Dear Neighbors,
This coming Monday, the City Council will convene its second of two regular meetings for the month of November.
Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82818312756
or by phone 1 929 205 6099 Webinar ID: 828 1831 2756
• You can also join us via Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2PwCge7lNoKug676jIf_iUA
• To participate in Public Forum in person you can sign up at the meeting. To participate in Public Forum via ZOOM sign up here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum
Following an expected executive session on a lease negotiation update with BETA Technologies, Inc. at the Airport from 6:30 to 7pm, the Council meeting will move upstairs to Contois Auditorium and begin shortly after 7pm.
Following any climate emergency reports and the approval of a special indoor entertainment permit in Contois Auditorium for a BCA event with holiday music on December 12, we have two items on the rest of our deliberative agenda:
• A resolution recognizing the rights of houseless community members. This resolution calls for recognizing the rights of houseless community members to camp on public lands and calls for the Administration to delay the further removal and destruction of the Sears Lane encampment and continue to work toward solutions that allow it to safely continue and calls for an action plan to provide for next steps after the 28 day emergency housing motel assistance including the building of tiny homes as well as seeking a facilitator to help self-manage the encampment.
This summer, I submitted a plan to the mayor and have shared this plan with a number of councilors that was written with COTS Executive Director Rita Markley and State Representative Carol Ode, after over a year of research into sites and a program to house those in need as well as a plan to build wealth for those who wish to own a home. I think we have an enormous once-in-a-generation opportunity to help others build wealth, particularly those who have been excluded from this opportunity for too long, and for housing the unhoused in a way that is, above all, respectful and benefits all of us. I am hopeful that we can bring forward a plan for not only Sears Lane but for the city so we can begin this critical community task. Overwhelmingly, the survey that the City did for how to use our ARPA funds shows that most Burlingtonians want safe housing for all, first and foremost.
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• A communication from the mayor on next steps in public safety with a update on the police chief search.
We will end our meeting with two executive sessions on union negotiations and an outstanding litigation update.
I encourage you to use the following link to finding all these agenda items and supporting documents: http://www.boarddocs.com/vt/burlingtonvt/Board.nsf/Public
As always, I welcome your questions, concerns, and comments, so please be in touch. Your voice matters and I am grateful for your input.
In other news, a blue newsletter will be in the mail to you on Monday! I have included an update on the December ballot items, redistricting, a very timely update on the Shelburne Street roundabout, and a public safety update. Please be on the lookout for the newsletter next week.
In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
My best,
Karen
Oct 5, 11 AM to 5 PM, Oct 6, 2024
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City Council Meeting Oct. 7Oct 7, 2024, 6:30 PM