News Flash

Another April is in the books. It’s been said April is the cruelest month – with winter still holding on, and the promise of warmer weather so close and yet so far. This year was no exception. April brought gusty winds, cold days and numerous rain showers. These showers turned out to be beneficial, as we have seen the flowers blooming and the green grass rapidly growing in these first weeks of May. I’m eager to share all the good work happening around town.

A Weekend Full of Family Fun

The weekend of May 6th and 7th saw Bombardier Park come alive for the spring and summer seasons. We had hundreds of people volunteer for the annual Green-Up Day. Volunteers cleaned up roadside litter all around town. Additionally, we hosted Opening Day of Little League Baseball and Softball. Over one hundred-thirty kids and their parents reveled in the sunshine with much anticipation of the upcoming season. If that were not enough, we also hosted the Inclusion festival and then on Sunday the Color Run that saw more than seven hundred participants. 

Inclusion Festival Welcomed Over 500 Attendees

This past weekend, working with the Milton on the Move Community Initiative, we held the second annual Inclusion Festival in Bombardier Park West. Over 500 attendees shared in this celebration of diversity, which featured live music, dancing, multicultural food, and other arts. Check out the facebook event discussion feed and the official photo gallery (photos by Photography by Erik)! 

Take Our Community Planning Survey

Want to be a part of planning Milton’s future? Our spring intern from UVM Liv Goebel worked with the Town’s Planning Director Cymone Bedford to develop a Community Planning Survey, and we are currently in the process of collecting responses. It only takes a few minutes of your time to provide your thoughts on the growing Milton community, and your participation would be greatly appreciated! Take the survey now by clicking this link. 

Deadline Approaching for Direct Debit/ACH Payment Option on Utility Bills

The direct debit/ACH payment option for utility users will begin for the July billing cycle. You should have received an enrollment authorization form with your April utility bill, but you can also download a fillable PDF here. Forms must be submitted as directed no later than June 10th to be included in the July utility billing cycle. If you have any questions, call the Clerk & Treasurer’s office at (802) 893-4111.

Bike Rodeo for Kids – May 20, 10AM-1PM 

On May 20th, 2023, the Milton Police Department will hold its 10th Annual Bicycle Rodeo for kids. This event will occur from 10am-1pm at the Milton Police Department located at 37 Bombardier Road, Milton, VT. This is a participatory event designed to allow children to learn safe bicycling practices and engage in skills courses designed to improve safe riding techniques. The activities are “geared” towards children aged 5-12, however all, including parents, are invited to participate. Just bring your bike and a helmet. We will have free helmets should anyone need a safety upgrade or replacement! There will also be free helmet fittings by MPD officers and free registration of bicycles to record in case of bicycle theft. Additionally, there will also be a car seat installation and safety check event running in tandem with this event. Follow the Milton Police Department on Facebook for updated information. 

Milton Public Works Participates in Regional APWA Event

On Wednesday, May 10, a crew of Milton Public Works employees and I traveled down to the Barre Municipal Civic Center for the American Public Works Association (APWA) New England chapter’s 2023 Vermont Municipal Equipment Show & Field Day. Milton’s Public Works Director Lisa Schaeffler did a wonderful job helping to organize this event as the APWA New England Chapter’s 2nd Vice President. I had the honor of delivering a speech to highway workers from around the state about the importance of their roles as public works first responders. It was a wonderful event, and the crew enjoyed learning about the latest equipment and industry best practices. 

Economic Development Commission Spring Social – May 24

The Economic Development Commission would like to invite you to attend its Spring Social event (and May meeting), which will be hosted by Vermont SportsCar, right here in Milton. This is a great opportunity to network and learn about VSC and other Milton area businesses. After the meeting, VSC will offer tours of the facility and the opportunity to learn more about the “premier rally car prep shop and race team management facility in North America”. Check out the event listing on the Town's calendar. 

Memorial Day Services – May 29, 10AM

The Town of Milton has a long, rich history as a community of active military and guardsmen. For many years, the Town of Milton has taken great pride in producing a Memorial Day ceremony that recognizes the sacrifices of military men and women who have given their lives in service. Join us for this year's services on May 29 at 10AM outdoors in the Memorial Garden, near the front entrance of the Milton Municipal Building (43 Bombardier Road). Check out the event listing on the Town's calendar. 

The Town is Advocating for Repairs on Route 7 Paving 

We hear a lot of concerns about paving on Route 7, from Exit 17 North through Main Street. We are as frustrated as many of you about the conditions of this section of Route 7. Know that we are actively working with our legislators to encourage VTRANS to make significant repairs to this section of road as soon as possible. We will keep you posted as we make progress. 

Grange Hall Expected to Reopen Soon

We have been hard at work for the past few months completing renovations at the Grange Hall and preparing the facility for Summer programming and facility rentals. Updates include completely new restrooms, new kitchen cabinets and appliances, brand new accessibility features (including an elevator), a fresh coat of paint and more. While we have experienced some small delays, we expect to be ready to reopen sometime in June. I’d like to thank all of the volunteers who have shown up to help on Saturday mornings! Stay posted for more volunteer opportunities and for grand reopening information. Follow the Town’s facebook page or website calendar for event announcements. 

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