Every municipal board, council, commission, and committee (see examples listed below) is a “public body” and is therefore required to comply with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law. Learn – or review – the basic requirements of the law, including:

• public notice and creating an agenda
• managing public participation
• taking and posting meeting minutes

The requirements of the temporary provisions enacted in 2024 allowing remote and hybrid meetings will also be discussed.

This training is critical for elected and appointed members of all statutory municipal boards, commissions, and committees listed below – and also all committees appointed by selectboards and other legislative bodies. Due to the great variety of locally appointed public bodies, the following lists are not exhaustive, but they do include most of the groups included in Vermont Statutes.

Legislative (Governing) Bodies*

• Board of Aldermen
• City Council
• Board of Village Trustees
• Prudential Committee
• Selectboard

Boards

• Board of Abatement
• Board of Auditors
• Board of Civil Authority
• Board of Listers
• Development Review Board
• Library Trustees
• Trustees of Public Funds
• Zoning Board of Adjustment

Commissions

• Conservation Commission
• Planning Commission

Committees

• ARPA Committee
• Budget Advisory Committee
• Recreation Committee
• Others by statute or appointed by selectboards (and other legislative bodies)

* Legislative bodies can also learn about Open Meeting Law requirements as part of the Selectboard Essentials in-person event on March 23, 2024.

Presenters
Kail Romanoff, Staff Attorney I, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center