Many municipalities are dealing with the results of catastrophic flooding while still carrying on with as much of their regular business as possible. This month's Journal reflects those dual needs. Information here includes flood recovery resources and safety guidance along with the 2023/24 Municipal Calendar, another form of cyber crime to avoid, and tips for staying well in the summer heat.
Some of the articles and resources linked here require members to log in to their Municipal Access Portal (MAP) account. If you need some pointers or assistance, please visit vlct.org/MAPFAQ.
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Visit VLCT's Flood Recovery webpage for information from a variety of trusted sources, all in one place and focused on municipalities. See the latest from the state of Vermont, the federal government, and others. Resources for flood recovery.
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Read about where this year's housing legislation stands now that the session is complete.
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Apply soon for funding that ranges from $500 to $7,500 per year. It's a PACIF member benefit.
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The Work Wheels Competition closes in just a few days. Submit your entry today!
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How did you celebrate the Fourth of July? Send us pics of your town's special summer events.
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Apply now and complete this necessary step in the process of applying for a MERP grant.
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Golf outing sponsors helped VLCT raise funds for the Municipal Service Scholarship program.
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Town Fair 2023 is your chance to reconnect with your counterparts from around the state, get ideas and inspiration from topic experts, learn about new products and services from a wide variety of vendors, and enjoy entertainment and activities. Join us the evening of September 26 for a fun Casino Night! All of the proceeds contribute to VLCT's Municipal Service Scholarship. Start looking forward to it!
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Employees and volunteers cleaning up from floods can be exposed to serious dangers, including hazardous materials, electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, and unstable structures. This summary from PACIF Loss Control explains why and how to protect workers – employees and volunteers alike – from these risks.
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The 2023-24 Municipal Calendar posters are now in town offices, and the enhanced online version lets you filter by category and view entries either on a calendar grid or as a list. We learned that some of the posters were mailed to the correct address but with the wrong person's name. If this happened in your office, please distribute the prints you received to the people who need them, regardless of the mailing label.
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July is Disability Pride Month. Did you know that up to one of every four adults in Vermont has some type of disability? Municipalities must provide inclusive and welcoming access not only in municipal buildings but also with programs and services — for members of the public as well as employees — to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you use federal funding, the Rehabilitation Act also requires accessibility. Use our new toolkit to learn what you need to do.
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Dehydration and heat exhaustion are two very common heat-related disorders that can be life threatening if left untreated. At the height of summer, it makes good sense to share this short guide with employees to help everyone understand the symptoms and prevent them. The guide also offers a few simple treatments for someone suffering from the worst of these disorders, heatstroke.
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Towns and cities with water systems need to complete a service line inventory as part of the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Towns with at least one lead service line, one unknown material line, or one galvanized line requiring replacement must also complete a lead service line replacement plan. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is offering loans or assistance to help you complete these.
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Clarence Anthony, NLC Executive Director and former mayor of South Bay, Florida, speaks with local government leaders from across the country about issues affecting their work. This monthly podcast is a relaxed and entertaining resource for local policy makers looking for ideas and information to bring back to their community. Topics covered include using data to inform policy making, supporting LGBTQ+ leaders, and supporting community members in recovery. Listen now.
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Which is NOT a way to protect your employees from direct deposit diversion fraud?
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Flag any changes to unfamiliar or cyber-based banks.
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Ask for all updates to bank data to come via email.
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Confirm verbally or in person with employees requesting bank changes.
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Did you know that cyber criminals can steal employee information, such as a name and email address, and use it to change the destination of the employee's direct deposit from a legitimate account to an account in the criminal’s name? There has recently been an increase in this type of fraud. It can cause major issues for employees, in part because the redirected funds can be impossible to recover.
Follow these steps to protect your employees and your organization: 1) confirm verbally when an employee requests a bank change, 2) flag changes to an unfamiliar or cyber-based bank, and 3) do not allow changes to personal or bank data via email.
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Check out the PACIF and VERB 2022 Annual Report to learn how VLCT's two risk-sharing trusts fared overall during the year. (Photo by Captain Prescott Nadeau of the Williston Fire Department.) See PACIF & VERB By The Numbers.
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Thursday, July 27
12 PM – 1 PM
Bring your lunch and your questions about conflicts of interest. MAC staff attorneys will also share information about best practices and legal requirements. Register here.
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Wednesday, August 9
10 AM – 12 PM
Whether they’re running at large or nipping the neighbors, dogs can cause all sorts of headaches for town officials. Drafting effective ordinances and ensuring proper enforcement can help you manage dog related issues and conflicts. Register here.
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Wednesday, August 30
12 PM – 1 PM
Bring your lunch and your questions about dog control regulations and enforcement. Garrett Baxter, Senior Staff Attorney, and Trevor Whipple, Law Enforcement Consultant, will answer your questions. Save the date.
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Tuesday, September 26
and Wednesday, September 27
DoubleTree, South Burlington
Check our website for information on training sessions, speakers, awards, casino night, and more! Save the date.
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It's not too late! With a one-week extension for flood delays, you can still submit your town's data through the Compensation and Benefits Survey. This survey is how VLCT collects the important information included in the Vermont Municipal Compensation and Benefits Report. Respondents receive a free bound print of the report and free access to the data and are entered into a drawing to win an iPad. Submit your data by August 7.
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As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.
Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
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