December 9th, 2024

Dear neighbors,

The City Council meets on Monday, December 9th, at 6:00 pm. The Public Forum begins at 6:05 pm.

As always, you are welcome to attend in person or virtually on zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91081797319 .

If you'd like to speak during the Public Forum in person, sign up at the meeting.
If you'd like to speak during Public Forum on zoom, sign up using this link at least 1 hour in advance: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum

Here are some key items on our agenda.

→ WORK SESSION: TOWN MEETING DAY GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND
In this work session, we will hear from the Mayor's administration on needed plans to put a $20 capital bond vote on the ballot in March 2025, to be phased in over several years.

→ RESOLUTION: IN REMEMBRANCE OF BARBARA NOLFI
City council is presenting a resolution remembering former City Councilor Barbara Nolfi.

→ AUTHORIZATION FOR LOAN FROM CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR HEADWORKS IMPROVEMENTS
This authorization will finance the final phases of the construction of municipal water projects for headworks improvements which have been anticipated.

→ US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CHARGING AND FUELING INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT - BED
Burlington Electric Department is asking for approval from the City Council to accept a charging and fueling grant from the US Department of Transportation. This will support the installation of hundreds of new electric vehicle charging ports in Burlington and advance us towards our climate goals.

→ ORDINANCE: ENERGY BENCHMARKING OF SPACE HEATING IN CERTAIN COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES BCO CHAPTER 8 ARTICLE VII
This will amend article VII on energy benchmarking, defining the requirements for common space heating, covered buildings, and compliances.

→ BFD STAFFING STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
Asked by City Council to gather data on challenges the Burlington Fire Department is facing in staffing, the Department is using this study to address their needs and identify adjustments needed to staffing and recruiting policy.

[→ POLICE RECRUITING STUDY
You may recall that we also tasked BPD with drafting a recruitment study back in September. Chief Murad completed that study by the deadline required, and we are eager to discuss it, share the results with the public, and begin taking additional action, however it is not on this week's agenda because it is very long, and the City Attorney still needs to review it for potential confidentiality issues.]

→ ORDINANCE AMENDMENT: DEFACEMENT OF PROPERTY AND ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS TARGETING INDIVIDUALS ON THE BASIS OF PROTECTED CLASSIFICATIONS
We are proposing an amended version of this ordinance update which expanded enforcement of graffiti and trespassing. This amendment removes the proposed "private right of action" for city ordinances and is expected to be sent back to committee for further review. The ordinance clarifies public nuance and maintains several changes to increase the penalties for hateful graffiti or defacement that targets individuals based on a protected classification. We also used this opportunity to discuss a renewed approach to graffiti enforcement and cleanup with the administration and made some good progress.

This is not all! Please visit: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7132/files/agenda/12616
for the full agenda.

Best wishes,

Sarah Carpenter
Ward 4 City Councilor
scarpenter@burlingtonvt.gov

Event Info

Jan 18, 2025, 9 AM to 1:30 PM

Jan 23, 2025, 6 PM

Jan 24, 2025, 3:30 to 4:30 PM