Dear Neighbors,
This coming Monday, the City Council will hold its first of two meetings in the month of October. We will begin our meeting at 7pm.
Following a chorus presentation by residents from the Ethan Allen Residence, a presentation from CarShare which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Burlington, and two outdoor one day only entertainment permits, as well as a brief Board of Tax Abatement meeting, we have five remaining items on our deliberative agenda:
• We will have a public hearing on proposed changes to the City's Development Ordinance Form District 5. The proposed changes would expand the boundaries to accommodate more properties in this district. The 19 parcels proposed to be included have been recommended to be included in order to encourage the type and intensity of future infill or redevelopment consistent with adjacent properties, to enable greater flexibility for expansion or reuse of existing uses and structures, and/or reduce existing non-conformities. Following the public hearing, the Council will vote on this ordinance change.
• We have three resolutions to vote on Monday evening.
• The first is a resolution regarding housing policy reforms. This resolution is in response to the feedback from the Housing Summits the City held in June and September in five key areas: increasing energy efficiency in rental housing, accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), parking minimums and the Housing Trust Fund. The resolution lays out a plan to address each of these areas and a report back date to the full Council to move forward with these initiatives after additional work and further community input.
• The second resolution is regarding the City's reinvestment in Burlington Telecom. The City has until March of 2020 to decide if it wishes to invest all or part of its share of the proceeds from the Burlington Telecom sale into the new venture. The resolution offers a process for the City to consider its options.
• The third resolution is regarding expanding voting rights in municipal elections. The resolution asks the Council's Charter Change Committee to review this question and report back on a possible ballot item for review by the Council for the Town Meeting Day 2020 election.
• The last item is a communication from the Special Committee reviewing policing policies. The Committee is asking the Council to authorize the Special Committee to spend up to its previously authorized budget of $50,000 for the purpose of securing one "or more" trusted and independent third parties to support its review and recommendation process, if it so chooses. The resolution passed by the Council referenced "one independent third party."
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 the colors that are once again gracing our trees and the cooler fall weather.
My best,
Karen
Dec 18, 2024, 1 to 4:30 PM
The Snow Queen and the Trolls PerformancesDec 19, 2024, 6 to 8 PM
Rokeby Museum Open House and Holiday SaleDec 21, 2024, 10 AM to 4 PM