march debrief
March 10, 2025
Mayor’s Updates:
Highlighted the passage of three city bonds with over 75% (GO) and 80% (WATER) voter approval.
Urged councilors and community members to push the governor for support for the Budget Adjustment Act.
New Interim Police Chief Shawn Burke will take office on March 24, 2025.
Next Community Safety Forum will be held on March 13th, 5:30-7:00 PM at Fletcher Free Library..
Expressed gratitude to City staff and community partners supporting the Emergency Cold Weather shelter.
Next monthly Community Safety Briefing - March 19 at 11:30 AM.
6.2 Ordinance: CDO Champlain College Bed Caps
The council held a public hearing regarding a zoning amendment that proposes an expansion on student housing at Champlain College. This change was prompted from the College's desire to convert an existing administrative building into student housing, following requests from students struggling with the price and quality of many rental units in Burlington. The ordinance regarding Champlain College bed caps passed unanimously as amended by the Ordinance Committee. It will officially expand the total number of beds at Champlain College.
6.3 Resolution: Green Mountain Transit Funding and Sustainability
As we know, GMT is Burlington’s public bus system, and it has faced budget concerns that could lead to service reductions or fare increases. This resolution, passed unanimously, signaled the council’s support for sustained transit funding and may to the city seeking state or federal assistance. This resolution to support funding and sustainability efforts for Green Mountain Transit could also help maintain or expand bus services, ensuring that residents have access to public transportation.
6.4 Resolution: Guaranteeing Access to City-Owned Buildings and Programs for City Councilors
This resolution claims it is trying to ensure that all city councilors have more access to city-owned buildings and programs in order for them to “inspect” operations. Regarding the shelters in our city, this would be in direct conflict with the binding agreement between the City and and the State of Vermont that was agreed to by both Mayor Weinberger and Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak. This resolution would be in conflict with the state’s standards for service provision and poses a breach in confidentiality and visitor policies. The Progressive Caucus worked in order to postpone this resolution for further discussion.
6.5 Parking Garage Security Contract Extension Authorization
This item was passed unanimously, and sought to extend the contract for security guards in the Marketplace and Downtown parking garages. This is an opportunity to discuss incident data on the effectiveness of the overnight shift and the general garage security contract to date, as well as to review complementary efforts including our use of security cameras, increased lighting, and graffiti control.
March 24, 2025
Mayor’s Updates:
Welcomed Chief Shawn Burke as the new head of the Burlington Police Department, emphasizing his experience and commitment to community safety.
Announced a City Council work session on April 14 to discuss the proposal for an Overdose Prevention Center, with a potential City Council vote on April 28. The center aims to address the ongoing opioid crisis.
The city is reviewing and working to expand water and electric affordability programs to ensure broader access for residents.
Climate Policy Working Group: Formed a climate policy advisory team to develop recommendations by June 2024 to align with the city’s climate and sustainability goals.
Budget Adjustment Act: Urged Governor Scott to sign the Budget Adjustment Act, which contains funding for emergency housing, as the state faces an acute housing crisis.
7.2 Budget Authorization for Phase 1 of the Public Health & Safety Building Authorization
This resolution authorized a $200,000 budget for Phase 1 of Burlington’s Public Health & Safety Building project. The project aims to address public safety infrastructure needs by consolidating police, fire, and public health services into a single downtown facility. Phase 1 will focus on site feasibility, concept design, and community engagement The resolution was passed and will allow the Chief Administrative Officer to transfer funds and make necessary budget amendments to proceed with the project.
7.4 Ordinance: Performing Arts Centers
This resolution was passed unanimously. This intends to support the city’s arts economy by allowing larger venues, like Higher Ground, to relocate to the area. The amendment maintains PACs as a conditional use while prohibiting them on Queen City Park Road. The resolution also addresses potential parking issues by directing planning staff to coordinate with the Department of Public Works on event-night parking strategies. The amendment aligns with the planBTV: South End goal of strengthening the district as an arts hub. A public hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2025.
7.5 Cats Ordinance
This ordinance aimed to update Burlington’s animal control laws by creating new regulations on pet ownership, public safety, and animal welfare. The ordinance, passed unanimously, will define nuisance animals, increase fines for violations, and grant greater authority to impound animals. This aims to require cats to be licensed by 2026, mandate leashes for both dogs and cats in public spaces, and ban exotic animals in city parks and the Church Street Marketplace. Additionally, it prohibits public displays of wild animals, strengthens penalties for animal cruelty and neglect, and establishes rules for handling dangerous dogs. The ordinance aims to improve public safety, prevent mistreatment, and ensure responsible pet ownership.
