REGIONAL NOTES
April 2016
Quick Links
Interested in a specific topic?

Click on a category below to be brought right to that section.
Table of Contents
 
CCRPC Calendar of Events


APRIL

4/21, 5:25pm: ECOS in Action TV show on CCTV's Live at 5:25

4/25, 6:30pm: Winooski Transportation Plan Public Meeting # 2

4/28, 7:00pm: South Burlington Chamberlin Neighborhood Community Meeting # 2

MAY

5/3, 9:00am: CCRPC Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting

5/3, 11:00am: CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

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

5/11, 2:30pm: CCRPC Planning Advisory Committee Meeting

5/18, 5:30pm: CCRPC Board Training

5/18, 6:00pm: CCRPC Public Hearings: UPWP & ECOS Plan Amendments

5/18, 6:00pm: CCRPC Board Meeting

JUNE

6/15, 5:45-7:45pm: CCRPC Annual Meeting & 50th Anniversary Celebration (Champlain College)

 

Traffic Alert Program Reinstated for 2016 Season

Stay informed about roadway construction and other traffic alerts in Chittenden County by signing up for the Chittenden County Traffic Alert, a weekly email service.

 
CCRPC 
Commission Representatives

Bolton: Joss Besse

Buel's Gore: Garret Mott

Burlington: Andy Montroll, Chair

Charlotte: Jim Donovan

Colchester: Marc Landry

Essex: Jeff Carr

Essex Junction: Dan Kerin

Hinesburg: Andrea Morgante

Huntington: Barbara Elliott

Jericho: Catherine McMains

Milton: Lou Mossey

Richmond: Bard Hill

Shelburne: John Zicconi

South Burlington: Chris Shaw

St. George: Jeff Pillsbury

Underhill: Brian Bigelow

Westford: Dave Tilton

Williston: Chris Roy, Vice Chair

Winooski: Michael O'Brien

For more information, including Commission agendas and minutes, schedule and resources, click here.
 
Around the County: Photo of the Month
Click photo to enlarge.
 
An osprey feeding its young 
 
Photo by Lee Krohn
 

How to Lower Your Monthly Electricity Costs

Control your usage and reduce your monthly bill using this guide from Efficiency Vermont. It covers four drivers of high energy costs and describes simple steps you can take on your own.

 

United Way Volunteer Opportunities: Summer 2016

Looking for ways to volunteer this summer? Check out short-term and special event volunteer opportunities with the United Way for the coming months.

 

Volunteer with Neighbor Rides

Neighbor Rides is a strategic initiative of United Way of Chittenden County 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.

 

After a weekend of sun and warmer temperatures, spring is now at the forefront of our minds. Spring means many things to us at CCRPC: the fine-tuning of our budget and work program for the fiscal year ahead; the hiring of our summer interns; the heightened attentiveness to our waterways during the spring melt; and an overall desire to be outdoors for the fun and recreation our region has to offer.

In celebration of spring, here are some upcoming events in Chittenden County and beyond:
  • April 22: Earth DayEvents are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
  • April 22: Climate Talk VT: Global Ambition, Local Action | Vermont leaders and national environmental advocates will come together to discuss what the recent UN conference on climate change means for Vermonters.
  • April 22-24: Vermont Maple Festival | From window displays to concessions and vendors, the streets of St. Albans are packed for this family-friendly festival.
  • April 29: 4th Annual Day in the DirtA celebration of soils, spring, and community spirit, Day in the Dirt includes teams of volunteers working at community and school garden sites all over the City of Burlington.
  • April 30: Prescription Drug Take-Back DayThis national program aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
  • May 1: Green Mountain Compost "CompostFest"Join Green Mountain Compost in Williston for gardening and compost workshops, food trucks, and family fun.
  • May 7: 46th Annual Green Up DayCommunities around the state gather to collectively reduce the amount of litter dotting our roadsides and landscapes.
These are just some of the many great events happening in the next few weeks that will help us gear up for the exciting season ahead. Enjoy the weather!

Best regards,

Charlie Baker
Executive Director
 
Of Note
Two CCRPC Public Hearings Scheduled for May 18
Two public hearings will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the CCRPC offices (110 W. Canal Street, Suite 202, Winooski). 

The first is to review and hear public comments on the CCRPC's proposed FY2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and budget. Learn More �

The second is to review and hear comments on proposed amendments to the 2013 Chittenden County ECOS Plan. 
Job Opening: Chittenden County Opiate Alliance Data Manager: Applications Due April 25
The data manager will compile and coordinate data across agencies and existing systems to: inform cross-sector decision making; break down barriers; and, provide timely and accurate information to implement effective tactics and strategies to meaningfully reduce the burden of opiate abuse. Learn More � 
 
Board Member Spotlights
In celebration of our 50th anniversary year, we will be featuring a few CCRPC Commissioners in each newsletter to get a behind-the-scenes look at who they are and how they contribute to our communities. Stay tuned for more 50th anniversary content in upcoming issues!
Marc Landry, CCRPC Colchester Representative (2010-Present)
Marc is currently in his 16th year on the Colchester Selectboard. He believes that a community like Colchester needs and can really benefit from the services and programs available through a regional planning commission. Colchester's Public Works Director and Town Planner are involved with the CCRPC, and Marc says it's beneficial to have a Selectboard member at the table as well -- and that his role on the CCRPC Board helps him as a to have some familiarity with what matters to other municipalities. Marc has been a member of Housing Vermont for seven years and is currently chair of the board; Housing Vermont works with local partners in assembling financing for, and in the development of, affordable housing for families and seniors. He also serves on the board of Vermont Rural Ventures, and Bishops Plan Insurance Company. Marc owns and operates a small insurance firm started over 35 years ago. In his spare time, Marc and his wife Pam of 41 years like to visit their children and grandchildren who are located in Ohio, Virginia and Utah. He also spends his time maintaining two homes, operating a small flotilla of boats, biking, and trying to make use of a seasons ski pass at Bolton Valley.
Dave Tilton, CCRPC Westford Representative (2012-Present)
Dave served for two terms on the Westford Selectboard several years ago, and was re-elected this year. He was a founding member of the Westford Conservation Commission and served for several years, and also helped start the Westford Farmers Market. Westford is a small, rural community, and many of its residents enjoy living on dirt roads. Zoning in much of the Town requires a minimum lot size of 10 acres, and many residents enjoy using their property for firewood, hobby farms, ball fields, sugaring, etc.  Many residents also want to maintain the natural resources and setting that allows the quality of life they enjoy -- so it made sense to Dave to tune into the CCRPC and help ensure communities with values like Westford residents' values are included at the table. After 31 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dave retired last October. Dave is an avid hunter: He owns a pointer named Clancy and they hunt grouse, woodcock, pheasants, quail etc. in Vermont, Virginia, and Montana. He is also a fisherman. For the last few weeks, his home project has been building a "poker room" in his basement for when it's his turn to host long-standing monthly poker games with a few friends.
Michael O'Brien, CCRPC Winooski Representative (1998-Present)
Mike is currently a member of the Winooski Planning Commission and Reparative Board, and was previously a member of the Winooski City Council for 9 years (1998-2007) and Mayor for 8 years (2007-2015). Mike was appointed to the CCMPO in 1998, his first year on the City Council, as a result of the previous member stepping down. Mike's interest in serving came from previously serving for 10 years on the Board of Commissioners of the CCTA, his new role on the City Council, and his interest in transportation planning in the county. At the time of the merger of CCMPO and CCRPC, Mike opted to stay on as commissioner to the CCRPC from Winooski. Mike tries to stay active in the community because he wants to do what he can to make Winooski a great place to live and/or work, or come to visit. Mike was born and raised in Winooski and has lived there with his wife Sue since 1985. They raised their three children, Rob, Tom and Kate in Winooski. Every couple weeks, Mike and Sue drive down to visit their granddaughter Amelia in Massachusetts. When he can, Mike likes to golf or be out on the lake boating during the summer, and attending UVM hockey games during the winter.
 
Transportation News
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Mayor of Minneapolis to Visit Burlington to Share Insights on Safe Streets
Local Motion is delighted to be bringing Betsy Hodges, the mayor of Minneapolis, to Burlington to share her insights on leadership for safe streets. Please join us for one or both of the following events:

Bike Around Burlington with the Mayor of Minneapolis: Sunday, April 24, 2pm
A family-friendly, gentle-paced ride to share our fair city with our honored guest. Meet at Local Motion's office on the Lakeshore Bike Path. RSVP � 

Safe and Sustainable Streets for Everyone: Tuesday, April 26, 5pm
A conversation about activism, leadership, and making change happen. Contois Auditorium, Burlington. RSVP � 
Regional Transportation Model RFP Available
The CCRPC is requesting proposals to update its Regional Transportation Model. The complete Request for Proposals and applicable documents can be downloaded online. Learn More � 
Winooski Transportation Master Plan Public Meeting: April 25
Join us at the O'Brien Community Center (32 Malletts Bay Ave.) to hear about transportation strategies to improve walking, biking, driving, and public transit in and around Winooski. At this meeting you'll have an opportunity to help the City of Winooski prioritize transportation improvements for the coming years. Learn More � 
Winooski Transportation Master Plan Survey
Whether or not you can attend the next public meeting on April 25, please take the survey to help identify which implementation actions the City should prioritize and pursue. Participants can enter to win one of three $50 Shaw's gift cards. Learn More � 
Seeking Public Comment: Regional Bike/Ped Plan
Draft recommendations have been released for public comment. Learn what's being proposed for a regional network, projects, and programs, and submit your comments by April 29. Learn More � 
Green Mountain Transit Transportation Summit: May 20
Join Green Mountain Transit and collaborate with industry professionals, regional experts, and elected officials to exchange ideas and achieve our common vision of transforming transportation in our region. Learn More � 
Shelburne to Begin Stop Sign Pilot Program at Bay Rd. Underpass
On June 1, the town will place stop signs at either end of the underpass, creating a single-lane, alternate use situation. The underpass has been a safety concern for many residents. Feedback is encouraged via an online form. Learn More �
Advanced Traffic Monitoring System Using Bluetooth Technology
CCRPC awarded the Advanced Traffic Monitoring System Using Bluetooth Technology along 5 corridors in Chittenden County to Gannett Fleming Inc.  A kick-off meeting with the consultant and project working group was held on April 7th. Learn More �
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
Vermont Restaurant Week: April 22-May 1
In celebration of Vermont's unique food culture, 100+ restaurants will offer special, prix-fixe menus showcasing their chefs' greatest dishes. Brought to you by Seven Days and presented by Vermont Federal Credit Union to benefit Vermont Foodbank. Learn More �
VT Businesses for Social Responsibility Annual Spring Conference: May 12
The day-long event is a great chance for our community of socially responsible business leaders to come together, network, and learn the latest in innovative SR business practices, policies, and thinking. Learn More �
 
Energy & Natural Resources
Implementing ECOS Strategies 3 & 4
Vermont Arbor Day Conference: May 6, 2016
This conference is designed for the stewards of Vermont's urban trees and community forests and will provide an opportunity to enhance technical skills, engage in urban and community forestry hot topics, and network with professionals. Learn More �
46th Annual Green-Up Day: May 7
Green Up Day began in April 1970 and continues today as a unique Vermont tradition, bringing out thousands of volunteers throughout the state to remove litter and trash from our roadways, waterways and public places. Learn More & Volunteer �
Stakeholder Meetings Re: Long-Term Financing of Statewide Water Quality Improvements: April 27, May 18, June 1
The Vermont DEC is co-hosting a series of six stakeholder meetings with the Vermont Office of the State Treasurer from March-June in partnership with the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Vermont Transportation Agency. Remaining meetings will be held April 27, May 18, and June 1; contact Kari Dolan for full details.
Drinking Water Workshop: April 28 & 29
Regional and town planners, GIS planners and municipal officials will benefit from this workshop: Planning to Protect Vermont's Drinking Water Sources. Workshop offered in two locations. Learn More �
Drinking Water Asset Management Grant: Applications due April 29
The DEC's Drinking Water Capacity Development and State Revolving Fund Programs are offering grants to help public community water systems develop Asset Management Programs. Learn More �
Monkton Rd. Wildlife Crossing Success
The Monkton Rd. Wildlife Crossing has installed wildlife tunnels to reconnect critical amphibian habitats in Monkton, Vermont. While battles of wildlife survival rage on around the globe, one locally significant population of frogs and salamanders now has a chance of overcoming the stresses of human encroachment and an ever changing climate. Learn More �
 
Quality of Place
Implementing ECOS Strategy 2
Announcing the 2016 Downtown and Village Center Tax Credits: Applications due July 1
In 2016, $2,200,000 in state income tax credits are available to projects that enhance the historic character and improve building safety of older and historic commercial buildings in these designated communities. Learn More �
2016 Williston Village Master Plan Survey & Open House May 3-7
The Town of Williston is working on a new Master Plan for the Williston Historic Village. Drop by at your convenience to an Open House to share your vision for the future of this unique part of town, and take a 2-question survey to get started. Open House Schedule � | Take the Survey �
Town of Shelburne Receives 2015 New England "Stormy" Award
The Town of Shelburne was awarded the 2015 New England Stormwater Collaborative "Stormy" for an innovative inter-municipal agreement with the City of South Burlington. This award was given to three organizations in the New England Region based upon interesting and innovative ideas related to stormwater management. Learn More �
Richmond Mapping Our Vision Workshop: May 4
Richmond has a new community vision. What does it mean for where we should live, work, play, and grow? Join us for a community mapping workshop this month and help figure it out. Learn More � 
Town of Shelburne and Shelburne Farms Announces Partnership
The Town of Shelburne and Shelburne Farms are pleased to announce an innovative partnership. This summer, as a pilot project, Shelburne Farms' sheep will graze Shelburne's public parks, athletic fields, and other lands. They will also graze the public rights-of-ways along roadways. This pilot project will save the Town of Shelburne's summer park maintenance and highway roadside mowing budgets an estimated $40,000. Learn More �
 
Social Community
Implementing ECOS Strategies 5, 6 & 8
Prescription Drug Take Back Day: April 30
Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors drug take back days allowing people to turn in prescription pills anonymously for proper disposal. The Chittenden Prevention Network works with local pharmacies, doctor's offices, and other public spaces to promote this service. For information on a drop-off location near you, visit the CPN website � 
Vermont Foodbank - Hunger Action Conference: May 6, 2016
This year's conference will focus on the root causes of hunger and addressing poverty. Learn More �
 
Emergency Preparedness
Implementing ECOS Strategy 5
Local Emergency Operations Plans Deadline: May 1
The annual deadline for submitting Local Emergency Operations Plans is approaching. In order to meet Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund and grant requirements, all Vermont municipalities must update and adopt a Local Emergency Operations Plan between town meeting day (March 1st) and May 1st and submit this updated plan to their Regional Planning Commission. Learn More �
Contact
For questions regarding emergency preparedness, including LEPC 1, please contact Lee Krohn in the CCRPC office.
 
Save the Date
Upcoming events in Chittenden County and beyond
Way to Go! Challenge: September 26-October 7, 2016
In an effort to make this year's Way to Go! Challenge even more accessible, we've moved the dates from the Spring to the Fall. Just like last year, any trip counts, not just your commute to work. Join the 2 week Way to Go! Challenge this September 26th through October 7th. Sign up early and pledge to participate on as many days as you can.  Learn More �
2016 Vermont Collective Impact Conference: November 2-3, 2016
This statewide, two-day conference will build on the momentum of the 2015 Collective Impact Conference and will provide opportunities for teams of stakeholders to learn and work together in furthering emerging or existing Collective Impact efforts. Learn More �
 
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggested content for upcoming issues, please contact Emma Vaughn, CCRPC Communications Manager: [email protected] or (802) 846-4490 x *21.