BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL

CONTOIS AUDITORIUM, 2ND FLOOR, CITY HALL

BURLINGTON, VERMONT

MINUTES OF MEETING

September 27, 2021

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:          Karen Paul

Chip Mason

Max Tracy

Joan Shannon

Ali Dieng

Jack Hanson

Jane Stromberg

Sarah E Carpenter

Zoraya Hightower

Mark Barlow

Joe Magee

 

OTHERS PRESENT:             Miro Weinberger

Katherine Schad

Dan Richardson

Jordan Redell

Amy Bovee

Jon Murad

Meagan Tuttle

Chapin Spencer

 

                                   

____________________________________________________________________________________

1. CALL TO ORDER and AGENDA

The meeting was called to order by City Council President Tracy at 6:20 PM.

    1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

 

MOTION by Councilor Stromberg, SECOND by Councilor Hightower, to amend and adopt the agenda as follows:

  • note revised version of consent agenda item 6.09 Communication: Doreen Kraft, BCA Director, Kerin Durfee, Director of Human Resources, Ton Berry, Human Resources Manager, re: Reclassification of One (1) BCA Position (per Sara Katz per Councilor Paul);
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.22 Communication: Michael A. Casella, Market Area Manager, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.23 Communication: Burlington Area Waste and Recycling Haulers, re: Consolidated Collection - Update & Next Steps with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.24 Communication: Ashley Bond, Chair Burlington Fire Commission, re: Capital Bond Support with the motion to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.25 Communication: Brad Minor, re: Municipal Trash Service with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.26 Communication: Arlene M. Lundquest, re: Delay on BDS Movement with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.27 Communication: Kienan Christianson, Member, DRB, re: Resignation with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file" ;
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.28 Communication: Melissa B Lafayette, re: Protect local waste collectors with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.29 Communication: Solveig Overby, re: Statement in support of Municipality-Operated Consolidated Collection System with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.30 Communication: William Black, re: Church Street with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • add to the consent agenda item 6.31 Communication: Emma Kouri, re: BPD incentive proposal with the action to "waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file";
  • note TEUC as the correct sponsor for agenda item 7.03 Resolution: Advancing A Municipally Operated Consolidated Collection System For Trash, Recycling And Organics (per Councilor Hanson);
  • note TEUC as the correct sponsor for agenda item 7.04 Resolution: December 7, 2021 -- Special City Meeting Issuance Of General Obligation Bonds For Capital Projects (per Councilor Hanson)

 

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

1.02 Further amend the agenda to add to the consent agenda item 6.32 Resolution: December 7, 2021 Special City Meeting- Issuance of Revenue Bonds- for Burlington Electric Department Projects

 

MOTION by Councilor Hightower, SECOND by Councilor Paul, to further amend the agenda to add to the consent agenda item 6.32 Resolution: December 7, 2021 Special City Meeting- Issuance of Revenue Bonds- for Burlington Electric Department Projects.

 

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

2. COMMUNICATION: BRIAN PINE, CEDO DIRECTOR, RE: EXTENSION OF UVM HOUSING AGREEMENT  **START TIME: 6:15 pm **LOCATION: Bushor Conference Room**EXPECTED EXECUTIVE SESSION**

2.01 Communication: Brian Pine, CEDO Director, re: Extension of UVM Housing Agreement **START TIME: 6:15 pm **LOCATION: Bushor Conference Room**EXPECTED EXECUTIVE SESSION**

Director Pine said that the executive session would be used to discuss preliminary conversations between the City and the University of Vermont regarding student housing.

 

MOTION by Councilor Hightower, SECOND by Councilor Magee to find that general public knowledge of the extension of the UVM Housing Agreement would clearly place the City Council at a substantial disadvantage in contracting pursuant to V.S.A. § 313(1)(A); and to 1 V.S.A. § 313(1)(F) (to receive legal advice from counsel).

 

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

MOTION by Councilor Hightower, SECOND by Councilor Paul, to move into executive session.

 

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

The City Council entered executive session at 6:30PM.

 

3. CHNA COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY UPDATE (VERBAL)

3.01 Community Health Survey Update (verbal)

Molly Lawrence provided a brief update on the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) that is fielded annually in Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, which is a requirement of UVMMC as a not-for-profit hospital. She said that the survey has been designed through a lens of equity and inclusivity, and that it has been written in ten languages and ASL. She said that the survey can be taken through October 15, and that results would help inform a 3-year community plan to prioritize health needs and invest in community partners.

 

4. PUBLIC FORUM

4. 01 Verbal Comments

Forum opened at 7:46 PM.

COMMENTS:

  • Gene Bergman said that Burlington citizens wants a say in how public services are delivered, and spoke in support of municipal consolidated collection.
  • Winifred McCarthy-Don said that the Progressive platform is about investing in local infrastructure and businesses. She expressed concern that employees would be out of work if private waste disposal companies are removed. She also expressed concern about waste sites in the City.
  • Johanna Brown expressed concern about the termination of Gene Richard, the former Director of Aviation. She requested additional comment from the City Council about areas where his behavior was allegedly remiss. She also questioned whether there were issues with the police stationed at the Airport, given that their office was relocated to a different floor.
  • Cassy Gardner requested more information about why Burlington is redistricting. She also noted an increase in crime in her neighborhood and other parts of the City, and said she hoped that more police officers could be hired to help deal with this.
  • Jadah Bearden noted that September is Suicide Awareness Month, and that suicide awareness and mental health are extremely important issues. 
  • Sylvia Knight spoke about Item 6.14 on the Consent Agenda. She expressed support for the victims of police brutality in Burlington. She urged the City to enter into a restorative justice process.
  • Grace Pfiel spoke about Deliberative Items 7.05-7.06, saying that ARPA funds should not be put toward the police department, but should be invested in the community.
  • John Mahoney expressed disappointment that the University of Vermont does not provide housing for all students, causing greater stress on the Burlington housing market.
  • Ron Jacobs spoke on behalf of the union that would represent the workers in a municipal waste department. He expressed concern about the privatization of municipal services, such as telecommunications, the electric department, and now waste management operations. He urged the Council not to support privatization.
  • Angelique Gauthier spoke on behalf of the Gauthier recycling company, expressing concerns about the City taking over the consolidated waste collection.
  • Ryan Myers spoke on behalf of Myers Waste & Recycling, noting that his company does not support either of the City’s current proposals for consolidated waste collection.
  • Joe Sinagra spoke on behalf of Myers Waste & Recycling, noting that they do not support either of the City’s current proposals. He said that more studying needs to occur prior to making a decision. He said that like other trash haulers, Myers has existed for multiple generations. He noted that his company has similar goals to the City, given the thousands of dollars invested in cleaner, more efficient vehicles. He said that there are many more industries in Burlington that have larger vehicles and more pollutants than trash hauling, and asked why this industry is being targeted.
  • Dave Koval spoke on behalf of Casella, saying that he sold his company to Casella because Chittenden Solid Waste was making it difficult to operate. He said that Casella is moving into new avenues of innovation. He said that the Council’s decisions will affect the livelihood of those who work in these companies.
  • Liza Casella spoke in opposition to the resolution around the municipal collection model. She applauded the City for trying to address the complex issues around trash hauling but expressed disappointment that she and other stakeholders were not engaged in the decision-making process.
  • Michael Casella spoke in opposition to the resolutions around municipal trash collection. He said that the industry is complex and that choices are important to residents.
  • Kelly Devine spoke about the renewal for peddlers license for a food truck, and expressed concern about that vendor’s permit violations. She also spoke about the changes to downtown parking, noting that the process for the current resolution seemed rushed and lacks input from the community. She additionally spoke in support of the plan to provide financial ability to help with the retention of police officers.
  • Barrett Sinowitz spoke about the deterioration of public safety and the proliferation of crime in the City.
  • Lauren Fasano spoke about how unsafe she feels living downtown in Burlington as a college student. She said that it is unfortunate that students feel unsafe in the City.
  • Christopher Hassly spoke as a long-time resident, noting a decline in the quality of life in Burlington, noting many encounters with drug addicts and break-ins.
  • Steven Margolin spoke about the police department’s request for Covid relief money, saying that it is a gross misuse of that money. He said that the funds should be used for more community investments.
  • Christopher-Aaron Felker spoke about municipal consolidation, noting that the Burlington Republican Party and Chittenden GOP are opposed to the measure. He said that this measure will crush small businesses and result in a net loss of jobs. He additionally spoke about 7.05 and recommended that the Council adopt this measure for retention and recruitment of officers in the police department.
  • Solveig Overby spoke in support of expanding Burlington’s municipal waste collection into a consolidated system. She said that a municipal system would facilitate innovation and would serve the households that opt out of service by private haulers. She said that a municipal model won’t exclude private haulers.
  • Liz Medina spoke about the importance of good-paying union jobs. She noted that there is immense downward pressure on wages. She also spoke about the long-term picture, saying that a public system will save the environment and residents from the noise and disturbances of having too many trucks on the road. She spoke in support of consolidation in the public waste system.
  • Paul Fleckenstein spoke in favor of consolidated waste systems, noting that they would result in better wages with pensions and the support of the union. He noted that the current prioritization of existing private business interests is a roadblock needed to address global heating.

 

Forum closed at 8:21 PM.

 

5. CLIMATE EMERGENCY REPORTS

5.01 Climate Emergency Reports

None at this time.

 

  1. CONSENT AGENDA

6.01 Motion to adopt the consent agenda (as amended) and take the actions indicated

6.02 Communication: C/T Office, re: Accountability List - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.03 Communication: Acting Chief of Police Jon Murad, re: Reclassification and Retitling request for Community Outreach & Support Specialist - authorize the reclassification and retitling of the Community Outreach & Support Specialist, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 16, position to Community Outreach & Support Supervisor, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 20, position.

6.04 Communication: Kerin Durfee, Director of Human Resources, Katherine Schad, Chief Administrative Officer, re: Creation of one (1) role and reclassification of one (1) role within the Human Resources Department - approve the: · Creation of the Human Resources Benefits Manager, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-union, Grade 19, position; and · Reclassification of the Human Resources Information Specialist, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-union, Grade 16, position to Human Resources Generalist, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-union, Grade 17, position.

6.05 Communication: Kara Alnasrawi, Economic Recovery Director, Rebecca Reese, Early Learning Initiative Manager, re: Authorization to Issue Early Learning Initiative Capacity Grant for ONE Arts Inc. $103,676.61 - authorize the Economic Recovery Manager to enter into a capacity grant agreement with ONE Arts, Inc. for $103,676.61, subject to conditions enumerated in the grant capacity agreement to be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s Office.

6.06 Communication: CAO Katherine Schad and REIB Director Tyeastia Green, re: Budget Amendment to Regional Programs Budget - Public Safety Transformation - approve the: • Moving $208,153 from Unassigned Fund Balance to 101-01-001-7650_355 Regional Programs Police Transformation; and • Then moving $38,393 from 101-01-001-7650_355 Regional Programs Police Transformation to 101-17-050-6500_118 BPD Professional Services and Consulting, to reimburse that line item for paying for the initial invoices.

6.07 Communication: Tyeastia Green, Director of Racial Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Kerin Durfee, Human Resources Director, Tony Berry, Human Resources Manager, re: Reclassification of Two (2) and Creation of Four (4) New REIB Positions - approve the: · Reclassification of one Public Policy & Research Analyst, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 17, position to Justice & Policy Manager, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 20, position; · Reclassification of one Public Policy & Research Analyst, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 17, position to Strategy and Innovation Manager, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 21, position; · Creation of the Supplier Diversity Analyst, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 19, position; · Creation of the Data Analyst, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 16, position; · Creation of the REIB Event Planner, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 17, position; and · Creation of the REIB Digital Designer, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 16, position.

6.08 Communication: Brian Pine, Director of CEDO, Rachel Jolly, Assistant Director, CJC, Kerin Durfee, Director of Human Resources, Tony Berry, Human Resources Manager, re: Reclassification of one (1) position - approve the: · Reclassification of the Youth Restorative Services Coordinator position, a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, AFSCME, Grade 14, position to Youth Restorative Services Coordinator, a Regular, Full time, Exempt, AFSCME, Grade 16, position.

6.09 Communication: Doreen Kraft, BCA Director, Kerin Durfee, Director of Human Resources, Tony Berry, Human Resources Manager, re: Reclassification of One (1) BCA Position - approve the: · Reclassification of the Assistant Event Coordinator, a Limited Service, Part-time, Non-Exempt, Non-union, Grade 15, position to Event Manager, a Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt, Nonunion, Grade 17, position.

6.10 Communication: Jenna Olson, Water Resources Policy & Program Manager, Burlington Water Resources Division, re: Creation of a Regular, Full-Time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 18, Water Resources GIS & Field Specialist position - approve and authorize the creation of a Regular, Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Grade 18 Water Resources GIS & Field Technician within the Department of Public Works, Water Resources Division.

6.11 Communication: Laura Wheelock, PE, Senior Public Works Engineer, Department of Public Works, re: Preliminary Committal Materials for VTrans Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Grant Intervale Road Shared-Use Path - authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Project Commitments Form from the Vermont Agency of Transportation for the Intervale Road Shared-Use Path design and construction, obligating the City to commit a local match of $290,500 (20%) of the total project budget of $1,452,500 in furtherance of accepting a reimbursable grant amount up to $1,162,000, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office.

6.12 Communication: James Lockridge, Executive Director, The Big Heavy World Foundation, Inc. re: ARPA Support for Music Office - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.13 Communication: Caleb Manna, Excavation Inspector, Department of Public Works, re: Wright and Morrissey - 79 Pine Street Construction Barricade Fencing on Pine Street - approve the Encumbrance Application for Wright and Morrissey, requesting use of the City right-of-way for construction fencing located at 77-79 Pine Street and authorize the Mayor to execute a License Agreement in substantial conformity with the License Agreement attached—subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office—on behalf of the City of Burlington.

6.14 Communication: The Ven. Stannard Baker, Cathedral Deacon and Diocesan Archdeacon, re: Violation of Human rights - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.15 Communication: Gayle Montgomery, re: Pro-Israel Interference - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.16 Communication: Phil Carleton, re: Used hypodermics on Cherry St. - west end of cathedral property - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.17 Communication: Jay White, Alternate Member, DAB, re: Resignation - waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and advertise the vacancy in Seven Days (already did for 9/29 edition).

6.18 Communication: Thomas A. Little, Chair, Legislative Apportionment Board, re: Role of Boards of Civil Authority in Reapportionment - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.19 Communication: Walter Frankel, re: No to endorsing BDS - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.20 Communication: change.org, re: Oppose the Pro-BDS Resolution Being Considered by Burlington's City Council, Petition Signatures, PF 091321 CC MTG - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.21 FIO Documents – for information only.

6.22 Communication: Michael A. Casella, Market Area Manager, Casella Waste Systems, Inc., re: Consolidated Collection - Update & Next Steps - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.23 Communication: Burlington Area Waste and Recycling Haulers, re: Consolidated Collection - Update & Next Steps - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.24 Communication: Ashley Bond, Chair Burlington Fire Commission, re: Capital Bond Support - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.25 Communication: Brad Minor, re: Municipal Trash Service - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.26 Communication: Arlene M. Lundquest, re: Delay on Vote re BDS Movement - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.27 Communication: Kienan Christianson, Member, DRB, re: Resignation - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.28 Communication: Melissa B. Lafayette, re: Protect local waste collectors - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.29 Communication: Solveig Overby, re: Statement in support of Municipally-Operated Consolidated System - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.30 Communication: William Black, re: Church Street - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.31 Communication: Emma Kouri, re: BPD incentive proposal - waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file.

6.32 Resolution: December 7, 2021 Special City Meeting- Issuance of Revenue Bonds- for Burlington Electric Department Projects – waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

 

MOTION by Councilor Stromberg, SECOND by Councilor Magee, to amend/adopt the consent agenda and take the actions as indicated for items 6.01-6.32.

DISCUSSION:

  • Councilor Paul recused herself from item 6.05 due to a professional conflict of interest.

 

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries (Councilor Paul recused herself).

 

7. DELIBERATIVE AGENDA

7.01 Peddler License Renewal: Fast Food Good Food

 

MOTION by Councilor Mason, SECOND by Councilor Magee, to approve and recommend that the City Council approve the applicant’s, Fast Food Good Food, application for peddler license renewal, subject to a 6-month term commencing on June 1, 2021 and ending on November 30, 2021, and further to refund $100 of the $300 full-year renewal fee already paid by the applicant.

DISCUSSION:

  • Councilor Mason noted that this applicant has had some violations, and that the most recent transgression was conducting business at a non-approved location. He noted that the applicant’s justification was Covid, and that in order to make a living, he moved to where there was business. He also noted another issue, in that the notice of violation had not yet been served to the applicant. He noted that there are conditions put on the license and expectations of the applicant to comply.
  • Councilor Hanson noted that this applicant has violated the conditions placed on his license multiple times and that the license has even been suspended before. He said he could not support this approval.

 

VOTING (by roll call): Councilor Barlow – nay, Councilor Carpenter – aye, Councilor Dieng – nay Councilor Freeman – not present for full item, Councilor Hanson – nay, Councilor Hightower – aye, Councilor Magee – aye, Councilor Mason – aye, Councilor Paul – aye, Councilor Stromberg – nay, City Council President Tracy – nay (5 ayes, 5 nays, 2 absent); motion fails.

 

7.02 Ordinance: Comprehensive Development Ordinance--Minimum and Maximum Parking Requirements and Transportation Demand Management (Councilor Hanson)(1st reading)

 

MOTION by Councilor Hanson, SECOND by Councilor Hightower, to consider this first reading and refer to the Ordinance Committee.

DISCUSSION:

  • Councilor Hanson noted that two issues with broad consensus and support in Burlington are affordable housing and climate change. He noted that currently, developers are required to develop a minimum number of parking spaces, which costs money and resources that could be used elsewhere, and increases costs of living and car dependency. He noted that these parking minimums were removed in the Downtown area last year, and has been a successful policy, in that it reduced the cost of projects that have come through the DRB. He said that this resolution would build on that success and expand the policy Citywide.
  • Councilor Mason asked for further details about the timing of these requirements. Meagan Tuttle replied that staff is supportive of the policy, but that their main concern is that they may have low bandwidth for implementing the resolution prior to conducting the Transportation Demand Management study (which could help inform this policy).

 

VOTING (by roll call): Councilor Barlow – aye, Councilor Carpenter – aye, Councilor Dieng – aye, Councilor Freeman – aye, Councilor Hanson – aye, Councilor Hightower – aye, Councilor Mason – nay, Councilor Paul – aye, Councilor Magee – aye, Councilor Shannon – nay, Councilor Stromberg – aye, City Council President Tracy – aye (10 ayes, 2 nays); motion carries.

 

7.03 Resolution: Advancing A Municipally-Operated Consolidated Collection System For Trash, Recycling And Organics (Councilors Hanson, Stromberg)

 

MOTION by Councilor Stromberg, SECOND by Councilor Magee, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

DISCUSSION:

  • Councilor Stromberg stressed the importance of the trash/recycling/organics collection industry. She noted that the resolution would create good-paying municipal jobs, as well as help to ameliorate climate change. She said that the resolution includes two models. She noted that it includes an opt-out option in order to provide choice to residents.
  • Councilor Shannon said that this police would be a disadvantage to the rate payers and will cost them more.
  • Councilor Barlow expressed concerns that this would be detrimental to businesses. He also questioned whether the City can afford the $6+ million bond, in addition to other bonds being contemplated. He said that this would cost the City $36,000 per month just for debt service, in addition to the 13 new FTEs. He said that other benefits cited in the proposals could be achieved through current processes.
  • Councilor Magee spoke about the benefits of a municipal model, which would create 9-12 union jobs with healthcare and pension benefits. He said that privatization erodes workers’ rights. He said that these essential services should be provided by the City.
  • Mayor Weinberger agreed that there are benefits for the City to have a more active role in consolidated collection and is supportive of moving in a direction that decreases greenhouse gas emissions, improves working conditions, and is more efficient. He said that he can’t support the current resolution, noting that it would require the City to create both a waste collection business and a compost collection business. He said that the City is already committed to a range of priorities, including dealing with the pandemic, distributing ARPA and other federal funding, reckoning with racial justice, addressing an acute housing crisis and an opioid crisis.
  • Councilor Hanson spoke in support of the resolution, saying that it would create jobs, reduce noise, reduce fossil fuel use and emissions, as well as provide rate payers with some degree of control. He said that though this would be costly in the short-term, it would be a better choice long-term than the status quo. He said a hybrid system could still retain contracts with private haulers while maintaining a degree of control.
  • Councilor Mason said that his constituents expressed concern about rate increases if the City moves to a municipal model. He also expressed concerns about staff capacity at DPW to implement this in addition to other high priority initiatives they are working on.
  • Councilor Dieng noted some confusion among constituents, adding that he wants to ensure that his constituents have choice in selecting their own haulers.
  • Councilor Hightower noted that 80% of municipalities have chosen to have their own consolidated collection, as it is often a cheaper option. She noted that consolidation supports many social and environmental goals, and that she would like the City to still support consolidation.

 

MOTION by Councilor Hightower, SECOND by Councilor Stromberg, to divide the question.

 

VOTING (by roll call): Councilor Barlow – nay, Councilor Carpenter – aye, Councilor Dieng – nay, Councilor Freeman – aye, Councilor Hanson – aye, Councilor Hightower – aye, Councilor Mason – nay, Councilor Paul – aye, Councilor Magee – aye, Councilor Shannon – nay, Councilor Stromberg – aye, City Council President Tracy – aye (8 ayes, 4 nays); motion carries.

 

DISCUSSION (CONT’D):

  • Councilor Hanson said it’s important to support consolidation even if one doesn’t support the municipal model. He added that if the municipal model fails but there is support for the consolidated approach, then it would seem that the hybrid would be the preferred approach.
  • Councilor Shannon and Councilor Mason both expressed uncertainty about the ramifications of supporting the first resolved clause while not supporting the second resolved clause.

 

VOTING ON FIRST RESOLVED CLAUSE (by roll call): Councilor Barlow – nay, Councilor Carpenter – nay, Councilor Dieng – nay, Councilor Freeman – aye, Councilor Hanson – aye, Councilor Hightower – aye, Councilor Mason – nay, Councilor Paul – nay, Councilor Magee – aye, Councilor Shannon – nay, Councilor Stromberg – aye, City Council President Tracy – aye (6 ayes, 6 nays); motion fails.

 

VOTING ON SECOND RESOLVED CLAUSE (by roll call): Councilor Barlow – nay, Councilor Carpenter – nay, Councilor Dieng – nay, Councilor Freeman – aye, Councilor Hanson – aye, Councilor Hightower – aye, Councilor Mason – nay, Councilor Paul – nay, Councilor Magee – aye, Councilor Shannon – nay, Councilor Stromberg – aye, City Council President Tracy – aye (6 ayes, 6 nays); motion fails.

 

7.04 Resolution: December 7, 2021 -- Special City Meeting Issuance Of General Obligation Bonds For Capital Projects (Councilors Hanson & Stromberg)

 

MOTION by Councilor Paul, SECOND by Councilor Hightower, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

DISCUSSION:

  • Mayor Weinberger noted that the Board of Finance voted to recommend the approval of the bond issue.  He said that this is an opportunity to take the next step in critical work that defines many of the City’s priorities. He noted that in 2016 the City passed a sustainable infrastructure plan and that a second infusion of funding was always anticipated after the first five years of the plan had been completed. He said that this plan is consistent with the 2018 debt management plan, and that the City’s credit rating remains extremely high. He said that the City has worked to ensure that it can leverage funding from varied sources in order to minimize the impact on taxpayers.
  • Councilor Hightower asked whether they would consider dividing the question for $30,000,000 for TEUC and $10,000,000 for Memorial Auditorium, given the different preferences of some constituents between those items. Mayor Weinberger replied that the recommendation is to move forward with the resolution as written.
  • Councilor Paul noted that the longer some of these projects are deferred, the more it will cost in the long run. She said that the City won’t bond for projects that aren’t ready to go, and will be careful with the bonding authority to avoid spending interest needlessly. She added that the projects will have the opportunity for input, as they must go through the annual budgeting process.
  • Councilor Barlow noted two resolved clauses that will seek non-tax funding sources and guardrails put around the funding for Memorial Auditorium. He said that these additions improve the original resolution.
  • Councilor Hanson emphasized the importance of addressing the aging infrastructure in the City. He said that if this is deferred, it may be more costly in future to address these capital concerns.
  • Councilor Shannon that her main objection to this bond is timing, in that it is being put forward prior to addressing the needs of the school district.

 

VOTING (by roll call): Councilor Barlow – aye, Councilor Carpenter – aye, Councilor Dieng – absent for vote, Councilor Freeman – aye, Councilor Hanson – aye, Councilor Hightower – aye, Councilor Mason – aye, Councilor Paul – aye, Councilor Magee – aye, Councilor Shannon – nay, Councilor Stromberg – aye, City Council President Tracy – aye (10 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent); motion carries.

 

7.05 Communication: Acting Chief of Police Jon Murad, re: A Stabilization Plan for the Burlington Police Department

 

MOTION by Councilor Mason, SECOND by Councilor Shannon, to approve the authorization of Jon Murad, acting Chief of Police, to execute a retention and recruitment plan for officers of the Burlington Police Department, with a maximum limiting amount of $850,000.

DISCUSSION:

  • Acting Chief Murad noted rapidly-decreasing numbers of sworn officers at the Burlington Police Department (BPD), decreasing from 92 to 68. He anticipates the loss of another 10 officers between now and next July. He noted that new CSOs and CSLs are being hired. He noticed the sharp decrease in headcount from 2020-2021, and noted that rebuilding the candidate pool and hiring additional officers will take a substantial amount of time. He said that anything that can be done to minimize attrition is worthwhile, which is why this proposal is being put forward.
  • Councilor Mason noted that the overall dollar amount in the resolution was reduced to account for the adjusted dollar amounts for retention payments. He spoke in support of the resolution, saying that it is a step in the direction of stabilizing public safety.
  • Councilor Hightower noted that the sworn officer cap is being discussed repeatedly, and asked why the CSO/CSL hires have been so slow and why there has been no support to help with those hires. Acting Chief Murad noted that the funding for hiring was not available until the new fiscal year in July, and that the hiring and training processes have been occurring since then. Councilor Hightower asked about the length of training. Acting Chief Murad replied that training takes approximately 6 weeks. He also spoke about salary and job duties for the two types of positions. Councilor Hightower asked for an update on the overall hiring process. Mayor Weinberger noted progress on CSO/CSL hiring as well as progress on the CAHOOTS model for policing. Councilor Hightower said that part of the issue is how much the police cap has been discussed instead of focusing on moving forward with alternatives.
  • Mayor Weinberger noted that the retention and recruitment plan in this resolution came out of a City Council resolution from August.
  • Councilor Shannon thanked the Acting Chief and the BPD for their work during a difficult time and for the commitment to recruiting police officers to the Burlington community.
  • Councilor Hanson acknowledged that the system has not had alternatives put into place prior to the attrition of officers, and is supportive of this measure to retain current officers while those alternatives are developed.
  • Councilor Paul said that the City needs a police department that is engaged and supportive of collaborative thinking as well as professional self-reflection.

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

7.06 Communication: Acting Chief of Police Jon Murad, re: 2021 Equitable Sharing Annual Agreement and Certification

 

MOTION by Councilor Shannon, SECOND by Councilor Barlow, to waive the reading, accept the communication, and place it on file.

DISCUSSION:

  • Acting Chief Murad said that this is about the 2021 equitable sharing agreement and certification, which is an agreement whereby confiscated assets are liquidated and are shared (after conviction) between victims, state, and federal authorities.

 

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS

8.01 Verbal Reports

Councilor Paul noted that the Public Safety Committee will meet on Thursday, September 30 at 5:30PM and will review a resolution on police oversight. Councilor Hightower added that the Joint Committee of Public Safety and the Police Commission expects the CNA report to be released on Friday, October 1.

 

Councilor Paul also noted that a previous resolution required the formation of an ad-hoc committee on redistricting, which will have its first organizational meeting on September 30 at 6:00PM. She said that they will have three meetings and produce a report for the Council to review by the end of October.

 

Councilor Hanson noted that the Transportation, Energy, and Utilities Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 28, at 4:30PM, and will discuss district energy, Lakeside Avenue Intermodal Facility Planning, Main Street Great Streets Overview, and 195-201 Flynn Avenue.

 

Councilor Carpenter noted that the Human Resources Committee is now meeting regularly and that they have discussed with the HR Director how to improve examination of executive staff.

 

9. CITY COUNCIL – GENERAL AFFAIRS

9.01 Verbal Reports

None at this time.

 

10. CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT – COUNCIL UPDATES

10.01 Verbal Reports

City Council President Tracy noted that the City is still installing equipment for hybrid meetings, and that they should have everything set by the October 18th meeting.

 

11. MAYOR – GENERAL AFFAIRS

11.01 Verbal Reports

None at this time.

12.  ADJOURNMENT

12.01 Motion to Adjourn

 

MOTION by Councilor Paul, SECOND by Councilor Magee, to adjourn the meeting.

VOTING: unanimous; motion carries.

 

The City Council meeting adjourned at 10:29 PM.  

 

RScty: AACoonradt