Dear Neighbors,

This coming Monday, the City Council will hold its second of two meetings in the month of September. We will begin our meeting at 7pm following two other meetings: one, a work session on housing policy reform, which will include a discussion of possible initiatives from the BTV Housing Summit, and two, an expected executive session on City Place.

Following an annual report from the Public Works Commission, the approval of two entertainment permit applications, and a brief Local Control Commission meeting, we have seven remaining items on our deliberative agenda:

• We will have a public hearing on the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. This report describes what was accomplished with expenditures of federal funds from HUD during the past fiscal year. Priorities for the year included affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment for our community. Following the hearing, we will vote to accept the communication and submit it to HUD.

• We have four resolutions to vote on Monday evening. The first is a declaration on climate emergency and initiating a just transition for City staff.

• The second resolution is an adoption of the Net Zero Energy goal for Burlington across our electric, thermal and ground transportation sectors. This resolution also includes a climate emergency declaration. This resolution confirms the Council's support for the Net Zero Energy Roadmap and calls on our State, and national leaders to enact policies to consistent with our Roadmap priorities. The resolution includes a plan to increase awareness and ensure sustained progress toward the City's goals of the Net Zero Energy Roadmap.

• The third resolution is regarding support for the members of the Burlington Police Department.

• Our final resolution is regarding the approval of creation of the position of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director for the City.

• Our final item is a communication regarding the Neighborhood Project. This communication includes a list of recommended priorities and requests that the Administration report back to the Council with a proposed plan to implement the recommendations in the report.

Please keep in mind that you are always welcome to come to a Council meeting and speak on any topic you wish during public forum. This begins at a time certain of 7:30pm at every Council meeting. You may access the Council agenda at http://www.boarddocs.com/vt/burlingtonvt/Board.nsf/Public Please note that all Council meetings are televised live on BT Channel 317 and streamed live to your computer or phone. Please go to youtube and type in "Burlington City Council meetings" and the live stream will come up.

As always, I welcome your questions and concerns. I hope you are enjoying these last few days of summer and the beginning hints of fall.

My best,
Karen

Dinner and Public Forum at NPA Thursday

Dec 19, 2024, 6:30 to 8 PM

Game Night at the Richard Kemp Center

Dec 20, 2024, 6 to 9 PM

Candlelight Sung Meditations and Improvisations

Dec 22, 2024, 4:45 to 6 PM