Vermont seeking comment about Hud Programs: Each year the State of Vermont - Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Agency of Human Services and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board receives funding for HUD programs through the Consolidated Plan or Annual Plan update process which identifies priorities based on needs from the housing needs assessment, market analysis, citizen and stakeholder input.  At the end of the program year the state is required to report on the performance outcomes outlined from those plans in their Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).  They have completed the FY22 Program Year DRAFT CAPER which includes the outcomes for the following programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG); and Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) Emergency Solutions Grant Program CARES Act (ESG-CV).   As a representative for a unit of general local government, please share the attached notice with your local residents including minorities,The state is seeking comments by September 27, 2023.

TEST TW WEATHER

The petition to reinstate food scrap bins is cancelled

The planned circulation of a petition to restore a drop-off facility for food scrap collection is being cancelled because its purpose conflicts with current Vermont State Solid Waste Regulations.  It is no longer allowable to collect such large quantities of organic scraps at a drop-off facility. 

At the time that Vernon’s program was discontinued, weekly collection was exceeding 4 cubic yards.  The State of Vermont now limits such facilities to a maximum of 144 gals (about 3/4 cubic yard) per week. 

Although there is great local need for convenient and cost effective collection and disposal of food scraps and other organic/compostable waste material, we cannot continue to do it the same way, even though it worked so well in this place.  However, efforts will continue until another practical and affordable solution is found.  It will take more time, but it will be properly done. 

I wish to thank all those who expressed encouragement and offered their valuable help with the petition effort in order to put an Article up for vote at the 2021 Vernon Town Meeting.  Your offers clearly revealed the amount of interest and enthusiasm that remains around this issue. 

Thank you all, 

Sincerely, 

Sandra Rulewich

s.rulewich@icloud.com