2005 Vermont Code - Exec. — Order No. 29-35. [Transfer of part of Middlebury garage property, located along the Otter Creek, from the Agency of Transportation to the Agency of Natural Resources] (9-03)

WHEREAS, Vermont has a long and proud heritage of neighbor helping neighbor that continues today; and

WHEREAS, there is growing awareness of volunteerism and civic participation as a means to address unmet social, environmental, educational, and public safety needs; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to foster an ethic of service and to support and recognize community service and volunteerism throughout our state;

WHEREAS, a state commission is necessary to advise and assist in implementation of a comprehensive national and community service plan in Vermont.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Howard Dean, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby establish the Vermont Commission on National and Community Service, and do hereby order that the duties of this commission shall be set out under 201 et seq. of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, as amended (hereafter ""the Act'') and shall include:

1. Provide an annual plan update which shall be provided to the Corporation for National Service (hereafter the ""Corporation'') as required under the Act and which sets out priorities for, as well as addresses coordination of efforts in, national and community service programs in Vermont;

2. Administer grants programs as required by the Act;

3. Provide technical assistance to Vermont non-profit organizations and other entities in applying for Corporation funds and in planning programs relating to community service;

4. Disseminate information in Vermont relating to national service programs in a manner designed to ensure that interested Vermonters are aware of such opportunities.

Membership of the commission shall consist of no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 members. All members shall be appointed by the Governor to three year terms. No member shall serve more than two consecutive three-year terms. The voting members of the commission shall elect a chair from among the other voting members and submit the name to the governor for approval.

Not more than 50% of the members plus one member shall be from the same political party. To the extent possible, membership shall be balanced according to race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender and geography.

Members shall include as voting members at least one of the following individuals: an individual with experience in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth; a representative of community-based agencies or community based organizations within the state; an individual with experience in promoting the involvement of older adults in community service and volunteerism; an individual between the ages of 16 and 25 who is a participant or supervisor in a volunteer or service program; a representative of a national service program as described in the Act 122(a); the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Education (or his or her designee), a representative of local government, a representative of a labor organization; and a representative of business.

The commission may also include as voting members representatives of the following groups: local educators, persons experienced in delivery of services in the areas of human services, education, the environment, or public safety; out-of-school youth or other at-risk youth; and representatives of entities that receive assistance under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.). There shall also be a non-voting representative of the Corporation for National Service.

In addition to the State of Vermont Executive Code of Ethics, commissioners shall abide by the limitation on voting as found in Section 221(a) of the Act.

Not more than 25% of voting members may be state employees, although additional state employees may serve as non-voting members. Vacancies occurring among the members shall be filled by the Governor to serve the balance of such terms.

The commission shall meet at least four times a year to perform its business and shall be attached to the Office of the Governor for administrative support. Public members may receive reimbursement of expenses in attending commission meetings and may receive a per diem pursuant to 32 V.S.A. 1010.

The Governor's Commission on Volunteers established under Executive Order No. 11 dated November 7, 1991, is hereby dissolved as a task force of the commission.

This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order No. 16-93 dated November 30, 1993.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing.

Dated August 13, 1998.