Greetings Neighbors,

I (Councilor Grant) was on the Morning Drive recently and if you would like to listen to the interview you may find it here https://www.wvmtradio.com/episode/melo-grant-4/ and please send me any feedback or comments you may have.

Another link of interest is a snap shot of the city's budget YTD as of 10/31/24, you may view this information here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7559/files/attachment/7121

Monday's City Council meeting starts at 6:00 PM. Public Forum is at 6:05 PM. You can sign up to speak in person at City Hall or join virtually: https://zoom.us/j/91081797319. Or Telephone: +1 305 224 1968 (Webinar ID: 910 8179 7319) and sign up to speak here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum. The sign-up for online participation in public forum closes one hour prior to the meeting. View the full agenda and related materials here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7132/files/agenda/12623.

The City is proposing a $20 million bond for March 2025 to fund the next phase of infrastructure improvements. This includes fixing streets and sidewalks, replacing public safety vehicles, and upgrading facilities like the library and fire stations. Previous phases tackled sidewalks, bike paths, and parks. Without the bond, the city's budget for these projects drops to $2 million a year, which isn't enough. If approved, property taxes would increase slightly—about $6.92 a month for a $300,000 home.

The Council will also recognize Barbara Nolfi, a community leader who passed away this fall. Barbara was a Progressive Ward 3 councilor, Parks commissioner, and co-founder of organizations like City Market and the Community Health Centers of Burlington. Her work spanned women's health, midwifery, and co-creating a cohousing community. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on Burlington.

Significant upgrades to Burlington's wastewater treatment facilities are also on the table. This involves a $18.3 million loan and a $15.5 million construction contract to replace aging equipment, part of the Clean Water Resiliency Plan approved by voters in 2018. The updates will help the city comply with regulations, reduce overflows, and prepare for future growth.

The Burlington Electric Department (BED) has secured nearly $4.9 million in federal funding to add 200 new EV charging ports around the city over the next 5-6 years. This project will expand Burlington's charging network by six times, with a focus on underserved areas. Community input will help decide where the chargers go.

Another item on the agenda is a new energy benchmarking requirement for commercial buildings between 10,000 and 49,999 square feet, starting in 2025. Property owners will need to report their heating energy use to help the city evaluate energy performance and shape future climate policies. Noncompliance may result in penalties, but support will be available for building owners.

A recent study highlights the need to address staffing challenges in the Burlington Fire Department. Recommendations include increasing staffing, reducing reliance on overtime, improving fire station infrastructure, adding a training facility, and expanding the Community Response Team. Rising EMS calls, especially for overdoses, are driving these efforts. Chief LaChance is a strong leader, no doubt this will be an interesting presentation.

The Council will also discuss a proposed ordinance to address property defacement motivated by discrimination, such as violations targeting race, gender, or religion. The ordinance would define such acts as public nuisances and allow victims to seek damages. It also proposes a digital reporting system for sharing evidence of violations.

Remember you can always watch meetings later when it is convenient for you or at least review the meeting documents and minutes to keep up to date with what is being discussed.

Yours,
Melo, Gene, Joe, Marek

Event Info

Jan 18, 2025, 11 AM to 1 PM

Jan 23, 2025, 7 to 8 PM

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