Municipal Newsletter from the  Town of Essex

August 2024

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The initiation of the Upper Main Street Planning project marks a significant milestone for the Town of Essex. With the first public meeting successfully held at the new Farmhouse Event Center, the town has set in motion a collaborative effort to shape the future of the 32-acre site. The consultant's presentation and subsequent group discussions reflect a commitment to transparency and community involvement in the planning process. Stakeholder meetings throughout the day further underscore the inclusive approach taken by the town.

For those unable to attend in person, the online survey offers a convenient platform to voice opinions and contribute to the development of a conceptual master plan. The online survey is posted to the project website or you can participate in the survey by clicking on the button below.

A summary of the findings from the August 1 public meeting and online survey will be presented to the Selectboard on August 19 and will be the basis for several master plan layouts for the site presented and discussed with the community in late September or early October.

There is a significant sinkhole on Susie Wilson Bypass, approximately 300 feet from the intersection of VT Route 2A, due to a failed stormwater culvert. The Town highway crew has put up signs and coned and taped off the area. 

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞. Work on the road will begin on Monday, August 5. The road is expected to remain open, and while traffic will be maintained throughout construction, there will be delays, so plan your commute accordingly. Please contact the Public Works Department at 802-878-1344 with any questions.  Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

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

Value - Cohesiveness and Connectivity

People are able to get from here to there in Essex, by any number of multimodal transportation options. The Town is united, with connections between people and things, and events bringing people together. As a whole, Essex is a vibrant community, a joy to live in, and a desirable place to do business.

The long-term goals relevant to Cohesiveness and Connectivity include:

• Ensure that Essex's capital needs are understood and fully funded, with an exploration of all possible funding mechanisms.
• Improve awareness of community events, encourage volunteer participation in those events, and evaluate the variety of events that are held.
• Make improvements in multimodal transportation options throughout Essex.
• See that progress is made toward the community's vision for construction of a new municipal complex.
• Evaluate the community's recreation needs and make sure the needs are met and funded accordingly.

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.
• Explore creation of a farmers' market.
• Explore creation of community gardens.
• 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. 
• Develop a plan for 80 & 90 Upper Main St. based on the community's vision and goals, and present funding options to implement that plan. Consider grant funding, state designations, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, and other funding possibilities.
• Determine plan for long-term management of the Tree Farm Recreational Facility.
• Review, update, and/or create forest management plans for large-scale public properties, and begin to implement those plans.
• Complete Recreation Needs Assessment (Town Plan action 9.50).

Boards, Committees & Commissions

Highlight - Tree Farm Recreation Management Group

The Town of Essex is seeking a volunteer to represent the Town on the Tree Farm Recreation Management Group Board. The Tree Farm Recreational Facility is a privately managed, self-sustaining space funded completely through sponsorships and rental fees paid by customers. The Tree Farm Management Group provides fields for soccer, rugby, frisbee and more. 

Term: One seat for a 3-year term

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

Other current committee/board vacancies

• Essex Representative - Tree Farm Management Group - 1 seat vacant now
• Essex Representative (alternate) - Town Meeting TV Board of Trustees
• Essex Representative (alternate) - Green Mountain Transit Commissioner

New Business News

Congratulations, Leo & Co.

The Town of Essex and the Economic Development Commission are excited to welcome owner Kayla Silver and the team from Leo & Co. Cafe & Market located at 21 Essex Way , the previous site of Sweet Clover Market in the Essex Experience. This new meet & eat spot offers casual counter-service cafe items including juices, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Visit their website at www.weareleoand.co

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.

National Night Out 2024

August 6

If you don't know by now, National Night Out is a nation-wide community-building campaign promoting police and community partnerships. Enjoy an evening of music, food, displays, booths, and the chance to meet your local officers and emergency responders in our area. Hosted by Essex Police Department.

Tuesday, August 6

5 pm to 7 pm

Essex High School, 2 Educational Drive, Essex Jct.

Explore Essex

September 21 - October 5

Community Day - September 21

Have you signed up your business to participate?

Join these businesses!

GOLD SPONSORS

Community Bank, N.A.

Vox, Star 92.9, 95 Triple X, 101.3 The Wolf

and other generous sponsors

Vermont Federal Credit Union

Lamell Lumber Corp.

Revision Military

Donald L. Hamlin Consulting Engineers

TOUCH - A - TRUCK

Jason Bonnett & Bonnett Racing

Subaru Racing

CCR Sales and Service

Vermont Army National Guard

Lawrence Family Farms

Essex Senior Vans

Essex Police Department

Essex Fire Department

Essex Rescue

Essex Public Works

VENDOR BOOTHS

50+ Vendor booths are signed up to set up on Community Day, Sept. 21st. Do you have a product, craft, food, or organization and want to sign up? Space is available!

PASSPORT STOPS

L'ivresse Lingerie

Purple Sage

Essex Community Historical Society

ArtHound Gallery

Essex Firefighter's Association Barn Dance

September 21 at 6 pm

Essex Parks and Recreation

Mark these dates on your calendar!

Aug. 6- We will be at National Night Out

Aug. 5-9 STEM camps: Hands-On Hydropower & Cyber Crawler Robot Camp

Aug. 5-9 Challenger Soccer Camp

Aug. 5-9 Pickleball 102

Aug. 12-16 Youth Tennis Camp

Aug. 18 Last Day for Sand Hill Pool season

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:

Full-Time - Police Officer

The Essex Police Department is looking for motivated, honest and enthusiastic individuals looking to make a difference in the Essex Community. The Essex Police Department strives to hire individuals willing to step up to the challenge of a career in Law Enforcement. If you embody the traits of professionalism, strive for excellence and are willing to go above and beyond, then we want to speak with you. 

Full-Time - Water/Sewer Operator Level III

The Water/Sewer Operator performs skilled manual and technical work in connection with the operation of all municipal water and sewer systems.

Per Diem Fire Fighter/EMT

This position will assist with the day-to-day operations of the department’s available per-diem shifts, under the direction of the assigned officer of the day and ensure the Fire Department's mission, values and goals are met, and policies followed. The Fire Fighter/EMT will respond to all emergencies while on shift, ensure apparatus and gear are mission ready. 80 per diem hours available each week.

Volunteer Paid on Call Fire Fighter and/or EMS

Essex Fire Department is made up of approximately 37 volunteer and per diem members who put countless hours into training, planning, responding, and educating. No two calls are alike, and we need to be prepared to handle a wide range of emergencies. Over the years we have been very lucky to boast a great number of firefighters who are cross trained in other emergency services fields such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Hazardous Material Technicians, Police Officers, and Nurses. Our members also have a diverse background in full-time professional careers including finance, banking, insurance, consulting, construction, engineering, and hospitality. This diversity and well-rounded range of professions provides a strong foundation for executing the mission of the fire service.

Other positions include:

Administrative Assistant Clerk's Office

Temporary Assistant Librarian

Highway Maintenance

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.

Essex Free Library

Mission - providing community support

Harm reduction packs (Narcan) are restocked and available at the Essex Free Library. This is a FREE resource for the community. At the entrance of the library, black cinch bags containing Narcan products are available, along with resources from local treatment centers. The kits are subtly packaged so their contents can be nondescript.

Town Clerk

Do you have a change of address?

If you own property in the Town of Essex, please inform the Town Clerk’s Office of any mailing address change as soon as possible. Property tax bills will be mailed on August 15th and updates are especially important for those who are new property owners and those who might have transitioned their home in Essex to either their primary or secondary residence. Please visit our website to complete a quick online form or stop by the Town Office to report any changes.

Property Tax Bills

Property tax bills will be mailed August 15. If you don’t receive your bill, please contact the town office at 802-879-0413 or clerk@essex.org.  It is your responsibility to forward a copy of your tax bill to your mortgage company if your taxes are escrowed.  

The first installment is due September 16, 2024. Postmarks are accepted as evidence of a timely payment. Payments received after September 16 will be charged an 8% penalty.  

If you purchased your property after April 1, 2024, the bill will not be in your name. This is because the Grand List is set as of April 1st. The previous owner is supposed to forward the bill to you.  

Water/Sewer Bills

By now everyone should have received their water/sewer bill. If not, please contact the town office right away at 802-879-0413 or clerk@essex.org. Payments are due August 15, 2024.  Postmarks are accepted as evidence of a timely payment. Payments received after August 15 will be charged an 8% penalty.  

If you have signed up for auto pay, the amount due will be deducted from your account on August 15. If you have not signed up for auto pay and would like to for future bills, the form can be found on the Town's website.  

Ways to Pay Property Taxes or Water/Sewer bills

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).

Vermont Primary is August 13

The Vermont Primary Election is Tuesday, August 13. Polls will be open 7am to 7pm at the Essex Middle School, 60 Founders Rd., Essex, VT.

You can request an absentee/early ballot by:

• Calling 802-879-0413
• Email clerk@essex.org
• Submitting a request through the My Voter Page
• Picking up your ballot in person at the Town Clerk’s Office (81 Main St., Essex Jct.). Please note, only the voter themselves can pick up a ballot in person. Requests made by family members must be mailed. 

The deadline to request an absentee/early ballot is 5pm, Monday, August 12. Please allow sufficient time for mailing and returning your ballot.

If you have any questions about the State Primary Election process, please call 802-879-0413 or email clerk@essex.org. 

General Election November 5

On November 5, voters will vote for several offices including President of the United States, Governor, State Representatives and Senators, etc. The Secretary of State’s Office will be mailing ballots to all active voters around September 23, 2024. They will use the mailing address that is in the statewide voter checklist when mailing your ballot. If you are unsure if your information is correct, you can access the My Voter Page (https://mvp.vermont.gov/) to review your information and make necessary changes. Please do this BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2024.   

College students who will be away for the vote should update their MAILING address through the My Voter Page (https://mvp.vermont.gov ) BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 802-879-0413 or clerk@essex.org.

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.

Request for Bids - Salt Shed Replacement

The Town of Essex is requesting Statements of Qualifications from design firms for engineering/architectural services for the design of a new salt shed located at the Town of Essex Highway Garage Complex. A copy of the Request For Qualifications and Scope of Services can be obtained from the Essex Public Works offices by contacting Shawn McNamara at smcnamara@essex.org or Calling (802) 878-1344. Submittals are due to the Town by 2:00 PM Thursday, August 15, 2024.. Learn more.

Notice of Construction beginning on August 5 - Sand Hill Road

At the intersection with Greenbriar Drive, repair will take place on the east side of the road on a storm system outfall pipe. There could be occasional flagger controlled traffic to accommodate trucks entering and exiting the work area.

Mark your Calendar

Aug 5 - Selectboard Meeting

Aug 6 - Police Community Advisory Board Meeting

Aug 8 - Planning Commission Meeting

Aug 13 - Conservation & Trails Committee Meeting

Aug 14 - Cemetery Commission Meeting

Aug 15 - Water & Sewer Bills are due

Aug 15 - Economic Development Commission Business Outreach Meeting

Aug 16 - Offices & Library closed - Bennington Battle Day

Aug 19 - Selectboard Meeting

Aug 20 - Police Community Advisory Meeting

Aug 22 - Planning Commission 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.