Ward 2 NPA — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-06-12
Time: 18:30

Meeting Agenda
Ward 2 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
June 12th, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm | All are welcome

 Join in person: O.N.E. Community Dinner
 ONE Community Center, 20 Allen Street 5:30-6:30pm | Free | Donations welcome
 Spring Foragers Feast Menu: Moroccan Feast with Guest
 Join remotely: Chef Mouad Rhahli
 https://zoom.us/j/93179389982 Music: Brian Perkins​

Facilitator: Marc Stannard​ Notetaker: Kason Hudman
6:30 pm Introduction
5 min Review and adopt/approve the agenda and previous minutes; introductions as time allows.
6:35 pm Public Forum (2 minutes max per person)
10 min Please state your full name, pronouns, street, and ward, and follow the NPA ground rules.
6:45 pm Vote: New NPA Steering Committee member
5 min Nora Aronds
6:50 pm Updates from Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak
20 min Hear a brief update from the Mayor and bring your questions and concerns

7:10 pm Updates to the City’s Open Space Plan
20 min Sophie Sauvé - Parks Comprehensive Planner, Burlington Parks & Recreation
 Learn about plans to update the City’s Open Space Plan and provide feedback.
7:30 pm Overdose Prevention Center Overview & Updates
40 min Theresa Vezina - Special Assistant on OPC Implementation, City of Burlington
 Hear about the work being done to create an OPC in Burlington and next steps

8:10 pm Public Safety Resource Overview & Updates
20 min Melo Grant - Central District City Councilor
 Learn how to access information from the City’s Public Safety Committee, as well as updates on
 Burlington Police Department’s recruitment plan.
8:30 pm Door prize drawing + Adjourn!
 Our next meeting is Thursday, September 11!



 Scan the QR code (or click here) to: Email us • Go to our website • Watch meeting
 recordings on CCTV's website • Connect with us on Instagram • Request a time slot
 with CEDO’s request form • Get to all links related to this meeting




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 1
Appendix to the Agenda
Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee
To contact the entire Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee, email ward2npa@googlegroups.com
Name Email Joined Term expiration

Lauren Ebersol lebersol27@gmail.com 2023 2027

Kason Hudson kasonhudman@gmail.com 2024 2028

Charlie Giannoni charliecpg@gmail.com 2024 2028

Marc Stannard Marc.Stannard@outlook.com 2024 2028

Vacancy

Vacancy

NPA Guiding Principles
 ●​ Operate through democratic principles and democratic procedures.
 ●​ Provide a safe and welcoming forum where residents can actively share their voices about issues that
 matter to them, and where they can learn from the voices of others.
 ●​ Cultivate involvement by a diverse spectrum of community members through active outreach and
 through eliminating barriers to participation.
 ●​ Operate in a manner that models respectful, inclusive, culturally, and economically aware practices.
 ●​ Be a fun, creative, and vital organization that provides value and benefit through the multitude of
 perspectives shared by those who participate.


Ward 2 NPA Ground Rules
 ●​ Meetings should have clearly defined agenda and roles.
 ●​ Honor time limits: A best effort must be made to start on time, follow the agenda, and finish on time.
 ●​ Listen to others: Make efforts to be an open-minded member of the group.
 ●​ Respect the agenda and the process: Try to remain focused on the issue at hand.
 ●​ Share your opinion respectfully: Speak out, but not over, others’ comments.
 ●​ Treat people how you would like to be treated: Be respectful of everyone, including guests.




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 2
Elected officials representing Ward 2
Mayor
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Progressive mayor@BurlingtonVT.gov


City Councilors
Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Melo Grant Progressive megrant@burlingtonvt.gov 802-310-0962
Ward 2 Gene Bergman Progressive gbergman@burlingtonvt.gov 802-598-3602


School Board Members

Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Jean Waltz jwaltz@bsdvt.org 802-355-7856

Ward 2 Polly Vanderputten pvanderputten@bsdvt.org 802-578-8653


Vermont State House Representatives
Chittenden-15 Troy Headrick Independent theadrick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-15 Brian Cina Progressive/Democrat bcina@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Kate Logan Progressive/Democrat klogan@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Jill Krowinski Democrat jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-17 Abigail Duke Democrat aduke@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228


Vermont State Senators

Chittenden-Central Tanya Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Martine Gulick Democrat mgulick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Philip Baruth Democrat/Progressive pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us (802) 503-5266




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 3

Published September 2024




Vermont Overdose Prevention Center
 Operating Guidelines




 Published September 2024




 1
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




 2
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.


 3
 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.


 4
 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;


 5
 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;



 6
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.




 9
 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.


 12
 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




 15
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
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
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
 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 As required by Act
178 (2024) and the Vermont Department of Health We recognize that people may have questions,
OPC Operating Guidelines, the City and VCJR will concerns, or strong opinions. Whether you're in
launch a comprehensive Service Assessment, support or feeling uncertain, your input is
including a Neighborhood Assessment and robust important. We are committed to:
public engagement, 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. Community
 forums and NPA (Neighborhood Planning ✅Integrating safety & public health best
 Assembly) presentations later this summer. practices
 Transparent communication about potential
 locations, safety concerns, accessibility, and
 design features. A formal Service
 Assessment Report that summarizes
 community feedback and informs the final
 plan, submitted to the Vermont Department
 of Health at least 90 days before operations Site Selection Will Prioritize:
 can begin. City Council approval.

 Accessibility to people most impacted by
 overdose Proximity to existing social and
 health services Public safety and
 neighborhood considerations Zoning,
 ADA compliance, and design standards
 Mitigation of syringe litter and outdoor
 use
 Stay Engaged Theresa Vezina
  Email: tvezina@burlingtonvt.gov
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

Meeting Agenda
Ward 2 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
June 12th, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm | All are welcome

 Join in person: O.N.E. Community Dinner
 ONE Community Center, 20 Allen Street 5:30-6:30pm | Free | Donations welcome
 Moroccan Feast with Guest Chef Mouad Rhahli: ​
 Join remotely: Couscous with Veggies & Caramelized Onions and
 https://zoom.us/j/93179389982 Chickpeas, Bisarra (fava bean soup), Salad with Lemon &
 Sumac dressing, and Orange Olive Oil Cake
 Music: Brian Perkins​

Facilitator: Marc Stannard​ Notetaker: Kason Hudman
6:30pm Introduction


6:35 pm Public Forum (2 minutes max per person)
 -​ Kason Hudman, Ward 2 Resident, mentions that the Peace & Justice Center has started
 doing needle cleanups on Thursday mornings with the BTV Clean Up Crew at 7:30am. Email
 Kason at kason@pjcvt.org or talk to him if you want to get involved!
 -​ Ward 2 Resident, mentions that the Ward 3 steering committee unilaterally broke away
 from the Ward 2 meeting, and announces a special meeting next Thursday of the Ward 3
 NPA to discuss changing the bylaws to ultimately reintegrate the Ward 2 and Ward 3 NPAs
6:45 pm Vote: New NPA Steering Committee member
 -​ Nora Aronds - Introduces herself, mentions that she has lived in Burlington since 2018 and
 has been attending NPA meetings since 2023
 -​ Votes in favor: 31 Votes opposed: 0 Abstentions: 0
 -​ Welcome to the Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee Nora Aronds
6:50 pm Updates from Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak
20 min -​ Emma asks if people want to hear an update on community safety and housing, and gets an
 affirmative from the audience. Emma then mentions that the Mayor Meetups happen
 weekly across the city, and encourages people to come. She mentions that Shawn Burke is
 now the interim chief of police, and she hopes that people have already noticed a
 difference in how present the police are downtown. Emma then mentions that budget
 meetings are ongoing, and specifically highlights that the city has earmarked money for the
 Howard Center street outreach team, at a time when they are losing state funding. She
 then mentions that Burlington has received a grant for Situation Table funding, now the 5th
 city in Vermont with that grant funding. The Situation Table involves intervention work for
 folks experiencing high-risk behavior, and getting them in contact directly with service
 providers. Emma also mentions a new City Circle program, where municipal ordinance
 violations are moved to the Community Justice Center at first, rather than through the
 administrative court system, and if the offender does not attend the City Circle program
 with the CJC, the ticket moves to the criminal court system. This will hopefully give
 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 1
 offenders the chance for a restorative justice program, but will also provide meaningful
 accountability for repeat offenders. Emma then moves on to housing, mentioning that
 CityPlace, the old YMCA building, and the VFW building are all coming online within the
 next 2 years, which will add hundreds of housing units to the city.
 -​ Question from Lucy Gluck, Ward 2 resident, asks a question about the F-35s and wants to
 know if there has been any movement from Sen. Sanders and Sen. Welch about changing
 the mission of the Air Guard. Emma responds that the Mayor’s office did their work and
 sent a report to the city council, but it is up to the city council to form that working group to
 pressure the federal delegation.
 -​ Question from Charlotte, Ward 2 Resident, wants to know about the training of police
 officers on Church St, given that she is a person of color who works on Church St. Emma
 mentions that Shawn Burke is dedicated to ensuring the BPD incorporates cultural
 competency and de-escalation training into their work, and Emma agrees that this is very
 important.
 -​ Question from Patrick on Greene Street, wants further elaboration on moving civil offenses
 to criminal offenses within the City Circle system. Emma answers that Sarah George and
 alternative justice systems will be deeply involved, and she encourages folks to come to the
 next public safety meeting as the details of the City Circle system are ironed out.
7:10 pm Updates to the City’s Open Space Plan
20 min Sophie Sauvé - Parks Comprehensive Planner, Burlington Parks & Recreation
 -​ Sophie mentions the community engagement happening with the new open space plan,
 including tabling at Wintervale, the Library Book Sale, the Sea Caves, and other open
 spaces. She also mentions that UVM did a tree canopy assessment, and we currently have a
 40% citywide canopy coverage, which is above average. Since 2014, there has been a 4%
 loss, centered particularly on the Cambrian Rise development and the Champlain Parkway.
 -​ The emerging themes from the first wave of community engagement included
 conservation, sustainable local food systems, connectivity, and accessibility. Sophie
 mentions that the current City Open Space plan is dedicated to ensuring that all of these
 themes are highlighted, mentioning ways that the city is working to conserve the open
 spaces and urban forests that currently exist, working to ensure more people know about
 the open spaces that are available to them, etc. The upcoming steps include community
 engagement wave 2, creating a roadmap, creating a full draft of the Open Space plan and
 getting it adopted by the City Council and the Burlington Planning Commission.
 -​ Lucy Gluck, Ward 2 Resident, wants to know about the Barge Canal - she feels strongly that
 it should remain open and not be made available for housing development due to the
 toxicity of the land. Sophie and her co-presenter answer that at the current stage, there are
 no solid plans to develop that area, although developers have been taking a look at the
 possibility.
 -​ Ward 2 resident, wants to know about the continuing availability of the views in Burlington,
 including in places like the PInnacle at Ethan Allen Park or Battery Park. Sophie answers that
 she recommends the questioner mention that on the Open Space Plan survey so that the
 planners know to consider these particular views as they move forward.


 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 2
7:30 pm Overdose Prevention Center Overview & Updates
40 min Theresa Vezina - Special Assistant on OPC Implementation, City of Burlington
 -​ Theresa talks about the selection of Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform as the
 Overdose Prevention Center provider, including the large committee that selected the
 service provider and their overview of the proposal. Theresa then turns the time over to
 Jess Kirby from VCJR to talk about VCJR as a whole.
 -​ Jess talks about VCJR as a low-barrier resource for folks looking for help, and mentions their
 longstanding experience in harm reduction. VCJR works with a lot of high risk people, and
 are familiar with losing folks to overdoses. Jess says that VCJR is really committed to
 providing a safe OPC, and feel that they have a trustworthy relationship with the population
 the city is aiming to service with an OPC.
 -​ Theresa talks about the funding structure for the OPC, mentioning that it is being paid for
 by the Opioid Epidemic settlement funds, and the grant is being given both to the city of
 Burlington and to VCJR as the OPC service provider.
 -​ Kate, Ward 2 resident, asks a question about the long-term sustainability of the OPC, asks
 about staffing and what would happen if VCJR stops existing or drops out of the project.
 Jess answers that there is a lot of interest from folks working for the OPC. Jess mentions
 that she isn’t sure if there are any backup plans should anything happen to VCJR, but the
 Opioid Settlement fund lasts for 15 years, and it has a lot of support from the settlement
 committee. Theresa mentions that there is a lot of community support from other
 community partners, including places like the Howard Center, who would want to
 collaborate with VCJR on the OPC. Jess also mentions that the OPC will never operate on an
 unsafe
 -​ Ward 3 resident who lives on Clarke St, right across from the Howard Center safe recovery
 program, wants to know what oversight will be done to prevent loitering or open drug
 dealing near the OPC, since that is often seen on Clarke St near the Howard Center Safe
 Recovery program. Jess mentions that VCJR has a long relationship with the population that
 the OPC is meaning to serve, and this relationship allows them to safely prevent some of
 these unsafe behaviors. Jess also mentions that the OPC will allow a safe, indoor location
 for a lot of these behaviors, which will prevent it from happening elsewhere. Theresa adds
 that this service should be beneficial to all service providers in the city, as it will take
 pressure off other providers.
 -​ Constance, Ward 2 resident, wants to know if there is any idea of where the site will be
 located. Jess mentions that it will not be at the current VCJR Bank St location, since it is too
 small. Theresa mentions that they are currently in the process of doing neighborhood
 evaluations and site assessments, but no particular location has been put forward yet. She
 mentions that as soon as they have a site that seems like it might be good, they will be
 coming before the public with it quickly.
8:10 pm Public Safety Resource Overview & Updates
20 min Melo Grant - Central District City Councilor
 -​ Melo mentions that it is likely that the OPC will be placed in the Central District, since that
 is where there is the most activity. She also wants to emphasize the fact that providing an
 indoor location for drug users will of course lead to less open drug use in other locations.

 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 3
 Melo then mentions the Juneteenth celebration happening in Burlington on Saturday, June
 21st, and encourages everybody to attend. Melo mentions the budget meetings and the
 current city consolidations happening, which should make the financial meetings within the
 city government more streamlined and collaborative. Melo then talks about the Food Not
 Cops resolution and the fallout in the community, and encourages folks to talk more kindly
 with each other given all the fallout. She says that she doesn’t think moving Food Not Cops
 out of the downtown garage will solve any of the problems downtown, particularly since
 Food Not Cops will certainly not move very far away from their current location. Melo
 mentions that she appreciates the openness of Shawn Burke, as well as his expertise in
 more contemporary methods of recruitment. She is encouraged by his use of social media,
 by the return of more community policing approaches to public safety. Melo details Chief
 Burke’s recruitment strategy, including his outreach to young professionals in the area and
 recent graduates, his use of social media, and his other digital work. Melo is encouraged by
 many of the ways that it differs from previous Chief Murad’s strategy.
 -​ Question from Kevin, Ward 3 resident, wants to know if there will be more Community
 support liaisons and Vermont CARES folks, in addition to hiring more actual police officers.
 Melo mentions that they are looking for more of them as part of the broader strategy, but
 they are focusing on officers as they need more officers.
 -​
8:30 pm Door prize drawing + Adjourn!
 Our next meeting is Thursday, September 11!



Scan the QR code (or click here) to: Email us • Go to our website • Watch meeting
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with CEDO’s request form • Get to all links related to this meeting




Appendix to the Agenda
Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee
To contact the entire Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee, email ward2npa@googlegroups.com
Name Email Joined Term expiration

Lauren Ebersol lebersol27@gmail.com 2023 2027

Kason Hudson kasonhudman@gmail.com 2024 2028

Charlie Giannoni charliecpg@gmail.com 2024 2028

Marc Stannard Marc.Stannard@outlook.com 2024 2028

Vacancy
 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 4
Vacancy

NPA Guiding Principles
  ●​ Operate through democratic principles and democratic procedures.
  ●​ Provide a safe and welcoming forum where residents can actively share their voices about issues that
 matter to them, and where they can learn from the voices of others.
  ●​ Cultivate involvement by a diverse spectrum of community members through active outreach and
 through eliminating barriers to participation.
  ●​ Operate in a manner that models respectful, inclusive, culturally, and economically aware practices.
  ●​ Be a fun, creative, and vital organization that provides value and benefit through the multitude of
 perspectives shared by those who participate.


Ward 2 NPA Ground Rules
  ●​ Meetings should have clearly defined agenda and roles.
  ●​ Honor time limits: A best effort must be made to start on time, follow the agenda, and finish on time.
  ●​ Listen to others: Make efforts to be an open-minded member of the group.
  ●​ Respect the agenda and the process: Try to remain focused on the issue at hand.
  ●​ Share your opinion respectfully: Speak out, but not over, others’ comments.
  ●​ Treat people how you would like to be treated: Be respectful of everyone, including guests.




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 5
Elected officials representing Ward 2
Mayor
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Progressive mayor@BurlingtonVT.gov


City Councilors
Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Melo Grant Progressive megrant@burlingtonvt.gov 802-310-0962
Ward 2 Gene Bergman Progressive gbergman@burlingtonvt.gov 802-598-3602


School Board Members

Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Jean Waltz jwaltz@bsdvt.org 802-355-7856

Ward 2 Polly Vanderputten pvanderputten@bsdvt.org 802-578-8653


Vermont State House Representatives
Chittenden-15 Troy Headrick Independent theadrick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-15 Brian Cina Progressive/Democrat bcina@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Kate Logan Progressive/Democrat klogan@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Jill Krowinski Democrat jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-17 Abigail Duke Democrat aduke@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228


Vermont State Senators

Chittenden-Central Tanya Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Martine Gulick Democrat mgulick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Philip Baruth Democrat/Progressive pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us (802) 503-5266




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 6
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​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - June 12, 2025 - Agenda - Page 8