August Debrief
August 2024 was a productive month as we focused on critical issues such as public safety, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability. The month also brought a major victory regarding the ongoing debate around the F35 fighter jets in Burlington. Continue reading for more highlights!
Public Safety Reform
The City Council approved the language for a charter change and a short form ballot question related to police oversight that will appear on the November 2024 ballot. The question asks whether the City Charter should be amended as recommended by the City Council to further define the roles of the police chief and police commission. The proposed changes include allowing the police chief and commission to jointly establish police department rules, resolving disputes through the city council, and allowing the council to delegate auditing authority to the commission. It also seeks to ensure that the commission represents the city's diverse population, as well as establishing a process for reviewing police misconduct, including creating an independent panel to handle cases where the police chief disagrees with the commission's recommendations and the commission still does not support the chief’s decision. The amendments maintain officers' right to bring a grievance to appeal either the chief’s or the panel’s decisions. If voters approve the charter change, then it goes to the state legislature for review and if the legislature approves it would go into effect.
Approval of BED Revenue Bonds
The Council introduced a resolution for a ballot question regarding the issuance of up to $20M in revenue bonds for Burlington Electric Department (BED). This funding aims to support BED’s Net Zero energy goals and improve grid reliability, contributing to the city's broader climate action efforts. This includes providing incentives like rebates to residents and city property owners who are trying to lower their carbon emissions in their buildings and means of transportation.
YES VOTE ON RESOLUTION REGARDING F35 JETS
The Burlington City Council voted 11-1 in favor of asking Vermont’s congressional delegation to request that the Air Force replace the F35s with a new mission for the Vermont Air National Guard. Unlike previous resolutions, this one was signed by Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak the next day. Winooski’s city council just passed a similar resolution unanimously and South Burlington will consider one on Oct. 7th. People have also reached out to Williston’s and Colchester’s selectboards. Both towns are in the high-noise zone of the F-35s and having us all together asking for a new mission will make a powerful message to the congressional delegation.
This victory reflects the Progressive caucus’ persistence in addressing the health and housing harms caused by F35 noise, despite pushback from opponents. Activists, advocates, and community members played a crucial role in pushing for change. The harm caused by the F35s is real, and as long as these harms persist, so will our efforts to address them.
Honoring bill keogh and curt mccormick
We passed resolutions honoring the life and legacy of Bill Keogh and Curt McCormick. Both served the city as state representatives. Bill, who passed away at the age of 93, was a lifelong Burlingtonian and former city official who spent 60 years in public service. Curt, who passed away at the age of 72, also represented Rutland in the legislature before moving to Burlington. Both lived lives of service and the council expressed our appreciation for their service and commitment to community.
SAVE THE DATE: PUBLIC FORUM on community safety
On September 19, the City is hosting a public forum on bail & conditions of release, as well as gun violence. This meeting will be held at Contois Auditorium in City Hall from 5:30-7:00 PM.
