Hello Neighbors,
We'll begin the City Council meeting on Monday night at 6:30 PM, with the Public Forum starting at 6:45 PM. You can join and sign up to speak in person at City Hall's Contois Auditorium, or you can join virtually here: https://zoom.us/j/93626680571#success (Webinar ID: 936 2668 0571) and sign up to speak here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum. View the full agenda here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7003/files/agenda/10946.
Here are some highlights from today's agenda:
6.1. Communication: Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, re: Fiscal Year 2025 Mayoral Appointment
Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak will discuss her appointments for department heads and her plan to fill current vacancies. See the full list here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7003/files/attachment/4674. She has expressed her eagerness to work with these appointees to tackle the city's challenges and opportunities.
6.2 Resolution: Authorization To Submit 2024-2028 Burlington Five-Year Consolidated Plan & 2024 Burlington One-Year Action Plan (Board of Finance)
The city is eligible to participate in Federal Housing and Urban Development and Community Development Grants, as well as Investment Partnership Programs. The adoption of these grants and programs requires a 2024-2028 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and One-Year Action Plan. The plans were created with input from public meetings and workshops. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak can now sign the necessary paperwork to apply for and use these funds, with the City Attorney's approval. The City Council will review this resolution. View the resolution here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7003/files/attachment/4636.
6.3 Annual Commission Report: Burlington Electric Department (BED)
The Commission's report will emphasize financial stability, district energy projects, public engagement on fees, street lighting policies, and innovative rate programs. It will highlight progress toward Burlington's Net Zero Energy goal, although limited, and new incentives for electric vehicles and heat pumps. Additionally, BED has utilized a $20 million bond for capital improvements and electrification programs. BED's financial health remains stable.
6.4 Annual Commission Report: Burlington Electric Department (BED)
Special memos have been released for rate changes, credit changes, and updates on miscellaneous service fees Learn more at: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7003/files/attachment/4658.
6.5 Resolution: Review and Update to Rental Weatherization Standards
The resolution addresses the need to review and update the Rental Weatherization Standards in Burlington. It acknowledges the city's climate emergency declaration and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution highlights the challenges faced in achieving weatherization standards for rental properties and calls for an examination of the reasons behind delays. It tasks the Transportation, Energy, and Utilities Committee (TEUC) with holding meetings to assess implementation and propose policy recommendations to improve compliance. Additionally, the TEUC is encouraged to explore potential updates to the standards, such as electrification requirements, and to collaborate with stakeholders to address workforce challenges. The resolution mandates an update to the full Council by October 1, 2024, regarding the findings and policy recommendations.
6.6. Ordinance: Chapter 18 Housing Article V. Regulation of Conversion of Rental Housing to Condominiums or Cooperatives
This ordinance proposes the elimination of the fee associated with converting a single-family home into a condominium association or cooperative, provided the property is not rented out. The intent is to incentivize ownership by removing this fee. Council members have expressed concerns regarding the lack of communication and bipartisan collaboration on this issue. Progressive councilors, in particular, will be asking questions and voicing these concerns.
Hope to see you at the meeting. Town Meeting TV will be covering this meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2PwCge7lNoKug676jIf_iUA. Please keep in mind that the Town Meeting TV YouTube page is also a great place to catch up on the Board of Finance, NPA, and other important meetings.
Joe, Gene, Melo, Marek, & Carter