Serving and Strengthening Vermont Local Governments January 2007 Emergency Communications – VLCT Board of Directors Profile Plan Ahead! Bob Kiss, Mayor, ity of urlington When Middlebury Police Chief Tom municating with the public in bad times,” he C B Hanley rose to speak during a Town Fair added, “starts with the practice of good com- A conversation about local government 2006 workshop on Communicating with Cit- munication during good times.” with Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss covers izens in Good Times and Bad, nobody in the the basics – paving and plowing the streets, room expected him to tell a story about a schools that work, confidence in police and shooting event ten years ago that shocked his fire services, and clean water. But the con- community. versation soon moves beyond these custom- But he did, and with good reason. ary local government services because Mayor Amidst the chaos of that fatal and frightening Kiss believes that government can, and event, the Middlebury Police Department should, help meet other citizen needs. Fore- was still able to communicate with citizens most on his mind are those needs that might and the media. In doing so, it countered the otherwise be unmet, such as health care, panic and rumors that quickly spread after housing, and, in personal emergencies, in- the shooting, and restored public safety and come and food. citizen confidence to the town. “I believe,” Mayor Kiss said, “that the The Middlebury Police Department had According to Hanley, local officials should purpose of government is to serve the peo- a communications plan in place – crafted for consider their objectives first, and structure the ple. It really is one of the resources we have events like this – so that the local government plan in accordance with those objectives. The to make better lives.” Before he entered pol- could gather and disseminate important in- objective, to borrow from Merriam-Webster’s itics, Kiss devoted his twenty-five year career formation. definition of communication, could be to es- in human services to making lives better. In The large crowd that attended the Town tablish “a process by which information is ex- 2000, he expanded his efforts to the political Fair workshop listened carefully as Chief changed between individuals through a com- arena when he was elected, as a member of Hanley went through what he considered to mon system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” the Progressive Party, to the Vermont House be many of the essentials of a good commu- With this broad definition in mind, a munic- of Representatives. In April of this year, he nications plan. He started by stating that the ipal communications plan needs to consider resigned from the House after his successful benefit of creating and instituting a communi- three, more specific “exchanges” of informa- cations plan during the “good times” is that it tion: internal, outbound and inbound. (Continued on Page Twelve) will be in place (and be one less thing to worry about) during the “bad times” (shootings, (Continued on next page) floods, fires, and so on). “Successfully com- Inside this issue Legal and Regulatory Notes. . . 4 ur ay in the apital ity Ask the League...... 6 O D C C ! Group Services Comm . Ctr .. . . 8 Local Government Day 2007 will be celebrated February 14 at the Capitol Plaza Vehicle Theft...... 9 Hotel and the Vermont State House. Local officials from all over the state are expected to converge on the state’s capital to MAC Workshop Locations. . . . 9 meet and greet their legislators and hear about the important issues of the 2007 legis- Trivia...... 10 lative session. Governor Jim Douglas and Speaker of the House Gaye Symington have 2006 Housing Conference . . . 10 been invited to address attendees. In addition, VLCT staff members and representa- Tech Check...... 11 tives from the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and Treasurers’ Association will update at- VLCT Weather Policy. . . . . 13 tendees on specific bills and other legislative initiatives. Plan to join us on Wednesday, February 14 to share good company, good ideas and Classifieds...... 15 good food with your colleagues. Register on-line at http://www.vlct.org/eventscalen- Calendar...... 16 dar/ or by using the flyer that will be sent in early January. Communications - Chief Hanley emphasized the impor- tance, especially in emergencies, of selecting (Continued from previous page) a single source of authority to release infor- mation, to ensure that information given out Information Exhange – Internal is consistent. He offered a checklist for those 89 Main Street, Suite 4 Does your municipality have the techni- local officials who might be called to appear Montpelier, VT 05602-2948 cal means (radio, cable, etc.) to communicate before the media: Tel.: (802) 229-9111 • Fax: (802) 229-2211 amongst its key players in an emergency? In E-mail: [email protected] Middlebury, grant money has been used to • Have excellent public speaking skills. Be Web: www.vlct.org establish an emergency radio system that con- confident, accurate, and use concise and nects police dispatch and all police mobile plain language. and portable radios with the two private and • Stay on message – don’t get bogged down VLCT Board four public schools in town. The schools all in specifics (refer them to the town attor- Susan Spaulding, President have base stations in their offices, and criti- ney). Manager, Chester cal school staff members carry portable radios • Remember that the public has a short at- Sandra Grenier, Vice-president with them to facilitate direct communication tention span. Think 20-second sound Clerk/Treasurer, St. Johnsbury between responding officers and staff. bites. Bill Shepeluk, Immediate Past President • If possible, use graphics to explain your Municipal Manager, Waterbury Information Exchange – Outbound message. Steven E . Jeffrey, Secretary A municipal communications plan should • Dress for the severity of the situation – identify the different media outlets that local casual attire does not inspire confidence. Nicholas Ecker-Racz officials can utilize (newspapers, the Internet, • If working with the visual media, use a Selectperson, Glover school and town newsletters, radio, television, Sandra Harris simple background. Again, a cluttered Town Clerk, Vernon for example), as well as consider who will office with open file cabinets in the back- Honorable Bob Kiss speak on the town’s behalf in any given situa- ground does not inspire confidence. Mayor, Burlington tion. A police chief may be the most appro- David Lewis priate point of contact for an incident such as Remember, Chief Hanley advised, that Manager, Killington the shooting mentioned above. However, the in an emergency, the public wants to believe Sanford Miller chair of the selectboard or a town manager you, to feel safe, and to know that once gov- Manager, Milton may be the most appropriate point of contact ernment intercedes, the worst is over. “They William Perkins for conflict over taxation or land use. want leadership,” he stated. Selectperson, Middlebury (Continued on Page Seven) Hunter Rieseberg Manager, Hartford Roland (Ted) Simmons Selectboard Chair, Orwell Al Wilkinson Treasurer, Rutland

VLCT Staff* Steven E . Jeffrey Executive Director Dominic Cloud Director, Municipal Assistance Center B . Michael Gilbar Chief Financial Officer Karen B . Horn Director, Public Policy and Advocacy Services Brian FitzPatrick Acting Director, Group Services *Partial List Katherine B . Roe, Editor, VLCT News

The VLCT News is published eleven times per year (the August and September issues are combined) by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, a non- profit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1967 to serve the needs and interests of Vermont mu- nicipalities. The VLCT News is distributed to all VLCT member towns. Additional subscriptions are available for $25 to VLCT members ($60, non- members), plus sales tax if applicable. Please con- tact VLCT for subscription and advertising information.

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 • VLCT News • January 2007 Tax Sale Proceeds; Hunting on Municipal Lands; Telephone Tax Refund Towns Can Retain Balance taxes are due shall be sold to pay such taxes, The importance behind sending a notice of of Tax Sale Proceeds costs and fees.” 32 V.S.A. § 5254(a)). Look- tax sale is to inform the taxpayer that the A recent decision of the Vermont Supreme ing at the tax collection statutory scheme as property is to be sold and the amount that Court confirmed the authority of towns to re- a whole, the Court held that the Legislature must be paid to prevent the sale. In this re- tain the balance of tax sale proceeds for the intended interest to be included in the over- gard, the notice was clear. duration of the one-year redemption period. all tax obligation collectible by tax sale be- The Court also rejected taxpayers’ charac- Ran-Mar, Inc., v. Town of Berlin, 2006 VT 117. cause 32 V.S.A. § 5136 authorizes towns to terization of the Town’s retention of the tax The case concerns tax sales conducted by collect interest on overdue taxes. To take the sale proceeds as an unconstitutional taking. the Town of Berlin on seven properties owned taxpayers’ position would mean that the Leg- The inherent flaw in taxpayers’ argument was by three related corporations: Ran-Mar, Inc., islature granted towns the authority to as- that there can be no taking if nothing was R & G Properties II, Inc. and R & G Prop- sess interest on overdue taxes, but no mecha- taken. The Town neither took property from

... this case finally answers the question of whether towns may hold onto the proceeds from a tax sale until the end of the redemption period. erties III, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “tax- nism by which to collect it, thereby rendering the taxpayers nor deprived them of the eco- payers”). Prior to the tax sale, the Town sent 32 V.S.A. § 5136 ineffectual. Taxpayers simi- nomic use of their properties. Furthermore, notices to the taxpayers informing them that larly questioned the Town’s authority to insist Vermont law does not confer upon a taxpayer they could avoid the sale by paying the delin- penalties be paid because there is no express any right to the tax sale proceeds during the re- quent taxes, interest owed and fees and costs mention of penalties in 32 V.S.A. § 5254(a). demption period. It is only when the redemp- incurred. When payment was not received, The Court concluded that this question came tion period expires and title is conveyed that the Town went forward with the tax sale. Af- down to a matter of semantics as the Town’s the transaction is completed and the proceeds terwards, taxpayers asked the Town to return use of the word “penalties” in its notice to are due. More to the point, the tax sale pro- all monies in excess of the delinquent taxes, the taxpayers was an obvious reference to the ceeds originated from the winning bidder at tax costs and fees. The Town refused, informing eight percent collector’s fee authorized by 32 sale, not from the taxpayers. Therefore, since the taxpayers it would hold the tax sale pro- V.S.A. §§ 1674, 5258. “The Town’s use of no money was actually taken from the taxpayer, ceeds until culmination of the one-year statu- the term ‘penalties’ to refer to the collector’s there is no money for the Town to return. tory redemption period. Taxpayers brought fee does not invalidate the tax sale, nor does suit in Washington County Superior Court it prevent the Town from collecting the fee.” (Continued on next page) seeking to have the tax sale invalidated on the basis that the Town exceeded its statutory au- thority by requiring interest and penalties to It’s Not Too Soon To Plan For be paid to avoid the tax sale. Taxpayers also Green-Up And Summer Projects questioned the Town’s authority to retain the How Can We Help? proceeds, arguing that doing so amounted to an unconstitutional taking. The Superior Street Upgrading · Public Swimming Pools Court granted the Town’s motion for sum- mary judgment, upholding the tax sale and Water Supply Treatment and Distribution Design affirming the Town’s authority to retain the State Funding and Permitting Assistance proceeds. Wastewater Collection and Treatment System Design On appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court, Stormwater Management · Site Plans taxpayers argued the Town lacked the author- ity to collect interest on delinquent taxes be- Since 1976 cause the statute authorizing tax sales makes Phelps Engineering, Inc. no specific mention of interest. (“When the 3 Mill Street (802) 388-7829 tax with costs and fees is not paid before the P.O. Box 367 [email protected] day of sale, the real property on which the Middlebury, VT 05753 www.phelpseng.com

 • VLCT News • January 2007 Legal/Reg. Notes - ping on land it owns and leases. Hunters, An- With regard to HAT’s constitutional (Continued from previous page) glers and Trappers Association of Vermont, Inc., claim, the Supreme Court noted that while v. Winooski Valley Park District, 2006 VT 82. the Vermont Constitution provides hunting This case is important to towns for sev- The case involved the Winooski Valley Park rights, it also vests the Legislature with the eral reasons. First, it removes some of the District, a union municipal district. The Dis- power to regulate hunting and trapping, even lingering uncertainty that has been hovering trict owns and leases approximately 1,864 on privately held lands. So long as the Leg- over the tax sale process by firmly cementing acres and manages the land as a public park. islature had properly delegated its authority a town’s authority to collect interest by tax While the park is open for a variety of uses, to the District, the District’s prohibition of sale and dispelling the notion that fees by the District does not allow hunting, shooting hunting and trapping in the park would not any other name (i.e. “penalties”) are not col- or trapping and has posted the property un- violate any constitutional right. While 24 lectible. More importantly, this case finally der 10 V.S.A. § 5201, the statute that autho- V.S.A. § 2295 was intended to prevent a mu- answers the question of whether towns may rizes private owners to post their property. nicipality from banning hunting and trap- hold onto the proceeds from a tax sale until In February 2003, Hunters, Anglers and ping on private property, the statute does not the end of the redemption period. Equally Trappers Association of Vermont (HAT) filed prohibit a municipality, acting in a proprie- as important is what the Court did not say. a complaint in Chittenden Superior Court tary function, from managing its own lands The Court did not say that a town could seeking an injunction to prevent the Dis- in the interests of recreation and conserva- not give the excess proceeds to a taxpayer when it receives them, only that it did not While 24 V.S.A. § 2295 was intended to prevent a municipality from banning hunting and have to do so. In fact, Justice Dooley points trapping on private property, the statute does not prohibit a municipality, acting in a proprie- out in his consenting opinion that a town tary function, from managing its own lands in the interests of recreation and conservation, in- can, and often should, give these proceeds to cluding posting its property in accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 5201. taxpayers as they are held for their benefit. However, in making this suggestion, Justice Dooley forewarns, “the Town should not re- trict from prohibiting hunting and trapping tion, including posting its property in ac- turn the proceeds without the consent of in the park. In January 2005, the Superior cordance with 10 V.S.A. § 5201. Thus, the the mortgagee….” Towns that release these Court entered judgment in favor of the Dis- District’s actions in posting the park to ban monies before the passing of the redemption trict. HAT appealed, alleging, among other hunting and trapping were not only autho- period would do well to heed this advice things, that the District’s ban on hunting and rized by the Legislature, but also free of any and obtain the consent of all mortgagees be- trapping violated both the Vermont Consti- statutory or constitutional prohibition. fore doing so. tution’s protection of the right to hunt and 24 This decision clarifies some confusion - Garrett Baxter, Senior Associate, VLCT V.S.A. § 2295. The statute provides, in rel- surrounding the authority to regulate hunt- Municipal Assistance Center e vant part: ing and trapping on municipal property. As Except as otherwise provided by law, no noted by the Supreme Court, 24 V.S.A. § Municipality has Authority to town, city or incorporated village, by ordi- 2295 was intended to prevent a municipality Prohibit Hunting on Lands it nance, resolution or other enactment, shall from regulating hunting on private property, directly regulate hunting, fishing and trapping Owns and Leases as such regulations would interfere with the or the possession, ownership, transportation, State’s regulatory prerogatives and the rights In a November decision, the Vermont transfer, sale, purchase, carrying, licensing or protected by the Vermont Constitution. Nei- Supreme Court held that a municipality has registration of traps, firearms, ammunition or ther of these concerns is implicated when a the authority to prohibit hunting and trap- components of firearms or ammunition. town sets conditions on the use of its own land. For a copy of the decision, visit http://dol.state.vt.us/gopher_root3/supct/ 0ZP[[PTL[VLJVUVTPaLVU[YHUZWVY[H[PVUJVZ[Z current/2005-056.op - Jim Barlow, Attorney, VLCT Municipal MVY`V\YVYNHUPaH[PVU& Assistance Center

IRS Announces Formula to >P[O[VKH`»ZOPNOM\LSJVZ[ZP[THRLZTVYLZLUZL[OHUL]LYILMVYL[V Estimate Federal Telephone Tax LJVUVTPaLVU[YHUZWVY[H[PVUJVZ[Z>V\SK`V\YUVUWYVÄ[VYNHUPaH[PVUVY Refund ZTHSSUVUWYVÄ[JVTT\[LYNYV\WILULÄ[MYVTV^UPUNHUKVWLYH[PUNH WHZZLUNLYJVTT\[LY]HU¶ÄUHUJLKPU[LYLZ[MYLL& “Good news” and the “Internal Revenue Service” are not usually terms founds in the ;OL=LYTVU[(NLUJ`VM;YHUZWVY[H[PVU=;YHUZHUK[OL=LYTVU[,JVUVTPJ same sentence - that is, unless you are talk- +L]LSVWTLU[(\[OVYP[`=,+(OH]LM\UKZH]HPSHISL[OYV\NO[OL:[H[L ing about the new formula for telephone tax 0UMYHZ[Y\J[\YL)HUR:0)7YVNYHT[VOLSWX\HSPÄLKUVUWYVÄ[ZÄUHUJL\W[V refunds. The IRS recently announced that  VM[OLJVZ[VMJVTT\[LY]HUZ=;YHUZM\SS`Z\IZPKPaLZ[OL:0)PU[LYLZ[ businesses and tax-exempt organizations, in- JOHYNLZHUKHWWSPJH[PVUMLL cluding municipalities, can now utilize a for- mula to estimate their one-time federal tele- ;VSLHYUTVYL]PZP[^^^]LKHVYNVYJHSS    (Continued on Page Seven)

 • VLCT News • January 2007 Questions asked by VLCT members and answered by the League’s legal and research staff

Employee Bonus; Mobilehome Water Bill

Are taxes withheld when paying em- First, some rules regarding when withhold- partly on whether you withhold income ployees a bonus? ings on supplemental wage payments to an tax from an employee’s regular wages. employee are less than or equal to $1,000,000: There are two options: If taxes are with- Yes. According to the IRS in IRS Pub- • When supplemental wages are combined held, you can either: lication 15, bonus payments are treated as 1.) Withhold a flat 25%, or supplemental wages, defined as “compensa- with regular wages, without specifying the amount of each, taxes are withheld as if the 2.) Add the supplemental and regu- tion paid in addition to an employee’s regu- lar wages for the most recent payroll period. lar wages.” total were a single payment for a regular payroll period. Then, figure income tax withholding as if the The method of withholding taxes de- total was a single payment. Subtract the tax pends on whether the supplemental payment • When supplemental wages are paid sepa- already withheld from regular wages. With- is identified as a separate payment from reg- rately (or combined in a single payment but hold the remaining tax from the supplemen- ular wages. Additionally, withholding rules each separate amount is specified), the in- tal wages. vary depending on the amount. come tax withholding method depends Regardless of the method, the supplemen- tal wages are subject to social security, Medi- care, and FUTA taxes. CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF Special rules apply to withhold- ELECTRICITY COSTS ON YOUR MUNICIPALITY? ings on supplemental wages of more than $1,000,000. Withhold as described above up to $1,000,000. Any amount in excess of Take these steps to $1,000,000 will have taxes withheld at 35%, save money and energy: regardless of the employee’s Form W-4. Please refer to IRS Publication 15, Section 7 at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf, or • Convert older lighting to more contact the Municipal Assistance Center with efficient technologies, such as any further questions. compact fluorescents and - Tara Fischer, Research and Information Super T8 systems. Assistant, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center • Eliminate the need for electric Do you have any suggestions for collect- space heaters and improve ing overdue water bills from mobile homes comfort by air sealing and that are located in a mobile home park? insulating your buildings. Collecting overdue water bills from mo- bile home parks can be difficult as often times • When purchasing new office there is no way to turn off water to a delin- equipment, look for ENERGY quent ratepayer without turning it off to the STAR® qualified models which entire park. However, state law provides that use 40-70% less electricity water delinquencies are a lien upon real prop- erty in the same manner as taxes are a lien than standard models. upon real property. 24 V.S.A. § 3306. This allows municipalities to use the tax sale pro- “We appreciate Efficiency Vermont’s assistance in helping us buy cess to recoup delinquent water delinquen- affordable and energy-efficient lighting that complements renovations cies. State law also allows a fire district (many of which distribute municipal water) to elect in an historic building.” the town collector of taxes to serve as the dis- Jean Wolfe, Tunbridge Public Library trict’s collector, even if the town collector is To learn more, visit not a resident of the district. 20 V.S.A. § 2486. For more information on tax sales, see www.efficiencyvermont.com VLCT’s Handbook for Collectors of Delinquent or call Alison Hollingsworth, Taxes, available online at www.vlct.org under Municipal Energy Specialist Resource Library. 1-888-921-5990 x1105 - Dominic Cloud, Director, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center

 • VLCT News • January 2007 • Use of volunteers (retired receptionists, Legal/Reg. Notes - Communications - telecommunications personnel, police offi- (Continued from Page Five) (Continued from Page Two) cers are valuable resources) to help staff tele- phones during and beyond office hours. phone excise tax refund. This comes on the Chief Hanley also took a few moments to • How to brief anyone handling the tele- heels of a May 2006 Treasury Department address non-emergency situations that might phones on the issue, and on what and what not to release. announcement that, beginning August 2006, attract a lot of media attention: scandals, the government would no longer be collect- poorly performing agencies, other conten- In less pressing circumstances that still ing the federal excise tax on long-distance tious or controversial issues. The important tend to generate numerous citizen inquiries, telephone service and would issue refunds for message in these situations, he said, is that such as a road closure, Chief Hanley advised taxes billed after February 28, 2003. “government is capable of and will appropri- that a town have a process in place that lets Prior to this announcement, the only ately respond to the event.” He added, “Pro- citizens know they have been heard. It might other method of calculating the refund- vide all information (both sides of issues) to mean adding a comment area to the town’s able amount was to actually go through 41 demonstrate that government will deliberate Web site, or designating one person – who months (March 2003 through July 2006) of completely and in good faith. is well versed in the issue at hand – to return telephone bills to determine the actual taxes “If release of specific information is det- calls about it. paid. While tax-exempt organizations may rimental to an investigation or control of an Conclusion still avail themselves of this cumbersome and event, say so. ‘No comment’ is a bad phrase.” Developing a comprehensive communica- tions plan is good public policy. While such labor-intensive method, they can now figure Information Exhange – Inbound out their refund by taking the difference of Much of local government communica- a plan might be considered a luxury in good the percentage of their federal telephone ex- tions planning focuses on getting informa- times, it is an absolute necessity in bad times. cise tax from two telephone bills. (The IRS tion out to citizens. However, as Chief Han- “People will be looking for information,” directs that statements from April and Sep- ley asked his Town Fair audience, “It is easy Chief Hanley concluded. “They will either tember 2006 should be used.) The IRS pro- to plan to get information out. What about get it from you or they’ll find another source. vides the following example for performing a plan to receive inquiries and requests for in- Which do you choose they get it from?” this calculation: formation?” - Katherine Roe, VLCT Communications “(I)f a business has an April 2006 tele- Noting that in an emergency, a munici- Coordinator, and Trevor Lashua, VLCT Associ- phone bill of $1,000, which includes federal pality can easily be overwhelmed by inbound ate, Advocacy and Information Services telephone excise tax of $28, the tax percent- communication, Chief Hanley advised that (Editor’s Note: The topic of emergency com- age is 2.8 percent. If the September 2006 any communications plan include a way to munications is important enough that we asked bill is $1,100, including federal telephone ex- handle and respond to these calls and e-mails. Middlebury Police Chief Thomas Hanley to cise tax of $16.50, the tax percentage is 1.5 It should cover: share his Town Fair workshop presentation notes with the VLCT News, so that they could do percent. The business’ long-distance excise • The mechanics of receiving a large volume tax percentage is 1.3 percent (2.8 percent for of calls. “double duty” as a newsletter article. Thank you, Chief Hanley, and to the other workshop April minus 1.5 percent for September). The • How to develop a simple, concise response business multiplies 1.3 percent by its total to get critical information out. presenters: Putney Manager Chris Ryan, Select- phone expenses over the 41-month period to • How to sort through the incoming infor- board member Lyssa Papazian, and IPutney.com arrive at the amount of its refund.” mation and facts to choose the material founder Paul LeVasseur. For more information about media relations This refund is capped at 2 percent of the that would be useful for the town’s emer- in particular, see “Media Relations: The Cor- total telephone expense for tax-exempt orga- gency decision-making process; how to communicate this information to the cor- nerstone of Good Public Relations” in the May nizations with 250 or fewer employees and rect town personnel. 1998 edition of the VLCT News.) 1 percent for those with more than 250 em- ployees. Refunds can be requested by com- pleting IRS Form 8913, Credit for Federal Telephone Excise Tax Paid, and attaching it McNeil, leddy & SheahaN to Form 990-T. - Garrett Baxter, Senior Associate, VLCT Brian P. Monaghan, Esq. has become associated with the Municipal Assistance Center law firm of McNeil, Leddy & Sheahan. Prior to joining McNeil, Leddy & Sheahan, Brian served as staff attorney at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Municipal Assistance Center since 2002, where he counseled Vermont New Business municipalities in land use law, employment law, municipal liability, real property taxation, administrative law, and Mileage Rate municipal finance. Brian will continue in this area of The federal Internal Revenue Service work with the firm. Brian is also available for training has increased the standard business mile- in Effective Land Use Meetings & Hearings through the age rate for 2007. Effective January 1, Municipal Education Grant program at the Vermont 2007 the rate will be 48.5 cents per mile, Department of Housing & Community Affairs. up from the 44.5 cents per mile rate in effect for 2006. (802) 863-4531 / [email protected] Brian P. Monaghan, Esq.

 • VLCT News • January 2007 (Communications Under Ten Sentences) VLCT Health Trust CIGNA Transition Congratulations In early December, VLCT Member Relations staff concluded twelve regional information The Vermont Town and City Managers meetings with the Health Trust’s new insurance provider, CIGNA HealthCare. Between these Association recognized two Vermont manag- meetings and the Trust’s Annual Meeting on November 17, VLCT staff members were able to ers at its recent annual Fall Conference, held meet with representatives of 96% of the Trust’s covered employees in the weeks leading up to this year at the Basin Harbor Resort in Ver- the December 15 CIGNA enrollment deadline. Member Relations staff also visited many indi- gennes. Thomas Yennerell, Manager, West vidual towns during November and December, and will continue to do so well into the new year. Rutland, received VTCMA’s Outstanding Other resources available for VLCT Health Trust members include CIGNA’s Web site, Achievement Award and Jonas Rosenthal, cigna.com, and toll-free Enrollment Information Line (800/564-7642). Once you are enrolled, Manager, Poultney, received the VTCMA valuable information about your plan, your deductible amounts, etc. will be available through Distinguished Service Award. Congratula- mycigna.com. Please call the VLCT Member Relations Division if you have any questions tions, gentlemen! about the CIGNA plans or the transition process. Members of the Division are: Larry Smith, Manager; Tanya Chambers, Member Relations Representative; Dan Roda, Member Relations Representative; and Kelley Avery, Senior Administrative Assistant. Engineering, Planning, Permitting, Welcome & Environmental Services The Rutland County Recreation District has joined VLCT PACIF, bringing its member- Supporting Vermont Municipalities Since 1962! ship up to 349 members. The Washington County Sheriff’s Depart- Permitting ment and Jeffersonville Village have joined the Surveying VLCT Health Trust, bringing membership up to 299. Transportation Water/Wastewater Environmental Water Resources Structural Mechanical Silver Bridge Electrical Danby, Vermont

SM Plumbing The Power of Partnering Civil/Site Landscape Architecture Kay M Kuzmik Office Manager Project Management Ronald “Chip” Sanville Chelsea Mountain Road Construction Services Randolph, Vermont Plan Coordinator 100 State Street, Suite 346 Securities offered through Randolph, Vermont Williston, Vermont Montpelier, Vermont 05602 GWFS Equities, Inc. (802) 229-2391 A Great-West Company 802.728.3376 802.878.7661 (800) 457-1028 x 2 Regional Office 15 Constitution Drive - Suite 1J (802)229-2637 Fax Bedford, NH 03110 [email protected] Nashua, New Hampshire (800)596-3384 [email protected] 603.883.0463 www.dubois-king.com www.gwrs.com

 • VLCT News • January 2007 Protect Your Vehicle From Theft You probably take a lot of precautions to • Lock stuff you wouldn’t want to lose in • Make sure your vehicle is adequately in- protect your home against break-ins, but do the trunk or put it out of sight if you sured against theft and theft of expensive you take the same care and precautions with don’t have a trunk. accessories. your vehicle? Follow these tips to make sure • Don’t leave valuables, like your wallet, in that you don’t become a victim of theft. For more information about the safety and the glove compartment. wellness resources available from the VLCT • Park in the safest place possible. Avoid • If you have to leave your key with a park- Safety and Health Promotion Program, please isolated, poorly lit spots. ing lot attendant or valet, leave only the contact Shawna McNamara at smcnamara@ • Never leave your vehicle running or your ignition key. Also make sure not to leave vlct.org, or call 800/649-7915. You may also keys in the car when you’re not in it, even other keys on the ring, such as keys to visit the Program’s on-line Wellness Library to duck into the convenience store for just your home. at http://www.vlct.org/insuranceriskservices/ a minute. • At work or at the gym, keep vehicle and wellnesslibrary/. You may request materials • Always lock your vehicle and roll win- home keys locked up (in a locker or desk), from the Library on-line; they will be deliv- dows up all the way. Set the alarm, if you or keep them in your pocket. ered to you with a postage paid return enve- have one. lope enclosed for your convenience.

MAC Changes Workshop Locations The Municipal Assistance Center is changing the location of its 2006-7 daylong workshops. After holding the first three workshops at Vermont College in Montpe- lier, staff has determined that the Montpelier Elks’ Club or Capital Plaza provide a better fit for our workshop needs. Starting with Local Water Quality Protec- tion on Thursday, January 25, 2007, the re- mainder of this year’s daylong MAC work- shops will be held at either the Elks’ Club or the Capital Plaza Hotel, unless otherwise noted in the promotional flyer for the event. If you are using the VLCT 2006 – 2007 Cal- endar of Training & Events brochure to plan ahead for winter and spring workshops, you will want to note that there will be a new lo- cation for these workshops. All other VLCT events on the Calendar will be held in their original location. For more information or questions, please contact Tara Fischer, VLCT Research and Information Assistant, at tfischer@ vlct.org. You may also visit www.vlct.org/ eventscalendar for workshop information.

 • VLCT News • January 2007 2006 Housing Conference Where are We? What Needs to be Done? Several hundred housing advocates, devel- quire long commutes because of a lack of af- ments for municipal grantees of HUD com- opers, financiers, state and local government fordable housing. New housing construction munity development block grant funds; officials, and ordinary citizens met at the generates questions such as is the proposed 8. discrimination in rental and sales markets; Sheraton in Burlington in November for a site a “sprawl location” in which the car is and biannual statewide housing conference. The the sole means of transportation? Or is the 9. lack of public transportation options. agenda was packed with numerous topics, area “walkable?” Are there natural resources The Forum on Sprawl’s presentation at including impediments to housing develop- constraints – that is, are municipal sewer and the Housing Conference proposed planning ment, the need for transitional housing for a water available in lieu of on-site septic? Is and design standards that would produce variety of populations, accessory apartments, the proposed development consistent with higher density, pedestrian-friendly neighbor- housing and health, preservation tax credits, the character of the hosting neighborhood? hoods accessible to work places and other and legislative agendas for the coming year. Federal housing assistance dates back to amenities, and on smaller tracts of land. In all, participants could choose from among the 1930s, and much of Vermont’s funding This is the model being promoted by growth twenty-four concurrent sessions. comes from the federal government. The centers legislation and tax increment financ- As local officials know, the issues that ac- Vermont Housing Finance Agency was cre- ing district legislation passed in 2006, as well company the provision of adequate hous- ated in 1974. In 1987, the Vermont Hous- as the Vermont Downtown Program. This ing for Vermonters are complex and multi- ing and Conservation Board was created and coming session, the Governor will again pro- layered. A person may be homeless for any funded at $3 million for that year. In 1988, pose a land bank concept in which lands number of financial reasons. That homeless- as part of the new land use planning law owned by the state could be made available ness might be complicated by the fact that known as Act 200, a portion of revenues de- for housing in places where they are not be- he or she is young (mid teens to mid twen- rived from the property transfer tax was ded- ing used in the manner intended at the time ties) and alone, has mental health issues, icated to the Housing Conservation Trust. of acquisition, and where the municipality is recently released from prison, is a victim (Act 200 also created the Municipal and Re- is amenable to turning those parcels over to of domestic violence, moves frequently be- gional Planning Fund, upon which local gov- housing uses. Thus, the cost of land – a ma- tween communities or – if the homeless per- ernments rely for planning assistance.) jor impediment to building affordable hous- son is a child – doesn’t have access to con- Despite a plethora of programs that help ing – would be lowered. sistent schooling. A person may not be able people rent or own houses, and that assure A proposal to increase funding for home- to move from one living situation to a bet- them of shelter during a crisis stage of life, less shelters and services, and for transitional ter one if affordable housing isn’t available. there are still significant problems in provid- housing, will be put on the table this legisla- Some turn down new job opportunities if ing appropriate housing for all our residents, tive session, as will legislation to establish a it means moving to an area that would re- both statewide and nationally. Federal fund- statewide rental housing inspection program. ing cutbacks have compounded the prob- The Legislature will also be asked to increase lem – according to “Changing Priorities: funding for the Housing and Conservation Trivia The Federal Budget and Housing Assistance, Trust Fund and to increase the State’s an- Congratulations this month to Guild- 1976-2005,” the federal Housing and Urban nual allocation for its affordable housing tax hall selectboard member Patricia Rogers, Development Agency (HUD) has seen its credit. Assessment of alternatives to tradi- who responded that Vermont’s first state funding cut 66% since its high water mark tional on-site sewage systems for homes in fair was held on September 10-11, 1850, during the Ford and Carter administrations. rural areas will continue. When combined in Middlebury. We had a small contin- The Vermont Analysis of Impediments to with many other initiatives at the local, state gent of respondents who favored a “field Fair Housing Choice – developed by J-Quad and federal level, these proposals should pro- near Castleton” in the fall of 1846, but & Associates for the Department of Hous- vide some new options for the construction VLCT trivia guru Michael Gilbar is stand- ing and Community Affairs and the Hu- or renovation of housing that suits the needs ing by his source, Freedom and Unity: A man Rights Commission, and delivered to of Vermonters in the next several years. History of Vermont, by Michael Sherman, the Legislature in February 2006 – identifies Will the Vermont housing problem be Gene Sessions, and P. Jeffrey Potash, and nine impediments to fair housing that have resolved any time soon? Housing short- published by the Vermont Historical So- the most significant effect on the affordabil- ages have been with us a long, long time, for ciety. ity, availability and accessibility of housing in many reasons and for a wide variety of con- Our January challenge is from Mike’s Vermont. They are: Very Obscure Trivia file. Good luck! sumers. While significant efforts to respond 1. lack of affordable housing; to Vermont’s housing crisis continue to be This professor organized an Institute 2. rental housing units in poor condition; made at all levels of government (for exam- of Municipal Affairs and published a re- 3. lack of accessible housing; ple, grants are available to Montpelier home- nowned study of the “poor laws” of Ver- 4. zoning ordinances that require large lots; owners who build accessory apartments), the mont in 1916 . Who was the professor amount of money needed to resolve this cri- and at what university did he teach? 5. zoning ordinances that do not allow for high density residential uses, including sis is enormous and will compete with all the Contact us with your answer: VLCT, multi-family and mobile home uses; other pressures on the state budget in what 89 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpelier, VT 6. lack of awareness of fair housing laws and looks to be another tight fiscal year. 05602, tel. 800/649-7915, fax, 802/229- rights granted under the law; - Karen Horn, Director, VLCT Public 2211, e-mail, [email protected]. 7. need to strengthen fair housing require- Policy and Advocacy

10 • VLCT News • January 2007 Tech Tips from the VLCT Staff VLCT staff members offer you this New shortcut – pressing the Ctrl and K keys to in- variety of on-line documents and handbooks Year’s gift bag of their favorite technology tips. sert links in Word and Excel documents. for answers to your local government ques- May your new technology year be glitch-free! Tanya Chambers and Luke MacDonald tions.) Garrett Baxter recommends the Vermont Shortcuts both like to use a shortcut to insert dates into Shawna McNamara suggests using the Excel documents and Access databases. Press Planning Information Center’s Web site for Shift key and F7 to access the thesaurus func- the Ctrl and ; (semi-colon) keys for this one. zoning administrators, planning commis- tion in Microsoft Word. Spell check can be Tracy Hatch uses a shortcut to freeze panes sions and DRBs: http://www.vpic.info. accessed with the F7 key in both Word and in Excel. Position your cursor in a cell below Darlene Bresset, Kelly Kindestin, Kathi Outlook as well. the rows and to the right of the columns you Chaloux, and Pat Boyle recommend a cou- David Gunn uses the Alt Tab keys to wish to freeze, then press the Alt and W and ple of nifty Web sites for all you Yankees out switch between open applications such as F keys. there: http://www.howstuffworks.com/in- Word and Excel. When you press Alt and Tab Jill George uses the Tab key to move for- dex.htm to learn about how electronic stuff at the same time, it displays the icons of the ward from cell to cell and Shift and Tab to works and http://www.erh.noaa.gov/btv/ open programs. While holding the Alt key, move backward in Excel and Access. She also html/climo2.shtml for the national weather press the Tab key to move from one icon to likes to use the Windows and M keys to mini- service. They also make extensive use of the next. When you release the keys you’re in mize all open windows. our scanning equipment to create PDF files that can then be e-mailed. Saves time and whichever application the tab key was last on. Steve Jeffrey and Sue Dubie really like the money! Jessi Hill likes to use a more obscure func- Word function “Autotext” and recommend tion. If you want to create more than one line using it to reduce keystrokes. Here’s an ex- Kelley Avery recommends some great of text in a single cell in Excel, press the Alt ample: Web sites for Medicare, COBRA and other employment resources: http://www.cms.hhs. and Enter keys to insert a hard return in the In Word, type “Department of Banking, cell. gov/ and http://www.medicare.gov/ for lots Insurance, Securities and Healthcare Ad- of Medicare information, http://www.labor. Allyson Barrieau and Millie Archer both ministration.” Highlight this entire phrase vermont.gov/ for the Vermont Department recommend using the shortcut for Undo: and click on Insert in your main menu, of Labor, and http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/ press the Ctrl and Z keys. This is fondly re- then Autotext and New. Enter “BISHCA” health-plans/cobra.htm to get COBRA in- ferred to as the “oops” shortcut. Millie also in the dialogue box that opens (this is the formation. likes using the format painter, that little paint- shorter phrase that you want to be able brush icon in your toolbar, to copy formats Brian Fitzpatrick and Chris Laberge to use instead of the longer original) and recommend that municipal officials take ad- from one section of your document to an- click OK. Now, every time you want to other. Just highlight whatever text you wish vantage of OSHA’s Web site at http://www. enter the phrase “Department of Banking, osha.gov to stay on top of the latest in em- to copy the format from, click on the paint- Insurance, Securities and Healthcare Ad- brush and highlight the text you wish to copy ployee safety. ministration,” just enter “BISHCA” and the format to. Other hit the F3 key. You can use this for signa- Dom Cloud recommends using Power Sonia Rivera and Tara Fischer make use ture lines, names, sentences, etc. of the copy or cut and paste shortcuts. Press Point to create organizational charts. When Ctrl and C to copy or Ctrl and X to cut, then Web Sites you insert a new slide, choose the organiza- Ctrl and V to paste. Tara also likes to use Ctrl Trevor Lashua recommends a nifty Web tional chart layout and you’re off and run- A to select all. link that displays a table of municipalities’ ning. Vicky Abare uses the Ctrl and ’ (apostro- highway miles and the state highway aid re- Katherine Roe and Karen Horn offered phe) keys in Excel and Access to copy text ceived. The link is http://www.aot.state.vt.us/ Luke as a tip. Luke is VLCT’s new Tech- from the cell above. Copying a formula is thgp/Results.asp?TownName=All. nology Support Specialist (a.k.a. Help Desk more complex – for that you should use the Jim Barlow suggests municipal officials Guy). Everyone should have a Luke. Karen standard copy and paste. create a desktop shortcut to Vermont statutes also says if something goes wrong with your Rikk Taft’s favorite shortcut is pressing the on-line at http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/ computer, turn it off and wait ten minutes. Windows and E keys to access My Computer statutes2.htm. (Katherine Roe says there is That’s why we keep her over at the State and all your directories. The Windows key also a link to the on-line statutes from every House! is the one between the Ctrl and Alt keys with page of VLCT’s on-line Resource Library, at Happy New Year from the friendly folks the little Windows icon. http://resources.vlct.org/. And, while she’s at at VLCT! - Michael Gilbar, VLCT Chief Financial Danielle Trombly uses the hyperlink it, she recommends checking the Library’s wide Officer

11 • VLCT News • January 2007 Bob Kiss - jobs for CVOEO employees.” gle payer health care system,” he said. “Un- (Continued from Page One) Kiss continued with a similar agenda at til we do, we won’t get a system that meets the the State House. Health care topped his list needs of everyone.” Recalling that he once bid to replace outgoing Burlington Mayor of statewide issues that had (and continue to heard the Canadian health care system re- Peter Clavelle. have) a large impact on his Burlington con- ferred to not as socialized medicine, but civi- His path to local government service is stituents. Other issues that he followed care- lized medicine, Kiss noted, “I firmly believe not the typical one, as he has never held lo- fully in Montpelier included workers’ com- that if you receive preventative health care for cal office,per se. During the eighteen years pensation, affordable housing, comprehen- your whole lifetime, you are better off.” he worked at the Champlain Valley Office sive code enforcement for rental housing, liv- Mayor Kiss looks forward to continuing to of Economic Opportunity (twelve as Ex- work on these issues, and more, as Mayor and ecutive Director), federal funding rules re- as a member of the VLCT Board of Directors. stricted CVOEO staff from holding parti- “State and local governments share a lot of is- san office. Kiss, who has lived in Burling- sues – health care, efficient government and ton since 1972, served for nine years on the the ability to pay for it, the potential to share commission (five as chair) of the Burling- resources through local option taxes, building ton Housing Authority and for eight years a sustainable economy, and housing,” he said. on the board of Burlington’s Committee on The Mayor is also enjoying governing a lit- Temporary Shelter. In all these positions, tle closer to the people he was elected to serve. he worked with and alongside Chittenden “Working for Burlington is more immedi- County’s local governments. He was an ac- ate – we can respond to needs more quickly – tive participant in progressive politics be- and less deliberative than the State House.” fore and after Bernie Sander’s election as the When he talks about Burlington’s recent Mayor of Burlington in 1981. sale of land (save for the one percent inter- Human services is a demanding profes- est it retained) to the Intervale Foundation, it sion that can also be emotionally draining. is clear that he is pleased the land will forever “I had a long tenure in human services,” be used for agricultural production. That it Mayor Kiss said. “I was able to do it because will provide local food for local folks is an in- of the different challenges each day. We Mayor Bob Kiss teresting twist on his work in human services made progress in fair housing, Head Start, to make sure citizens have adequate access to emergency food, and low-income weather- able wages and better jobs, and energy-effi- food. “The Intervale is producing seven to ization. In the 1980s, for example, low-in- cient, appropriate outdoor lighting. He was eight percent of Burlington’s food, and can come home weatherization was a good idea. on the Local Government Committee in the do more,” the Mayor predicted. “As time By the 1990s, it was a building science. I House for one term and on the Judiciary goes on, that will become a more important also worked hard to build an effective ad- Committee for two terms. value.” vocacy agency in the community with good “I’m not afraid to say that we need a sin- Mayor Kiss lists two immediate challenges in Burlington: continue to develop an econ- omy that can support the City’s future, and increase citizen input into major City initia- Serving the capital needs of tives and processes. Vermont’s municipalities “The region is pretty effective right now at developing economic opportunity,” Mayor since 1970 (Continued on next page)

The VMBB provides loans to Vermont municipalities at low interest rates with a very low cost of issue.

The Bond Bank provides assistance including, but not limited to: 1) Calculating estimated debt service schedules of varying amounts and term lengths; 2) Providing website and printed bond information materials, and; 3) Attending local meetings with officials or other informational meetings.

For more information contact the Bond Bank at: 58 East State Street, P.O. Box 564, Montpelier, VT 05601-0564 802-223-2717 Š 800-891-2717 [email protected] www.vtbondagency.org

12 • VLCT News • January 2007 Bob Kiss - the budget with the City’s Chief Administra- Calendar - (Continued from previous page) tive Officer, Jonathan Leopold. Mayor Kiss (Continued from Page Sixteen) and Leopold have also visited with Burling- Kiss noted, citing its recent ranking by ton’s five assemblies to explain the approved Municipal Personnel Primer. Thursday, Moody’s Economy.com as first in the nation budget. “Having more people understand February 8, 2007, Comfort Inn, St. John- in “business vitality.” “Our economy is be- how we build the budget will make future sbury, Thursday, February 15, 2007, coming more adaptable. We are also lucky budgets better, especially as we face difficult Wilmington Town Office or Wednesday, to have a geography that works. We win on decisions,” he noted. February 21, 2007, Royalton Senior Cen- quality of life, not by subsidizing someone,” Kiss would like to add more people to the ter. Sponsored by the VLCT Municipal he concluded. budget advisory committee: one from each of Assistance Center. This evening presenta- Kiss is aware of the special responsibili- the five neighborhood councils and two from tion will focus on critical municipal per- ties that come with being the Mayor of Ver- each of the city’s seven wards, along with the sonnel procedures relating to hiring, firing mont’s largest city. “I have a sense of respon- seven people invited back from last year. “Ev- and managing municipal employees. sibility that comes from the city and region’s ery place we can,” he said, “I would like to Local Government Day in the Legislature. role in driving the rest of the State’s econ- add more people to the process … so that cit- Wednesday, February 14, 2007. Capi- omy, he said.” Kiss is also aware of the na- izens participate in government beyond the tol Plaza Hotel, Montpelier and the Ver- tional and international implications of the right to vote. It is a challenge, and doesn’t al- mont State House. Sponsored by VLCT City’s economic and environmental deci- ways flow seamlessly, but we are at our peril if and the Vermont Municipal Clerks’ and sions. Global warming is a particular con- we do not do it.” Treasurers’ Association. A special day at cern of his. “Even if the U.S. has not signed If this sounds like a credo from the 1960s, the Vermont State House for local officials the Kyoto Accord, we can help balance out it is, and Mayor Kiss would be the first to say to hear about the status of pending legis- the fact that every thirty days a new coal-fired that that decade inspired him to work on be- lation from VLCT and VMCTA repre- power plant goes on-line in China,” Kiss half of better lives for Vermonters. From his sentatives, attend legislative hearings and commented. position as Mayor and as a member of the speak with their representatives about the One of the early hallmarks of his admin- VLCT Board, Bob Kiss will continue to ask istration has been to draw more citizens into local – and state – government to join him in Vermont Legislature. the City’s decision-making process. “I took this important work. Town Meeting Tune-up. Tuesday, February office in April, and had to deliver a budget Welcome to the VLCT Board, Mayor Kiss. 27, 2007, Montpelier Elks’ Club. Spon- to the City Council by June 15,” he recalled. - Katherine Roe, VLCT Communications sored by the VLCT Municipal Assistance Kiss immediately recruited seven citizens, Coordinator Center. A parliamentarian’s paradise, this based on their skills and interests, to work on annual workshop is designed for modera- tors and selectboard members, both sea- soned and new. It will focus on the statu- tory requirements for town meeting, Rob- ert’s Rules of Order and best practices for making it through the meeting unscathed. Selectboard Institute . Saturday, March 31, 2007, Montpelier Elks’ Club. Sponsored by the VLCT Municipal Assistance Cen- ter. The second of two selectboard train- ings, the Selectboard Institute is offered just after Town Meeting and is targeted towards newer members (though all are welcome). The event will focus on the fundamentals such as understanding the municipal organization, running effective meetings and managing the town budget.

VLCT Inclement Weather Policy VLCT makes every effort to hold all scheduled meetings, workshops and other events regardless of the weather, as resched- uling such events is very difficult. If we do have to cancel an event, we will put a mes- sage on our telephone answering machine and Web site by 6:30 a.m. Please call us at 800/649-7915 or check www.vlct.org if the weather is questionable.

13 • VLCT News • January 2007 Classifieds - certifiable as a police officer as specified through the challenges of a growing com- (Continued from Page Fifteen) by the Vermont Criminal Justice Coun- munity, and be capable of developing pos- cil. The Police Chief must have excellent itive working relationships with employ- problem solving. Strong written/verbal managerial skills, function as a working ees, residents, business owners, town staff communications skills essential. Direct law enforcement officer, and possess ef- and elected officials. The Police Chief experience with economic development fective community relations and inter- is a full-time, exempt position responsi- and wastewater treatment plant construc- personal skills. Salary range is $49,700- ble for supervising, directing and man- tion/operations big plus. BA/BS required, $56,200. Applications accepted until aging all daily administrative and techni- MBA/MPA preferred, with seven years of December 31, 2006 or until the posi- cal aspects of the police department. He progressive management and leadership tion is filled. Apply to: John B. Schempf, or she will foster a professional responsive experience. Salary DOQ. Additional in- Municipal Manager, Bellows Falls Village law enforcement team where safety, team- formation available at www.municipalre- Corporation, P.O. Box 370, Bellows Falls, work and public responsiveness are par- sources.com/career.html. Send resume, VT 05101. Equal opportunity employer. amount. Additionally, the Chief will de- in confidence, to recruitment@munici- (11-28) velop, monitor and enforce department policies and initiate community-based palresources.com (electronic correspon- Firefighters. Littleton, NH is looking for crime prevention programs. The position dence preferred) or Raymond Town Man- team-oriented, energetic and hardwork- reports directly to the Town Manager, ager Search, Attn: Gail Schillinger, Mu- ing individuals to join a part-time (24 who is consulted on major policy deci- nicipal Resources, Inc., 120 Daniel Web- hrs/week) firefighting team. Require- sions and personnel matters. The depart- ster Highway, Meredith, NH 03253. Ap- ments: high school diploma, NH level 1 ment has 11 full-time officers, 2 part-time plication deadline is January 5, 2007 . firefighter certification, NH level 2 -(de officers, 1 full-time administrative assis- Raymond is an equal opportunity em- sired), Certified Haz-mat Operational, tant, 1 part-time administrative assistant, ployer. (11-28) EMT-B and NH-CDL. Must possess and 1 part-time parking enforcement of- the ability and desire to commit to ex- Police Chief. The Village of Bellows Falls, ficer. The Town of Littleton has a popu- tensive firefighting duty. Town residency Vt. seeks an energetic, dynamic law en- lation of 6,000, though its daily influx of not required. Employment is subject to forcement professional to fill the position people reaches 13,000. Qualifications: ten criminal and motor vehicle background of Police Chief and lead a department of years or more of law enforcement experi- checks. Aerial climb test and physical will eight full-time, sworn officers and four ence, including five years of progressively be required prior to employment. Hourly civilian dispatchers. Bellows Falls Vil- responsible leadership experience; demon- pay range is expected to be $9.50-$10.50, lage (pop. 3,200) is located in the desir- strated abilities in strategic planning, or- skill-premium based. Pick up a detailed able Connecticut River Valley in south- ganization, community-oriented polic- application including job description eastern Vermont. The Village operates ing, strong leadership and communica- and job requirements at the Town of Lit- under a managerial form of government; tion skills, and knowledge of departmen- tleton’s administration office, 125 Main the Police Chief is hired by and reports tal budgeting; an Associate’s degree from Street, Suite 200, Littleton, NH 03561. directly to the Municipal Manager. Re- an accredited college or university in a re- Applications will not be mailed. No quirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Law En- lated field or an equivalent combination phone calls, please. The Town of Littleton forcement, Public Administration or a re- of education and experience that would is an equal opportunity employer. (11-22) lated field; a minimum of ten years of law provide the necessary skills for the posi- enforcement experience with a minimum Police Chief. The Town of Littleton, NH tion; certification by the NH Police Stan- of five years in a supervisory capacity; or is seeking an experienced leader to man- dards and Training Council (or transfer- any equivalent combination of education, age its police department. The success- able certificate). Salary range, $55,000- skills and experience. Candidates must be ful candidate will guide the department 60,000 DOQ/E, plus benefits. For a complete job description, e-mail knoyes@ townoflittleton.org. To apply, submit re- sume, professional employment history, Wastewater five references and cover letter to: Town Professional, Innovative, Practical Manager, 125 Main Street, Suite 200, Lit- tleton, NH 03561. Position open until Otter Creek Engineering provides solutions for municipal, industrial filled. (10-24) and institutional clients’ wastewater needs with skills in the planning, design, permitting and construction engineering of many types of projects, including: Request For Proposals • Treatment Facilities • Pumping Facilities Senior Housing. East Montpelier Senior • Infrastructure Planning • Collection Systems Living Initiative, Inc., requests propos- • Biosolids Management • Combined Sewer Separation als for consulting services to undertake a market analysis and feasibility study for Michael Smith, PE We’re qualified to meet the needs of your project. the provision of senior housing in the Town of East Montpelier. The study is 404 East Main Street 25 Washington Street Otter Creek PO Box 712 Rutland, VT 05701 funded by a 2007 Municipal Planning East Middlebury, VT 05740 Phone: 802.747.3080 Grant. For details and the full RFP, con- Engineering Phone: 802.382.8522 Fax: 802.747.4820 Fax: 802.382.8640 [email protected] tact Deborah Fillion at 802/229-1320. www.ottercrk.com Deadline to apply is January 15, 2007. (11-30)

14 • VLCT News • January 2007 opment review coordination; and assist- claim administration to our municipal Please visit the VLCT Web site to view more ing in other departmental functions as ap- members. The successful Trainee will pass classified ads: http://www.vlct.org/marketplace/ propriate. A detailed job description and a state-licensing exam within six months classifiedads/. You may also submit your ad via qualifications are available upon request to a year and become a full Claim Rep- an e-mail link on this page of the site. and can be obtained through the Notices resentative within two years of employ- page at www.montpelier-vt.org. Compet- ment. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree itive pay and excellent benefits, depend- or equivalent experience in claims, cus- ing on qualifications and experience. The tomer service or municipal government; VLCT NEWS City seeks to fill this position as soon as basic skills in computer applications, ex- Classified possible. Though submissions will be ac- cellent communications and problem cepted until the position is filled, respon- solving skills, and the ability to analyze Advertising Policy dents are urged to submit a letter and information; attendance at some eve- resume by December 20, 2006, after ning meetings; and a valid Vermont driv- The VLCT News welcomes classi- which interviews will be scheduled. Indi- er’s license for in-state travel. VLCT of- fied advertisements from municipal en- viduals selected for an interview will be fers an excellent salary and benefits pack- tities, public agencies, businesses and asked to provide a writing sample. Send age and an enjoyable work environment individuals. This service is free for letter and resume to Director of Planning in downtown Montpelier. To apply, please VLCT members (regular, contributing & Community Development, City Hall, e-mail cover letter, résumé and names/ and associate); the non-member rate is 39 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602- phone numbers of three references to: $37.00 per ad. Ads are generally lim- 2950, or e-mail to ghallsmith@montpe- [email protected] with Trainee as sub- ited to 150 words. lier-vt.org. Montpelier is an equal oppor- ject. Review begins immediately; appli- The VLCT News is published every tunity employer. (12-12) cations accepted until filled. Equal Op- month and usually reaches readers by portunity Employer. (12-12) Town Planner. Jericho, Vt. seeks a part-time the third week of the month. Ads are Town Planner. The Town Planner will as- Water/Wastewater System Operator. The also placed on the VLCT Web site as sist the Planning Commission with gen- Town of Randolph, Vt. is accepting ap- soon as they are received. eral municipal planning including, but plications for a Water/Wastewater Sys- The copy deadline for advertise- not limited to, updates of the Town Plan, tem Operator. Applicants should possess ments is the first Friday of the month Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, and a Grade 3 Water License and a Grade 2 for the next month’s issue. However, other ordinances. He or she will work Wastewater License. Prior experience pre- space is occasionally available for late alongside the Zoning Administrator un- ferred. Licenses may be waived if appli- additions. Please feel free to check der the supervision of the Town Admin- cant can demonstrate the ability to obtain with the editor for availability. istrator. Preferred background includes a one within six months. This is a full-time, For more information on classified Bachelor’s degree plus two years experi- hourly position working in both water and display advertising in the VLCT ence in planning or related work or equiv- and wastewater operations. Wage based News, please contact Katherine Roe, alent combination of education and ex- upon qualifications. Randolph provides a Editor, VLCT News, 89 Main Street, perience. Applicants should have a strong full range of benefits including medical, Suite 4, Montpelier, VT 05602, tel. knowledge of land use planning issues dental, life and retirement. Position open 800/649-7915, fax 802/229-2211, e- and be able to work in a public setting. until filled. To obtain an application, call mail [email protected]. For a complete job description, please call 802/728-5433, or send letter of interest 802/899-2287 or e-mail tjericho@adel- with resume to: W/W Operator Position, phia.net. Salary is negotiable based on Town of Randolph, Drawer B, Randolph, previous education and experience. To ap- VT 05060. Randolph is an equal oppor- Help Wanted ply, send a resume with three references tunity employer. (12-4) and a cover letter by January 3, 2007 to: Administrative Officer. Montpelier, Vt. David Spitz, Jericho Town Hall, P.O. Box Town Manager. Raymond, NH (pop. (pop. 8,100) is seeking an individual to 67, Jericho, VT 05465. (12-07) 10,639) is seeking a creative, proactive, administer Montpelier’s Zoning and Sub- community-oriented leader to serve as division Regulations. The Administra- Claim Representative Trainee. The Ver- Town Manager. Reports to five-mem- tive Officer (a.k.a. Zoning Administrator) mont League of Cities & Town’s mem- ber Board of Selectman operating under is a front-line position whose duties in- ber-owned Property, Casualty and Work- the Official Ballot Town Meeting form of clude: applying the regulations to permit ers’ Compensation insurance pool has an government. Position requires experience applications; assisting persons through immediate career opportunity for a recent and knowledge of local government oper- the permit process; review and analysis college graduate or experienced individual ations, with a demonstrated ability in fi- of permit applications; site inspections; looking for a transition. The person we nance and budgeting, labor relations, staff providing staff support to the DRB and seek is a team player who has the desire development, and community-oriented DRC; preparing records of board actions; and ability to learn and develop, initially enforcement; interdepartmental devel- under close supervision, to provide daily (Continued on Page Fourteen)

15 • VLCT News • January 2007 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Montpelier, VT Permit No. 358

89 Main Street, Suite 4 Montpelier, VT 05602-2948

better prepared to engage in the manage- stormwater runoff and other contami- For more information about the follow- ment of their community’s tree resource. nants. This workshop will present several ing workshops or events, please contact Jes- For more information, please contact tools for water quality protection, paying sica Hill, VLCT Manager, Administra- [email protected], call 802/223- particular attention to reviewing devel- tive Services, tel., 800/649-7915; e-mail, 2389, ext. 25, or visit www.vtcommuni- opments that are exempt from state regu- [email protected]. Or visit http://www.vlct. tyforestry.org. lation and the statewide watershed plan- org/eventscalendar/ and select a workshop ning process. for more information or to register on-line. Subdivision Primer. Thursday, January (The on-line registration option is available 18, 2007. Vermont Interactive Television Wellness Coordinator Workshops. Thurs- for VLCT workshops and events only.) sites around the state. Sponsored by the day, January 25, 2007, Cortina Inn, Men- VLCT Municipal Assistance Center and don; Thursday, February 1, 2007, Capitol your local regional planning commission. Plaza Hotel; Thursday, February 8, 2007, Stewardship of the Urban Landscape This second workshop in a three-part se- Comfort Inn, St. Johnsbury; Thursday, (S O. U. L). . Monday evenings from Jan- ries will focus on reviewing subdivision February 15, 2007, Wilmington Town uary 8 - March 5, 2007. Vermont In- applications, paying particular attention Office; or Thursday, February 22, 2007, teractive Television sites around the to applying appropriate conditions, re- Hampton Inn, Colchester. Sponsored by state. S.O.U.L. is a 40-hour course de- viewing applications for planned unit de- VLCT Insurance and Risk Management signed for community volunteer group velopments and incorporating water qual- Services, this workshop will be offered in members, tree wardens, municipal offi- ity protection strategies. five locations around the state for the con- cials, citizens, and others who are inter- Local Water Quality Protection. Thurs- venience of municipal wellness coordina- ested in the issues of urban and commu- tors. We will discuss CIGNA programs, nity trees and forests. The program com- day, January 25, 2007. Montpelier Elks’ Club, Montpelier, Vermont. Sponsored the Leader (VLCT’s health promotion in- bines technical information on tree biol- centive program), explain the 2007 pedom- ogy, tree assessment, municipal tree man- by the VLCT Municipal Assistance Cen- ter. Local governments are uniquely po- eter program, and hear from our EAP rep- agement, and proper maintenance with resentatives. leadership skills. Participants walk away sitioned to protect surface waters from (Continued on Page Thirteen)

16 • VLCT News • January 2007