Neighbors,
The City Council will meet tomorrow evening to discuss the below items and more. You can view the full agenda here: http://go.boarddocs.com/vt/burlingtonvt/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CL7PYH66C43C
(2.01) A work session on an alternative to BoardDocs
We will receive an update on a possible alternative to the website that hosts our agendas for Council, Boards and Commissions. I find BoardDocs to be severely lacking in terms of access and user-friendliness, and have heard similar frustrations from constituents. I'm hopeful that this new system might fit our needs more completely.
(3.01) Status of the Crisis Response Team
Acting Chief Murad is scheduled to present a memo to update the Council on progress made toward the Crisis Response Team. As a reminder, the Crisis Response Team will be built off of successful models from Eugene, Oregon (CAHOOTS) and Denver, Colorado (STAR). I continued to be frustrated by the delay in establishing this much needed, transformative program.
(4.01) Update on the Mayor's 10-point housing plan
City staff will provide an update on the 10-point plan to end houselessness, first announced in December of 2021. I have great appreciation for the city staff who continue to work diligently to address the urgent need our community has for more shelter capacity and more permanent housing. I am disappointed that this memo makes only brief mention of a significant delay in the opening of the Elmwood Ave Shelter Community, which has been pushed back to January 2023. I will be pushing for more information on how the City is working to support unsheltered community members as winter sets in.
(9.03) Ratification of a CBA between the City and the BFFA.
(9.04, 9.05, 9.06) We will vote on three charter changes to be placed on the March ballot for voter approval.
(9.04) Would amend the Charter to allow polling locations to be outside of ward boundaries if a suitable location cannot be found within the ward. This is an issue that has come up throughout our redistricting conversation.
(9.05) Would amend the Charter to allow all legal residents in Burlington to vote in City elections. Voters in Montpelier and Winooski have approved similar charter changes in recent years.
(9.06) Would further amend the Charter to implement ranked-choice voting for mayoral, election official, and school commissioner elections. We will have our first election using RCV for Council with the East District special election taking place on December 6.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.
Best,
Joe
Nov 17, 2024, 9 AM to 12 PM
WSD Special Board Budget Meeting - Nov. 20Nov 20, 2024, 6 to 9 PM
Winooski Community Holiday Craft and Vendor FairNov 23, 2024, 9 AM to 4 PM