Municipal Newsletter from the  Town of Essex

September 2024

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Explore Essex this fall and enjoy two weeks of activities, specials, discounts, and a NEW Explorer Challenge! The Town of Essex festival kicks off with Community Day on September 21st from 10am to 3pm at Foster Road Park.

Enjoy musical performances by The Banjo Dan Duo, Jon Randel & Magnetic Horse, as well as a wonder-filled performance by Alyx the Magician.

Continue to explore over 50 craft & farmer's market booths, agricultural displays, kids' carnival, touch-a-truck, and more! Participate in baking contests, games, raffles, and take in the sights and sounds of the day on a horse drawn hayride and live broadcasts from Star 92.9 and 95 Triple X.

Pick up your Explore Essex Passport at the welcome table to enjoy discounts and special offers from local businesses and nonprofits over the next two weeks. You'll find special events including a fundraising barn dance for the Essex Firefighter's Association, demonstrations, wine tastings, free books, and discounts happening all over the Town of Essex!

For the younger members of your family, pick up a copy of the Explorer Challenge. Complete the challenge and your little explorer can earn a prize and an official Town of Essex Explorer Certificate! Have fun as you learn about the community you live in!

The Banjo Dan Duo

Alyx the Magician

Jon Randel & Magnetic Horse

Touch -a- Truck

• Bonnett Racing
• Subaru Racing (VT Sports Car)
• Lawrence Family Farms
• Vermont Army National Guard
• CCR Sales and Service
• Essex Rescue
• Town of Essex Fire Department
• Essex Police Department
• Essex Senior Vans
• Essex Public Works Department

Bring a donation for Aunt Dot's Food Shelf!

Thank you, Friends and Supporters of Community Day

• Bonnett Racing
• CCR Sales and Service
• Essex Town Fire Department
• Essex Free Library
• Essex Police Department
• Essex Rescue
• Lawrence Family Farms
• Subaru Racing
• The Essex Reporter
• The Strike Zone
• Town of Essex Public Works
• Town of Essex Parks & Recreation
• Vermont Army National Guard
• WCAX Across the Fence

You can see a sneak preview at some of the fun happening in Essex September 21st through October 5th by visiting our website. You will be able to download and print your own Explore Essex Passport after September 18th. Printed passports will be on hand at Community Day. Be sure to visit the Explore Essex Information Booth to get yours!

Check out the Passport Stops!

• Open House at the Police Station
• Fun activities at Essex Free Library
• Tours of the Harriet Farnsworth Powell Museum
• Discounts at local businesses like Charlotte Case
• In-store raffle for $100 gift card at L'ivresse Lingerie
• FREE books at Phoenix Books
• Creative storm drain stenciling with Rethink Runoff
• Hayrides at Chapin Orchard
• FREE wine tasting at Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market
• Live music at 1st Republic
• Fundraising barn dance for the Essex Firefighter's Association
• ArtHound Gallery hosts the Vermont Craft Council Open Studio Tour!

Get out and EXPLORE!

Forming the support for the Selectboard's Strategic Work Plan are 5 values with 10 long-term goals set for FY25 through FY33. In August's edition of Essex News, we broke down the work plan goals under the value, "Cohesiveness and Connectivity". This edition focuses on the next value, "Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability".

Value - Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability

The Town budgets responsibly, and plans for the future through its capital projects. Municipal assets, including vehicles, are maintained and replaced in a cost-effective manner.

The long-term goals relevant to Fiscal Responsibility and Sustainability include:

• Ensure that Essex's capital needs are understood and fully funded, with an exploration of all possible funding mechanisms.
• Make improvements in multimodal transportation options throughout Essex.
• Consider non-property-tax revenue sources and update in the best interest of the community.
• Ensure long-term support of high-quality public safety.

How will we achieve these goals?

• Fully identify capital needs, including vehicle replacement schedules, and present a plan to pay for those needs.
• Update capital plan to have all Public Works vehicles replaced in eight years.
• Pursue the installation of a crosswalk on VT Route 15 at Saybrook Road and the ice cream shop. 
• Study and propose solutions to minimize truck traffic on Sand Hill Road. 
• Investigate increase of non-property tax revenues, such as licensing fees allowed by charter, impact fees, etc.
• Update Parks and Rec fees to cover costs to the maximum extent possible, including operational and capital needs.
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Upper Main Street Planning Project

Attend the next public meeting - October 3

On October 3 the second of several public meetings will be held for the Upper Main Street Planning Project. At this meeting, the consultant team will introduce master plan concepts for feedback. This will include information gathered from the first public meeting and the follow up survey. The municipal building programs will also be presented. The meeting will be held from 7:00 – 8:30 in the Essex Middle School cafeteria.

It isn't too late to take the survey, so your input can be included in the master plan.

Sign up for Notifications

Stay on top of what is happening in your community

Did you know you can sign up to receive an email notification when new meeting agendas and notices are warned and posted? There has been a recent interest in the discussions taking place regarding the construction of a women's correctional facility in Essex. Sign up to receive notifications about posted agendas for the Planning Commission by visiting our website and creating an account. Once created and logged in, click on the "SUBSCRIPTIONS" button in the upper right corner and make your selections.

Development Review Board

Applications are being accepted

The Development Review Board (DRB) is a new seven-member volunteer board that will be made up of Essex citizens who are appointed by the Selectboard for staggered four-year terms. The DRB is charged with overseeing subdivision, site plan, conditional use, appeals, variances, and all other Board reviewed applications.

Ultimately, the purpose behind the development review process is to help achieve the community’s vision through sensible and well-planned development. The community’s vision is expressed broadly in the Town Plan, and codified with regard to new development in specific land use regulations – Zoning Regulations, Subdivision Regulations, etc.

The DRB is a new board that will replace the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the development review functions of the Planning Commission. The DRB will begin their duties on or no later than January 1, 2025. All meetings are open to the public and are typically held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Essex Municipal Offices at 81 Main Street. The Development Review Board is staffed by the Town’s Community Development Department.

You may receive a $50 stipend per meeting to participate in this important work for your community.

Other current committee/board vacancies

• Development Review Board - 7 seat available
• Essex Representative (alternate) - Town Meeting TV Board of Trustees
• Essex Representative (alternate) - Green Mountain Transit Commissioner

News from the Economic Development Commission

A visit to the Paul Mazza Farm

August 9th the Paul Mazza Farm hosted EDC Commissioner Ken Signorello and State Senator Irene Wrenner to introduce the EDC to their farming operation and the impact the last two years of flooding has had on their business.

Paul Mazza bought the land 39 years ago to start his farming enterprise in Essex. Katie Mazza, Paul’s daughter, UVM graduate and the Mazza’s fourth generation farmer, introduced the farm operations. The Paul Mazza Farm supplies local produce to many of the surrounding farm stands along with Hannafords stores.

Bottom land is a rich environment for farming. However, that land has had minor flooding over the years as an impact from the Green Mountain Power dam water levels. Outright flooding has occurred in July and December of 2023 and July 2024. The excessive rains over the past two years have further challenged the operation.  

Their own farmstand has experienced overwhelming support from the local community as well as New Yorkers and tourists to the area. It is through experienced farm management and this outpouring of local support that Paul Mazza’s Farm continues to flourish and provide us with the best freshest local produce.

If you have a new business in the Town of Essex and would like to be featured, please reach out to Economic Development Coordinator Jean O'Sullivan.

Flood Relief State and Federal

The Agency for Commerce and Community Development along with the Agency for Natural Resources and Agriculture have introduced their Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) Funding for flood impacted businesses and farms.

The Small Business Administration is offering no-interest for two years than low interest loans to flood impacted businesses. Their recommendation is that all flood impacted businesses apply for all available grants and loans immediately. If awarded a loan, the business would have two years to access the loan. 

Essex Firefighter's Association Barn Dance

Fundraiser Event

Join us for a fun and memorable night benefiting the Essex Firefighter's Association

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Whitcomb Barn, 199 Jericho Road, Essex

Doors open at 6 pm

Barbie N Bones plays 7pm to 10pm

$25 Admission - CASH ONLY - tickets sold at the door

Ages 18+

TIP: Having cash on hand will ensure you can easily enjoy the bar and 50/50 Raffle.

Explore Essex

September 21 - October 5

Community Day - September 21

Have you signed up your business to participate?

The Town of Essex is hiring for multiple Full-Time and Per diem job openings, in a variety of roles and departments. We are hiring for the following roles:

Community Affairs Liaison

This is a Civilian support position that represents the Police Department through a variety of routine to complex duties related to public outreach, education, and information sharing in support of Police Department efforts. This position assists in creating, developing, coordinating, and implementing community outreach programs to improve and maintain relationships between police and the community. The liaison serves as the department’s primary public information resource

Other positions include:

Per Diem Fire Fighter/EMT

Volunteer Paid on Call Fire Fighter and/or EMS

Police Officer

Water/Sewer Operator Level III

The Town offers a very competitive benefits package to Full-Time staff to include: Generous vacation and sick accruals, VMERS C Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, MVP Health Insurance, employer paid Dental and Vision insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance and optional ICMA-RC 457 and Roth IRA Retirement plans. The Town of Essex is an equal opportunity employer.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes test positive in Essex

Mosquitoes collected in the Town of Essex have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV can be a very serious illness for some people. The best way to prevent getting sick is to avoid mosquito bites.

The Health Department strongly urges people in Essex take precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

• Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Get rid of standing water (i.e., clogged roof gutters, bird baths). Mosquitoes breed in standing water that lasts more than four days.
• Cover baby carriages or outdoor playpens with mosquito netting.
• Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.

Covid-19, Flu, and RSV

What to know about this year's vaccines

Q: Is there a combo flu-COVID-19 vaccine? 

A: Not this year. They’re still two separate shots. But they can be administered at the same time. 

Q: Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get the new vaccine. 

Q: Is fall a good time to get vaccinated for flu? 

A: The CDC says the ideal time is September and October, before we start seeing flu cases. It takes up to two weeks for your body to develop flu antibodies, so once you get the shot, it's another couple weeks before you're actually protected. The vast majority of cases happen December to February or March, so it's best to be protected during that peak. 

Town Clerk

Ballots for November Election

The Essex Town Office has been receiving inquiries regarding ballots for the General Election being held on November 5, 2024. The State of Vermont will begin mailing ballots to ALL ACTIVE REGISTERED VOTERS September 23, 2024 to the mailing address on file. Barring any postal delays, voters should receive their ballot by October 4th. 

Voters can return their ballot by mail, deliver it to the Town Office through November 4, or return it at the polls on voting day. There is a drop box available for ballots delivered after hours. All ballots received by 7pm on November 5 will be counted. Please allow sufficient time if you mail your ballot.

If you do not receive a ballot, or have any questions, please contact the Town Office at clerk@essex.org or 802-879-0413.

Finance Office

Property Tax Installments due September 16th

The first installments for property taxes are due September 16th. There are several methods to choose from to pay your property taxes or water/sewer bills.  

1) Mail your payment (please include the stub).

2) Pay in person at the town office (81 Main Street).

3) Deposit it in the drop box located to the left of the town office door (no cash, please).

4) Pay online (a convenience fee will be added).

Public Works

Test your pool water before draining

Residents must test their pool water and submit those results to Public Works for approval to drain their pool into the Town’s storm system. If those test results show chlorine, it is recommended to leave your pool to sit untreated for 7-10 days to allow the chlorine to break down and then test the water again. Additional information regarding pool water disposal can be found on the Town’s website.

Notice of Paving beginning on September 9 - Kellogg Road

The Town of Essex has contracted with F.W. Whitcomb to mill and pave Kellogg Road from Land Air (#7 Kellogg Road) to the Colchester Town Line. This work will necessitate flagger controlled lane closures and one way traffic with moderate delays. Work is scheduled to start on Monday, September 9th and is expected to continue through the 12th. The Town is encouraging commuters to find alternate routes. If you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 802-878-1344.

Mark your Calendar

Sep 10 - Conservation & Trails Committee Meeting

Sep 12 - Planning Commission Site Visit - 21 Essex Way

Sep 12 - Planning Commission Meeting

Sep 16 - 1st Half Property Taxes Due

Sep 16 - Selectboard Meeting

Sep 17 - Police Community Advisory Board Meeting

Sep 19 - Economic Development Commission Business Outreach Meeting

Sep 21 - Community Day - Foster Road Park

Sep 21 - Essex Firefighter's Association Barn Dance - Whitcomb Barn

Sep 21 - Oct 5 - Explore Essex Fall Festival Passport Events & Explorer Challenge

Sep 24 - Board of Civil Authority Meeting

Sep 26 - Planning Commission Meeting

Oct 1 - Housing Commission Meeting

Oct 3 - Economic Development Commission Meeting

Oct 3 - Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting

Oct 3 - Upper Main Street Planning Project Public Meeting - Essex Middle School

Oct 7 - Selectboard Meeting

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.