REGIONAL NOTES
March 2017
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CCRPC Calendar of Events


MARCH

3/23, 5:30pm: CCRPC UPWP Update Committee Meeting

APRIL

4/4, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

4/4, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

4/4, 12:30pm: CCRPC MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

4/5, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

4/10, 3:00pm: CCRPC Brownfields Advisory Committee Meeting

4/13, 8:30am: CCRPC Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting

4/19, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

 
Around the County: Photo of the Month
Click photo to enlarge.
 
Water runs high in Winooski in early March.
 
Photo by Lee Krohn
 

Spring Flooding Safety Tips

When spring hits, whether it's "official" or feels like spring, many of us are eager to get out of the office and into the fresh air. However, too much rain or thawing snow after a long winter from mountains can bring severe flooding. Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. View some safety tips as the spring flood season draws near.

 

Chittenden County Traffic Alert Program

Construction season is just around the corner! Sign up for the CCRPC's Chittenden County Traffic Alert to stay in the know about all the latest construction projects, possible delays, and other important alerts throughout the busy construction season.

 

Green Up Day 2017: Saturday, May 6

Since 1979, the non-profit organization Green Up Vermont proudly carries on the tradition of Green Up Day. It is an annual statewide event, when over 22,000 volunteers come together to remove litter from Vermont's roadsides and public spaces.

 

Volunteer with Neighbor Rides

Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Northwest Vermont supported by a dynamic group of community partners that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. This partnership uses volunteer drivers to leverage government and community-funded transportation programs and help more people by decreasing the cost per ride.

 
CCRPC 
Commission Representatives

Bolton: Joss Besse

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Marc Landry

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Henry Bonges (Alt.)

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

South Burlington: Chris Shaw

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

Underhill: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Dave Tilton

Williston: Chris Roy, Chair

Winooski: Michael O'Brien, Vice Chair

For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here.
 
CCRPC  Staff

Charlie Baker, Executive Director

Cathy Aikman, CCOA Project Director

Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner

Pam Brangan, GIS Data & IT Manager

Jason Charest, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager

Forest Cohen, Business Manager

Bryan Davis, Senior Transportation Planner

Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner

Chris Dubin, Transportation Planner

Bernie Ferenc, Transportation Business Manager

Sam Francis-Fath, CCOA Data Manager

Christine Forde, Senior Transportation Planner

Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner

Lee Krohn, AICP, Senior Planner

Regina Mahony, Planning Program Manager

Melanie Needle, Senior Planner

Emily Nosse-Leirer, Planner

Sai Sarepalli, Transportation Planning Engineer

Michelle Thibault-Hatch, Finance Assistant

Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager

For bios and contact information, click here.
 
Good afternoon,

For the past several months, the CCRPC, in partnership with nine Chittenden County municipalities, has facilitated a Regional Dispatch Implementation Study with the consultant DELTAWRX. The nine participating municipalities include: Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, and Winooski.

The primary purpose of the study has been to develop a 'roadmap to success' to creating a more effective and efficient approach to dispatching emergency services (police, fire, and rescue). Advantages of a more regional approach include:
  • faster response times,
  • better service to emergency personnel and to the public,
  • improved working environment for dispatchers, and
  • long term budget efficiencies.
In February, the project's working group, the Regional Dispatch Governance Committee, requested that each participating municipality appoint a representative to a Joint Survey Committee for Chittenden County Public Safety Services as the first formal step in evaluating the creation of a union municipal district for regional public safety dispatch services.

All participating towns have made appointments to form this Joint Survey Committee (except Essex, which plans to make an appointment this week) to explore issues and make a recommendation to the elected bodies about forming a union municipal district. There is a lot of work to do and the Joint Survey Committee is working hard with the public safety chiefs to develop solutions so that we can make a recommendation to the elected bodies .

We are currently providing briefings to all of the rest of the municipal Selectboards in the County. More details and full project information can be found on the project page, including a Q&A document that addresses the role of the Joint Survey Committee, next steps, and more. If you have any questions, please contact me at cbaker@ccrpcvt.org or Lee Krohn at lkrohn@ccrpcvt.org

Best Regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
Job Opening: Chittenden County Opioid Alliance Part-Time Communications & Administrative Coordinator
The Chittenden County Opioid Alliance (CCOA), under the administration of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, is seeking to hire a part-time communications and administrative coordinator. We are looking for an energetic, creative and well organized person to improve public engagement and maintenance of administrative systems in our broad-based collective impact Alliance. Applications are due Thursday, March 30th, 2017. Learn More »
CCRPC Summer Internships Available
The CCRPC seeks interns for summer (June-August) 2017. Applications are due Friday, March 31st, 2017. Learn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
I-89 Exit 14 Bike/Pedestrian Crossing Study Public Meeting: April 12
Join us to review alternative concepts for improving bike and pedestrian crossing of I-89 at Exit 14 (Williston Road). These concepts were developed considering input given at a public meeting and an online survey in November. We are ready to show you our ideas and we want to know what you think. Wednesday, April 12 from 7-9pm at the Holiday Inn, 1068 Williston Road, South Burlington. Learn More »
PlanBTV Walk/Bike Draft Now Available
PlanBTV Walk/Bike defines strategies and priorities for the community's investments in walk/bike improvements. The plan is a road map to rapidly transform Burlington into a place where walking and biking are viable, and enjoyable, transportation options for people of all ages and abilities, all year round. The draft Plan will be presented to the Burlington City Council, tentatively scheduled for April 17. Learn More »
VTrans Announces Transportation Alternative Grant Recipients
There were 31 applications statewide totaling approximately $5.8 million for the 2017 TA progam, which had approximately $2.2 million available. Chittenden County awardees include:
- Town of Jericho for design and construction of 1,000 ft of sidewalk, installation of 2 crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons and mountable splitter Islands on Lee River Road ($275,734).
- City of South Burlington for design and construction of a stormwater infiltration basin & drainage infrastructure along Picard Circle ($287,000).
- Town of Williston for design and construction of critical drainage areas (approximately 1,500 linear feet of infiltration trench) at the Lamplite Acres residential neighborhood ($375,000).
- City of Winooski to construct enhanced crosswalk treatments, including pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons, bulb-outs, and associated features at five locations along the gateways to the City ($362,000).
 
The full list of award letters and a summary spreadsheet is available here »
Transportation Project News & Updates
For a full list of transportation projects, visit the CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee website; a full project list is provided in every TAC agenda and is updated regularly. View the latest TAC agenda »
 
Economy
Implementing ECOS Strategy 1
Economic Development Strategies for Small Towns & Chittenden County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Feedback: March 29
This presentation will be particularly relevant to Planning Commissioners and Economic Development Committee members. We will provide some tools and examples relevant to Vermont communities, as well as have a discussion on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy that will be updated along with the ECOS Plan this upcoming year. This will be held on Wednesday, March 29th from 6pm to 8pm at the CCRPC Offices.  RSVP »
Small BIZ VT Summit: April 17
This day provides small businesses with the most relevant education, tools, networks, and resources to grow your business. Presentations feature solutions to small business issues with success stories, and ideas your business can implement immediately.  Learn More »
Vermont Business Bootcamp: April 27
Vermont Business Bootcamp is an energetic, hard-hitting training event that will challenge your thinking, help you find answers to the big questions, and walk you through the most important steps in achieving personal growth through business success.  Learn More »
Chittenden County Brownfields Program Accepting Applications
If you own or wish to develop a property that is contaminated or suspected to be contaminated, please apply. To get started, read the information on different types of assistance and fill out and send us a site nomination/assistance request form.  Learn More »
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
River Corridors Webinar: March 29
During the webinar, ANR Rivers Program staff expert, Rebecca Pfeiffer, will share information about the importance of river corridors and how towns can get the most from the Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund and model river corridor bylaws. Plus, Lake Champlain Sea Grant staff will share tips for using the ANR Atlas for town resiliency planning Learn More »
Water Matters! Event in Hinesburg: March 30
The CCRPC, Lewis Creek Association and Responsible Growth Hinesburg are teaming up to raise awareness of water issues in the LaPlatte River watershed. This year's Water Matters event will be held on Thursday, March 30, at the Hinesburg Town Hall from 7:00-9:00 PM. We only have one supply of water. Are we keeping it clean? Learn from expert panelists and discuss what towns in our region could do better. Free. Refreshments served.  Learn More »
ACEC of Vermont Environmental Rule Making & Permitting Technical Workshop: April 4
American Council of Engineering Companies of Vermont, in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources/Department of Environmental Conservation, is proud to present a technical workshop focusing on critical rulemaking and permitting developments currently being implemented.  Learn More »
Winooski NRCD Offering Trees, Shrubs, Perennials and Trout to the Public
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District is holding its annual fundraiser, offering beautiful native and ornamental trees, shrubs and perennial plants to the public. Visit the District's website for an order form and detailed information on the available selection. Orders must be postmarked by April 7; pick-up is April 29.  Learn More »
2017 Caring for Canopy Grants: Applications due April 14
The Caring for Canopy grant category is for projects focused on helping a community move their tree management program toward a sustained level. This could include street and park tree inventories; management, protection, and streetscape plan development; public policy development; training opportunities for staff and volunteers; tree planting; and tree maintenance. Learn More »
Small Grants for Community Energy Efforts: Deadline Extended to April 15
Grants are intended to support community groups who represent the most exciting energy in the environmental movement that are not being reached by traditional funders. The Grassroots Fund interprets the word 'environment' broadly and will provide funding for a wide range of activities. Whole systems thinking is critical to initiatives focused on making our environment better, healthier and more sustainable Learn More »
Energy Building Codes Training: May 10
This presentation will be relevant to Planners and Zoning Administrators (and any Board/Committee members who are interested). Efficiency Vermont will provide an update on residential and commercial building codes (RBES and CBES). The State of Vermont recently updated RBES and CBES and adopted a stretch code that enables municipalities to adopt enhanced energy standards above code. We will hold this presentation following the CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting on May 10th at either 4pm or 4:30pm (start time will be finalized when the PAC agenda is finalized, and the meeting will run for one hour) at the CCRPC Offices. RSVP »
Energy Planning Training: May 11
This presentation will be relevant to Planning Commissioners and Energy Committee members. It will cover regional and municipal roles in complying with Act 174, the energy planning bill. CCRPC will present a first draft of the Chittenden County Energy Plan as well as municipal level baseline and future demand energy use by fuel source and sector. For additional information on the Chittenden County Regional Energy Plan, click here. This will be held on Thursday, May 11th from 6pm to 8pm at the CCRPC OfficesRSVP »
Vermont Landslide Inventory GeoForm
Have you seen a landslide in Vermont? If so, the Vermont Geological Survey needs your input. Landslides may involve rock (previously intact ledge for example), soil or both. Please report any landslides to them through the online landslide inventory  GeoForm. All they need is a location or general location. If you report it, they plan to visit and verify the site and collect additional data. More eyes are needed on the ground to build a complete inventory, so please help out as you spend time outdoors this year.  Learn More »
Vermont Clean Water Initiative Brown Bag Lectures
These lectures on the Vermont Clean Water Act and its implementation occur monthly and can be attended in person or via Skype. View the full schedule » 
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
LIDAR Data Delivered to Chittenden County
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses -- combined with other data recorded by the airborne system, generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics. A few years ago, CCRPC provided funds to help with the LIDAR acquisition for Chittenden County, a project that included Lamoille, Orleans and Washington Counties as well. This acquisition is called the Quad Counties LIDAR Project and is part of an effort to acquire LIDAR for the whole state. The LIDAR, which was acquired in 2014, has been delivered to CCRPC!   Read the Full Article »
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development recently published its Draft 2017 Annual Action Plan and Draft Vermont National Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan for comment.  public hearing  will be held April 7, and written comments will be accepted through May 8.  Learn More »
Vermont Community Development Association's Spring Conference: May 10
Many Vermont communities are actively exploring the ways in which trail systems and recreation paths can serve both a recreational and economic function. Join VCDA on May 10th in Burke for their spring conference: Blazing a Trail: The Economic Impact & Future of Vermont's Trails & Recreation Paths.  Learn More »
Essentials of Land Use Regulations & DRB Summit: May 31
This presentation will be relevant to members of local development review boards, zoning and planning commissions that do development review. This is being held after Town Meeting Day to provide an introduction for any new board members; but this will also be relevant to veteran members as we will combine this with the DRB Summit - a peer to peer exchange and discussion. This will be held on Wednesday, May 31st from 6pm to 8pm at the CCRPC Offices.  RSVP »
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Half-Day FEMA Trainings Offered on April 5 & 6
Two half-day trainings on the basics of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will be held on April 5th & 6th. There is no cost for the trainings and both sessions are open to anyone interested in attending.  Training 1: April 5th in St. Albans (St. Albans Free Library) from 12:00noon to 3pm. Training 2: April 6th in Middlebury at the Addison County Regional Planning Commission's conference room. Contact Rebecca Pfeiffer for more information and to register.
Local Emergency Operations Plans Due Before May 1
It's time to update your LEOP, have it approved by your legislative body, and submit it between Town Meeting Day and May 1, 2017. The template and format will remain the same as last year, so that can be used as the basis for this year's update. There will be an additional, optional annex related to continuity of operations planning (known as "COOP"). With or without a LEOP, this is a very useful concept to consider - how you would keep your "ship of state" running in case of incident or emergency, whether a cyberattack, server crash, severe illness among key staff, water or wastewater plant failure.
 
Please remember that having an updated, adopted LEOP is a prerequisite for certain State grants and funding programs. LEOPs must also be certified and signed by a Town or City Manager/Administrator or Council/Selectboard Chair; and that person must have taken either ICS 100 or 402 (you only need to take this once, not every year). ICS 100 can be taken online.
 
Please feel free to contact Lee Krohn, CCRPC Senior Planner, for further information, or for assistance with updating your LEOP.
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Marijuana: March 29
This interactive presentation with Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Margo Austin, is designed to teach parents about changes in research, trends and myths related to marijuana so they can feel prepared and comfortable to have conversations with kids about use. Learn More »
Leadership Champlain Applications Accepted Through April 15
With retreats, full-day seminars, service projects, discussion groups and community tours, members explore critical community issues, examine themselves as leaders, and build relationships of trust and mutual understanding. Participants represent a diverse group of recognized and experienced leaders from across a wide variety of organizations representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Learn More »
Mayor's Book Group, April 4 - Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opioid Epidemic 
The City of Burlington, Fletcher Free Library, and UVM Humanities Center are hosting the fifth Mayor's Book Group for a discussion about the nation's opioid crisis and the impacts it is having on Vermont and Chittenden County. Learn More » 
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *21.