Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Equity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
CCRPC committee receives equity and governance updates; director flags Act 250 bill changes and RPC study
Summary
The CCRPC Joint Executive & Finance Committee received an equity update and Code of Conduct progress report, was briefed on an ongoing compensation study with potential May budget implications, and heard that an Act 250 bill moving Tier 3 mapping to the Environmental Resources Board plus a study of RPC services is moving through the Legislature.
Charlie Baker, CCRPC executive director, updated members on equity, governance and legislative matters at the March 6 meeting.
Baker described recent work by Anne Nelson Stoner, the CCRPC Equity & Engagement Manager, including ECOS engagement with communities, the February Equity Advisory Committee meeting, ongoing development of two Code of Conduct versions (one for staff, one for the Board), and a Fair Housing Month Rothstein event planned for April. Baker said a book club discussion of Just Action will take place March 11 in the CCRPC main conference room and noted staff participation in Ethical Performance Improvement Campaign (E.P.I.C.) training sponsored by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
On personnel matters, Baker said a Compensation Study is underway and staff are working with consultants on personnel‑policy updates; he asked members to expect potential presentation of recommendations next month and said action may be needed by May because of budget implications. Baker also walked members through legislative developments involving Act 250: he is editing a bill that may require RPC public engagement around its details, could shift Tier 3 mapping responsibility from RPCs to the Environmental Resources Board, and includes a study of RPC services to assess whether RPCs are serving Vermont residents effectively, with that study due to the Legislature by year‑end. Bard Hill asked for a copy of the report; Baker shared the link with members.
Baker also proposed holding the annual meeting in Winooski at Waterworks; members supported the venue. In reviewing the draft board agenda for March 20, he noted the Draft Equity Action Plan and Draft Code of Conduct would be presented for discussion, not action.
What happens next: Staff will finalize the staff Code of Conduct for presentation next month, continue the Compensation Study work with consultant findings to be shared for potential board action in advance of budget adoption, and monitor legislative changes to Act 250 that may affect RPC responsibilities.
