Here’s what we know…
Northfield has been experiencing cellular outages since Tuesday, August 20th.

Our office was finally able to reach a support representative who discovered that the Verizon Network issue was reported as “fixed” when it was not.

We were able to get them to reopen the repair ticket, so that they go back to correctly fix the problem. The ticket number is NRB000011662425.

Here’s how you can help…
It can take our team up to 72 hours to look at/confirm/resolve the issue. The representative advises the following.

If you have residents who are Verizon customers in the area, please have them reach out like the town did, because the more info we have on the outage the better/faster we can fix it.

They suggest you log into your account at Verizon.com and start a “chat” with the representative to report the problem.

Thanks for working with us to get our Verizon coverage back!

In 2023, through the work of Northfield’s Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative Grant (VOREC), the town was awarded a $122,965 grant from the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.

The primary goal of this grant was the creation of a wayfinding plan, including a recreational map, street signs, trail signs, and kiosks that would help the community navigate to and within the town forest trail system and Norwich University’s Shaw Outdoor Center.

Visitors to the town forest can check out gear at the Brown Public library. Recent additions to the stash of snowshoes & trekking poles are a child-carrier back pack, and kids adventure backpacks with the themes of wildlife, insects, and birds.

The grant also supports programming for the community:

• Story walks for children in a variety of natural settings
Sponsored in conjunction with the Brown Public Library

• Plein Air painting sessions with supplies provided: dates TBA

• Yoga hikes in the town forest and Shaw Outdoor Center

• Saturday, August 24th (Rain Date: Sunday, August 25th)
o Theme: Welcome, Norwich Students and Faculty!
o Meeting Location: Shaw Outdoor Center
• Saturday, September 21st (Rain Date: Sunday, September 22nd)
o Theme: Autumn Equinox
o Meeting Location: Shaw Outdoor Center
• Saturday, October 12th (Rain Date: Sunday, October 13th)
o Theme: Fall Foliage and Indigenous Peoples Day
o Meeting Location: TBD


• Whoo Is It? Southern Vermont Natural History Museum Saturday, August 10th @ 11 am.

• Beetle Identification Workshop with Julia Pupko
August 3rd, 2-4

For information on any of the workshops or hikes, check the library website or the Northfield Town website.

Maps of the town of Northfield and a recreation map for Northfield are the biggest highlights of our wayfinding plan. Print your copy from the town website or find a copy at the Brown Public Library.

Wood and Wood Sign Systems from Waitsfield was selected to fabricate the kiosks and trail signs for the town forest/Shaw Outdoor Center trails.
Our committee received $25,000 of ARPA funding to make these signs a reality.

Deborah Zuaro
Chair, Northfield VOREC Steering Committee

The National Weather Service is reporting the potential for heavy rain, flooding and severe storms for northern New York and portions of Vermont from 2 PM Friday to 9 AM Saturday. Scattered areas of flash flooding are possible.

We will continue to provide updates on the Town Facebook page and web-site throughout the day and evening when available from the National Weather Service and VT Emergency Management.
Please make sure to register with VT-Alert so not to miss important emergency and severe weather updates.

Sign up for Vermont Alert at: https://vem.vermont.gov/vtalert

For the most recent weather information, go to the National Weather Service website at https://www.weather.gov/btv/

Also, please note that a shelter will be open to resident at Plumley Armory on Norwich Campus starting at 2 PM Friday. Thank you, Norwich. In addition, Town Highway and Utility Staff are monitoring roads, culverts, and other Town infrastructure to prepare for possible storm related issues.

If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please call 802-343-4540.


Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822
802-343-4540

Beetle Identification Workshop with Julia Pupko

Date & Time: August 3 from 2 pm - 4 pm

Location: Northfield Town Forest, Meeting at Green Mountain Family Practice Trailhead

Program Description:

Did you know that beetles (Order Coleoptera) make up over 20 percent of all described species on Earth? If you are interested in learning more about this incredibly diverse group of insects, this is the workshop for you! Participants will learn (and practice!) a few different methods for finding beetles, an introduction to identification, and how to utilize a few different online resources, such as iNaturalist, to assist with identification. We will discuss the importance of beetles within our ecosystems and learn about a few introduced beetles to be on the lookout for.

What to Bring:

Wear sturdy shoes suitable for the trail and dress appropriately for the weather.
Be prepared to hike into Cheney Meadow, along some steep trail sections.
Before attending, consider downloading the iNaturalist app, available for iPhones and Androids.

About Your Guide:

Julia Pupko is a Forestry Specialist with the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. Based out of the Forest Biology Lab in Randolph, Julia’s focus is on forest health and entomology and the management of the state insect collection. Prior to their time with the state, Julia coordinated the Vermont Lady Beetle Atlas at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Additionally, Julia is the Vice President of Sosyete pou Rebwaze Duchity, Haiti, a community-based reforestation and agroforestry organization operating in Duchity. In their spare time, Julia enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and (of course) identifying insects they find in the field.

Registration:

This workshop is free, but you must pre-register by noon on August 2. Space is limited to 20 people, so register early by calling the Brown Public Library at (802) 485-4621.

Parking Instructions:

Green Mountain Family Practice Trailhead

From the intersection of VT-12 and VT-64, follow VT-12 north for 1.7 miles. Take a slight right onto Crescent Ave, followed shortly by a right turn onto Paine Mountain Drive. Green Mountain Family Practice will be on the left. The trails begin behind the parking lot. Please park in designated Town Forest spaces only.

Here is the map for the Paine Mountain Trail System: www.trailfinder.info/print/trails/trail/paine-mountain-trail-system

This program is offered for free to the community because of the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant Northfield received.

Imagine meeting a group of community members in town at the new community wellness space, The Sanctuary, for a mindful outdoor experience, hiking together as a community group through the town forest, breathing in fresh air, becoming one with the trees while you share in connection with new community members and maybe even some good friends, stopping throughout our hike for guided gentle yoga poses surrounding by beautiful whispering trees, feeling the warm sun and cool wind on your face, smiling as you feel connecting to Mother Earth, and joyfully hiking back down to town to enjoy a post-hike beverage or meal from our amazing local restaurants if you choose!

Join us one Saturday/month in June through September from 9:00am-11:30am for a Yoga Hike leaving from The Sanctuary OR Shaw Outdoor Center depending on the date. These heart-centered offerings are open to all community members on the following dates:

Saturday, June 29th (Rain Date: Sunday, June 30th)

Theme: Introduction to Forest Bathing

Meeting Location: The Sanctuary at 9 East St.

Saturday, July 20th (Rain Date: Sunday, July 21st)

Theme: Summer Sun

Meeting Location: The Sanctuary at 9 East St.

Saturday, August 24th (Rain Date: Sunday, August 25th)

Theme: Welcome, Norwich Students and Faculty!

Meeting Location: Shaw Outdoor Center

Saturday, September 21st (Rain Date: Sunday, September 22nd)

Theme: Autumn Equinox

Meeting Location: Shaw Outdoor Center

Please note: Each hike will be approximately 3 miles round-trip, and we will move steadily (about 30 minutes/mile) with lots of breaks and mindful pauses. It will be a steeper incline at times especially from town up to the forest. Yoga poses will be offered for all levels. There are aspects of the mindful outdoor experience where all participants will be asked to be silent to more deeply connect with nature. Please only register if you agree to this request.

This is a FREE community event sponsored by the Northfield VOREC grant! Please register in advance below as there are limited spots for each session, and please be sure to cancel at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend in order to open spots for those who would like to attend. Thank you! Details for participants will be sent out at least 48 hours in advance.

Questions? Please email Tara at taracariano@gmail.com

Town of Northfield, Vermont
www.northfield-vt.gov

51 SOUTH MAIN STREET NORTHFIELD, VERMONT 05663
TOWN OF NORTHFIELD

Phone 1-802-485-9822
Fax 1-802-485-8426


REQUEST FOR BIDS
Generators for Municipal Buildings, Northfield, Vermont

Project Schedule:
• Request for Bids Released: 6/14/24
• Deadline for questions: 7/1/24
• Deadline for submission of bid: 7/8/24
• Contract execution: 7/12/2024
• Project completion: 09/31/2024

Project Title: Town of Northfield Generator Projects

Project Summary: The Town of Northfield is seeking bids from qualified vendors for new generators at four municipal buildings: the Municipal Building, the Police Station, the Fire Sation and the Ambulance Service located within the Town Highway Garage.

The generators at the municipal building and Police Station shall be 48kw units and the generators at the Fire Station and Ambulance Service shall be 20kw units.

Project Requirements:
1. Obtain Standby Aluminum Generators
2. Include 200A Service Disc, plus amplify power management with Info WFI
3. Obtain all necessary permits
4. Install required precast cement pad
5. Make all needed connections to electric lines
6. Complete all required electrical connections
7. Provide Cold weather Kit and battery
8. Include Emergency E-stop Button

Submission Requirements
All responses to the request for bids shall include the following:
1. Cover Letter - A cover letter and general description of proposal
2. Scope of Work - Provide a scope of work with materials and labor costs, including any substitutions and an explanation of benefits provided by the substitute material.
3. Proposed Schedule - Provide a schedule of start and end date
4. Relevant Experience - List of 3 similar projects, including project budget and duration
5. Project Budget

All information submitted becomes property of the Town of Northfield upon submission. The municipality Northfield reserves the right to issue supplemental information or guidelines relating to the request for bids as well as make modifications to the request or withdraw the request. The cost of preparing, submitting, and presenting a proposal is the sole expense of the consultant.
The Town of Northfield reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result of this solicitation, to negotiate with any qualified source, to waive any formality and any technicalities or to cancel the request for bids in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the Town of Northfield. This solicitation of proposals in no way obligates the Town of Northfield to award a contract.

Submission Requirements
Questions regarding the request for bids shall be directed to Town Manager, Jeff Schulz at jschulz@northfield.vt.us or 802-485-9822.
One (1) electronic (PDF) file shall be received on/before 4:00pm on July 8, 2024 and emailed to jschulz @northfield.vt.us. In addition, one (1) hard copy proposal shall be received by the Town by 4:00 PM on July 8, 2024, at attention Jeff Schulz, Town Manager 51 South Main Street Northfield, VT 05663.

The contractor shall not start the project until the successful applicant enters into a written contract with the municipality. The Town of Northfield is not liable for any cost incurred by consultant prior to issuance of a contract. The contractor shall provide proof of Insurance Coverage such that All contractors, and any sub-contractors must carry adequate insurance coverage (not less than $1,000,000-per occurrence). $1,000,000 - General Aggregate Applying, in total, $1,000,000 - Products/Completed Operations Aggregate, $50,000 — Fire/Legal/Liability, and $1,000,000 - Automotive Liability), and must affirm being an equal opportunity employer.

The project committee for the Northfield Common Conceptual Design Plan will be holding a public forum on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the Brown Public Library Community Room.

The purpose of the forum is to get public feedback about the Town Common. What do you like and want to preserve? How often do you visit?

What additions to the Common might encourage you to visit more often? The Common is a valuable Town asset and caring for it and planning for its future will take community support.

Please attend the forum to share your ideas, and questions at the Community Conversation Night.

Thank you!

Jeff

Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822

Vermont Route 12:
Beginning Monday, April 15th, there will be multiple single lane closures with alternating one way traffic. Milling will begin at the Northfield end of the project working north and motorcycles should use caution on roughened surfaces.

Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive):
Motorists should watch for crews accessing the shoulders along approach routes to the project for the installation of construction signs. No traffic impacts are planned.

Montpelier Junction State Highway (Dog River Road):
Motorists should watch for crews accessing the shoulders along the project for the installation of construction signs. No traffic impacts are planned.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

Vermont Route 12:
The milling operation, in which the contractor grinds down the existing pavement to prepare the roadway for new pavement, will begin Monday at the Northfield end of the project and work north.

Also on Monday, on the Berlin end of the project, a crew will be removing and resetting guardrail to allow for shoulder widening. By midweek, shoulder widening work will begin at the Northfield end of the project.

Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive):
Crews will continue to install construction approach signs along the shoulders.

Montpelier Junction State Highway (Dog River Road):
Crews will continue to install construction approach signs.

LOCATION:
The Northfield-Berlin STP PS24(1) resurfacing project begins just south of the Cumberland Farms gas station on N. Main Street in Northfield and extends northerly approximately 8 miles on VT Route 12 to the Berlin/Montpelier town line. A portion of this project is also located on Montpelier Junction State Highway (aka Dog River Road) and includes resurfacing the Montpelier park & ride at the Exit 8 interchange with I-89.

The Montpelier NH PS24(12) resurfacing project begins under the Exit 8 overpass and extends along Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive) for 3/4 of a mile and ends at the Class I Town Highway limits with the City of Montpelier.

Work includes milling and paving of a leveling and wearing course, pavement markings, signs, guardrail, drainage, and other highway improvements.


PROJECTED COMPLETION: Fall 2024.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

Motorists are advised to watch for crews accessing the shoulders along Vermont Route 12, Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive), Montpelier Junction State Highway (Dog River Road) and adjacent side streets as they begin to install construction signs.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES:

The contractor is tentatively scheduled to begin installing construction signs along the impacted corridors and adjacent side streets on Tuesday, April 2nd. Other preliminary construction layout will be conducted as well.

LOCATION:
The Northfield-Berlin STP PS24(1) resurfacing project begins just south of the Cumberland Farms gas station on N. Main Street in Northfield and extends northerly approximately 8 miles on VT Route 12 to the Berlin/Montpelier town line. A portion of this project is also located on Montpelier State Highway (aka Dog River Road) and includes resurfacing the Montpelier park & ride at the Exit 8 interchange with I-89.

The Montpelier NH PS24(12) resurfacing project begins under the Exit 8 overpass and extends along Montpelier State Highway (Memorial Drive) for 3/4 of a mile and ends at the Class I Town Highway limits with the City of Montpelier.

Work includes milling and paving of a leveling and wearing course, pavement markings, signs, guardrail, drainage, and other highway improvements.


PROJECTED COMPLETION: Fall 2024.

Contact Information:
Name - Bethany Oprendek
Phone - 802.267.4044
Email - bethany@bbo-enterprises.com

NORTHFIELD PEDESTRIAN PATH SCOPING STUDY PRESENTATION

The Town of Northfield is exploring options to create a continuous sidewalk or
pedestrian path primarily along Wall Street, connecting Depot Square to Dog River
Park, crossing Dog River and the railroad tracks.

After robust community discussion and site reviews, the project team is presenting
alternative design solutions.

At this Alternatives Presentation the project team will show different potential designs for a pedestrian path in this area. If you’d like an opportunity to discuss this project, ask questions about the design alternatives, or voice concerns, please join us in person at the Select Board Regular Meeting on March 26, 2024 (6 pm -11 pm) in the Community Room in the Brown Library - 93 S Main St, Northfield, VTor online at GoTo: https://meet.goto.com/205955837

There are still 105 Northfield Electric customers still without power due to eight outage events. Green Mountain Power crews are in Northfield working to restore power. We are hopeful that GMP can restore power to all customers this evening.

However, due to the type of storm, some customers could be without power until tomorrow.

This was a difficult storm due to the wet heavy snow, which requires the removal of wires from trees and, in some situations, difficult rewiring to the poles.

We appreciate your patience - stay safe!

STORM - POWER - UPDATE FOR NORTHFIELD
Northfield Electric is working on a major power outage that has impacted all Northfield Utility customers as well as Green Mountain Power customers outside of the village.

Green Mountain Power crews are on the scene working on the issue, but power could be out for an extended period of time. We appreciate their quick attendance to this issue.

The Highway Department is out plowing, but the roads are in poor condition with the large snowfall, so please don’t travel unless you have to.

Please be assured our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power and we apologize for the inconvenience.

Northfield, VT – A Local Concerns Meeting for the project listed below will be held on Tuesday March 26th, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Community Room at the Northfield Brown Public Library at 93 South Main Street in Northfield, VT. The meeting will be held by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Town of Northfield.

Town Highway Bridge Project(s):

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(7) – Bridge 10, ‘Upper Cox Brook Covered Bridge’ on TH 3 (Cox Brook Road) over Cox Brook

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(8) – Bridge 11, ‘Lower Cox Brook Covered Bridge’ on TH 3 (Cox Brook Road) over Cox Brook

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(9) – Bridge 15, ‘Northfield Falls Covered Bridge’ on TH 3 (Cox Brook Road) over Dog River


The intent of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders, including Town Officials, local residents and businesses, emergency services and other interested parties. During this meeting we will discuss the existing conditions of the bridge(s), site constraints, and options that should be considered in the scoping report(s).

Representatives from both VTrans and the Town of Northfield will be available at the meeting to gather concerns about the project.

Project Title: Municipal Pool Painting and Structural Repairs

Project Schedule:
January 22, 2024 Request for Bids Released
February 23, 2024 @ 4:00 pm Deadline for Submission of Bid
April 25, 2024 Project Start Date
June 1, 2024, Project Completion Date

Project Title: Municipal Pool Painting and Structural Repairs

Project Summary:

The Town of Northfield is accepting bids from qualified contractors to paint and make structural repairs to the Northfield municipal pool located at the end of King Street (Memorial Park), in Northfield, VT.

The Northfield pool was constructed in 1991 and is a 600,000-gallon pool with approximately 15,000 square feet of surface area for painting. The repairs and painting must be made and dried by June 1 to provide for adequate time for pool reopening for the summer season. The contractor shall complete the following project elements.

1. Power wash and clean the pool using an approved chemical wash.
2. Replace 15 to 20 damaged pool skimmers and associated piping.
3. Repair pool deck around replaced skimmers.
4. Repaint the pool with one coat of primer and two coats of epoxy paint depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Repaint all lane lines and other pool markings.
6. Install anti-skid substances on stairs and entry areas.

The contractor shall guarantee all work for one year after substantial completion.

Submission Requirements

All responses to the request for bids shall include the following:

1. Cover Letter - A cover letter and general description of proposal.
2. Scope of Work – Provide a scope of work.
3. Proposed Schedule – Provide a schedule of project start and end date.
4. Experience – List of similar projects
5. Project Budget – Provide a budget, including estimated project hours and materials.
6. References - A minimum of three (3) references for whom a similar project has been completed within the last three (3) years.

Questions regarding the request, please contact Town Manager, Jeff Schulz at jschulz@northfield.vt.us or 802-485-9822. One (1) electronic Adobe (PDF) file shall be received on/before 4:00 pm on February 23, 2024, by email to jschulz@northfield.vt.us.
Alternatively, two hard copy proposals shall be received by the Town by 4:00 PM on February 23, 2024, attention Jeff Schulz, Town Manager 51 South Main Street Northfield, VT 05663.

The Town of Northfield reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as part of this solicitation, to negotiate with any qualified source, to waive any formality and any technicalities or to cancel the request for bids in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the Town of Northfield. This solicitation of proposals in no way obligates the Town of Northfield to award a contract.

The Town of Northfield will negotiate contract terms upon selection. The contractor shall not start the project until the successful applicant enters a written contract with the municipality. The Town of Northfield is not liable for any cost incurred by consultant prior to issuance of a contract. The contractor shall provide proof of Insurance Coverage such that All contractors, and any sub-contractors must carry adequate insurance coverage (not less than $1,000,000-per occurrence). $1,000,000 - General Aggregate Applying, in total, $1,000,000 - Products/Completed Operations Aggregate, $50,000 – Fire/Legal/Liability, and $1,000,000 – Automotive Liability), and must affirm being an equal opportunity employer.

The Town of Northfield's Joint Meeting of the Northfield Electric and Water & Wastewater Commissions will meet on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Municipal Building - 6:30 p.m.

This meeting can be attended either in person, or from a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/223483805

You can also dial in using a phone.
Access Code:
223-483-805
United States:
+1 (224) 501-3412

AGENDA
Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
Meeting of the Water & Wastewater Commission
Main Street Water Line and Tank Replacement Project
Budget Status Reports
Other Business
Meeting of the Electric Commission
King Street Battery Storage Project
Budget Status Reports
Other Business
Adjournment

Please note that the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAOT) will be performing an engineering review and scoping of the three covered bridges on Cox Brook Road which includes a structural analysis of the bridges and a review of other bridge related issues.

This scoping process will require a detailed inspection of the three covered bridges and will require the closing of the bridges as follows:

Upper Cox Brook CB – Close to all traffic on Monday, 11/6 from 7 am to 5 pm.
Lower Cox Brook CB – Close to all traffic on Tuesday, 11/7 from 7 am to 5 pm.
Northfield Falls CB – Close to all traffic on Wednesday, 11/8 and Thursday, 11/9 from 7 am to 5 pm.

Traffic from Berlin and Moretown will be detoured onto Aseltine Road. Please note that in the event of an emergency, public safety vehicles will be allowed to travel across the bridges during the closure.

VAOT’s engineering and scoping process of these bridges includes the structural analysis of the bridges. Next, VAOT will develop alternatives/options to address any issues/deficiencies identified during the review. The options can range from doing nothing to full bridge replacement.

The scoping process for the three covered bridges is likely to recommend structural repairs to the bridge. VAOT also will hold public meetings at future Select Board meetings to receive additional public comment on the covered bridges.

VAOT has the funds to pay for the recommended improves to the bridges.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Jeff
Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822

Cox Brook Road Bridge Repairs

The Town of Northfield will be performing repairs to the third covered bridge on Cox Brook Road starting on 9/18/2023. The repairs will take two days and require the closing of the bridge to traffic from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Traffic will be detoured to Aseltine Road Chandler Road.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Jeff

Jeff Schulz, Northfield Town Manager
802-485-9822

Northfield, VT – A Local Concerns Meeting for the project listed below will be held on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Community Room at the Northfield Municipal Offices located at 51 South Main Street in Northfield, VT. The meeting will be held by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the Town of Northfield.

Town Highway Bridge Project

• NORTHFIELD BO CVBR(4) – Bridge 65 on TH 57 (Rabbit Hollow Road) over NECR and Dog River

The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from stakeholders, including Town Officials, residents and businesses, emergency services and other interested parties. During this meeting we will discuss the existing conditions of the bridge, site constraints, and options that should be considered in the scoping report. Please note that depending on the scope of work of the project, there may be an adverse effect to historic resources.

Representatives from both VTrans and the Town of Northfield will be available at the meeting to gather concerns about the project.

The Town of Northfield is pleased to announce the hiring of Pierre Gomez (pictured on the right side of the attached photo) as the Town's new Police Chief. Pierre is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and brings nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience to Northfield.

Pierre attended Norfolk State University, and prior to starting a career in law enforcement, worked for the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice system and as a security supervisor in Lower Marion, Pennsylvania School District.

Mr. Gomez's first position in law enforcement was as a patrol officer for the Philadelphia PD working in the South Street Task Force. In 2015, he moved to the Prosecutor's Office as a County Detective in the Dignitary Protection Unit, the Private Criminal Complaints Unit and deputized as a DEA Task Force Officers assigned to the Liberty-Philadelphia High Intensity Drug Tracking Unit.

Pierre is an avid baseball fan having played for Norfolk State and minor league baseball with the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Mircle organizations.

Pierre Gomez is scheduled to begin as Northfield's Police Chief on September 18.

The Town of Northfield Select Board has adopted a new Encampment Policy, the details of which can be found below.

TOWN OF NORTHFIELD, VERMONT
Encampment Policy

1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure:
• The Town has a safe, respectful, and effective response to homeless encampments on municipal property,
• The Town balances the rights of individuals without an adequate place to sleep against its duty to maintain public safety and health.

2. SCOPE
This Policy establishes procedures for the Town of Northfield to address homeless encampments on municipal property. This policy provides the municipality effective and respectful procedures when interacting with persons camping on municipal property; whereby the Town will assess the person’s situation and determine whether outside human resource agencies and/or local public safety staff should be contacted to assist the persons. The Policy also establishes a respectful procedure for the removal of persons, and their property, from municipal property through either a voluntary or involuntary approach.

3. APPLICATION
This Policy applies to all municipal property, including sidewalks and roadways within the Town of Northfield.
This Policy does not apply to private property.
This Policy shall not restrict law enforcement from responding to an incident involving persons camping on municipal property committing a criminal act.

4. POLICY
The Town, when implementing this policy, shall respond to persons camping on municipal property in a respectful manner and shall adhere to the following procedures.
4.1 Initial Contact with Persons Camping on Municipal Property.
1. Municipal employees encountering persons camping on municipal property shall notify the Town Manager’s Office immediately and shall not interact with the persons.
2. Upon receiving a report of an encampment, the Town Manager or designee shall start a report on the situation using the attached form (see APPENDIX 1).
4.2 Contact with Persons Camping on Municipal Property.
The Town Manager or designee shall take the following steps when investigating a report of an encampment:
1. Visit the site and make an initial assessment of whether the persons need medical attention, and if so, contact Northfield Ambulance
2. Contact local law enforcement to obtain possible background information on the encampment prior to visiting the site,
3. Make an initial assessment of whether there is possible criminal activity, and if so, contact the Northfield Police Department.
4. Assess whether the individuals intend to remain on the property.
 
5. If the individuals intend to remain on the property, politely ask that they voluntarily leave the property.
6. Provide the individuals with information regarding available human resources and services.
7. If the individuals intend to remain on the property, contact human resources agencies to inquire as to available programs and housing options.
4.3 Compliance
The Town Manager or designee shall adhere to the following procedures regarding possible removal of individuals from an encampment.
1. Ask the individuals to leave the property voluntarily.
2. If the persons do not leave the property voluntarily, call a representative of an appropriate state or local agency to assist.
3. Offer shelter or shelter referral.
4. If individuals are unable or unwilling to voluntarily comply, the Town Manager may intervene and consider the following options.
a). Seek out restorative justice opportunities and sleeping options.
b). Post the area against Trespassing and have the individuals cited and/or removed in coordination with the State’s Attorney.
4.4 Unattended Encampment Clean-up Policy
The Town Manager or designee shall adhere to the following procedures regarding removal of materials from an unattended encampment in which no individuals are present.
1. Leave a packet of materials and instructions to include:
a). Sleeping on municipal property is not allowed,
b). The time and date of visit and the time and date when Town representatives will return to the site to remove materials, which will be seven days after the initial visit,
c). A statement that any materials taken from the site will be stored out of the elements and properly labeled.
d). Copies of supportive resources.
2. Take photos of the site and materials prior to removing any materials,
3. Take photos of the site after the removal of all materials,
4. Leave a note at the site providing contact information on how to retrieve materials.
5. Store removed material in the basement of the municipal building.

4.5 Disposal of Unclaimed Property
The Town Manager or designee shall make a reasonable effort to allow the owner of the unclaimed material to retrieve their property. If the unclaimed property is not retrieved within 30 days from the date of removal from the encampment site, the Town is authorized to dispose of all unclaimed property.