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Commission reviews VLCT guidance on ordinance adoption; flags charter review and Trustee policy
Summary
Mr. Hall summarized key points from a VLCT webinar on ordinance adoption and enforcement, emphasizing statutory procedure, the limits of municipal authority under Dillon’s Rule, penalty limits (not to exceed $800), and the need to align the Village Charter and Trustee policies with best practices.
During the July 22 meeting, Commissioner Kim Hall reviewed highlights from a Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) webinar on ordinance adoption and enforcement. Hall emphasized that municipal charters may override model best practices, that following statutory procedures is critical because lapses can invalidate adopted ordinances, and that under Dillon’s Rule municipalities only have powers expressly permitted by state statute.
Commissioners discussed practical drafting items raised in the webinar: ordinances should specify whether violations are civil or criminal, list penalties (noting statutory guidance that penalties should not exceed $800), include citizens’ rights, and consider a tiered penalty structure with waivers for settling matters out of court. The commission suggested a follow-up charter review and proposed advising Trustees on whether adopted ordinances should be signed by approving members.
