VERGENNES — Vergennes municipal officials are seeking to repopulate the Citizen Review Board Exploratory Committee that is studying whether the city council should create a permanent citizen committee to help oversee the Vergennes Police Department.
The committee was formed with eight members in July, but for a variety of reasons five members have resigned. The city council on Oct. 27 pledged to back the study committee and give it as much time as it needs to complete its mission.
According to recruiting posts at Vergennes.org and on social media, the Citizen Review Board Exploratory Committee is preparing a proposal to be voted on by the city council.
The committee in August made a preliminary recommendation in favor of a permanent review board, but among other tasks wishes to survey residents before submitting a final report to the council.
Members said, “We feel (a review board) would help build transparency and confidence in law enforcement.”
The committee meets on Thursdays at 6 p.m. City officials ask that those interested to be willing to volunteer a few hours a week, and to be “open-minded, problem-orientated, and willing to do the research on behalf of our community.”
Those interested in joining this committee are asked to submit interest to Mayor Lynn Donnelly at [email protected] on or before Nov. 9.
The Vergennes City Council plans to discuss appointment of candidates at its Nov. 10 meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Interested candidates are welcome to attend.