This November, five articles will be on Essex Junction voter ballots.These articles include:
- ARTICLE 1. Shall the City of Essex Junction join the Green Mountain Transit Authority as a member municipality?
- ARTICLE 2. Shall the City of Essex Junction join and agree to be bound by the "Agreement To Create A Union Municipal District To Be Known As The Winooski Valley Park District" and become a member municipality?
- ARTICLE 3. Shall the City of Essex Junction enter into a communications union district to be known as the Chittenden County Communications Union District, under the provisions of 30 VSA chapter 82 for the purposes of improving access to broadband services?
- ARTICLE 4. Shall licenses for the sale of malt and vinous beverages be granted in the City of Essex Junction?
- ARTICLE 5. Shall spirits and fortified wines be sold in the City of Essex Junction?
Below you will find brief descriptions of each of these ballot items. These ballot items were discussed at the August 10, 2022, City Council meeting. Viist the Voter Information page for more information about the general election, voter warnings, and to view sample voter ballots.
The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) will also have a separate ballot item regarding a general obligation bond for a recycling facility. Additional information from CSWD can be found at www.cswd.net.
Article 1 & 2:
The Village/City of Essex Junction has been a member of the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and the Winooski Valley Park District (WVPD) but as a member community through the Town of Essex. Now that we are no longer a part of the Town of Essex, the City needs to consider whether or not it wants to be a member municipality. This requires a city-wide vote.
Green Mountain Transit Authority (GMT)
The mission of GMT is to promote and operate safe, convenient, accessible, innovative, and sustainable public transportation services in the northwest and central Vermont region that reduce congestion and pollution, encourage transit-oriented development, and enhance the quality of life for all.
GMT Services
In Chittenden County, GMT offers fixed routes, local commuter routes, LINK Express routes, and ADA paratransit services. In Essex Junction, GMT services include:
- Essex Junction (#2) Route connects downtown Burlington, UVM Medical Center, downtown Winooski, Fort EA & EJ (5 daily trips to GlobalFoundries) and is the second highest ridership route.
- Williston-Essex (#10) Route connects Essex Outlets, Town of Essex, Essex Junction, and Taft Corners.
- Complimentary ADA Service
- Essex Senior Van, which provides free transportation for eligible residents (over the age of 60)
The Winooski Valley Park District (WVPD)
WVPD is a 501(c)(3) corporation and Vermont Municipality created in 1972 that owns/manages 19 conserved properties totaling over 1,760 acres. Seven member towns, each represented by a Trustee, provide governance and funding support. WVPD's operations rely heavily on partner agencies, volunteer groups, and leveraged resources for land stewardship and program delivery.
Article 3:
Voters in five Chittenden County municipalities, Williston, Essex, Essex Junction, Shelburne, and South Burlington, will vote on whether to enter a communications union district known as the Chittenden County Communications Union District.
Communications union districts are an organization where two or more towns form a municipal entity to facilitate the delivery of high-speed fiber internet to residents and businesses. Once a communications union district is formed, other municipalities may join by legislative body vote. A communications union district can only fund a broadband buildout via grants, loans, private investment, or revenue bonds. The district may not levy taxes or accept local tax revenue.
Article 4 & 5:
In 1969 communities in Vermont voted whether or not to allow the sale of alcohol in their town. During that time, the Village of Essex Junction was a part of the Town of Essex. The Town approved the measure at that time and has always administered liquor licenses for the Village/City and Town.
Now that we are no longer a part of the Town of Essex, the City needs to consider whether or not it wants to allow the administration of licenses for the sale of malt and vinous beverages and allow spirits and fortified wines to be sold in the City of Essex Junction. This requires a city-wide vote.