By Lani Duke
Vt. State Fair, moving toward sustainability
Full accounting for the Rutland County Agricultural Society’s finances is still in the future, although two accountants and an assistant have been following the organization’s paper trail since February, Board President Don Chioffi told members at a recent meeting.
After the IRS placed a tax lien on the property the board decided to remove fair manager and board of trustees president Richard Rivers. Rivers has since said his firing was inappropriate.
Debbie Creed, representing the RCAS board of auditors, said that unpaid payroll liability stood at $70,000 and the organization had unpaid bills of $163,000 as of Oct. 31, 2013.
In the future, it seems likely a new fair manager will be hired by performance contract, consisting of smaller salary and bonus based on Fair revenues.
This year, the Fair is scheduled to begin Aug. 29, with a full schedule of activities that appeal to both young and old.
The Fair’s final day boast a benefit concert called Vermonters for Vermonters that aims to bring awareness to Vermont’s opiate epidemic.
New alderman considered
Matt Bloomer is meeting with members of the board of aldermen, who will then decide whether to approve him as the replacement for former alderman David Wallstrom, who recently resigned from the city’s legislative body. If approved, Bloomer will serve until the March 2015 Town Meeting Day elections. At that time, he may run for either a one- or a two-year seat.
Bloomer was selected as a candidate by Mayor Chris Louras.
Bloomer grew up around Rutland, graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in economics and law, and attended Boston University law school. He owns a website development business and is on the board of the Rutland Young Professionals.
New hires and advancements
Edward Bove, a senior planner with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, has been chosen to become that entity’s new executive director. He will take over from interim executive director Fred Nicholson in October.
The College of St. Joseph recently announced that Melissa Paradee has become its new dean of students and Liz DiMarco Weinmann, its vice president of strategic initiatives and assistant professor of business. Pardee, a CSJ alum, was formerly director of student activities at Castleton College. A managing director at global marketing services firms and nonprofits, Weinmann has taught marketing at New York University for five years.
Sewer line promises improvements for stormwater runoff
Replacement of the sewer lines in Rutland’s northwest quadrant is progressing fairly smoothly, according to officials. Craig Jewett of Otter Creek Engineering noted that construction crews were 20 percent finished in the eighth week of the 32-week project, and that falling slightly behind expectations is not unusual in the early stages of a project.
When complete, the $5.2 million project will cause stormwater runoff to skip past the sanitary sewer, instead flowing into East Creek. Reducing the volume of water surging through the water treatment plant saves chemicals and makes it far less likely that water will test out of compliance with ever tightening state regulations.
Lani’s weekly picks
Friday, Aug. 29 – Killington Classic Motorcycle Rally rolls into Rutland for a block party downtown. Motorcycle parade 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29 – Satin & Steel in the Center Street parking pit at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29 – Vermont State Fair. Stoney Roberts Four-cylinder Demolition Derby, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – Vermont State Fair. Judging of maple products, Grange exhibits, giant pumpkins, culinary arts. 4-H goat show, 1 p.m.; 4-H animal costume parade, 6:15 p.m.; street legal truck pull, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31 – Vermont State Fair. 4-H rabbit show, open horse show, 4-H cattle show, culinary arts judging, 4-H dog show. Demolition Derby, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1 – Vermont State Fair. Open dairy judging, open horse gymkana, 4-H sheep show, culinary arts judging. McDonald’s bike Giveaway, 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Vermont State Fair. Harness Racing, 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 – Vermont State Fair. Gospel night at the fair, 7 p.m.
