June 19, 2020
Dear Residents and Visitors,
This is week 14 of Governor Scott’s state of emergency due to the COVID-19 virus until July 15th. The Governor continues to slowly open the Vermont economy; this week he provided guidelines issued by the Vermont Department of Education to bring our kiddos back to school this fall.
A COVID-19 outbreak is linked to Winooski of about 86 cases, including an additional death, reminding us that the coronavirus can be transmitted easily from person to person, while trending in a positive direction in Vermont. As of today, Vermont health officials report 54,745 people tested, 1,135 positive coronavirus cases in the state, 917 people recovered, with 56 unfortunate deaths. There is additional guidance related to travelers in New England and NE New York coming from regions with no more than 400 cases per 1M population, lodging and campgrounds may increase their capacity with additional guidance for tracking purposes. The executive orders, rules and guidance change daily, so for the most up-to-date info click: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/emergency-executive-orders.
It is important during these trying times (COVID, unemployment and national protests) to acknowledge the constitutional right of citizens to protest peaceably. The desire to be treated fairly and equally is every American’s right. It is worthwhile to review our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It begins with “We the People of the United States” and the Declaration of Independence gives the inalienable right of “Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Governor Scott appointed the first cabinet position for Vermont, Executive Director of Racial Equity, Xusana (pronounced Susana) Davis in June 2019. On May 31, 2020 Governor Scott established the Racial Equity Task Force. This order is a broader state effort to promote racial, ethnic, and cultural equity including in its response to COVID-19; Ms. Davis chairs the task force.
Governor Phil Scott is relaxing more of the “Play Smart and Play Safe: Restart” requirements for businesses, such as retail, lodging and restaurants. The limit on social gatherings increased to 25 people. Other businesses are reopening such as gyms, spas, massage therapists, nail salons, cleaning services, and similar “interior maintenance” businesses. Dentists may resume all procedures, with guidelines to follow. The 14-day quarantine rule remains in effect, with exceptions for increased travelers’ guidance. COVID-19 models show that 41% of COVID cases in the U.S. are within a five-hour drive from Vermont.
On May 22, 2020, the Town of Wilmington Selectboard voted unanimously to approve a resolution entitled, “COVID-19 Emergency Order – Wearing Face Coverings in Town Owned Buildings and Businesses Open to the Public within the Town of Wilmington.” As a protective measure in town, wearing a face covering is required when entering a business or a town-owned building. There are two exceptions: one for children under the age of two, and another for anyone who has trouble breathing or who is unable to remove a mask without assistance. Local businesses are required to post signage at the entrance and at other locations stating that members of the public are required to wear face coverings by order of the Wilmington Selectboard.
Outdoor recreation and outdoor fitness activities that require low or no direct physical contact are encouraged by the Governor, but limit interactions to 25 or fewer people from trusted households. It is important for Vermonters to prioritize protecting those at higher risk for severe illness, limit travel to within Vermont to the extent possible, and stay close to home. Groups may not congregate (i.e. no tailgating), and campgrounds, marinas and beaches may open, following state guidelines.
The Green Mountain Beach on Lake Raponda remains closed to public access since we are unable to monitor and enforce state guidelines on gatherings at pools and beaches. The Beach remains closed while the Selectboard continues to consider how and when to reopen safely. While watching what is happening in other areas of the state, such as the COVID-19 surge in Winooski, and closely observing surrounding states, members of the Selectboard voiced concerns about not being a surge site for COVID-19 here in Wilmington. The Selectboard encourages responsible behavior and activities consistent with CDC, Vermont Department of Health, and state guidelines.
Great River Hydro (Harriman Reservoir) opened many locations around the lake with some restrictions. The boat launch is open and active. Swimming has always been “at your own risk”, and this year there is no use of picnic tables due to sanitization issues in state guidelines, but grills are open for use. You may bring blankets for picnics, avoiding large groups of more than 25 trusted people.
Zoom is our electronic platform of choice to conduct town business by boards, committees, and commissions. Thank you all for your patience with the limitations of zoom meetings. All Selectboard meetings are accessed through Zoom, until further notice. If you are having trouble finding the Zoom invitation for a meeting, please contact jdefrancesco@wilmingtonvt.us.
We encourage everyone to shop local with home delivery services, curb-side, limited indoor/outdoor restaurant service by reservation, in-person retail visits, and use of face masks in public places for the protection of all and as a matter of courtesy. Thank you for your patience as the Governor continues to open our Vermont economy.
Be well and be safe,
Selectboard: Chair Tom Fitzgerald, Vice-Chair (and state representative) John Gannon, Vince Rice and Sarah Fisher.Town Manager Scott A.Tucker stucker@wilmingtonvt.us
You may dial 2-1-1 or email info@vermont211.org or go to their website for any service referrals. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies only and feel free to reach out to our Town Offices for town services:
All land records are available online at http://cotthosting.com/vtportal/User/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fvtportal%2f Records online date back to 1781. If you need help navigating the site or if there is a problem with a record, please call us at 464-5836. If you have trouble finding a referenced survey, give us a call. We will email you the unrecorded day book on request.
The Grand List is online at http://wilmingtonvermont.us/departments/board-of-listers-listers-office2013-wilmington-tax-maps/
Tax bills, property cards and zoning material can also be emailed.
Administrative Offices-802-464-8591
Taxes-ext 112 crichter@wilmingtonvt.us
Administration- ext 123 jdefrancesco@wilmingtonvt.us
Town Clerk-ext 114 tlounsbury@wilmingtonvt.us
Listers-ext 113 dkingsley@wilmingtonvt.us
Zoning-ext 124 mtuller@wilmingtonvt.us
Highway-ext 140 bbrassor@wilmingtonvt.us
Fire-ext 145 smoore@wilmingtonvt.us
Wastewater-ext 150 jlazelle@wilmingtonvt.us
Police-ext 130
Website: www.wilmingtonvermont.us
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Vermont Service Referrals, Dial 2-1-1
Be well and be safe,
Selectboard: Chair Tom Fitzgerald, Vice-Chair (and state representative) John Gannon, Vince Rice and Sarah Fisher. Town Manager Scott A. Tucker stucker@wilmingtonvt.us
The Transfer Station will be open regular hours. Please remain outside and do not enter the building. There is a collection box for fees. No change given. Thank you.
