REGIONAL NOTES
October 2020
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CCRPC Calendar of Events

PLEASE NOTE:
All meetings below will be held REMOTELY until further notice. Information about joining remotely is provided with every meeting agenda.

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NOVEMBER

11/3, 9:00am: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

-CANCELED- 11/3 11:00am: Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

-CANCELED- 11/3, 12:30pm:
Clean Water Advisory Committee MS-4 Sub-Committee Meeting

11/4, 5:45pm: CCRPC Executive Committee Meeting

11/18, 2:30pm: Planning Advisory Committee

11/18, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

DECEMBER

12/8, 8:00am: Chittenden County Municipal Legislative Briefing

 
CCRPC logo small

CCRPC FY21 Annual Work Program

The CCRPC's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is our annual work program that describes our activities and specifies the deliverables for the next year. The UPWP is the mechanism to implement the strategies for our region outlined in the ECOS Plan and helps municipalities implement their local plans.

 

United Way of Northwest Vermont COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE

United Way is dedicated to supporting our community members through the COVID-19 pandemic and the social and economic fallout that may result from it. To support all of our neighbors, United Way is working with its existing network of partnerships and the community at large to develop a comprehensive list of community-based services and volunteer opportunities updated on a daily basis.

 
CCRPC Board of Directors FY21 Membership

Bolton: Sharon Murray

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Jacqueline Murphy

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Michael Bissonette

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Tony Micklus

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

So. Burlington: Chris Shaw

Underhill: Vacant

Westford: Allison Hope

Williston: Erik Wells

Winooski: Mike O'Brien (Chair)

FY21 Membership is effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. 

For more information about the CCRPC Board of Directors, click here.
 
CCRPC Staff

Charlie Baker, Executive Director

Dan Albrecht, Senior Planner

Pam Brangan, GISP, GIS Data & IT Manager

Jason Charest, PE, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Eleni Churchill, Transportation Program Manager

Forest Cohen, Senior Business Manager

Bryan Davis, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Marshall Distel, Transportation Planner

Chris Dubin, Senior Transportation Planner

Christine Forde, AICP, Senior Transportation Planner

Amy Irvin Witham, Business Office Associate

Regina Mahony, AICP, Planning Program Manager

Melanie Needle, Senior Planner

Taylor Newton, Senior Planner

Sai Sarepalli, PE, Senior Transportation Planning Engineer

Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager

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Please Note: As of March 16, 2020, CCRPC employees are working remotely and the office is closed to visitors. Please call or email and we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you!

For bios and contact information, click here.
 

 
Good afternoon,
 
I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable autumn. Over the past month, I've been connecting with each of our member municipalities by attending Selectboard and City Council meetings to provide an overview of the work we've done in each community over the past year. Click here to see what's been happening in your community (your community > Data & Reports > 2020), and check out our FY20 Annual Report to get a sense for local, regional and statewide initiatives.
 
We also want to point you to a new resource: Prioritizing Health in the Built Environment: A Municipal Planning Look at Preventing Substance Use in Chittenden County. This guide was created by the Chittenden Prevention Network with assistance from the CCRPC and other community partners. It addresses how local leaders can work together to build a community that supports health in policy and practice, and examines best practices surrounding substance use prevention, how the marketing and advertising landscape in a community impacts individual choices, and more. It also includes key tools and strategies for municipalities to use in preventing and reducing substance use (including alcohol, tobacco and cannabis). Please check this out, and contact Melanie Needle with any questions or comments.
 
On a related note, S.54 (Act 164) -- Cannabis Tax and Regulate -- became law on October 7th, and will become fully effective in 2022. The new tax and regulate system is still a work in progress, with responsibility for some details left to the new Cannabis Control Board, which will be formed in 2021. Here are some key points, adapted from the Vermont League of Cities & Towns (VLCT) and Vermont Planning Association (VPA) summaries:
  • Retail sales will only be allowed in communities that vote to opt-in.
  • Cultivation, testing, warehousing, and distribution are not subject to any municipal opt-in.
  • While municipalities cannot issue blanket prohibitions of cannabis establishments via ordinance or zoning, the uses are subject to zoning. The bill empowers communities to create local cannabis control commissions, and for such commissions to condition issuance of a local license on any zoning bylaw adopted pursuant to 24 V.S.A, section 4414.
  • Per VPA's interpretation, municipalities can make cannabis establishments subject to conditional use review/approval, and perhaps even craft new conditional use review standards pursuant to 24 VSA, section 4414(3)(B)(v).
  • Cannabis shall not be regulated as "farming," and cultivated cannabis shall not be considered an agricultural product or agricultural crop under relevant State laws; therefore municipalities will have the power to regulate cannabis cultivation through zoning, unlike traditional agricultural practices and agricultural structures.
CCRPC will be working with the Planning Advisory Committee on the relevant components of this bill as more details are worked out. For more information, review the bill or VLCT's summary (page 6).
 
Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director, CCRPC
 
Of Note
General Election: November 3
Secretary Condos has issued the First Statewide Elections Directive, which puts in place several temporary procedures to ensure Vermonters can vote safely and confidently in the 2020 elections. Learn more on the Vermont Secretary of State website, and plan to vote on or before November 3rd.
Now More Than Ever, Your Flu Shot Matters
The merger of flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to create an unprecedented public health situation in the coming months. UVM Health Network is doing everything it can to be ready. This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever before. Learn More »
Municipal Response to COVID-19
The CCRPC is working with member municipalities to compile one list of municipal government response to COVID-19. Learn More »
 
Transportation
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Thoughts on Vermont's Rail System? Provide Feedback by October 30
The Vermont Agency of Transportation has developed a community crowdsourcing tool for the Rail and Freight Plans. The tool provides ample resources in one spot, and solicits input on the Freight and Rail Plan Updates. Learn More »
Roll to the Polls - for Free!
Greenride Bikeshare is offering free bike rides to polling places in Burlington, South Burlington and Winooski on Election Day, Nov. 3. Voters can click here for more details on how to get a free ride to vote. Greenride is owned by Gotcha Mobility, LLC, in Charleston, South Carolina, which is participating in a national program called Roll To the Polls 2020 in partnership with the North American Bikeshare Association. Bike share companies across the country are offering free or discounted rides to the polls. In the 2016 election, 3% of Americans cited "transportation problems" as a barrier to voting, according to the Pew Research Center. That 3% equates to 4.6 million registered voters in 2020, Gotcha Mobility said. Learn More » 
SFY2022 Better Roads Grant Announcement 
The Vermont Agency of Transportation announced the 24th year of funding to support projects on municipal roads that improve water quality and result in maintenance cost savings. The grant funds are provided by VTrans with partnership through the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. The Vermont Better Roads Program promotes the use of erosion control and maintenance techniques that save money while protecting and enhancing water quality around the StateApplications for funding will be accepted until December 18th, 2020. Learn More »
CATMA Telework Program Guide
As more businesses begin to re-open and are adapting to the new workplace, many are planning for employees to continue working from home in some capacity. With the increase in telework interest, CATMA has made it a priority to be a resource for organizations who are navigating a new or enhanced telework policy and culture. As the regional Transportation Management Association serving Chittenden County, CATMA developed a Telework Program Guide to help facilitate internal discussions relative to telework policies and practices. This Guide offers a simple step-by-step format that will help develop, implement, and manage a telework program at your workplace. Learn More »
More Transportation Projects & 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
Covid-19 Business Broadband Impacts Survey: Respond by November 2
The Vermont Department of Public Service is asking business owners/operators to complete this 10-minute survey to help understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your business operations and your employees' ability to do their work, related to your Internet usage and needsThe survey is designed to gather information to help the State develop strategies to close gaps in broadband availability and capacity that were created, or accentuated, by the pandemic. Learn More »
Building Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Considerations During COVID-19 - Webinar: November 5
Are you a property owner, facilities manager, energy efficiency professional, business owner or member of the Burlington 2030 District? Please join the Burlington 2030 District and Burlington Electric Department for a special webinar focused on implementing healthier and safer indoor spaces during COVID-19 and beyondLearn More »
ACCD Expanded Economic Recovery Grants Due November 9
ACCD and the Department of Taxes are administering Expanded Economic Recovery Grants. The Department of Taxes application is open now through the myVTax portal until Friday, November 9, 2020 at 11:59pm. Visit the ACCD COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center for full details, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and FAQs for businesses. If you missed the webinar this week about the program, a recording has been posted to the website as well. Learn More »
Vermont Temporary Broadband Subsidy Program: Applications Due November 30
The Temporary Broadband Subsidy Program provides eligible Vermont households with a credit to assist with Internet service subscriptions. Qualifying residents may receive a temporary credit of up to $40 per month toward an Internet service subscription. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until funding runs out or the program ends in December 20, 2020. You must apply before November 30, 2020Learn More »
Lake Champlain Chamber Job Search Resource
Looking for a job in Vermont? The Lake Champlain Chamber wants to help.  Fill out their form and follow the instructions to upload your resume. The Chamber will share it with HR professionals and recruiters looking to fill current and upcoming positions. Learn More »
COVID-19 Business Impacts in Vermont
ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help assess the full impact as we work toward solutions. 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
Final Chance: Respond by October 30 to Inform Vermont's Clean Water Budget
The Clean Water Board is requesting public input on State Fiscal Year 2022 clean water funding priorities, October 1-30, 2020. Thanks to those who have already participated! If you haven't yet, it's not too lateLearn More »
The Art and Science of Green Stormwater Infrastructure Design: November 3
Sarah Hoffmeier of Landscapes Rooted in Design will share her experiences designing, installing, and maintaining the rain garden at Montpelier's Vermont State Employees Credit Union. This bioretention system at the junction of the Siboinebi Trail and Bailey Ave manages stormwater runoff from the parking lot. Sarah designed the rain garden to include specific plants that have capacity to uptake certain pollutants and to ensure an aesthetically-pleasing garden for passers-byLearn More »
South Burlington Energy Report
South Burlington Energy Manager Lou Bresee briefed the City Council on measures that have been taken to reduce the City's demand on energy sources and also to generate electricity for City uses. The presentation provided detailed information on energy uses across City functions to provide a basis to determine where and how to make improvements in consumption and where the return on investment in generation makes senseLearn More »
Button Up Vermont 2020
Help your neighbors use less energy to heat and cool their homes! You can bring Button Up Vermont to your community in 2020. Community leaders like you are the heart of Button Up Vermont, helping your neighbors keep their dollars in your community, have more comfortable, healthy homes, and reduce emissions. Read about this year's campaign, running from mid-September to mid-November. Learn More »
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Burlington's City Hall Park Has Reopened
Burlington's City Hall Park has reopened after more than a year of renovations. The new park features wider pathways, a water fountain with customizable colored lights, and a new public bathroom. The standalone unit, called a Portland Loo, will be open every day the temperature stays above -20 degrees, meeting a longtime demand for accessible bathrooms downtownLearn More »
ACCD COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center
To aid Vermonters as we all respond to and recover from the COVID-19 outbreak, ACCD has developed a Recovery Resource Center of available tools including financial assistance programs, unemployment information, and a series of Frequently Asked Questions to help businesses and individuals navigate the resources available in this time of need. Learn More »
 
Emergency Management
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Mandatory Mask Wearing in Vermont
As of August 1, Vermonters are required to wear masks in public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where physical distancing is not possible. There are some exceptions, including for children under 2 years old and for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. The VT Department of Health offers guidance on when it's important to wear a masks. Learn More »
Vermont Alert
VT-ALERT is the state system that notifies Vermonters of emergency situations, weather alerts, road information, and more. Register for a free account at www.vtalert.gov.
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Our Community's Health: What's Important to You? Take the Survey
United Way of Northwest Vermont, The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, and other Vermont United Ways are currently doing a survey asking individuals across the state to share their perceptions about the health of the community. Learn More »
UVM Medical Center Will Host COVID-19 Vaccine Trial
UVM Medical Center and the Vaccine Testing Center at UVM Larner College of Medicine have been selected to participate in a Phase 3 trial for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca. This is a two-year trial that will include at least 250 people from our region and about 30,000 nationwide. Learn More »
Municipal Engagement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guide
To help municipalities and local leaders expand the vibrancy of their communities and ensure that recovery benefits all Vermonters, the Local Solutions and Community Action Team of the governor's Economic Mitigation and Recovery Task Force created the Municipal Engagement for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Guide. The guide is designed to assist Vermont cities and towns to go further in their efforts to promote a welcoming and inclusive spirit in their communities. Learn More »
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, Communications Manager: evaughn@ccrpcvt.org or (802) 846-4490 x *21.