Hi Neighbors,

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful weekend. Below is a review of tomorrow's Council Agenda.

We will begin at 6:00 PM with a special public forum on redistricting. I would encourage everyone to review the maps here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/0c86bb69e2cc4ddcb83dd8c2e12c31ea?item=4

Community members who have made maps of their own will be able to present those as well. Many thanks to our neighbors who have put in substantial effort to craft additional maps for us to consider!

Among the options on the table are some seven ward maps. These maps would significantly change Ward 3, and would require the Western part of the Old North End to become part of one or both of the New North End wards. I will continue to oppose any maps that split the ONE like this, and would encourage residents to participate in the public forum, either in person at City Hall, or online via Zoom. To participate virtually, sign-up here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum.

Here are some other important items on our agenda Monday:

The Council will have a vote on whether or not to authorize Burlington Electric (BED) to move forward with a 3.95% rate increase. Last year, it was recommended that rates increase as much as 11.8%, but BED opted for 7.5%. They are also working on an enhanced assistance program for low-income residents which, if approved, will go into effect on July 1.

We will also consider an ordinance implementing ranked choice voting for City Council elections, which was approved by the voters, passed by the legislature, and recently signed by the governor.

Another big item will be the newest version of the short-term rental regulations, which passed out of the ordinance committee this past week.

Also on the agenda for debate are the following:
FY23 Mayoral Appointments
Event permits for Jazz Fest and Juneteenth
Discussion and Approval of the Chittenden Solid Waste District Budget
A Resolution related to a McNeil Generating Station District Energy Project
A Public hearing and resolution on Common Area Fees for the Church Street Marketplace

Please find the complete agenda here: http://go.boarddocs.com/vt/burlingtonvt/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CEYJCX4C96C2

Let me know if you have any questions or comments related to our meeting this week.

Thank you!

Joe

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