Se r v i n g a n d Strengthening Ve r m o n t Lo c a l Go v e r n m e n t s April 2008 We l c o m e Ne w a n d TULIP Bl o o m s Re t u r n i n g Lo c a l Of f i c i a l s a t VLCT PACIF Ad d s a Ne w VLCT offers congratulations to all new MAC, which offers legal, educational and con- and returning local officials who were elected sulting services, Group Services; which offers Me m b e r Be n e fi t to office on Town Meeting Day. a wide range of insurance and benefits services; Do you rent your municipal facilities to Your municipal organization offers a wide and Advocacy, which represents municipal in- others? Do you allow others to use your variety of resources that can quickly bring terests at the Vermont State House. outdoor venues to hold events such as wed- dings, festivals, cultural events or parades? “Your municipal organization offers a wide variety of resources that can quickly bring new Do you have groups, such as a historical so- local officials up to speed.” ciety, that hold meetings in your facilities on a regular basis? If you answered yes to any new local officials up to speed. Please watch Our members include all 246 cities and of these questions, then PACIF’s new TU- for the print and/or electronic versions of this towns in Vermont, plus many fire and solid LIP (Tenant Users Liability Insurance Pol- newsletter and the Weekly Legislative Report. waste districts and other municipal entities. icy) program will be very helpful to your Consider attending a workshop put on by the Rest assured that if you call, we will help you municipality. VLCT Municipal Assistance Center (MAC) – or refer you to a resource that can. Our toll- TULIP provides low cost general liabil- for more information about its spring sched- free telephone number is 800/649-7915 and ity insurance for tenant users of a VLCT ule of educational workshops, please visit our our general e-mail address is [email protected]. PACIF member-owned venue or facility. To website’s Events Calendar at www.vlct.org. Individual staff members can be reached at manage and control the exposures that come You will also find in this issue a brief New [email protected]. Again, welcome Officials’ Guide to VLCT, designed to ori- aboard, and may your local government ser- (Continued on Page Ten) ent you to the broad range of VLCT services: vice be lengthy and productive! In s i d e t h i s i s s u e Lo c a l Go v e r n m e n t Da y 2008 Digital Divide Workshop. . . . 2 U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders addressed a luncheon crowd of 265 at Local Government Day 2008. Here, he speaks to Chester Town Manager Susan Spaulding (left) and Killing- Legal and Regulatory Notes. . . 4 ton Town Manager David Lewis (middle), shortly af- More Termination Tips. . . . . 5 ter they were each presented with the 2008 VLCT Life- Ask the League...... 6 time Achievement Award. Trivia...... 7 Both managers are retiring this year after lengthy careers Group Services Comm . Ctr. . . 10 in local government. Lo- cal officials from around the Tech Check...... 13 state gathered at the State House before and after the Foundation Directory. . . . . 15 luncheon festivities to hear Classifieds...... 17 – and be heard by – their elected senators and represen- Calendar...... 20 tatives on municipal issues. (Photo by David Gunn) Di g i ta l Divi d e Wo r k s h o p Vermont Tele- 89 Main Street, Suite 4 communications Au- Montpelier, VT 05602-2948 thority Board Chair Tel.: (802) 229-9111 • Fax: (802) 229-2211 Mary Evslin ad- E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.vlct.org dressed 75 attendees at VLCT’s March 7 Digital Divide Workshop. Evslin VLCT Board was joined by Gov- ernor Douglas, lun- William Perkins, President Selectperson, Middlebury cheon speaker Steve Shepard, and repre- Sanford Miller, Vice President sentatives from Bur- Manager, Milton lington Telecom, EC Susan Spaulding, Immediate Past President Fiber, the Vermont Manager, Chester Rural Broadband Project and North-link, all of whom emphasized the importance of leading the state Jared Cadwell toward universal access to high-speed Internet and cellular telephone service. Mate- Selectperson, Fayston rials from the workshop and additional information about public broadband service Sandra Harris initiatives are available on the VLCT website at http://www.vlct.org/eventscalendar/ Town Clerk, Vernon digitaldivideforum/. (Photo by Allyson Barrieau) Alison Kaiser Town Clerk, Stowe Honorable Bob Kiss The economic and environmental arguments for expanding broadband in Mayor, Burlington Vermont“ are compelling. Municipalities can’t afford NOT to do this. David Lewis ” Manager, Killington For the under-served rural towns of Vermont, the ECFiber model offers an opportunity“ to replace one of the worst communications networks in North America Hunter Rieseberg Manager, Hartford with one of the best.” Bob Rusten I hope this is the first of many such gatherings around the state, where people Manager, Wilmington share“ ideas about what works, and what doesn’t, in the effort to get better Internet Roland (Ted) Simmons and telecommunications services to Vermonters. Selectboard Chair, Orwell ” – A few participant take-aways from the Digital Divide Workshop Steven E . Jeffrey Executive Director

Katherine B . Roe 0ZP[[PTL[VLJVUVTPaLVU[YHUZWVY[H[PVUJVZ[Z Editor, VLCT News MVY`V\YVYNHUPaH[PVU& Allyson Barrieau Layout, VLCT News David Gunn >P[O[VKH`»ZOPNOM\LSJVZ[ZP[THRLZTVYLZLUZL[OHUL]LYILMVYL[V Copy Editor, VLCT News LJVUVTPaLVU[YHUZWVY[H[PVUJVZ[Z>V\SK`V\YUVUWYVÄ[VYNHUPaH[PVUVY The VLCT News is published eleven times per ZTHSSUVUWYVÄ[JVTT\[LYNYV\WILULÄ[MYVTV^UPUNHUKVWLYH[PUNH year (the August and September issues are com- WHZZLUNLYJVTT\[LY]HU¶ÄUHUJLKPU[LYLZ[MYLL& bined) by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization ;OL=LYTVU[(NLUJ`VM;YHUZWVY[H[PVU=;YHUZHUK[OL=LYTVU[,JVUVTPJ founded in 1967 to serve the needs and inter- +L]LSVWTLU[(\[OVYP[`=,+(OH]LM\UKZH]HPSHISL[OYV\NO[OL:[H[L ests of Vermont municipalities. The VLCT News 0UMYHZ[Y\J[\YL)HUR:0)7YVNYHT[VOLSWX\HSPÄLKUVUWYVÄ[ZÄUHUJL\W[V is distributed to all VLCT member towns. Ad- ditional subscriptions are available for $25 to  VM[OLJVZ[VMJVTT\[LY]HUZ=;YHUZM\SS`Z\IZPKPaLZ[OL:0)PU[LYLZ[ VLCT members ($60, non-members), plus sales JOHYNLZHUKHWWSPJH[PVUMLL tax if applicable. Please contact VLCT for sub- scription and advertising information. ;VSLHYUTVYL]PZP[^^^]LKHVYNVYJHSS   

2 • VLCT News • April 2008 Helping You Help Your Community

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Sm a l l Ta x Br e a k f o r Vo l u n t e e r Fir e f i g h t e r s , EMS On December 20, 2007, President Bush will sunset on December 31, 2010. The signed the Volunteer Responder Incentive law also clarifies that volunteers who also MAC Protection Act of 2007 (VRIPA). This claim deductions for deductible expenses in Act will exclude from taxable income up to connection with fire-service activities will Pu b l i c a t i o n s $360 per year of nominal payments from not be able to double-count these expenses municipalities to volunteer firefighters and under the $360 per year cap. Up d a t e s volunteer EMS personnel. The exemption - Jim Barlow, Senior Attorney, VLCT begins on January 1, 2008, and affects income Municipal Assistance Center The VLCT Municipal Assistance earned in 2008, payable on taxes by April 15, Center recently issued an updated 2009. As currently written, the exemption Handbook for Collectors of Delinquent Taxes. This handbook offers an over- view of the statutory and practical re- quirements of the position. Different delinquent tax collection methods and special problems are discussed in the Handbook, which also has an extensive The Company You Know. appendix of sample forms, letters and policies. To order a copy of the Hand- book, please visit http://www.vlct.org/ The Experts You Trust. marketplace/bookstore/. VLCT mem- bers may also download a copy of the Handbook for free from the VLCT • Codification of your ordinances on-line Resource Library at http://re- • Fast Supplementation Services sources.vlct.org/. The Municipal Assistance Center • Electronic access to Codes and records also recently released the fourth in its • Document Management Products and Services series of technical papers. “On the Re- • Building, Planning and Zoning Software cord Review” looks at the choice a mu- nicipality has between on the record • Disaster recovery plan for your records and de novo review for appeals of its • Agenda Management Software Solutions land use decisions and elaborates on Herb Myers the whys and the hows of adopting on the record review. At General Code, the key to our success is our people. Serving more than 2,500 communities in the The “On the Record Review” Tech- U.S., our customers know us as industry experts, and rely on us as service professionals. Contact nical Paper is available from the Re- Herb Myers, your Vermont Sales Rep today at 800-836-8834 or [email protected] source Library at http://resources.vlct. to learn about the new solutions we have to offer your municipality. org/. For more information about GENERAL these or other MAC publications, www.generalcode.com please contact Grace Person, MAC Re- CODE search and Information Assistant, at 800/649-7915 or [email protected]. Visit us at www.generalcode.com for a list of upcoming FREE Webinars!

4 • VLCT News • April 2008 Mo r e Em p l o y e e Te r m i n a t i o n Tip s (Editor’s Note: Last month’s “Tips on How prescribed progressive discipline or ter- be afforded due process. Due process to Terminate an Employee” article strongly ad- mination procedure can give rise to typically requires the municipal em- vised all municipal employers to consult with a breach of contract or wrongful dis- ployer to give the employee written no- their attorney or the VLCT Municipal Assis- charge claim against the town, so it is tice of the reason for termination and a tance Center before beginning the termina- important for municipal employers to hearing at which the employee can re- tion process. This check-in is so important that apply their progressive discipline and spond to the charges before termina- we underline it this month with the additional termination procedures consistently. tion is implemented. Failure to afford tips that follow. Your attorney or a MAC staff adequate notice and a hearing can re- member will cover these points when you call • Municipal employees who are not em- sult in a consitutionally-based due pro- him or her to discuss terminating an employ- ployed at-will usually have a constitu- cess claim against the town. ee’s employment with your municipality. How- tionally-protected property interest in - Jim Barlow, Senior Attorney, VLCT ever, they are very general in nature and we ad- their employment. Before a munic- Municipal Assistance Center vise, again, that you speak with your attorney ipal employer can interfere with this or MAC for advice specific to your situation be- property interest, the employee must fore you begin the termination process.)

Additional legal requirements placed on municipal employers require an extra fo- CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF cus on the termination process. The follow- ing four tips for municipal employee termi- ELECTRICITY COSTS ON YOUR MUNICIPALITY? nation provide an overview of these require- ments. Take these steps to • Under Vermont law, the employment save money and energy: relationship for both the public and pri- vate sectors is presumed to be “at-will.” • Convert older lighting to more This means that employment is termi- efficient technologies, such as nable at any time, for any non-discrim- compact fluorescents and inatory reason, or for no reason at all. Super T8 systems. However, the at-will presumption can be overcome by the existence of a statute, • Eliminate the need for electric charter, collective bargaining agreement or space heaters and improve a personnel policy inconsistent with an at- comfort by air sealing and will relationship. An example of this is a insulating your buildings. defined progressive discipline or termi- nation process as is commonly found in • When purchasing new office many municipal personnel policies. equipment, look for ENERGY STAR® qualified models which • If there is a termination or progressive use 40-70% less electricity discipline procedure in your town’s per- than standard models. sonnel policies, the inclusion of a boiler- plate provision that the employee relation- ship is at-will will not automatically pre- “We appreciate Efficiency Vermont’s assistance in helping us buy serve the at-will employment relationship. affordable and energy-efficient lighting that complements renovations Courts will look at the town’s policies in an historic building.” in their entirety, together with the par- Jean Wolfe, Tunbridge Public Library ties’ reasonable expectations and norms of conduct in the workplace, to deter- To learn more, visit mine whether the at-will status has been www.efficiencyvermont.com modified. or call Alison Hollingsworth, Municipal Energy Specialist • If the at-will employment relationship 1-888-921-5990 x1105 has been modified, failure to follow a

5 • VLCT News • April 2008 Questions asked by VLCT members and answered by the League’s legal and research staff

Mu n i c ipa l Re t r e a t s ; Se l e c t p e r s o n Se rvi n g Ad d i t i o n a l Po s i t i o n s

Can a municipal body hold a “retreat” Can a selectperson also serve on the the municipality other than membership in in another town? planning commission or zoning board of the zoning board of adjustment or develop- adjustment/development review board? ment review board...” 24 V.S.A. § 4448(a). Yes. Vermont law does not designate Can a selectperson serve as the adminis- Do not take this statutory permission as an that meetings of a public body must be con- trative officer? endorsement, as opportunities for conflict ducted within its jurisdiction. However, the abound. Examples may include: municipal body is still bound by the open Yes and yes. These are not statutorily in- meeting law. 1 V.S.A. §§ 310 et seq. Call- compatible offices. However, holding these Scenario: Administrative officer is nomi-

“...holding these dual positions presents multiple opportunities for the appearance of, as well as actual, conflicts of interest.” ing the gathering a “retreat” or “work ses- dual positions presents multiple opportu- nated by the planning commission and sion” does not exempt a board from provid- nities for the appearance of, as well as ac- appointed by the selectboard. 24 V.S.A. § ing proper notice and taking minutes. The tual, conflicts of interest. While most of 4448(a). Conflict: Selectperson votes for meeting must also be open to the public and the conflicts discussed below are direct per- him or herself as administrative officer. the public must have an opportunity to par- sonal conflicts of interest for a selectperson, Scenario: Selectboard has the authority to ticipate. While most boards can only dream a direct financial conflict of interest can also adopt personnel policies governing the ad- of such luxuries, if your board chooses to arise in towns where the selectboard sets the ministrative officer’s behavior, evaluate the hold its retreat while enjoying a cruise on compensation for town officers and employ- administrative officer’s performance, and Lake Champlain, you should make sure the ees. 24 V.S.A. § 933. remove the administrative officer at any boat is big enough to accommodate mem- We’ll take these dual positions in reverse time for cause after consultation with the bers of the public who wish to attend! order, starting with the administrative of- planning commission and a public hear- - Stephanie Smith, Senior Associate, VLCT ficer. State law expressly allows an admin- Municipal Assistance Center istrative officer to “hold any other office in (Continued on next page)

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6 • VLCT News • April 2008 As k t h e Le a g u e - town plan and/or bylaws. 24 V.S.A. § (Continued from previous page) 4442(c). Conflict: Selectperson votes on rivi a the very town plan/bylaws that he or she T ing. 24 V.S.A. § 4448(a). Conflict: had a hand in drafting and approving as a Last month’s Trivia winner, Jenni- Selectperson evaluates his or her own per- planning commissioner. 24 V.S.A. § 4325. fer Hanlon, Supervisor of the Uni- formance, lobbies and votes against his or fied Towns and Gores of Essex County, her removal from office. All of the above scenarios bring into ques- barely edged out Don Milne, Clerk of Scenario: Selectboard is authorized by statute tion a selectperson’s ability to impartially the Vermont House of Representatives, to settle lawsuits brought against the town represent the public. For the other offi- with our first March Trivia answer. in an appeal of an administrative officer’s cers, questions arise as to their ability to im- Both quickly sent in the correct answer: action or decision. Conflict: Selectperson partially create, administer, and interpret a Congratulations were due to Governor votes against overturning his or her own town’s bylaws. Remember, too, that an ap- Phil Hoff for being the first democrat action or decision as administrative officer. pearance of conflict can be just as damag- to be elected Vermont governor since ing to the public’s faith in a town’s system of the mid-1800s. The statutes are silent as to whether a se- zoning administration as an actual conflict. This month’s Trivia was inspired by lectperson may also serve on the zoning As noted above, VLCT does not recom- the recent Academy Awards ceremony. board of adjustment (ZBA)/development mend that a selectperson hold any of these Good luck! review board (DRB). Therefore, the Munic- offices unless appropriate measures are taken ipal Assistance Center considers the practice to mitigate the impact of these potential con- Match the following movies – The permitted, but does not recommend it be- flicts. Such measures could include adopt- Trouble with Harry, The Four Sea- cause of the following possible scenarios: ing a conflict of interest policy that requires sons, Beetlejuice, Funny Farm, and a selectperson to recuse him or herself from The Cider House Rules, with the Ver- Scenario: ZBA/DRB members are appointed all decisions involving his or her role as ad- mont location (there are a few that by the selectboard. 24 V.S.A. § 4460(c). ministrative officer, planning commissioner were filmed in the multiple locations Conflict: Selectperson votes for him or or ZBA/DRB member (with the caveat that listed) where they were filmed . Your herself as ZBA/DRB member. the final decision of whether or not to recuse location choices are: Scenario: Selectboard may remove ZBA/ rests with the individual board member and DRB member for cause, upon written cannot be compelled by other members of 1 . East Corinth charges and after public hearing. 24 V.S.A. the board). 2 . Edson Hill Manor/Stowe § 4460(c). Conflict: Selectperson votes Finally, appropriate municipal panels 3 . Grafton/Townshend/Windsor against his or her removal from the ZBA/ (ZBAs/DRBs and planning commissions 4 . Dummerston/Bellows Falls DRB. that exercise development review author- 5 . Craftsbury Common Scenario: Selectboard has authority to rep- ity) must adopt rules of ethics with respect resent the town in appeals to the Envi- to conflicts of interest. Those rules could ad- Contact VLCT with your answer: ronmental Court and, in limited circum- dress the possible membership and participa- 89 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpelier, stances, may initiate an appeal of a ZBA/ tion of a selectperson. 24 V.S.A. § 4461(a). VT 05602; tel. 800/649-7915; fax, DRB decision as an interested person. - Garrett Baxter, Attorney, VLCT 802/229-2211; or [email protected]. Conflict: Selectperson votes against over- Municipal Assistance Center ruling a decision he or she approved or de- nied as a ZBA/DRB member. Selectpersons in rural towns, by virtue of their office, are already nonvotingex offi- cio members of the planning commission. Again, state law does not prohibit selectboard members from serving as full members of the planning commission so the Municipal Assis- tance Center considers it permitted, though not advised, because of the following possible scenarios: Scenario: Planning commissioners may be appointed by the selectboard. 24 V.S.A. § 4323(a). Conflict: Selectperson votes for him or herself as planning commissioner. Scenario: If appointed, planning commis- sioners may be removed at any time by unanimous vote of the selectboard. 24 V.S.A. § 4323(a). Conflict: Selectperson’s vote blocks his or her own removal. Scenario: Selectboard may vote to adopt the

7 • VLCT News • April 2008 Th e Na t i o n a l In c i d e n t Ma n a g e m e n t Sy s t e m Impac t s o n Ve r m o n t ’s Mu nicipa l i t i e s

Ba c k g r o u n d a n d Hi s t o r y national guidelines outlining the compo- • preparedness; nents of the NIMS. The guidelines pro- • communications and information man- On February 28, 2003, the Homeland vide a consistent, nationwide approach agement; Security Presidential Directive #5 enacted that allows federal, state and local govern- • resource management; the National Incident Management System. ments to work effectively and efficiently • command management; and It directed the Secretary of Homeland Se- together during a time of crisis. The • ongoing maintenance of the guidelines. curity to develop and administer a National NIMS was updated in 2007 and the new Incident Management System (NIMS) that guidelines are due out this year. Ve r m o n t ’s NIMS Ac c o m p l i s h m e n t s would enable agencies and governments to The NIMS components were designed Over the past several years, Vermont- work together during a crisis. to complement each other so that they ers have worked hard on these NIMS met- In March 2004, a national stakeholder provide a national framework for incident rics and approximately $2.5 million has been groupNR-1511 developed VT League the first t&c comprehensivead 3/13/08 11:01management. AM Page These1 components include: spent on NIMS planning initiatives. The work includes training in the incident com- mand system (ICS), some inventorying of NEW resources, emergency operations planning Nationally Recognized... This Year, and exercises, standardizing equipment so it is compatible, and other related activities. One Hour North of Boston! LIVE All of Vermont’s towns and cities have Auction! directly or indirectly benefited from the Homeland Security Grant funds that were NRRA’s 27th Annual awarded to our first responder commu- nity. These funds purchased vital equipment Recycling Conference & Expo needed to enhance Vermont’s ability to re- spond to an all hazard incident. Addition- June 9th & 10th, 2008 ally, towns have enhanced or written their Emergency Operations Plans and some have Radisson Nashua Hotel, Nashua, NH exercised them. Every municipality in Ver- mont must have an Emergency Operations � EXPLORE the realities of Green! Plan as outlined in the 2005 NIMS guide- � SEE new Products and Services from 60+ Exhibitors! lines, which can be found on the Vermont � ATTEND Sessions on hot Trends and Technologies! Emergency Management website at http:// � JOIN the excitement of our NEW Live Auction and Tub Raffles! www.dps.state.vt.us/vem/. � PREVIEW all the items and bid high at our ever popular Silent Auction! Many of our state’s first responders and � NEW Venue for Security Shredding & Storage Businesses Platinum emergency support personnel have attended SPONSORS various ICS training. (Guidance on train- ing can be found in the 2007 Vermont NIMS Implementation Plan on the Vermont Attendees: Register On-line by RECYCLED FIBERS Homeland Security website, vthomelandse- May 9th and Save up to 20%! curity.org. This guidance includes courses recommended for municipal officials.)

St i l l t o Do For Conference Details Visit: 27th As we all know, emergency planning is Annual Partners ongoing, which means work still needs to be www.nrra.net done! An inventory of valuable response re- sources completed in 2006 will need to be Northeast Resource Recovery Association(NRRA) updated this year. Many of our municipali- a Non-Profit Recycling Cooperative - 501(c)(3) ties’ public works departments were never in- 2101 Dover Rd, Epsom, NH 03234 / 603-736-4401 ventoried due to the updating of the Federal Fax: 603-736-4402 / Email: [email protected] (Continued on next page)

8 • VLCT News • April 2008 Na t i o n a l In c i d e n t - (Continued from previous page) VLCT St a f f No t e s Congratulations are in order for two VLCT Group Services staff: Dan Roda and Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Rikk Taft. document. Soon, members of the Depart- Dan recently accepted a new position with VLCT as an Underwriter Trainee. ment of Public Safety will be contacting Dan transitioned from his former Member Relations Representative position into his municipalities to complete this important new underwriting post during March as new Member Relations Representative Pam inventory of resources. Finally, federal pre- VanDeursen familiarized herself with her new responsibilities. paredness grants require that local and state Rikk became the proud father of Danyka Rose Taft on February 25. Rikk took governments formally adopt NIMS as the a brief leave in late February while he, his wife Heather, and Danyka’s big sister wel- system used to manage a pre-planned event comed home the newest member of the Taft family. or crisis. Governor Douglas signed an ex- Please watch the May 2008 VLCT News for a longer welcome to Pam and to for- ecutive order (03-05) that established the mer VLCT staffer Kelley Avery, who recently returned to the League to fill the new NIMS as the state standard for all incident Benefit Program Administrator position. management. Local municipalities are re- Finally, VLCT recently bid goodbye to Municipal Assistance Director Dominic quired to formally adopt NIMS as a condi- Cloud, who accepted the position of St. Albans City Manager. MAC Senior Attor- tion of receiving federal preparedness grants. ney Jim Barlow has accepted the position of Acting Director of the Municipal Assis- Many towns and cities have completed this tance Center while VLCT conducts a search for a new Director. requirement. If you have not, a template is available at the Vermont Homeland Secu- rity website. VLCT Bo a r d Ch a n g e s The National Incident Management Sys- tem is the key to the prevention of, response VLCT lost two members of its Board of Directors in March, when Nick Ecker- to and recovery from an all-hazard incident Racz chose not to run for re-election to the Glover selectboard and when Governor or pre-planned event. It provides the local Douglas appointed Board President Sandy Grenier to a vacant seat in the Vermont template that enables local response to work House of Representatives. VLCT is grateful to both board members for their service together efficiently and effectively. It also to the Board and support of Vermont local government. allows for agencies from all levels of govern- William Perkins, Middlebury selectboard member, has moved from Board Vice- ment to assist and cooperate with local re- president to VLCT Board President. Sandy Miller, Milton town manager, will serve sponse in times of large, complex incidents. as Board Vice-president. Nominations for the two vacant seats on the Board were ac- - Captain Chris Reinfurt, Director, cepted through Friday, March 28, 2008. Vermont Homeland Security Unit, Sandy joins six other former VLCT Board members currently serving in the Ver- Vermont State Police mont Legislature: Sen. Jim Condos, Rep. Gail Fallar, Rep. Leigh Larocque, Rep. Ann Manwaring, Rep. Jim Masland, and Rep. Mary Peterson. Three of these leg- (See also “Intrastate Mutual Aid Guide- islators are former VLCT Presidents: Reps. Manwaring, Masland and Grenier. Per- lines Being Considered” in the March, 2007 haps we should have saved this information for a future VLCT News Trivia question! issue of the VLCT News.)

Prepare for the Future . . .

Water Supply Treatment and Distribution Design Wastewater Collection and Treatment System Design The Power of Partnering SM Decentralized Community Wastewater Solutions Kay M Kuzmik Stormwater Management Innovative Funding Concepts Office Manager Permitting Assistance Site Plan Review Services Ronald “Chip” Sanville Public Swimming Pools Account Executive Street Upgrading Jonathan Smith Account Representative 100 State Street, Suite 346 [email protected] Montpelier, Vermont 05602 [email protected] Phelps Engineering, Inc. Since 1976 (802) 229-2391 [email protected] 79 Court Street (802) 388-7829 (800) 457-1028 x 2 Securities offered through (802)229-2637 Fax GWFS Equities, Inc. P.O. Box 367 [email protected] www.gwrs.com A Great-West Company Middlebury, VT 05753 www.phelpseng.com

9 • VLCT News • April 2008 (Co mm u nica t i o n s Un d e r Te n Se n t e nc e s )

TULIP Bl o o m s - PACIF Wo r k e r s ’ Co m p Au d i t s Un d e rw a y The VLCT PACIF workers’ compensation coverage annual audits are underway – a sure (Continued from Page One) sign of spring! In early March, all members received a memorandum from Larry Smith, Member Relations Manager, that outlined the information VLCT needs for the audits. with renting or lending municipal facilities Most members will receive a prescheduled visit from a VLCT member relations represen- to another entity, municipalities should ask tative within the next month – if you haven’t already – to collect the information. PACIF that renters be insured, so that the renter can members whose workers’ compensation audited contribution is less than $4,000 will be provide a certificate of insurance and name asked to complete a self-audit. For more information, contact a VLCT member relations the municipality as an additional insured. If representative at [email protected] or 800/649-7915. they are not insured, you may be assuming their liability and putting your coverage and the PACIF trust at risk. Pr e s c rip t i o n Dr u g s Best practices for facility rental risk man- The VLCT Health Trust has reinstated the prior approval process for the 2008 plan year. agement include the following recommenda- To ensure a smooth transition for members currently taking medications that require prior tions for municipalities: approval, these prescriptions will be able to be filled without prior approval for the first 120 days of the 2008 plan year. At the time the prescription is filled, both the member and the 1 . Adopt a Facility Use Policy. physician will receive a letter in the mail advising the need for approval. The 120-day transi- tion period will conclude on May 1, 2008, at which time prior approval will be mandatory and 2 . Require all users of municipal grounds prescriptions requiring prior approval will not be available for benefit without it. Please feel free or facilities to execute a Facility Rental to contact the Member Relations Department at 800/649-7915 or [email protected] for further Agreement for each event. information. 3 . Require the user/renter to provide proof of insurance to the municipality prior to using the facility. Recommended mini- He a l t h Pr o m o t i o n Pr o g r a m s i n Fu l l Swi n g VLCT’s On the Ball Adventure began in early March mum limit of liability is $1,000,000. with over 1,050 municipal employees and their family 4 . Require the user/renter to name the mu- members participating. This strength, flexibility and bal- nicipality as an “additional insured” on ance program runs through April 27, and is a perfect way the renter’s liability coverage. to prepare for an active summer. Municipal employees who are participating in the Keep it Off Challenge are en- If your municipality does not already tering the homestretch, as this weight management pro- have a Facility Use Policy or standard Facil- gram moves toward its May 2 conclusion. Congratulations ity Rental Agreement (Best Practices 1 and to all who are working on wellness this winter! 2 above), the VLCT Municipal Assistance Center (MAC) has developed models that you can use as a starting point for drafting We l c o m e The Southern Windsor/Windham Counties Solid Waste Management District is (Continued on next page) VLCT PACIF’s newest member.

10 • VLCT News • April 2008 TULIP Bl o o m s - If the users/renters of your municipal fa- Im p o r t a n t TULIP In f o r m a t i o n (Continued from previous page) cilities or grounds do not have their own in- surance coverage already in force to cover The TULIP program is available to mu- your own policy and agreement. Please con- this exposure, then TULIP could be the so- nicipalities that permit tenant users to use tact Grace Person at [email protected] if you lution to complying with best practices 3 their facilities for specific events. It protects would like copies of these documents. and 4 above. both the tenant user and the facility itself 4 7/8 w. x 4 5/8 h or against claims by “third parties” who may be injured or have property damage, as a result 7 1/2 w x 3 h (inches), of the activities of the tenant user. Events may range from very low risk ac- tivities, such as seminars, receptions or wed- dings, to higher risk events including camps, sporting events and concerts. The premium is based upon the risk associated with the event or activity, the number of days needed, the number of participants and if there are any special requirements, such as alcohol lia- bility, food service, etc. VLCT PACIF has arranged to make this coverage available to your community mem- bers who wish to use/rent your facilities and don’t already have insurance coverage for this exposure. This coverage is underwritten by Everest National Insurance Company and sold via our insurance broker HUB Interna- tional and its partner, Entertainment Brokers International (EBI). The policy provides $1,000,000 per oc- currence general liability limit of insurance and automatically includes the municipal- ity as an additional insured. The premium can be as low as $75 for a low risk, non-alco- holic event that lasts up to four days with an average daily attendance of 100 people. For another $75, liquor liability coverage can be

(Continued on next page)

11 • VLCT News • April 2008 of Cities and Towns, Property and Casu- the TULIP website and lead them through TULIP Bl o o m s - alty Intermunicipal Fund, Inc., Tenant Us- the three easy steps necessary to purchase a (Continued from previous page) ers Of (code no. 0406). The location refers policy. to the municipality in which the event is to This collaboration among PACIF, MAC, be held. the brokers HUB and EBI, and the carrier added to the policy. The four days of cover- After selecting the facility (VLCT) and Everest National now provides our mem- age may be consecutive or non-consecutive the location (the municipality/PACIF mem- bers a comprehensive approach to achieve such as quarterly meetings during the course of the policy term. April 2008 It is important to note that this policy is a “TULIP provides low cost general liability insurance for tenant users of a VLCT PACIF completely independent and separate insurance member-owned venue or facility.” offering and is not related to PACIF in any way. Your PACIF Coverage Document does not provide this coverage and losses will not ber), the tenant user chooses a description the best practices risk management solution be handled by the VLCT Claims Division. of its event or activity, answers a few ba- to handle liability arising out of the use and Any losses paid by Everest National Insur- sic questions, and then receives an on-line rental of municipally-owned grounds, facili- ance will not affect your PACIF coverage or quote. ties and venues. For additional information contribution charge. If the tenant user decides to purchase or questions, please call the PACIF Under- TULIP coverage, he or she simply enters his writing Division or MAC. Ho w TULIP Wo r k s or her credit card information and coverage - Ken Canning, Deputy Director, When a tenant user wants to use a mu- is bound, including forwarding a Certificate VLCT Group Services nicipal facility, the municipality directs the of Insurance to the facility (VLCT), the ten- tenant user to www.ebi-ins.com/tulip. The ant user and the broker. tenant user will have to select two codes All PACIF members will soon receive from drop down menus that identify the fa- a memo containing a supply of instruc- He l p Ov e r s e e cility and location. On the website the fa- tion cards that can be given to tenant/us- e r m o n t s e o g r a p h i c cility is designated as the Vermont League ers. These convenient cards direct them to V ’ G In f o r m a t i o n Sy s t e m The Vermont Center for Geographic

ȱ Information (VCGI) has a vacancy on its Servingȱtheȱcapitalȱneedsȱofȱ board of directors for a municipal repre- sentative. The Center is a nonprofit pub- Vermont’sȱmunicipalitiesȱȱ lic corporation that was established to: sinceȱ1970 ensure that geographic information system (GIS) data for the State of Ver- ȱ mont are compatible and useful to all data users; ȱ promote the use of GIS data by the TheȱVMBBȱprovidesȱBondȱFinancingȱ ȱ public and private sector and citizens; and toȱVermontȱMunicipalitiesȱatȱlowȱ ȱ promote the growth of the industry in interestȱratesȱwithȱaȱveryȱlowȱcostȱofȱ ȱ the State of Vermont. This is a two-year gubernatorial ap- issue.ȱȱ ȱ pointment and the individual will serve at TheȱVMBBȱalsoȱprovidesȱaȱ ȱ the pleasure of the Governor. The board MunicipalȱLeaseȱFinancingȱBiddingȱ ȱ meets four times a year; however, addi- tional meetings may be called by resolu- serviceȱforȱanyȱequipmentȱdeemedȱ ȱ ȱ tion of the board. To learn more about essentialȱtoȱtheȱdailyȱoperationsȱofȱtheȱ ȱ VCGI, please go to http://www.vcgi.org/. municipality.ȱ ȱ Fair Haven Grade School If you would like to be considered for this board seat, please send a letter of in- ȱ terest and a resume by Wednesday, April Forȱmoreȱinformationȱcontact:ȱ 30, 2008 to VLCT, Attn: Stephanie ȱ Smith, 89 Main Street, Suite 4, Montpe- VermontȱMunicipalȱBondȱBank ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ (802)ȱ223Ȭ2717ȱ lier, VT 05602 or fax to 802/229-2211. 58ȱEastȱStateȱStreetȱ ȱ (800)ȱ894Ȭ2717ȱ A land use or planning background is P.O.ȱBoxȱ564ȱ [email protected]ȱ helpful, but not necessary for the position; Montpelier,ȱVTȱ05602Ȭ0564ȱ www.vtbondagency.orgȱ an interest in the topic and regular atten- dance at meetings are most important.

12 • VLCT News • April 2008

Fiv e Co m m o n Mi s t a k e s o n Mu n i c ipa l We b s i t e s The Internet is a wonderful tool that has Unfortunately, poorly designed and managed admit that they very seldom visit their revolutionized the way we conduct our daily municipal websites litter the Internet and own city’s site. In the digital world, this lives. Municipalities have also embraced frustrate citizens and visitors alike. Here is as bad as failing to see a tree lying in this new technology and it has proven to are five of the most common mistakes on the middle of your busiest street. The municipal website is often the first stop be an effective way to communicate with municipal websites: by many people who are visiting or do- citizens, visitors and prospective businesses. 1 . Failure of Municipal Leaders to Mon- ing business in your city; therefore, you Municipalities have invested thousands of itor the Site need to visit often and note items that taxpayer dollars in developing municipal As I speak around the country, I of- need attention. After all, you would websites. The successful ones are reaping ten mention something I saw on a city never allow a police cruiser to be parked the rewards of increased efficiency, better website and I get a blank stare from the in front of City Hall with four flat tires, communication and wide exposure. mayor or councilmember. Many will however, each day millions of people visit city websites with dead links and outdated information. 2 . Having Technical People Solely Re- sponsible for the Content of the Site This is surely not a knock on the infor- mation technology (IT) department, but leaving decisions on content to the technical gurus can be a fatal mistake

(Continued on next page)

13 • VLCT News • April 2008 only visitors will be from within their not survive with outdated price lists and Te c h Ch e c k - state or country. Most site selection inaccurate contact information and nei- (Continued from Page Thirteen) companies use the Internet as their pri- ther can we. mary information outlet. A company for your municipal website. The web- from Oregon looking for a plant site 5 . Fuzzy Contact Information site should reflect the character and di- should not need to get out an atlas to I was looking for a mailing address to rection of the leadership and manage- find out about a community. We need send a proposal to a city recently and I ment of the municipality. I recommend to think big. When you are in Rich- felt sure that I could get the mailing ad- forming a diverse committee to meet on mond, tell the visitor whether it is in dress on the city’s website. Wrong! I a monthly basis to suggest ideas and im- Indiana, Virginia or Vermont! In this spent about five minutes, (an eternity on provements for the municipal website. global economy, most visitors or com- the web) and finally gave up. Not ev- Things are changing at a rapid pace and panies will not be “driving into town.” eryone is dealing in e-mail. We need to we need to stay current and provide Give them the information they need make it easy to communicate. E-mail the best content to keep the munici- and make it easy to find. addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, pal website updated and relevant. Can street addresses are all a necessity and we video stream the Parking Authority 4 . Out of Date Information cost us nothing to add to our site. meetings or add a searchable complaint The worst thing on a municipal web- system? These are things that can bet- site is to look at the Calendar of Events (Reprinted with permission of the Alabama ter communicate and inform the pub- and see a listing for the 2002 Spring Municipal Journal and the author, Jim Hunt. lic. The IT department can tell us if it’s Fling. There is no excuse for having a Mr. Hunt works with communities and organi- possible; leadership can make it happen. stale website. The Internet is a dynamic, zations to achieve excellence and attain amaz- fast changing tool and we need to reflect ing results. He is a Past President of the Na- 3 . Failure to Realize Why it’s Called the that in our municipal websites. New tional League of Cities and founder of Amazing World Wide Web technology makes it possible for easy Cities (www.amazingcities.org). While I doubt many people will confuse updating of content. Citizens, visitors Paris, Texas with Paris, France, you and business prospects need relevant, would be surprised at how many mu- up-to-date information. A business will nicipal websites seem to think that the 8FWF
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WaterBus7.5x4.625GS.indd 1 3/5/08 3:28:03 PM 14 • VLCT News • April 2008 Dr y Hy d r a n t a n d Fir e Po n d Ma ppi n g Fo u n d a t i o n Dir e c t o r y On l i n e The Northern Vermont Rural Conser- vation and Development’s Rural Fire Pro- The Vermont Community Foundation, in partnership with the Foundation Cen- tection Task Force is working with staff at ter, maintains a comprehensive database of grantmakers that have a primary address E911 to ensure that all dry hydrants and fire in Vermont, as well as those that are not located in Vermont but have a geographic ponds within a community are mapped in focus that includes the state. the E911 database. This ensures that emer- The grantmakers gency responders will have the information are indexed by types they need to locate and access these impor- of support, fields of tant resources. interest, type of grant- Municipalities are asked to include the lo- maker, geographic fo- cation of any dry hydrant or fire pond when cus, etc. You may submitting their address updates to E911. If also search the data- your community has never provided this in- base using keywords formation to E911, you are encouraged to of your choice. To re- do so now. If you do not have staff avail- search whether or not able to gather this infrastructure informa- a foundation might tion, some communities have had success en- be able to fund your listing retired senior volunteers or local col- municipal project, lege interns. visit http://fdover- For more information about this mapping mont.foundationcen- effort, contact VLCT’s representative on the ter.org. Rural Fire Protection Task Force, Julia Com- pagna, Hyde Park Town Administrator, at 802/888-7784.

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16 • VLCT News • April 2008 keting activities, a commitment to the trict employees, retirees and their depen- Please visit the VLCT Web site to view more highest level of customer service and a dents throughout Maine as a self-insured, classified ads: http://www.vlct.org/marketplace/ working knowledge of contemporary risk multiple employer plan. This exciting and classifiedads/. You may also submit your ad via management practices. Knowledge of challenging senior level position is respon- an e-mail link on this page of the site. ISO and NCCI loss costs and procedures sible for oversight of all Health Trust pro- to ensure appropriate ratemaking also re- grams including benefits, participant and quired. The successful candidate must employer group services and wellness. The He l p Wa n t e d also be computer-literate and prepared to Assistant Director will be involved in de- work closely with IT staff and computer signing and executing new Health Trust Fire Chief. Wilmington, Vt. Beautiful Ver- vendors. Qualifications include at least 10 benefit programs and services, daily su- mont outdoor resort community seeks years experience in commercial lines un- pervision of the operations staff and coor- full-time, hands-on Fire Chief to lead vol- derwriting management, excellent super- dination of Health Trust marketing, com- unteer department. Wilmington seeks a visory skills and the ability to communi- munications and field services activities. dynamic Fire Chief who is knowledge- cate well at all levels. An undergraduate This position requires considerable inter- able in fire and emergency response in degree is preferred, together with a dem- action with other Maine Municipal As- New England-type weather and who onstrated interest in personal professional sociation staff, direct contact with the has 10 years education/experience (with development, such as CPCU or ARM Health Trust Board of Trustees, Health at least five years captain or higher) and designations, or related programs. Expe- Trust advisors, third party administrators, proven skills in all aspects of Fire Chief re- rience in self-funded programs is an asset. stop-loss carrier, municipal officials and sponsibilities. The ability to plan and fol- MMA offers a competitive salary and a Health Trust participants. The ideal can- low through, as well as to balance needs/ comprehensive benefits package. To apply, didate will have a minimum of five years vision with available financial and peo- send resume with cover letter and salary of broad based experience at the manage- ple resources is a must. The depart- requirement by fax to 207/626-3358, by ment level in employee benefit design and ment provides coverage for 2200 full- e-mail to [email protected], administration with an emphasis on self- time residents, over 2300 buildings and or by U.S. mail to Human Resource Spe- insured plans. A bachelor’s degree is re- the Mount Snow Ski Resort. It has a ros- cialist, Maine Municipal Association, 60 quired, preferably in business administra- ter of 40 officers and fire fighters, four ve- Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330. tion, insurance or a related field (graduate hicles and negotiated mutual aid agree- Position open until filled. MMA is an degree preferred). Must be able to work ments with surrounding towns. More in- Equal Opportunity Employer. (3-14) in a team environment. Some experience formation is available at www.wilming- in the area of employee benefit presenta- Assistant Director, Employees Health tonvermont.us. Please send resume and tions and communications is desired as Trust. The Maine Municipal Employees salary requirements to Wilmington Town well as interpreting utilization data and Health Trust provides high quality em- Manager, P.O. Box 217 Wilmington, VT analyzing financial information. MMA 05363. Application deadline is 5 p m. . ployee benefits and services to munici- pal, county government and special dis- on April 25, 2008. EOE (3-17) (Continued on Page Eighteen) Underwriting Manager. The Maine Munic- ipal Association has reopened the search for an Underwriting Manager. MMA’s Risk Management Services Department provides a wide range of property and li- ability coverages for municipalities and quasi-public entities in the state of Maine. Risk Management Services performs all the services related to the programs – in- cluding ratemaking, underwriting, mar- keting, loss control and claims manage- ment – through its in-house staff of 41 insurance professionals. Responsibilities include managing a department of eight people who perform the underwriting and marketing functions. The position re- quires a strong background in commercial underwriting, the ability to participate in reinsurance negotiations and direct mar-

17 • VLCT News • April 2008 Cl a s s i f i e d s - and ability to promote and stimulate pos- experience. Application and job descrip- (Continued from Page Seventeen) itive community relations. Salary range, tion available at the Fayston Municipal $65,000 to $80,000. To apply, submit a Offices. To apply, send application with offers a highly competitive salary plus an ex- resume to Lynn Grace, Town of Windsor, cover letter by April 15, 2008 to Patti ceptional benefit package. Visit our website PO Box 47, Windsor, VT 05089. Elec- Lewis, Fayston Selectboard, 866 North www.mmeht.org to learn more about Maine tronic submissions preferred to lgrace@ Fayston Road, Fayston, VT 05660, or e- Municipal Employees Health Trust. Position windsor-vt.gov. E.O.E. (3-6) mail to [email protected]. (3-5) open until filled. To apply, submit a cur- rent resume with cover letter including sal- Director of Public Works. Windsor, Vt. Police Patrol Officer. Windsor, Vt. seeks ary history to Human Resource Specialist, seeks an experienced professional to man- a Police Patrol Officer. Candidates must Maine Municipal Association, 60 Commu- age its Department of Public Works. This be at least 21 years of age, in good physi- nity Drive, Augusta, ME 04330. Send elec- individual will direct and control all as- cal condition, and be a high school grad- tronic submissions to HumanResource@me- pects of public works activities includ- uate or have a GED. Associate’s degree mun.org or fax to 207/626-3358. MMA is ing water, sewer, highway, public prop- or higher in the criminal justice field pre- an Equal Opportunity Employer. (3-13) erty, solid waste and equipment mainte- ferred. Candidates must pass physical agil- nance. The position requires supervision ity test, oral board interviews, background Town Manager. Windsor, Vt. (pop. 3,800), a of a unionized staff of 10. Qualifications: investigation, psychological testing, poly- full-service community situated on the banks bachelor’s degree in a related field, civil en- graph and drug screening. Full-time cer- of the Connecticut River in the Upper Val- gineering preferred, and ten years of pro- tification not required for hiring. Salary, ley Region of south-central Vermont, seeks a gressively responsible experience in pub- $14.84 to $17.88 per hour, based on expe- Town Manager. Working under the general lic works administration; must have de- rience. To apply, submit town application policy direction of a five-member selectboard, monstrable supervisory ability and excel- along with resume (optional) to Wind- the Town Manager is responsible for the ad- lent organizational, communication and sor Town Hall, Human Resources, P.O. ministration and management of all munici- customer service skills. Salary, $50,000 Box 47, Windsor, VT 05089, or e-mail to pal services including: development and ad- to $65,000. To apply, submit a resume to [email protected]. Applications are ministration of a $3.5 million annual budget, Lynn Grace, Town of Windsor, PO Box available from the Town Hall. E.O.E. Po- day-to-day supervision of department heads, 47, Windsor, VT 05089. Electronic sub- sition open until filled. (3-4) contract negotiations, personnel management missions preferred to lgrace@windsor-vt. Engineering Technician. Lebanon, N.H. of 28 full-time employees, economic devel- gov. E.O.E. (3-6) opment, financial management, and official seeks an Engineering Technician for its representative with all federal, state and lo- Road Foreman. Fayston, Vt. is accepting ap- Department of Public Works. The Tech- cal governments, and other regional, state or plications for a Road Foreman. Appli- nician performs responsible technical and local organizations. Requirements: graduate cant should have experience with operat- sub-professional engineering duties at an of an accredited college or university with a ing heavy equipment (including backhoe, advanced level in the field or office, in- bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in busi- grader, dump truck), the ability to work cluding data collection in various disci- ness, public administration or related field; at with and within a budget, and experience plines; inspection of municipal projects; least five years experience in municipal man- managing employees. CDL endorsed valid coordinating activities with other City de- agement; familiarity with municipal govern- Vermont driver’s license required. This is a partments; working with private utili- ment finance; experience with economic de- full-time, year-round position with retire- ties and construction companies to mini- velopment, labor relations and collective bar- ment package and health benefits. Wage mize service disruptions; and responding gaining; a positive attitude, be collaborative, and benefits package commensurate with to emergency situations as necessary. Re- quirements: a knowledge and a level of competency commonly associated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Project Man- agement, Business or Public Administra- tion or related field; three to five years ex- perience in engineering and/or construc- tion: and a valid N.H. vehicle operator’s license. Position grade 7. Hourly salary $21.16 to $24.85. AFSCME Local 1348 union position. Applications are available at City Hall and the Department of Public Works and online at www.lebcity.com. To apply, submit resume and application to Mike Lavalla, Director Public Works, Pub- lic Works Office, 20 Spencer Street, Leba- non, NH 03766. For a complete job de- scription, visit www.lebcity.com under Employment Opportunities. For more

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18 • VLCT News • April 2008 Cl a s s i f i e d s - (Continued from previous page) o w n information, phone 603/448-3112. Po- 2008 T sition open until filled. (2-28) Go v e r n m e n t Aw a r d Executive Director/Planner. The Mad River VLCT Executive Director Steven Jeffrey (right) recently presented Washington Valley Planning District, a three-town County Senator William Doyle with the VLCT 2008 Town Government Award. The planning district serving Fayston, War- award recognizes a Vermont individual who is not a local official, but who has shown ren, and Waitsfield in Vermont, seeks an an awareness of local government issues and a commitment to strengthening Vermont Executive Director to oversee its innova- local government. tive growth management and community Jeffrey chose planning programs. This high visibility, VLCT’s annual challenging position can have a significant, moderators’ work- positive impact on the development and shop as the venue environmental quality of the Mad River for the award pre- Valley. The Executive Director reports to sentation in honor a seven-member steering committee and works with local boards, citizen groups of the commit- and businesses on a wide range of commu- ment Senator Doyle nity planning, transportation, land con- and moderators servation and environmental protection share to Vermont’s initiatives, and provides support to Town town meeting tra- staff on planning, zoning and project de- dition. Doyle has velopment issues. The Executive Direc- served continu- tor must be a highly motivated, indepen- ously in the Ver- dent worker with excellent writing, public mont Senate since presentation and interpersonal skills. He 1969 and is con- or she must have a strong commitment to sidered the “dean” community involvement and long-range of that body. Con- planning. Grant writing experience is a gratulations, Sena- plus. A Bachelor’s degree and at least two tor Doyle! (Photo by Jessica Hill) years of relevant experience in commu- nity planning or a closely related field are required; Master’s in planning or a closely related field preferred. Competitive sal- ary, health benefits, flexible work environ- ment. Please submit resume, cover letter, three references, and a writing sample to [email protected] (preferred) or mail We are pleased to announce to Mad River Planning District Steering Committee, PO Box 471, Waitsfield, VT 05673. E-mail any questions concerning the position to [email protected]. For further information visit www.mrvpd.org. Position open until filled. (2-22) Police Officer. Berlin, Vt. is currently ac- cepting applications for the full-time po- sition of police officer. The successful can- didate will possess exceptional moral char- acter and strong ethics, be able to be cer- tified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Growing to meet your needs Training Council, and possess a valid Ver- mont Operator’s License. Full-time cer- tification is preferred. To apply, submit a 48 Green Street, Suite 2 cover letter, resume and at least three ref- Vergennes, VT 05491 erences, in confidence, to William Wolfe, 802.877.1380 Berlin Police Department, 108 Shed Road, www.vhb.com Berlin, VT 05602. Position open until filled. (2-20)

19 • VLCT News • April 2008 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Montpelier, VT Permit No. 358

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

ment Agencies, Vermont Planners Associa- in cleaning up Lake Champlain, protecting For more information about the follow- tion, Smart Growth Vermont, Vermont De- your town’s infrastructure from flood hazard ing workshops or events, please contact Jes- partment of Housing and Community Af- erosion, reducing stormwater and non-point sica Hill, Manager, VLCT Administrative fairs and VLCT are sponsoring this two-day source pollution impact on your local wa- Services, tel., 800/649-7915; e-mail, jhill@ workshop to help planning commissioners, terways or reducing the stress on your com- vlct.org. Or visit www.vlct.org’s Events Cal- bined sewer systems? For more informa- endar and select a workshop for more in- community stakeholders, professional plan- tion, contact Emma Melvin, emelvin@uvm. formation or to register on-line. For non- ners, selectboards and town managers de- VLCT events listed below, please contact the velop the skills necessary to make construc- edu or visit www.uvm.edu/~seagrant. individuals directly. (The on-line registra- tive change happen in their towns. Selectboard Institute . DATE CHANGE! Sat- tion option is available for VLCT workshops Conducting Effective Tax Appeals. Thurs- urday, April 26, 2008, Elks Lodge, Mont- and events only.) day, April 17, 2008, Elks Lodge, Montpe- pelier. Sponsored by the VLCT Municipal lier. Sponsored by the VLCT Municipal As- Assistance Center. The Selectboard Insti- Town Officers’ Education Conferences. sistance Center. In 2008, Vermont munic- tute will focus on the fundamentals of mu- Thursday, April 10, Lyndon State College, ipal governments will collect over $1 bil- nicipal governance, such as understand- Lyndon; Wednesday, April 16, Holiday Inn, lion in property taxes. With ever increasing ing the municipal organization, essentials of Rutland; Thursday, April 24, Lake Morey pressure on the property tax, it is important municipal law, running effective meetings, Resort, Fairlee; and Wednesday, April 30, that the appeals process be properly admin- and managing the town budget. 2008, Grand Summit Lodge, Mt. Snow. For istered. Come learn what your town can do Playground Safety Inspector Certification more information, contact Mary Peabody at to conduct effective property tax grievances Course and Exam. Wednesday, April 30 [email protected]. and appeals. through Friday, May 2, 2008, Elks Lodge, Next Communities Initiative, A Two-Day Northern New England Low Impact Devel- Montpelier. Sponsored by the National Smart Growth Workshop . Saturday, April opment Conference. Monday, April 21, Playground Safety Institute and the Ver- 12 and Saturday, April 26, 2008, News- 2008, University of Vermont’s Davis Cen- mont Recreation and Parks Association. Bank Conference Center, Chester. The Ver- ter, Burlington. Sponsored by University For more information, contact betsy@vrpa. mont Association of Planning and Develop- of Vermont Extension. Are you interested org or visit www.vrpa.org.

20 • VLCT News • April 2008