Short days are already getting longer, and this week's weather provided much of the state with snow that's good enough to play in! This issue of the VLCT Journal features a visit with PACIF's new Loss Control Consultant, articles on how two municipalities fared in recent legal contests, all-new Advocacy resources, a look at changing the number of members on a selectboard, a preview of PACIF for 2024, and more.
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Easily follow the legislative issues that matter most. Use our new set of topic-focused webpages to track key issues and timely updates, read the Weekly Legislative Report, and use the enhanced bill tracker to see newly introduced legislation. Learn more.
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Read the latest updates, and don't miss the next edition – arriving in your inbox tomorrow.
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This informative summary is a new resource from the Municipal Assistance Center.
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The second cohort of municipal officials have just begun their E.P.I.C. journey.
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Your SLFRF/ARPA award requires one of these, depending on how much you have expended.
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The first day to post warnings and notices is just a week away, on January 25.
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Use this webpage as your one-stop shop for all things Town Meeting.
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Every PACIF member renewed their coverage for 2024, despite the necessity of increased rates for property and liability coverage (which permeates the insurance market). Your commitment to the coverages, programs, and services that our municipal predecessors created is remarkable. We truly thank you for your steadfast support, and we reaffirm our commitment to keep serving you effectively and efficiently. Read more, including what's in store for 2024.
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The Vermont Supreme Court upheld the Environmental Court's decision granting preferential zoning review of a secure facility for housing justice-involved youth slated for development in the Town of Newbury. Newbury has petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider, yet the case clarifies for us that if towns want a say in the siting of these facilities, they will have to fight for it in the legislature, not the courts.
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Last month, the federal government released the long-awaited update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. The 11th Edition revises how speed limits are set, recommends a “safe systems” approach, and focuses on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The State of Vermont has until January 18, 2026 to adopt this version or have a state supplement that conforms substantially.
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A settlement in Windsor County leaves open the question of whether gatherings of municipal groups formed to advise the selectboard and the town manager are subject to Vermont's Open Meeting Law (OML). Until our supreme court or legislature provides some clarity on what constitutes a committee or subcommittee subject to the OML, VLCT's conservative advice remains: all groups formed by another public body should comply with the OML.
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Zander Yensan will serve members in the northwest area of the state. What does he want them to know about his work? "It’s important to see me as a counselor and coach in safety, not as a safety cop. First, and most importantly, we want everybody to go home safe to their families at the end of their shift." Look for Zander out and about visiting your municipality, or send him an email with your safety-related questions.
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VLCT has been collecting compensation and benefits information annually from member towns, cities, and villages since 1968. The goal of this survey is to provide hard to find contextual and comparison data in an easy to use and understand format. There are a few interesting trends to highlight, including comparisons between 2023 and 2022 to illustrate changes or constancies of note.
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Selectboard board size can be changed if there is an article on the annual meeting ballot and voters approve the measure. Why would a change be sought? Possible reasons include change in population size (need for increased or decreased representation), increase in workload, and declining availability or engagement of board members. We get a lot of questions about this, but relatively few municipalities have made a change since 2013. Explore the data.
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You can apply for a PACIF Grant until . . . ?
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December 31st or the funding runs out.
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October 31st or the funding runs out.
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Creating a resilient, inclusive workplace and community is important. Local governments can foster workplace cultures that are supportive and welcoming of workers with mental health conditions as well as bring mental health support to residents. Learn about the strategies one city has undertaken to offer this support, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
PACIF members already have access to an EAP (Invest EAP) as a benefit of their membership.
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The 2024 PACIF Grants (and Scholarships) are now open and taking applications. This year, we've compiled a list of preferred vendors for your grant purchases. Peruse the list and make sure to apply soon! Grants reimburse PACIF members for up to 50 percent of pre-approved purchases, and applications are accepted until funds run out or October 31, whichever comes first. Don't miss out on this significant member benefit! Find the best deals.
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Thursday, January 18
10 AM – 11 AM
Zoom
Learn about a very new and completely voluntary employee benefit that employers can start offering as soon as 7/1/2024. Register.
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Monday, January 29
11 AM – 12 PM
Zoom
Join Josh Hanford and Ted Brady to discuss the legislative issues that are most important to local government. Register.
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Wednesday, February 7
9 AM – 12 PM
Zoom – or – Best Western, Waterbury
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Tuesday, February 20
1 PM – 2 PM
Zoom
Hear from Vermont Emergency Management and FEMA about timely topics and ask questions to aid in your flood recovery. Register.
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A number of VLCT trainings held recently – in addition to pre-recorded trainings on key topics including Open Meeting Law, Public Records Act, and conflicts of interest – are now available in our store to watch whenever you find time. On demand trainings include the recorded session as well as the presenter's slide deck, any additional handouts, and often a written Q&A. See what is available now.
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Looking for something you saw in a previous issue? You can easily find all issues of the VLCT Journal at vlct.org/journal.
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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