Dear Neighbors,
As we continue to live under these trying times, I do hope you and your families continue to be well and safe and doing your best under the Stay Home order.
We are so fortunate to live in a community where neighbor helps neighbor. Our actions may seem small but please know that every gesture, effort and kindness builds upon the actions of others toward a greater good for our community. The face of adversity doesn't stand a chance against the strength that unites us.
This coming Monday, April 27, is the third of three Council meetings for the month of April.
The meeting will be entirely remote and virtual. There are several ways to tune in and watch and participate:
1. You can watch on YouTube or on Burlington Telecom Channel 317.
The YouTube link is: https://bit.ly/34vGH8O
2. You can join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93100003435
3. You can call in for audio only: the phone number is 312-626-6799 webinar ID 931 0000 3435
Our Council meeting will begin at 6pm with a public presentation from the Administration on the City's initial financial plan for the current fiscal year and for the coming year, FY21, in response to COVID. At 6:15, we are expected to go into Executive Session to discuss details of the plan. We expect to come out of Executive Session between 7:15 and 7:30, and will resume our meeting with the public forum at 7:30.
We have three items on our deliberative agenda. The first is a communication from Gene Richards, Director of Aviation (and Ward 6 resident). The communication is a request for the Airport to accept a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grant of $8.7 million. Passengers flying in and out of the Airport have decreased approximately 90%. The Airport cannot recover revenues from car rentals, the parking garage, concessions, or Airline Landing Fees (due to limited traffic, the Airports landing revenue will be dramatically reduced as we only bill for aircraft that have landed).
As a result, revenues throughout the Airport have dramatically decreased. This grant is necessary to bring economic relief to the Airport and help maintain staffing and safety until passenger service levels return. This grant may be used to reimburse the Airport for a variety of operating expenditures already incurred since January 20, 2020, and may be used for any future operating expenses including payroll, utilities, airfield expenses, debt, or other lawful expenses.
The Airport expects the majority of the CARES Act grant expenses to occur during Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. As a condition of accepting this grant, the Airport must continue to employ at least 90% of its employees (as of March 27, 2020) through December 31, 2020, with payroll reporting provided quarterly to the FAA. The Airport has every intention of keeping all staff on payroll. This grant does not require the City or Airport to match or provide a local share of the grant amount.
We have two resolutions on our deliberative agenda.
• The first is a resolution would create a standing item on every Council meeting agenda dedicated to updating the Council and the community on the City's active response to the Climate Emergency. This would a time for updates to the City's Net Zero Energy 2030 Plan and Green Stimulus initiatives.
• The other resolution relates to the City's Personnel Policy to amend the City's social media policy.
There will be an opportunity to participate in the public forum. Please provide a notification to the City via email that you want to participate during public forum by sending an email to publicforum@burlingtonvt.gov.
We hope you will join us virtually for this important meeting.
I hope you have a good weekend. Please keep in mind that the parks are open for recreating while distancing as well as the City's walking trails, bike path and waterfront park. As well, the Shared Streets for Social Distancing. Please check out this link for further information: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/dpw/covid-19/shared-streets
As always, I welcome your questions and concerns so please be in touch.
My best,
Karen
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