| Divisions: | Home | Archives | Corporations | Elections | Professional Regulation | Other Programs | Secretary's Desk |
| |
VERMONT SECRETARY OF STATE - Jim Condos | |||||||
|
||||||||
| State of Vermont Office of the Secretary of State http://www.sec.state.vt.us Volume 2 Number 4 |
|
Redstone Building |
| Table of Contents | |
|
3. Census data is used when we redefine our legislative districts every ten years. Redistricting based on accurate information will assure that each community, as well as each individual, will have fair representation in the Vermont legislature. Vermont's local officials can play an important role in ensuring that Vermont has a fair and accurate count. You know, better than anyone, how to successfully reach the hard to count in your community – share this information with the census workers who come to your town. You can also help get the word to the people in your community that it is in all of our best interests to be counted. If you like, you can even make your town
office a census assistance location, where local officials or census
volunteers help people who may need assistance filling out their
census forms. For more information please call the Census office at
802-288-9420. Please help. The outcome of the 2000 Census is too
important to leave to chance!
|
Message from the
Secretary |
Secretary of State's Home Page top of page
|
A Voice from the Past
by Paul Gillies |
LOCAL HISTORY AS A
CALLING
April
2000
The Town of Calais just published its town history, written by Weston Cate. It's called Forever Calais, and it's a fine piece of work. It does what a good town history should do: it makes the town come alive, with good stories, interesting photographs, and a sense of humor.
Best of all, it is written in the voice of Wes Cate, with his rhythms and pauses. It almost sounds like an oral history. The voice is kindly, wise, and experienced, and you get the feeling it knows just how much you need and want to know about a subject.
All history is local. History is the story of who lived and how they lived; local history is the who and how, but specifically in this place. This place is the town, our town, and local history is intended to preserve it as a community by giving it a pedigree and a memory. See this house: it's the oldest one in town. See that stream: it used to feed a mill pond, and the old mill stood right over there.
It would be a great mistake to assume that local history only matters to those who live in the town. Nearly every town has something of a history, and no book of local history, no matter how amateurish or professional, can be ignored. Local histories contain stories of people and places, meetings and celebrations, that are unique to the town, but universal in their ability to convey the lessons of private and public life.
The town history is often the only record of the families and characters that built the town, cleared and farmed the land, served in public office, and raised their families. There is the cemetery, of course, and the land records, but nothing gives those who came before us a voice like a town history.
If you set out to read all of them, you might reach your full after a dozen or so, and the complete collection of town histories fills an entire wall in the Vermont Room at the Vermont State Library in Montpelier. Of course you'll read your own town history, but if you wanted suggestions for further reading, here are a few ideas: John L. Hurd's Weathersfield (1976-79), The Official History of Guilford, Vermont (1961), Daniel Pierce Thompson's Montpelier (1860), and anything written by Abby Maria Hemenway. Ms. Hemenway wrote or compiled the early histories of most Vermont towns in her Gazateer of Vermont in the 1880's. It doesn't matter that you don't live there. Maybe you drive through Danville every day on your way to work. Read Susan Clifford's Village in the Hills (1995). You'll never see Danville again with the same eyes. My practice is never to pass up an opportunity to buy a copy in a town clerk's office or local store. These books aren't likely to be found on Amazon.com. There are limited editions, and rarely a second printing, so buy it now or never see it again is the general rule.
Somebody should give a course in town histories. It could involve a combination of economics, psychology, and history all in one. You don't just learn who served in the Civil War in these books, after all. You learn what happened to the family back home, and you get to see the young soldier turn into an old and tired farmer at the turn of the century. The stories of the characters are the most interesting. Every town has its curiosities. Some are comic, some tragic, but it's clear Vermonters get their sense of tolerance from town life. The community adjusts to just about anything.
Turning the pages of a town history, you begin to see how a town develops a personality over the years. People do things differently in different places. The one common element is dedication. The characters who populate town histories are those who have served the town, usually in a half dozen capacities, over their entire adult lives. Without their contribution, this town wouldn't be this town.
Wes talks about the coming of the wood stove, how it replaced the fireplace as the source for heat, and allowed folks to sit in any seat in the house in comfort. He tells how some felt the loss of the family closeness of the fireplace. That's a wonderful image, a metaphor really, of the price of change. It teaches a lesson of community, that we are only close when we are bound to each other in some way, by heat or light or some other common bond. When that is lost, the town is just a place to sleep, and lives are poorer as a result.
Local histories are an essential means of drawing a community together. It takes a special effort to become a townsperson, after all, far more than it takes to become a resident, taxpayer, or voter. Most people haven't lived here all their lives; their roots are in some other place. The challenge, to build a sound community, must involve bringing them into the fold. A town history can only help, because the past belongs to everybody.
"Voice from the
Past" by Paul Gillies
Opinions Volume 2 Number 4 April
2000
top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
1. When A Person Is Elected To Two Incompatible Positions, The Person Must
Resign From One, Creating A Vacancy. When a person is elected to two incompatible offices the person may choose which position to accept, and then resign or decline the other. This will create a vacancy which must be filled according to statutory procedures.Note that the "runner-up" or next highest vote-getter does not "move up" or become the winner.
2. Selectboard May Fill Vacancy Prior To Posting. When there is a vacancy in a town office, the selectboard must post the vacancy within 10 days of its creation. At any time after the vacancy is created the board may appoint a person to fill the term of office until the next election. 24 V.S.A. §§ 961, 963. The purpose of the posting is to notify the public of the vacancy so that people could choose to petition for a special meeting to fill the vacancy. Many boards choose to wait until notice has been posted so that interested citizens could express interest in serving on the selectboard.
3. School Board Vacancy Is Filled By The Selectboard. When there is a vacancy in the town school board, the selectboard, with the advice of the remaining school board members, must appoint a person to fill the position within 30 days. This appointment expires at the next election. 16 V.S.A. § 424. For vacancies in the union school district board, the clerk of the union district notifies the selectboard of the town which elected the original incumbent and within 30 days the selectboard, with the advice of the town or incorporated district school board, shall appoint a replacement who will fill the position until the next election.
4. The Exit Checklist Or Alternative Materials Should Have Been Included In The Presidential Primary Ballot Bag. The Entrance Checklist Should Be Safely Stored So That The Public Can Only Have Access To It Under The Direct Supervision Of The Town Clerk. 17 V.S.A. § 2583 provides that the entrance checklist is a public record that must be made accessible upon request. In 1996, and again this year, some towns placed the entrance checklist which includes the recording of the ballot requested (either R or D) in the ballot bag by mistake and the bag was sealed. If this occurred in your town, we have a sample letter that you can use to request the Superior Court Judge in your county to issue a court order to allow you to correct this error. You CANNOT open the ballot bags for any reason without a court order!
5. The Board Of Abatement Can Only Exercise Those Powers Specifically Delegated By Statute, And Cannot Exceed Those Powers. 24 V.S.A. § 1535 provides the complete list of reasons for abatement of local property taxes. These are the only reasons that local property taxes can be abated. If a local property taxpayer wants to challenge the assessment or fair market value listing of his property, a property tax appeal process is available to the taxpayer every April.
6. Board Of Abatement May Decide Whether To Grant Abatement In Absence Of The Petitioner. If a resident requests a hearing, is notified of the hearing date, but does not appear for the hearing as scheduled, the Board of Abatement can still go ahead and decide to grant or deny the request based on information presented in the letter requesting abatement.
7. Procedures For Petitioning For Reconsideration Are Found In 17 V.S.A. § 2661. Whether an article was voted by voice vote or by Australian ballot at Town Meeting, the reconsideration provisions of section 2661 will apply. The statute requires that a petition for reconsideration must be submitted to the town clerk within 30 days of the original vote. The petition must be signed by not less than five percent of the voters. All votes at Town Meeting, except for the election of officers, can be reconsidered using this procedure, including bond votes. Reconsideration must always be in the same format as the original vote, i.e., if the Article was passed by voice vote, reconsideration must be by voice vote, and if original Article was by Australian Ballot, reconsideration must be by Australian Ballot.
8. Town Should Wait 30 Days To Fill New Positions When Board Is Enlarged By Town Meeting Vote. When the annual meeting voters pass an article to increase the size of the selectboard or school board from 3 to 5 members, it is a good idea to wait until the 30 period for reconsideration has passed before warning a special meeting to elect new board members. Also, school boards must follow the specific requirements of 16 V.S.A. § 423 while selectboard follow the requirements of 17 V.S.A. § 2650. If the board decides to warn a special meeting or if voters petition for a special meeting to elect the new members, then under each statute the members elected to a one year term serve until the first annual meeting after election, and members elected to a two year term serve until the second annual meeting following election.
9. Some Warning And Notice Errors Can Be Cured By Validation. If the town failed to follow statutory requirements for notice and/or warning of the annual meeting, 17 V.S.A. § 2662 may provide a remedy. Section 2662 allows a future meeting to validate the previous meeting by passing an article voted at the next annual or special meeting: "Shall the action taken at the meeting of _________ Town (or city or district) held on ____________ (date), in spite of the fact that _____________________ (state the error or omission), and any act or action of the municipal officers or agents pursuant thereto be re-adopted, ratified and confirmed."
10. Avoid Warning Errors By Early Communication. This year a number of towns and school districts failed to adequately communicate about the time and place of meetings, resulting in errors in the warnings. We strongly suggest that school boards and selectboards communicate more as warnings are being written in order to avoid unnecessary errors involving meeting locations, polling places, and times of meetings. In order to avoid unnecessary errors, we also recommend that when the warning is given to the Town Clerk for filing and recording, the meeting times and places are confirmed with the Town Clerk before posting. 17 V.S.A. § 2644.
11. After Town Meeting Elections, Selectboards (24 V.S.A. § 871) And School Boards (16 V.S.A. § 561) Must Reorganize By Electing A Chairman And Clerk. Neither the statutes nor Roberts Rules gives explicit guidance on who can get the organizational meeting started, but many selectboards use the town clerk, manager or administrative assistant. Many school boards use the superintendent. Some boards do it themselves by having the longest serving member ask for nominations for the new chair. The important thing is to get the organizational meeting done, and move on to board business. Remember also that Roberts Rules specifically provides that nominations do not require a second, and that a member can vote for him or herself for office.
12. Elected Town And School Officers Must Be Legal Voters. To be eligible for election as a school board member, a person must be a legal voter in the school district. 16 V.S.A. § 558. Likewise, a town shall choose from among its legally qualified voters for selectboard, town clerk, town treasurer, and a number of other town offices. 17 V.S.A. § 2646.
13. Person Running For Local Office Must Be Legal Voter Prior To Getting On The Ballot. In towns that elect officers by Australian ballot, the candidate must be added to the checklist prior to the sixth Monday before Town Meeting. This is the date that nominating petitions must be submitted to the town clerk so that the candidate's name can be added to the ballot. Note that a write-in candidate may be elected to office so long as, on the day of the vote, he or she is a legal voter of the town. Likewise, when a town elects its officers by floor vote, the person must be on the Town Meeting checklist at the time of the meeting. In both of these cases, the last chance to get added to the checklist is most likely by noon on the second Saturday before the election.
14. Board Of Civil Authority Should Meet Prior To The Sixth Monday Before Town Meeting So That Candidates Who Have Applied To The Checklist Can Get On The Ballot. 17 V.S.A. § 2142 states that the town clerk shall call such meetings of the board of civil authority as may be necessary before an election or at other times for revision of the checklist. We strongly suggest that town clerks in towns which use Australian ballot, to submit pending Applications to the Checklist to the Board of Civil Authority for approval at a properly warned meeting before the sixth Monday before Town Meeting or an election so that all residents are given the opportunity to become a legal voter in time to run for town office.
15. The Best Practice Is For Moderators At The Annual Meeting To Refrain From Biving An Opinion On The Legal Effect Of Taking Action On Or Passing Over An Article.While moderators have a natural desire to be helpful, it is the moderator's role to manage the process and procedures of the meeting with the primary purpose of seeing that the will of the electorate is given effect, with fairness and impartiality to all legal voters who are participating. Even a well-intentioned comment about the legality or impact of an article could be misunderstood as showing partiality for or against an article. If there is truly no one else in the room that can answer a question, and you feel compelled to enter the discussion, you should call for a moderator pro tem to take over, and step down while you participate in the debate.
16. The Spouse Of A Town Manager Can Be Elected And Serve On The Selectboard. There is no statutory conflict between the town manager and the spouse of the town manager serving in any elective post. 17 V.S.A. § 2646. The voters may choose not to elect a spouse, but there are no legal prohibitions.
17. Selectboard Member May Serve As Second Constable. 17 V.S.A. § 2646 prohibits a member of the selectboard from serving as first constable. There is no similar prohibition against serving as second constable. This makes sense because only the first constable becomes the tax collector if none is elected – and there is a prohibition against selectboard members serving as tax collector.
18. Adjourned Meeting Does Not Have To Be Re-warned. When a meeting adjourns to a certain time and date it does not have to be re-warned. However, in order to encourage the public to attend, we recommend that towns advertise or post a notice anyway. It is less clear whether the town clerk must open for voter applications on the second Saturday before the meeting to accept voter registration. 17 V.S.A. § 2142. We believe that a court would likely require the clerk to be open, particularly since Roberts Rules would allow the new voters to participate in the adjourned meeting.
19. Clerk Must Open On Second Saturday Before Meeting To Reconsider Earlier Vote. A recent superior court case reaffirmed the requirement that the town clerk must open to accept applications to the checklist until noon on the second Saturday before a vote. 17 V.S.A. § 2142. However, the court held that failure to open would not, alone, be cause to invalidate the vote.
20. Interested Person May Appeal Failure To Act. According to Vermont law, an interested person may appeal a decision of the zoning administrator to the zoning board of adjustment. 24 V.S.A. § 4464. A person who meets the definition of an interested party and makes a complaint to the zoning administrator which is not acted upon, may appeal the decision not to act to the board. Note that the court has recognized that some circumstances permit an interested person to go right to court, rather than first appealing a failure to enforce to the zoning board. See In re Fairchild, 159 Vt. 125 (1992).
21. Failure To Render A Decision Within Sixty Days On A Conditional Use Will Result In Deemed Approval. The board of adjustment or the development review board must act to approve or disapprove a request for conditional use within sixty days after the date of the final public hearing on the matter. Failure to so act within such period will be deemed approval. 24 V.S.A. § 4407.
22. Mobile Home Bill Of Sale Must Be Recorded In The Town Clerk's Office. Whenever a new mobile home is brought into town (except those held solely for sale by a manufacturer, distributor or dealer) a mobile home bill of sale must be recorded in the town clerk's office. 32 V.S.A. § 5079(g) provides that "any filing of a mobile home uniform bill of sale required by this section shall be done within 10 days of the date on which a mobile home is located in a municipality." Mobile home bills of sale must also be endorsed prior to moving a home from the town. This law applies equally to mobile homes in trailer parks as to individually placed homes.
|
Opinions of Opinions
Opinions
Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000
top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
Vermont's open meeting law has a specific section, 1 V.S.A. § 313, dedicated to the proper way for a public body to enter into executive session. A motion to enter into executive session and the subject to be discussed must be made in an open meeting. A majority of the legislative body must agree (a two-thirds majority for a statewide body). No decisions can be made during the executive session, but must wait for the reconvening of the open portion of the meeting. And, no minutes of the executive session discussions need to be taken. Remember also, there is only a short list of permissible subjects for discussion in executive session; and only one exception to the "no decisions can be made" rule, entering into a real estate purchase option. The intent of the open meeting law, the participation of informed citizens in governmental decision-making, should limit the use of executive sessions. For a more comprehensive look at Vermont's open meeting law contact our office to get copies of A Pocket Guide To Open Meetings at 802-828-2363.
The Pocket Guide is also available on the internet at
/OpenMeetingLaw/index.htm
Executive Sessions Within a Public Hearing
Opinions
Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000
top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
It is that time of year again when municipalities with special charters frequently propose amendments to those charters. This is a reminder of the various certified materials the Archives request under the charter amendment process laid out in 17 V.S.A. § 2645.
Within 10 days after a charter amendment has been approved by the voters, the clerk is required to certify the proposal of amendment to the Secretary of State "showing the facts as to its origins and the procedures followed." Here's the list of materials we need, all of which must be certified.
All these materials should be sent to the Office of the Secretary of State, ATTENTION:
GREGORY SANFORD
26 Terrace Street, Drawer 09,
Montpelier, VT
05609-1103.
It is also useful to send a copy of the proposed amendment approved by the voters to your legislators so that work on a draft of a bill incorporating the proposed amendments to your charter can begin.
How to File a Charter with the Secretary of State's Office
Opinions
Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000
top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
NOTICE! |
Elections Supplies
Check your supplies and PLACE YOUR ORDERS NOW for the SEPTEMBER 12TH PRIMARY AND NOVEMBER 7THGENERAL ELECTIONS. (If you need an order form faxed to you, please call Renita Jacobs, at 828-2464.) WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND ASSISTANCE prior to the Presidential Primary. We were able to handle all the supply orders in a timely manner because many town clerks placed their orders early. We would like to try to fill as many supply orders as possible BEFORE JULY 17th when we start working on the statewide ballots. Please place you orders as soon as possible.
Elections Perspectives 2000
This handy elections guide will be distributed in June 2000. (We plan to wait until the legislature has finished so we can incorporate all changes).
Elections Workshops
Vermont Statutes, 17 V.S.A. § 2457 require that the presiding officer or an assistant designated by the BCA shall attend at least one elections workshop every two years.Kathy DeWolfe and Melanie Jacobs will be presenting an Elections Workshop for town clerks from 9 AM to Noon on June 1st at St. Michael's College sponsored by the Vermont Town Clerks and Treasurers Association. We will also be presenting at least four workshops around the state on Tuesday afternoons and evenings in August for town clerks and Board of Civil Authority members. Exact dates and locations will be announced in the May Opinions.
Elections Reminder
Opinions Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
LICENSING OF DOGS
Message from the State VeterinarianAs of April 1st, many of your offices are engaged in the unwieldy task of dog licensing. Over the years, our office has received many questions via telephone and fielded a multitude of others while visiting town clerks offices throughout Vermont. In an effort to reduce the understandable confusion it would seem appropriate to attempt to clarify a few points.
What is the purpose of a kennel permit? The kennel permit is a permit issued by the town for the purpose of establishing that a resident in town is keeping domestic pets or wolf-hybrids for sale or for breeding purposes other than for his or her own use. 20 V.S.A. § 3681. Bear in mind the kennel permit applies to wolf-hybrids and domestic pets which include dogs, cats and ferrets as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 3541(3).
Note that the kennel permit has no relationship to any zoning ordinance pertaining to kennels for boarding or for construction of kennel facilities. This means that you must issue a kennel permit if one is requested, but then send the applicant to the zoning office to see whether the town ordinance will permit the proposed use of the property. The kennel permit also has no relationship to dog licensing.
What is the purpose of dog licensing? Every year, all dogs more than 6 months of age may be licensed any time after January 1st of a calendar year, but must be licensed no later than April 1st of the same year in order to avoid the additional 50% fee assessment. If a dog reaches 6 months of age after April 1, the owner must apply for a license within 30 days; after October 1, the fee is reduced by half. 20 V.S.A. § 3581.
What is the purpose of the special license? A "special license" as a discount incentive for breeders who agree to maintain their breeding animals within "proper enclosures" defined as a locked fence or structure of sufficient height and sufficient depth into the ground to prevent the entry of young children and to prevent the animal from escaping. 20 V.S.A. § 3583. The special license is not intended to provide a reduced license fee to any individual possessing more than 3 breeding animals. When a special license is requested, consider the following:1. All animals registered under the special license must be maintained within a proper enclosure. Many breeders, especially houndsmen, have questioned the requirement to maintain their dogs within a "proper enclosure". The word enclosure is not taken in a literal sense but permits the removal of dogs under supervision from the fenced area for necessary training as in the case of hunting dogs.
2. If the holder of a special license also maintains spayed and neutered animals they must be licensed individually at the $4.00 rate and are not to be included on the special license.
What is a current rabies vaccination? We are considering changing the Vermont Statutes with regards to current rabies vaccination requirements for licensing to help eliminate much of the confusion generated by the current definition and address some of the concerns over vaccination. At least for now, we must continue to follow current requirements.
A great deal of confusion arises because of different interpretations of what the expiration date is. There are two expiration dates.
1. One is the expiration date for the duration of protection that the vaccine has been approved for by the USDA. For example, an approved 3-year vaccine is considered to have a duration of protection that will expire three years from the date the vaccine was given. This is the expiration date that many veterinarians are accustomed to writing on the rabies vaccination certificate.
2. The other expiration date is the date the vaccine is no longer considered current as defined in the Vermont Statutes with regards to dog licensing. Even though a vaccine may be approved as a 3-year vaccine, for the purposes of licensing an adult dog, the vaccine is only considered current if it was administered within the previous two years.
The easiest way to decide if a rabies vaccination is current for the purposes of licensing a dog is to consider the following: for dogs over two years of age, the vaccination must have been given within the previous 24 months; for dogs under two years of age, the vaccination must have been given within the previous 12 months. Forget about expiration dates. Pay attention only to when the vaccination was given. Is it within 24 months for dogs older than 2 years, or within 12 months for dogs younger than 2 years? If not, they should be re-vaccinated before renewing their license. This is frustrating for owners who are not aware that vaccinations are no longer considered current for licensing even though it is within the expiration date that the vaccine is approved for. Veterinarians are not always good about explaining this difference to their clients. Some towns have been printing the date to renew vaccinations right on the license.
If you have further questions please call the State Veterinarians office at (802) 828-2421.
Dog Licenses, Kennel Permits and Special License FORMS may be obtained through:
Vermont Correctional Industries
RR 1 Box 680
Windsor VT 05089
(802) 674-6724
Please forward the duplicate copies of the kennel permit and special licenses issued in your town to:
Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Animal Health Section
116 State Street
Drawer 20
Montpelier VT 05620-2901Licensing of Dogs
Opinions Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
Message from State Archivist Gregory Sanford:
RECORDS CARE GRANT AVAILABLE
The Vermont Historical Records Advisory Board, chaired by State Archivist Gregory Sanford, is offering records care grants and training opportunities, starting in June. There are three separate programs: workshops, collection surveys, and arrangement and description projects.
Workshops on basic archival management, disaster planning and response, and photograph collections are being planned. The first two topics may be of particular use to municipal clerks. The basic archival workshops will cover the basic principals and practices of managing records with continuing value. The disaster planning workshops will focus on how to protect your records in the event of fire, flood, or other catastrophic event.
The collection surveys will provide an on-site survey by an archivist who will review the record storage area, records, and office practices. The archivist will then provide the findings through a written report. The surveyed office would then be responsible for developing an action plan based on the report.
The program, which builds upon a similar project done in 1997-99, is funded through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Grant details, schedules and forms are being developed and will be announced in early April through the State Archives website (http://vermont-archives.org/), Opinions, MUNINET, and direct mailings. For additional information contact Gregory Sanford (gsanford@sec.state.vt.us).
For information and application forms contact Michael Sherman (mnsherms@together.net) or send a letter toVHRAB c/o Michael Sherman
20 College St.
Montpelier, VT 05602
telephone (802) 223-2632.Message from State Archivist Gregory Sanford
Opinions Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
april's calendar Saturday, April 1, 2000
Last day for trailer or mobile home parks to be licensed by municipality. 24:2232(4).
Wednesday, April 5, 2000
(22 days after warning; warning within seven days after election) Last day a run-off election may be held. 17:2682(e).
Thursday, April 6, 2000
(Within 30 days of Town Meeting) Last day legislative body can accept petition signed by five percent of the registered voters requesting reconsideration or rescission of a Town Meeting article. 17:2661(b).
April's Calendar
Opinions Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
Wednesday, April 5>
Lyndon State College
Alexander Twilight Theatre
LYNDONVILLE
Thursday, April 13
Holiday Inn & Conference Center
RUTLAND<
Tuesday, April 18
Lake Morey Inn
FAIRLEE
Monday, April 24
St. Michael’s College
St. Edmunds Hall
Thursday, April 27
Mt. Snow Resort
Grand Summit Hotel
FAIRLEE<
Sponsored by the UVM Extensions Program
For more information, please contact
Mary Peabody at 802-223-2389
VLCT WORKSHOPS
Tentative Schedule as of 2/4/00
Budgeting and Finance
Suzanna's Restaurant
The Lague Inn, Berlin
Thursday, May 4
Town Clerks
Suzanna's Restaurant
The Lague Inn, Berlin
(Includes Elections
Workshop)
Thursday, May 18
Delinquent Tax Collectors
Suzanna's Restaurant
The Lague Inn, Berlin
Thursday, May 25
4:00 to 8:00 PM
New Selectboard Training
Vermont Interactive TV Sites:
St. Albans &nbps; Brattleboro
Waterbury Rutland
Thursday, June 1
Zoning Basics
Suzanna's Restaurant
The Lague Inn, Berlin
Law Enforcement
Suzanna's Restaurant
The Lague Inn, Berlin
Thursday, June 29
Advance Selectboard Training
Suzanna's Restaurant
The Lague Inn, Berlin
Thursday, September 28
Town Fair
Killington Grand Hotel
Killington, Vermont
OTHER EVENTS
Thursday and Friday, May 11 and 12
VTCMA SPRINGCONFERENCE
Middlebury Inn
Middlebury, Vermont
For more information, please contact the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) at 802-229-9111.
THE ORTON INSTITUTE
SPRING 2000 PROGRAMS
"Community Planning and Action:
The Language of Leadership Workshops"
Workshop I
"Local Leadership"
Workshop II
"Rural Communities: Information Technology and Homebased Businesses: Challenges and Opportunities
DATES AND LOCATIONS
ALL workshops begin at 5 PM (dinner provided)
Johnson State College
April 12
May 17
June 7
VT Technical College
April 18
May 18
May 31
Bennington Library
April 25
June 5
June 21
Middlebury College
April 17
May 22
June 1
SPACE IS LIMITED! PLEASE CONTACT
Orton Institute Project Director, Martha Perkins at
802-425-5761 or email to
perkins@together.net for more information.
Featuring Paul Gillies
Overview of Duties from Tax Appeals to Marriages
Tuesday, May 9th
Williston Town Hall
7 PM to 9 PM
Tuesday, May 16th
Weathersfield Town Offices
7 PM to 9 PM
Tuesday, May 23rd
Sherburne Memorial Library
7 PM to 9 PM
For more information or if you plan to attend, please contact Melanie Jacobs at
802-828-0175.
Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State
Division of Elections and Campaign Finance
Monday, June 26
Rutland Superior Courthouse
83 Center Street, Rutland
Contact: Kathy Watters
802-828-2363Tues day, June 27
Caledonia Superior Courthouse
27 Main Street, St. Johnsbury
Contact: Kathy Watters
802-828-2363Wednesday, June 28
Weathersfield Municipal Building
Route 5, Ascutney Village
Contact: Kathy Watters
802-828-2363
The Vermont Public Service Awards for Windham County scheduled for April 17th has been tentatively postponed to May 10th.
All nominations are due by April 24th!Orange County's award ceremony scheduled for May has now been moved to July 12, 2000.
Event's Calendar
Opinions Volume 2 Number 4 April 2000top of this section April Opinions "Table of Contents" Secretary of State's Home Page
For further information, please contact
Web Editor, Editor, Opinions at 802-828-2363Need help with a web site technical issue? Questions regarding this page's content?
Please Contact us.
SOS Home | State of Vermont Home | VT Law | Databases
Help | Printing Web Pages | Site Search | Site Map
Feedback | Disclaimer
This Site Is Best Viewed In Internet Explorer 4.0 or Above or Netscape 4.73 or AboveTop Of This Page
The most basic
responsibility of citizenship is to stand and be counted. In the
next few weeks most Vermonters will be given an opportunity to
participate in this count by filling out and returning a census form
that has been either mailed to or dropped off at their
residence. A census worker will also visit homes to count other
Vermonters. Filling out census forms takes a little time - but
it is important for Vermont. 