Dear neighbors,
The City Council meets Monday, January 13th, at 6:00 pm, and public forum begins at 6:30 pm.
As always, you are welcome to attend in person or virtually on zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93006307851 .
If you'd like to speak during 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.
→ RESOLUTION: CONGRATULATING THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT'S MEN'S SOCCER TEAM ON THEIR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND PROCLAIMING JANUARY 26TH, 2025 A DAY IN THEIR HONOR
→ POLICE CHIEF REPORT
The Police Chief will deliver a report on the status of the Police Department, and topics such as retention and rebuilding. This report is a follow up to the recruitment resolution Councilor Shannon and I supported this past September.
→ RESOLUTION: CITY COUNCIL COMMITMENT TO REBUILDING AND RECONCILING BURLINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
I am cosponsoring this resolution brought forward by Councilor Shannon, which would lift the existing cap on police officers, along with many other actions designed to further support and rebuild our police department. At the moment, police officers are the only City employees subject to a cap and the Police Chief is the only department head restricted from making staffing requests that are based on actual need, budgetary constraints, and an ability to recruit. As the City looks to hire its next Police Chief, lifting our existing cap will provide our next leader the flexibility necessary to continue rebuilding a department responsive to Burlington's current needs.
→ DPW WATER RESOURCES BOND REQUEST UPDATE
This is an update from the DPW and Water Resources team on the upcoming bond request.
→ RESOLUTION: AUTHORIZATION FOR INTERFUND LOAN FOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Department of Public Works has continued to work diligently on acquiring a parcel of land at 201 Flynn Avenue, which is where the City intends to move its soil management activities. This move will then allow CSWD to expand its existing drop-off center on Pine Street. To finalize the acquisition of 201 Flynn Avenue, the City is asking that the Council approve an interfund loan between the airport and DPW.
→ PRESENTATION REGARDING FY26 GENERAL FUND BUDGET UPDATE
In this initial overview of the FY26 general fund budget, the Mayor will outline an expected 6-7% increase to the municipal portion of our property taxes. For a number of years now, we have been stuck in a cycle of ever-increasing property taxes. I believe addressing affordability concerns is going to require more difficult but necessary budgetary decisions, and I look forward to the Council engaging in related discussions.
Please visit this link for the full agenda: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7808/files/agenda/12814.
Very best regards,
Ben Traverse, Ward 5
City Council President
btraverse@burlingtonvt.gov
(802) 357-2055
Jan 29, 2025, 6 to 7 PM
Winter Film and Discussion at UVM Jan. 30Jan 30, 2025, 6 to 8 PM
Come to the Fletcher Free Friends Book Sale Feb. 1-2Feb 1 to 2, 2025