CCRPC director report: Act 250 momentum, March compensation study draft, staffing changes and grant updates

Charlie Baker, CCRPC executive director, used the Dec. 6 meeting to summarize several administrative and policy updates.

On land‑use policy, Baker said there is ‘‘momentum to make changes to Act 250’’ and staff are reviewing draft future land use maps; a Municipal Delegation report that would exempt areas with water and sewer from Act 250 was circulated for comment on Nov. 14 and will be reviewed by RPC directors before broader distribution.

On personnel and compensation, Baker said the commission’s compensation study—conducted roughly every five years—should produce a draft in March 2024 examining total compensation (salaries and benefits) and that benefits (including family and medical paid leave) may need modification. Baker announced the hire of transportation planner Eliana Fox and said Business Office Associate Mckenzie Spear has resigned, with a last day of Dec. 15, 2023; the open position is being advertised at an expanded manager level.

Baker and Taylor Newton also briefed members on grant and program updates: the state is applying for Climate Pollution Implementation grant monies and CCRPC will help collect town information for distribution next winter; the Municipal Technical Assistance Program is intended to support low‑capacity small towns (St. George was in the second round, with Bolton and Huntington mentioned as possible future participants); and CCRPC secured an Urban Community Forestry Block Grant, led by Darren Schibler, to plant trees in urban areas.

Baker closed by reminding members staff is working on the mid‑year budget adjustment. No executive session was held.