The St. Johnsbury Select Board voted 3-0 on June 8 to adopt a resolution guiding town employees and volunteers on interactions with federal immigration police. Two board members, Chair Frank Empsall and Ellen Burt, did not cast votes. Community member David Roth presented the draft, which was developed with select board input and reviewed by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns' law enforcement advocate. The resolution, referenced in meeting minutes, is described as a guidance document consistent with the state's Fair and Impartial Policing Policy, not a binding policy change.
The board also approved drawing $70,215 from reserve funds for upgrades at the Fire and Police Station at 1187 Main Street. Work includes bathroom improvements for the fire department, new entryway flooring, and replacement of exterior light fixtures. Of the total, $62,270 will come from the Reserve for Public Safety Building and $8,000 from a separate reserve, with funds moved to the general fund before use.
On staffing, Town Manager Chad Whitehead reported that Officer Smires graduated from the Vermont Police Academy on May 29. Officer Giesing is scheduled to attend the full-time academy in August, and a new dispatcher began work June 3. The Department of Public Works has started its summer crew and still has openings; interested individuals can contact Rachel Waterhouse.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: Artaxerxes (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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