Community News!

 

The Town Clerk’s Office is now OPEN!

Beginning June 1st, the Town Clerk’s Office will be open to limited public traffic from:
Noon – 5 pm, Monday through Wednesday and from
Noon – 6 pm on Thursdays.
NOTE: Researchers MUST make an appointment in order to access the Town Vault.

 

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

 

The regularly scheduled Select Board Meeting of June 2, 2020 has been canceled.

The next meeting will be at 5 PM on June 16th

 

**NEW!**

TOWN OF MIDDLESEX HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

PUBLIC WORKS FORUM

10 AM – NOON

Saturday, June 6th, 2020**

Behind Town Hall at the Old Fire Station

5 Church St., Middlesex

Town of Middlesex Road Commissioner Steve Martin and Road Foreman Paul Cerminara will hold a town-wide public forum to address concerns raised at the March 3, 2020 Town Meeting regarding road maintenance and Highway Department schedules. All members of the public welcome.

NOTE: Please submit questions in advance via email to [email protected] or mailed to the above address
no later than May 30, 2020.

PUBLIC WORKS FORUM AGENDA  

  • Review of the 2020/2021 Highway Department budget followed by questions and discussion
  • Review of the Highway Department’s 5-Year Plan followed by questions and discussion
  • Review of the Highway Department Equipment-Replacement Schedule followed by questions and discussions
  • Review of the 2020/2021 Highway Department work plan followed by questions and discussion.

** Meeting subject to rescheduling depending on State of Vermont’s COVID-19 guidelines.

 

MIDDLESEX PLANNING COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING

The Middlesex Planning Commission will hold a Special Meeting at 6:00 PM, on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 via Zoom.

Details to participate are below.

– Sandra Levine, Chair

Topic: Planning Commission Meeting

Time: Jun 10, 2020 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85682764617?pwd=V2xCaEU2RjQxS0tCZlpuN3dGeTFNZz09

Meeting ID: 856 8276 4617

Password: 567209

One tap mobile

+13017158592,,85682764617#,,1#,567209# US (Germantown)

+13126266799,,85682764617#,,1#,567209# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Meeting ID: 856 8276 4617

Password: 567209

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keCWfY269i

 

MIDDLESEX FOOD SHELF UPDATE:
FOOD DISTRIBUTION REPLACED WITH GRANTS

In light of the current health and economic crisis, the Middlesex Food Shelf has suspended its regular Saturday food distribution and instead is making grants available to Middlesex families to help them pay for groceries and other essential needs. 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 TOWN OFFICES ARE CLOSED

Per Order of Governor Phil Scott, the Middlesex Town Offices will be closed starting 5 PM March 25, 2020, for all non-essential business. You can read the order by clicking HERE.   Please rest assured that the Town roads will continue to be maintained for emergency vehicles. Should you require important documents (marriage license, death/birth certificates) or assistance with real estate/legal research, please email [email protected] or call 802-223-5915.
NOTE: The Town Clerk’s Office is now closed to any public research from now until the Order is lifted. The Town Clerk’s Office and Town Hall are closed to any public meetings or gatherings.

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 Clerk’s Office: The Town Clerk’s Office is closed to all public traffic.  Call 223-5915 or email [email protected] if you have a pressing concern. However, according to the VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development: Business-related activities that are not providing services or functions deemed critical  public health and safety or economic and national security are directed to suspend in-person operations under the Governor’s Executive Order unless specifically exempted. Services such as land records and title searches; marriage license applications; birth or death certificate searches; library lending are not considered critical to public health and safety or economic and national security. While the Town Clerk’s Office is closed, it continues to provide essential services deemed necessary.
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 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….

***NEW TOWN CLERK OFFICE HOURS***

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
10 AM – 6 PM Thursday
Closed on Fridays

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 !!

The Middlesex Food Shelf is open every Saturday from 9:00 – 10:30 am at the Middlesex United Methodist Church, which is located on Church Street across the street from Town Hall.

  • Food donations can be made in the lobby of the Rumney School or at the food shelf (on Church Street) during its open hours on Saturdays.

  • Cash donations may be made at the Town Clerk’s office (Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

  •  If you would like to donate to the Food Shelf via check, please click here for contact information.

 

 

 

 

  • 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.

    NEW HOURS! The Middlesex Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Thursdays we are open from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

    We do not close for lunch. However, the office is closed on Fridays.

    Town Clerk: Sarah Merriman
    Assistant Town Clerk: Maryke Gillis
    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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