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NRPC Newsletter
February - 2023
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New Law Extends the Ability for
Fully Remote Meetings
The House and Senate passed, and the Governor has signed H. 42, which provides an extension of pandemic era flexibility for public meetings. Part 1 of the bill contains flexibility around town meetings, and part 2 of the bill addresses meetings of public bodies such as Selectboards and Planning Commissions. The extension expires on 7/1/2024.
In summary, the new law provides flexibility:
- a public body may meet entirely by electronic or other means without being physically present
- a physical meeting place where the public can attend is not necessary
- in addition to the municipal office, a municipal public body may post agendas and notices in two designated electronic locations in lieu of the two designated public places in the municipality (or in a combination of electronic and public place)
If meeting fully remotely, a public body must:
- use technology that allows the public to attend by electronic or other means
- allow the public to access the meeting by telephone
- post information on how the public can directly access the meeting electronically in its agenda
- record their meetings (legislative body and school board only)
A full text of the bill can be found here.
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Call for Applications - Clean Water Projects
The Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC), in its role as the Clean Water Service (CWSP) Provider for Basin 6 (Missisquoi/Rock/Pike watersheds), is accepting applications for funding for projects that improve water quality. Projects must be in keeping with the vision set forth by Act 76, the Clean Water Service Delivery Act, and policies and guidance set forth by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to implement the Act. The CWSP has approximately $1,600,000 available to fund eligible projects in its first year. The deadline responses are March 6, 2023. Resources in support of this funding are available online here. For more information or if you have questions contact Dean Pierce.
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Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time for recognizing and commemorating the role and history of African Americans in the United States. Since 1976, Americans have celebrated Black History Month every February, with 2023 exploring the theme “Black Resistance”, emphasizing how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression in all forms. Black History Month is an important opportunity for our community to spread awareness on issues in the black community, and learn about the histories, traditions, and culture that helped shaped America. The NRPC has put together some resources to help you find events, opportunities, and media that help explore the Black Resistance theme. Some recommended resources would be the online exhibit from the Saint Albans Museum, Untold Stories, Unheard Voices, which celebrates the lives and contributions of several key figures from the Revolutionary War to the 1960s. There will also be The Black Experience, a free in-person experience at the Flynn that celebrates culture and community through performances, presentations, and conversations. To find additional information and online resources about Black History month, check out our linktree!
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New NRPC
Transportation
Planner!
NRPC welcomes Kyle Grenier as a new Transportation Planner. At NRPC, Kyle will provide technical assistance to municipalities, help to administer local transportation projects, coordinate with local, regional, and state officials; and serve as staff support for the region’s Transportation Advisory Committee. Kyle has earned degrees in Business Management and Organizational Management. Previous professional experiences include project, data, and communications management; research, education, and emergency management. He previously served on the Town of Georgia Selectboard, Georgia’s new Highway Garage committee, on the NRPC Transportation Advisory Committee, and currently serves as a Director on the Georgia Historical Society.
Kyle is a proud 9th generation Vermonter with familial ties to his home community of Georgia, dating back to a time before the town was named.
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Legislative Breakfasts to be Held in Franklin County | |
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Saturday, February 18
Georgia Fire Department
8:00-9:30am
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Monday, March 20
St Albans City Hall
8:00-9:30am
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Monday, April 17
Swanton Village Office
8:00-9:30am
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Training Opportunity for Small Water and
Waste System Board Members and Staff
Management & Finances for Small Systems
Offered by RCAP Solutions
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST
FREE - There is no charge for this training session.
Management and finance are important for small systems to operate correctly. This course will be going over key areas of management, boards and stakeholder roles, asset management, budgets and the importance of reserves and rate setting. This training is for active and potential board members, managers, administrative staff, and water and wastewater operators. This course is approved for 4 training credit hours (TCHs) for Vermont certified water and wastewater operators.
Funding is provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
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FEMA has Begun Updates to Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Northwest VT Region
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) in Vermont for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This will be the first map update for most towns in the northwest region since the 1970’s. Flood maps are one of three primary components to the National Flood Insurance Program.
What does my town need to do?
NRPC will be reaching out to municipalities that need to update bylaws to comply with FEMA requirements in the next several months and will be participating in the County Work Map meeting anticipated for this spring. In the meantime, for more information on the update process visit: Get Ready for New FEMA Floodmaps or contact NRPC Staff below. For more information on the NFIP and flood hazards in general visit Flood Ready VT. You can also reach out to NRPC staff, Greta Brunswick or Emily Klofft.
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Municipal Fuel Switching Assistance
The VT Buildings and General Serices Department and RPCs are working together to share more information about Act 172, the Municipal Fuel Switching Act. Act 172 will help Vermont’s municipalities invest in the efficiency of their buildings. There will be three different types of grants awarded during this process, $4,000 mini grants for education and outreach, energy audits for municipal buildings, and grants of up to $500,000 for efficiency upgrades like heating system upgrades, weatherization, and other suggestions made in the audit reports. Applications will be evaluated primarily based on town’s energy burden, the average percentage of their income spent on energy costs. Applications for all three steps have yet to be released, NRPC will work closely with municipalities to prioritize buildings and complete applications. For more information or to discuss project ideas please contact Marlena Valenta.
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Photo of NRPC's January In-Person Staff Meeting | | | | | | |
