VERMONT LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TOWNS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Thursday, July 21, 2022
MINUTES
VLCT Board Members Present (in person): Vice President Bill Fraser, David Allaire, (via zoom) Mary Ann Goulette, Delsie Hoyt, Ann Lawless, Ken Linsley, George Putnam, and Lucrecia Wonsor.
VLCT Staff Present (in person): Executive Director Ted Brady, Kelley Avery, Peggy Gates, Jessi Hill, Jeff LaBossiere, Linda Mahns, Fred Satink, Gwynn Zakov (via zoom) Garrett Baxter, Katie Buckley, Joe Damiata, Abby Friedman, Jill George, Karen Horn, Kelly Kindestin, Jill Muhr, and Phil Woodward.
Agenda Item #1: Call to order by the President
Vice President Bill Fraser called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. Introductions went around the room and via zoom.
Agenda Item #2: Additions and Deletions to the Agenda
Bill Fraser asked if there were additions or deletions. Ted Brady stated #13 agenda item can be deleted from today’s agenda. David Allaire made a motion to accept the agenda as amended. Ann Lawless seconded the motion. The agenda was adopted unanimously.
Agenda Item #3: Consent Agenda
The consent agenda, including the minutes from June 16, 2022, and the Personnel Report for July, was motioned to approve by Mary Ann Goulette and seconded by Delsie Hoyt. Approved unanimously.
Agenda Item #4: Organizational Update
Ted Brady gave a comprehensive overview of the Organization Update including updates on the Association Management System (AMS), office space, Recruitment Consultants, Equity work, Advocacy work( including updates on VLCT’s five policy committees meeting this summer and a call for volunteers for the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee and the Environmental/Climate Advisory Board), RMS, Communications, MAC Member Services and a SAVE THE DATE item to honor Senator Leahy’s contributions to Vermont municipalities and downtowns which will be rescheduled for the fall in Montpelier. David Allaire volunteered to serve on the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.
Agenda Item #5: Authorize Executive Director to Execute Equity and Association Management Contracts
Ted Brady provided updates and summaries to/of the following contracts: Abundant Sun Welcoming and Engaging Communities Contract and Euclid Technology Contract for Association Management System. He noted that he was requesting the board to authorize him to sign both contracts, though mentioned the final Euclid contract would likely be slightly different from the version included in the board packet, as negotiations are ongoing. David Allaire made a motion to authorize the Executive Director to execute the Abundant Sun contract as is and the Euclid contract with minor changes as necessary.Mary Ann Goulette seconded. Approved unanimously.
Agenda Item #6: Risk Management Services Update
Joe Damiata, Director of Risk Management Services (RMS) introduced himself and gave an overview of the RMS services that he and his 25 staff members provide to members.
Kelly Kindestin, Manager of Property and Casualty Claims introduced herself and her team. She spoke about the types of claims she and her team assist with including auto, general liability, law enforcement, employment liability, public officials liability & crime & fidelity.
Peggy Gates, Manager of Workers’ Compensation Claims, introduced herself and her team members who receive and investigate Workers’ Compensation claims.
Fred Satink, Deputy Director of Underwriting and Loss Control introduced himself and his team members who are all in Underwriting. Their tasks include responding to member inquiries with coverage changes, interpretations, and risk management guidance.
Jeff LaBossiere, Manager of Loss Control introduced himself and his Loss Control. Jeff and Fred both spoke on the PACIF grants, scholarships, and KnowBe4 trainings/reimbursement as well as the InvestEAP service that is free to members, EPL referrals, personnel policy reviews, HR-focused trainings, guidance on state/federal HR mandates, and the Law Enforcement safety trainings and consultations provided to municipalities.
Jill George, Senior Business Analyst spoke of her role in analyzing business needs and configuring technology to enhance effectiveness and success of software systems
Phil Woodward, General Counsel to PACIF spoke of his role as defense counsel, litigation management and consulting, coverage counsel, risk management advisor, and corporate attorney duties including contract and policy review and any litigation against VLCT or PACIF.
Kelley Avery, Senior Benefit Programs Administrator gave an overview of the UI program and the VLCT Employee Benefits that members participate in including health insurance advisory services, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability and long-term disability coverage, supplemental life, Northeast Delta Dental group coverage, EyeMed Vision Care, and pet insurance through Pet Partners.
Agenda Item #7: Break
A break occurred from 1:28 – 1:35 pm.
Agenda Item #8: Consider City of Essex Junction Request to Become a Full VLCT Member
Ted Brady summarized the request for the Board’s consideration and asked for a motion to approve Essex Junction’s request. Ken Linsley made the motion to approve Essex Junction City’s request to become a full VLCT member and Lucrecia Wonsor seconded. Approved unanimously.
Agenda Item #9: Review Final Municipal Assistance Center Legal Inquiry Service Terms of Use
Ted Brady and Abby Friedman provided a summary on the updates that were made to the MAC Legal Inquiry Service Terms of Use for the Board’s clarity and understanding.
Agenda Item #10: Update from IT Working Group
Ted Brady gave a summary of the memo provided in the packet for this agenda item. Recommendations from this group included: partnering with Champlain College to offer free and reduced IT services, offering training on cyber security and other IT training, participating in VT State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, building stronger relationships with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, cultivating a relationship with the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency to provide training to members, and making recommendations to members on website design and management assistance. Board feedback was offered, and a small discussion occurred.
Agenda Item #11: Discuss Equity Consultant’s Final Recommendations and Review Equity Toolkit
Ted Brady gave a brief summary of the Equity Consultant’s final recommendations and reviewed the toolkit that came out of the year-long work between the Consultant and Committee. A press release announcing the Equity Toolkit has been scheduled to launch on July 22, 2022. Lucrecia Wonsor thanked Ted Brady for his active involvement to assist the Committee to stay on track for deliverables. A motion to accept the Equity Toolkit and the Equity Consultant’s Final Report was made by Lucrecia Wonsor and seconded by Mary Ann Goulette. Approved unanimously.
Agenda Item #12: Resolution Recognizing J. Paul Giuliani
Bill Fraser shared a personal story about Paul Giuliani and other Board members offered their memories of Paul who recently passed away. Bill asked for a motion to approve the Resolution Recognizing J. Paul Giuliani for his many contributions to municipal government. Mary Ann Goulette made the motion and Lucrecia Wonsor seconded. Approved unanimously.
Agenda Item #13: Resolution Recognizing Senator Patrick Leahy
This item has been tabled until the next meeting.
Agenda Item #14: Other Business
Karen Horn spoke a bit more on the three Policy Committees and stated the Advocacy team will be writing white papers on the items that may get brought to the Legislature before the General Session begins.
Agenda Item #15: Adjourn
Bill Fraser entertained a motion to adjourn. David Allaire made the motion and Lucrecia Wonsor seconded. The meeting adjourned at 2:16 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2022, at 12:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Mahns
Executive Administrative Assistant