WALDEN – The Walden Select Board met on February 27. Lori Augustyniak discussed the ongoing signage issues along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) She said most signs should be in place by summer and there will be an informational table at town meeting about LVRT. The possible future rescue efforts along the LVRT were discussed with the fire department investigating possible equipment upgrades to address this concern.
Jason Larabee brought an ARPA funds request from the Walden Fire Department. The board unanimously approved a total of $84,122.50 for equipment and turn-out gear. The remainder of ARPA funds were unanimously allocated to the town’s Capital Reserve Fund.
Seth O’Brien was appointed as Walden’s representative to the Northeast Kingdom Broadband Governing Board.
Northern Vermont Development Association Executive Director David Snedeker discussed the financial advantages obtained through a town plan. He said there are grant opportunities that Walden does not qualify for without a plan, such as land and building purchase where available monies are tied to a plan. Town plans do not have to include zoning, offer the ability to address issues of growth and the ability to map out future capital projects for everyone to understand.
Town Clerk, Debbie Messier, reported that the town report is now available and is available on the website, Walden.gov. The town office had a state ADA inspection and passed with only minor issues noted with additional signage to be ordered. She also noted that our county taxes are lower than was projected in the budget.
Bills, five overweight permits, and the Roads and Bridges Compliance Standards were signed.
Present at the meeting were Robert Hath, Brenda Huntoon, Randolph Wilson, Deborah Messier, Jason Larabee, David Snedeker, Seth O’Brien, and Lori Augustyniak.