Vermont law authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances regulating certain subjects as legally enforceable local laws if a specific statutory process is followed. Some of the more common civil ordinances regulate dogs, livestock running at large, solid waste, parking, and speeding. Adopting, amending, and enforcing ordinances in accordance with the processes prescribed in state law is critical for avoiding legal challenges.

9:30 AM-9:35 AM 
Welcome from VLCT's Executive Director, Ted Brady, and Abby Friedman, Director of VLCT's Municipal Assistance Center

9:35 AM-10:40 AM
Effective Ordinance Drafting and Adoption
A VLCT MAC staff attorney will present best practices and legal requirements for drafting and adopting ordinances. They will focus on what ordinances municipalities can adopt; the essential elements of an ordinance and what they mean; and the statutorily required processes for adopting, amending, or repealing an ordinance.

Presenter: Kail Romanoff, Staff Attorney II, VLCT Municipal Assistance Center

Break 10:40 AM-10:50 AM

10:50 AM-12:00 PM
Enforcing Local Ordinances in the Judicial Bureau
VLCT’s Law Enforcement Consultant, who is also a former Chief of Police for South Burlington and Barre City, respectively, will review best practices and tips for complying with state law governing the process for enforcing civil ordinances as well as requirements for how “enforcement officials” issue municipal tickets for violations and file them with the Judicial Bureau.

Presenter: Trevor Whipple, Law Enforcement Consultant, VLCT/PACIF