, September 19th to the Shelburne Museum . Leave Wallingford House parking lot at 8 a.m. Contact Peggy Rice at 446-6050 for more details.

Danby-Mt. Tabor Seniors - Thursday, September 11th to Fells Historic Estate & Gardens on Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire . Contact Barbara Tuers at (802) 293-2092 for more details.

Clarendon Seniors - Friday, September 26th Lake George for a luncheon cruise. Cost is $26.50. Leave Clarendon Grange at 9 a.m. Contact Nancy Buffum at 773-7861 for more details.

Residents of Wallingford House have started a recycling program with the help of Elsie Badamo, Bill Baker of the Walingford Senior Group, and Kim Osmer and the Youth Group from the Congregational Church of Wallingford.

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

Are those groans and moans we hear from the town’s children! It’s back to school time! Time flies when you’re having fun, and it can continue to be fun even after school starts! The Library has some great books to help make the idea of going back to school more fun:

Emily’s First 100 Days of School          Rosemary Wells
Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia                     Peggy Parish
School Days                                          Laura Ingalls Wilder
The School Mouse                                Dick King-Smith
Read with Dick and Jane                      Grosset & Dunlap
Schoolhouse Mystery                           Gertrude Chandler Warner
Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner              Amy Schwartz
School Bells Among Green Hills           Assoc of Retired Teachers of VT
The School at Thrush Green                Miss Read

Stop by and check them out!

The Library welcomes Sue Carey as the new Library Assistant. Most people know Sue as the “sheep lady” that lives in South Wallingford . Well… Sue is going to put her “wooly” ideas to work at the library. Her responsibilities include assisting patrons at the Circulation Desk and developing, planning, and coordinating the Children and Young Adults Programs. Sue has lots of plans and ideas that you will be hearing about in the near future. Stop by and say hello.

I also want to welcome Zora Erickson as the new bookkeeper for the Library. Sue and I look forward to working with Zora and keeping her busy depositing all those donations that we look forward to receiving for our loyal patrons. Welcome Zora!

The Secret Scripture                      Sebastian Berry
Being Elizabeth                                Barbara Bradford
The 19^th Wife                                  David Ebershoff
The Mercedes Coffin                      Faye Kellerman
The Bourne Sanction                      Eric Van Lustbader
The Dark Side (book and audio)     Jane Mayer
The Face of Fear                            John Saul
Way of the World                            Ron Suskind
Almost Utopia: The Residents
and Radicals of Pikes Falls,
Vermont , 1950                                Greg Joly
Forgotten Tales of Vermont             William Alexander

Book Review: Forgotten Tales of Vermont was written by William Alexander. Life is ever-changing and the modern world often eclipses the past. Not too many years ago, the word “ Vermont ” brought about visions of farms, covered bridges and maple syrup. Some would say much of that has now been overshadowed by liberal politics and other factors of continuing urban encroachment. Formerly, true Vermonters were viewed as hardworking people with integrity, a strong work ethic and independence. Hard work and determination may not have resulted in economic prosperity for many, but their lives were enriched in other ways. Storytelling and a healthy dose of Green Mountain sarcasm helped entertain families after a hard day of work on the farm. This book includes a variety of strange tales, legends and even a few “truth is stranger than fiction” stories. These stories will bring back visions of old-time Vermont . An entertaining read and a walk down memory lane for “old-time Vermonters”!

The Friends took the month of August off from their meeting and had a picnic at Sue Thayer’s garden. A good time and good food was enjoyed by all. There are, however, a few things to report. Wallingford Day was our most recent fund-raising effort, and we made between $200-$250 on the sale of books and tag sale items. The picnic backpack, meant to be part of the sale, is still being raffled with tickets available at $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. The raffle will continue through Labor Day.

Book discussions will be starting on September 27 at 7 p.m. in the Klock Room at the Library. The first book is Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. The books have arrived and are available at the Circulation Desk. On October 15, we will read and discuss Home…a Short Story of an Idea by Witold Rybczynski. The October book should be available at the discussion on September 17.

The next Friends’ meeting will be held on September 10 at 2 p.m. at the Library. Again, we welcome new members at any time. All you have to do is come to a meeting and see what we do. Our efforts are primarily directed at raising money for library materials such as books, books for book discussions, and for special programs of interest to the community. Our efforts are worthwhile and our members enjoy working together to enhance this jewel of our community.

Looking ahead to October. Whist parties will resume on October 3, 7 p.m. , in the Klock Room. The next one will be on October 17. Dawn Morse will again organize them. She does not get around as well as she used to, but she can do a lot on the telephone (446-2571). The “party” end of these card parties will need help from those of you who attend.

Also in October, the Fall fund-raising dinner will be held on Saturday, October 18, at the Rotary Building . The food will be Mediterranean , which experts say is the best food for us. Dinner will be served from 5-7 p.m. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Call the Library if you would like additional information (446-2685).

And instead of participating in the Elementary School Craft Fair at Christmas, we will offer all things chocolate at the Library this year. We even hope to have tasting opportunities! Doesn’t that sound lovely?

Linda Reeves, Library Director
Sue Carey, Library Assistant
Telephone/Fax: 446-2685

Library Hours
Sunday & Monday - closed
Tu, Thu, Fri – 10:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wed – 10:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sat – 9:00 – noon

Line Dancing

Beginners & Experienced
Maple Valley Grange Hall

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

Wallingford Memorial Rotary
Annual Lobster Festival
Sunday, September 14, 2008
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Wallingford Lodge on Elfin Lake

Proceeds go to MRUHS Scholarships, Bike Safety Day and other Community Projects.
Tickets - $25 per person
(Steak can be ordered for those who do not want lobster)
Dinner includes salads, corn, dessert,
coffee and ice tea. BYOB
Call Ann at 446-2693 for tickets or information
TICKETS MUST BE PREPURCHASED

Ham Dinner
Thursday, September 18, 2008
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Wallingford Masonic Temple

Featuring Wallingford Locker Cob Smoked Ham, Creamed Potatoes, Baked Beans,

Wallingford Historical Society presents
Wallingford's Section of Long Trail
Tuesday, September 30th
7:00 p.m.
Town Hall

Cindy Taylor will share her knowledge on the
Long Trail that passes through this area.
Free and open to the public

It’s been six years since Cheryl Mazzariello Hooker served in the Vermont State Legislature and she’s ready to serve again. “In the last six years, there has been plenty of talk about issues that directly affect the people of Rutland County, and although small steps have been taken by the legislature to address some of these issues, it’s time for bold, politically courageous action that will have a significant, positive effect on Rutlanders,” said Hooker, a former State Senator, State Representative and City Alderman.

Hooker served in the legislature for eight years between 1990 and 2002, “I’m running for the Senate because many of the issues I worked on in the nineties are still being discussed in the Legislature. The advances on issues like healthcare and energy have been slow in coming and inadequate; in many cases a band-aid approach to treating serious problems. With the global economy the way it is; with gas and fuel oil, food and prescription drug prices going up at exponential rates Vermonters are struggling to make ends meet. Things have changed and the time is right to implement some of the solutions that have been talked about for the past decade: universal health care; alternative energy; housing and job security measures.”

Hooker, a Rutland native who teaches English at Mill River Union High School, and her husband George, who just retired after 35 years of teaching Biology at Rutland High School, have four children and one grandson. “ Rutland was a great place to raise our family. It should be a great, secure place for today’s young families.”

With her previous experience as a State Legislator, and having watched the legislative process from outside the statehouse for the past six years, Hooker feels she can return to Montpelier as an efficient and effective leader for Rutland County .

“We’re at a crossroads in Rutland and Vermont . Will we be victims of a “too little, too late” response to the changes around us, or will be take the bold steps necessary to ensure that Rutland and the state of Vermont offer a safe, healthy, secure and affordable place to live and work?”

For older Vermonters worried about the cost of heating their homes this winter, it might be time to consider applying for help through the Vermont Home Heating Fuel Assistance Program. To qualify, monthly income limits for people over the age of 60 are around $1,234 for a household of one and $1,759 for two. Savings cannot exceed $5,000 for either. Homeowners, renters and those living in heated rentals can qualify.

To receive the maximum fuel benefit in November, it's important to apply by August 31. Those applying before the second deadline of November 30 will receive a full benefit in January. After that date, the benefit will arrive later and be a reduced amount. To obtain an application, or to discuss the program, call the Senior HelpLine 802-786-5991, 1-800-642-5119, or the Office of Home Heating Fuel Assistance 1-800-479-6151. The Senior HelpLine is a free service of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, serving Rutland and Bennington Counties , web site www.svcoa.org. and email seniorhelpline@svcoa.org.

Highlights of 8-19-08 Public Forum on Vandalism held at the Wallingford Town Hall

Speakers were Lt. David Notte of the Vermont State Police, Lt. Stephan Benard of the Rutland Co. Sheriff's Department and Lynne Walsh of Rutland United Neighborhoods

~ The Rutland Police Department has a special Anonymous Tip line on their website. The Vermont State Police has an anonymous drug force tip line (toll free) 1-866-664-3764.

~ Should we start an email-based program wherein every one in the database is alerted to suspicious activity, vandalism, etc. in a quick and easy fashion? Anyone with Internet access can post a message to it. Comments can be sent to townadmin@wallingfordvt.com.

~ Vermont 211 – a United Way of Vermont partnership. Just dial 2-1-1 or visit www.vermont211.org. This is the number to call for information about health and human services and organizations in your community that can help. It is free and confidential available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I called today and it worked great. I got the VSP drug force tip line telephone number from them!

~The Sheriff can serve “No Trespass” notices on behalf of the Town, which are valid for up to two years. We must document all vandalism, dates, names, etc. to substantiate case. Takes pictures with cell phone.

~The Town should notify the parents of these suspected teens or the Sheriff can.

~The Town has an ordinance that alcoholic beverages are not allowed on property owned by the Town.

If a violation is witnessed at the Wallingford Rec Fields or the public beach at Elfin Lake , please contact the Vermont State Police, who will notify the Sheriff’s Department if they are on patrol in Wallingford . RUN recommended community service in exchange instead of fining someone.

~ Encourage residents to get to know their neighbors; who’s walking around, who belongs, who doesn’t, patrol the rec field, etc. Report criminal or suspicious activity.

~Don’t hesitate to contact the Vermont State Police or the Rutland Co. Sheriff’s Department. If it’s not urgent, you can also email them:

Several years back, the Vermont State Police formed a "advisory committee" consisting of 2-3 people from each town to meet on a quarterly basis to review statistics, happenings in their town, etc. Dennis Stocker and Paul Schulz represent Wallingford . If you have any issues you would like them to bring up at these meetings, you can contact Dennis at 446-2263 and Paul at 259-2252. The following report was handed out at their most recent meeting.

Vermont State Police
# of Incidents in Wallingford
From 5/1/08 thru 7/31/08

We want to thank you for the past four years of our lives, which have been enriched and blessed by living among you all. Living in Wallingford is an experience that is impossible to duplicate, even elsewhere in Vermont . We feel privileged to have had the pleasure and joy.

First, we have loved being a part of First Baptist Church of Wallingford. To sum it up in one word we would have to say “FUN”! What a unique and exciting congregation. If this is something you have missed out on or haven’t experienced in awhile we suggest you make a visit. How wonderful to have been a part of a group that understands what joy really is.

The town people who make this community so wonderful have truly blessed us. Joyce and Julie in the Town Hall (they truly care about the people of this town), Mrs. Mullholland and Mr. Fredette at school (they work VERY hard), Wendy and Mike and the Day Care (they are always smiling, we love them), Linda and Carol at the Gilbert Hart Library (I LOVE the library), the girls at Sal’s (best waitresses on the planet!), Jim Lake who kept our old tank running beyond its years and finally suggested it was time to put her to rest (thank you Jim), the Wallingford Locker (the BEST meat ever and super friendly people) the staff and patrons of Mom’s (I second the experience to morning devotions), Frank, Patty and Laurie at the Post Office (they know everything I mail to my kids because they hear Chris complain about how silly the packages are), the staff at Cumbys (they never laugh at us as we buy ice cream year round, at least not when we are there), Doreen’s (sweet people and sweet treats) and of course, Tony and Jan at Nail It Down who had no idea they were inheriting these “old house’ novices from Lynn and Judy when they bought the store. We thank them for their patience and friendship on our daily visits with persistent questions.

Last but certainly not least we thank the neighbors of Circular Ave. You folks are the best, especially the Collins family, whom have become like our family. We have lived in seven states and owned five homes and we have had wonderful neighbors everywhere but the Collins family tops them all. We will treasure our time with you always.