RESOLUTION FOR FORMATION OF A UNION MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE BODY FOR THE TOWN OF WILLISTON:
WHEREAS, for over 50 years, the concept of developing a consolidated system of regional emergency dispatch has been considered and discussed in Chittenden County communities; and
WHEREAS, the present system of municipal emergency dispatch relies upon over seven separate dispatch centers, with limited staffing, and requires two-stage processing for emergency calls in six of those dispatch centers; and
WHEREAS, two prior studies in 1995 and 2000 by the public safety chiefs and municipal executives determined that regional dispatch was viable and worthwhile to pursue in Chittenden County; and
WHEREAS, recognition that shortcomings exist in the present municipal emergency dispatch system, municipal budget pressures, technology changes, and potential changes in the State dispatching model, has led to renewed interest in and efforts to provide Chittenden County with a regionalized approach to emergency dispatch; and
WHEREAS, the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), working cooperatively with communities in Chittenden County, has studied operational and governance models for regional emergency dispatch; and
WHEREAS, the primary goal of the involved municipalities is to develop a consolidated, efficient, highly- effective system of emergency dispatch, that utilizes a collaborative governance model, such that most or all of the county can be served by a combined E-911 call-taking/emergency dispatch agency; and
WHEREAS, Vermont law provides that the legislative branch of two or more municipalities may, by agreement, create a joint municipal survey committee to plan for the strengthening of local governments and to promote plans for more efficient and economical operation of local government services within the participating municipalities; and
WHEREAS, Vermont law further provides that a Joint Survey Committee may approve the creation of a union municipal district and, upon so doing, must prepare an agreement for the formation of the district and file a copy with the legislative body, planning commission, and clerk of each participating municipality; and
WHEREAS, community leaders and legal counsel from eight Chittenden County municipalities -- Burlington, Colchester, Essex, Milton, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski – and CCRPC worked together to develop an agreement to create a Union Municipal District to be known as the “Chittenden County Public Safety Authority;” and
WHEREAS, the above-referenced agreement was unanimously approved by the members of the Joint Survey Committee, approved by the Attorney General and supported by the municipal legislative bodies
in each participating community before it may be considered by the voters during the March 2018 election; and
WHEREAS, upon approval by the municipal legislative bodies, the voters shall, by Australian ballot, be asked to vote on the question of accepting the agreement for the formation of a union municipal district to be known as the Chittenden County Public Safety Authority; and
WHEREAS, if the voters in three or more communities ultimately approve the agreement, the Chittenden County Public Safety Authority will be formed;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the legislative body for the Town of Williston does hereby consent and determine to warn for action at the March 2018 Town Meeting the question whether the Town of Williston shall sign the agreement for formation of a union municipal district to be known as the Chittenden County Public Safety Authority, for the purpose of providing regional emergency dispatch, said question to be voted on by Australian ballot.
DATED AT _, Vermont, this day of January, 2018.
Terry Macaig
Jeff Fehrs
Ted Kenney
Joy Limoge
Theresa Zittritsch