Please
send news, ads, and items of interest to the Town
Clerk by December
16th
to townclerk@wallingfordvt.com.
Thank
you to all of
you who sent cards‚ food or well wishes following my surgery.
I’ll be back to new before you know it. Joyce
Barbieri
The 250 Year Celebration of
Join
us for the RESCHEDULED 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Charter of
Revised Ordinance – Regulation of Animals
The Selectboard has revised the animal
control ordinance to include a dog waste violation effective January 7, 2012.
Read the proposed ordinance at www.wallingfordvt.com
under Ordinances.
HELP WANTED – TOWN OF
|
Volunteer
Positions that are currently available: Planning Commission, Recreation
Committee, and Emergency Management Coordinator.
Send letter of interest to the Wallingford Selectboard at 75 School Street, |
Flood Victim Donations
Go to http://www.vtcleanup.org
under "Goods Exchange". This web site is similar to Craig's list
and matches donations of goods, such as used functional appliances, with people
impacted by the flood who are in need.
Wallingford Pond Road
A portion of Wallingford Pond Road
was destroyed during Tropical Storm Irene and remains impassable.
The contractor will begin work on November 28th and proceed as
far as possible until the weather prohibits him.
The road will be made passable for our plow truck‚ 4 wheelers and
snowmobiles up to where the forest land begins until late spring.
Road repairs are being funded by the
Winter
Parking & Plowing
Reminder
– No Parking goes into effect November 15th through March 31st.
No parking allowed on
Please
report missing town street signs by calling the Town Garage at 446-2472.
The
Town is not responsible for the sidewalks. Questions or concerns should be
directed to the Wallingford Fire District #1 Office at 446-2964.
The Highway Department requests that if you see a problem on a town road, i.e. a
sink hole, a tree down, etc., please call the Garage at 446-2472. Don’t
assume that someone has already called in to report it. You can leave a
message if no one answers, and you don’t have to leave your name.
It’s
actually against state law to plow across the town road when plowing your
driveway. Thank you for cooperating
in this matter.
Holiday
Hours~ The Town Office will be CLOSED
on Monday‚ December 26th.
The Transfer Station will be open both Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Day.
Zoning
Permits Issued
None
Property
Transfers
None
{Please
note that these meeting minutes are a brief summary and are not the final
approved version.}
Selectboard
11/07/11.
Present:
B. Brooks‚ F. Bruce, N. Tift, and R. Regula
Mark Tessier is interested in reducing his
fire protection taxes and would like to see the Town and Fire Department
initiate a joint purchasing program. Mr.
Tessier also would like the right to vote on fire protection issues
Board of Tax Abatement Chair Bill Seward
discussed the properties that had flood damage.
Charlie
Woods reported on the status of the grader that’s been out of commission.
The
Selectboard declined a request from Felix Orbe to fix the clogged bridge on his
property that was caused by road gravel and rocks that washed downstream by the
flood because the Town does not perform work on private property.
Julie
was given authorization to choose the lowest bidder from the three bidders who
responded to the Wallingford Pond forest project once the bids have been
revised.
There
was discussion about the cement retaining walls along Roaring Brook behind the
school that were damaged during the flood.
The Selectboard adopted
the proposed animal control ordinance that includes fines for dog owners who do
not clean up after their dogs.
The
Selectboard denied a request from Amy Beauchain to change the name of
A (small) 250th celebration of Wallingford’s charter has been rescheduled to Sunday‚ December 4th at 2 p.m. upstairs at Town Hall.
On
behalf of Janine Rodgers of Prospect Street‚ Julie asked how to deter
motorists from using Prospect and
The
Selectboard reviewed the satisfactory post-construction report from DuBois &
King for the Van Wyck Bridge repairs.
The
Selectboard voted to terminate the contract with Vermont Municipal Assessor.
Prudential
Committee
10/26/11.
Present:
S. Sendra, D. Stocker and A. Sharp
Maureen
reported on some water pipe issues that Dale found but the work can not be done
until we get permission from the state because it goes across the river.
We are waiting to get an answer about getting this taken care of before
winter.
Maureen
distributed the bids for the snowplowing season.
The Board selected Mason’s Property and Maintenance whose price
included sanding and was a better deal of the four bids.
The
refinance paperwork from the lawyer who will be handling the closing in Boston
in December was read through and discussed by the board.
The board and clerk signed all necessary documents.
The
second meeting in November was moved to November 30 because of the holiday.
11/09/11.
Present:
S. Sendra and A. Sharp
Mark
Simon came before the board with a proposal to oversee the water/sewer
day-to-day operations. The board
reviewed it and told Mark this would be something they would have to go through
and see if it fit into the budgets.
The
refinance paperwork has been completed and we are now waiting for the lawyer to
go to the closing and let us know exactly what our savings will be for the water
bond. The closing is in December in
The
board reviewed the monthly financial statements.
The
board discussed some dates for the budget meetings as it is getting to be that
time of year again. It was decided
that the Lodge budget will be done on 11/30.
Tentative dates for the rest of the budgets are Fire Protection on 12/5,
General on 12/14, and the Water/Sewer on 12/16.
The final dates will be set at our next meeting in case we have to change
any of these.
Energy Committee
11/01/11.
Present: K. Welch, C.
Dinnan, J. White, R. Nimtz, B. Jones, J. Barbieri and D. Blodgett
Ken
has been unsuccessful in garnering a contractor for work in the Town Hall.
Button–up
workshop went reasonably well.
Our
committee feels there are lots of potential energy savings at WES and would like
to help WES improve its energy efficiency and have students become involved in
this effort. Principal Penny
Lienhardt is totally open to suggestions and the students are aware/conscious of
energy use. The school budget is
challenging to make all of the appropriate changes to improve efficiency. The
maintenance budget of the school has been hit hard.
The
committee believed that a thermal audit of the school is a good place to start.
Ralph asked about busing and fuel use issues. We talked about numerous energy
alternatives including solar, PV, gas on demand particularly for the schools
oversized hot water tank. In
addition the gym lights are a big energy user.
Ken
proposed that the WEC begin to flesh out details on an approach to an efficiency
plan for WES and keep Penny in the loop.
Jay
discussed energy code enforcement – State energy codes – residential and
commercial are supposed to be self regulating – contractors aren’t
compiling. Discussion as to towns doing that compliance, about 3% compliance
overall – trying to get to 90 %. Ken
says we should try to get our folks to different energy meetings.
Jack
and Anna Tally are interested in joining WEC. Joyce is going to find out what
category we’re in as a committee.
Conservation Commission
10/24/11.
Present: C. Macleod, A.
Tiplady, R. Nimtz, M. Pramuk, J. Gilman, J. Bliss, and D. Klock
35
people attending the fall festival including us.
The Committee agreed to just concentrate on the winter gathering.
Bog
trash will be hauled away by Lynn Keyes. People are leaving trash and/or littering
at the Stone Meadow parking lot.
We
request that Pike dump the remaining fill on top of previously dumped piles
rather than making a new pile for each dumping. We also request that the
boulders that prevent vehicular access to Stone Meadow be replaced as soon as
Pike has completed delivery of the fill.
Ralph
picked up the initial load of lumber for the new boardwalk.
Work days will continue. Ralph will check with John Cotrupi to confirm
his availability to do the brunt of the construction.
Ralph will confirm his hourly rate and determine if he has paid helpers
so that the construction can proceed quickly.
Completion
date for the $8‚500 boardwalk grant is February 10th.
We think we can complete the boardwalk prior to the expiration date but
suggest that we seek a three-month extension for the education signage, etc.
portion.
Ann
will compile a video of photographs of WCC activities at Stone Meadow.
Wallingford
Elementary School
10/13/11.
Present: K. Fredette, M.
Kenny, J. Rodgers‚ D. Klock and P. Rondinone
Kathy
Luzader gave a presentation on what she teaches.
Principal
Lienhardt’s report included that two school windows were broken by vandals on
9/25.
The
board discussed and accepted the Mobil Grant.
The
second half day of RSSU’s in-service will be held on 10/5. Teachers will be
conducting meetings in Grade Levels to continue work on common assessments and
setting goals for the year.
Dana
and Ken gave a brief presentation on the proposed master contract for the three
elementary schools of Rutland South. The
master contract for the RSSU elementary schools for FY-s 2011-2014 was approved.
The
board had a brief discussion on holiday decorations. Suggestion was made to
think this over and discuss further at another meeting.
Ken
quickly went through proposed VSBA resolutions to be voted on at the annual
conference next week and the board had no objections.
Janine
was voted to be the
10/18/11.
Present: K. Fredette,
M. Kenny and P. Rondinone
Principal
Lienhardt gave her report. Current
enrollment is 131: K-18, 1st -
17, 2nd - 14, 3rd - 18, 4th - 16, 5th - 19, 6th- 14/15
The
Board entered executive session with the principal to discuss a personnel
matter. No action was taken.
11/03/11.
Present: K. Fredette,
M. Kenny‚ P. Rondinone, and J. Rodgers
Mary
Ellen Kafarski gave a presentation on Title I services she provides to students.
Stan
Pawlaczyk reviewed the preliminary budget with the board.
Principal
Lienhardt’s report included: the dishwasher heating coil had to be
replaced ($500. + or – repair) Current enrollment is 130.
The
RSSU Transportation Committee met to discuss the savings that could be realized
from combining two and possibly three routes next fall. The savings would result
from reducing the number of drivers and buses (along with the associated repairs
and maintenance). Combining routes,
as opposed to consolidating elementary and high school runs, appears to be the
preferred alternative at this point. The committee will look at those projected
cost savings and take up the issue of how to assess transportation costs in FY
13 to the member districts and will also make a decision on the recommendation
to continue with Phase II of the original consolidation plan.
We
have received no advanced word from the Vermont DoE for guidance as we begin to
build budgets for next year. Irene’s costs to state and local governments are
still being determined, but there will undoubtedly be pressure to keep local
spending increases to a minimum given the current emergency expenditures.
Michelle
reported that the Kids Cove is going well.
The
Board entered executive session with the principal and superintendent to discuss
a personnel matter. No action was taken.
“Wallingford
Seniors’ Happenings”
Foot and blood pressure clinic on Wednesday,
December 7th at 10:30 a.m. at the Wallingford House.
Senior Program:
There will be no grocery shopping in
Remember
Seniors’ lunch every Monday at Noon at the Rotary.
Contact Linda Weightman at 446-2301.
We will hold bingo on
the 2nd Monday of each month at the Rotary building at 1 p.m. The public
is welcome.
Children
are invited to join us at the library this month for a special gingerbread
making project. The first date, a construction of houses date, is open to
children ages 7 and up and will be Tuesday December 6 at 3:15 p.m. in the Klock
Room. We'll be making houses from graham crackers using icing to hold the
structures together. The next project date is Friday, December 16, again
at 3:15 p.m. in the Klock Room. On this date, ages 4 & up are invited
to come and decorate a house of their own with candies and treats donated by the
Friends of the Library. Houses
to decorate will be supplied for those not attending the earlier construction
workshop. Stories of the season will be shared at both events. For
more information call Wendy at the library.
This
year the library will be closed on Saturday‚
12/24 and Saturday‚
12/31 in observance of the holiday eves.
Be sure to visit the library during regular weekly hours to pick up a
good book to curl up with by the fire. We have many new arrivals for you
to enjoy. Make a New Year's resolution to come in and get your new patron
barcode number to try accessing the free online services available. We are
your community library and if we don't have a book you're looking for, we'll
make an effort to locate it.
Library
Hours
Tues:
10 - 5:00
Wed:
10 – 8:00
Thurs & Fri: 10 – 5:00
Saturday:
9 – 12:00
Telephone
446-2685
Hart
Lines By the
Friends of Gilbert Hart Library
Ah! The busiest time of the year
is now upon us! Let us try to enjoy it this year, and be thankful for what
blessings we have, and pray that those who have been badly affected by
“Irene” are finding new hope and help within our community to be thankful
for.
At
the Library we have postponed some events until next year, but will go forward
with those we’ve all come to expect:
Ø
December 1st (Thursday) we will light a tree in front
of the building, as well as the porch area. There will be carol singing out
front and cookies and cocoa inside, along with visiting with neighbors who come.
Ø
December 3rd (Saturday) you can go to the Craft Fair
around town.
Ø
December 4th (Sunday) The town has rescheduled its 250th
anniversary. It will be at the town hall and you are to bring a dessert. 2:00
– 3:00 p.m.
Ø
December 6th (Tuesday) and December 16th
(Friday) Wendy has a project for the children, making gingerbread houses at the
Library.
Ø
December 9th (Friday) Whist Party, the only one in
December this year. Call Carol 446-2843.
To
look further into the new year, Lois Johnstone will lead her rug-braiding
classes again, on February 4th and 11th and March 3rd
and 10th (all Saturdays) from 9 – 12 a.m. in the Klock Room.
The
Friends hope to show movies this winter at the Town Hall, where the Seniors have
put up a nice big screen. Watch for notices of your favorite movies after the
first of the year.
Wanna help? Friends are always looking for more friends – we need some new ideas, an extra hand or two when we have a project, and we need replacements in our membership for those whose age is pushing 90 and we aren’t as sure of ourselves as we used to be. Do give us a break!
And
from all of us at the Library, Happy Holidays to you all, and a better New Year
to come!
Events for the Maple Valley Grange #318 on Route 7 in
Every
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Line Dancing. $5
per person. Snack bar available.
Beginners & experienced.
Every
Thursday Martial Arts at 6:30 p.m.
The
Chipman Lodge 52 FAM holds
monthly meetings on the second Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge.
Suicide
Survivors Support Group
monthly meetings for those who have lost a loved one through suicide are held at
the Maple Leaf Clinic, 167 North Main Street
in
Wallingford
Neighborhood Watch
If
you’d like to receive emails under the
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED
Jr.
Firefighters – Age 13-18 –
Senior
Firefighters – Age 18 - ?
We
will train.
Volunteers
needed -- Age 13- seniors for Fundraisers, work details, events!
Contact Charlie Gauthier at 353-0996 for details.
Wallingford
Rotary Club
Mark
your calendars for our pork dinner to be held on Saturday‚ January 28th.
More details to follow in next month’s newsletter.
Wallingford
Rescue
Wallingford Rescue Toy Drive
at
Unwrapped
new toys, DVDs and video games needed for all ages.
No violent toys or gift cards. Toys
will be donated to the
Christmas
Wreath
If
you are interested in pre-ordering a Christmas wreath to benefit the Wallingford
Rescue‚ call Carleen Eaton at 446-3101 or WRS at 446-3942 and leave your name
and number and a WRS member will get in contact with you.
Community Food Shelves
The First Congregational Church of
Wallingford’s Food Shelf will not be open on Thursday evenings from December
thru April. We will‚ however‚
still be open on Monday mornings from 9-11 a.m. All other times‚ contact
Evelyn Smith at 446-2341.
St.
Patrick’s Church in
BURIAL
LOTS FOR
By
Time
Call
Charles Gauthier at 353-0996
Terms:
20% down; balance paid in 10 monthly payments. Deed will be written when last
payment is made. If APPLICANT FAILS TO MAKE FINAL PAYMENT AS AGREED, APPLICANT
WILL FORFEIT 20% DOWN PAYMENT. ANY
ADDITIONAL MONEY PAID WILL BE RETURNED TO APPLICANT.
Wallingford
has a chance to win up to $12,050
NeighborWorks® of Western Vermont
invites
Wallingford
will win $50 for every completed improvement regardless if the target is
reached.
All towns that achieve
their target number are eligible to win one of two $10,000 awards for the
following categories:
- Town
with the highest percent of home energy improvements completed per capita
- Town
with the highest average energy savings
(Please note that a
town can only win one category in the bonus round.) All financial awards must go
toward an energy efficiency improvement activity, such as weatherizing a town
building; purchasing materials for an energy curriculum at your local school, or
helping residents or businesses improve energy efficiency.
The target number for
each town is 5% of the number of households owning a home.
All home energy
improvements must be finished (with “test-out” complete) by May 31, 2012,
and winners will be announced by July 15, 2012.
Join your friends and
neighbors. It starts with one call to the NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad for a
Home Energy Check-Up. Stop wasting money on utility and energy costs to keep
your home comfortable! ACT NOW and make your home count! Call (802) 438-2303 x
227 to schedule your check-up or visit www.heatsquad.org
for more information.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Getting
It Done Under the banner
“NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad”, we have developed a “One-Stop-Shop” for
home energy improvements to include:
Help scheduling a
“home energy check-up” wherein a certified energy professional conducts a
detailed analysis of energy saving efficiency opportunities in their home;
Help from an Energy
Advocate about technical and financial resources, and works with the homeowner
throughout the entire process
Help with construction
management to ensure that the work is done to the homeowner’s satisfaction;
and,
Access to financing to
help homeowners pay for the energy improvements.
Local partners plan to
use a wide range of techniques to reach people in their communities, including:
door-to-door campaigns, phone-a-thons, and tables at town meeting day, among
other outreach methods. To help assist these efforts, NeighborWorks will provide
educational packets and marketing materials, conduct workshops, and maintain a
website with town-by-town updates on the competition.
NeighborWorks will be glad to come to your community to explain how the
competition works.
In
July 2010, NeighborWorks received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to
implement a county-wide effort to achieve wide-scale energy savings, create
jobs, and put in place the infrastructure for long-term energy savings in
East
Join
us for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service starts at 6:30 p.m.
First
Congregational Church of Wallingford‚
Saturday December 3rd
9
a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact
Evelyn Smith at 446-2341 or
Shirley Graves at 446-2787 if you’d like to rent a table.
Christmas
Bazaar
St.
Patrick's Church
Saturday, December 3rd
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Basket
auction, crafts, bake sale, plant sale,
regifting table & 50/50 raffle
Lunch will also be available.
35th Annual WES Craft Fair to benefit the
Student Enrichment Fund
126
School Street
Saturday‚ December 3rd
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Homecooked Luncheon and Bake Sale, Cake Walks for the Children, Door prizes, and
More!