HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - City Council - 10/05/2020AGENDA
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
IMPORTANT:
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council-meeting-10-5-2020
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Regular Session 6:30 P.M. Monday, October 5, 2020 1. Welcome (6:30 – 6:31 PM)
2.Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items. (6:31 – 6:32 PM)
3.Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda. (6:32 – 6:42 PM)
4.Announcements and City Manager’s Report. (6:42 – 6:52 PM)
5. Consent Agenda: (6:52 – 6:54 PM)
a)***Approve disbursements
6.Interim Zoning application #IZ-20-02 of Eastern Development Corporation for development
on an existing 8.66 acre lot developed with a single family home and 7,000 sf storagebuilding. The development consists of one 6.68 acre lot containing 36 dwelling units inthree-family buildings, a 1.38 acre lot containing the existing single family home and storagebuilding, and a third lot containing proposed city streets, 600 Spear Street [This item hasbeen continued to October 19, 2020, 7:30 pm]. (6:54 – 7:00 PM)
7.*** Chittenden County Regional Planning Committee Annual budget overview – CharlieBaker, Executive Director (7:00 – 7:30 PM)
8.*** Council discussion and possible guidance on recommendation of the South BurlingtonEnergy Committee to create a Climate Action Plan. (7:30 – 8:00 PM)
9. Reports from Councilors on Committee assignments (8:00 – 8:10 PM)
10. Other business (8:10 – 8:15 PM) 11. Possible Executive Session to discuss matters related to personnel and contracts where
premature disclosure could put the City at a competitive disadvantage. (8:15 – 9:00 PM) 12. Adjourn (9:00 PM) Respectfully Submitted: Kevin Dorn Kevin Dorn, City Manager *** Attachments Included
South Burlington Water Dept.
Accounts Payable Check Register Date: 10/06/20
Date Check No. Paid To Memo Amount Paid 10/6/2020 4140 FirstLight Fiber 20.66
Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 9/15/2020 VI-15183 7833685 20.66 20.66
10/6/2020 4141 City Of So. Burlington 132.00
Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 9/11/2020 VI-15184 166 132.00 132.00
10/6/2020 4142 Ti-Sales Inc. 21,799.66
Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 9/15/2020 VI-15185 INV0122479 985.19 985.19 8/21/2020 VI-15186 INV0121684 6,695.60 6,695.60 9/25/2020 VI-15187 INV0122959 9,000.00 9,000.00 9/25/2020 VI-15188 INV0122958 5,118.87 5,118.87
Total Amount Paid: 21,952.32
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________
Printed: September 30, 2020 Page 1 of 1
1 | Page September 2020
FY2020 ANNUAL REPORT
South Burlington
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is a political subdivision of the State
created by the municipalities of Chittenden County in 1966 for the development of policies, plans and
programs that address regional issues and opportunities in Chittenden County. Its vision is to be a pre‐
eminent, integrated regional organization that plans for healthy, vibrant communities, economic
development, and efficient transportation of people and goods while improving the region’s livability.
The CCRPC serves as the region’s federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and is
responsible for comprehensive and collaborative transportation planning involving municipalities, state
and federal agencies and other key stakeholders in Chittenden County. The CCRPC works to ensure
implementation of the regional transportation plan and provides technical and planning assistance to
its member municipalities and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans).
The CCRPC is governed by a 29‐member board consisting of one representative from each of the
County’s 19 municipalities; transportation representatives from VTrans, Green Mountain Transit
(GMT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Burlington
International Airport (BIA), and a rail industry representative; and, at‐large members representing the
interests of agriculture, environmental conservation, business, and housing/socio‐economic. The
legislative body of each Chittenden County municipality selects its own representative and alternate.
The full CCRPC selects the at‐large representatives.
The CCRPC appreciates the continued opportunity to work with its municipal members to plan
appropriately for the region’s future to protect and improve the special quality of life that is shared
throughout Chittenden County. In FY20, the CCRPC invested just under $4.5 million in regional land
use, transportation, emergency management, energy, natural resources, public engagement, training,
and technical assistance. The program leverages more than $4.1 million in Federal and State
investment with $245,000 in municipal dues and another $146,000 in local match for specific
projects—an estimated 11:1 return on local investment.
South Burlington representatives to the CCRPC Board and other committees in FY20 were:
CCRPC Representative | Chris Shaw
CCRPC Alternate | Meaghan Emery
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) | Justin Rabidoux
Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) | Paul Conner
Clean Water Advisory Committee (CWAC) | Tom DiPietro
MS4 Subcommittee | Tom DiPietro
Specific activities the CCRPC is engaged in with South Burlington, as well as CCRPC’s regional activities,
are discussed in the following sections.
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, Vermont 05404‐2109
802‐846‐4490
www.ccrpcvt.org
2 | Page September 2020
In FY2020, the CCRPC provided assistance to South Burlington on the following projects and initiatives:
Multiuse Path Connecting Williston and South Burlington Supplemental Scoping: In 2006, a
feasibility study was conducted to evaluate opportunities to link the existing shared use path
systems of South Burlington and Williston. In 2010, the study was updated and a preferred
alternative selected. In FY20, a supplemental study was initiated to build upon the previous
studies and to further evaluate impacts of the preferred alternative (along Marshall Ave) on
wetlands, right‐of‐way, and archaeological sensitive areas as well as identify permitting issues.
The study created a more detailed conceptual plan, developed updated cost estimate, and
identified next steps to advance the project. The final report was completed in June 2020 and
can be found here: https://studiesandreports.ccrpcvt.org/wp‐
content/uploads/2020/08/20200629_Marshall_Ave_Study.pdf. Total consultant costs in FY20:
$28,925.
City Center Parking & Movement Plan: The City of South Burlington is looking to develop a
district parking strategy for the City Center area including Market Street and commercial areas
on Dorset Street and Williston Road. This strategy will support ongoing plans to build new
residential units, roadways, a municipal complex, and increased density in the City Center. The
focus of this study is to identify methods to best support the success of Market Street as a core,
mixed‐use area at the heart of the future City Center. In FY20, CCRPC staff continued to
collaborate with City staff and a consultant to evaluate parking needs; briefed the Planning
Commission on existing conditions data and parking utilization; and prepare a draft report. This
project will be completed in FY21. Total consultant costs: $47,215
Zoning Assistance: CCRPC staff continued to collaborate with City staff on zoning‐related
assistance in FY20. CCRPC staff provided natural resource related zoning amendments,
developed a map viewer to illustrate natural resources under the proposed natural resources
zoning regulation amendments. CCRPC staff also continued work with the Affordable Housing
Committee and Planning Commission on Inclusionary Zoning which has since been adopted by
the City Council.
South Burlington Multi‐Site Pedestrian Crossing/Bicycle Access Study: Beginning in the fall of
2018, the CCRPC started to work with the City and Toole Design Group to analyze and evaluate
the feasibility of mid‐block crossings on Williston Road between Hinesburg Rd and Kennedy
Drive and on Kennedy Drive at the Twin Oaks Drive; and the feasibility of continuing bicycle
lanes through the intersections of Williston Road/Kennedy Drive and Williston Road/Hinesburg
Road. The first part of this effort was captured in a memo at the end of FY19 found here while
in FY20, CCRPC staff worked on revisions to the bike lane feasibility with the consultant and city
to finalize the second memo. Total consultant costs: $21,356
VT116/Kimball Ave/Tilley Dr Land Use and Transportation Plan: The CCRPC and the City are
continuing to work with VHB to develop a comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan for
the area around VT 116, Kimball Avenue, Tilley Drive, Kennedy Drive, and Community Drive.
This Land Use and Transportation Plan will evaluate existing land uses and potential
transportation alternatives to address the long‐term, multi‐modal transportation system
requirements to accommodate a potentially significant level of development within the project
South Burlington Activities
3 | Page September 2020
area. This project will be completed in FY21. For more information, please visit the project
website: http://bit.ly/116‐Kimball‐Tilley. Total consultant costs for this multiyear project:
$256,466.
Traffic Overlay District and Impact Fee Ordinance Update: These two efforts have been
combined. The City and CCRPC are continuing to work with RSG to update the current Impact
Fee ordinance to incorporate all aspects of transportation infrastructure as well as create
stronger linkages to established capital budget planning processes and to update the existing
Traffic Overlay District to better align with the significantly revised zoning and land
development regulations incorporating form based code. This project will conclude in FY21.
Total consultant costs for these multiyear projects: $77,634.
Water Quality Planning Assistance: The CCRPC continued to provide assistance with Municipal
Roads General Permit (MRGP) compliance and the Grants‐In‐Aid Program. In FY20, CCRPC staff
collaborated with the City to complete outlet mapping and segment association. Staff reviewed
and uploaded South Burlington’s REI Inventory to the DEC data portal. The CCRPC also
provided consultant oversight on a project to upgrade two stormwater ponds in the Pinnacle at
Spear neighborhood. RPC staff worked with a consultant to develop conceptual plans and cost
estimates at two eroded outlet sites on Quail Run and Keary Lane.
Chittenden County Brownfields Program: The CCRPC manages this program to help properties
that are vacant or underutilized because of potential petroleum or hazardous substance
contamination become productive again. Since the fall of 2016, using EPA grant funds, the
program has provided $12,449 for an environmental contractor to assess potential
contamination issues at a privately owned site at 600 Spear Street. For more information, visit
https://www.ccrpcvt.org/our‐work/economic‐development/brownfields/.
Geographic Information Systems: CCRPC staff collaborated with City staff on a bicycle and
pedestrian mapping project and updated road maps for the South Burlington Fire Department.
Emergency Management – LEMP: CCRPC staff offered assistance in preparation of the annual
Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP), formerly known as the Local Emergency
Operations Plan (LEOP), to ensure that South Burlington is prepared in the event of a disaster.
Traffic Counts: The CCRPC conducted four roadway AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) counts
and one turning movement count in support of South Burlington’s transportation projects and
studies: http://vtrans.ms2soft.com/
Technical Assistance: CCRPC staff provided a variety of technical assistance to the City,
including:
o Presented on the I‐89 2050 Study to the City Council in February and June.
o Developed micro‐simulation models to evaluate possible lane assignment changes of
the westbound approach (Williston Road) at the Williston Road/Dorset Street
intersection;
o Prepared a support letter on behalf of the City for the VTrans Transportation
Alternatives (TA) Program for providing safe pedestrian facilities, including a 10’ shared
use path component, for the Muddy Brook culvert replacement at Kimball & Marshall
Avenue;
o Provided bike/ped information and data to South Burlington staff working on a federal
4 | Page September 2020
BUILD grant for a bridge over I‐89 at Exit 14;
o Reviewed the City’s proposed river corridor bylaw final draft;
o Developed a map viewer for the Champlain Valley Partnership (CVP) to inventory
conserved areas in South Burlington and surrounding areas;
o Provided South Burlington with insights related to workforce commuting;
The TIP (http://www.ccrpcvt.org/our‐work/our‐plans/transportation‐improvement‐program/) is a
prioritized, multi‐year list of transportation projects in Chittenden County. To receive federal funds,
each transportation project, program or operation must be authorized through the TIP. South
Burlington projects included in the TIP are listed below. These projects are also identified in the FY20
Vermont Agency of Transportation Capital Program for design or construction.
Market Street Reconstruction: $7.17 million project for roadway construction. The project is
partially funded with a federal SAFETEA‐LU earmark ($4.5 million). Construction completed.
I‐89 Exit 14 Signal Upgrades: $1.33 million project to upgrade signals at Exit 14.
Implementation scheduled to begin in 2024.
I‐189 Concrete Pavement Repair and Paving: $2.55 million for pavement repair and paving in
2020 and 2021.
I‐89 Paving, Richmond to Colchester: $9.14 for paving I‐89 from Richmond to Colchester.
US7 Signal Upgrades, Webster Road to Swift Street: $4.7 million for upgrades to 16 traffic
signals. Construction to begin in 2020.
Bartlett Brook Stormwater Treatment System Expansion: 2018 Municipal Highway and
Stormwater Mitigation Program award of $123,988 federal and $251,732 state funds.
Construction scheduled for 2021.
Woodcrest/Deane Street Stormwater Infiltration and Detention System: $242,000
Transportation Alternatives award in 2018. Construction scheduled for 2021.
Expansion of Kennedy Drive Stormwater Pond 7: $300,000 Transportation Alternatives award
in 2018. Construction scheduled for 2022.
Kennedy Drive Gravel Wetland Retrofit, Pond 2: $83,693 federal and $169,923 state Municipal
Highway and Stormwater Mitigation Program award in 2019. Construction scheduled for 2023.
Linwood Drive Closed Drainage System and Stormwater Treatment: $115,358 federal and
$188,216 state Municipal Highway and Stormwater Mitigation award in 2019. Construction
scheduled for 2021.
Williston Road Cycle Track and Pedestrian Improvements: $2.4 million project for bike and
pedestrian improvements on Williston Road between Dorset Street and Midas Drive/White
Street. Partially funded with a 2017 Bike & Pedestrian award ($800,000). Construction
scheduled for 2022.
Kimball/Marshall Avenue Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities over Muddy Brook: $300,000
Transportation Alternatives award in 2020 to construct a shared use path adjacent to a culvert
replacement project. Construction scheduled for 2021.
South Burlington Projects in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
5 | Page September 2020
Project Name Brief Description Total Budget
South Burlington
Multi‐Site Intersection
Scoping
This project would evaluate alternatives
for 2‐3 roadway intersections that the
City has identified as being likely
candidates for upgrades in the coming
years due to city objectives and/or new
development.
$20,000 budget which
includes a local match of
$4,000.
South Burlington
Bike/Ped Mapping
Phase II
The City & CCRPC recently completed a
mapping inventory of the city’s bicycle
path segments, including type, side of the
street, and location of existing &
anticipated connections. Phase II of this
project would add data fields and
catalogue existing conditions for future
infrastructure improvement projects.
$10,000 budget which
includes a local match of
$2,000.
South Burlington
Planning Technical
Assistance
This project would use CCRPC staff time
to support planning & land use projects.
Projects may include technical assistance
in developing planning & GIS projects and
management of consultant projects
identified by the City.
CCRPC staff will provide the
City with planning technical
assistance as a fee for
service project for $25,000
from the City.
ECOS Plan Implementation: Throughout the past fiscal year, the CCRPC has been working to
implement the planning principles of the 2018 Chittenden County ECOS Plan. The ECOS Plan
(Environment; Community; Opportunity; Sustainability) is the regional plan for Chittenden
County and combines three plans into one: The Regional Plan, the Metropolitan Transportation
Plan, and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The 2019 ECOS Annual Report is
a summary that highlights a number of regional accomplishments, trends, and high priority
actions (http://www.ecosproject.com/2019‐ecos‐annual‐report). In addition, the ECOS
Scorecard hosts the ECOS Partners’ shared measurement and indicator system that monitors
how Chittenden County is doing relative to achieving our shared ECOS goals
(https://app.resultsscorecard.com/Scorecard/Embed/8502).
Legislative Forum: The CCRPC hosted the Legislative Breakfast to serve as a forum for municipal
representatives and legislators to connect on a few important topics for the upcoming
legislative session, including: Smart Growth, housing, Act 250, water quality funding,
transportation investments, transportation climate initiative, population health, workforce,
mental health and substance use disorders, and regional and municipal planning investments
(http://www.ccrpcvt.org/about‐us/commission/policies‐positions/).
Regional Activities
FY2021 CCRPC Work Program
6 | Page September 2020
Racial Equity & Public Engagement: Addressing inequity in our region is one of the eight key
strategies in the Chittenden County ECOS Plan. CCRPC staff have started to plan for the update
of the 2014 Public Participation Plan (PPP: http://www.ccrpcvt.org/our‐work/our‐plans/public‐
participation‐plan/) with a renewed focus on analyzing inequities in all sectors of our work to
ensure that we actively eliminate barriers and foster an inclusive and meaningful public
engagement for all planning and policy work we do – this meaningful engagement is the
foundation that leads to actions that meet the needs of our diverse community. This past year,
the CCRPC continued to participate in Refugee and Immigrant Service Provider Network
meetings, completed the 2019 Title VI Report for VTrans/FHWA, and worked towards the
completion of the FTA Title VI Program. The CCRPC has made a public commitment to address
issues related to racial and economic disparities through the following actions:
o Facilitating, providing, and/or taking advantage of educational opportunities for our staff,
partner municipalities, and other local and regional partners that address inequities and
advance anti‐racism efforts.
o Examining our organization's policies, practices, culture, and services through the lens of
anti‐racism and white privilege to ensure they reflect our commitment to racial justice.
o Furthering our understanding of the significant historical role land use policies and
transportation investments have had in systemic racism and inequity, while making sure
that future zoning and transportation investments in Chittenden County encourage equity
and provide increased opportunities for Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and low
income residents. More specifically, we will update our Equity Impact Worksheet that is
part of our Public Participation Plan based on best practices around the country and will
have this reviewed locally by a diverse audience.
o Encouraging municipal appointments on our Board and Committees that reflect the
diversity of our community.
o Strengthening existing relationships and partnerships and forging new ones with Vermont
organizations working to advance anti‐racism efforts.
o Committing to advance Strategy 8 of the Chittenden County ECOS Plan (page 48), which
includes specific tasks related to tracking and analyzing inequities in all sectors of our work,
prioritizing positive programs and investments to low opportunity places, and more.
Building Homes Together: Following the first three years of the Building Homes Together
campaign, more progress on housing production in Chittenden County was achieved in 2018 –
please note that 2019 data is not available at this time. The campaign was initiated by the
CCRPC, Champlain Housing Trust, and Housing Vermont in 2016. There were 620 homes
developed and ready for occupancy in 2018. Over the first three years of the campaign, an
average of 758 homes were built each year ahead of the pace needed to meet the campaign’s
goal of 3,500 homes over five years. With over 2,200 homes built in the county in the last three
years, only 280, or 13%, became permanently affordable. That’s shy of the campaign’s goal of
20%. (http://www.ecosproject.com/building‐homes‐together).
Public Health: The CCRPC served on the Chittenden County Opioid Alliance (CCOA,
http://www.ccoavt.org) together with other dedicated stakeholders including local non‐profit
agencies, state and local government, United Way of Northwest Vermont, UVM Medical
Center, Vermont Department of Health, business leaders, and community members in
Chittenden County. In FY20, we helped the CCOA transition to the Chittenden County Public
7 | Page September 2020
Health Alliance to broaden the focus on social determinants of health, with racial justice and
mental health the current focus areas. The CCRPC also served as the lead agency for the
Chittenden Prevention Network’s Regional Prevention Partnership grant
(http://www.healthvermont.gov/alcohol‐drug‐abuse/programs‐services/prevention‐programs).
Accomplishments include a sharps disposal kiosk at the Williston Fire Department, expansion of
Rx drug take‐back locations, promoting Rx drug takeback events, fake ID enforcement to
discourage underage drinking, and community education about substance use prevention for
youth.
Regional Energy Planning: In coordination with the adoption of the 2018 ECOS Plan, the CCRPC
has been moving forward with initiatives to support the Region’s Enhanced Energy Plan
(http://www.ccrpcvt.org/our‐work/our‐plans/regional‐energy‐plan/). In order to advance the
climate and energy goals within the State’s Comprehensive Energy Plan, the CCRPC has
continued to conduct outreach with municipal energy committees/planning commissions,
municipal legislative bodies, and state agencies to assist with the development of local energy
plans. Nine municipalities have adopted enhanced energy plans and five municipalities have
plans in development. The CCRPC also participated in Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
stakeholder meetings, organized a regional Button Up Vermont event with 400 participants,
participated in Drive Electric Vermont meetings, worked with VEIC on a resource guide to
support EV charging at multi‐unit properties (https://studiesandreports.ccrpcvt.org/wp‐
content/uploads/2020/08/CCRPC‐MUD‐EV‐Charging‐Survey‐Report‐Final‐20200807.pdf),
reviewed Public Utility Commission proceedings, and provided municipal assistance to move
forward with the energy planning recommendations established in Act 174.
Emergency Management: During the unprecedented time of global response to the COVID‐19
pandemic, CCRPC staff worked extensively with municipalities, state health officials, and the
public to relay important updates, resources, and general information about the pandemic. A
COVID‐19 Municipal Response webpage was developed and maintained
(https://www.ccrpcvt.org/covid‐19/), and staff developed community guides for seven
municipalities that were mailed to residents. In addition to focusing resources on addressing
the pandemic in our region, the CCRPC continued to host Local Emergency Planning Committee
meetings (LEPC 1, http://www.ccrpcvt.org/about‐us/committees/local‐emergency‐planning‐
committee/) and participate in a wide array of emergency management‐related workshops and
exercises to enhance resilience to disasters in our region. The CCRPC also served as the local
liaison between municipalities and the state to collect damage assessment information after
significant storm events, helped with emergency preparedness for hazardous materials
incidents, collected information from each municipality on annual implementation of hazard
mitigation activities, and worked with municipalities to complete Local Emergency
Management Plans.
Chittenden County I‐89 2050 Study: The CCRPC in collaboration with VTrans, municipalities,
and other stakeholders continues to move forward with this multi‐year study to assess safety,
capacity, multimodal access, resilience, and other transportation and land use issues along the
I‐89 corridor and its interchanges within Chittenden County. The 2050 Vision for the I‐89
Corridor through Chittenden County is an interstate system (mainline and interchanges) that is
safe, resilient, and provides for reliable and efficient movement of people and goods in support
of state, regional, and municipal plans and goals. As the study progresses, the project team
8 | Page September 2020
continues to evaluate transportation alternatives that best achieve the study goals related to
safety, livability and sustainability, mobility and efficiency, environmental stewardship and
resilience, economic access and vitality, and system preservation. For more information, please
visit the project website at https://envision89.com/.
Transportation Demand Management: In partnership with VTrans, CCRPC staff continued the
Way to Go! Challenge (www.waytogovt.org) as a school‐focused K‐12 program to encourage
sustainable transportation and demonstrate the environmental and financial benefits of non‐
single occupant vehicle travel. In 2019/2020, 33,138 Vermont students and staff from 83
schools participated in program. The CCRPC also continued to collaborate with regional TDM
partners to evaluate strategies and policies to encourage sustainable modes of transportation
such as walking, biking, ridesharing, vanpooling, transit, bikesharing and carsharing. TDM
partners include: the Chittenden Area Transportation Management Association (CATMA),
CarShare VT, the University of Vermont, Green Mountain Transit (GMT), Local Motion,
Greenride Bikeshare, Go! Vermont/VTrans, and United Way.
Public Transportation Planning: An integral component of our region’s transportation system is
the public transit service provided by Green Mountain Transit (GMT). Throughout the past year,
the CCRPC has been engaged in a wide variety of public transit planning projects and initiatives
to support the continued development of a transportation system that is efficient, equitable,
and environmentally sustainable. The CCRPC hosted a series of Rural Transit Roundtable
meetings to bring together state agencies, municipal staff, legislative representatives, TDM
partners, and members of the public to evaluate opportunities to enhance transit services in
rural areas of our county. CCRPC staff also hosted Tilley Drive transit meetings, participated in
ADA Advisory Committee meetings, worked with municipalities to coordinate FY21 transit‐
related UPWP requests, and worked with UVM and GMT to conduct the Commuter Bus
Ridership Pilot Project (https://studiesandreports.ccrpcvt.org/wp‐
content/uploads/2020/07/CCRPC‐Final‐Report‐3.pdf).
Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Transportation Program: Beginning in FY19, the CCRPC embarked
on a plan with GMT and United Way of Northwest VT to evaluate program improvements for
E&D transportation in Chittenden County. The program evaluation included goals to enhance
collaboration between program stakeholders, develop better public‐facing information for
riders, and prioritize opportunities to create a more equitable program for all Chittenden
County residents. After program recommendations were made in fall 2019, CCRPC staff worked
with VTrans to update the statewide E&D Program Guidance and prepare for the first annual
E&D Transportation Summit. The CCRPC now also hosts the quarterly E&D partner meetings,
which were previously hosted by GMT.
Neighbor Rides: Since 2013, the CCRPC has been investing in the United Way Neighbor Rides
program to improve the integration of volunteer drivers into SSTA’s services and increase
access to transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities by offering a lower‐cost mode
of transportation (http://www.unitedwaynwvt.org/Neighbor‐Rides). Throughout the past year,
CCRPC staff have continued to work with United Way and other Neighbor Rides stakeholders in
an effort to identify opportunities to increase the number of volunteer drivers in the program.
The COVID‐19 pandemic has undoubtedly had an adverse impact on the Neighbor Rides
program. Beginning in FY21, the program stakeholders will be working to address existing
9 | Page September 2020
COVID‐related barriers to the volunteer driver program.
Active Transportation Planning: The CCRPC has remained committed to supporting active
transportation initiatives in our communities. CCRPC staff continue to collaborate with TDM
partners and local municipalities on planning efforts to expand the Greenride Bikeshare system
and move toward a fleet conversion to electric assist bicycles (www.greenridebikeshare.com).
The CCRPC also assisted with planning efforts for the 2020 Vermont Walk/Bike Summit,
provided VTrans with support on the development of the State’s Bike Ped Strategic Plan,
promoted TDM strategies and provided bike/ped‐related technical assistance to municipalities
and businesses, assisted municipalities with grant and UPWP applications, managed UPWP
projects, and conducted bike/ped counts on paths, designated bike lanes, and other roadways.
The CCRPC also continued to host the webinar series from the Association of Pedestrian and
Bicycling Professionals for municipalities and regional partners.
Clean Water: Water quality projects have become an integral part of our regional planning
efforts. The CCRPC’s water quality initiatives help to safeguard our clean drinking water,
support our recreation and tourism industry, and make our municipalities more resilient to
flood events. The CCRPC has continued to assist our member municipalities to achieve these
goals. The CCRPC continues to host the Clean Water Advisory Committee and the MS‐4 Sub‐
Committee (https://www.ccrpcvt.org/about‐us/committees/clean‐water‐advisory‐committee/)
and provide guidance for the Vermont Clean Water Fund. CCRPC staff also joined the Lake
Champlain Sea Grant Program Advisory Committee, participated in Vermont Clean Water
Network meetings, assisted municipalities with developing stormwater master plans and
implementing Clean Water Block Grant projects, supported education programs such as the
Rethink Runoff (http://www.rethinkrunoff.org), assisted with watershed resiliency mapping,
participated in water quality‐focused policy discussions, and submitted an application to
become the Clean Water Service Provider for the Northern Lake Champlain Direct Drainages
Basin (5).
Municipal Roads General Permit (MRGP) Compliance and Water Quality Planning Assistance:
The CCRPC continues to work with a team of consultants to develop Road Erosion Inventory
(REI) concept plans and REI datasets for member municipalities in order to address road erosion
issues on municipal roads to meet MRGP requirements. For an interactive dashboard of the REI
progress in our communities visit https://map.ccrpcvt.org/reidashboard/. CCRPC staff assisted
municipalities with FY21 Better Roads grants to secure funding for erosion control and
maintenance techniques that protect and enhance water quality around our region. The CCRPC
also provided funding to municipalities through the annual Unified Planning Work Program
(UPWP) for inspection and inventory of their stormwater system, development of Phosphorus
Control Plans (PCPs) for MS4 communities and conceptual plans for transportation‐related
water quality projects on local roads.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Bluetooth Technology: Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) technologies are aimed at enhancing transportation safety and increasing
mobility through the integration of advanced communications technologies into transportation
infrastructure. The CCRPC has been involved in a variety of ITS‐related projects, initiatives, and
trainings that encompass a broad range of wireless and traditional communications‐based
technologies for transportation systems. The CCRPC has continued to monitor deployed
10 | Page September 2020
corridor‐level Bluetooth (BT) devices along five corridors in Chittenden County. The data from
this system will also be utilized by the VTrans Advanced Transportation Management System
(ATMS) and Traveler Information System (TIS) for 511.
Regional Technical Assistance: This includes, but is not limited to, municipal technical
assistance for various transportation issues, GIS mapping, bylaw and ordinance revisions, Act
250/Section 248 application reviews, grant administration and grant application assistance,
build‐out analyses, Congestion Policy development for urban areas to replace the current LOS
Policy, Transportation Resilience Planning Tool development for sub‐watersheds in the county
(https://roadfloodresilience.vermont.gov/#/map) and improving the VT Online Bridge and
Culvert Inventory Tool (http://www.vtculverts.org/). In addition, we have created an online,
searchable database of funding opportunities across a variety of planning sectors
(https://www.ccrpcvt.org/funding‐opportunities/).
Lake Champlain Byway: Chittenden County includes eight of the Byway’s 22 communities:
Milton, Colchester, Winooski, Essex Junction, Burlington, South Burlington, Shelburne, and
Charlotte. CCRPC staff maintained the Byway website (https://lakechamplainbyway.com/)
including a helpful Interactive Map (http://map.ccrpcvt.org/lcbyway/).
For further information about the CCRPC, please visit http://www.ccrpcvt.org/ or contact CCRPC
Executive Director, Charlie Baker: cbaker@ccrpcvt.org.
Climate Action
South Burlington Energy Committee
presentation to
South Burlington City Council
-US National Climate Assessment 2018, US Global Change Research Program
“Climate Change is projected to significantly affect
human health,the economy,and the environment in
the United States…
…without substantial and sustained reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)and regional
adaptation efforts,there will be substantial and far-
reaching changes over the course of the 21st
century with negative consequences for a large
majority of sectors.”
Climate Change in Vermont
➢More rain, floods and intense storms
•Rainfall up 71% in most intense storms since
1958
➢Winters warmer and less snow
•Snow season is 8 days shorter since 1970,
hurting tourism and winter recreation jobs
➢Health impacts worsening
•VT highest per capita rate of Lyme disease in US
in 2017, compared to almost none in 1990s
•VT now 5th highest in asthma rate in the US
(costs $7 million/year)
➢Federal disaster declarations up
•Growing each decade since 1990 (10, 12, 18)
compared to (3,3,2) in the previous 3 decades Source: VT Agency of Natural Resources
VT Temperatures steadily increasing
Climate Polling Results –Survey of 786
Vermont Voters
Conducted by Vermont Conservation Voters and Vermont Public Interest Research Group
-25%
-20%
-15%
-10%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
Massachusetts New Hampshire New York Vermont Quebec
1990-2016: CO2 Emissions from Fossil Fuel Combustion
Million Metric Tons CO2 (MMTCO2)
Sources: EPA, Environment and Climate Change
VT now has highest per capita emissions in the region
(metric tons CO2e per person)
US VT ME CT NH MA NY RI QC
WHY? Transportation and Thermal are INCREASING emissions
SB Climate Change Commitments
In August of 2017, the City of South Burlington
•Joined the Vermont Climate Pledge Coalition and committed to meet or exceed the US obligations under
the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce GHGs by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025
•Directed the City Manager to work with appropriate committees and the public to undertake the creation
of a South Burlington Climate Action Plan that:
a)includes specific goals b)identifies sectors of South Burlington (municipal, institutional, commercial, residential) that
contribute to GHG emissions, and c)develops strategies that effectively address these emissions
In 2014, the City Council adopted an Energy Efficiency Resolution
•Reduce energy usage 20% by 2020 (from 2008 baseline)*
•Develop an Energy Efficiency plan
•Report results to City Council on annual basis
BUT, data is not collected and maintained to enable the City to determine whether it
is meeting the goals described in these resolutions.
Electricity
•New high efficiency streetlights city-wide
•New low-energy use traffic
lights installed city-wide
•2.1 MW Solar Landfill covering
appx 50% of City and School electricity use. In 2019 provided
appx. $170,000 in revenue.
•SB Energy Prize 2 yr campaign
–residents cut annual electricity
and gas, saving $750,000/year
•Street, traffic and police station
converted to LEDs in 2019/2020
Thermal
•Energy saving improvements in
heating (HVAC) a few years ago:
•Police station
•Fire Station
•Department of Public Works
•Insulation projects in 2020;
Thermometer
adjustments/replacements
•SB Energy Prize 2 yr campaign –
residents cut annual electricity and
gas, saving $750,000/year
Transportation
•Penny for Paths investment in extending
bike/ped network
•First City Plug-in Electric Hybrid (leased) and charging station (2019)
•12 planned Public EV charging stations at New City Center (with VW Settlement Funds
in 2021)
•Interim Zoning addressing efficient land-use •Fast Chargers: 1 Fast Charger at Freedom
Nissan/ 8 Tesla SuperChargers at Healthy Living•Level 2 Public Charging stations: 32+ across
the city
What has SB accomplished to date?
Specific energy projects (by sector)
Energy Project Reserve Fund
•In January of 2019, the City of South Burlington created the Energy Project Reserve
Fund
•Money saved by the City through investments in energy efficiency/renewable energy
projects are invested into the Fund
•The Fund is then used to make further capital improvements to City Facilities that
reduce the use of energy, with the tax dollars saved then re-invested into the Fund
•80% of estimated project savings are re-invested
•The Fund is intended only to be used for projects that save energy
Energy Project Reserve Fund Financials
Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-20
Income
Solar Array 3,697.55 $3,806.95 $39,224.20 $8,011.65 $7,880.86 $7,494.94 $6,952.77 $6,952.77
Police Station Lights $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $400.00 $2,840.40 $315.60 $315.60 $315.60 $315.60
Power Factor Capacitor $383.10 $383.10 $383.10 $383.10 $383.10
Stewardship Fund $4,950.53
Total Income (cumulative)$136,153.09 $139,960.04 $139,960.04 $139,960.04 $139,960.04 $179,184.24
Expense
Police Lights -$11,110
Power Factor Capacitor $7,000
Building Study $4,255 $5,000
Street & Traffic Lights
Public Works Ventilation 4,320.00
Public Works Insulation 3,485.00 3,485.00
Small Electric Tools $2,000
Public Works Thermostats 1,825.00
Adaptive Traffic Lights
Water Turbine
Total Expense (cumulative)$62,032.18 $62,032.18 $62,032.18 $74,342.18 $74,342.18 $77,827.18
Plan Balance $74,120.91 $77,927.86 $77,927.86 $65,617.86 $65,617.86 $101,357.06
Energy Project Reserve Fund Financials
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
Jul-19Sep-19Nov-19Jan-20Mar-20May-20Jul-20Sep-20Nov-20Jan-21Mar-21May-21Jul-21Sep-21Nov-21Jan-22Mar-22May-22Jul-22Sep-22Nov-22Jan-23Mar-23May-23Jul-23Sep-23Nov-23Jan-24Mar-24May-24Energy Fund Balance
(incorporates current capital fund projects)
Plan Actual
This is a start, but there is so
much more that we can do!
Electricity
•Install solar on City Center
•Install solar and water turbine in
wastewater treatment plant
•The City and the School District should
work together to maximize allowable solar
Net Metered generation, with the
additional 1MW allowed for schools.
•Investigate renewable energy
generation/storage to satisfy existing load
(without resorting to net metering)
•The City should work with GMP/PUC to
allow for electricity generated by
wastewater treatment plants to be net
metered for city use (increasing the city
cap)
Thermal/Building•Wherever feasible, all new
heating equipment purchased
should be electric (e.g. cold
climate heat pumps) or
advanced wood heat (e.g. high
efficiency pellet/chip)•City to encourage school to
establish a revolving fund to
ensure revenue for future
climate actions. •School should focus on
replacement of HVAC systems
in revised school budget
Transportation
•At the point of purchase/replacement, the City and
School should ensure, wherever feasible that:
✓All new fleet vehicles are electric✓All new mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers and
other equipment are electric✓The schools have charging stations installed for staff
use•City and School should introduce incentives for public
employees to use carshare/carpool, transit or EVs.
•Install EV charger at every major public/school venue
(use Revolving Fund)
•School should seek grants to assist in electrification of
bus fleet•School should identify ways to incentivize school bus use,
and discourage student vehicle use•Improve timing of lights on Dorset and Williston
Proposed actions to reduce
Municipal/School Footprint
Electricity
The City should require that all new
commercial development be solar-ready and
EV-ready
•The 2020 Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards include requirements
for solar-ready zones on commercial
buildings that municipalities can choose
to adopt•Note that 2020 Vermont Residential Stretch Code will require residential
developments to be solar-ready
effective 1/1/2020.
The City should work with GMP and the local chamber/business community to
promote more commercial rooftop solar,
sufficient to include EV charging
Transportation
The City should work with GMP (through
Tier III initiatives) to encourage local
businesses to:
•take advantage of incentives to electrify
their fleets
•Provide onsite EV charging
•Shift all landscaping equipment to
electric at time of purchase of new
equipment
•Provide incentives to employees to use
carshare/carpool, bikes, transit or EVs
Proposed actions to reduce
Commercial Footprint
Climate Business
Leaders
The City could develop an award program
for businesses that have demonstrated their
commitment to energy efficiency, renewables,
sustainable transportation, and other carbon-
reduction strategies.
Awards/incentives from VGS and Efficiency
Vermont could be developed.
Electricity
The 2020 Vermont Residential Stretch Code will require residential
developments to be solar-ready effective 1/1/2020.
Thermal/Building
The City should work with Efficiency Vermont and landlords to target
weatherization actions in low income and multi-unit housing (learning
from Burlington’s program with BED)
Transportation/Housing
City should work to develop/incentivize more public transit •Assist GMT with public transportation advocacy, and develop more
frequency and routes•Ensure there is a shelter at every bus stop•Establish park & ride/carpool lots to connect with public transportation,
(e.g. I-189 Exit)•Work with GMP/private sector to add more EV charging stations at
schools, malls, businesses•Learn from Montpelier micro-transit pilot
City/School should incentivize walking/biking•Bike lane assessment required when roads are repaved•Periodic Open Streets event (perhaps closing northbound lane of Dorset
Street and/or Market Street)•Showcase bike path with an annual event (marathon/half marathon/5k)•Work with Bike & Ped Committee to mobilize public participation in
increasing bike and ped pathways for short trip local transportation•Incent walking, busing, biking to school/discourage private vehicle use. Establish covered bike parking at school.
Consolidate trash hauling services
Proposed actions to reduce
Residential Footprint
Housing
The City should incentivize dense development close to already built
environments/public transportation and implement a framework for
considering the GHG implications of different types of development
Establish a system for disclosure of residential home energy
efficiency ratings
To achieve the City’s goals we need
a Climate Action Plan!
What is a Climate Action Plan?
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a strategy document that outlines a
collection of measures and policies to reduce GHG emissions.
✔Defines GHG reduction goals based on local priorities
✔Prioritizes policies and actions to successfully reduce emissions
✔Provides a guiding framework for achieving those goals
✔Facilitates coordination across SB departments and community
stakeholders
✔Serves as the roadmap for a local government to implement municipal and
community-wide programs, projects and policies.
Burlington and Montpelier have developed CAPs
that can be used as reference
Thermal Energy
1.Implement deep efficiency retrofits to public and private buildings through Efficiency Vermont
2.Develop new finance products to fuel the low-and middle-income markets
3.Undertake extensive public outreach and neighbor-to-neighbor education efforts from trusted
local sources in the City
Transportation Energy
1.Reduce vehicle miles traveled through expanding public transportation options
2.Shift from gas powered vehicles to high efficiency Electric Vehicles
3.Install a robust EV charging infrastructure
4.Install renewably-powered EV charging capacity at homes, businesses and public institutions.
Electric Energy
1.Increase renewable power as we move to strategic electrification through cold climate heat
pumps and electric vehicles
2.Expand solar capacity through a “community net-metering” approach to solar energy
3.Develop new community ownership models for larger solar and wind projects to increase local
investment and reduce opposition.
Goal: to achieve Net Zero Energy use by 2030
Goal -Net Zero Energy by 2030
Climate Action Plan Steps*
________________
* Climate Smart Communities Climate Action Planning Guide, March 2014
Proposed Next Steps for a CAP
1.Assign a staff person to manage the overall process
2.Form an advisory committee with broad representation from the community.
•The advisory committee should include representation from relevant SB
committees, as well as other stakeholders from the community (including
businesses, academia, philanthropic organizations, faith-based groups
and other local interest groups)
3.Set a timeline for CAP completion
4.Measure City’s GHG footprint and ensure annual tracking.
(SBEC has been unable to source data to determine how well the City is performing with respect to its
2017 pledge)
Tracking and Reporting
1.Track fuel bills in a publicly-accessible manner; include 2+ years of historical
a)Electricity (also show PV and other RE generation)
b)Natural Gas (specify portion of renewable NG purchased)
c)Oil, propane
d)Gasoline for vehicles and equipment; note 2-stroke applications
2.Translate to GHG equivalents using standard factors
3.Create charts of GHG emissions by month
a)All city-owned properties
b)By building (where possible)
c)By department (where possible)
4.Track energy projects, including estimated savings and measured impacts
5.Develop similar tracking for residential and commercial emissions
Summary of Next Steps
1.City Council directs the City to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP)
2.Assign a staff person to manage the CAP process
3.Begin to track emissions/energy
4.Form an advisory committee with broad representation from the community
5.Proposed new actions to be taken in advance of or as part of a CAP (see previous
Municipal, School, Commercial and Residential Actions)
•Incentivize dense development (and re-development) close to already built
environments
•Consider GHG implications of development
•Require solar-ready for commercial development
•Develop a Climate Business Leaders award
•Incentivize/implement more transit, walking and biking options
•Develop more Park & ride; bus shelters; more bike lanes; open street events; covered
bike parking; bike path showcase; public advocacy.
•Accelerate installation of public EV charging stations
Climate Action
...making South Burlington cleaner,
more affordable,
healthier,
and better prepared for the future.