Essex County roundup: Selectboard removes Ethan Allen Avenue speed bump, commissions set new leadership
The Selectboard voted 3-2 to accept an appeal and order removal of the speed bump on Ethan Allen Avenue, the most consequential decision in a busy two weeks of Essex County meetings. The board also adopted two Parks & Recreation studies and reappointed the town's representative to the Winooski Valley Park District.
Selectboard — July 13
The Selectboard approved its consent agenda (4-0) and reappointed Jeff Theis as the Essex representative to the Winooski Valley Park District (5-0). The board adopted the Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment (5-0) and the Parks & Recreation Impact Fee Analysis (5-0). The speed bump removal on Ethan Allen Avenue passed 3-2 after the board accepted a resident appeal.
Planning Commission — July 9
The Planning Commission elected Josh Knox as Chair (6-0), Georgia Lavigne as Vice Chair (6-0), and Jonathan Schumacher as Clerk (6-0). The commission approved making Kennel, Machine Repair Shop – Minor, and Veterinary Clinic conditional uses in the RPD-I District (6-0). June 11, 2026 minutes were approved (4-0-2). The agenda was approved (6-0) and the meeting adjourned (6-0).
Housing Commission — July 7
The Housing Commission elected Lois Whitmore as Chair (4-0), Lorraine Zaloom as Vice Chair (4-0), and Cheryl Van Epps as Clerk (4-0). The amended agenda was approved (4-0) and previous meeting minutes were approved (3-0). The commission set a recurring meeting time of 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month, with the next meeting scheduled for August 5.
Conservation & Trails Committee — July 14
The committee elected Bino Cummings as Chair (8-0-1, one abstention), Erin De Vries as Vice Chair (unanimous support), and Duane Millar Barlow as Clerk (8-0-1, one abstention). Minutes from June 9, 2026 were approved (9-0). The committee adopted a recommendation to the Development Review Board that the applicant bury utility lines on the 15 Leo Drive subdivision project. The motion to transmit that recommendation passed 9-0.
Cemetery Commission — July 15
The Cemetery Commission postponed approval of the June 24, 2026 minutes because the document had not been reviewed; no vote was recorded. Commissioners were assigned follow-up tasks, including obtaining quotes for stump removal and gate repair and investigating volunteer participation for stone repairs. The next meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2026 at 11:00 am.
Coming up
- **Police Community Advisory Board — July 21:** The board will vote on PCAB positions, discuss the Coming Together Summit and National Night Out, and consider approval of minutes from June 16, 2026. Public comment is included on the agenda.