Welcome to the first edition of the VLCT Journal. This monthly email will include a collection of articles, news items, resources, tips, and links to various events and partner resources that we think members will find most useful right now. How does this differ from our now retired, bimonthly news magazine? This content is more timely and more accessible, and we will post a link to every issue at vlct.org/journal.
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On March 1, tens of thousands of Vermonters headed to the polls to vote at Town Meeting. A majority of the articles won voter approval, suggesting a hopeful message: Vermonters trust their municipal leaders.
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The $1.9 trillion relief package aimed at rebuilding our economy turned 1 on March 11.
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Types of license and fee amounts vary, but all dog licenses expire every year on March 31.
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Your workers' compensation self audit is due. Submit your paperwork electronically ASAP.
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Use this info sheet to help you navigate the post-town meeting legal requirements.
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State and federal authorities are warning Americans about an increase in cyber attacks. Users must be cautious.
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Reports are due to Kelley Avery no later than Friday, April 29.
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New to VLCT or just need a refresher on everything your membership provides? Be sure to check out the latest member guide, coming soon to your mailbox, but also available here. Think of it as your cheat sheet for referencing all of your benefits and services. Be sure to bookmark this.
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Surprisingly, the answer is not always – it depends on the context. Politicking involves finding common ground where it exists, and sometimes taking sides. However, selectpersons should be aware that bias may disqualify them from a quasi-judicial proceeding. Additionally, it's always important to be conscious of ethics and conflicts of interest (see our Ethics and Conflicts of Interest webpage).
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In 2021, the US EPA published a nationwide approach and framework to research, restrict, and Remediate PFAS. This comes a decade after states, including Vermont, started developing their own programs to remediate PFAS. Like Vermont’s plan, the EPA's consists of a comprehensive three-pronged multi-year program. Municipalities affected by PFAS will be able to apply for federal funding through competitive grants managed by state agencies.
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Because contracts and agreements are legally binding documents, the best practice is to have them reviewed by municipal legal counsel. PACIF Underwriting is also happy to review draft contracts to ensure that insurance requirements protect the member adequately.
Moreover, contracting with insured and bonded professionals to do certain work for the municipality is a smart form of risk management.
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Use NLC's tracker to get ideas about how to spend your ARPA dollars. The tracker compiles information on ARPA spending from large cities and counties across the country and categorizes it for easy filtering. Read more.
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Use this toolkit to ensure that you and your new advisory committee have a strong start. It includes a template for defining the committee and also resources on Vermont's Open Meeting Law, remote/hybrid public meetings, and more.
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VLCT and Efficiency Vermont have launched a new partnership to lower municipal energy costs and climate impacts. The partnership includes efforts to allocate nearly $50 million in federal funding for Vermont municipalities, expanding the State Energy Management Program to municipal buildings, and more.
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Women’s History Month (March) is a joint collaboration of seven federal institutions. It began in 1981 as a national celebration to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Here we highlight six images of interest from the collection of the Vermont Historical Society. Scroll through the images.
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Thursday, March 24 @ 9:00 AM
This essential training for new and returning selectboard members covers the "Sunshine Laws" that ensure open and accessible government, key roles and responsibilities of selectboard members, and an overview of VLCT member services.
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Thursday, March 31 @ 9:00 AM
Part two in our series for selectboards, this training will cover special topics: HR and the risks of managing a municipal workforce, an overview of VLCT PACIF, and the latest on ARPA funding including ways to spend it and reporting deadlines.
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Thursday, April 14 @ 9:00 AM
PVR staff will review the property tax assessment process including an overview of fair market value and the central concepts of property assessments, discuss Lister roles and responsibilities, and cover the main steps of the lister grievance hearing.
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Wednesday, May 11 @ 9:00 AM
Last in the series for selectboard members, this training will review strategies for working through tough conversations and managing conflicts – and how to do it all while complying with the laws that govern public meetings.
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Do you have valuable insight and ideas that can help us make VLCT's annual event even more relevant? VLCT is seeking individuals with an interest in municipal education and training to participate in our newly formed Town Fair Working Group, which will meet monthly throughout the year. Members will be responsible for offering input and direction around the location, format, and schedule of the event, as well as developing session content and working with speakers to plan and conduct member training sessions. Join us!
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Thursday, April 7 @ 9:00 AM
The Vermont Bond Bank will host a two-day virtual event for governmental units of all sizes and associated professionals to explore Vermont-specific best practices in capital planning.
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Never fear, your trivia is still here! Congrats to Bevan Quinn and Lisa Walker of Guilford and Stowe, respectively, who knew that the Vermonter who disappeared in 1812 was Russell Colvin. Read this month's trivia question to try your hand at figuring out who we're talking about in another ungoogleable quest.
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The March 2022 edition is the first issue of this digital journal. Everyone who was subscribed to the print edition of VLCT News is now subscribed to this 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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