Rutland planning commission schedules MS4 outreach, to meet new recreation director July 31

RUTLAND, Vt. — The Rutland Town Planning Commission on July 10 said it will include education and outreach related to the town’s MS4 stormwater permit at upcoming events and will meet the town’s new recreation director, Mike Rowe, at its July 31 meeting.

Commission members said MS4 refers to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit that the town must hold for portions of its watershed. "MS4 is stormwater separate sewer systems. It's a permit, that the town is required to have," K., the planning commission chair (name not provided), said, explaining why the commission will prepare materials and activities.

The commission plans to prepare informational materials and child-friendly activities for a townwide celebration scheduled Aug. 23 at Northwood Park. K. said the outreach will include educational materials for residents and activities for children.

Personnel and meetings: Mike Rowe, identified by the commission as the town’s full-time recreation director, is scheduled to attend the July 31 planning commission meeting to discuss parks and recreation matters. Mary Ashraf and Sharon Russell, who the commission said are involved with the town’s recreation committee, indicated interest in attending. K. said one of Rowe’s responsibilities will be park oversight.

Actions and next steps: commissioners did not take formal policy action on MS4 at the July 10 meeting but agreed to prepare outreach materials and to place Mike Rowe on the agenda for July 31. The planning commission also noted the townwide celebration on Aug. 23 as an opportunity to distribute permit-related materials.

Background: MS4 permits require municipalities to engage in public education and outreach on stormwater impacts. The commission did not specify permit details or funding sources at the July 10 meeting.