Fair Housing

Town of Vernon

Affirmative Action Policy Statement

Daniel A. Champagne
Mayor
Michael J. Purcaro
Town Administrator
Dawn R. Maselek
Assistant Town Administrator

As Mayor of the TOWN OF VERNON, I recognize the need for Affirmative Action and I pledge my commitment to undertake positive actions to overcome the present effects of past practices or barriers to equal employment opportunity and to achieve the full and fair participation of minorities, women, people with disabilities, older persons, and all other protected groups found to be underutilized in the TOWN OF VERNON’S work force or affected by policies having an adverse impact.  In the spirit of Executive Order 11, signed by Governor Ella Grasso November 21, 1975, and Executive Order 9, signed by Governor William A. O’Neill on January 3, 1984, I further state that this TOWN OF VERNON will comply with the anti-discrimination provisions of the state and federal laws and regulations listed at the end of this section.

I recognize the hiring difficulties experienced by minorities, people with disabilities and by many older persons and, where appropriate, I have set goals to overcome the present effects of past discrimination, if any, to achieve the full and fair utilization of such persons in the work force.  I further pledge that the TOWN OF VERNON will affirmatively provide services and programs in a fair and impartial manner.
    
Where adverse impact is identified, the TOWN OF VERNON will: (1) review its personnel policies and procedures to ensure that barriers, which unnecessarily exclude protected classes and practices, which have an illegal discriminatory impact, are identified and eliminated; (2) explore alternative approaches to employ minorities and members of protected classes; (3) administer all terms, conditions, privileges and benefits of the employment process in an equitable manner; and (4) establish procedures for the extra effort that may be necessary to ensure that the recruitment and hiring of protected group members reflect their availability in the job market.

It is the policy of the TOWN OF VERNON to provide equal employment opportunities without consideration of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, genetic information, past/present history of mental disability, ancestry, mental retardation, learning or physical disabilities including but, not limited to blindness, sexual orientation, political belief or criminal record, unless the provisions of Section 46a-60(b), 46a-80(b) and 46a-81(b) of the Connecticut General Statutes are controlling or there is a bonafide occupational qualification excluding persons in one of the above protected groups.  This policy applies to all aspects of the employer/employee relationship including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, referrals, classifying, advertising, training, upgrading, promotion, benefits, compensation, discipline, layoff and terminations.

The TOWN OF VERNON will implement, monitor and enforce this Affirmative Action Policy Statement in conjunction with the applicable federal and state laws, regulations and executive orders listed below: 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments of the United States Constitution, Civil Rights Act of 1866, 1870, 1871, Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VI and VII of the 1964 United States Civil Rights Act, presidential Executive Orders 11246, amended by 11375, (Nondiscrimination under federal contracts), Act 1 Section 1 and 20 of the Connecticut Constitution, Governor Grasso’s Executive Order Number 11, Governor O’Neill Executive Order Number 9, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Law (46a-63-64). Discrimination against Criminal Offenders (46a-80). Connecticut General Statutes, Connecticut Code of Fair Accommodations Law (46-63-64), definition of Blind (46a-51 (1), definition of Physically Disabled (46a-51 (15), definition of Mentally Retarded (46a-51 (13), cooperation with the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities (46a-77), Sexual Harassment (46-60-(a) Connecticut Credit Discrimination Law (360436 through 439), Title I of the State and the Local Fiscal Assistance Act of 1972 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992.

This policy statement will be given annually to all TOWN OF VERNON employees and will also be posted throughout the TOWN OF VERNON.  I also expect each supplier, union, consultant and other entity (s) with which we do business to comply with all applicable State and Federal Equal Opportunity laws and regulations.  The TOWN OF VERNON will not knowingly do business with any entity debarred from participation in any federal or state program or found to be in violation of any state or federal anti-discrimination law.

I have assigned the responsibility to achieve the successful implementation of our goals and objectives
to Michael J. Purcaro, Town Administrator, who can be reached at (860) 870-3665, or via email at mpurcaro@vernon-ct.gov.

Daniel A. Champagne, Mayor
Town of Vernon
April 18, 2023

THIS STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT OR ON AUDIO TAPE FROM THE ADA-504 COORDINATOR by calling 860-870-3633.

Town of Vernon

Fair Housing Policy Statement

Daniel A. Champagne
Mayor
Michael J. Purcaro
Town Administrator
Dawn R. Maselek
Assistant Town Administrator

It is the policy of the TOWN OF VERNON to promote fair housing opportunities and to encourage racial and economic integration in all its programs and housing development activities.

Programs funded and administered by this TOWN OF VERNON must comply with the provisions of Section 46a-64c of the C.G.S., and with related state and federal laws and regulations that prohibit discriminatory housing practices.

The TOWN OF VERNON or any of sub-recipient of the TOWN OF VERNON will carry out an affirmative marketing program to attract prospective buyers or tenants of all majority or minority groups, without consideration of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, lawful source of income, disability, age or because the individual has children in all programs and housing development activities funded or administered by the TOWN OF VERNON.

The Municipality’s Town Administrator is responsible for the enforcement and implementation of this policy. Michael J. Purcaro, Town Administrator may be reached at (860) 870-3665 or by email at mpurcaro@vernon-ct.gov.

Complaints pertaining to discrimination in any program funded or administered by the TOWN OF VERNON may be filed with the ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT. The municipality’s Grievance Procedure will be utilized in these cases.

Complaints may also be filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Special Enforcement Unit, 21 Grand Street, Hartford, CT  06106, Telephone (860) 541-3403  within 180 days of the alleged violation by submitting a notarized complaint and/or the Boston Regional Office of FHEO, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building, 10 Causeway Street, Room 321, Boston, MA 02222-1092, Telephone (617) 994-8300 or 1-800-827-5005, TTY (617) 565-5453.  A complaint may be filed with HUD within one year after an alleged violation.  Additionally, an individual may file suit, at his/her expense, in Federal District Court or State Court within two years of an alleged violation.  If the individual cannot afford an attorney, the Court may appoint one. A suit can be brought even after filing a complaint, if the complaining party has not signed a conciliation agreement and an Administrative Law Judge has not started a hearing. A court may award actual and punitive damages and attorney's fees and costs.

A copy of this policy statement will be given annually to all TOWN OF VERNON employees and they are expected to fully comply with it.  In addition, a copy will be posted throughout the TOWN OF VERNON.

Daniel A. Champagne, Mayor
Town of Vernon
April 18, 2023

THIS STATEMENT IS AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT OR ON AUDIO TAPE by contacting ADA Coordinator, Building Department, 55 West Main Street 860-870-3651.

Town Of Vernon

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act Of 1964

Daniel A. Champagne
Mayor
Michael J. Purcaro
Town Administrator
Dawn R. Maselek
Assistant Town Administrator

The TOWN OF VERNON does not discriminate in the provision of services, the administration of its programs, or contractual agreements.  The TOWN OF VERNON seeks to fully carry out its responsibilities under the Title VI Regulations.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.  Title VI provides that No person shall on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any programs covered by the Regulations.

This policy is effectuated through the methods of administration outlined in the TOWN OF VERNON Fair Housing Plan and is fully implemented to ensure compliance by the TOWN OF VERNON as the recipient, and by sub- recipients.  The cooperation of all personnel is required.

Daniel A. Champagne, Mayor
Town of Vernon
April 18, 2023

TOWN OF VERNON

FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION

Daniel A. Champagne
Mayor
Michael J. Purcaro
Town Administrator
Dawn R. Maselek
Assistant Town Administrator

Whereas, All persons are afforded a right to full and equal housing opportunities in the
neighborhood of their choice; and

Whereas, Federal fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, color,
religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, be given equal access to all
housing-related opportunities, including rental and homeownership opportunities,
and be allowed to make free choices regarding housing location; and

Whereas, Connecticut fair housing laws require that all individuals, regardless of race, creed,
color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income,
familial status, learning disability, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation,
or gender identity or expression be given equal access to all housing-related
opportunities, including rental and home ownership opportunities, and be allowed to
make free choices regarding housing location; and

Whereas, The Town of Vernon is committed to upholding these laws, and realizes that these
laws must be supplemented by an Affirmative Statement publicly endorsing the
right of all people to full and equal housing opportunities in the neighborhood of
their choice.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Town of Vernon hereby endorses a Fair Housing
Policy to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to rent, purchase, obtain financing and enjoy all other
housing-related services of their choice on a non-discriminatory basis as provided by state and federal law;
and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the chief executive officer of the Town of Vernon or his/her
designated representative is responsible for responding to and assisting any person who alleges to be the
victim of an illegal discriminatory housing practice in the Town of Vernon and for advising such person of
the right to file a complaint with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
(CHRO) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or to seek assistance from the
CT Fair Housing Center, legal services, or other fair housing organizations to protect his or her right to
equal housing opportunities.

Adopted by the Town of Vernon on 4-18-2023

Daniel A. Champagne, Mayor
Town of Vernon
April 18, 2023

Town of Vernon
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT NOTICE

Daniel A. Champagne
Mayor
Michael J. Purcaro
Town Administrator
Dawn R. Maselek
Assistant Town Administrator

The TOWN OF VERNON does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities.  The TOWN OF VERNON does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.

This notice is provided by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to the TOWN OF VERNON’S designated ADA Compliance Coordinator.

Name: Steven Prattson
Title: ADA Compliance Coordinator, Building Official
Office Address: 55 West Main Street
Phone Number: (860) 870-870-3651     Fax: (860) 870-3589
Email Address: steveprattson@vernon-ct.gov
Days/Hours Available: 8 am to 4:30 pm (Mon., Tues., Wed.), 8 am to 7:00 pm (Thurs.), closed Friday.

Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in programs and services of the TOWN OF VERNON are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Compliance Coordinator.

This notice is available upon request in large print, on audio tape, and in Braille, from the ADA Compliance Coordinator.

Michael J. Purcaro, Town Administrator
Town of Vernon
April 18, 2023

Town of Vernon
Americans with Disabilities Act
MUNICIPAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Daniel A. Champagne
Mayor
Michael J. Purcaro
Town Administrator
Dawn R. Maselek
Assistant Town Administrator

This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in employment practices and policies or the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the TOWN OF VERNON.

The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.

The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:

Steven Prattson, ADA Compliance Coordinator
(860) 870-3651
55 West Main Street, Vernon CT 06066

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the, ADA Coordinator will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape. The response will explain the position of ADA Coordinator and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.

If the response by STEVEN PRATTSON, ADA COORDINATOR does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision of the ADA Coordinator within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the Mayor or his designee.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the Mayor or his designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the Mayor or his designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.

All written complaints received by STEVEN PRATTSON, ADA COORDINATOR, appeals to the MAYOR or his designee, and responses from the ADA coordinator and the Mayor or his designee will be kept by the Town of Vernon for at least three years.

Michael J. Purcaro, Town Administrator
Town of Vernon
April 18, 2023

Link to Fair Housing Brochure in English.

Equidad en la Vivienda

IGUALDAD DE OPORTUNIDAD EN LA VIVIENDA - Poster

We Do Business in Accordance With the Federal Fair Housing Law – Poster English