Sustainable CT Community Certification Report
Download PDF VersionThis is the Sustainable CT Certification Report of Vernon, a Sustainable CT gold certified applicant.
Vernon was certified on May 21, 2025 with 980 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 2025 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.
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1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts
Approved Information: 1.1.1 (30 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- pdf 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action6.5.3 Completing a Walk Audit (10 points)
- pdf 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action 10.7.2 Improve Outdoor Access (10 points)
- pdf Equity Toolkit Action 13.1- Connection Beats Addiction.pdf
- pdf 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action 3.9.3 Implement 2 best practices for urban forests (10 points)
- pdf Equity Toolkit- 10.5.2.pdf
Documentation Details: See toolkit for description details. --- 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action 10.5.2 Increasing financial accessibility of Vernon's Farmers Market (10 points) 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action6.5.3 Completing a Walk Audit (10 points) 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action 13.1 Connection Beats Addiction (10 points) 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action 10.7.2 Improve Outdoor Access (10 points) 1.1 Equity Toolkit for Action 3.9.3 Implement 2 best practices for urban forests (10 points)
Partners: 1.1- 10.5.2:Equity Toolkit 10.5.2 MarketLink was able to award Vernon a grant to be able to purchase the equipment to provide SNAP. 1.1-6.5.3- None 1.1-13.1- Hvcc contract for services, Vernon ROCKS Coalition, local prevention council 1.1 - 10.7.2- CT Age Well Collaborative leads the Daring Dialogue discussion 1.1- 3.9.3 CT DEEP were helpful in the process of creating resources
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 1.2.2 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: 1.2.1 Equity Training (10 points)
Partners: 1.2.1 Equity Training (10 points): None
Additional Information: No
Approved Information: 1.3.1 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Partners: 1.3.1 (equity statement) None
Additional Information: N/A
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2. Thriving Local Economies
Approved Information: 2.1.3 (10 points) 2.1.4 (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. --- 2.1.1. Brownfield Inventory updated on 12/12/2024 by Shaun Gately, Director of Economic Development with updated Map 2.1.3 Grant proposal and award - Attached is a copy of the grant submission and the awarded letter 06/14/2024. 2.1.4 Conduct additional analysis for one or more priority sites (10 points) ESA (pg 3-774) RAP 2021 (pg 774-807) RAP 2023 (813-856) Final Analysis (851)
Partners: PARTNERS: 2.1.1 (Brownfield Inventory & Map): None 2.1.3 (Grant Proposal): None 2.1.4 GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc completed the testing
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 2.3.1a (10 points) 2.3.1b (10 points) 2.3.2 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents can be found in the file unless otherwise stated. --- 2.3.1a,b Business Inventory and Designations (20 points) (10 points for 2.3.1a, 10 points for 2.3.1b) 2.3.2 - Develop, implement and maintain an ongoing "buy local" campaign. (10 points).
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.
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3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources
Approved Information: 3.1.1a (5 points) 3.1.1c (5 points) 3.1.2 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please see document for details and supporting information. --- Section 3.1: Provide Watershed Education - 3.1.1a Rolling Credit. Citizen and Business Owner Education. 2024. - 3.1.1c Rolling Credit. Watershed health pledge. - 3.1.2 RBV Citizen Science Project (5 points)
Partners: 3.1.1a,c (none) 3.1.2 Vernon Conservation Commission
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 3.2.1 (10 points) 3.2.2 (10 points) 3.2.3 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are in the PDF files unless otherwise stated. --- 3.2.1 Watershed Inventory (10 points) 3.2.2 Regulation Review and Alignment with Watershed Protection Goals (10 points) 3.2.3 Priority Actions Plan (10 points). Worksheet 3.2.3 for Tankerhoosen and Bolton Lakes Management Plan. Plans provided through link and hard copy (separately).
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).
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 3.4.1 (10 points) 3.4.2 (5 points) 3.4.3 (10 points) 3.4.4a (15 points) 3.4.4b (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets attached in the file. -------------- 3.4.1 Complete an Open Space Inventory (10 points) See inventory attached separate. 3.4.2 Prioritize resources for protection (5 points) 3.4.3 Develop an Open Space Plan (10 points) 3.4.4 Increase open space in your community (25 points) 3.4.4a page 2-12 3.4.4b page 12-17 ---
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 3.5.1 (10 points) 3.5.2 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets can be found in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 3.5.1. Rolling Credit. Create NRW Inventory (10 points) 2012 POCD (page 2-14) NRW Inventory (page 15-16) 2021 POCD Goals (page 17) 3.5.2 Integrate NRW (10 points) The zoning regulations specifically refer to natural resources in sections 4.24.1; 4.24.4.1.6; 4.25.1; 4.25.4.1.6; 19.1; 19.1.1; 19.3; 20.2.3; and section 22.2.13
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 3.6.1 (10 points) 3.6.2 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are in the PDF file unless stated otherwise. --- 3.6.1 Reduce municipal water (10 points) - Contract with WaterSense 2024 3.6.2 Develop a drought communications plan (10 points)
Partners: The town of Vernon has established a formal policy with Water Sense to purchase water-saving/conservation products.
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 3.9.3 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are within the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --------------- 3.9.3 Urban Forest/ Woodlands Best Practices (15 points)
Partners: 3.9.3 Urban Forest/ Woodlands Best Practices (15 points) - N/A
Additional Information: None
Approved Information: 3.10.1 (25 points) 3.10.2 (15 points) 3.10.3 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets can be found in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 3.10.1a,b,c Promote Invasive Species Management (25 points) 3.10.2 Municipal Management of Invasive Species (15 points) 3.10.3.a - Rolling Credit. Post invasive species education resources. (educational material still current and relevant on our web page). 3.10.3.b - New Credit Action. Town of Vernon has also sponsored educational training about aquatic invasive species (AIS) completed 07/17/2021.
Partners: Various Town departments and commissions have worked on these actions 3.10.3b Rose Hiskes from CT Ag Experiment Station educated municipal staff. 3.10.2 Northeast Aquatic Research, Solitude Management LLC, Experiment Station in Windsor, and CT Invasive Plant Working Group all help with municipal management of invasive species. 3.10.3 Educate Residents on Invasive Species (5 points) Conservation Commission retains information on invasive species.
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 3.11.1 (10 points) 3.11.2a (5 points) 3.11.2b (5 points) 3.11.2d (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please, see overview for descriptions. --- 3.11.1 Vernon Grounds (10points) 3.11.1 Grounds Inventory (attached separate) 3.11.2 Best Management Practices (15 points) 3.11.2a Copy of IPM Plan (5 points) 3.11.2.b Copy of Irrigation BMP (5 points) Updated 10/2024 3.11.2d Native Planting and Pruning Policy (5 points) Updated 2024
Partners: None.
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 3.12.1 (5 points) 3.12.2 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 3.12.1 Pollinator Education (5 points) 3.12.2 Pollinator Gardens (15 points)
Partners: 3.12.1 Conservation Commission donated there time. 3.12.2 The Friends of Valley Falls helps maintain the gardens
Additional Information: N/A
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4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems
Approved Information: 4.1.2 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are within the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --------------- 4.1.2 Update Your Profile on CTVisit (5 points) - link
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: The Town of Vernon maintains and periodically updates a municipal profile on CTVisit.com. Recently updated the text and photos.
Approved Information: 4.2.1 (10 points) 4.2.5 (5 points) 4.2.10 (5 points) 4.2.13 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
- pdf 4.2.10 Support arts and cultural activities offered at the local libraries (5 points)
- pdf 4.2.1 Establish a Poet Laureate (10 points)
- pdf 4.2.5 Creation of the Cultural District Advisory Board (5 points)
- pdf 4.2.13 Other initiative supporting arts and creative culture in your municipality or region (10 points)
- pdf 4.2.8 Establish an Arts or Cultural District. (10 points)
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets can be found in the file unless otherwise stated. -- 4.2.1 Establish a Poet Laureate. created April 2019. Appointment of Poet Laureate November 2024. 4.2.5 Creation of the Cultural District Advisory Board (5 points) 4.2.8 Establish an Arts District. Resolution 4.2.10 Support arts and cultural activities offered at the local library. Posts from 2024/2025. 4.2.13 Other initiative supporting arts and creative culture in your municipality or region.(10 points)
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 4.4.1 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See description in the overview. --- 4.4.1 Provide an Arts and Culture Program for Youth (20 points) 4.4.1a The inventory was reviewed and updated 06/2022 by Michelle Hill (Youth Director). Page 2-14 4.4.1b Stakeholder Meeting and Recommendations (created 3/29/2022). Page 15 4.4.1c Create educational program (created 4/24/19). Discussion to improve and expand it (03/29/2022). Email from program coordinator - page 16 Press release about program - page 17 MyVernonCT Poetry Winners Announcement -page 19 Photos from contestant reading night - page 20 Poem book printed as result of program "Wordfalls"- page 26 4.4.1 Budget 2021-2022 (updated for 2024-2025 fiscal year)
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
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5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning
Approved Information: 5.1.1a (5 points) 5.1.1b (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: The page numbers can be found on both Worksheet Worksheet 1 & 2 for the actions we are seeking credit for. All details and supporting documents can be found in the file. NOTE: The pages that have been mentioned in Worksheet 1 and 2 have been pulled from the POCD and attached below. They are also available in the full POCD which is linked below. The bold page numbers in Worksheet 1 and 2 are reference to the POCD and italic page numbers reference this document. --- 5.1.1.a Rolling Credit. Inclusion of Hazard Mitigation Plan goals into the POCD. The POCD was revised in November of 2021. (5 points) 5.1.1.b Rolling Credit. Inclusion of three Sustainable concepts into the POCD,. The POCD was revised in November of 2021 (20 points points for concepts 1, 2,4).
Partners: None
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 5.2.3b (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Screenshot of where the Land Use Process and Procedures is on Planning Department website pg 2 Land Use Process and Procedures/ Development Review Manual pg 3
Partners: 5.2.3a,b (none)
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 5.5.1 (10 points) 5.5.3 (5 points) 5.5.4 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Full description is in the Overview for specific pages and documents. --- 5.5.1. Inventory of Historic Resources (10 points) 5.5.3. Education and Outreach (5 points) 5.5.4. "Certified Local Government." (5 points)
Partners: 5.5.1 (Inventory) Vernon's Historical Intern 5.5.3 (Education) Vernon's Local Historic Properties Commission and The Historic Society held the workshop 5.5.4 None
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 5.6.1 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are included in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --------------------------- 5.6.1 Streamline Solar Permitting for Small Solar Installations (20 points)
Partners: 5.6.1 Streamline Solar Permitting for Small Solar Installations (20 points) Energy Response Solutions LLC provided solar training to the building department. 5.6.1a page 2 5.6.1b page 3 5.6.1c page 4 5.6.1d page 5-6 5.6.1e page 7 5.6.1f page 8 and link
Additional Information: None
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6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 6.1.2 (5 points) 6.1.6 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Find all overviews and supporting documents in files. --- 6.1.2. Participate in Complete Streets Training. 10/30/2024 6.1.6 Implement Complete Street- please find all completed Worksheets (8) and photos in the file and labeled with project number
Partners: 6.1.1 None 6.1.6 Complete Street Spot Project #6 on Union Street (Route 74). The state required a permit for the work done but all scope, specifications, physical work, and financial responsibility were on the Town of Vernon.
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 6.3.1 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents (including the completed worksheet) can be found in the file.
Partners: 3.6.1 (encourage smart commuting) we worked it CTRides to get the information out and enroll in the Emergency Rides Program.
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 6.4.1 (5 points) 6.4.4 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Find all details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 6.4.1.New Credit Action. Hosted 2 educational events about zero EV with a EV present. Completed fall 2024. 6.4.4 New Credit Action. Conduct a ZEV charging infrastructure assessment (10 points)
Partners: 6.4.1 Host a zero EV educational event (5 points) 2024. We partnered with Suburban Subaru, who provided the car and the information. 6.4.4 Conduct a ZEV charging infrastructure assessment (10 points) - None
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 6.5.1 (5 points) 6.5.2 (5 points) 6.5.3 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents can be found in the files unless stated otherwise. ______ 6.5.1 Education on Alt Routes (5 points) 6.5.2 New Credit Action. Conduct a bicycle education program. 11/2024. 6.5.3 Community Walk Audit (10) Completed 6.5.3 Worksheet page 2-3 Walk Audit Report page 4-20 Walk Audit Training page 21-34 Red Route final data - attached separately Final Green Route Data- attached separately Final Blue Route Data Report- attached separately
Partners: 6.5.1 Education on Alt Routes (5 points) - Parks and Rec Department presented info, Vernon Greenways Volunteers have information on their website 6.5.2 Partners: Recycled Rides Project (donated bikes), Pedal Power (lent bikes, helmets, time), Vernon Police Department (time and resources)
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 6.6.1 (20 points) 6.6.2 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents are within each file. --- 6.6.1a. Rolling Credit Action. Inventory updated in 2025 by Eric Jensen (Fleet Manager). 6.6.1b. Rolling Credit Action. Original Municipal Fleet Improvement Strategy, updated and approved by Fleet Manager 6.6.2 Implementation Strategy and documentation
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
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7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations
Approved Information: 7.1.2 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please see the overview for details. --- 7.1.1 New Action Credit. Generate a report through the SCT Portfolio Manager Data. 4/2/2025 7.1.2 New Credit Action. Generate a report through the SCT Portfolio Manager Data. 4/01/2022
Partners: None
Additional Information: The reports were created and submitted through Portfolio Manager Energy Star.
Approved Information: 7.6.1 (10 points) 7.6.2 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All descriptions and supporting documents are found in the file. --- 7.6.1. Rolling Credit Action. Copy of streetlight inventory and assessment. Contract For: Preparation of Technical Street Energy Audit- page 3 Contract For: Town Wide Street Light Maintenance Services- page 48 Contract For: Turn Key LED Street Light Project - page 64 Town of Vernon Street Light Inventory - page 73 7.6.2 New Action Credit - Town of Vernon converted Park lights to LED (15 points)
Partners: 7.6.1 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
Approved Information: 7.9.1 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See description in overview. --- 7.9.1 Participate in and Promote the C-PACE Program (20 total points): 7.9.1 Resolution, agreement, and C-PACE partial release agreement, 2021 Page 2 Certification Page 3 C-PACE Agreement Page 13 C-PACE Partial Release Agreement Page 15- screenshot of C-PACE resources on Vernon site
Partners: The town of Vernon has partnered with C-PACE which is a program to facilitate loan financing for clean energy improvements to commercial properties by utilizing a state or local assessment mechanism to provide security for repayment of the loans.
Additional Information: The Town of Vernon has participated in the C-Pace program since 2013.
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 7.10.1 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents can be found in the file. 7.10.1 Review zoning regulations. Find memo- page 2
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
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8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education
Approved Information: 8.1.1 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are within the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 8.1.1 Hold a Sustainability Event (10 points)
Partners: 8.1.1 Hold a Sustainability Event (10 points) Event 1: Vernon Community Network hosted event Event 2: Vernon Community Network hosted event Event 3: None Event 4: VPD and Vernon Community Network Event 5: CLiCK Inc provided the zero waste equipment Event 6: None Event 7: None
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 8.2.1 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please see description in overview. --- 8.2 Provide Effective Community Communications (15 points) 8.2.1a Copy of Communication Strategy Plan and Worksheet. 8.2.1b Proof of Implementation from Communication Director Dave Owens Page 82
Partners: 8.2.1a (communication strategy plan) The town of Vernon partnered with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to conduct a listening tour to hear directly from residents about what changes they would like to see in Vernon. Vernon then subsequently received a grant from the Hartford Foundation to conduct outreach in the community and provide recommendations to improve communications with residents with the help of Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. The town of Vernon partnered with Fitzgerald & Halliay, Inc to help the Town formulate a plan to improve communication, both between the Town and residents, as well as among the various groups in Vernon.
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 8.5.1 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: 8.5.1 Mentorship with Ellington (5 points)
Partners: 8.5.1 Mentorship with Ellington (5 points) Ellington was Vernon's mentor
Additional Information: N/A
8.6 Collaborate with Other Municipalities on Sustainability Actions — REQUIRED for Gold Certification
15 PointsCT Success Story
Approved Information: 8.6.1 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets can be found in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. ' ---------------- 8.6.1 Collaboration with Ellington (15 points)
Partners: 8.6.1 Collaboration with Ellington (15 points) : HVCC was contract to provide transportation, and Ellington was the other collaborator.
Additional Information: N/A
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9. Strategic Materials Management
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 9.1.1 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: 9.1.1a,b,c PDF contains the required information including the worksheet. --- 9.1.1c Link to Vernon Refuse Data: https://www.vernon-ct.gov/departments-services/departments/public-works/vernon-refuse-data
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 9.3.1 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: See file for overview for supporting documentation. --- 9.3.1 Recycle Additional Materials (30 points) 9.3.1 Completed Worksheet
Partners: 9.3.1 Recycle Additional Materials (30 points) Textile Recycling: Hartsprings Foundation- find contracts from the last years in the file
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 9.5.4 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Full action details are within each document.
Partners: 9.5.4 (library of things) None
Additional Information: N/A
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10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities
Approved Information: 10.1.1 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents can be found in the file. --- 10.1.1 Form a local or regional Food Policy Council. Newly reformed Vernon Food Coalition. (5 points)
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 10.2.2 (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please find HIA and supporting details, documents, and the completed worksheet in the file. --- 10.2.2. A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was conducted in the community by the Youth Services Department. 3/29/2022.
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
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 10.3.1 (10 points) 10.3.2 (10 points) 10.3.3 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Descriptions and all supporting documents are in the file. --- 10.3.1 Rolling Credit. Local data in your community on tobacco was updated by Michelle Hill, Youth Director, early 2025. 10.3.2 Rolling Credit. Smoking and tobacco use reduction campaigns still active (2024) 10.3.3 Rolling Credit. No Smoking Ordinance prohibiting the use of alcohol, cannabis, smoking, and vaping on town-owned and town-controlled property adopted in August 2021.
Partners: 10.3.1- B. Weyland Smith Consulting LLC produced the survey tool and analyzed the data. Vernon ROCKS created an infographic displaying some of the results. 10.3.2 Implement or maintain a smoking and tobacco use reduction campaign was completed with Vernon Rocks Coalition. 10.3.3 N/A
Additional Information: 10.3.1 Summary of local (Vernon Youth Voices Count Survey) and regional data in your community on tobacco (10 points) Completed Worksheet- page 2 Sample of YYCS - page 5 Youth Voices Count Survey Report- page 44 Vernon ROCKS Coalition disseminated graphic- page 86 10.3.2 Implement or maintain a smoking and tobacco use reduction campaign (10 points) Completed Worksheet - page 2 The Thing About Vaping brochure- page 3 10.3.3 No Smoking Policy (20 points) TOV- No Smoking- Smoke Free Environment Policy - page 1 Ordinance #316- page 4 Legal Notice of Town Council - page 7
Approved Information: 10.4.1 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 10.4.1.Develop and Promote inclusive spaces for residents to engage in plant cultivation.
Partners: 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
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 10.5.1 (15 points) 10.5.2 (15 points) 10.5.3 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please find all details and supporting documents in the file. -------- 10.5.1 Host a Farmers Market (15 points) Page 2- photos from summer 2024 markets Page 3-9 Communications between Matt Hellman (Director of Social Services), Diane Trueb (Ellington Market Manager) , and Michelle Hill (Youth Services Director) Page 10 -13 Publications and promotions about the 2024 markets Page 14 2025 Market Schedule 10.5.2 Increasing financial accessibility of Vernon's Farmers Market (SNAP + FMNP) (30 points) 10.5.3 10.5.3 Increasing accessibility of Vernon's Farmers Market through transportation access (15 points)
Partners: 10.5.1- none 10.5.2- none 10..5.3- HVCC provided transportation to markets, Ellington farmers market manager (Diane Trueb) collaborated with Vernon to get residents of both towns to both markets.
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 10.6.1c (5 points) 10.6.2a (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets can be found in the file unless stated otherwise. -------- 10.6.1c Identify and disseminate extreme heat educational materials to residents and/or businesses. (5 points) 10.6.2a Inventory-Assess existing cooling centers in the municipality (10 points)
Partners: None
Additional Information: None
Approved Information: 10.7.2 (15 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets are included in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. ------------------ 10.7.2 Improve an open space parcel (15 points)
Partners: 10.7.2 Improve an open space parcel (15 points): Parks and Rec Department handled the boardwalk and PWD did the concrete parts
Additional Information: N/A
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11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing
Approved Information: 11.1.3 (30 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents are in the file. --- 11.1.3 Implement strategies identified in the Affordable Housing Plan (30 points) Completed Worksheet: Page 2 Vernon's Affordable Housing Plan (highlighted pages 13, 15) A copy of the magazine article (page 16.17) Screen shot/ link of the webpage are included below (page 18)
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: None
Approved Information: 11.2.1 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents are in the files. --- 11.2.1 A copy of the most recent annual Connecticut Department of Housing Affordable Housing Appeals List (2024)
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
Approved Information: 11.3.2 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: All details and supporting documents can be found in the file. --- 11.3.2. Vernon's Zoning Regulation. No updates needed (regulation still current and relevant).
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
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12. Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention
Approved Information: 12.1.1a (5 points) 12.1.1b (10 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please find all details and supporting documents in the file. --- 12.1.1a. Matt Hellman, Director, Vernon Social Services, is the town employee designated to serve as the liaison for homeless services in Vernon. (5 points) 12.1.1b -Participate in training addressing homelessness. (10 points)
Partners: None
Additional Information: N/A
CT Success Story
Approved Information: 12.2.2 (5 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Please, see overview. --- 12.2.2. The Town of Vernon develop and posted information on our website regarding homelessness as well as sent a Department Head email out. 12.2.3. New Credit Action. Organized and hosted one community conversations to discuss homelessness in our community. 02/24/2022 (5 points)
Partners: N/A
Additional Information: N/A
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13. Innovative Strategies and Practices
Approved Information: 13.1.1 (20 points)
Supporting Documentation:
Documentation Details: Find all details, supporting documents, and completed worksheets in the PDF file unless otherwise stated. --- 13.1. Farm to School Coordinator (15 points) 13.1 Connection Beats Addiction (15 points) 13.1 Empower Vernon (5 points) Energy Improvement District Board
Partners: 13.1 Farm to School Coordinator Position - None 13.1 Connection Beats Addiction- HVCC implements many of the programs, contracted by Vernon 13.1 Empower Vernon (5 points)- Vernon's
Additional Information: None.