It is well established that, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, an employer may be vicariously liable for actions of an employee serving in a supervisory role that create a hostile work environment for a subordinate employee. If the … [Continue reading]
U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies When an Employer is Strictly Liable for Workplace Harassment
June 2, 2014 by
SP&F Assists With Closing Over $1.5 Million in Affordable and Senior Housing Grants
December 1, 2013 by
In November 2013 SP&F attorney David Rugh assisted in closing more than $1.5 million in affordable and senior housing grants in Shelburne and Charlotte. Working on behalf of the Town of Shelburne and with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and … [Continue reading]
Firm Adds Two New Associates
November 12, 2013 by
The Firm of SP&F, has added two new associates, Eric G. Derry and Diane M. Sherman, to its staff, bringing the total number of attorneys in the Firm to ten. The Firm is excited about having both Eric and Diane on board. Eric is a 2008 graduate … [Continue reading]
Vermont Supreme Court Issues New Ruling On “Void for Vagueness” Challenges to Zoning Regulations, Holds Definition of “Family” is Valid
July 3, 2013 by
In a recent decision regarding a zoning enforcement case prosecuted by SP&F on behalf of the Town of Fairfax (the “Town”) against Defendant Leon Beliveau (“Defendant”), the Vermont Supreme Court affirmed a judgment that Defendant operated an … [Continue reading]
Municipal Website Accessibility Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
May 30, 2013 by
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“Title II”) and its implementing regulations prohibit municipalities from discriminating against individuals with disabilities and require municipalities to provide auxiliary aids and services to an … [Continue reading]
McLean Discusses Fair Housing
May 30, 2013 by
Attorney Joe McLean of SP&F, recently participated as a speaker at the Spring Planning and Zoning Forum. The Forum was co-sponsored by the VLCT Municipal Assistance Center and the Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Association … [Continue reading]
SP&F Closes First “FEMA Buyouts” From Tropical Storm Irene
April 29, 2013 by
On March 26th, SP&F attorneys on behalf of the Towns of Bethel and Bolton, and with the assistance of Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission, closed the first Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program … [Continue reading]
Vermont Supreme Court Addresses Interplay of Zoning and Private Covenants
March 7, 2013 by
In a recent decision regarding “the interplay between rulings and requirements relating to zoning in connection with a planned unit development and enforcement of restrictive covenants and deed restrictions applicable to property within the … [Continue reading]
U.S. Department of Education Issues IDEA Part B Final Regulations Related to Parental Consent to Access Public Benefits or Insurance Such as Medicaid
February 19, 2013 by
On February 14, 2013, the U.S. Department of Education published in the Federal Register, Final Regulations which change the frequency with which public agencies, including school districts, must obtain parental consent to bill Medicaid for such … [Continue reading]
SP&F Helps to Resolve Litigation Involving Water Project
February 5, 2013 by
In January 2013, the Town of Waitsfield settled long-standing litigation with the owner of property adjoining the well site for the Town's municipal water project. Having obtaining positive decisions from the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division, … [Continue reading]