WVTK Local & State News December 2, 2011 (Afternoon Update)

A New York man is in court today answering to charges of drug trafficking in Rutland County. 26-year-old Saad Washington was arresting last night in Fair Haven. During a search of his vehicle police recovered a large amount of drugs. Police say Washington was bringing the drugs from New York City into Rutland County.

Bristol Planning Commission Chair Tom Wells resigned on Wednesday after 8 years serving on the commission and four years heading it. His decision comes after he missed the past 3 meetings for work-related reasons. It also comes after the Commission’s Vice-chair potentially violated the state open meeting law when he refused to let a member of the public ask a question.

Town Officials in Middlebury are looking for the public's input on a new municipal building. Officials hope the project can ready for construction by the spring of 2013. Right now Middlebury’s new municipal building exists as rough lines on paper. You can get more details by visiting the Town’s Website: Middlebury.GovOffice.com.

New England Quality Service LLC is seeking zoning permission to acquire a large metal shredding device for use at its Wyre Wheel Route 7 location. The shredder will allow them to recycle metal debris, including cars and washing machines, more quickly and efficiently. Some residents have spoke up and told the Middlebury Development Review Board that they want to make sure the new equipment doesn’t bring more noise and traffic to the area.

The Rutland School Board approved a contract for about 110 teachers’ aides and nonexecutive secretaries in the district Tuesday night that provides them with an average 2.93 percent salary increase over the next three years. The Board unanimously approved the contract for the Rutland School Staff Association after a brief executive session.

Some of Vermont's veterans want to help fellow vets who are suffering after Tropical Storm Irene. Staff at the state VFW has raised tens of thousands of dollars and are ready to write checks. But first they need proud veterans to ask for help. The VFW is not sure how many veterans were affected by the storm. But the VFW knows they are out there and they hope those veterans hear this message; there is money to help you. To apply just contact the Vermont VFW.

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin says Vermont's statewide school property tax rates should remain at 87 cents per $100 of value for primary homes and $1.37 per $100 for commercial and other non-homestead properties. December 1st is the day when state law requires the administration to issue its recommendations for the tax rates for the coming year. Shumlin says Vermont's declining school enrollment numbers mean the tax rates can remain flat, even if per pupil costs rise slightly.