Shelburne Selectboard approves first reading of updated ethics ordinance, schedules July 28 public hearing

The Shelburne Selectboard on July 14 approved, on first reading, an update to the town's Ethics Ordinance and warned a public hearing for the July 28 meeting. Town Manager Matt Lawless said the changes are required by recent state law updates. Lee Suskin of the Ethics Committee described the committee's work to make the ordinance readable and to include state code and the contents of the prior local ordinance.

Selectboard member Chunka Mui asked whether the draft imposed requirements beyond state regulations, noting concern that board members who provide critical town services should not be barred from doing so if they recuse themselves from related decisions. Suskin said the draft consists of the state code plus the previous ordinance text and that he will double‑check state law to ensure compliance. Lawless said he will request guidance from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and staff will consider additional verbiage to reduce the chance that unrelated committee service would be restricted.

Mike Ashooh moved to approve the updated Ethics Ordinance on first reading and to warn a public hearing for July 28; Chunka Mui seconded and the motion passed 4-0.