ROCKINGHAM, Vt. – The Rockingham Selectboard held their August meeting at the historic Rockingham Meeting House, on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
An update on the Laurel Avenue sidewalk and road reconstruction project was presented by municipal manager Scott Pickup, who reported that the project is currently under budget, but running behind schedule due to some change orders. Pickup said he heard from some area residents who were frustrated with the delays, but told the meeting the contractor was working to wrap up the project as soon as possible.
During the time allotted for public comments, resident John Horrocks spoke up. “I’d like to know when the town is going to do something about these children running motorized vehicles through the town. Someone’s going to get hurt.” Horrocks pointed out that nonmotorized bicycle riders are required to know hand signals and follow the rules of the road, saying this situation should be no different.
Selectboard Chair Peter Golec concurred, adding that he’d seen some young people riding electric scooters and bikes at high speeds on downtown sidewalks.
When Horrocks claimed the police were doing nothing to stop the behavior, Pickup stated that the Bellows Falls Police have issued warnings, but the vehicles in question are considered the same as regular bicycles under Vermont law.
Bellows Falls Fire Chief Shaun McGinnis responded to the round of comments from residents who had witnessed the reckless riders, telling them he and other emergency response officials “talk about this [issue] at least three or four times per week.” McGinnis said there have been a lot of recent articles about the increased use of e-scooters and e-bikes, and the resulting rise in injuries and fatalities.
Golec said the board would consider solutions to address the public safety concerns.
Walter Wallace, the coordinator for the Rockingham Historic Preservation Commission, presented an update on the progress of ongoing Rockingham Meeting House renovation projects. Wallace made note that the meeting house they were standing in was built specifically for town meetings, monthly selectboard meetings, and public gatherings, and praised residents for participating in the democratic process.
Wallace reported that the commission has amassed about $1.9 million to support the preservation efforts, with much of the funding for the project coming from the National Park Service Save America’s Treasures grant program. The National Park Service has approved the initial engineering drawings, and Wallace said he hoped to have all necessary approvals in by late October 2025. The bidding process for the first few projects will focus on the foundation, drainage, and windows. By mid-November 2025, Wallace said they hope to begin the process of awarding contracts. Completion of the project is projected for December 2027.
Rockingham Cemetery Committee Chair Anne McLarty gave the cemetery committee update. McLarty mentioned a “major project underway,” which is the documentation of all permanent objects in each of the five cemeteries in the Town of Rockingham. She said the committee had initially thought that would require about 25,000 photographs total, five per object, but upon further investigation, realized there will be closer to 40,000 images needed. The goal is to create a publicly accessible database with searchable information, and eventually even stories about area families. The committee is partnering with the public library to construct an exhibit featuring some of the photographs and historical information.
“I am feeling especially enthusiastic about the work we’ve done this summer,” McLarty remarked, adding that she is also a little overwhelmed, as the project is “growing quickly, and our committee is shrinking in size. So, I’m here today primarily to call for volunteers.” Anyone interested in offering their support should contact the cemetery committee.
Pickup and the board discussed the compensation framework for the new municipal fire department, and Pickup explained the difference between what a volunteer firefighter can earn as a stipend, versus a salaried position with the department. He mentioned the town provides enhanced insurance coverage to emergency service volunteers through the state Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services program.
Additionally, the State of Vermont, according to Pickup, is debating a bill currently in the Vermont House of Representatives that proposes a $500 refundable income tax credit for all volunteer EMTs in the state.
Much of what came up at Tuesday’s selectboard meeting will be further discussed at the Aug. 21 fire committee meeting, scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start, in the third-floor conference room at the town hall.