Weekly News Roundup

January 27, 2023

Upcoming Events

Vermont Emergency Management – Spring Flood Q&A’s

The 2023 Vermont Emergency Management Spring Flood Seminar was held on 1/25/23. This event provided information to local officials about the upcoming flood season and how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from seasonal flooding.

The seminar has been posted online and can be found at Vermont

Emergency Management - YouTube.

VEM will now hold three virtual regional question & answer sessions in follow-up.

· February 7, 12-1 pm: Spring Flood Q&A – Northeast. Washington, Lamoille, Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia counties.

· February 8, 12-1 pm: Spring Flood Q&A – South. Bennington, Windham, Windsor, Orange, and Rutland counties.

During these sessions, you will receive an update from the National Weather Service tailored to your region and can ask questions of the individuals serving that region from the Agency of Transportation District Maintenance and Fleet Division, Agency of Natural Resources Rivers Program, Urban Search & Rescue, State HAZMAT Team, Division of Fire Safety, Vermont National Guard, Regional Planning Commissions, and Vermont Emergency Management. Please make sure to view the recorded presentations before attending these events and come prepared with questions! Registration is not required for any of these events – simply click the corresponding link at the time noted above.

Public Service Department Electricity Webinars

Webinar 1: Where Does Vermont’s Electricity Come From?

Tuesday January 31, 12:00 pm-1:30 pm & Thursday February 2, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Webinar 2: Current Renewable Electricity Policies

Tuesday February 14, 12:00 pm-1:30 pm & Wednesday February 15, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Webinar 3: Parking Lot Session to Cover Additional Questions

Thursday March 9, 12:00 pm-1:30 pm & Monday March 13, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

More information about the webinars, registration links, and information on the Department’s process to review renewable electricity programs and policies can be found on the Department’s Renewables webpage: https://publicservice.vermont.gov/renewables

Community News

Temporary Laws Readopted for Town Meeting and Open Meeting Law

In response to the ongoing health concerns posed by COVID-19, the Governor signed Act 1 (H.42) on January 25, 2023. The Act contains temporary measures related to annual town meeting and the Open Meeting Law that will be in effect until July 1, 2024.

Until that time, towns may once again

· postpone the date of their annual town meeting,

· apply the Australian ballot system to annual town meeting by vote of the legislative body, and

· conduct the public informational hearings associated with utilizing the Australian ballot system by electronic means, without designating a physical location.

The Act also suspends certain provisions of Vermont’s Open Meeting Law by allowing a quorum of a municipal public body to meet remotely, without designating a physical location for the public to attend. Public bodies may electronically post meeting agendas and special meeting notices, with some additional requirements in those cases.

For more information, please refer to Act 1 (H. 42) related resources online on VLCT's Town Meeting and Open Meeting Law webpages.

DHCD Launches Statewide Fair Housing Surveys

DHCD has launched two statewide fair housing surveys to help better understand the housing landscape statewide. Housing and non-profit professionals are encouraged to fill out the first survey looking at barriers and opportunities for fair access to quality housing in our communities. Additionally, please share the public-facing Housing Discrimination Survey widely. The feedback from both surveys will help the State strengthen fair and equitable housing choices for all. To learn more about the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice click here.

RFPs, Grant Information, Applications, and Deadlines

Funding for Organizations and Programs Supporting Vermont Women and Girls

Funding is now available from the Vermont Women’s Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation for nonprofits that support economic security and provide career opportunities and programs that drive change for Vermont women and girls. The competitive grant program will award grants of up to $15,000 for proposals that: make pathways to economic well-being more visible, accessible, and affordable for all women and girls; invest in the economic security and career prospects of women especially those earning less than a living wage; advance strategies that address systemic barriers to economic well-being and thriving in Vermont; and/or enhance the capacity of the organization to achieve its mission and stated values.

Nonprofits may apply online at any time. Learn more>>.

Applications accepted through March 21, 2023, 5:00 pm.

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).

February

Feb 6 4 pm Executive Committee

Feb 6 4 pm Municipal Plan Review Committee

Feb 14 6:30 pm Board of Commissioners

Feb 16 1 pm Winooski Basin Water Quality Council

Feb 20 Office Closed Holiday

Feb 28 6:30 pm Transportation Advisory Committee

STAY CONNECTED