Dear Neighbors,
This coming Monday, tomorrow, the City Council will convene its last regular meetings for the month of March.
This Monday's meeting also marks the end of the Council year. This will be the last meeting for three councilors who chose not to run for re-election, including Jane Stromberg, Max Tracy and Chip Mason. For those of us in the South End, and for me representing Ward 6, I will especially miss Chip. When I think of Chip, the words integrity, honor, wisdom, collaboration and partnership, honesty and kindness above all come to mind. Chip and I have not always agreed but there has always been a level of respect and willingness to listen that I will miss greatly. As well, his legal and ethical perspective will be missed. I have often sought his insight on legal matters and relied on him for guidance and support. Chip and I both who grew up in Burlington; we share that common bond in our desire to serve and give our best to this beloved city we all call home. Thank you to all who serve and will leave the Council on Monday; thank you Chip for ten years of unwavering leadership to Burlington. As well, a huge thank you to Chip's wife, Rebecca, and their daughters Amelia and Ella. Public service is truly a family commitment. I hope this is the start of many new chapters and maybe even a few family vacations without having to work them around council meetings.
You are welcome to attend the Council meeting, which will begin in open session at 7pm, in person at Contois Auditorium OR Remotely via ZOOM at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85940056314 or by phone 1 929 205 6099 Webinar ID: 859 4005 6314 You can also join us via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2PwCge7lNoKug676jIf_iUA
You can sign up for public forum via this link: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum or in person by completing a sign up form inside Contois.
Our meeting will begin at 6:30pm with an expected executive session to update the Council on union bargaining. This update to the Council is expected to conclude at 7pm.
Following public forum and any climate emergency reports, we will move to our deliberative agenda which includes:
• A declaration of inclusion by forward by A Vermont Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative. Vermont's Declaration of Inclusion is a grassroots effort working with community leaders to reinforce the message that Vermont is a welcoming, safe place for all.
• A resolution regarding the North Winooski Avenue Parking Management Plan and Bike Lane Installation. Essentially, the resolution should advance the implementation of bike lanes in both directions on North Winooski Avenue north of Union Street in coordination with the 2023 VTrans paving project with a target completion of September 2023, and requests that DPW continue to work with area businesses at their request to further explore off-street parking options.
• We will be voting on the mayor's veto of the Short-term Rental ordinance we passed at our February 22 meeting. The mayor's memo details his concerns and there is also a memo from the Office of Permitting and Inspections, which includes the zoning department, on next steps should be veto be sustained.
• We will be voting on an ordinance change to parking minimums that would eliminate parking minimums in new constructions and additions to residential existing structures. The motion is to refer the change as written to the Planning Commission to correct any technical deficiencies and make any recommendation or opinion it considers appropriate and, thereafter, promptly submit the amendment to the City Council.
• The next item is a resolution regarding Addressing past and present injustices and building relationships with Abenaki governments and people. The resolution is intended to work to address the multi-generational damage that continues to negatively hinder the progress of the Vermont Abenaki community. It would authorize the distribution of $50,000 of currently appropriated funds from the FY2022 budget to the Missisquoi Advisory Committee to oversee the commissioning and conducting of this study as well as engaging in public education, developing a plan to provide programming regarding Vermont Abenaki history, culture, traditions and equity struggles.
• The last item on our agenda is the designation of 51 Elmwood Avenue as a sanctioned site for a temporary emergency housing.
I encourage you to use the following link to all 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.
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
My best,
Karen
Dec 1, 2024, 2 to 3:30 PM
Alpha Film Series at St. John Vianney ChurchDec 6, 2024, 6:15 to 8:30 PM
Green Mountain Swing! Live Music! Dance! Dec. 6 at ArtsRiotDec 6, 2024, 7:30 to 10 PM