Weekly News Roundup

October 21, 2022

Upcoming Events

The 17th Annual Wheels for Warmth Event is October 27th-29th!

Lend a hand and keep a home warm with us: Recycle or donate your unused tires, buy inspected tires at affordable prices, and help provide emergency heating assistance to vulnerable Vermonters this winter.

With rising heating costs putting a strain on budgets, so many folks could use some extra support. We're working hard with our partners to make sure this year surpasses our goals! More info here!

Energy Updates

Don’t read the energy-digest or want some quick updates? Come join Sam on Zoom 9:00-9:30am October 25^th, for a quick update on Municipal Energy Baseline and Tracking, Enhanced Energy Planning, the Municipal Energy Resilience Program, and more. Round table to follow 2^nd week of November!

Emerald Ash Borer and You: Managing Ash Trees on Your Property

Nov 2, 2022 | 1 pm (Webinar)

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is spreading in Vermont, and many landowners are wondering what they can do and when they should do it. Join us for a look at EAB’s evolution in Vermont and learn how to assess your backyard and your forest.

We will help you learn what to look for, how to assess your risk, and how to decide whether to cut, treat, or ignore your ash trees as EAB spreads. We will also take some time to discuss the ecological and cultural importance of black ash and what might be done to try to preserve this species. More info here

Notice of Public Hearing

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday November 8, 2022 at 5:00 pm. This hearing can be accessed via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88179455529?pwd=akw0THdVeGpWa0N0MDkwdFd6cWtqZz09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 881 7945 5529 and Passcode: 849257. Dial in via phone: +1 (309) 205-3325 or +1(312) 626-6799. For in-person participation the physical location shall be 29 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpelier. Facial coverings are required for in-person participation.

The purpose of this hearing is to consider approval of the Town of Duxbury, Vermont Town Plan Approved October 13, 2020 and to confirm the Town of Duxbury’s planning process under 24 VSA Section §4350; and to consider approval of Amendments to the East Montpelier Town Plan Approved July 11, 2022 and to confirm the Town of East Montpelier’s planning process under 24 VSA Section §4350.

A copies of the plans can be viewed at the respective Town Office’s or on the municipality’s website. Copies may also be viewed at the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVPRC), 29 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpelier, VT. Please call CVRPC ahead of time @ 802-229-0389 if you wish to schedule a time to view the plan or email rock@cvregion.com.

Come Join Your WindowDressers Community Builds!

Your energy coordinators, committees, and other local volunteers and leaders have been working hard measuring windows and bringing the community together to improve the warmth and comfort of homes in your area, lower heating costs, and reduce emissions this winter.

No experience necessary. This is an old-fashioned barn-raising model. Community members gather and build all the inserts ordered together. Experience volunteers teach new volunteers, food is provided, and the end results are high-quality window inserts at a very affordable price and a more connect and thus resilient community. There is a job for everyone!

You can read more about WindowDressers here.

Curious about holding a build in your town? Come volunteer!

Mad River Valley+ https://signup.com/go/QqQogOZ

Build Dates: October 28- November 2, 2022

Location: Waitsfield UCC Church, 4355 Main St., Waitsfield

Contact: Lexi Leacock - warrenenergycommittee@gmail.com

Montpelier/Barre Sign Up https://signup.com/go/TGuoppe

Build Dates: November 4-9, 2022

Location: Barre Auditorium (lower level), 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre

Contact: Amy Gamble 802-279-7345 - agamble1203@gmail.com

Community News

CVRPC Bids Farewell to Bonnie Waninger

CVRPC staff and Board members gathered on a lovely autumn day recently to wish Executive Director Bonnie Waninger a fond farewell and share gratitude for her many years of leadership of the organization. Bonnie has led the organization with uncompromising and unparalleled dedication during her 7-year tenure and will be greatly missed. We all wish her well as she pursues a new phase in her career at Vermont League of Cites & Towns.

Update of Washington County Projects Included in the Agency of Natural

Resources Watershed Projects Database

CVRPC received grant funding from the Water Quality Division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) via a 604b grant administered by the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. CVRPC used the 604b grant funding to review sector-based assessments (e.g. Stormwater Master Plans) to ensure projects identified through the assessment process are both included and accurately represented in the Watershed Projects Database. CVRPC conducted this project to benefit a variety of stakeholders including the municipalities served by the CVRPC, watershed and land conservation groups, the Agency of Natural Resources, the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and the Winooski Clean Water Service Provider / Basin Water Quality Council. Read the full press release here.

CVRPC Seeks New Executive Director

The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) seeks an innovative and dynamic Executive Director with demonstrated management and collaborative leadership abilities. The Executive Director will ensure that the CVRPC advances its core mission while positioning the organization to take advantage of new opportunities that benefit the region.

The CVRPC serves 23 municipalities in Washington and Orange Counties, working on their behalf to build strong and resilient communities, foster economic prosperity, and promote a high quality of life in an equitable and sustainable manner. The CVRPC accomplishes this through planning and community development assistance to municipal governments and preparation and implementation of plans and special studies, and by developing working relationships with local and regional organizations and state and federal agencies. The CVRPC works cooperatively with municipalities to advance regional cohesiveness and facilitate effective communication among all levels of government.

The salary range for the position is $90,000 - $120,000, depending on qualifications, with a generous benefit package. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to director@cvregion.com by November 9, 2022. Additional information is available at https://centralvtplanning.org/news/job-postings/.

CVRPC offers equal opportunity for all employees and maintains a drug-free workplace. CVRPC seeks and encourages applications from people with varied perspectives and experiences. Candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and will be expected to strengthen such capacity if hired.

RFPs, Grant Information, Applications, and Deadlines

SFY 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program Grant Opportunity

VTrans has announced that they are now accepting grant applications for the SFY 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program. This year, Transportation Alternatives Program funding is available for all eligible activities as described in the Vermont Transportation Alternatives Fall 2022 Application Guide per the link below. 50% of grant program funds are reserved for environmental mitigation projects relating to stormwater and highways, including eligible salt and sand shed projects.

TAP Link: http://vtrans.vermont.gov/highway/local-projects/transport-alt Applications are due by e-mail by December 14, 2022.

Upcoming Meetings

In addition to a physical location, CVRPC will provide a video or call in option for all meetings (see agendas on our website for details).

October

Oct 25 6:30 pm Transportation Advisory Committee

Oct 27 4 pm Project Review Committee

Oct 31 4 pm Executive Committee (November meeting)

November

Nov 8 5 pm Municipal Plan Review Committee

Nov 8 6:30 pm Board of Commissioners

Nov 10 4 pm Clean Water Advisory Committee

Nov 11 Office Closed Holiday

Nov 17 1 pm Winooski Basin Water Quality Council

Nov 22 6:30 pm Transportation Advisory Committee

Nov 24 & 25 Office Closed Holiday

TBD Project Review Committee

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