Sustainable CT Community Certification Report

This is the Sustainable CT Certification Report of Vernon, a Sustainable CT silver certified applicant.

Vernon was certified on May 31, 2022 with 770 points. Listed below is information regarding Vernon’s Sustainable CT efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable CT contact for Vernon is:

Name:	Shaun Gately
Title/Position:	Director / Director of Development Services
Phone:	860-870-3637

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Vernon was approved for in 2022 appears below. Please enjoy this opportunity to view and learn from the information and materials provided.

Notes: Submission content was created by Vernon, and Sustainable CT makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the submission, beyond that an individual reviewer approved at least some elements of the action for certification. Further, standards for actions below may have changed, and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action. Finally, approved actions here may include some documents and descriptions in support of action elements that were not approved, in addition to elements that were approved. In preparing your own application, please rely only on the action write-ups for the current certification year to guide your submission. Please contact [email protected] with specific questions.

1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts
1.1 Optimize for Equity — REQUIRED for All Certification Levels

30 Points

Approved Information: Equity Toolkit for action items 12.2.3 Community Conversations to Discuss Homelessness Equity Toolkit for action items 13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action Equity Toolkit for Action 10.2.2 Conduct Health Impact Assessment
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See toolkit for description details.

Partners: - Equity Toolkit Action 13.1 Vaccine Program: Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, various Departments in Town, Faith Based Organizations, North Central District Health Department (NCDHD), Vernon Senior Center, Food Pantries, Eastern Connecticut Health Network, Police Officers and firefighters. - Equity Toolkit Action 12.2.3 Community Conversation: Energy Improvement District Board (EIDB). - Equity Toolkit Action 10.2.2 HIS: Two graduate students from UCONN helped the town to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the proposed Rockville Art and Cultural District and they developed a survey to gather local data.

Additional Information: N/A
2. Thriving Local Economies
2.1 Support Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites

55 Points

Approved Information: 2.1: Overview of all actions related to Town of Vernon Brownfields 2..1.1: Town of Vernon Brownfield Inventory (10 points) 2.1.2: Town of Vernon Map of Brownfield Sites (5 points) 2.1.4: Town of Vernon Grant Proposal - Daniel's Mill (10 points). The grant was submitted to DECD-CT on 3/31/2021. Attached is a copy of the grant submission and the awarded letter 6/24/2021. 2.1.5: Town of Vernon Phase I Environmental Assessment and LEP Remediation Action Plan (20 points) 2.1.7: Town of Vernon Redevelopment Opportunities (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All documents are simplified, marked appropriately and contain highlighted key words or phrases to direct reviewers attention to specific requirements.

Partners: PARTNERS: 2.1.1 (Brownfield Inventory): None 2.1.2 (Brownfield Map): None 2.1.4 (Grant Proposal): CT State Department of Economic Development, CT 2.1.5 (Phase I Environmental Assessment): None 2.1.7 (Brownfield redevelopment opportunities): None
2.3 Inventory and Promote Local Products and Services

30 Points

Approved Information: 2.3.1- Develop an inventory of local business. The town is seeking 20 points for 2.3.1. (10 points for 2.3.1.a and 10 points for 2.3.1.b). 2.3.2 Develop, implement and maintain an ongoing "buy local" campaign. (10 points).
Supporting Documentation:
- word Sec. 2.3.2 Discussion Worksheet
- image Sec 2.3.2 Poster Buy Local Campaign (edit title)
- word Sec. 2.3.1 Overview
- image Sect 2.3.2 business card
- pdf Sec 2.3.2 Town Council Minute 9-21-2021
- pdf Sec 2.3.2 Press Release
- excel Sec 2.3.1 Copy of Inventory Spreadsheet
- pdf Sec. 2.3.1 Minute Town Council September 2021
Documentation Details: Buy Local campaign-sponsored events can be found on page 2, Item F, 1st bullet of document Sec 2.3.2 Town Council Minute 9-21-2021. The creation of the inventory can be found on page 3, Item 6 of document Section 2.3.1 Minute Town Council September 2021.

Partners: 2.3- The Town of Vernon continues to partner with local business organizations (Rockville Downtown Association, Tolland County Chamber of Commerce, etc..) to promote local businesses and advertise our buy local efforts.

Additional Information: The Town of Vernon continues to support the Rockville Downtown Association efforts under the American Express’s Shop Small/ shop Local Campaign, and the extended Small Business Saturday and Shop Small for the Holidays. The target audiences are the residents of Vernon and Tolland County as a whole. The outreach consists of in person visits to local retailers, distributing marketing material, social media outreach, and promoting the efforts on various websites. The Vernon Economic Development Commission is exploring ways to expand the program in the upcoming year.
2.4 Provide Resources and Supports to Local Businesses

15 Points

Approved Information: 2.4.2 Support Small business Development Centers (5 points) 2.4.3. Businesses Community Event (5 points) 2.4.4 Create & Disseminate Resiliency Toolkit (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See overview

Partners: The Town has partnered with both our Main Street program partner the Rockville Downtown Association (RDA) and the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) to complete these tasks.

Additional Information: The Town of Vernon has submitted supporting documentation for all 10 points applicable to this section. We have attached an overview with a description of each action, that includes links to websites and a photo. The Town has partnered with both our Main Street program partner the Rockville Downtown Association (RDA) and the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce (TCCC) to complete these tasks. This action item has been re-uploaded to fit the correct action item numbers along with a new overview. 1/24/2022
3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources
3.1 Provide Watershed Education

20 Points

Approved Information: 3.1.1a Citizen and Business Owner Education (5 points) 3.1.1c Watershed health pledge (5 points) 3.1.1b Watershed signage (5 points) 3.1.2- Citizen Science (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please see overview for details.

Partners: Conservation Commission.
3.2 Create a Watershed Management Plan

30 Points

Approved Information: 3.2 Create a Watershed Management Plan (30 points) 3.2.1 (A-C) Inventory (10 points for A, B, C) * Tankerhoosen Watershed Plan. Created 2009 * Bolton Lakes & Watershed-based Management Plan. Created in 2022 (in the process of being submitted to the CT DEEP for review & approval). 3.2.2 (A & B) Regulation Review and Alignment with Watershed Protection Goals (10 points) * Tankerhoosen Watershed Plan. * Bolton Lakes and Watershed-based Management Plan. 3.2.3a Priority Actions Plan (10 points) * Tankerhoosen Watershed Plan. * Bolton Lakes and Watershed-based Management Plan.
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please see overview for description.

Partners: The town partnered with Fuss & O'Neill to create a watershed management plan for the Tankerhoosen River. and the Town of Bolton, Coventry, and Tolland, along with representatives of the Friends of Bolton Lakes and the Bolton Lakes Watershed Conservation Alliance, comprised a steering committee that collaborated to complete the Bolton Lakes and Watershed-based Management Plan (BLWMP).
3.4 Develop an Open Space Plan

35 Points

Approved Information: 3.4.1 Complete an Open Space Inventory (10 points) 3.4.2 Prioritize Resources for Protection (5 points) 3.4.3 Develop an Open Space Plan (10 points) 3.4.4d Establish an Open Space Acquisition Fund (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: A detailed summary is included in the attached Sec. 3.4 Overview

Partners: N/A

Additional Information: N/A
3.5 Create a Natural Resource and Wildlife Inventory

20 Points

Approved Information: 3.5.1 Create NRW Inventory, (10 points). 3.5.2 Implement NRW in processes, (10 points).
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please, see overview.

Partners: none
3.6 Manage for Drought and Municipal Water Use

10 Points

Approved Information: 3.6 Manage for Drought and Municipal Water Use (10 points) 3.6.1.A Formal Policy with WaterSense 3.6.1.B Drought Communication Plan
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See overview for descriptions.

Partners: The town of Vernon has established a formal policy with Water Sense to purchase water-saving/conservation products.

Additional Information: The town has added the Drought Plan, state link on water status, and water conservation tips to the town's website. 3/28/2022
3.8 Implement Low Impact Development

45 Points

Approved Information: Section 3.8 Overview Section 3.8.1: Education Projects 3.8.1a Low Impact Development education & material distribution (5 points) 3.8.1c Training on LID & storm water (5 points) 3.8.2 Planning, Regulation and Policy Projects 3.8.2a LID in the Zoning Regulations (5 points) completed 2012 when POCD was established 3.8.2b Adoption of LID checklist (15 points) 3.8.2c Policy construction/maintenance/development with the use of LID (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Description is in overview.

Partners: N/A

Additional Information: N/A
3.10 Facilitate Invasive Species Education and Management

20 Points

Approved Information: 3.10.1 Promote Invasive Species Management (10 points) 3.10.2 Municipal Management of Invasive Species (5 points) 3.10.3 Educate Residents on Invasive Species (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: An overview summarizing the the towns submittals is attached.

Partners: Various Town departments and commissions have worked on this action. 3.10.3a (educate residents on invasive species): The Town of Vernon (Department of Parks and Recreation) partnered with Northeast Aquatic Research (NEAR) and hosted an event at Tankerhoosen Pond on July 17th, 2021. The event aimed to educate interested residents about aquatic invasive species and teach them how to identify and remove it.
3.11 Implement Green Grounds and Maintenance Programs

15 Points

Approved Information: 3.11.2a Copy of IPM Plan (5 points) 3.11.2.b Copy of Irrigation BMP (5 points) 3.11.2d Native Planting and Pruning Policy (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please, see overview for descriptions.

Partners: None.
3.12 Enhance Pollinator Pathways

15 Points

Approved Information: Sec. 3.12.2 Meadow Garden (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please see overview for detailed information.

Partners: Friends of Valley Falls, Inc, and volunteers.
4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems
4.1 Inventory Tourism and Cultural Assets

5 Points

Approved Information: 4.1.2 Update Your Profile on CTVisit (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- word Sec. 4.1 Overview.docx
Documentation Details: See overview for description.

Partners: N/A

Additional Information: The Town of Vernon maintains and periodically updates a municipal profile on CTVisit.com.
4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture

25 Points

Approved Information: 4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture. The town completed five (5) out of the fourteen (14) possible activities. 20 points for 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.5, 4.28, 4.2.10 4.2.1 Establish a Poet Laureate. created April 2019. Appointment of co-Poet Laureate created December 2021. 4.2.2 Mark arts and culture in publicly available municipal marketing 4.2.3 Dedicated funding to the arts. 4.2.5 Create a Cultural Office or Arts and Culture Department/Council 4.2.8 Establish an annual recognition program for local artists 4.2.10a Support arts and cultural activities offered at the local library(ies)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Description is in the overview.

Partners: N/A
4.4 Provide an Arts and Culture Program for Youth

25 Points

Approved Information: 4.4.1 Provide an Arts and Culture Program for Youth (20 points) 4.4.1a Inventory (updated 03/2022) 4.4.1b Stakeholder Meeting and Recommendations (created 3/29/2022) 4.4.1c Create educational program (created 4/24/19 and discussed ways to improve and expand it 03/29/2022) 4.4.1d Budget (updated 03/31/2022) 4.4.2 Professional Development (5 points) (completed 10/07/2019)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See description in the overview.

Partners: N/A
5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning
5.1 Integrate Sustainability into Plan of Conservation and Development

25 Points

Approved Information: 5.1.1.a Inclusion of six Hazard Mitigation Plan goals into POCD, revised 2021. (5 points) 5.1.1.b Inclusion of three Sustainable concepts into the POCD, revised 2021 (20 points points for concepts 1, 2,4), revised in 2021.
Supporting Documentation:
- pdf Sec. 5.1.1 a Vernon_Implementation 2012 - Vernon_Implementation.pdf
- word Sec. 5.1. Overview
- word Sec. 5.1.1a Worksheet 1.docx
- image Sec. 5.1.1a Map of Natural Hazards, POCD
- word Sec. 5.1.1b Worksheet 2.docx
Documentation Details: The page numbers can be found on both Worksheet Worksheet 1 & 2 for the actions we are seeking credit for.

Partners: None
5.3 Develop Agriculture-Friendly Practices

5 Points

Approved Information: 5.3.1 Zoning Regulation that promotes and and supports active agricultural uses. (5 points) (enacted July 18, 2019.)
Supporting Documentation:
- excel 5.3.5 Open Space Purchase Fund 2022 (002).xlsx
- word Sec. 5.3 Overview.docx
Documentation Details: Please see overview for description.

Partners: None

Additional Information: N/A
5.5 Inventory and Assess Historic Resources

35 Points

Approved Information: Section 5.5.1: Priority Historic Assets (15 points) 2/3/2022 - 5.5.1 Vernon Inventory of Historic Resources Section 5.5.2 Viability of Assests (10 points) 2/3/2022 - 5.5.2 Condition Report_LucinaChapel-Silva Engineering 2/3/2022 - 5.5.2 Worksheet Section 5.5.3 Educate Historic Properties Owners (5 points) 2/9/2022 Section 5.5.4 Achieve National Recognition (5 points) 2/3/2022 - 5.5 Overview Inventory & Historic Resources 3/30/2022
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Full description is in the Overview for specific pages and documents.

Partners: The town of Vernon worked with Silva Engineering to create an analysis report for Lucina Chapel (section 5.5.2) The town of Vernon worked with the Friends of Valley Falls Farm to assess historic resources.
6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices
6.1 Implement Complete Streets

30 Points

Approved Information: 6.1.1 Build a Complete Streets Team (5 points) 6.1.2 Attend a Complete Steets Training (5 points) 6.1.6 Implement Complete Streets Projects (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: N/A

Partners: NONE
6.4 Support Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment

5 Points

Approved Information: 6.4.1 Host a zero EV educational webinar (5 points) 2022.
Supporting Documentation:
- image Sec. 6.4.1 “Electric Vehicles Webinar
- pdf Sec. 6.4.1 EV PowerPoint (Presentation)
- word Overview 6.4
- word Sec. 6.4.1. Agenda EV Webinar
Documentation Details: Please see overview for details.

Partners: 6.4.1. (EV Webinar). We invited all local electric vehicle owners to be part of the webinar. Additionally, we partnered with Craig Peters, from Capitol Clean Cities of CT to participate in the webinar.

Additional Information: N/A
6.5 Promote Public Transit and Other Mobility Strategies

5 Points

Approved Information: 6.5.1. Written summary ( 5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- pdf Sec. 6.5.1. Vernon's Trail List
- word Sec. 6.5.1. Written Summary
- pdf Sec. 6.5.1. Rails-to-Trails_Map
Documentation Details: Details in the Written Summary.

Partners: Sec. 6.5.1. Vernon Greenways Volunteers assist the Town of Vernon through the maintenance, enhancement, education, and proper use of the 30+ miles of trails in Vernon, CT.
6.6 Manage Municipal Fleets

20 Points

Approved Information: 6.6.1 Manage Municipal Fleets, (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: A description and page numbers are included in the attached Overview document.

Partners: N/A
7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations
7.1 Benchmark and Track Energy Use

10 Points

Approved Information: 7.1.1 Track Energy Use in Municipal and Board of Education Buildings (5 points) 7.1.2 Track Energy Use of Your Wastewater Treatment Plant (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- excel Sec. 7.11 & 7.1.2 Report 1 Energy Tracking Portfolio Manager.xlsx
- word Sec. 7.1 Overview.docx
Documentation Details: Please see the overview for details.

Partners: The Town of Vernon partnered with UConn (Dr. Amy Thompson). UConn provided training and helped the town generate the required benchmark report.

Additional Information: The reports were created and submitted through Portfolio Manager Energy Star.
7.4 Increase Use of Renewable Energy in Municipal Buildings

10 Points

Approved Information: 7.4.1.b Renewable Energy Benchmark and Track Energy Use (10 points) completed 04/01/2022
Supporting Documentation:
- word Sec. 7.4 Overview.docx
- excel Benchmark Report 1.xlsx
Documentation Details: Please see overview for description.

Partners: The Town of Vernon partnered with UConn (Dr. Amy Thompson). UConn provided training and helped the town generate our report.

Additional Information: The reports were created and submitted through Portfolio Manager Energy Star.
7.6 Install Efficient Exterior Lighting

20 Points

Approved Information: 7.6.1 - Town of Vernon Completed a Streetlight Audit and inventory (10 points) 7.6.3- Town of Vernon converted decorative streetlights and Park lights to LED (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See description in overview.

Partners: The town of Vernon partnered with Tanko Streetlights Inc. where they audited the towns street light energy, released a Streetlight LED Retrofit, Management and Maintenance Services to assist with the purchase, selection, field demonstrations and installation of appropriate LED fixtures and related equipment, coordination with utility staff, application for available rebates/ incentives, and ongoing streetlight maintenance.

Additional Information: N/A
8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education
8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event

10 Points

Approved Information: 8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event (10 points) updated 2/14/2022 - The Town held 5 - 10 sustainability events (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See description in the overview.

Partners: 8.1.1 Sustainability Event: 1. Design Guidelines for Historic Properties. Vernon's Historic Property Commission conducted an educational workshop to discuss design guidelines for resident homeowners of Historic Properties. Our role was to promote the event and support the local Commission. 2. Sustainable CT Workshop Series "Supporting Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites." Sustainable CT conducted a remediating and redeveloping brownfield sites workshop in the Town of Vernon. Our role was to host the event and share our successful brownfield redevelopment story. 3. Plan of Conservation and Development Public Workshop: Vernon's Planning and Development Department hosted a workshop to ask citizens about their long-term sustainability vision for the Town of Vernon. We invited the community to learn and participate in the workshop. 4. Green Poetry Café. Poetry Rocks held an outdoor, socially distanced poetry reading about the environment. Rockville Library, Arts Center East, and Vernon Arts Commission sponsored the event. Our role was to promote and host the event at a local park in Town. 5. POCD Public Workshop. Vernon's Planning and Development Department hosted a public workshop to discuss future land use maps, strategies, and sustainable priorities for our Town. Our role was to convene the workshop. In addition, we invited residents to learn and share their sustainability vision for Vernon. 6. Electric Vehicle Webinar. The Town planned and hosted an online webinar for Vernon's residents. Our role was to invite and engage the neighborhood to discuss electric vehicles and the social, economic, and environmental benefits. Partners: Clean Cities CT. 7. Financial Hardship Simulation and Discussion to Include Homelessness. Vernon's Social Service Department planned and hosted an in-person event to discusses about homelessness and how to make it rare, brief and non-recurring” in Vernon. Additionally, the Town in partnership with United Way hosted a Financial Hardship Simulation. The simulation brought groups of participants together to experience the tough decisions ALICE households. Our role was to host and invite residents and stakeholders to participate in the discussion.

Additional Information: N/A
9. Strategic Materials Management
9.3 Recycle Additional Materials

20 Points

Approved Information: 9.3.1 Recycle Additional Materials and Compost Organics Overview 9.3.1 Simple Recycling Initiative (10 points) created 11/27/18. Last update December, 2021. 9.3.1 'Take 2 Inc.' (Electronics Recycling Program) (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See overview for description.

Partners: Take 2- The town is partnered with them to recycle covered electronics. CREOC- The town is partnered with them for Household Hazardous Waste items. Simple Recycling- The town is partnered with them for Soft Recyclables. The town promotes all of these recycling initiatives through the town website (http://www.vernon-ct.gov/public-works) and press releases.

Additional Information: Please see overview for additional information on non mandated items with agreements and list of acceptable items attached. 6/17/19
9.4 Compost Organic Waste

10 Points

Approved Information: 9.4.2 Food Scrap recovery campaign (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See description in overview.

Partners: N/A
10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities
10.1 Encourage an Equitable and Just Food System

10 Points

Approved Information: 10.1.1 Form a local or regional Food Policy Council (10 points) 10.1.2 Conduct a Community Food Asessment (10 points) 10.1.3 Distribute the Food Policy Assessment (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Full description in Overview.

Partners: The town of Vernon has formed a partnership with Foodshare. In accordance with Foodshare, the town of Vernon has participated in local Hunger Action Team (HAT) meetings on a monthly basis, where various employees from various departments, along with members of the community and other non-profits meet to examine, connect and improve our food systems.

Additional Information: N/A
10.2 Conduct Health Impact Assessments

25 Points

Approved Information: Sec. 10.2.1 Training on Health (5 points) Sec. 10.2.2 Health Impact Assessment (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Page 7 of the HIA discusses the plan and strategies for dissemination. Please, see the overview for more details.

Partners: 10.2.2 Two graduate students from UCONN helped the town to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the proposed Rockville Art and Cultural District and they have developed a survey to gather local data.

Additional Information: None
10.3 Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces

45 Points

Approved Information: 10.3. Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces (45 points) completed 4/01/2022 10.3.1 Summary of local and regional data in your community on tobacco (10 points) completed 4/01/2022 10.3.2 Implement or maintain a smoking and tobacco use reduction campaign (10 points) Completed in 2020-2021 10.3.3 No Smoking Policy (15 points) New Ordinance adopted in August 2021 10.3.4 Implement or maintain a strategic campaign (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Descriptions are in the overview.

Partners: 10.3.2 Implement or maintain a smoking and tobacco use reduction campaign was completed with Vernon Rocks Coalition. The Town also partnered with the Town of Manchester through the Manchester Vernon Prevention Partnership (MVPP) to complete this action.

Additional Information: none
10.4 Develop and Promote Community Growing Spaces

15 Points

Approved Information: 10.4.1. Written summary (15 points) 10.4.1. Community Gardens. New Credit Action 10.4.1. Seed Lending Program. New Credit Action
Supporting Documentation:
- pdf Sec. 10.4.1. Blank Garden Map
- pdf Sec. 10.4.1. Community Garden Rules
- pdf Sec. 10.4.1 Registration Form
- pdf Sec. 10.4.1 Water Key Contract
- word 10.4. Overview.docx
Documentation Details: n/a

Partners: Sec. 10.4.1 Community Gardens - The Department of Public Works runs this program. Seed Lending Program - Rockville Public Library runs this program.

Additional Information: n/a
11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing
11.1 Implement an Affordable Housing Plan

5 Points

Approved Information: 11.1.2 Partners for Strong Communities Housing Data Profile (updated (03/21/2022) (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- pdf 11.1_Worksheet_1.pdf
- pdf Sec.11.1.3 Town Council Agenda.pdf
- pdf 11.1_Worksheet_2.pdf
- word 11.1 Overview.docx
- pdf Affordable Housing Plan Draft
- word 11.1_Worksheet_3.docx
- pdf Sec 11.1.2 Partnership for Strong Communities Data profile 2020
Documentation Details: Description is in the overview.

Partners: N/A
11.2 Grow Sustainable and Affordable Housing Options

10 Points

Approved Information: 11.2.2 Increase your municipality’s affordable housing, as compared to a baseline year within the past 5 years. (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See overview for description.

Partners: N/A
12. Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention
12.1 Strengthen Municipal Workforce Capacity to Address Homelessness

15 Points

Approved Information: 12.1.1a – Designate a municipal employee to serve as the liaison for homeless services in your municipality (5 points) 12.1.1b - Municipal representative participate training (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- word 12.1 Overview.docx
Documentation Details: Please see the overview.

Partners: None
12.2 Increase Public Awareness and Support for Efforts to End Homelessness

10 Points

Approved Information: 12.2.2 – Develop and post information on your municipality’s website (5 points) 12.2.3 – Organize one or more community conversations or forums (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- word Sec. 12.2.2 Post Activity Report
- word 12.2.3_worksheet
- word Overview 12.2.docx
- pdf Sec. 12.2.3 Sign-in sheet Feb242022.pdf
- pdf Sec. 12.2.3 Sustianable CT Action Item flyer.pdf
Documentation Details: Please, see overview.

Partners: United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
12.3 Collect and Share Homelessness Data

5 Points

Approved Information: 12.3.1 Overview (5 Points).
Supporting Documentation:
- word Overview 12.3.docx
Documentation Details: None

Partners: none
12.4 Provide or Mobilize Resources to Address Homelessness

5 Points

Approved Information: 12.4.2 Ensure that individuals experiencing literal homelessness within your municipality have locations where they can safely access services and stay 24 hours a day, especially in extreme weather. (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- word Overview 12.4
- word 12.4.2_Worksheet_2 vernon.docx
Documentation Details: Please, see the overview.

Partners: Cornerstone, Clairvaux House, and New Hope House.
13. Innovative Strategies and Practices
13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action

25 Points

Approved Information: 13.1 Vernon’s Community Vaccination Program (10 points) 13.1 Tankerhoosen Bridge Repair (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please, see the overview for documentation details.

Partners: Tankerhoosen Bridge Repair: Sustainable CT, Vernon Greenways Volunteers (VGV), and Departmento of Parks and Recreation. Vernon’s Community Vaccination Program.: Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, Priority Urgent Care, Eastern Connecticut Health Network, the North Central District Health Department (NCDHD), the State Department of Public Health, varius departments inn town, and volunteers.

Additional Information: None.

Sustainable CT Community Certification Report

Contact Information

Actions Implemented

1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts

1.1 Optimize for Equity — REQUIRED for All Certification Levels

2. Thriving Local Economies

2.1 Support Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites

2.3 Inventory and Promote Local Products and Services

2.4 Provide Resources and Supports to Local Businesses

3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources

3.1 Provide Watershed Education

3.2 Create a Watershed Management Plan

3.4 Develop an Open Space Plan

3.5 Create a Natural Resource and Wildlife Inventory

3.6 Manage for Drought and Municipal Water Use

3.8 Implement Low Impact Development

3.10 Facilitate Invasive Species Education and Management

3.11 Implement Green Grounds and Maintenance Programs

3.12 Enhance Pollinator Pathways

4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems

4.1 Inventory Tourism and Cultural Assets

4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture

4.4 Provide an Arts and Culture Program for Youth

5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning

5.1 Integrate Sustainability into Plan of Conservation and Development

5.3 Develop Agriculture-Friendly Practices

5.5 Inventory and Assess Historic Resources

6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices

6.1 Implement Complete Streets

6.4 Support Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment

6.5 Promote Public Transit and Other Mobility Strategies

6.6 Manage Municipal Fleets

7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations

7.1 Benchmark and Track Energy Use

7.4 Increase Use of Renewable Energy in Municipal Buildings

7.6 Install Efficient Exterior Lighting

8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education

8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event

9. Strategic Materials Management

9.3 Recycle Additional Materials

9.4 Compost Organic Waste

10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities

10.1 Encourage an Equitable and Just Food System

10.2 Conduct Health Impact Assessments

10.3 Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces

10.4 Develop and Promote Community Growing Spaces

11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing

11.1 Implement an Affordable Housing Plan

11.2 Grow Sustainable and Affordable Housing Options

12. Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention

12.1 Strengthen Municipal Workforce Capacity to Address Homelessness

12.2 Increase Public Awareness and Support for Efforts to End Homelessness

12.3 Collect and Share Homelessness Data

12.4 Provide or Mobilize Resources to Address Homelessness

13. Innovative Strategies and Practices

13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action