Hello Neighbors,

Monday's City Council meeting starts at 5:30 PM. There is an expected Executive Session then Public Forum is scheduled at 6:05 PM. You can sign up to speak in person at City Hall or join virtually: https://zoom.us/j/96070476680. Or Telephone: +1 646 931 3860 (Webinar ID: 960 7047 6680) 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/7156/files/agenda/12674.

One significant item on the agenda is a proposed advisory ballot question for March 2025. This question asks whether Burlington should adopt a pledge to support justice for Palestinians and declare our city an apartheid-free community. It's an opportunity to align our values with action and hear from the community on this important issue.

We'll also be reviewing plans for two major infrastructure updates. The Burlington-Winooski Bridge replacement aims to modernize this vital connection, improving safety and capacity while making it more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. Similarly, the Colchester/Barrett/Riverside intersection redesign focuses on making one of our busiest traffic hubs safer and more efficient for all.

Another critical topic is a bond proposal to fund much-needed improvements to our water infrastructure. The proposed upgrades include modernizing our drinking water systems, increasing wastewater efficiency, and implementing green stormwater management solutions to reduce flooding and protect water quality. We'll also explore ways to ensure these investments remain affordable for residents.

Homelessness remains a pressing issue, and we'll discuss new initiatives to expand shelter options and adjust zoning to accommodate emergency shelters more effectively. This work is vital to addressing immediate needs while continuing to seek long-term solutions. It is important to allow potential new shelters to be set up in other parts of the city as the Central District has carried the burden of services for sometime now and will be the home of a new shelter on Pearl Street and the Overdose Prevention Center at a Downtown site to be determined.

We'll also consider a new energy benchmarking ordinance. This would require commercial property owners to track and report energy usage, helping the city improve building efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The deliberative agenda will close with a report from Police Chief Jon Murad. He'll provide an update on the Burlington Police Department. This will be a difficult conversation.

Your voice is essential in these discussions. We encourage you to join us at the meeting or share your thoughts in advance. Together, we can continue to shape a city that reflects our shared values and priorities. Thank you.

Melo, Gene, Carter, Marek and Joe

Event Info

Jan 18, 2025, 5:30 to 8 PM

Jan 20, 2025, 11 AM to 3 PM

Jan 21, 2025, 6 to 9 PM