News Flash

With school out, summer events in full swing and weather challenges, we now start to shift our focus toward late summer and early fall activities. The summer started out hot and dry, but over the last several weeks rain has certainly made an appearance most days. 

Milton Weathered the Historic Mid-Summer Storm 

The historic storm that rolled through the area the week of July 10th devastated other communities within our state, but Milton faired relatively well. Thanks to the preparation and ongoing cooperation between Green Mountain Power (GMP) and multiple departments from the Town of Milton, including Highway, Water/Wastewater, Fire, Police and Rescue, we weathered the storm with relatively minimal damage to public infrastructure. 

Public Safety Director Michaela Foody opened the emergency operations center to manage the incident. The Town saw flooding over several roads, causing them to be closed. River Street Park was flooded and littered with debris, and the guardrails on West Milton Road had to be reinforced with stone before the road could be reopened. Fortunately, all roads and bridges were reopened within 48 hours following inspections. 

Several of our neighbors’ homes, however, sustained damage from flooding. We are in the process of helping these residents navigate the process of seeking state and federal assistance. For more information and resources, please visit www.miltonvt.gov/485/Flood-Resources.

Staying Dry under the Big Top

Circus Smirkus arrived in town during the storm event. Their staff managed to set up the show during the miserable weather, and we worked with them to extend their time in Milton to allow the show to go on. Everyone we heard from who attended the show said it was amazing show. We hope that they will return again in future years. 

July 4 Celebration Recap

Thank you to the Fire Department for organizing yet another well-attended 4th of July parade and to Milton Recreation for managing the fireworks and our evening events. Our party in the park, this year, included food trucks, mini golf, lawn games, a DJ, a band performance, a food truck and even a novelty souvenir vendor. Nice job by all!

Water/Sewer Bills Due August 3

Water bills were mailed out on June 28, and payments are due August 3rd. This billing cycle, we are excited to be implementing the new direct debit program. If you are one of the roughly 300 users enrolled in the program, funds will be automatically withdrawn on the due date. If you would like to enroll for the next billing cycle, please visit the Town website for more information.  

New Public Works Facility

We are finally starting to see the end of the permitting path for the new public works facility, and we are expecting our Act 250 permit later this month. We expect to start building the new access road and associated infrastructure in early August. Requests for proposals for construction of the building should also go out to contractors by early August. We will have a formal groundbreaking ceremony very soon, so watch the Town’s facebook page and the Town website calendar for announcements. 

Grange Hall Now Taking Reservations

The Grange Hall Open House on July 8th went very well with over 50 people showing up for a quick tour of the facility. Unfortunately, our State Occupancy permit has been delayed due to the storms. In the meantime, we are starting to take reservations for coming months. For information on reserving the Grange Hall for a future event, please email townmanager@miltonvt.gov or call 802-891-8020.

Route 7 Paving Continues 

The paving along the Route 7 bridge is complete, and paving is in progress for the section between Gonyeau Road to Main Street, just below the reservoir. VTrans has communicated that they target completion by the end of July, depending on the weather. While this may produce some short term travel delays, we are looking forward to the improved conditions on this well-traveled roadway through town. 

As always, I hope this message finds you and yours well. Our team looks forward to seeing you in our offices and around town soon.

Don Turner, Jr.
Milton Town Manager

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