ACRPC December Newsletter

ACPRC Update

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Housing Committee with the support of our community planner, Katie Raycroft Meyer, the Regional Population and Housing section has been updated to reflect the current state of the region’s population and housing. The plan has received positive feedback from the public and was featured in the Addison Independent on September 9th, 2021. 

The plan was adopted by ACRPC’s Housing Committee on September 30th, 2021 and is now open to public comment. A copy of the plan is available on our website (HERE). 

The first public hearing was on November 10th and was well received. No major changes were suggested but some substantive edits and phrasing will be incorporated following the end of the comment period. 

The second and final public hearing for the Population and Housing section of the regional plan will be on January 12th, 2022 at 7pm during the full commission meeting. 

Assuming the second hearing progresses as favorably as the first, ACRPC will vote to adopt the Population and Housing Section of the Addison County Regional Plan at either its January meeting after the hearing or at its February meeting. It will then send the amendment to its member communities providing them with 21 days to veto the proposed amendment.  If less than 2/3rds of the municipalities choose to act, the Amendment will officially become a part of the Addison County Regional Plan.

Members of the public may also submit comments to: Katie Raycroft-Meyer, Community Planner, [email protected]

This effort is the first major step in updating the Regional Plan. The Education, Economy, and Natural Resources sections will be the focus of major updates with the remaining sections receiving minor updates as needed in the next year. For more information, contact Adam Lougee, Executive Director, [email protected]. 

December Calendar

Date	Time	Meeting
December 8th	7:00 pm	ACRPC Full Commission Meeting
December 15th	12:00 pm	AC REMC Quarterly Meeting
December 16th	7:00 pm	ACSWMD Meeting

This newsletter is financed through the State of Vermont Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the State of Vermont. All programs of the Addison County Regional Planning Commission are ADA accessible.

Announcements

Regional Emergency Management Committee

The first meeting of the Addison County Regional Emergency Management Committee (REMC) will be held on December 15, 2021 at 12pm (in person at 14 Seminary St with Zoom option). 
The REMC conducts All-Hazards preparedness planning and coordinates with Vermont Emergency Management (VEM), the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), and the new statewide Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The REMC is made up of Local Emergency Management Directors and Emergency Services Representatives from each municipality in the region. Representatives from fire departments, emergency medical services, law enforcement, media, transportation, hospitals, the department of health district office, organizations serving vulnerable populations, and any other interested public or private individual or organization, are welcome to attend and participate!

For more information, contact ACRPC Emergency Management Planner Andrew L’Roe at [email protected] or 802-388-3141

VCDA Fall Conference: Vermont Communities At a Turning Point | Community Development Forum Discussions

As we look back at 2021 and ahead towards 2022, Vermont communities are at a turning point. Communities face major decisions and challenges as we address critical issues for the future and decide how to spend federal dollars coming into the state. Join the VCDA Board and community and economic development partners from across the state for expert-facilitated discussions focused on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Presented Virtually on December 7th 2021 9:00am-12:00pm

Register for free at https://bit.ly/3nTZ6WL

ACRPC Seeks Municipal Candidates for Otter Creek Basin Water Quality Council

ACRPC, the Clean Water Service Provider (CWSP) for the Otter Creek basin, is conducting outreach efforts to municipalities. We are seeking candidates who wish to represent municipalities on the Basin Water Quality Council (BWQC). There are 54 municipalities in the Otter Creek Basin. Two (2) candidates will be selected to represent municipalities.

Please complete the application (LINK) and submit to ACRPC no later than January 17, 2021. Contact Mike Winslow ([email protected]) if you would like more information. ACRPC will be hosting an informational session for watershed stakeholders in the coming weeks to provide additional information on the BWQC and CWSP start up process.

Save the Date! – Walk Bike Summit

In partnership with Vermont Agency of Transportation, and along with a number of other participating organizations and sponsors, the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, in concert with the Walk-Bike Council of Addison County will host the statewide Vermont Walk/Bike Summit at the Town Hall Theater in Middlebury, VT on May 6, 2022. Find out more on their website HERE. 

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Offering Funding for Projects That Reduce Diesel Emissions 

The DEC has developed the Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance Program, which provides technical assistance and incentive funding for these projects that reduce emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, engines, and equipment. Do you have a project in mind that could benefit from this funding? Learn more about the program here and below.

FY22 TAC Request for Proposals

The Town of Ripton and the Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) seek consulting services to identify, prioritize, and budget for any upgrades required for the Class 4 section of the road to make it suitable for emergency and future use. The study will make recommendations about the road location within the right-of-way, the relation to utility line rights-of-way, and a termination point in Middlebury.

• Due Date: Wednesday December 8, 2021 at 5PM
• Full application info

The Town of Bristol is interested in scoping the conditions and constraints for a sidewalk along Airport Drive, and developing options for construction of a new sidewalk. Subjects to be considered in the scoping include rights-of-way, drainage, and utilities. The scoping study should produce a 30% design plan and cost estimates that could be used to apply for grant funding or inform budgeting for completion of the project with local funds.

• Due Date: 12/15/2021
• Full application info

ACRPC and the Town of Middlebury seek planning assistance for improving pedestrian connectivity along U.S. 7 between Boardman St. and the Hannaford Plaza. The area between Boardman St. in Middlebury and commercial areas to the north is not pedestrian-friendly. At the same time, the Trail Around Middlebury intersects U.S. 7 in this vicinity and there are no clear pedestrian crossings.

• Due Date: 01/05/2022
• Full application info

For more information on the RFPs contact Mike Winslow at [email protected] or 802-578-9999

Regional Holiday Events

Bristol – Chocolate Walk is happening on Friday, December 3, 2021, 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. This year, we’re offering expanded hours to give shoppers a little extra space in these COVID times. Our businesses will be offering their treats “to go” so you can enjoy all the chocolatey goodness out on the sidewalk, or bring it home. 

Vergennes – The city will be hosting events on the first Saturday of December. Learn more about the events HERE.

Middlebury 

• A Very Merry Middlebury will present several events throughout the month of December. Find out more HERE.
• Menorah Lighting in College Park, Middlebury Lean more HERE

Looking for Help with Energy Projects?

Our Energy page is getting new resources! Click HERE to find information on:

• Using ARPA funds for energy projects in your town
• Funding ideas for energy projects 
• Act 174 and developing enhanced energy plans 
• Starting an energy committee
• And more!

Grants

December Deadlines

Resilient Urban Forests for All Assistance Package

VT UCF is seeking two urban municipal partners willing to utilize technical and financial assistance to invest in their urban forest and the community that cares for it throughout the 2022 calendar year. 

Apply by: 5pm on Thursday, December 9th, 2021  

For more information: Click Here

Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants

Grants will be made in increments of $50,000-$100,000. Only nonprofit organizations and municipalities in towns with populations less than 7,500 people will be eligible.

Deadline for requests for Letters of Eligibility: November 15, 2021

Apply by: December 15, 2021 

For more information Click Here

Vermont Arts Council Animating Infrastructure Grant

Animating Infrastructure Grants support community projects that integrate art with infrastructure improvements. Through this program, the Council strives to demonstrate the positive impact of art in helping communities meet goals of livability, walkability, safety, economic vitality, and community vibrancy, and to support the creation of unique infrastructure projects where function and art are one and the same.

For more information Click Here 

Letter of Interest due: December 16, 2021

Vermont Better Roads Program

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is pleased to announce the 25th year of funding to support projects on municipal roads that improve water quality and result in maintenance cost savings.

For more information Click Here

Applications due: December 17, 2021

Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Grant Programs

Hazard mitigation funds are available to municipalities and other organizations to help reduce or eliminate loss of life and property by taking measures to reduce the impacts of future disasters.

Application Deadlines

• Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) – state deadline of Friday, Dec 17
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) – on a rolling basis
• Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities – state deadline of Friday, Dec 17

For more information Click Here

If interested, please contact ACRPC’s Andrew L’Roe at (802) 388-3141, [email protected]

Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program – USDA RD

This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

State pool – Apply by December 17th, 2021 

For more information Click Here

Capital Investment Grants

Funded projects will be transformational, attract new businesses or retain existing businesses, be geographically distributed across the state, and encourage capital investment and economic growth. 

Apply by: December 27th, 2021

For more information Click Here

Certified Local Government Program Grants

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development is accepting grant applications for the Certified Local Government grant program to help local governments integrate historic preservation concerns with planning and decision making processes.

For more information Click Here

January Deadlines

VHCB Housing Funding

VHCB invites applications for the new housing funding according to the following schedule for upcoming information sessions, application deadlines and board meeting dates over the next several months.

Application Due Dates:

• November 10, 2021 for Jan 26 consideration                           
• February 25, 2022 for May 13 consideration

Contact Jenny Hyslop, VHCB Housing Director, (802) 828-5539, [email protected]

https://www.vhcb.org/our-programs/housing/arpa-sfr

Communities Caring for Canopy Grants

Grants act as seed funding to help communities care for their publicly managed trees and forests by taking the necessary actions to develop and sustain a community-wide tree program.

Available Funding: The minimum funding for proposals is $1,000 and the maximum funding for proposals is $5,000.

Apply by: January 7th, 2022   

For more information Click Here  

Tools and Trainings

Legislative Briefing with the VT Chamber of Commerce

The Addison County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Legislative Discussion with the Vermont Chamber’s Advocacy Team led by Betsy Bishop. She will focus on labor and finance issues. She will be joined by Amy Spear, Vice President of Tourism who will discuss issues impacting the lodging and restaurant sectors and Chris Carrigan, Vice President of Business Development, who will present information on manufacturing issues. Join us for an informative discussion about the issues faced by Vermont businesses in the year to come. If you would like to have anything in particular discussed during this event, please direct your questions to Amy Djordjevic at [email protected]

Time: Thursday, December 2, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT

Location: Virtual Meeting via Zoom (Link will be emailed to registrants)

Fees/Admission: No Charge for Members | $15 Non-members

Register Here: https://bit.ly/3CmU2Ar

ACCOC December Webinar – Dust Proof Your Strategic Plan

For our December seminar, we’ll chat 1:1 with Jamie Brookside, Executive Director of the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT). We’ll talk about things like: creating a strategic plan that best supports your organization in its current life cycle; how to engage board members and staff alike in the strategic planning process; what it’s like to strategic plan during a time of uncertainty or crisis; how to stay on track with pursuing your goals and strategies and much, much more!

This seminar is brought to you by the United Way of Addison County and Hedgehog + Fox Collaborative.

TIME: 9:30-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2021

LOCATION: Zoom Meeting link will be emailed to registrants on December 6th

COST: Free for Members, $15 for Non-Members

REGISTER at https://bit.ly/3qFYhnI

Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) conference

On the first Saturday of December each year, Vermont’s action-oriented local energy and climate leaders gather for a day of shared connection and learning. This year the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) conference is happening virtually on the morning of December 4. In the following week (Dec. 6 – 9) there will be lunchtime zoom workshops on Monday through Thursday. This series of events is FREE and open to all. Learn more and register here.

Starting Your Town Conservation Fund

Did you know that towns can establish dedicated funds to pay for conservation? Join Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Community Wildlife Program to learn about what it takes to start a Conservation Fund, where the money comes from, and what to do with yours. We’ll share useful tips, inspiring project stories from other towns, and help launch you towards realizing your town’s conservation aspirations. This webinar is intended for Vermonters serving on town boards and municipal staff, and is hosted in partnership with the Vermont Association of Conservation Commissions (AVCC).

Presenters:

Jens Hilke, Conservation Planner, VT Fish and Wildlife Department

Andy Wood, Conservation Planner, VT Fish and Wildlife Department

Session 2: Thursday, December 2, 2021 1:00pm – 2:00pm REGISTER

Upcoming VLCT Webinars and Workshops

• Broadband and ARPA – Roadmap to the Last Mile, Wed., December 1, 2021, 11:00-12:00.  Register HERE.
• What Does the Infrastructure Bill Mean for Your Town, Thu., December 9, 2021, 12:30-2:00.  Register HERE.
• January Workshop: ARPA And Your Town – Getting Involved and Maximizing the Opportunity. Join us on January 14th at 10:30am for a conversation with Katie Buckley, ARPA Director from the Vermont League of Cities & Towns & other local leaders. This online workshop is designed to help interested Vermonters understand the parameters for spending ARPA funds and will include tips on how to most effectively work with other community members, potential partners, and the municipality to achieve desired outcomes. Here is the link to register. 

VT Agency of Natural Resources Community Wildlife Program

List of webinars: https://anr.vermont.gov/content/trainings

To register, email Andrew Wood [email protected]

Vermont Maple Conference

University of Vermont Extension and Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association are pleased to host the 2021 Vermont Maple Conference Week.

Online Sessions: Wednesday, December 8 – Friday, December 10

In-Person Sessions: Saturday, December 11 at Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center 

Conference Registration: https://members.vermontmaple.org/event-4561841

For more information: https://vermontmaple.org/maple-conferences

Digital Access: Key Elements for Inclusion of Disabled People

Inclusive Arts Vermont has partnered with the Vermont Arts Council to offer a series of workshops on improving digital access to arts programming for the inclusion of disabled people. The pandemic has drastically changed the way organizations deliver programming, and there is a misconception that the new digital methods are inherently more accessible for disabled people. Truly accessible and inclusive programming requires specific skills and preparation, and these workshops will cover a variety of essential topics including disability etiquette, creating alt text, accessible web design and social media, graphic design and marketing practices, and more. 

There are nine workshops altogether. They are not consecutive, so feel free to pick and choose topic(s) that are most relevant to you. All workshops will be held on the first Tuesday of the month, through July 2022. Participation is free to Vermont non-profit arts and culture organizations. Recordings will be posted on our website after the event. Learn more and register here.

---