The capital planning process is underway and you can get involved! Find a Q&A, upcoming events, meeting minutes and other pertinent documents below.
So far, we've visited the Middlesex Fire Department on Welch Park Drive and the Town Garage. We'll be touring the town offices, Middlesex Notch cabins, and other town-owned properties soon to learn more about town capital planning needs—and adding photographs as we go. All residents are welcomed and encouraged to join these visits! Sign up here to stay in the loop.
Middlesex Capital Planning: Questions & Answers
Q: What the heck is capital planning?
A: Capital planning is a way for a community to look ahead at its “big-ticket” spending—things like town buildings, road equipment, land, improvements, and other large expenses. The idea is to make a list of the town’s biggest resource needs over the next 5–10 years, and prioritize which spending should come when.
Q: Who does it?
Short answer: Everyone. All Middlesex residents are invited to learn about how our town functions, and voice your opinion about which spending is the most important.
Longer answer: Middlesex received a grant to hire Christian Meyer of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission to staff this project. Christian’s research will be based on the priorities in our existing Middlesex Town Plan, and his work will include interviewing town officials, creating an inventory of Middlesex’s assets, and helping run community forums to collect the community’s ideas. He is being guided by a team of Middlesex residents called the Middlesex Capital Planning Committee. In the end, after lots of community input, the Middlesex Selectboard will adopt a Capital Plan.
Q: When is this happening?
A: Spring 2021 through Spring 2022. The Capital Planning Committee had its first official meeting on April 22, 2021 (you can read the minutes below this Q&A). Middlesex residents can weigh in at multiple points along the way (see below), and the goal is to have a report ready for final discussion at Town Meeting in March 2022.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Sign up here if you’d like to receive regular email updates, including reminders of things like:
Q: Why is Middlesex launching a Capital Planning process?
A: Many towns across Vermont go through this process regularly as a responsible way to anticipate future needs and help keep tax rates stable. At Town Meeting 2019, Middlesex voters voiced interest in planning ahead for large expenses, and the Selectboard launched this effort in response. Towns with clear capital plans can be more responsive to grant and other funding opportunities as they arise.
Q: What happens to the Capital Plan—does it just sit on a shelf?
A: Once the plan is completed, reviewed by the town and adopted by the Selectboard, an official committee of Middlesex residents will be created to keep track of the plan to ensure it is followed, and/or to alert the Selectboard if updates are needed. (This committee may be the existing Middlesex Budget Committee.)
Q: How can I find out more?
A: You can find slides explaining what capital planning is, minutes from the committee’s meetings, and other information here
Or contact Liz Scharf, Middlesex Selectboard member and Chair, Middlesex Capital Planning Committee, at liz.scharf@gmail.com, (802) 279-1711
A: Capital planning is a way for a community to look ahead at its “big-ticket” spending—things like town buildings, road equipment, land, improvements, and other large expenses. The idea is to make a list of the town’s biggest resource needs over the next 5–10 years, and prioritize which spending should come when.
Q: Who does it?
Short answer: Everyone. All Middlesex residents are invited to learn about how our town functions, and voice your opinion about which spending is the most important.
Longer answer: Middlesex received a grant to hire Christian Meyer of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission to staff this project. Christian’s research will be based on the priorities in our existing Middlesex Town Plan, and his work will include interviewing town officials, creating an inventory of Middlesex’s assets, and helping run community forums to collect the community’s ideas. He is being guided by a team of Middlesex residents called the Middlesex Capital Planning Committee. In the end, after lots of community input, the Middlesex Selectboard will adopt a Capital Plan.
Q: When is this happening?
A: Spring 2021 through Spring 2022. The Capital Planning Committee had its first official meeting on April 22, 2021 (you can read the minutes below this Q&A). Middlesex residents can weigh in at multiple points along the way (see below), and the goal is to have a report ready for final discussion at Town Meeting in March 2022.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Sign up here if you’d like to receive regular email updates, including reminders of things like:
- Capital Planning Committee meetings (on Zoom, at least initially)
- Field trips and site visits (in-person)
- Two public meetings featuring presentations, discussion, and a chance to weigh in on the work so far (dates TBA)
- Online updates—the committee will post notes and photos (and maybe even videos!) of our progress. We’ll also post reminders and links for all of this on Front Porch Forum.
Q: Why is Middlesex launching a Capital Planning process?
A: Many towns across Vermont go through this process regularly as a responsible way to anticipate future needs and help keep tax rates stable. At Town Meeting 2019, Middlesex voters voiced interest in planning ahead for large expenses, and the Selectboard launched this effort in response. Towns with clear capital plans can be more responsive to grant and other funding opportunities as they arise.
Q: What happens to the Capital Plan—does it just sit on a shelf?
A: Once the plan is completed, reviewed by the town and adopted by the Selectboard, an official committee of Middlesex residents will be created to keep track of the plan to ensure it is followed, and/or to alert the Selectboard if updates are needed. (This committee may be the existing Middlesex Budget Committee.)
Q: How can I find out more?
A: You can find slides explaining what capital planning is, minutes from the committee’s meetings, and other information here
Or contact Liz Scharf, Middlesex Selectboard member and Chair, Middlesex Capital Planning Committee, at liz.scharf@gmail.com, (802) 279-1711
Upcoming eventsStay tuned for more upcoming events!
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Past events- Middlesex Fire Station Tour • Thursday, May 20 at 6pm
- Town Garage Open House (and meet our new road grader) • Wednesday, August 4, 5:30–6:30 pm |
Meeting minutes and documents
- Introductory Presentation by Central VT Planning Commission (February 18, 2021)
- 2021-04-22 Capital Improvement Program Introduction
- 2021-04-22 Meeting Minutes
- 2021-07-12 presentation
- DRAFT: Introduction to the Middlesex CIP Q&A
- DRAFT: Middlesex CIP Intake Form
- DRAFT: Middlesex CIP Process
- DRAFT: Middlesex Inventory Tables