After the fun of fireworks, mid-July turned into a cruel time for the people whose communities and homes were inundated by floods this year and last. We continue to support the affected municipalities in their response and recovery processes, and we are developing new ways to provide that support.
This issue of the VLCT Journal addresses a variety of topics. Many are timely, including updated laws and flood resources, deadline-driven opportunities, and Ted Brady's testimony to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Rural Development. Others are timeless, such as how to foster excellent public service and cooperative community values.
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Our Flood Resources topic page has all the latest information and important links to help local governments recover from this year's flood damage.
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The deadline for comments to OSHA is July 22. Proposed changes could increase expenses.
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We testified in Washington DC that 60% of you don't have capacity to get & use federal grants.
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See how to comply with the new Open Meeting Law posting requirement and more.
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Want to help steer this organization? Use the online form by August 15.
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Children of municipal officials and those interested in municipal government are eligible.
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The VLCT Equity Committee is accepting applications for new members by August 28.
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PACIF staff are in the process of upgrading their systems, which includes an all-new member portal. Those of you who are our "PACIF primary contacts" will benefit from this significant improvement! Read on and stay tuned to learn more about what the new portal means for you. Read all about the update.
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HR issues can be some of the most complex that employers have to handle and some of the most costly if you make a mistake. PACIF's HR Consultation Program services include informative discussion, advice, support, and, when appropriate, referral to experienced counsel. Program staff also provide training and can help you identify areas of operational risk and pursue potential mitigation strategies.
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It's not too late! Your municipality still has nearly two weeks to submit its data through the Compensation and Benefits Survey. This survey is how VLCT collects the important information included in the Vermont Municipal Compensation and Benefits Report. Each responding municipality receives a free printed copy of the report as well as digital access.
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VLCT and many municipalities continue to participate in justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work. The Welcoming and Engaging Communities program recently completed its second cohort, and we're excited about the knowledge that members are able to bring back to their communities to help make Vermont a welcoming place where all voices can be heard.
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Two law changes related to animal control took effect on July 1. Act 160 increases statutory fines and gives local governments authority to regulate by ordinance the control of livestock running at large. Act 167 separates Animal Control Officers into two distinct categories: those who are contracted by or work for a municipality and those who are employed by a local law enforcement agency and attend training.
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FEMA is expected to supply an unprecedented level of funding to allow municipalities to undertake hazard mitigation projects. The State of Vermont has made it easier for municipalities to participate in the grant program for property buyouts submitted by August 16, 2024. Vermont Emergency Management will administer the grant and manage the project.
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We are happy to announce a new program to help local government managers and assistant managers gain the essential skills to lead their teams and support their communities. The eight-course certificate program will be taught by experienced municipal managers and local government experts. It was developed by UVM Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT), and the Vermont Town and City Management Association (VTCMA).
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If you haven't already, save the date for Town Fair 2024! The VLCT, PACIF, and VERB Annual Meeting – with voting on VLCT's Legislative Policy for the new biennium – will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, October 1. A full day of in-person Town Fair activities will take place at the Killington Grand Hotel on Wednesday, October 2. Be sure to use this time to connect with your peers, learn from experts, see new products, and have fun! Save the dates and register as early as 8/1.
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Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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What will you need to do in the new PACIF Member Portal?
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A. Add a personal photo or municipal logo to my profile.
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B. Complete my annual PACIF renewal.
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C. Create my username and password.
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Nature-based solutions offer significant benefits, potentially at a lower cost than more traditional infrastructure, leading federal and state government agencies to offer myriad funding opportunities for communities. Although harnessing nature’s powers is not a new idea, interest in nature-based solutions (NbS), such as green stormwater infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, is growing among communities in the face of climate change. Designing the project to achieve multiple programmatic benefits makes the project eligible for more dollars while delivering a more significant positive impact on the community and ecosystem.
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The 2024-25 Municipal Calendar posters are now in town offices, and the online version lets you filter by category and view entries either on a calendar grid or as a list. You can also print dates in sections via the online calendar and view last year's dates. Check out the calendar.
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Wednesday, August 7
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Learn and share effective techniques for managing a team of generally independent workers – to help get everyone rowing in the same direction. Register.
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In Person, Lyndonville Fire Department
Wednesday, August 21
9 AM – 12 PM
If your municipality operates or supervises a gravel and/or sand pit, this training from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will explain how to comply with the federal regulations. Register.
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In Person, Manchester Public Safety Bldg.
Thursday, August 22
9 AM – 12 PM
If your municipality operates or supervises a gravel and/or sand pit, this training from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) will explain how to comply with the federal regulations. Register.
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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. Registration opens 8/1.
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Summer in Vermont is time to relax, enjoy being outdoors, and have fun at the various local fairs taking place in the next several weeks. Not sure where to go? Check out this list from our special correspondent to see what's happening in your area or just a scenic drive away. Find a fair.
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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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* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
B is the right answer! This September, PACIF contacts will need to complete their PACIF renewal in the new system. Their existing MAP login will work, so they won't need to create a new login or add a picture. Learn more.
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