It's June and many people are celebrating the end of the school year, the beginning of summer vacations, and PRIDE month. This issue of the VLCT Journal contains articles about equity and inclusiveness, along with summer-specific stories to help you manage hazards and ensure the safety of your staff and community members.
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"Diversity training challenges us to move outside of our comfort zones in order to see the world from a different perspective. But it is not enough." Jude Smith Rachele explains her logic in this article. Read more.
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Municipalities must submit a signed letter by Friday, June 24 in order to be eligible.
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Send in your survey information as soon as you can to help us populate this popular report.
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Some deadlines have been extended to September. Multiple funding opportunities.
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Tips and guidance if you're considering the switch from calendar to fiscal year budgeting.
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One municipal official will be appointed by the governor to serve on this nine-member board.
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Seven of its 16 members will be municipal officials appointed by VLCT. Apply now.
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Each year, the PACIF and VERB Annual Report looks back at the previous year and reports to members the status of the two entities. At the beginning of 2021, vaccines were newly available to just a few, and as you continued to serve your communities, PACIF and VERB worked diligently to provide you with exceptional pandemic assistance, claims service, risk management guidance, and innovative programs to meet your evolving needs. The good news is that the books closed on 2021 with both trusts in excellent financial condition, and they continue to see rock solid member loyalty with 100% retention for the past two years. Find out more.
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Research has shown that the number of individuals who do not identify exclusively as either male or female has increased, especially in younger generations. With millennials now making up more than a third of the workforce, employers need to be ready to address the concerns of nonbinary employees.
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During late spring and throughout the summer, highway crews need to mow roadsides, trim weeds, and maintain highway right-of-way areas – tasks which can expose workers to vegetation that causes chemical burns and serious skin irritation. Employees should learn to identify the hazardous plants and then use the work practices and protective measures outlined in this article by VLCT PACIF Loss Control staff.
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The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that a verbal censure imposed by an elected public body on one of its own members does not violate that member’s First Amendment right to free speech. While this case means that under the right circumstances censure is a constitutionally viable expression of disapproval, there is still uncertainty, and care will need to be exercised when censure is wielded.
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A recent Vermont Supreme Court case has finally clarified what firework use is legal and what municipal regulation is authorized. It determined that while municipalities can't regulate consumer fireworks (because they're illegal to sell, possess, and use) you can regulate the sale and use of fireworks for supervised public displays.
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What is cultural agility and why is it important? In this article originally published by the League of Minnesota Cities, the authors discuss how the ability to interact comfortably and effectively with people from other cultures is a leadership skill that allows for more authentic community engagement. As Vermont becomes more diverse, developing cultural agility is an important part of fostering inclusive and thriving communities.
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In much of the civilized world, kale is known as a leafy green vegetable that plays a key role in the construction of antioxidant-rich smoothies. But at VLCT, kale – or Kail, really – is a recent addition to the Municipal Assistance Center. Kail studied environmental and land use law at Vermont Law School and served as Underhill's zoning administrator prior to coming to VLCT.
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In this commentary, NLC CEO Clarence Anthony and Doug Linkhart of the National Civic League discuss racial equity, police reform, and the institutional change that's in part being driven by local officials. They write, "[P]eople can live in two different Americas at the same time due to institutional and structural racism. As we sit here today, two men of two completely different backgrounds (one Black and one white), we have come to the same conclusion: We must continue to push our country to achieve comprehensive and lasting change." Read more.
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Take the quiz, then scroll below for answers!
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How much did VERB's unemployment claims fall in 2021 compared to 2020?
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Efficiency Vermont recently conducted a poll that found that more Vermonters are uncomfortable in the summer than they are in the winter. Summer’s heat is no joke, making cooling strategies even more important. Incentives are available for efficient heat pumps. If you’re looking at purchasing or replacing a window AC unit, choose an efficient ENERGY STAR certified model to save money on your town’s energy bills.
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Wednesday, June 29
Brian Cleasby from the US Department of Labor will review youth summer employment requirements, show you how to avoid making inadvertent mistakes under FLSA, and more. Ample time for questions will be provided. Register.
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Wednesday, July 13
This training will explore the legal responsibilities of employers and managers with regard to important transgender and inclusivity topics in the workplace. It will also review best practices for understanding proper use of pronouns and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Register.
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Thursday, July 28
Stay tuned for more information on this finance training for Selectboards, Village Trustees, Managers, and Administrators. Save the date.
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Thursday and Friday, October 6-7
Join us for VLCT’s largest conference, starting with a full day of networking, entertainment, and our annual meetings in the relaxing vistas of Killington, Vermont. Save the date.
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November 17-19, Kansas City, MO
Our communities depend on forward-thinking leaders to take bold action to build a brighter future. We’ll share with peers, stakeholders, and subject matter experts how to best use impact, action, and service as tools for a better tomorrow.. Save the date.
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July 20 (Burlington) & July 21 (Montpelier)
The Vermont Urban & Community Forestry Program will host trainings for municipal staff and volunteers. Safe Tree Removal in the morning will be followed by Tree Risk Evaluation in the afternoon. Learn more and register.
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The 2022 Legislative session ended on May 12, closing out the biennium. This year the legislature passed 132 bills, plus an $8.3 billion dollar budget. VLCT's Legislative Wrap-Up covers the status of municipally relevant bills, including those related to municipal finance; public safety; quality of life, environment, and housing; municipal governance and administration; employment and employee benefits, and transportation. Plus review what this year's legislative summer studies and reports will be. Read the Wrap-Up.
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Newly elected officials or those looking for a refresher can get a jump start on training with these on demand sessions. Available through VLCT's Bookstore you can purchase introductory trainings on topics such as Open Meeting Law, Legal and Effective Meetings, and a new "super" bundle with all the basics new Selectboard members need. Select trainings are also offered free of charge in the Recorded Trainings area of our Resource Library. Access the information.
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Only Bevan Quinn successfully sorted out the answers to last month’s around-the-state road trip, whose whereabouts went like this: Bethel, Brandon, Wells, Arlington, Woodford, Vernon, Andover, Windsor, Ludlow, Barnard, Strafford, Cabot, Averill, Lowell, Glover, Fairfax, Bolton, Middlesex, and Randolph. In the Shabby Department, that cartographic achievement rates a “Not Too.” (Here’s a link to the whole convoluted drive, in case you don’t recall it.)
For the June query, you merely have to determine the name of a specific esteemed Vermont-born gent and a certain something that led directly to a critical advancement in the world of surgery. Start with the clues.
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As always, be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check the updated home page of our website for breaking news and announcements.
Please contact us at vlctnews@vlct.org with any comments or suggestions for upcoming content.
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* POP QUIZ ANSWERS
The VERB Trust's Unemployment Insurance Program had 83% fewer claims in 2021 than in 2020. Did you guess correctly? Read more about 2021 in the PACIF and VERB Annual Report.
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