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Selectboard discusses Vermont Act 162 changes that move town fire warden duties to Fire Chief
Summary
The Selectboard reviewed Vermont Act 162 (effective July 1), which confers the Fire Warden title and responsibilities on Fire Chiefs and adjusts reporting and compensation expectations; West Windsor Fire Chief Erik Boedtker replaced long-time Fire Warden Mike Spackman and said Mike will serve as Deputy Fire Warden.
Selectboard members and West Windsor Volunteer Fire Chief Erik Boedtker reviewed the implications of Vermont Act 162, enacted in June and effective July 1, which transfers the Fire Warden title and duties to the Fire Chief and changes reporting timelines and state compensation expectations. Chief Boedtker and former Town Fire Warden Mike Spackman said they were not consulted before the law passed and that many local Wardens and Chiefs were unaware of the bill’s full contents when it moved through the legislature.
Under the new law, Chief Boedtker became Fire Warden by virtue of his position; Mike Spackman agreed to serve as Deputy Fire Warden and will continue to issue burn permits for the town. The Selectboard and attendees expressed appreciation for Spackman’s 38 years of service as Fire Warden. No formal town policy changes beyond the appointment were recorded in the minutes.
