Ward 1 NPA
Regular MeetingBurlington, VT · June 11, 2025
Minutes
Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
And Zoom online:
https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050
Minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyhNSmLGIqg
Please note – Charts for the CDNR Working Group, OPC, and 436 Riverside Ave can be
found here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8043/files/agenda/14189 .
These charts substantially constitute the minutes for these agenda items.
6:15 - Welcome and Food (Namaste Kitchen Express)
6:30 - Formal Start - project & review agenda
Introductions: name, street
Selene Colburn Troy Headrick
Sam Doherty Caryn Long
Gretchen Platt Serrill Flash
Rob Gutman Sophie Quest
Carol Livingston Judy Dow
Angie Chapple-Sokol Doug Boyden
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol Lucas Boyden
Richard Hillyard Mark Demers
Allie Schachter Erick Barbic
Carter Neubieser Ana Maria Robu
Katherine Verman Melo Grant
Catherine Bock Jeffrey Van
Sharon Bushor Doug Goulette
Linda Bowden Breck Bowden
Peter Lackowski Sharyl Greene
Kathy Olwell Tom Derenthal
Dave Cawley Gary Golden
Theresa Vezina Jess Kirby
Matt Price
Announcements: share events, meetings, activities of interest to Ward 1 community.
Dave Cawley – Organzing monthly potluck at Schmanska this Summer – Last Thursday in
June, July August. Lots of food, but consider bringing a dish! Set up at 5:30, start at 6PM
City Employee gratitude – kind words for Cindy Wight and a card to sign
6:40 - Speakout - an opportunity to raise concerns & appreciations about Ward 1 community
Carol Livingston -
(1) The City’s Open Space Plan is going through its second round of outreach. There is a
survey about future strategies open until June 27th
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/288/Burlingtons-Open-Space-Plan
Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZLBFSQ6
(2) City’s draft 2025 housing & community development action plan open for public comment
(June 23rd Public Hearing)
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3748
Plan:
Melo Grant
Recruitment plan for sworn officers:
https://www.bpdcareers.com/
https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8346/files/attachment/9231
Judy Dow
Working with Capstone students on Landslide research
Tom Derenthal
Mail Delivery (lack thereof) is a big problem.
General discussion –
Postal Carrier quits – route up for grabs or not. Unpopular routes are left vacant
Can go to Pine Street but USPS doesn’t encourage it
USPS aiming for 2x weekly deliveries
Sharon Bushor
Concern about Open Space Plan – Need more direct contact with community than just a
survey. Bring Sophie Sauve to a meeting
Richard
Traffic scofflaws. Not considered a priority
Remembering Susan Altman
6:55 - School Commission update - Gary Golden and Matt Price
Matt Price – Lots of uncertainty around final bill. Major concern about too much money going to
privately owned schools – Bill has less money for public schools across Vermont. Impact on
Burlington? Not completely clear. Vote on 6/16.
7:05 City Council update - Carter Neubieser & Allie Schacter
Project a modest residential tax decrease
6/23 final decision on budget at city council
Carter – given RIFS consider eliminating COLAs for Department and Division heads
Question regarding internal hires with reclassification rather than nationwide search for
middle/upper management candidates. Yes there is work to develop talent internally
Right-sizing, consolidating,centralizing
Traffic safety and enforcement: Best approach is improving infrastructure – traffic calming –
100s of projects on the list.
Work with UVM police? Over summers?
Aging council needs rebuilding/reviving – more residents >65 than under 18 – 13% of
population!
Activity to support Housing Trust Fund
7:25 CDNR (Community Development & Revitalization) draft document clarifying City/NPA
relationship - Jonathan Chapple-Sokol & Carter Neubieser
See Presentation link, above. NPA voted to support the work of the CDNR/NPA working group
(unanimous except for one ‘no’ vote -concern is holding City Council to the principles in
resolution. Suggestion an annual beginning-of-term discussion at CDNR
7:45 Overdose Prevention Centers project - Theresa Vezina, Jess Kirby
See Presentation link, above
Funded by State Opioid Settlement funds for 2 years ($2.2M)
Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform well positioned – they have relationships with many of
the potential service users already – many justice-involved folks, but no one is turned away
OPC will be just one component
OPC may grow folks at VCJR by ~100 (currently serves 300-350) – not a huge change
Metrics?
Client Satisfaction
Reduction in ODs
Neighborhood Impact Assessment – monthly, quarterly public input
Evaluation at end of project (funded through FY28)
Staffing?
ED; Implementation Manager; Medical Director; Nurse
Age Demographic? 30s and 40s
Funding? 15 years worth of Opioid Settlement
We are Pilot; Potential to replicate across the state
OPC is really a small add to existing syringe services currently offered
8:15 Proposed U-Haul Storage Facility project - 436 Riverside Ave - Doug Goulette,
Bowman Development
See Presentation link, above
30,000 square ft self service storage – 542 units. 2 stories. Much like in Williston
~Zero front yard setback (building w/in 7 ft of property line
Backs up against cliff
Entry parking in rear
When to DRB? TBD; concept design months down the road
Traffic impact? Minimal
Geo-Tech Assessment says things are stable
General consensus of assembly:
Housing would be better use of space (but zoning allows for storage)
Ground is infill; risk of falling into river
Cliff is unstable; risk of ledge collapsing
8:30 - Adjourn
Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
Selene Colburn selene.colburn@gmail.com,
Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com
Agenda
Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
And Zoom online:
https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050
Facilitator: Selene Colburn Recorder: Jonathan Chapple-Sokol
6:15 - Welcome and Food (Namaste Kitchen Express)
6:30 - Formal Start - project & review agenda
Introductions: name, street
Announcements: share events, meetings, activities of interest to Ward 1 community.
6:40 - Speakout - an opportunity to raise concerns & appreciations about Ward 1 community
6:55 - School Commission update - Gary Golden and Matt Price
7:05 City Council update - Carter Neubieser & Allie Schacter
7:25 CDNR (Community Development & Revitalization) draft document clarifying City/NPA
relationship - Jonathan Chapple-Sokol & Carter Neubieser
7:45 Overdose Prevention Centers project - City team
8:15 Proposed U-Haul Storage Facility project - 436 Riverside Ave - Doug Goulette,
Bowman Development
https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8324/files/agenda/14071
8:30 - Adjourn
Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
Selene Colburn selene.colburn@gmail.com,
Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com
Packet
Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
And Zoom online:
https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050
Facilitator: Selene Colburn Recorder: Jonathan Chapple-Sokol
6:15 - Welcome and Food (Namaste Kitchen Express)
6:30 - Formal Start - project & review agenda
Introductions: name, street
Announcements: share events, meetings, activities of interest to Ward 1 community.
6:40 - Speakout - an opportunity to raise concerns & appreciations about Ward 1 community
6:55 - School Commission update - Gary Golden and Matt Price
7:05 City Council update - Carter Neubieser & Allie Schacter
7:25 CDNR (Community Development & Revitalization) draft document clarifying City/NPA
relationship - Jonathan Chapple-Sokol & Carter Neubieser
7:45 Overdose Prevention Centers project - City team
8:15 Proposed U-Haul Storage Facility project - 436 Riverside Ave - Doug Goulette,
Bowman Development
https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8324/files/agenda/14071
8:30 - Adjourn
Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
Selene Colburn selene.colburn@gmail.com,
Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com
Resolution Relating to: Strengthening
the Relationship between the City
Administration, City Council, and
Neighborhood Planning Assemblies
(NPAs)
Presented by:
Carter Neubieser, Ward 1 City Councilor
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol, Ward 1 NPA
Steering Committee
Agenda & Notes before we get started:
● Presenters: Carter - Ward 1 City Councilor & Jonathan Chapple-Sokol,
longtime Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee Member
● Over the next 20-30 minutes we will cover…
○ What it is the resolution does
○ How the work came about
○ Why it is needed and the problems it addresses
○ Discuss the practical implications
○ Q&A Period pen it up for questions
○ Ask the NPA to vote to voice their affirmative support
What does this
resolution do ?
How did the NPA’s
and this resolution
come about?
Dates we are presenting to NPA’s:
● Ward 3 - estimating June
● Ward 2 - unsure
● Ward 8 - unsure
● Ward 5 - May 15
● Ward 6 - May 1st
● Ward 4/7 - April 23rd
● Ward 1 is May 14th
What problems
does the resolution
address?
The resolution does
the following…
The City of Burlington and the Neighborhood Planning
Assemblies affirm the following principles:
● The NPAs are essential to the civic health of our community.
● The NPAs shall be open and accessible to all city residents and shall abide
by Open Meeting Law.
● The NPAs shall adhere to state and local laws regarding anti-discrimination,
free speech, and accessibility.
● The NPAs shall adhere to the provisions of their bylaws and decisions shall
be made in a transparent manner.
● The NPAs shall expend funds allocated to them by the City Council in a
manner consistent with the City’s terms, conditions, and restrictions.
● The NPAs shall set the terms and conditions for their gatherings and shall
determine their agendas and priorities.
The Community and Economic Development Office
(CEDO) shall:
● Develop a standardized process in collaboration with the NPAs by which each
NPA can communicate a list of annual priorities to the City Council and City
Administration
● Consult with other relevant city staff to develop easily understood materials
that outline the legal requirements of the NPAs.
● Consult with other relevant city staff to review and update these materials as
needed but no less than every three calendar years.
● Collaborate with NPAs and other relevant city staff to ensure NPAs
understand the legal requirements of the NPAs.
● Include a representative, chosen by the NPAs to serve on hiring committees
for staff roles predominantly focused on supporting and liaising with the NPAs
The City Council acknowledges and agrees that:
● The NPAs play an important role in the city's deliberative
process.
● The advice and counsel received from residents at NPA
meetings is valuable and important to the City's decision-
making process.
● Individual City Councilors shall be encouraged to regularly
attend NPA meetings in their respective Ward or District.
The City Council shall endeavor in good faith to consult
with each NPA on:
● Issues that impact NPA governance and structure before
proceeding with resolutions and ordinances.
● Issues that disproportionately impact a particular area of the city.
● Matters identified by the NPAs as priorities for the current fiscal
year.
● All development projects that require Major Impact Review.
● Redistricting and changes to ward boundaries and polling places.
● Proposed charter changes and ballot questions that appear on the
Annual Town Meeting Day ballot.
Q&A
Motion:
Does the NPA support
the main spirit of this
resolution?
Resolution Relating to:
Strengthening the Relationship between the City Administration, City
Council, and Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs)
In the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five Resolved by the City Council of the City of Burlington, as
follows:
WHEREAS the City Council has adopted a resolution that encouraged and supported the
establishment of Neighborhood Planning Assemblies in each of the city's wards; and
WHEREAS the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies were intended to be open and accessible to
all voters of the city residing in a particular ward; and
WHEREAS the responsibility for organizing the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies was
delegated to the Community and Economic Development Office; and
WHEREAS all residents of a particular ward are considered voting members of the
Neighborhood Planning Assembly for that ward; and
WHEREAS each Neighborhood Planning Assembly has developed its own bylaws and meeting
operating procedures; and
WHEREAS the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies were established to help provide city
residents with information concerning city programs and activities; and
WHEREAS the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies were established to provide advice to the
City Council, the various city commissions, and city administration with respect to governmental
decisions, the allocation of revenues, and issues facing individual neighborhoods and the city as a
whole; and
WHEREAS the priorities, needs, and interests of city residents has evolved over time as the city
has grown and developed; and
WHEREAS the City Council frequently considers matters of importance that intersect with the
interests and priorities of the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies; and
WHEREAS the City Council and Neighborhood Planning Assemblies have a mutual interest to
work together for the benefit of city residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Burlington and the Neighborhood
Planning Assemblies affirm the following principles:
• The NPAs are essential to the civic health of our community.
• The NPAs shall be open and accessible to all city residents and shall abide by Open
Meeting Law.
• The NPAs shall adhere to federal, state, and local laws regarding anti-discrimination, free
speech, and accessibility.
• The NPAs shall adhere to the provisions of their bylaws and decisions shall be made in a
transparent manner.
• The NPAs shall expend funds allocated to them by the City Council in a manner
consistent with the City’s terms, conditions, and restrictions.
• The NPAs shall set the terms and conditions for their gatherings and shall determine their
agendas and priorities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO)
shall:
• Develop a standardized process in collaboration with the NPAs by which each NPA can
communicate a list of annual priorities to the City Council and City Administration
• Consult with other relevant city staff to develop easily understood materials that outline
the legal requirements of the NPAs.
• Consult with other relevant city staff to review and update these materials as needed but
no less than every three calendar years.
• Collaborate with NPAs and other relevant city staff to ensure NPAs understand the legal
requirements of the NPAs.
• Include a representative, chosen by the NPAs to serve on hiring committees for staff roles
predominantly focused on supporting and liaising with the NPAs
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council acknowledges and agrees that:
• The NPAs play an important role in the city's deliberative process.
• The advice and counsel received from residents at NPA meetings is valuable and
important to the City's decision-making process.
• Individual City Councilors shall be encouraged to regularly attend NPA meetings in their
respective Ward or District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council shall endeavor in good faith to consult with
each NPA on:
• Issues that impact NPA governance and structure before proceeding with resolutions and
ordinances.
• Issues that disproportionately impact a particular area of the city.
• Matters identified by the NPAs as priorities for the current fiscal year.
• All development projects that require Major Impact Review.
• Redistricting and changes to ward boundaries and polling places.
• Proposed charter changes and ballot questions that appear on the Annual Town Meeting
Day ballot.
Burlington
Overdose Prevention Center
Summer NPA Sessions
What we know today
• Partnership between City of Burlington and VCJR
• Project is a phased implementation aligned with Act
178 (2024) and VDH Guidelines
• Emphasis on community engagement and public
health
• Project proposal was approved in a unanimous City
Council vote on April 28th
• Project implementation documents are publicly
available
Project Funding Summary
This pilot program is funded through the Vermont Opioid Abatement Special
Fund, consistent with state priorities and national opioid settlement guidance.
• Section 2 of Act No. 178 appropriates for Fiscal Year 2025 $1.1 million to VDH for the
purpose of awarding grants to the City for establishing an OPC upon submission of a
grant proposal that has been approved by the City Council and that meets the
requirements of 18 V.S.A. § 4256 and the Guidelines.
• Section 2 also expresses the General Assembly’s intention to continue appropriating
funds for the same purpose through Fiscal Year 2028.
VCJR is uniquely suited to implement Burlington's OPC due to its trusted
relationships with the target population and deep roots in harm
reduction and public health.
• Operates a low-barrier recovery center in downtown Burlington
• Has extensive experience with overdose prevention, wound care,
and peer support
• Partners with organizations such as Johnson Health Center, Vermont
CARES, Pathways Vermont, and Howard Center
• Employs staff with lived experience and proven success in
supporting individuals with substance use disorder
Key Compliance Areas
(Act 178 & VDH Guidelines)
• Governance and Administrative Structure
• Service Assessment
• Required Policies and Procedures
• Site Readiness and Zoning
• Staffing Ratios and Training
• Emergency Protocols
• Data Collection, Reporting, and Evaluation
Phased Implementation Summary
Phase 1: Planning & Phase 2: Operations • Secure Site
• Service Assessment
Capacity Building & Compliance • Staffing
• Community Engagement
• Equipment
• Policy Development
Months 1-12 Months 9-18 • Training
• Site Selection
• Security
• Supervised Use
• Data & Reporting
• Evaluation
✅
✅
✅
✅
Required Services & Staffing
• Supervised use, wound care, drug checking
• Infectious disease counseling and reporting
• Substance Use Treatment Services & referrals
• Peer support, referrals, overdose response
• Licensed medical staff, trained overdose prevention
specialists
• HIPAA and 42 CFR compliance
Evaluation & Data Reporting
• Monthly & Quarterly Reports to VDH
• Annual Public Reports
• Aggregate de-identified data
• Participation in Act 178 Public Health Impact Study
Next Steps & Shared Commitments
Contracted work to begin July 1st 2025
Service and Neighborhood Assessments
Increase staffing at VCJR for planning & capacity building phase
Begin site search and follow steps required for location selection
Align our with project proposal & required operating guidelines
Transparent communication with community & ongoing engagement
Ongoing partnership between VCJR & City
Thank you for your support.
Contact Us
Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant on OPC - tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov
Tom Dalton, Executive Director VCJR - tom@vcjr.org
Jess Kirby, Program Director VCJR- jess@vcjr.org
Sarah Ashley Simmons, Service Coordinator VCJR- sas@vcjr.org
To: Burlington City Council
From: Office of the Mayor in partnership with Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR)
Re. DRAFT Project Proposal for the Burlington Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) Pilot Program
Date: April 14, 2025
We intend to bring the below draft proposal to City Council for a vote on April 28, 2025. This proposal is
therefore subject to revision following your feedback at the 4/14/25 meeting of the City Council.
I. Summary
The City of Burlington, in collaboration with Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR), is launching
a comprehensive, evidence-based Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) pilot program. This initiative
directly responds to Vermont's overdose crisis and fulfills the mandates of Act 178 (2024) and the
Vermont Department of Health's OPC Operating Guidelines. Through a phased approach, the OPC will
provide a safe and supervised environment for people who use drugs, offer a full continuum of care,
reduce public drug use and syringe litter, and save lives.
The City of Burlington is required to submit a City Council-approved proposal that meets or exceeds the
minimum requirements in Act 178 (2024) and the OPC Operating Guidelines set forth by the Vermont
Department of Health (VDH) to establish a subrecipient agreement with VCJR for the implementation of
an Overdose Prevention Center in Burlington. (See Attachment, OPC Guidelines Compliance Plan)
Our proposal outlines a phased approach to ensure a structured and efficient process, prioritizing
service assessment and policy development to build capacity before full implementation. The attached
Letters of Support show the commitment of our community partners to support this project.
II. Background & Purpose
Vermont continues to face a public health emergency due to fatal and non-fatal overdoses. The OPC will
provide low-barrier, trauma-informed services to individuals using pre-obtained substances, aiming to
decrease overdose deaths, reduce infectious disease transmission, and improve community health &
safety.
The Center will serve as a safe space for individuals to:
Consume pre-obtained substances under the observation of trained staff who are equipped to
respond to overdoses and other emergencies.
Access harm reduction supplies, including sterile syringes, naloxone, and drug-checking services
to prevent contamination-related harms.
Receive education on safer drug use, overdose prevention, and available treatment options.
Connect to a continuum of care through low barrier, onsite access to addiction treatment,
medical care, wound care, mental health services, housing support, and other social services.
Obtain support in meeting basic needs.
The program will center the dignity, safety, and well-being of participants while prioritizing
public health, community safety, and harm reduction principles. By providing a low-barrier, non-
judgmental space, the Center will not only save lives but also foster trust with people who use
drugs, leading to greater opportunities for engagement in care and support services.
NOTE: Persons with substance use disorder can utilize all services at the Center, even if they are not a
person consuming drugs on site.
A strong emphasis will be placed on ensuring meaningful participation from people with lived and living
experience, public health experts, community partners and other key stakeholders. This approach will
help build community-wide support, reduce stigma, and address the systemic inequities that exacerbate
the overdose crisis.
III. Selected OPC Provider: Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR)
VCJR is uniquely suited to implement Burlington's OPC due to its trusted relationships with the target
population and deep roots in harm reduction and public health. VCJR:
Operates a low-barrier recovery center in downtown Burlington.
Has extensive experience with overdose prevention, wound care, and peer support.
Partners with organizations such as Johnson Health Center, Vermont CARES, Pathways Vermont,
and Howard Center.
Employs staff with lived experience and proven success in supporting individuals with substance
use disorder.
VCJR's two-phase approach includes immediate provision of non-consumption services and a deliberate
rollout of consumption-related services once all state-mandated infrastructure and protocols are in
place. (See attachment, VCJR LOI Submission)
IV. Phased Implementation Plan
Phase 1: Planning & Capacity Building (8-12 months)
Objectives:
Conduct a comprehensive Service Assessment to include neighborhood assessment.
Identify and secure an accessible, code-compliant fixed-site facility.
Hire and train staff; build administrative and data systems.
Expand existing VCJR services as a first step to full implementation of supervised consumption.
services (harm reduction support, medical, peer support, etc.)
Responsibilities:
VCJR: Service Assessment, engage community, develop required policies and procedures.
City of Burlington: Coordinate citywide public engagement, support planning, submit required
reports to the Vermont Department of Health.
Site Selection & Facility Planning
The successful implementation of the OPC pilot hinges on identifying a safe, accessible, and code-
compliant facility that also has community buy-in. A thoughtful, community-informed site selection
process will ensure the physical space meets operational requirements and integrates well within the
surrounding neighborhood.
Site Selection Process
The City and VCJR will collaborate on a comprehensive, phased site selection plan, incorporating
guidance from the OPC Operating Guidelines, harm reduction best practices, and community feedback.
The process will include:
A Neighborhood Assessment (as part of Service Assessment) conducted in partnership with a qualified
research entity (e.g., PIRE), this will assess:
Data-informed assessment of community needs and overdose trends.
Proximity to existing social and health services.
Potential neighborhood impacts and mitigation strategies.
Syringe litter and public use baselines.
Accessibility for target populations.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement (Service Assessment)
Host listening sessions with residents, businesses, and people with lived experience.
Share criteria and timelines for site selection to build transparency and trust.
Gather feedback on ideal locations, safety concerns, and accessibility.
Site Acquisition Plan
VCJR and the City will jointly develop a plan that includes:
Site search through commercial brokers.
Lease or purchase strategy.
Due diligence for zoning, ADA compliance, safety, and ventilation standards.
A preliminary facility design that aligns with OPC Guidelines (e.g., separate consumption and
post-consumption areas, medical bays, counseling rooms, secure supply storage).
City Support & Entitlements
The City will work in good faith to advance necessary zoning amendments as needed prior to
site selection.
The City will provide timely review of zoning, land use, and building permits to support program
timelines.
A pre-opening site inspection and approvals will occur at least 60 days prior to launch.
Facility Design Considerations
The facility will be designed with participant-centered needs in mind and meeting all state standards for:
Supervised use spaces.
Post-consumption monitoring areas.
Medical and wound-care rooms.
Confidential counseling and intake rooms.
Staff and security areas.
Handwashing and hygiene stations.
Emergency response readiness.
Phase 2: Operations & Compliance
Objectives:
Relocate existing VCJR services to the newly acquired site (harm reduction support, medical, peer
support, etc.).
Begin supervised consumption services (injection, ingestion, snorting & smoking) upon full compliance
with the OPC Operating Guidelines prior to operation, including:
City Council approved code-compliant fixed-site facility.
Staffing ratios.
Equipment and facility standards.
Data collection and evaluation.
Emergency protocols and referral systems.
V. OPC Services and Model
VCJR will utilize findings from the Service Assessment to design the Center services and model per the
Operating Guidelines.
VCJR will provide at minimum State-Mandated Core Services:
Supervised substance use and post-consumption monitoring.
Overdose prevention and response.
Drug checking (in partnership with VT CARES).
Distribution of safer use and safer sex supplies.
First aid and wound care.
Infectious disease testing and education.
Direct referrals to medical, housing, mental health, and treatment services.
Additional Services Currently provided by VCJR
Peer support.
Medical care (with Johnson Health Center).
MOUD and mental health care.
Case management, food and clothing assistance.
NOTE: Supervised consumption activities will take place in a private room/s, away from all other
embedded ancillary medical, social and harm reduction services.
VI. Funding & Use of Opioid Settlement Funds
This pilot program is funded through the Vermont Opioid Abatement Special Fund, consistent with state
priorities and national opioid settlement guidance. Section 2 of Act No. 178 appropriates for Fiscal Year
2025 $1.1 million to VDH for the purpose of awarding grants to the City for establishing an OPC upon
submission of a grant proposal that has been approved by the City Council and that meets the
requirements of 18 V.S.A. § 4256 and the Guidelines. Section 2 also expresses the General Assembly’s
intention to continue appropriating funds for the same purpose through Fiscal Year 2028.
Funding Commitments & Oversight
The City of Burlington will serve as the fiscal agent, overseeing all disbursements and reporting
obligations to the Vermont Department of Health (VDH).
A subrecipient agreement between the City and VCJR will establish roles, responsibilities, and
compliance measures.
Funding will support both Phase 1 (planning & capacity building) and Phase 2 (operations &
implementation).
Allowable Expenses
Funding will be allocated to eligible line items, including but not limited to:
Staff salaries and training.
Facility acquisition.
Construction and/or customizations of building to meet requirements.
Capacity building.
Technology & software.
Equipment and furnishings.
Harm reduction and medical supplies.
Community engagement and communications.
Technical assistance (e.g., Project Weber/RENEW).
Subcontracting for Service Assessment and evaluation support.
Administrative and operational costs.
Budget Transparency & Reporting
VCJR will develop a 12-month budget and narrative aligned with DSUP Invoice Template.
The City will provide consolidated reports to VDH, City Council and the Legislature.
Reports will include monthly and quarterly data, along with required annual outcome metrics.
Budget updates will be shared regularly with City Council and stakeholders to ensure
transparency and accountability.
Sustainability Planning
While the pilot is initially funded through settlement dollars, the City and VCJR are actively exploring
additional public and private funding sources to ensure long-term sustainability, including:
Other harm reduction or behavioral health grants.
Additional Opioid Settlement Funds.
Medicaid billing for eligible services.
Philanthropic and community-based support.
Ongoing Community Engagement
VCJR and the City will lead sustained community engagement through:
Engagement with people with lived/living experience.
Engagement across diverse Stakeholders (EMS, police, social service orgs, health care providers).
Community forums and presentations at Neighborhood Planning Assemblies.
Media and public education campaigns.
Community updates.
VII. Evaluation
All data and service metrics will be collected in accordance with Act 178 and submitted to the Vermont
Department of Health.
This includes quarterly reporting:
Participant visit records (de-identified).
Number and outcomes of overdoses & interventions used to reverse overdoses.
Number of EMS calls for assistance at the Center.
Referrals and services accessed.
Public health and safety outcomes.
This includes Annual Reporting:
Number of program participants.
Deidentified demographics.
Number of overdoses and overdose reversals.
Number of EMS and law enforcement calls for assistance at the Center.
Number of participants directly referred to other services and the type of service.
This includes ACT 178 Study Requirements:
Collect data and additional information as requested by the Vermont Department of Health
(VDH).
Work collaboratively with VDH and its associated contractors of complete the study described in
Act 178, Section 3 (2024), and other evaluation initiatives.
Provide data to VDH in a timely manner.
VII. City-Provider Partners Shared Commitment to Successful Implementation
The Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) initiative represents a strong and intentional partnership
between the City of Burlington and Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR), rooted in a
shared commitment to health equity, public safety, and community well-being. This
collaborative approach ensures that both entities are fully aligned in purpose, roles, and
responsibility throughout the project.
As the fiscal agent, the City of Burlington will provide essential oversight and administrative
coordination. This includes managing the state grant award, submitting deliverables to the
Vermont Department of Health (VDH), and facilitating education, engagement, and outreach
activities to ensure community awareness and support. The City will also play a key role in
supporting site readiness and aligning implementation efforts with local and state policies.
Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR) will lead the day-to-day operations of the OPC.
This includes staffing the site with trained personnel, delivering trauma-informed and evidence-
based harm reduction services, collecting and reporting data, and ensuring full compliance with
operational and safety guidelines. VCJR brings deep experience in research-informed service
delivery and a strong commitment to person-centered care.
To ensure accountability, transparency, and collaboration, the City and VCJR will hold regular
monthly meetings to review progress, address challenges, and align on strategic decisions. This
structure promotes shared ownership of the project’s success and ensures that the voices of all
stakeholders—especially people who use drugs and frontline service providers—are centered
throughout implementation.
Together, the City and VCJR are committed to establishing a model of care that is responsive,
community-informed, and rooted in dignity, compassion, and public health best practices.
VIII. Conclusion: A Life-Saving Investment
Overdose Prevention Centers are proven tools for saving lives, reducing harm, and linking individuals to
care. By supporting this pilot OPC in Burlington, the City Council will:
Deliver a critical intervention for people at the highest risk.
Improve public health and safety and reduce emergency service burdens.
Build trust with vulnerable community members.
Fulfill the mandates of Act 178 while centering dignity, equity, and public health.
The City of Burlington and VCJR are prepared to implement this evidence-based, community-informed
solution with urgency, thoughtfulness, and integrity.
Attachments:
Vermont OPC Operating Guidelines
Grant Compliance Plan
VCJR LOI and Supplemental Response
Letters of Support (Johnson Health Care, Vermont CARES, Pathways, Howard Center, Karen Paul, Miro
Weinberger)
City Council Memo 4/10/2025
Published September 2024
Vermont Overdose Prevention Center
Operating Guidelines
Published September 2024
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction .........................................................................................................................3
A. Authority ..........................................................................................................................3
B. Purpose ...........................................................................................................................3
C. Definitions .......................................................................................................................3
II. Management ........................................................................................................................5
A. Administrative Body..........................................................................................................5
B. Required Policies and Procedures.....................................................................................6
C. Data Reporting and Evaluation. .........................................................................................9
III. Operations ......................................................................................................................... 13
A. Hours of Operation ......................................................................................................... 13
B. Records Content and Maintenance. ................................................................................ 14
C. Confidentiality................................................................................................................ 15
D. Infection Control ............................................................................................................ 15
E. Physical Space ............................................................................................................... 16
F. Equipment and Supplies ................................................................................................. 18
G. Security ......................................................................................................................... 19
H. Emergency Protocols...................................................................................................... 20
IV. Staff and Training............................................................................................................ 21
A. Staffing .......................................................................................................................... 21
B. Staff ............................................................................................................................... 21
C. Training .............................................................................................................................. 24
V. Provision of Services .......................................................................................................... 26
A. Rights of Participants...................................................................................................... 26
B. Participant Eligibility ....................................................................................................... 27
C. Participant Orientation ................................................................................................... 28
VI. Required Services........................................................................................................... 28
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I. Introduction
A. Authority
i. These Operating Guidelines (“Guidelines”) for Overdose Prevention
Centers have been developed by the Vermont Department of Health
in accordance with Act 178 (2024).
B. Purpose
ii. These Guidelines apply to all entities establishing or operating an
Overdose Prevention Center.
iii. The purpose of the Guidelines is to establish requirements for
operating an Overdose Prevention Center in Vermont, and to
provide administrative instructions and best practice
recommendations for doing so.
C. Definitions
i. “ASAM” means the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
ii. “Code of Conduct” means a set of guidelines that establishes the
expected behaviors and standards at the Overdose Prevention
Center.
iii. “De-Escalation” means a set of techniques that Staff may use to
reduce Participant agitation or aggression, while also improving
Participant-Staff relationships.
iv. “Department” means the Vermont Department of Health.
v. “Fixed Site” means an Overdose Prevention Center that operates at a
permanent location inside of a building.
vi. “Grievance” means an expression of dissatisfaction about any
matter.
vii. “Hazardous Waste” means waste that can harm people or the
environment if not managed and handled properly and includes, but
is not limited to, syringes, needles, blades, razors, unused
substances, drug residue, chemicals, radioactive materials, and
contaminated containers.
viii. “Health Care Services” means any treatment or procedure delivered
by a licensed health care professional to maintain an individual's
physical or mental health or to diagnose or treat an individual's
physical or mental health condition, including services ordered by
a licensed health care professional, chronic care management,
preventive care, wellness services, and medically necessary services
to assist in activities of daily living.
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ix. “HCV” means hepatitis C virus.
x. “HIV” means human immunodeficiency virus.
xi. “Ineligibility Criteria” means the behaviors, conditions, or other
considerations that would make accessing services at an OPC unsafe
for the Participant or the staff and the volunteers.
xii. “Intervention” means providing a treatment, procedure, or other
action to prevent harm, reduce potential harm, or treat or improve the
health or wellbeing of an individual.
xiii. “Licensed Health Care Professional” means an individual required by
law to hold a license, registration, or certification to provide health
care services in Vermont.
xiv. “Living Experience” means an individual who currently uses
substances.
xv. “Lived Experience” means an individual who has previously used
substances.
xvi. “Medical Director” means the Overdose Prevention Center Staff
position with the responsibilities set forth in Section IV.B.ii. herein.
xvii. “Mobile Site” means an Overdose Prevention Center that can move
locations, such as a van or a bus, or a non-permanent unit or short-
term unit that operates for less than 180 days.
xviii. “Observation” and “Observe” mean to view and monitor the
condition of a Participant at no more than five-minute intervals during
and after the consumption of a substance.
xix. “Opioid antagonist” means a medication that prevents opioid
receptors from being activated in the central or peripheral nervous
system and can, thereby, block the effects of opioids and treat an
opioid overdose.
xx. “Overamping” means an overdose-like experience related to
stimulants and can include both physical and psychological
symptoms.
xxi. “Overdose Prevention Center” or “OPC” means an organization
providing the facilities and services described in 18 V.S.A. § 4256(a).
xxii. “Overdose Prevention Center Director” or “OPC Director” means the
Overdose Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities
set forth in Section IV.B.iii. herein.
xxiii. “Overdose Prevention Center Managing Personnel” or “OPC
Managing Personnel” means the Medical Director, OPC Director,
RPIC, and any other personnel designated by the Administrative Body
as a member of the OPC Managing Personnel.
xxiv. “Participant” means each unique individual using the services
provided by an Overdose Prevention Center.
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xxv. “Participant Visit” means each time a Participant enters the Overdose
Prevention Center.
xxvi. “Responsible Person in Charge” or “RPIC” means the Overdose
Prevention Center Staff position with the responsibilities set forth in
Section IV.B.v. herein.
xxvii. “Reportable and Communicable Diseases” means identified
diseases, syndromes, and treatments identified in the Vermont’s
Reportable and Communicable Diseases Rules that must be reported
to the Department. The Reportable and Communicable Diseases
Rule can be found on the Health Department’s website.
xxviii. “Staff” means individuals employed by or contracting with the
Overdose Prevention Center to provide services at the Overdose
Prevention Center.
xxix. “STI” means sexually transmitted infection.
xxx. “Termination” means ending the ability for a Participant to access
services at the Overdose Prevention Center.
xxxi. “Total Visits” means the total number of Participant Visits, as that
term is defined above.
II. Management
A. Administrative Body
i. Each Overdose Prevention Center must have an Administrative
Body.
ii. If an established organization is operating an Overdose Prevention
Center and the established organization has an existing
Administrative Body (e.g., a Board of Directors), the established
organization’s existing Administrative Body may serve as the
Administrative Body for the Overdose Prevention Center.
iii. The Administrative Body shall have procedures governing the role
and function of the Administrative Body, including procedures
establishing a meeting schedule for the Administrative Body.
iv. Duties
1. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall have an Administrative
Body that is ultimately responsible for
a. Development and maintenance of the policies and
procedures set forth in Section II.B., herein;
b. Management and control of the finances and
operations of the Overdose Prevention Center;
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c. Assurance of quality care and services;
d. Compliance with these Operating Guidelines and all
other applicable laws; and
e. Maintenance of all relevant health and safety
requirements, including ensuring that the Overdose
Prevention Center maintains the necessary levels of
qualified Staff, physical resources, financial reserves,
equipment, supplies, and services to ensure the health
and safety of the Staff, volunteers, and Participants.
B. Required Policies and Procedures
i. In consultation with community partners, individuals with Living and
Lived Experience, OPC Management Personnel, and others, the
Administrative Body shall develop new policies and procedures or
adapt and revise existing policies and procedures to address the
following topics as they relate to the Overdose Prevention Center:
1. Employment and Staff Contracting, including
a. Job descriptions for OPC Staff that include, at a
minimum, the responsibilities set forth in Section IV,
herein;
b. Qualifications, education, training, and experience Staff
members must hold to provide care to a Participant,
specific, where necessary, for each service provided at
the Overdose Prevention Center and consistent with
Section IV, herein;
c. A determination of whether to perform criminal
background checks and state and federal registry
checks and, if so, how to account for results in hiring
determinations; and
d. Codes of ethics and conduct for volunteers and
employees.
2. Quality assurance and assessment, including evaluations of
Staff competence, Overdose Prevention Center compliance
with these operating guidelines, and Overdose Prevention
Center responsiveness to community needs;
3. Volunteer roles and training requirements;
4. The Medical Director role, including number of hours required
to be present at the OPC site and on-call responsibilities;
5. Conflict of interest policy and protocol for the Administrative
Body, Staff, and volunteers;
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6. Budget development, fiscal management, and financial record
keeping;
7. Fiscal audits and oversight;
8. Services to be provided at the Overdose Prevention Center,
which shall include those services set forth in Section VI,
herein;
9. Participant orientation, including the timing of such an
orientation and a process for obtaining a Participant’s
informed consent for services, as needed;
10. Participant-to-Staff ratios for each Overdose Prevention
Center space, ensuring there is at least one Overdose
Prevention Specialist for every four Participants in
consumption and post-consumption spaces;
11. Environmental management and establishment of
environmental controls to assure a safe, comfortable, sanitary
environment. Such a policy shall include requirements
addressing the cleaning of surfaces that may be contaminated
with leftover drug residue and/or hazardous waste and the
infection control procedures set forth in the OPC’s Infection
Control and Infectious Disease Prevention policies;
12. Infection control and infectious disease prevention, as
informed by the Medical Director, in compliance with state and
federal laws, and including those requirements set forth in
Section III.D., herein;
13. Reporting of Reportable and Communicable Diseases to the
Health Department, consistent with the Reportable and
Communicable Diseases Rule;
14. Participant navigation of the Overdose Prevention Center
spaces, as informed by the Overdose Prevention Center
Director;
15. Security measures for the Overdose Prevention Center, which
shall address the unique needs of Participants, Staff, and
volunteers and shall include those requirements set forth in
Section III.G.;
16. Hazardous waste management, handling, and disposal;
17. Emergency response, including responding to overdoses for
opioids, stimulants, and other substances;
18. Coordination with local emergency medical services ensuring
that the policy and procedure are agreed upon with local
emergency medical services;
7
19. Coordination with local hospitals that may receive transported
Participants, ensuring that the policy and procedure are
agreed upon with the local hospitals;
20. Engagement with local fire and law enforcement services,
ensuring that local fire and law enforcement have been
consulted about how the Overdose Prevention Center will
engage with local fire and law enforcement;
21. Collection of Participant information and assignment of a non-
identifiable Participant ID in accordance with Sections II.C.,
V.C., and VI;
22. Staff access to Participant records, including how often and
for what purposes Staff may access a Participant’s records.
Such a policy shall limit Staff access to Participant records to
the minimum necessary to provide safe and effective services
to the Participant and to protect the Staff;
23. Participant record keeping requirements, including those
requirements set forth in Section II.C.v.1. and those set forth in
VI.ii., regarding referrals;
24. Confidentiality requirements, including those requirements
set forth in Section III.c.i.;
25. Data collection and reporting requirements, including those
requirements set forth in Section II.C.;
26. Data sharing to inform the Department of Health’s evaluation
efforts as set forth in Section II.C.;
27. Data security measures including safeguarding against
security breaches;
28. Participant Ineligibility Criteria and Participant screening,
including those requirements set forth in Section V.B.;
29. Provision of services to Participants younger than 18-years-
old, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding
access to and the provision of medical and nonmedical
treatment for substance use for minors;
30. A Code of Conduct governing Participant conduct in the OPC
while participating in OPC services;
31. Consequences for violating the Code of Conduct, striving to
ensure Participants remain eligible for Overdose Prevention
Center services whenever possible;
32. Termination of Participant access to Overdose Prevention
Center services;
33. Grievance processes for Staff, volunteers, and Participants,
including processes for Participants who have been excluded
8
from receiving Overdose Prevention Center services due to a
violation of the Code of Conduct;
34. Observation, as that term is defined herein, of Participants
during and after use of a substance;
35. Responding to Participants’ carrying guns and violence in the
Overdose Prevention Center;
36. Community Service Assessment requirements, including
those requirements set forth in Section II.C.iv.;
37. Community outreach to ensure effective and ongoing
community engagement;
38. Business internal control documentation;
39. Participant storage requirements, abandoned property, and
unclaimed property;
40. Drug disposal by Participants and for drugs left behind; and
41. Adoption of new policies, protocols and procedures, including
those identified by OPC Management Personnel.
C. Data Reporting and Evaluation.
i. Within 10 business days of a request by the Department, the
Administrative Body shall provide to the Department the policies
and procedures developed by the Administrative Body pursuant to
Section II.B.
ii. In the interest of ensuring data quality and effective program
evaluation, Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect data (e.g.,
the data specified in Section III.B.) in a manner that is consistent
with and aligns with evaluation efforts.
iii. Upon request from the Department, the Administrative Body shall
provide to the Department a budget and budget narrative of the
initial 12-month period of an Overdose Prevention Center. The
budget and budget narrative shall include at least the applicable
line items from the Division of Substance Use Programs Invoice
Template, which can be found on the Department’s website or can
be requested from the Department.
iv. Service Assessment
1. Prior to opening and operating, an Overdose Prevention Center
shall engage individuals with Living Experience from the
geographic region to be served through the Overdose
Prevention Center to inform the structure and organization of
the Overdose Prevention Center’s operation.
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a. Individuals with Living Experience should be
compensated by the Overdose Prevention Center
for their time participating in the service
assessment process.
b. Individuals with Living Experience should be asked
the following questions:
i. What services would be helpful at the Overdose
Prevention Center to help them reduce their risk
of overdose?
ii. How far would you be willing to travel to use an
Overdose Prevention Center?
iii. What model would be most accessible: fixed
site or mobile site?
iv. What location would be best for a fixed site
Overdose Prevention Center (if applicable)?
v. What locations would be best for a mobile
Overdose Prevention Center to be accessed (if
applicable)?
vi. What days and hours of operation would be ideal
for an Overdose Prevention Center?
vii. What is your preferred method of consuming
substances?
viii. What safety measures would need to be in place
to ensure a welcoming and accessible
environment for an Overdose Prevention
Center?
ix. What would be the best ways to spread the news
or advertise that the Overdose Prevention Center
was available?
2. Following the initial engagement with individuals with living
experience, an organization shall engage with community
partners and other interested parties to help inform the
Overdose Prevention Center’s operation. The following sectors
shall be engaged through this process:
a. Local social service providers;
b. Mental health providers;
c. Substance use treatment and recovery providers;
d. Harm reduction agencies serving the same geographic
region;
e. Individuals with Lived Experience;
f. Law enforcement and public safety agencies;
10
g. Emergency medical services agencies;
h. Local hospitals;
i. Restorative justice organizations;
j. City or town government officials;
k. City or town employees, including grounds, road
maintenance, sanitation, and park and recreation staff;
l. Community-Creating Providers, including, but not
limited to, health care providers who support lesbian,
gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities, Black,
Indigenous, and People of Color communities,
disability communities, and veteran communities; and
m. Public transportation providers.
3. Summary findings from these engagement sessions should be
documented in a Service Assessment Report, which shall be
submitted to the Health Department 90 days prior to opening
an Overdose Prevention Center.
a. The summary findings must include:
i. Summary responses to and findings from the
questions asked to individuals with Living
Experiences;
ii. Summary findings of the engagement sessions
with community partners and other interested
parties;
iii. A list of community partners and other
interested parties engaged as part of this
process;
iv. A description of the target Participant
population;
v. The potential number of Participants based on
local harm reduction service information;
vi. Identification of area(s) to locate an Overdose
Prevention Center;
vii. Type of Proposed Overdose Prevention Center
Site (i.e., fixed, mobile, both)
viii. Anticipated impact of an Overdose Prevention
Center on the community; and
ix. Services to be provided at the Overdose
Prevention Center.
v. Administrative Records and Reports.
1. The Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain administrative
records, which shall include the following deidentified data.
11
The data shall be specific to each day the Overdose Prevention
Center is open and each day’s data shall be separately
documented in the record.
a. Number of visits
i. Number of Participant Visits (by Participant ID
number)
ii. Number of Total Visits (by Participant ID
number)
iii. Total number of visits per day
b. Number of Participants by consumption method
c. Numbers of services used, including but not limited to:
iv. Drug-checking
v. HIV/HCV/STI screening
vi. Safer-smoke supplies provided
vii. Safer-injection supplies provided
viii. Safer-snort supplies provided
ix. Wound-care supplies provided
x. Wound-care first aid provided
xi. First aid provided
d. Participant Visit times of check-in and check-out
e. Overdoses
xii. Number of non-fatal overdoses
xiii. Number of fatal overdoses
a. In Overdose Prevention Center
b. During transportation to the local
hospital
xiv. Number of opioid antagonists used for each
overdose (if applicable), including full or partial
doses
xv. Number of non-opioid antagonist interventions
used for opioid overdoses and type of
interventions
xvi. Number of and type of interventions used for
overamping
xvii. Number of times emergency services called for
an overdose response
xviii. Number of times Participant transported to
hospital
xix. Drug(s) suspected to have resulted in the
overdose
f. Number of referrals broken down by referral type.
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2. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall report the above data
in aggregate to the Department, monthly for the first 3 months
of operation, and then quarterly thereafter. Data shall be
reported by the 15th of the month following the end of the
reporting period.
vi. Act 178 Study
1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall support the Department of
Health and its associated contractors in their effort to
complete the study described in Act 178, Section 3 (2024) and
other evaluation initiatives. Overdose Prevention Centers shall
strive to provide data to the Department of Health in a timely
manner and to collect the data and additional information
requested by the Department and its contractors.
vii. Annual Reporting Requirements
1. As required by 18 V.S.A. Sec. 4256(d), the Overdose Prevention
Center shall publicly post the following data annually on or
before January 15th:
a. Number of program Participants;
b. Deidentified demographic information of program
Participants;
c. Number of overdoses and the number of overdoses
reversed on-site;
d. Number of times emergency medical services were
contacted and responded for assistance;
e. Number of times law enforcement were contacted and
responded for assistance; and
f. The number of Participants directly and formally
referred to other services and the type of services.
III. Operations
A. Hours of Operation
i. The hours of operation for Overdose Prevention Centers shall be
informed by the following:
1. Engagement of anticipated Participants through the needs
assessment process described in Section II.C.iv. of these
Guidelines;
2. Trend data on non-fatal and fatal overdoses as identified by
the Health Department; and
13
3. Staffing levels, to ensure appropriate implementation of
services and consumption supervision.
ii. The hours of operation shall be posted conspicuously on the door of
the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink.
1. Any changes to the hours of operation shall be identified and
communicated two weeks in advance to Participants, posted
on the door of the Overdose Prevention Center, online, and on
VT Helplink.
2. If, during an emergency, the Overdose Prevention Center
needs to change the hours of operation and cannot provide
two weeks’ notice, the Overdose Prevention Center shall
provide as much notice as possible and shall post updated
hours of operation conspicuously on the door of the Overdose
Prevention Center, online, and on VT Helplink.
B. Records Content and Maintenance.
i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall maintain a record for every
Participant in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted
pursuant to Section II herein.
1. A Participant’s name shall never be included in their
Participant record. The Participant record shall include the
non-identifiable Participant ID, assigned in accordance with
the policy adopted pursuant to Section II.B., herein.
2. Records and all the data contained therein shall be
confidential and maintained in accordance with Section III.C.
ii. Overdose Prevention Centers shall attempt to collect the following
information, at a minimum, at the time of the Participant’s
orientation, and to confirm or update the information at intervals
determined by the Overdose Prevention Center:
1. Consideration of whether any of the Ineligibility Criteria apply
to the Participant;
2. The following demographic information:
a. Date of birth
b. Race(s)
c. Ethnicity or ethnicities
d. Gender
e. Housing status
f. Town in which they typically sleep
g. Town in which they spend most of their waking hours
h. Sexual Orientation
14
iii. All information from Participants should be collected through self-
report by the Participant, through informed consent, and with the
understanding that accessing services will not be denied for refusal to
provide the information requested.
iv. Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect the following information
at each Participant Visit:
1. The services provided to the Participant;
2. If a referral was provided; and
3. Any emergency services provided.
v. Staff shall strive to collect data and maintain records in a manner that
is minimally intrusive and burdensome for Participants.
C. Confidentiality
i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall collect, store, and disclose
protected health information, data, and other Participant information
and records in compliance with 42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA, and all other
applicable state and federal laws.
ii. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with all state and federal
laws regarding notification and reporting of breaches of protected
health information.
D. Infection Control
i. The Infection Control policy and procedures adopted in accordance
with Section III.D. herein, shall include provisions governing the
following topics:
1. Infection surveillance;
2. Reporting occurrences of Reportable and Communicable
Diseases and other infections in accordance with federal and
state law;
3. Sanitization or disinfection of all Participant areas, as
appropriate, including a process for ensuring sanitization of
consumption spaces between Participants;
4. Handling and disposal of hazardous and medical waste and
contaminants;
5. A process for responding to, reporting, and monitoring
accidental needlesticks or other injuries from used drug tools;
and
6. Evaluating occurrences of infection to assess ways to prevent
recurrent infections
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E. Physical Space
i. Fixed Location
1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have the following areas in
their fixed site locations:
a. Registration and waiting area where Participants are
greeted, wait for an available consumption area, and
receive their orientation;
b. Supplies area where supplies, including safer use
supplies and tools, are made available to Participants
for use in the consumption spaces and for use outside
of the Overdose Prevention Center;
c. A non-smoking consumption area for other methods of
consumption, observed in accordance with the
Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section
II.B.i.32. herein;
d. Post-consumption area, observed in accordance with
the Observation policy adopted pursuant to Section
II.B.i.32. herein;
e. Medical intervention area where Staff and volunteers
can provide additional health services, such as first aid
and wound care first aid;
f. Private consultation areas for Staff and volunteers to
meet with Participants for referrals and other needs;
and
g. A secured area accessed only by Staff and volunteers
for storage of supplies and equipment and other needs,
such as a Staff break room.
2. All consumption areas shall be laid out to ensure Overdose
Prevention Specialists can Observe Participants in accordance
with the OPC’s Observation Policy.
3. The spaces within the Overdose Prevention Center shall
permit unimpeded access for emergency medical services.
This shall include ensuring all doorways, hallways, and
walkways are wide enough for ambulance stretchers and
wheelchairs.
4. The medical intervention area shall be able to accommodate
multiple emergency responses at one time.
5. The Overdose Prevention Center’s interior and exterior space
shall be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
16
6. All areas of the Overdose Prevention Center shall be well lit,
except for areas serving Participants in need of dimly lit
spaces. The Overdose Prevention Center shall have an
emergency lighting system to ensure appropriate levels of light
in the event the primary source of electricity is disrupted.
7. Overdose Prevention Centers shall be designed such that
Participants are not visible to people located outside the
building.
8. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have a secure storage area
for Participants to use.
ii. Smoking Consumption Area
1. Within twelve months of opening an Overdose Prevention
Center, an Overdose Prevention Center shall have a smoking-
consumption area that complies with the requirements of
these guidelines.
a. If an Overdose Prevention Center is unable to complete
the work of building a compliant smoking-consumption
area within this twelve-month period, the Overdose
Prevention Center shall provide the following notice to
the public and the Department:
i. The Overdose Prevention Center smoking-
consumption area is not complete; and
ii. The specific date the compliant smoking-
consumption area in the Overdose Prevention
Center will be complete, which shall be no later
than twelve months after the original twelve-
month period.
2. The smoking consumption area shall include:
a. Non-porous and non-permeable chair and counter or
table; and
b. Hazardous waste disposal receptacles.
3. If the smoking consumption area is inside of the building, there
must be a mechanical ventilation system that runs at all times
the Overdose Prevention Center is open for Participants or is
occupied by Staff.
a. The mechanical ventilation system serving the
smoking-consumption area shall be separate from the
ventilation system serving the rest of the Overdose
Prevention Center building.
b. The mechanical ventilation system for the smoking-
consumption area shall be designed to ensure smoke
17
does not move into the non-smoking spaces of the
building when people enter and exit the smoking-
consumption area.
c. The air from the smoking-consumption area shall be
ventilated directly outside of the building. Air from the
smoking consumption area shall not be recirculated
through the Overdose Prevention Center building.
d. The smoking-consumption area shall be sufficiently
separated from non-smoking areas of the Overdose
Prevention Center such that smoke from the smoking-
consumption area does not negatively impact the air
quality for the surrounding, non-smoking areas.
4. If the smoking-consumption area at the OPC is not inside of
the OPC building, the OPC shall ensure that the smoking
consumption of substances at the OPC does not impact the
air quality for the rest of the Overdose Prevention Center’s
fixed-site location, for neighboring buildings, or for the public.
iii. Mobile Location.
1. Mobile units shall adhere to the standards described in parts
2-4 and 6-8 of Section III.E.i., herein.
2. Staff in mobile units shall be able to observe Participants in
accordance with the OPC’s Observation policy adopted
pursuant to Section II.B.i.32. herein.
3. Mobile units shall ensure that they have a potable source of
water and sufficient plumbing for handwashing for
Participants.
4. Mobile units shall ensure that phone service is available at all
locations where the unit stops in the event emergency services
must be called to serve Participants.
5. Smoking-consumption is not permitted inside of a mobile unit.
F. Equipment and Supplies
i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have the following equipment on
site:
1. Safer-smoke supplies
2. Safer-snort supplies
3. Safer-injection supplies including syringes
4. Drug-preparation tools
5. Saline and distilled water for drug preparation
6. Naloxone
18
7. Self-inflating bag valve mask
8. Pulse-oximeters
9. Automated external defibrillator (AED)
10. Handwashing stations
11. Personal protective equipment for Staff and volunteers
12. Hospital-grade disinfectant cleaning supplies to be used in all
areas of the Overdose Prevention Center
13. Hazardous waste disposal equipment, including sharps
disposal and fire-proof ash disposal for smoking-consumption
areas
14. Ash and other smoking litter disposal equipment
15. Fire extinguishers
16. Drug-checking equipment, including test strips or Fourier-
transform infrared spectroscopy and associated materials
and
17. Appropriate equipment to effectively log required Participant
data.
ii. Drug-checking services must be in compliance with the Vermont
Community Drug-Checking Program Guidelines.
iii. All furniture in consumption and medical intervention areas of the
Overdose Prevention Center must be nonporous and nonpermeable.
iv. All equipment shall be stored in a safe manner, including storage of
oxygen tanks away from sources of heat and flame.
v. Handwashing stations shall be readily available to Participants
throughout the Overdose Prevention Center. The non-smoking
consumption area shall have sufficient handwashing stations to allow
Participants to use the stations while not disrupting the flow of the
Overdose Prevention Center.
G. Security
i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with policies for security
and coordination with emergency medical services, hospitals, fire
and law enforcement agencies, as developed in accordance with
Section II.B., herein.
ii. Security measures shall, at a minimum, address the following:
1. Ensuring Participants can enter and exit the Overdose
Prevention Center safely;
2. Ensuring entrances to the consumption areas are secured to
ensure Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers can
19
control the entrance and exit of Participants for the safety and
well-being of all Participants, Staff and volunteers;
3. Ensuring Participants have a safe location in the Overdose
Prevention Center to store personal items when accessing the
consumption and post consumption areas of the Overdose
Prevention Center; and
4. The location and use of security and panic alarms.
iii. Staff and volunteers shall wear an identification badge with a photo
that states at a minimum their name and position at the Overdose
Prevention Center.
1. The Responsible Person in Charge for each shift shall include
on their identification badge that they are serving in that
position.
iv. The Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish a process for
Participants entering and exiting the Center.
H. Emergency Protocols
i. Overdose Prevention Centers shall comply with policies for
responses to emergencies and for coordination with emergency
medical services, hospitals, fire, and law enforcement agencies, as
developed in accordance with Section II.B., herein.
ii. Emergency policies and procedures shall clearly indicate the
necessary steps to treat an overdose, including when to provide
oxygen, to administer an opioid antagonist, and to call emergency
services.
1. Emergency policies and procedures shall address how to
safely move a Participant from a smoking-consumption area to
a non-smoking area of the building prior to use of oxygen.
iii. All Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers shall receive
sufficient training on all emergency policies and procedures to ensure
a safe environment for Participants, volunteers, and Staff members.
iv. Overdose Prevention Centers shall develop a process to ensure
Participants agree, prior to engagement in services at the Overdose
Prevention Center, to comply with and adhere to the emergency
protocols and procedures.
20
IV. Staff and Training
A. Staffing
i. During operating hours, Overdose Prevention Centers shall have
trained professionals present in the building or mobile facility who
can provide, at a minimum, basic medical care, such as CPR,
overdose interventions, first aid, and wound care, and who can
perform medical assessments of Participants to determine if there is
a need for emergency medical service response.
ii. Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers, who provide
services at an Overdose Prevention Center that require a state or
federal license or registration to provide, shall hold the required
license or registration. The license or registration shall be current and
in good standing.
B. Staff
i. Generally
1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall employ or contract with a
Medical Director, and shall employ an OPC Director and
Overdose Prevention Specialists in accordance with these
Guidelines and the policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B.
2. Overdose Prevention Specialists
a. Each Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain
appropriate numbers of trained Overdose Prevention
Specialists during operating hours.
b. Overdose Prevention Centers shall maintain a ratio of
Overdose Prevention Specialists that meets the
requirements of the policy adopted in Section II.B. but
there shall never be more than four Participants for
every one Staff member in a consumption and post-
consumption area.
3. Responsible Person in Charge (RPIC)
a. An Overdose Prevention Center shall ensure that there
is a Responsible Person in Charge identified and
present at the Overdose Prevention Center the entire
time the Overdose Prevention Center is open.
b. Any Staff member meeting the qualifications
established in the policies developed pursuant to
Section II.B.i.1., herein, may serve as the RPIC.
Volunteers shall not serve as the RPIC.
21
ii. Medical Director
1. The Medical Director shall be a physician licensed in
accordance with 26 V.S.A. Chapter 23 or 26 V.S.A. Chapter 33,
an advanced nurse practitioner licensed in accordance with 26
V.S.A. Ch. 28, or a physician assistant licensed in accordance
with 26 V.S.A. Ch. 31.
2. The Medical Director shall be present at the Overdose
Prevention Center at least five (5) hours per week and available
for on-call responsibilities in accordance with the policy
adopted pursuant to these Guidelines.
3. The Medical Director shall provide general supervision to OPC
Staff providing services to Participants.
4. The Medical Director shall be responsible for the following
within the Overdose Prevention Center:
a. Developing training plans for each Overdose Prevention
Center Staff member with direct Participant contact,
including initial and ongoing training requirements;
b. Ensuring each Overdose Prevention Center Staff
member and volunteer is proficient in:
i. Recognizing signs of overdose of opioids,
stimulants, and other substances;
ii. Responding to overdoses of opioids, stimulants,
and other substances;
iii. Infection control and infectious disease
prevention protocols and practices; and
iv. Other relevant trainings as required in policies
established in accordance with Section II.B.,
herein.
c. Assisting with medically complex cases and providing
support for wound care for Participants;
d. Supporting the Administrative Body with the
development and implementation of policies,
protocols, and procedures; and
e. Development of overdose response policies, protocols,
and procedures.
iii. OPC Director
1. The Overdose Prevention Center Director shall be proficient in
operations, financial management, records management,
personnel management, community development, and
overdose response.
22
2. The Overdose Prevention Center Director is responsible for the
following:
a. Day-to-day operations of the Overdose Prevention
Center;
b. Managing Staff, ensuring the appropriate Staffing levels
for each day, and adjusting Overdose Prevention Center
Participant flow if there is a reduced Staffing capacity;
c. Developing Staff and volunteer orientation policies,
protocols, and procedures;
d. Ensuring all Staff and volunteers have completed
required trainings prior to working directly with
Participants;
e. Maintaining security measures for Participants, Staff,
and volunteers; and
f. Receiving and responding to community concerns.
iv. Overdose Prevention Specialists
1. Overdose Prevention Specialists shall be responsible for
a. Observing Participants in consumption areas, in
accordance with the Observation policy adopted
pursuant to Section II.B.;
b. Observing Participants in post-consumption areas, in
accordance with the Observation policy adopted
pursuant to Section II.B.;
c. Responding to overdoses in the Overdose Prevention
Center in accordance with the policies adopted
pursuant to Section II.B.; and
d. Providing harm reduction, overdose prevention,
infectious disease, sexually transmitted infections,
drug tool disposal, and first aid education to
Participants.
v. Responsible Person in Charge
1. There shall be a Responsible Person in Charge assigned and
present during all hours of operation of the OPC.
2. The Responsible Person in Charge is responsible for the
following during their shift:
a. Monitoring the ratio of Overdose Prevention Specialists
to Participants in consumption and post-consumption
spaces to ensure that the number of Participants never
exceeds four for every one specialist;
b. Monitoring the Overdose Prevention Center to ensure
Participants’ needs are met and to minimize, to the
23
extent possible, the waiting time for Participants at the
consumption spaces;
c. Monitor compliance with Overdose Prevention Center
policies and procedures by Participants, Staff, and
volunteers;
d. Ensuring the appropriate procedures are observed
when Staff respond to an overdose; and,
e. Maintaining appropriate safety of Participants, Staff,
and volunteers.
3. This role shall be integrated into all emergency and operational
procedures for the Overdose Prevention Center.
vi. Other Staff
1. The Overdose Prevention Center may employ other Staff, as
needed, including peers, case managers, medical
professionals, and mental health counselors.
2. Licensed Health Care Professionals
a. If a licensed health care professional is employed by,
contracts with, or volunteers at an Overdose Prevention
Center to provide health care services within the scope
of that licensed health care profession, the licensed
health care professional shall hold a current license in
that profession, in good standing, and in Vermont.
b. Licensed health care professionals employed by,
contracting with, or volunteering at an Overdose
Prevention Center shall practice competently, provide
safe and acceptable care to Participants, and provide
care that conforms to the essential standards of
acceptable and prevailing practice.
C. Training
i. Required Training for All Staff
1. All Overdose Prevention Center Staff and volunteers are required to
satisfactorily complete training in the following areas as part of their
orientation and at regular intervals, thereafter, as determined by the
Administrative Body, Medical Director, and Overdose Prevention
Center Director in the policy established pursuant to Section II.B.,
herein:
a. Proper use of the equipment and supplies listed in Section
III.F.
b. CPR
24
c. AED use
d. Administration of opioid antagonists
e. De-escalation
f. Stigma related to substance use
g. Translation services
h. Monitoring and assessing oxygen levels
i. Infection control and infectious disease prevention
j. Collection, disposal, and transportation of hazardous waste
k. Storage and handling of drug tools and other drug use
equipment
l. Obtaining informed consent
m. The ASAM levels of care
n. Substance use and mental health resources in Vermont,
including use of VT Helplink’s website
o. Participant confidentiality, including 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA,
and other applicable Federal and State laws
p. Any other trainings as determined by the Administrative
Body, Medical Director, or Overdose Prevention Center
Director.
ii. Required Training for Medical Director, Overdose Prevention Center
Director, and Overdose Prevention Specialists:
1. In addition to the trainings set forth in subsection (i), the Medical
Director, Overdose Prevention Center Director, Overdose
Prevention Specialists, and any other positions engaging with
Participants in consumption and post-consumption areas shall
complete training in the following areas in accordance with the
policies adopted pursuant to Section II.B., herein:
a. Harm-reduction practices and safer-use skills
b. How to educate Participants on harm reduction practices
and safer use skills
c. Identification and response to overdoses of all drug classes
and of different complexities
d. Mental health first aid
e. First aid and wound-care first aid
f. Overdose safety assessments, including assessing when a
Participant can safely leave the Overdose Prevention Center
without risk of overdose from consumption at the Overdose
Prevention Center
g. Safer sex practices
h. How to educate Participants on safer sex practices
25
i. How to conduct HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted
infections screenings and communicating results
j. How to report communicable diseases to the Health
Department in alignment with the Reportable and
Communicable Diseases Rule
k. Community drug-checking and result delivery in accordance
with state and federal laws
l. Withdrawal management when an opioid antagonist is
administered to a Participant on site
m. Culturally appropriate care
n. Trauma-informed care
o. Person-centered approaches
V. Provision of Services
A. Rights of Participants
i. Code of Conduct.
1. The Code of Conduct developed by the Administrative Body, in
accordance with Section II.B., herein, shall be posted within
the Overdose Prevention Center in a conspicuous location.
2. A written copy of the Code of Conduct and the consequences
of failing to observe the Code of Conduct shall be provided to
each Participant during their orientation. Overdose Prevention
Specialists or other specified Staff shall review with the
Participant the Code of Conduct and the potential
consequences of violating the Code of Conduct.
3. The Code of Conduct shall be translated into at least the
following languages:
a. Arabic
b. Burmese
c. Dari
d. French
e. Kirundi
f. Nepali
g. Pashto
h. Somali
i. Spanish
j. Swahili
k. Vietnamese
ii. Grievance Policies and Procedures
26
1. Grievance policies and procedures developed by the
Administrative Body, in accordance with Section II.B., herein,
shall be posted in a conspicuous location within the Overdose
Prevention Center.
2. Grievance policies and procedures shall be provided to
Participants during their orientation to the Overdose
Prevention Center.
B. Participant Eligibility
i. The Overdose Prevention Centers shall develop a policy regarding
Ineligibility Criteria in accordance with Section II.B.
ii. The Overdose Prevention Center shall also establish a process for
screening Participants to determine whether any of the Ineligibility
Criteria apply.
iii. Participants shall not be asked to present identification to be eligible
for services.
iv. The Ineligibility Criteria and screening process developed pursuant to
Section II.B. shall be posted conspicuously at the registration area of
the Overdose Prevention Center.
v. When a Participant arrives at an Overdose Prevention Center, they
shall first be screened for Ineligibility Criteria by a Staff person, who
has been trained in accordance with these operating guidelines and
Overdose Prevention Center policies.
1. After completion of the screening process, the Staff person
who conducted the screening will determine whether the
Participant is eligible for services at the Overdose Prevention
Center.
2. If the Staff person conducting the screening determines the
Participant is not eligible for services, the Participant may file a
grievance in accordance with the grievance policies and
procedures established by the Overdose Prevention Center.
3. If the Participant is deemed eligible for services, the
Participant shall be provided with a Participant orientation.
4. A Participant deemed ineligible for services may be deemed
eligible for services at a later date.
vi. The policy for denial of services developed in accordance with
Section II.B., herein, shall include protocols for addressing the needs
of Participants who cannot self-inject or who are overly intoxicated
and other circumstances that make a Participant ineligible for
services. The policies shall consider the personal and professional
27
liability of the individual Staff and the whole Overdose Prevention
Center.
C. Participant Orientation
i. After a Staff member determines that a Participant is eligible to
receive services from the Overdose Prevention Center, an orientation
to the Overdose Prevention Center and services shall be provided by
the Overdose Prevention Center Staff to the Participant.
ii. The orientation shall include the following:
1. The mission and value statements of the Overdose Prevention
Center
2. Services provided at the Overdose Prevention Center
3. Services available through consultation and referral
4. Participant Code of Conduct and potential consequences for
violating the Code of Conduct
5. Overdose Prevention Center policies and procedures,
including
a. Emergency Procedures
b. Drug usage and sharing policy
c. Disposal of paraphernalia
d. Confidentiality and anonymity
e. Participant termination criteria and Grievance process
f. Security
iii. Participants shall agree to the Emergency Procedures prior to
receiving services.
iv. Participants shall receive their Participant ID following completion of
their orientation.
1. The Participant ID is intended to allow anonymity of the
Participant while allowing the Overdose Prevention Center the
ability to track the Participant’s Overdose Prevention Center
use and medical and other referrals. This will facilitate
effective follow-up and wrap around support of Participants.
VI. Required Services
i. General
1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall provide the following
services, at a minimum:
i. Observation of consumption of pre-obtained
substances through injection, snorting, or ingestion;
28
ii. In accordance with III.E.ii.1, observation of pre-
obtained substances through smoking; and
iii. Post-consumption observation and assessment of
safety following consumption.
2. Overdose response including observing oxygen levels,
administering opioid antagonists, responding to
overheating and seizures, and calling emergency medical
services;
3. Education on safer use, harm reduction, and overdose
prevention practices;
4. Education on overdose responses including responses to
opioid, stimulant, and multi-substance overdoses;
5. Provision of supplies for safer use and harm reduction
practices including:
i. Safer-smoke supplies
ii. Safer-snort supplies
iii. Safer-injection supplies, including syringes
iv. Drug-preparation tools
v. Opioid antagonists
6. Education on disposal of use tools including syringes;
7. Collection and secured disposal of hazardous materials,
including hypodermic needles and syringes, other injection
equipment, and other drug-consumption tools;
8. Education on safer sex practices;
9. Provision of safer sex supplies, including condoms and
lubrication;
10. Infectious disease education;
11. HIV, HCV, and STI screenings;
12. First aid;
13. Wound-care first aid;
14. Drug-checking;
15. Support using VT Helplink services; and
16. Referrals to:
i. Substance use treatment services
ii. Substance use recovery services
iii. Harm reduction organizations
iv. Wound care services
v. Primary care, dental, infectious disease providers,
and other medical services
vi. Housing, nutritional support, and other social
services
29
vii. Legal aid services
viii. Mental health service
ii. Referrals
1. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish direct referral
processes through which the Overdose Prevention Center
contacts the agency being referred to on behalf of the
Participant to reduce the burden on the Participant to
initiate the engagement.
2. The direct referral processes shall include informed
consent by the Participant and align with federal regulation
regarding sharing of protected health information.
3. The Overdose Prevention Center shall maintain a record of
referrals made on behalf of a Participant. The record shall
be maintained separately from the Participant’s Overdose
Prevention Center record. The record shall contain the
Participant’s ID, the Participant’s name, and any other
information needed to make the referral. The record shall
be maintained in accordance with the Confidentiality
policy established pursuant to Section II.B. of these
Guidelines and subject to Section III.C herein.
4. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish direct referral
processes with at least the following service providers in
their geographic region:
i. Hub provider
ii. Infectious disease provider
iii. Mental health agency
5. Overdose Prevention Centers shall establish an evaluation
process with direct referral agencies to identify the number
of direct referrals made by the Overdose Prevention Center
that resulted in at least one appointment by the
Participant.
6. Overdose Prevention Centers shall have an established
shared response protocol with the mental health crisis
team serving in the Center’s geographic region.
30
Planning for Site Selection: Overdose
Prevention Center (OPC) in Burlington
The City of Burlington, in partnership with Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform (VCJR), is in the
very earliest stages of implementing an Overdose Prevention Center. No site has been selected, and
formal planning for site selection has not yet begun. Our first steps involve collaboration with police,
fire, and EMS services, laying the groundwork for a thoughtful, data and community-informed
approach.
What to Expect: Commitment to You: Your Voice
Matters
A Community-Driven Process
We recognize that people may have questions,
As required by Act 178 (2024) and the Vermont concerns, or strong opinions. Whether you're in
Department of Health OPC Operating Guidelines, support or feeling uncertain, your input is
the City and VCJR will launch a comprehensive important.
Service Assessment, including a Neighborhood
Assessment and robust public engagement, We are committed to:
before any site decisions are made.
This process will include: ✅ Ensuring transparency
Engagement with people who will use the ✅ Uplifting community feedback
Center.
Listening sessions with residents,
✅ Reducing neighborhood impact
businesses, and stakeholders. ✅ Integrating safety & public health best
Community forums and NPA (Neighborhood practices
Planning Assembly) presentations later this
summer.
Transparent communication about potential
locations, safety concerns, accessibility, and
design features.
A formal Service Assessment Report that Site Selection Will Prioritize:
summarizes community feedback and
informs the final plan, submitted to the
Vermont Department of Health at least 90
days before operations can begin. Accessibility to people most impacted by
City Council approval. overdose
Proximity to existing social and health
services
Public safety and neighborhood
considerations
Zoning, ADA compliance, and design
Stay Engaged standards
Mitigation of syringe litter and outdoor
Theresa Vezina use
Email: tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov
Preliminary Drawings Project Designed By Project - Client Composite Rendering
A&M ASSOCIATES, INC. Burlington
2727 N. CENTRAL AVENUE Burlington, VT
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
P: 602.263.6841
(791087) SHEET 01 ©2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025-04-04
CURVILINEAR CORNICE
CHANGE IN MATERIAL COLORS TO PROVIDE DESIGN TO ADD DEPTH
IMP EXCEEDS SUSTAINABLE LEED
VISUAL SEPARATION TO THE ELEVATION TO THE PARAPET
STANDARDS BY PROVIDING
SUPERIOR R-VALUE INSULATION
FOR GREATER THERMAL
EFFICIENCY
VERTICAL OFFSETS CREATE A
PATTERN OF LIGHT, SHADOW, AND
LYRICAL ARTICULATION
ARCHITECTURAL FENESTRATION
TO ENHANCE RETAIL UNIFORMITY
IN THE AREA
Preliminary Drawings Project Designed By Project - Client Northwest Elevation
Composite Rendering
A&M ASSOCIATES, INC. Burlington
2727 N. CENTRAL AVENUE Burlington, VT
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
P: 602.263.6841
(791087) SHEET 02 ©2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025-04-04
C F C F
6 12 6 12
B C A I A B B I C E C D A B C A I A
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25' - 3"
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32' - 2" PARAPET
TOP OF
PARAPET
24' - 6"
TOP OF ROOF
PROPOSED LOW SIDE
SIGN AREA
12' - 6" PROPOSED SIGN AREA
2ND FLOOR
F.F.E.
1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004 1004
0' - 0"
1ST FLOOR
F.F.E. NORTH ELEVATION - BLDG. A
Scale: 1" = 20'
F
10
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6 12
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1 9 9 9 8 2 4 5 14 7
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TOP OF
PARAPET 32' - 2"
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27' - 10" PARAPET
TOP OF ROOF PROPOSED SIGN AREA
HIGH SIDE
24' - 6"
TOP OF ROOF
LOW SIDE GENERAL NOTES:
12' - 6"
2ND FLOOR
THIS PROJECT WAS DESIGNED
F.F.E. USING KINGSPAN METAL PROD-
UCTS. DEVIATING FROM KING-
1004 1004 1004 1004
0' - 0" SPAN PANELS WILL ALTER THE
FINAL APPROVED DESIGN OF
1ST FLOOR
YOUR BUILDING(S). PLEASE
F.F.E. EAST ELEVATION - BLDG. A CONSULT WITH THE A&M FACILITY
Scale: 1" = 20' IMAGING TEAM IF A DIFFERENT
F SUPPLIER IS BEING USED.
10
D1 - THE PROPOSED IMP USES
FULL-WIDTH PANELS. DO NOT
CUT IMP DUE TO PAINT VARIA-
TIONS.
CONTACT THE DESIGNER AT A&M
ASSOCIATES TO FIND A SOLU-
TION. P: 602.623.6841
COLORS MATERIALS
A IMPERIAL WHITE (IMP CUSTOM COLOR) I SW 6182 ETHEREAL WHITE P57 1 42"W KINGSPAN KS SERIES AZTECO STUCCO EMBOSSED VERTICAL IMP 9 9"D LYRICAL ARTICULATED ACCENT FIN (DESIGN ELEMENT) D2 - THE PROPOSED PROJECT
B SANDSTONE (IMP CUSTOM COLOR) J IRONWOOD (FAUX WOODGRAIN FINISH) 2 16"W MORIN INTEGRITY XAB-16 HORIZONTAL PANELS 10 ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL CONSISTS OF 42" WIDE IMP.
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H P: 602.623.6841
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Preliminary Drawings Project Designed By Project - Client Colors & Materials
A&M ASSOCIATES, INC. Burlington
2727 N. CENTRAL AVENUE Burlington, VT
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
P: 602.263.6841
(791087) SHEET 03 ©2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025-04-04
A E D C C B F H I B
1 9 9 9 8 2 12 3 14 2
28' - 10"
TOP OF
PARAPET
27' - 10"
TOP OF ROOF
PROPOSED SIGN AREA
HIGH SIDE
PROPOSED SIGN AREA
12' - 6"
2ND FLOOR
F.F.E.
0' - 0"
1ST FLOOR
F.F.E. SOUTH ELEVATION - BLDG. A
Scale: 1" = 20'
K - G J A
15 13 14 11 14
C F
6 12
B C A I A C A E C D
2 4 5 14 7 8 1 9 9 9
28' - 10"
TOP OF
32' - 2" PARAPET
TOP OF
PARAPET
27' - 10"
PROPOSED SIGN AREA TOP OF ROOF
HIGH SIDE
24' - 6" GENERAL NOTES:
TOP OF ROOF
LOW SIDE THIS PROJECT WAS DESIGNED
12' - 6" USING KINGSPAN METAL PROD-
2ND FLOOR UCTS. DEVIATING FROM KING-
F.F.E. SPAN PANELS WILL ALTER THE
F 4001 4001 4001 4001
FINAL APPROVED DESIGN OF
10 YOUR BUILDING(S). PLEASE
0' - 0" CONSULT WITH THE A&M FACILITY
1ST FLOOR IMAGING TEAM IF A DIFFERENT
WEST ELEVATION - BLDG. A F.F.E. SUPPLIER IS BEING USED.
Scale: 1" = 20'
D1 - THE PROPOSED IMP USES
FULL-WIDTH PANELS. DO NOT
CUT IMP DUE TO PAINT VARIA-
TIONS.
CONTACT THE DESIGNER AT A&M
ASSOCIATES TO FIND A SOLU-
TION. P: 602.623.6841
COLORS MATERIALS
A IMPERIAL WHITE (IMP CUSTOM COLOR) I SW 6182 ETHEREAL WHITE P57 1 42"W KINGSPAN KS SERIES AZTECO STUCCO EMBOSSED VERTICAL IMP 9 9"D LYRICAL ARTICULATED ACCENT FIN (DESIGN ELEMENT) D2 - THE PROPOSED PROJECT
B SANDSTONE (IMP CUSTOM COLOR) J IRONWOOD (FAUX WOODGRAIN FINISH) 2 16"W MORIN INTEGRITY XAB-16 HORIZONTAL PANELS 10 ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL CONSISTS OF 42" WIDE IMP.
C K DEVIATING FROM THIS SIZE
DESERT JEWEL U-HAUL FOREST GREEN 3 LIGHT BROOM TILT-UP CONCRETE 11 ULTRA-GRAIN CLASSIC WALNUT CARRIAGE DOORS
PANEL WILL ALTER THE LYRICAL
D SW 6884 AMBER EARTH 4 10"H x 3"D ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS 12 UNDULATING DESIGN FIN DESIGN. PLEASE CONTACT
E SW 6451 NURTURE GREEN 5 4.5"H TRIM TYP. 13 LIFESTYLE BANNER THE DESIGNER AT A&M ASSOCI-
F SIERRA SUNSET 6 10.25"H FLAT METAL TRIM TYP. 14 PAINT DETAIL ATES SO THE PLAN DRAWINGS
G SW EGGSHELL BLACK 7 3"H FLAT METAL TRIM TYP. 15 2'H x 58'W x 10'D STORAGE: LOAD/UNLOAD AWNING CAN BE UPDATED.
H P: 602.623.6841
LIGHT BROOM FINISHED TILT WALL 8 9"H FLAT METAL TRIM TYP.
Preliminary Drawings Project Designed By Project - Client Colors & Materials
A&M ASSOCIATES, INC. Burlington
2727 N. CENTRAL AVENUE Burlington, VT
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
P: 602.263.6841
(791087) SHEET 04 ©2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025-04-04
Parapet Cornice Detail
4.5"H TRIM TYP.
CORNICE DETAIL PN:69691-005
H CONNECTORS PN:69691-009
L CONNECTORS PN:69691-012
HORIZONTAL UNISTRUT SYSTEM
10.25"H FLAT METAL TRIM TYP.
3"H FLAT METAL TRIM TYP.
Stucco Light Broom Finished
Embossed IMP TILT-UP CONCRETE
EXAMPLE EXAMPLE
9"D Lyrical Articulated
Design Element
Preliminary Drawings Project Designed By Project - Client Material Board
A&M ASSOCIATES, INC. Burlington
2727 N. CENTRAL AVENUE Burlington, VT
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004
P: 602.263.6841
(791087) SHEET 05 ©2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025-04-04
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SYNAGOGUE CORPORATION 250 245
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285 270 280
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LIMITS OF TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY 12/19/2023
285
DJG ANL DJG
1" = 20'
04/30/2025
C2-01
Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
MINUTES
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
And Zoom online:
https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050
Facilitator: Sam Doherty Recorder: Jonathan Chapple-Sokol
6:15 - Welcome and Food
6:30 - Formal Start - review agenda
Introductions: name, street
Sam Doherty
Rob Gutman
Gretchen Platt
Dave Cawley
Carter Neubieser
Katherine Verman
Angie Chapple-Sokol
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol
Carol Livingston
Caryn Long
Mark Demers
Gary Golden
Matt Price
Kathy Olwell
Mark Leopold
Peter Lackowski
Sharyl Green
Shawny Corey
Charlie Gianonni
Announcements: share events, meetings, activities of interest to Ward 1
community.
- CJ Knudsen of Lake Monsters: summer 2025 schedule. Lake Monsters are in
the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). More information here:
https://vermontlakemonsters.com/
First game 5/31 :Last regular season game 8/9 (plus a week if team makes the
playoffs)
35 Home Games
3 Fireworks nights: 6/21; 7/18; 8/2
Kids eat free every Wednesday!
Fletcher Free Library has free passes to games! https://fletcherfree.org/
15 Lake Monsters games on TV!!! https://vermontlakemonsters.com/wyci/
Free parking at Trinity and Gut (with free shuttle, too!)
Lake monsters have given $270K back to the community!
Announcements
Jonathan moves and Caryn seconded spending any NPA remaining funds on FPF, TMT,
and sound system - Unanimous
Straw Poll questions about the new merged FPF neighborhood (Old North End). Small
number of voters, but consensus was that folks preferred the old neighborhood (ONE East),
would rather be connected with Centennial and/or Downtown, and feel ONE forum is too large:
1 person supported the current ONE configuration
9 people preferre the old configuration
9 people are unhappy with the current configuration
6:45 - Speakout - an opportunity to raise concerns & appreciations about Ward 1 community
Speakout got blended into remaining discourse.
7:05 - School Commission update - Gary Golden and Matt Price
Senate passed a version of Education bill slanted towards privatization. Weighting
changes will be detrimental to Burlington, but extra money is included for smaller districts; lunch
funding, after school activities will be affected.
Medicaid decisions will impact schools
Will go to Conference Committee to reconcile large differences between versions
7:20 - City Council update - Carter Neubieser
Health Care costs, UVMMC and Pharma, are the biggest drivers of tax increases
Very difficult times. Spending philosophy over the past several years did not consider
operational efficiencies or program effectiveness. Tax increases have been used to cover gaps
37 of 100 new positions at City were funded with one-time moneys
Need to inventory and evaluate what we do
All cut are painful; Some cuts are more straightforward – high cost for small benefit
Consolidation of departments (CEDO/BWD) and internal services (IT) are opportunities
Tax Fairness group working on potential charter changes to create a more progressive
tax structure.
RIFs are rare for the City;We do not have robust processes for some things. Some RIFs
were not well handled by management.
Estimate $1M reduction ic gross receipts due to less tourism from Canada
Carter’s update led into a discussion of the budget, Reductions in Force, city employees
and service to the community
Comments:
With PRW/BCA cuts, how will the City serve kids this summer?
Cuts are hard, but can’t give everyone everything
Understand cuts, but unhappy with how the cuts were made – ill will
Progressive taxing is OK, but what about growing the Grand List?
RIF’d staff close to retirement?
Little things at the neighborhood level can help
Invest EAP?
What can we as an NPA do to “make things right”?
Letter of appreciation to those who lost their jobs? To all employees?
NPA agreed that Steering Committee will broadcast a request for stories or expressions
of appreciation to collect and send to folks who lost their jobs and publicly acknowledge our
support for all employees. No employee’s name will be publicly disclosed.
7:40 - City/NPA relationship: clarification in Community Development & Neighborhood
Revitalization (CDNR) draft document - Carter Neubieser and Jonathan Chapple-Sokol
8:15 - Facilitator-led discussion soliciting ideas for future NPA meeting topics, plus suggestions
of ways to get involved in the neighborhoods over the summer
8:30 - Adjourn
Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
Selene Colburn selene.colburn@gmail.com,
Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com