News from the Town of Essex

January 2024

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Town Plan 2024

Second Public hearing - January 8

The Planning Commission held their required public hearing in November and the Selectboard held the first of two public hearings in December. The second public hearing is scheduled for January 8. The hearing will be held at the municipal offices at 6:35 pm, and virtually on Zoom. Essex voters will then have a chance to vote on the Town Plan on Town Meeting Day in March. 

To view the 2024 Town Plan and find more out about the upcoming public hearings, visit the Town Plan webpage.

Congratulations, Chloe Yoon!

Honorable Mention for artwork wins a ride on the fire truck!

Founders School student Chloe Yoon's artwork received an Honorable Mention in the Statewide 2024 Robert Howe Fire Safety Calendar contest and earned her a ride to school on an Essex Fire Department engine. Members of the Essex Fire Department were on hand to escort Chloe to an all-school assembly honoring her achievement.

Joining Chloe was teacher Mrs. Julie Guerino, Firefighter Mariah Billado, Fire Chief Charlie Cole, and Mom, Jenny Yoon (not pictured).

Reappraisal Update

Progress on the 2025 Reappraisal Process

After selecting the first batch of 411 properties and the letters mailed to owners in late September 2023, the data collectors have been busy visiting properties. Based on most visits, the collaboration between the data collectors and the property owners is going smoothly.

The cooperation from the owners has been appreciated and is crucial for getting the work done for completing fair and accurate assessments. The work is almost complete with the first batch of properties, which are on the outskirts of town. The next batch of letters is slated for mailing by the end of next week which includes 437 properties and consists of more in-town properties.

You may view a copy of the letter on the Town of Essex website.

If you have any questions, please contact the Assessing Department at (802) 878-1345, email assessor@essex.org or stop by our office at 81 Main Street, M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Water Service Line Inventory

Testing for lead and copper

The Federal Lead and Copper Rule requires that every Community public water system develop an inventory of the water service lines for all connections to the system and a plan to correct any lead lines that are found. The service lines start at the water main and extend to the building (s) being served. The purpose of the inventory is to determine and replace any lead service connections. Replacement of lead service lines is the responsibility of the water system.

It is very important to note that the Champlain Water District, which provides the water to all customers on the Town water system adds orthophosphate to the treated water before distribution to the system. This safely coats all pipe surfaces with a thin film that doesn’t allow the release of lead into the system. The public water system is protected from lead in the water system through this practice. However, this operating practice does not relieve the impacted community water systems served by CWD from the need to replace any lead service lines.

Town Public Works staff has been working to complete the required Survey since the fall of 2022. The completed results and a written plan to confirm any unknown or lead service lines is due to the state by October 16, 2024. The Town opted to utilize an in-house approach rather than the services of an outside consultant.

So far, there is no evidence to be found that would indicate lead in the Town water service lines with the potential exception of lines in the Fort. Inspection of the service line plumbing in the Fort has so far indicated no lead lines entering buildings but this could change as more inspections are completed.  No service line records exist for the Fort, except for newer buildings. Physical excavation may be mandated in later phases if the entry for a pipe connection is “unknown”.

Work on the inventory is ongoing and will not be completed until late summer of 2024. A grant was obtained from the State to perform the inventory as well as to prepare a plan for any further actions that will be required.  

The Town Public Works may be contacting some individual property owners to obtain access to verify the size and material of the water service line entering the building. Water system users are strongly urged to support this effort. The alternative may be a need to excavate the service line in the future if it falls into the category of “unknown”. Staff does not want to excavate lawns when a very quick inspection at or near the water meter will provide the needed information.

Any questions relating to this work can be directed to Dennis Lutz at dlutz@essex.org, Aaron Martin at amartin@essex.org or Ann Costandi at acostandi@essex.org. Also, contact can be made through the Public Works office at (802) 878-1344.

It's Time to Register your Dog

Be entered to WIN!

Register your dog and be entered to WIN!

All dogs must be registered by April 1st

Please bring your dog's current rabies certificate.

Neutered/spayed dog - $9.00

Un-neutered/spayed dog - $13.00

HOW TO REGISTER:

During the month of January, send a copy of your dog's rabies certificate to the Clerk's Office by emailing at clerk@essex.org; mailing to 81 Main St., Essex Junction; or stop by in person. 

One entry per dog owner, winners will be drawn on February 1st.  

Petitions for the 2024 Town Ballot

Nominating petitions for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting are now available online or by stopping by the Clerk's Office. The following officers will be elected at the 2024 Town of Essex Annual Town meeting on March 5, 2024:

Moderator - one 1-year term (incumbent John Sonnick)

Selectboard Member - one 3-year term (incumbent Tracey Delphia)

In order to have a name placed on the ballot, candidates are required to submit a petition containing at least 30 valid signatures and a consent of candidate form to the Town Clerk. The deadline for submittal of both forms is January 29, 2024 (the sixth Monday preceding the date of election 17 VSA §2681(a)(1)(A).

The deadline for petitions for articles on the ballot (other than candidates) is January 18, 2024 and must contain valid signatures of 5% of Essex registered voters, or at least 448 signatures.

For more information or to ask questions, please contact the Clerk at the Town Offices at 81 Main Street, Essex Jct.; by email at clerk@essex.org; or by phone at 879-0413.

Primary Presidential Ballots

Notice to Essex Voters

When requesting a ballot for the Presidential Primary, you MUST declare which ballot you want to vote.

Why?

Vermont law requires you to ask for a party ballot and for your choice to be recorded by the election official. 17 V.S.A. §2704.  

Choose a

Democratic Ballot or Republican Ballot

Ballots will be available by January 20. You can request a ballot by calling or emailing the Town Office, or on the My Voter Page.

Notice provided by the Vermont Secretary of State's Office.

Participate in the Budget Process

Attend a meeting or send your comments

Mark your calendar to attend the Budget Public Hearing

Send your comments & feedback

Can't make it to a meeting or just prefer to type out your thoughts? Provide your comments and feedback with this quick and easy online form.

Check your Receipts!

Be sure you were not charged a Local Option Tax

As we close out the holiday season, please check your receipts - particularly ONLINE purchases. If you see that you have been charged the 1 percent City of Essex Junction LOT in error, please notify Economic Development Coordinator Jean O'Sullivan at josullivan@essex.org or by calling 802-878-1343.

Vermont Strong

Continued efforts to support flood recovery

Vermonters still need our help in recovering from the summer’s devastating floods. With the winter upon us, support your neighbors by purchasing a Vermont Strong License plate. The proceeds will go to help Vermonters heat their homes and provide mental health supports.

Parks & Recreation

Highlighted Events

Be on the lookout next week for a new Winter '24 brochure!

Getting the Ice Rink Ready

Thank you Essex Fire Department!

The Essex Fire Department filled it, now it just needs to freeze!

The ice rink is located at Foster Road Park, 60 Foster Road. There will be a sign (open/closed) at the top of the dirt road of Foster Road and another at the rink.

FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Bring your own skates!

Lights turn off at 9 pm.

Sign up for notifications regarding the ice rink!

Age Well Grab & Go Meals

The Town of Essex Parks & Recreation is proud to serve as an Age Well Grab & Go Meal site. Starting Wednesday, January 3, community members 60+ years may pick up a meal at the Essex Parks & Recreation office at 81 Main Street.

This program is open to all 60+ community members regardless of income. The goal of the program is to make sure seniors eat nutritious, well-balanced meals.

Pre-registration is required by the Thursday before with a $5 suggested donation.

Holiday Lights Tour

Essex seniors enjoyed some refreshments after a tour of the 05452 Holiday Lights in December. Congratulations to the Holiday Light Contest winners - Route A: 124 Center Road (Runner up: 355 River Road) and Route B: 47 Cushing Drive (Runner up: 212 River Road). Thank you for sharing your holiday spirit with us!

Essex Free Library

Highlighted Events

Selectboard Resolution in Appreciation

Robert Whitten retires after 40 years of service

The Selectboard adopted a Resolution in Appreciation to Robert "Bob" Whitten for 40 years of service to the Town of Essex. Bob retired December 29th as the Water & Sewer Supervisor for the Public Works Department. Congratulations on your retirement, Bob - you will be missed!

RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION OF

ROBERT WHITTEN

WHEREAS, Robert Whitten was hired as Highway Crew member for the Town of Essex Public Works Department on October 17, 1983; and,

WHEREAS, Robert Whitten will be retiring on December 29, 2023; and,

WHEREAS, Robert Whitten has been an integral part of the Public Works Department supporting both the community and his fellow employees; and,

WHEREAS, Robert Whitten has played a leading role in the operation and maintenance of the water and sewer systems throughout the Town of Essex; and,

WHEREAS, Robert Whitten has been an indispensable team member for the Water and Sewer Department throughout his tenure; and, 

WHEREAS, Robert Whitten has been a dedicated, loyal and dependable employee of the Town of Essex; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that on the occasion of Robert’s retirement that the Essex Selectboard, on behalf of the staff and citizens of the Town of Essex, hereby extend our most sincere appreciation to Robert Whitten for over 40 years of service in making Essex a better community in which to live and work.  

Town's Commitment to Safety Pays Off

Workers Compensation renewal costs decrease

The Town of Essex is delighted to announce that thanks to the concerted efforts of its dedicated safety committee and staff, Essex has achieved a significant milestone in reducing its workers compensation experience modifier.

A workers' compensation experience modifier is a representation of a company's past insurance claims and workplace safety performance in comparison to industry averages. It is a key factor in determining premium rates for workers' compensation insurance. The experience modifier is calculated based on our historical loss claims experience, with values above 1.0 indicating higher-than-average risk and potential claims, and values below 1.0 suggesting better-than-average safety records.

This accomplishment reflects the commitment to workplace safety exhibited by town employees. With the latest renewals, our modifier now stands at an impressive 0.95, down from a high of 1.24 just three years ago. This achievement not only demonstrates the effectiveness of safety initiatives but also directly translates into tangible benefits for the Town, leading to lower workers' compensation premium rates. Congratulations to the Town's safety committee for their unwavering dedication to fostering a safer and healthier work environment.

Boards & Committees

Vacancies

• Housing Commission
• Energy Committee
• Alternate to Town Meeting TV Board of Trustees
• Alternate to Green Mountain Transit Board of Commissioners

• Restorative Community Connections Coordinator
• Per Diem Fire Fighter/EMT
• Volunteer Paid on Call Fire Fighter and/or EMS
• Park Patrol
• Police Officer
• Water/Sewer Operator

Opioid Overdose Prevention Resources

COVID Resources

Winter Parking Ban in Effect - Dec. 1 through April 1. Learn more.

Town Plan 2024 - Up-to-date Information

Reappraisal Project 2025 - Up-to-date Information

Lost & Found - An Adidas hat, Hydroflask water bottle, Yeti mug, and hooded sweatshirt have been left behind in the 81 Main St. conference room. Please call the Town Office 879-0413 to identify.

Essex Human Services Funding Applications are open. Deadline to submit is February 15. Learn more at www.essexvt.org/humanservices.

Town of Essex YouTube Channel - check out meeting recordings and other videos from the Town. www.youtube.com/@essexvt

Vermont Agency of Transportation Travel Survey

Click on this link to take the survey: https://arcg.is/0zS5bj0

Mark your Calendar

Jan. 8 - Selectboard Meeting & Public Hearing on Town Plan 2024

Jan. 9 - Conservation & Trails Meeting

Jan. 11 - Planning Commission Meeting (CANCELED)

Jan. 15 - Offices & Essex Free Library Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan. 18- EDC Group Work Session

Jan. 18 - Deadline to submit petitions for articles on 2024 ballot

Jan. 24 - Charter Review Committee Meeting

Jan. 25 - Planning Commission Meeting

Jan. 29 - Deadline to submit petitions for Candidates on 2024 ballot

Jan. 29 - Selectboard Meeting & Public Hearing on FY2025 Budget

Feb. 1 - Economic Development Commission Meeting

Feb. 1 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting (No applications - no meeting)

Feb. 7 - Housing Commission Meeting

Feb. 8 - Planning Commission Meeting

Feb. 12 - Selectboard Meeting & Town Meeting Preview

Be sure to look online for cancelations. When offices are closed, a drop box for payments is located outside the entrance door at the Town Offices at 81 Main Street, Essex Junction. Many services are available online at www.essexvt.org.