Dear Neighbors,
Before I get to the Council meeting preview, I have two important updates to share.
199 KING STREET FIRE
I have been communicating on the Maple/King FPF but wanted to share with everyone an update. As many of you know, there was a second fire at this address in mid-February. The owner's insurer secured a company to do the work to demolish the building. Fencing was installed and the street was set for one-way traffic in anticipation of the demolition last week. When the company arrived and tested the building, asbestos was discovered. The company was unable to find disposal for the materials because the Coventry landfill is not taking contaminated materials again until May. They contacted another company from Massachusetts who is expected to have a supervisor on site to further evaluate the conditions.
Several people have reached out to me regarding the dangers of asbestos. I have been told that the hazard is not from the presence of asbestos. The hazard would come from the demolition and fibers being disturbed or damaged which is why a specialized company must be retained to do the demolition.
I will continue to keep you informed as I learn more.
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THE SHELBURNE STREET ROUNDABOUT
In my blue newsletter, I have tried to keep you updated on the Shelburne Street roundabout project. This project has been ongoing over the winter. Due to blasting issues that delayed the project this fall, there is active construction this winter in order to maintain its timeline for an on time completion date of July 2023. If you email info@shelburnestreetroundabout.com and ask to be on their email blast list, you can get weekly updates on the project. It's that easy.
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PREVIEW OF THE MARCH 7 COUNCIL MEETING
This coming Monday, the City Council will convene its first of two regular meetings for the month of March. We are once again going back to IN PERSON meetings with the remote option.
The ZOOM link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88586000868
You can also join us via Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2PwCge7lNoKug676jIf_iUA
If you wish to speak during public forum which begins at 7:30, please sign up using this link: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum or you can sign up in person inside Contois.
Our meeting will begin at 7pm. Following any climate emergency reports, our deliberative agenda Monday evening includes one item which is a communication from the City Attorney and Director of the Office of Planning on the Council process for Burlington's redistricting plan. Please use http://www.boarddocs.com/vt/burlingtonvt/Board.nsf/Public to access this redistricting memo and all the consent agenda items and supporting documentation.
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THANK YOU!
Thank you so much to the Ward 6 community for re-electing me as your ward city councilor for another term. I am humbled by your confidence and grateful for your support.
The past two years have been challenging ones. Two years ago today, life was as we knew it, never imagining the changes we were about to encounter just a few weeks later. We have faced an unprecedented global health event that has permeated every conceivable aspect of our daily lives. Sadly, it has cost many lives and great heartache. We have faced challenges in our country, reckoning with justice on many levels as we try to come together to change what we cannot continue to accept. Our community has grappled with these challenges, some resulting in positive change that will benefit us and others resulting in bridges too far for too many of us.
And while contending with these changes, we had a reappraisal that sent many into a financial tailspin. There have been real life repercussions as we have seen some of our neighbors in this ward sell their homes, many whom had planned and hoped to live out their lives in place. The recent defeat of a 4 cent tax increase – despite three of the four cents coming from inflationary pressures and despite this request being the first general fund tax increase in over a decade – tell me that city services need to be responsive but we must live within our means.
I am committed in the next two years to working on these challenges, to listening to you, my neighbors. We live in a small community – we can solve these problems together, by listening intently and working harder to find common ground and solutions.
As always, I welcome your questions, concerns, and comments, so please be in touch. Your voice matters and I am grateful for your input.
Thank you again for your vote. I take my commitment to this office, to the oath I take, seriously and am truly honored by your vote. Public service is a steadfast obligation, duty and responsibility to serve the public and our beloved city for today and generations to come, a responsibility which is greater than any one of us, and certainly greater than myself.
My best,
Karen
Oct 5, 2024, 8 AM to 2 PM
Blessing of the AnimalsOct 5, 2024, 10 to 10:45 AM
Button Up for Winter – Rebates Up to $24,500Oct 9, 2024, 6 to 7 PM