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Putney Selectboard adopts Code of Ethics Investigation & Enforcement Ordinance
Summary
The Putney Selectboard voted May 28 to adopt a Code of Ethics Investigation & Enforcement Ordinance; residents have 44 days to petition for a special town meeting to rescind it, and if no petition succeeds the ordinance becomes law in 60 days.
The Putney Selectboard on May 28 adopted a Code of Ethics Investigation & Enforcement Ordinance that will take effect 60 days after adoption unless residents collect enough signatures to force a special town meeting within 44 days.
Selectboard Chair Eric McGowan opened the public hearing at 5:30 p.m. and Selectboard member Aileen Tulloch proposed adoption, explaining the petition timeline and rescission procedure. Peg Alden moved to adopt the ordinance; Tulloch seconded and the motion passed.
Resident Howard Fairman raised a technical citation issue, noting that section E should reference V.S.A. § 310(6). Town staff did not correct the text during the meeting; the board adopted the ordinance subject to the petition and effective-date provisions described at the hearing.
The ordinance establishes the town's process for investigating and enforcing the Selectboard's code of ethics. Under the timetable the board described, the public may collect signatures to force a special meeting within 44 days; absent a successful petition, the ordinance becomes legally effective after 60 days. The board did not record a roll-call vote or a vote tally in the minutes included in the transcript.
The Selectboard will publish the adopted ordinance and the procedural timeline. Residents interested in pursuing a petition should consult the town clerk for instructions and the exact statutory requirements.
