With the school year ending and summer activities gearing up, VLCT's staff are busily publishing information about how members will be affected by new laws. Is your municipality ready for the changes that take effect July 1? This issue of the VLCT Journal contains information about updates involving unemployment insurance, payroll and overtime, and public meetings. It also covers summer safety concerns, fireworks regulations, and an important reminder about your website's accessibility.
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The Vermont Legislature ended the regular session in May but returned this week for a veto session. Read our bill-by-bill report, and stay tuned because we will post an update and hold our final Advocacy Chat on June 24. Take a look.
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ARPA funds will help small municipalities improve water/wastewater facilities.
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VLCT is updating online resources affected by these new amendments.
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Employees who qualify as exempt from the FLSA and its overtime rules could be affected.
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By 7/1 all employers must participate in unemployment insurance.
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This session covers setting priorities and selecting the right projects.
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Customize this ordinance to suit the needs of your municipality.
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The Compensation and Benefits Survey is open and accepting responses. Municipalities with calendar year budget cycles can complete all of the steps now, and those with fiscal year budget cycles will be able to submit their response on July 1. The survey data, compiled into the Vermont Municipal Compensation and Benefits Report, will be available for free to respondents in October. The report is an invaluable tool that helps you evaluate your employee compensation and benefits to remain a competitive employer that attracts and retains employees. Learn how to participate.
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Many infrastructure tasks require excavation, which is dangerous, so following all safety rules is crucial for avoiding death or life-threatening injuries. VOSHA inspectors can examine your worksite at any time and levy fines for unsafe work in the tens of thousands of dollars. Best practices for trenching and excavation follow standards about egress, reflective garments, use of slopes or trench boxes, and project management by someone with knowledge to evaluate and protect against safety hazards.
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The Vermont Supreme Court case has clarified what firework use is legal and what municipal regulation is authorized. The court concluded it is illegal – regardless of any local authorization – to sell, possess, or use consumer fireworks. The case also reaffirmed that, while municipalities can’t regulate consumer fireworks, they can regulate the sale and use of fireworks for supervised public displays.
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Communities around Vermont celebrate July Fourth with parades, picnics, sing-alongs, and more. See what's happening and where you can go when you're not playing or grilling outside, or swimming in the local pool or pond.
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VLCT's new IT Director joined us just a few weeks ago and is learning our systems quickly, with an eye toward improvements and future needs. He says, "I want our members to know that my role extends beyond just supporting IT systems; it involves strategically using technology to meet our organization's goals and address the needs of Vermont's municipalities."
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This year's legislative action on public safety (nine bills if you're counting) directly addressed several of the findings in VLCT's report, A Snapshot of Municipal Policing in Vermont. The report surveyed and interviewed officers, chiefs of police, and municipal leaders across Vermont. VLCT commissioned the report because we are increasingly hearing from communities about the need to provide more public safety services, but don't have the resources to do so.
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Local governments provide many of their public services and information through websites and mobile apps, but when these digital resources are not fully accessible they create barriers for people with disabilities. On April 24, 2024, the US Department of Justice shared its final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The final rule has specific requirements to ensure that all content can be accessed by people with disabilities.
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PACIF and VERB remain highly competitive and committed to serving members. Both achieved 100% member retention in 2023, and PACIF picked up new members. PACIF now has more than 95% of the eligible municipal entities participating in the program. Read more about the state of the trusts.
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Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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Tenant User Liability Insurance Policy
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Liability coverage for events in municipal locations or facilities.
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Coverage renters can potentially obtain through their existing insurance.
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This playbook by the National League of Cities and the American Planning Association is designed to support communities as they navigate housing supply challenges. It focuses on how communities can accelerate locally driven housing solutions to produce, preserve, and improve the quantity of quality housing units.
In addition to the playbook, NLC has tools, resources, and opportunities for engagement through their Housing & Community Development Initiative that can help your municipality through its housing challenges.
Note: The playbook does not contain Vermont-specific information.
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Stay safe this summer by following the guidance outlined in the resources linked here. Summer is a fun season of activities, vacations, days on the lake, and more. Avoid summer hazards and make sure you and your employees can enjoy the season. Stay safe this summer!
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Monday, June 24
11 AM – 11:45 AM
Join Josh Hanford and Ted Brady as they review the results of the very busy 2024 legislative session. Register.
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Thursday, June 27 – Rescheduled from 6/20
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Talk to one of VLCT's staff attorneys about your most burning questions. Register.
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Thursday, June 27
1 PM – 3:30 PM
A municipality with CMV drivers must have a trained DER. This session covers the rules and explains how to work with PACIF’s partner for the related services. Sign up.
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Tuesday, October 1: Annual Meeting via Zoom
Wednesday, October 2: Town Fair in Killington
Join us virtually Tuesday afternoon for the VLCT/PACIF/VERB annual meeting and in person all day Wednesday for the rest of Town Fair: training, exhibitors, and more. Note: Town Fair dates changed from 10/2-10/3 to 10/1-10/2.
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VLCT's Community Lens project continues to gather photos from around Vermont. Submit your photos of what's happening in your municipality this summer: road work, recreation programs, Town Hall events, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations such as Juneteenth and Independence Day. Submit photos now and later.
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Specializing in working with municipalities, our Business Alliance Partners are interested in helping you do your business efficiently with cost savings in mind. Check out this list of current partners.
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As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.
Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
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