Community News

Help us improve the Middlesex town website

Our website makes tons of information available – from emergency reports and contact information to recent news and meeting minutes – and we know it’s starting to look pretty cluttered.

In the coming weeks we’ll be working to make it a more useful site: Better organized, easier to navigate, less wordy and nicer looking. If you’ve ever searched for something, and been unable to find it, now is a great time to let us know. See some information that needs updating? Let us know. If you have thoughts about features that might improve the user experience, we’d like to hear that, too!

Shoot us your thoughts by email to [email protected].

 

OFFICE CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC 

Due to a sharp increase in Washington County COVID cases, the Town Clerk’s Office will be close to public traffic until 2021. Those who need marriage licenses, research appointments or other assistance should call 223-5915 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

 

 

PUBLIC NOTICE:
MIDDLESEX ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
PUBLIC HEARING

 

The Middlesex Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet at 6 PM, Wednesday, December 9, 2020, via Zoom (instructions below) to consider the following: Douglas and Elisabeth Schaefer’s appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s denial of their application for a boundary line adjustment at 378 McCullough Hill Road, Middlesex. Permit #20-49.

Sarah Merriman
Town Clerk/Select Board Assistant 

Time: Dec 9, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting One tap mobile

+13017158592,,7393380675# US

Meeting ID: 739 338 0675

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7393380675

 

CLICK HERE FOR
THE MIDDLESEX OFFICIAL RECORD OF VOTE
FOR THE NOVEMBER 3RD GENERAL ELECTION

A LETTER TO THE MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY
FROM ROAD COMMISSIONER STEVE MARTIN AND THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Below are my answers to the questions  raised at a Select Board Meeting concerning why the Middlesex Highway Department hasn’t used the $40,000 Special Services line item approved by the Town voters at the March 2020 Town Meeting.

After the Roads Forum held at the Old Fire Station behind the Town Clerk’s Office last spring, Road Foreman Paul and I took away from the attending audience that our Highway Department should be specifically focusing on road maintenance. In that vein, Paul and I decided to amend the specifics of the plan presented at and voted on by residents at the March 2020 Town Meeting. That meant temporarily putting on hold the use of the Special Services line item and focusing solely on specific road maintenance, as opposed to larger projects that would include mud mitigation and hired services. To reiterate, this was all a direct correlation stemming from the requests of the citizens who attended the Roads Forum. That being said, we have until June 30, 2021 to use all or part of this line item for ditching, trucking, and labor.

In addition to these items, we’d like to acknowledge it was pre-pandemic when we put together the 2020-2021 budget. Due to the unknown ramifications of tax revenue, which directly correlates to actual available Town Funds, we were hesitant to go ahead and spend the $40,000 immediately after the fiscal year began on July 1, 2020. In addition to maintaining our roads to the highest level we can, we more importantly are tasked with being conscious of the fiduciary duty entrusted in us by the taxpayers to be good stewards of the Town’s money. It is our belief that to err on the side of caution would prove a more transparent and ethical method of handling the unknown than to simply spend the money because “it had been voted on and approved.” We take this decision very seriously and truly feel that by postponing the immediate use of that line item, we helped ensure we weren’t putting financial strain on our hardworking taxpayers.

Another question concerned what projects we were unable to complete in 2020 because we didn’t use that line item.

We were unable to complete our planned mud season mitigation projects that were scheduled to happen on Center Road and East Hill Road. This was also due in part to the overwhelming response from the Roads Forum that in general, residents would like to see us focusing on maintenance as opposed to larger projects.

I did want to take this opportunity to mention that because of time and money invested in the Notch Road Pit, we were able to locate several years of viable sand for winter maintenance. We have already screened and hauled all of this year’s winter sand from our own pit. We also used a substantial amount of material from the newly exposed gravel for other road projects in addition to getting a large quantity of stone that will be used for other valued aggregate. This will afford us not only convenience and use of a Town owned resource, but will also enable us to see substantial savings that can and should be used for much needed gravel resurfacing on our roads in addition to mud mitigation projects that have proven to be highly effective.

In closing, I’d also like to mention that unscheduled events such as storms caused road damage directly linked to projects that we have completed this year. We had a substantial bank failure on Brook Road early this spring which resulted in the Great Brook beginning to compromise the road. This was a large, unscheduled project that unfortunately posed a great threat to both the road and the traveling public and was considered an essential priority. By working with our Stream Alteration Engineer in conjunction with a contractor with a much larger excavator than the Town owns, we were able to complete this project using much of our equipment and a large portion of the material used came directly from our Notch Road Pit. All these factors enabled us to complete this project for a fraction of the cost it would have been had it gone out to bid completely through a contract. We feel that our investment of time and some funds in the Notch Road Pit have already proven to be a substantial benefit in regards to available material and money saved for the long-term interest of the Town.

Should you have further questions, I would ask that you submit them to the Select Board in writing so that I may give you a conscientious and factual answer, especially related to planning and budgeting

Sincerely,
Steve Martin – Road Commissioner
October 19, 2020

 

 

Middlesex Road Foreman Job Opportunity

The Town of Middlesex, Vermont, is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time position of Highway General Foreman.

Job Duties

  • perform supervisory and administrative tasks of the highway department
  • serve as working highway foreman and as an equipment operator, with a focus on complex/highly-skilled operations in all seasons. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma and relevant technical and supervisory experience – or a combination of education and experience – related to highway maintenance and construction operations.
  • Possession of a CDL.For more information, please contact the Middlesex Road Commissioner at 802-223-5915 or [email protected].

Salary will be determined by experience. Benefits include health insurance, boot allowance, uniforms, retirement plan, paid time off and four-day workweeks in the summer.Email a letter of interest and resume to [email protected] or mail to: Steve Martin, Road Commissioner, c/o The Town of Middlesex, 5 Church Street, Middlesex, VT 05602

 

STATEWIDE PRIMARY
8.11.20
Middlesex Election Night Results

Thanks to David Crowell and Charlie Merriman for building a counter and installing a polycarbonate shield to make the Town Clerk’s Office safe!

 

 

 

MIDDLESEX FOOD SHELF

In light of the Covid-19 crisis, the Middlesex Food Shelf has suspended its regular Saturday food distribution and instead is making $200 grants available to Middlesex households to help them pay for groceries and other essential needs. No application or itemization is necessary. For information about the program, call David Carkeet at 802.229.9496 or email him at [email protected] Donations to this cause should be sent to Middlesex Food Shelf, c/o David Carkeet, 418 Macey Road, N. Middlesex, VT  05682. Please make checks payable to “Middlesex Food Shelf.” 

 

MIDDLESEX EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONDS TO COVID-19
Here are some helpful resources

  • If you NEED ASSISTANCE for any reason, please click here to fill out this form:
  • If you would like to OFFER ASSISTANCE , please click here to fill out this form:
  • Instacart https://www.instacart.com/ is an online ordering service that will pick up groceries you order from Price Chopper and Shaw’s as well as pet supplies from Petco. Those picking up prescriptions from CVS through this service will need the scrip-holder’s name and date of birth. If it’s a controlled substance, they will need to produce ID. Note there is a $3.99 – $7.99 charge for each delivery.
  • Meals on Wheels in Waterbury is accepting orders. Please call (802) 244-1234 to be added to their list.
  • Village Market in Waterbury is swamped and they are unable to fulfill online orders and curbside pickup at this time. Check back for more info.
  • CVS on US302 in Barre (at the old Friendly’s site) has a drive-thru window where you can easily pick up prescriptions without getting out of your car. For more info, this is their #: (802) 476-2550

Here are guidelines about how to protect yourself from COVID-19  from the Centers of Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
If you are suffering from a fever and cough and are concerned about whether you are infected, please call your primary care provider. For more information, you can call the State of Vermont’s COVID-19 Hotline at 2-1-1. Here is another online resource from the State Health Department. https://www.healthvermont.gov/

Finally, if you don’t know where to turn call the Town Clerk’s Office at 223-5915 or email [email protected] We will do our best to help you.

Middlesex Emergency Management Committee Update

Below is an update from our Emergency Management Committee on how the Town and related entities are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Select Board: The Select Board will be holding its  meetings – on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month – via Zoom. Access numbers will be published on the posted agendas, found on this website under Agendas, and on Front Porch Forum so the public may call in and virtually attend. In addition, the Board is apprised regularly of challenges facing the Town regarding road maintenance and public safety. For more information from the VT Secretary of State regarding open meeting laws, please go here: https://sos.vermont.gov/secretary-s-desk/commentary/covid-19-impacts-and-considerations-for-open-meeting-law-elections-and-public-records-access/.
Town Services (Roads/Fire/EMTs): According to the VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development – MUNICIPALITIES may continue in-person operations under the Governor’s Executive Order under certain circumstances. Section 6 (b) states that “law enforcement, public safety and first responders, including fire, ambulance services, emergency medical technicians and emergency management personnel” are deemed critical and may continue in-person business operations.  Section 6 (d) states that “construction necessary to support the COVID-19 response and maintain critical infrastructure” are deemed critical and may continue in-person business operations. Please endeavor to limit your contact with the public to the extent possible, practice social distancing when practicable, and only undertake public interactions required to maintain the health and safety of the public.
Emergency Management: The committee has organized a structure in order to respond to community needs. It is organizing the Neighbor to Neighbor network to assist neighbors in need and to maintain local communication.
School Board: Governor Phil Scott extended the school closure order for the rest of the school year so Washington Central students, including our Rumney and Middlesex U-32 students, will continue remote learning for the rest of the year. Our staff, parents, students, and administrators have responded wonderfully to these challenges making lemonade whenever possible. Remote instruction is ongoing, our bus drivers still ply their currently mud-challenged routes delivering meals, lesson plans and, when necessary, technology to students. Our employees practice social distancing and have through great effort ensured that students’ educational and other needs are being met in these uncertain times.
Resources:
Information:
VT Health Dept website: www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus
CDC website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
FEMA website: www.fema.gov/
Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/
Direct assistance:
The Middlesex Neighbor to Neighbor network is forming to support neighbors in need. Neighborhood captains will be contacting their neighbors. To request assistance online, go to www.middlesexvermont.org.
Senior centers: Waterbury Senior Center offers Meals on Wheels and pickup of meals. Call 802-244-1234.
Vermont Foodbank: www.vtfoodbank.org lists several services for individuals
Call 2-1-1 for referral to various social services, such as unemployment, tax preparation, and housing assistance
How to help:
Practice personal hygiene and personal distancing to safeguard your health and the health of those you interact with.
Volunteering safely: Follow guidelines set by the group you are volunteering with. These should cover safe handling of items you may handle; personal distancing; considerations for vulnerable populations; self quarantine requirements.
Volunteer opportunities: In Middlesex: www.middlesexvermont.org. Regionally: www.oncallforvt.org.
Make a donation to an area service agency, such as the Vermont Foodbank or Capstone Community Action

But What about TAXES?
(Here’s a note from our friends at the Vermont Department of Taxes):

Vermont Department of Taxes Issues 2020 Tax Season Guidance in Response to COVID-19 Emergency

The Vermont Department of Taxes continues to carefully monitor the evolving situation related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Department is working closely with the office of Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont legislature, following changes at the federal level, and adhering to guidance from the Vermont Department Health. Please see the Department’s information on relief for Vermont taxpayers at tax.vermont.gov/coronavirus. You should check this link periodically as the guidance may change. You may also follow the Vermont Department of Taxes on Facebook and Twitter.

MARCH 3, 2020
MIDDLESEX PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY RESULTS CLICK HERE!
&
TOWN VOTE RESULTS CLICK HERE

READ THE DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MARCH 3, 2020 TOWN MEETING HERE! (Thanks, Sorsha!)

Hot off the Presses! Read the 2019 Middlesex Town Report here….

 

RESULTS OF NOVEMBER 5, 2019 WCUUSD SPECIAL SCHOOL MEETING

WCUUSD Vote Results
              
November 5, 2019
              
               
 
Berlin
Calais
Emont
Midd
Worc
TOTAL
  
Article 1: Shall the voters change the date
              
   of the 2020 Annual Meeting
              
Yes
67
73
100
55
48
343
  
No
11
10
11
6
5
43
  
Blank
0
3
1
0
0
4
  
Damaged
0
0
0
0
0
0
  
Total
78
86
112
61
53
390
  
               
               
Article 2 Shall the voters elect Moderator, Clerk and
             
   Treasurer by Australian ballot
              
Yes
70
72
105
55
50
352
  
No
8
12
7
6
3
36
  
Blank
0
2
0
0
0
2
  
Damaged
0
0
0
0
0
0
  
Total
78
86
112
61
53
390
  
               
Article 3 Shall the voters require that the ballots   be comingled
            
   for all Australian ballot elections
              
Yes
50
53
94
47
42
286
  
No
28
33
17
14
11
103
  
Blank
0
0
1
0
0
1
  
Damaged
0
0
0
0
0
0
  
Total
78
86
112
61
53
390
  
               
               

 

 

CLICK here to read the 2019-2027 Approved Middlesex Town Plan.

 

Vermont recording fees will increase effective July 1, 2019.

SUMMARY OF VERMONT RECORDING FEE CHANGES
32 V.S.A. §1671

  PREVIOUS FEE NEW FEE
Document Recording $10/page $15/page
PTTR (property transfer tax return) $10/document $15/document
Survey plat recording fees $15/sheet $25/sheet
Certified copy of records (no change) $10/page $10/page
Vault time $2/hour $4/hour

 

*Documents include all items recorded in the land records (deeds, mortgages, assignments, liens, releases, permits).

*Multiple assignments or releases included on one document are charged $15/assignment or release

 

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT FROM WHAT’S NEXT, MIDDLESEX?

Watch  Middlesex Select Board Meetings on ORCA HERE !!

  • Pay Your Taxes Online or Choose Automatic Withdrawal

    The Town is pleased to offer you the convenience of paying your taxes (and Zoning Permit fees) online! Go to the Payport Payment Page to make your payment today.
    Please note that online payments are subject to additional fees:
    ~ Credit/Debit card payments will be charged 3% of the total transaction.
    ~Electronic checks (eCheck) cost $1.50.
    ________________________________
    AUTOMATIC ACH WITHDRAWAL

    The Town of Middlesex can issue an electronic withdrawal from either your checking or savings account from any
    Bank in the United States and apply it to your installment tax bill on the day it is due (Aug. 31/Nov. 20/Feb 20/May20). This convenient service can assure that you will avoid late fees from missed payments while keeping your money in your account until the last possible day. Call the Clerk's office and we will send you the form (802-223-5915).

  • Town Clerk Office Hours & Contact Info.

    OFFICE HOURS: The Middlesex Town Clerk’s Office is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5  p.m.

    We do not close for lunch. The office is closed on Fridays.

    Town Clerk: Sarah Merriman
    Assistant Town Clerk: Dave Smith
    Address: 5 Church Street, Middlesex, VT 05602
    Phone: 802-223-5915
    FAX: 802-223-1298
    E-mail: [email protected]

  • Municipal Calendar


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