Ward 5 NPA News

March 8, 2011 - Agenda

2011-03-01T10:52:00.002-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, 8 March 2011 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Abby Russell

Introductions and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time. Tonight's NPA meeting will be recorded using Channel 17's equipment and will be available on TV and their website.

Open Forum
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Do you have an event to announce? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Police Report

Steering Committee Elections: Candidates Needed!!

Pine Street Deli Plan

Calahan Park Rain Garden

City Council Report

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize provided by Gardeners Supply!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

2011 Town Meeting Day Info

2011-02-28T10:48:00.000-05:00

I am posting links for the upcoming Town Meeting Day. You can also subscribe to the podcasts via the links on the left.

Listen to the Ward 5 School Board, City Council and Mayoral Candidates Forums

Burlingtonpol.com Link
Plenty of info that I just don't have the time to blog about, so check out Haik's blog:
Burlingtonpol.com

SCHOOL BUDGET LINKS
Here is an updated link to the School Budget ballot item for Town Meeting 2009. Link to Budget Overview

WARD 5 and others SAMPLE BALLOT LINK
Here is an updated link to the Ward 5 Sample ballots for Town Meeting 2009. Link to Sample Ballot (Adobe PDF reader needed)

February 9, 2011 - Agenda

2011-02-02T10:36:00.003-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, 9 February 2011 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Abby Russell

Introductions and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time. Tonight's NPA meeting will be recorded using Channel 17's equipment and will be available on TV and their website.

City Council Candidates - Joan Shannon

School Board Candidates - Fred Lane and Paul Hochanadel

Proposed City Tax Increase - Mayor Bob Kiss

Proposed School Budget – Amy Werbel/Jeanne Collins

Two Ballot items from Burlington Electric Department - Barbara Grimes

Proposed Charter Change-Majority Vote Required for Mayoral Elections - Joan Shannon/Bob Kiss

Proposed Charter Change-City Council Rules, Valid Majority - Joan Shannon/Bob Kiss

Proposed Charter Change-Composition of Board of Finance - Joan Shannon/Bob Kiss

Advisory Referendum, Preservation of Federally Subsidized Housing - Abby Russell

Open Forum
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Do you have an event to announce? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize provided by Gardeners Supply!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

January 11, 2011 - Agenda

2011-01-04T10:32:00.001-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, 11 January 2011 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Abby Russell

Introductions and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Champlain Housing Trust
Julia Curry will talk about CHT's programs to help people find and keep decent, affordable housing.

Mayor's Report
Mayor Bob Kiss will give us an update on City issues and answer your questions.

Open Forum
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Do you have an event to announce? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize provided by Gardeners Supply!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

April 21, 2010 - Agenda

2010-04-14T10:05:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Abby Russell

Introductions and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Do you have an event to announce? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Police Report
Kris Carlson is the Lieutenant in charge of the South End. He will be here to introduce himself and answer questions about crime in the South End.

Mayor's Report
Mayor Bob Kiss will give us an update on City issues specific to Ward 5.

Safe Routes to School
Leslyn Hall - Champlain Elementary School and the City of Burlington are applying for a Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant. Nicole Losch will provide DPW input.

Fair Housing Month
Dani Fuoco - The Fair Housing Project would like to share information on fair housing in Burlington 8:10 - AARP is pleased to announce a Community Action Sponsorship program as part of the Burlington Livable Community Project.

City Boards and Commissions
Learn how to apply to serve on a board or commission. Sara Osaba - the application deadline for open seats is May 12.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize provided by Gardeners Supply!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

March 17, 2010 - Agenda

2010-03-17T09:59:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

Introductions and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Do you have an event to announce? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Police Report
Kris Carlson is the Lieutenant in charge of the South End. He will be here to introduce himself and answer questions about crime in the South End.

Pine Street/Flynn Avenue rezoning proposal
Hear about the proposed change, ask questions, and give comments to the applicant and the Planning Commission staff.

Flynn Avenue traffic and parking issues approaching Oakledge Park
Revisit the safety concerns and suggest creative solutions to DPW and Parks Dept staff.

Speeding problems in the Five Sisters neighborhood
Learn what remedies are available through the DPW.

Steering Committee Election

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize provided by Gardeners Supply!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

March 2, 2010 - Town Meeting Day

2010-03-02T13:53:00.002-05:00

Today is TOWN MEETING DAY.

Get out and VOTE!! Our Ward 5 polling location is Burlington Electric Dept on Pine Street.

Polls open at 7am and close at 7pm

February 17, 2010 - Agenda

2010-02-12T12:36:00.002-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 17 February 2010 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

ELECTION FORUM
Candidates will be given one minute to make an introductory statement and then the floor will be opened to questions with each candidate allowed a two minute response with no rebuttals.

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

City Council Candidates - 20 min
Bill Keogh, Abigail Russell

School Board Candidates - 20 min
Amy Werbel, Robin Guillian

School budget - 15 min
Fred Lane, Jeanne Collins

Instant Runoff Voting - 20 min
Kurt Wright /League of Women Voters

BED Bond and Clean Energy Assessment district - 15 min

Airport Bond - 10 min

Fire Truck Bond - 10 min

Mayoral appointment charter changes - 5 min

Open Forum - 15 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Do you have an event to announce? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize provided by Gardeners Supply!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

January 20, 2010- Agenda

2010-01-11T12:06:00.003-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Police Update - 10 min
Come meet our new South End Police Lieutenant.

Change of meeting night for NPA - 5 min
Discuss the possibility of changing our meeting night. What do you think? Would a different night make it easier for you to participate in the NPA?

Candidate Forum on Channel 17 - 5 min
Discuss whether Ward 5 wants to be part of a televised candidate forum series.

Moran Plant Update - 25 min
Kirsten Merriman Shapiro will tell us about the four possible new tenants that have filed a letter of interest to occupy a space at the Moran plant. Find out who they are and express your opinion on these four applicants.

Southern Connector (Champlain Parkway), Shelburne Rd Roundabout, and Flynn Ave sidewalk updates - 30 min
Hear from Dan Bradley (DPW) about the current plans for these projects and ask questions.

City Council Update - 15 min
What are the major discussions under consideration at City Council.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172, in advance.

December 16, 2009 - Agenda

2009-12-16T09:26:00.000-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Community Development Block Grant proposals (CDBG) - 45 min
Federal funding is available for anti-poverty projects around the City. Learn what projects are proposed and vote on the prioritization of projects and funding.
a) presentation of proposals ( 2-5 possible proposals)
b) discussion of previous NPA resolution regarding parks (see below for wording) and how it relates to the proposals
c) voting on proposals, with allocation of funding
d) electing Ward 5 representatives for the CDBG review board

Moran Plant update - 10 minute presentation with 15 minutes for Q&A - 25 min
Learn about the current status of the renovation process and the process of finding a third tenant for the building.

School board update - 5 minute presentation with 15 minute Q&A - 20 min
Learn about the school budget discussions and an update on the magnet schools program.

City Council Update - 10 min
What are the major discussions under consideration at City Council.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172.

June 17, 2009 - Agenda

2009-06-15T16:24:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Connie Gunther, Brendan Bush

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

School Dept - 20 min
Edmunds accessibility information and update.

Quadricentennial Update - 20 min
Find out the scoop on the 400th anniversary of French explorer Samuel de Champlain’s daring expedition as the first European to set foot in Vermont.

State Rep update - 25 min
Come hear updates from our own Rep. Suzi Wizowaty.

City Council Update - 15 min
As the City Council changes its make-up after the elections, learn about topics under consideration.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172.

May 20, 2009 - Agenda

2009-05-20T09:58:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Connie Gunther, Brendan Bush

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 5 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Police Dept - 15 min
Update on Community Policing report.

Dept. of Public Works - 15 min
Construction plan for the streets and sidewalks.

Burlington Fire Department - 15 min
CO detectors, smoke detectors, fire pits - updates on current regulations.

Parks Dept. - 15 min
Questions on Rice High school's use of the Calahan Park tennis courts.

City Council Update - 15 min
As the City Council changes its make-up after the elections, learn about topics under consideration.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172.

May 20, 2009 - Minutes

2009-05-20T09:05:00.005-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 20 May 2009 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall, Connie Gunther.

Open Forum
a) SC Member Roger asked about amplified noise at the Oakledge Park pavilions. A member of Parks & Rec staff told him to bring the concern up at the next Parks Commission meeting.
b) A Ward 5 resident asked if a bike lane could be put on Pine St. Nicole Losch (DPW) addressed this question later in the evening.

Police Dept Update
SGT Bauer and LT Ward came tonight. SGT Bauer is the Sergeant for Wards 5 & 6. He presented the Community Policing Re-Assessment Report & Short-Term Strategic Plan. The plan and survey results are on the BPD website at http://www.bpdvt.org. LT Ward said in the very near future, there will be a phone number to call for incidents regarding aggressive drivers vs. pedestrians. The number is 540-2345. If anyone is interested in the citizen radar gun program, contact SGT Bauer for more information.

Dept of Public Works – Streets & Sidewalks Update
Nicole and Corey from the Dept. of Public Works presented the Sidewalk Strategic Plan Development and Implementation tonight. The Sidewalk Strategic Plan supplements the 2007 City of Burlington Transportation Plan and incorporates input from the Walking Work Group, AARP and neighborhood work groups. The Sidewalk Plan will be used by Public Works Engineers and Planners to assess sidewalk needs and prioritize sidewalk projects. Recognizing that there are limited resources to address sidewalk deficiencies, the Sidewalk Strategic Plan will use a matrix to rank sidewalk and ramp needs. The matrix indices are sidewalk deficiency and pedestrian potential. This project is being done in-house and will include the sidewalk network represented in the City's GIS mapping system and database. Visit the DPW website here. Listen to the podcast on the Ward 5 NPA blog to hear the rest.

Fire Dept – CO and Smoke Detectors, regulation updates
City Fire Marshal Terry Francis spoke tonight. He has worked to change the ordinances to include interconnected, hard-wired, battery backup smoke alarms. Proposed revisions to our Burlington Fire Safety Ordinance are available online. The Fire Commission has now held public hearings and the proposed revisions are moving on to the City Council. Public comment is still welcome via US Mail or via e-mail to this address. Visit the Burlington Fire Dept website for more information at http://www.fire.ci.burlington.vt.us.

Parks Dept – Rice HS use of Burlington tennis courts
Maggie Leugers from Parks & Rec spoke to us tonight about Rice High School using the tennis courts at Calahan Park. She said they have been using the tennis courts for about 25 years under a verbal understanding. However, this year, there have been complaints regarding their use and Parks & Rec decided to have a written Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Rice for a one year period. Maggie took Q&A from attendees. She seemed surprised that this was even an issue. Many questions arose about the fact that no public forum(s) or input was done and that it clearly seems that Burlington taxpayers are not receiving a fair or comparable reimbursement from Rice. The MoA is available online below.

Raffle Items
A Price Chopper gift certificate and Pine St Deli gift certificate were raffled off tonight. Congrats to the 2 lucky winners! There was no City Council update tonight as neither Ward 5 Councilor attended the meeting.

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is June 17, 2009

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Memorandum of Agreement between Rice HS and Parks & Rec

Community Policing Reassessment Report

April 15, 2009 - Agenda

2009-04-15T15:46:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 15 April 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Connie Gunther

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Update on Champlain Parkway - 20 min
Steve Goodkind will give a brief update on the current status of the Parkway.

The Fair Housing Project - 15 min
Who are they, what do they do, and upcoming events for Fair Housing Month (April).

Parks Dept Management plans - 20 min
An update on the disc golf proposal for Leddy park, learn about upcoming Parks and Rec. Commission meetings, and will discuss/vote on a possible resolution (attached).

Dog Park Update - 5 min
Connie Gunther will give us the latest ideas for the South End.

Steering Committee Elections - 5 min
Any one interested in serving on the Steering Committee? Contact current Steering Committee members for more information.

City Council Update - 10 min
As the City Council changes its make-up after the elections, learn about topics under consideration.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172.

April 15, 2009 - Minutes

2009-04-15T13:44:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 15 April 2009 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall, Connie Gunther.
29 people, Larry Kupferman and Steve Goodkind were present.

Open Forum
a) SC Member Elisa announced an opening on the Waterfront Management District Board. Due to her job demands, she cannot do it this year.
b) A Flynn Ave Coop resident announced a cleanup focusing on Englesby Ravine on GreenUp Day, specifically behind the Champlain Apts. on Pine St.
c) A Ward 5 resident has a concern about he salt shed off Briggs/Flynn Ave. A lot of properties are covered with salt dust constantly. There was supposed to be a plastic tarp covering it to prevent salt dust in the air.
d) A Ward 5 resident asked if a bike lane could be put on Pine St.

Champlain Parkway
DPW Director Steve Goodkind spoke about the Champlain Parkway and fielded questions. Listen to the audio of the meeting for the details and all of the questions.

Fair Housing Project
Dani from the Fair Housing Project of CVOEO spoke tonight. April is Fair Housing month and she is visiting all of the NPA’s to educate the community on what Fair Housing is. They have a report on their website (http://www.cvoeo.org) called “Fair Housing & Land Use Planning & Regulation in Chittenden County, VT”. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest.

Parks Dept Management Plan/Resolution
SC Member Elisa Nelson read the proposed resolution. The Parks & Rec Commission is having 2 public hearings – 4/28/09 & 5/19/09. SC Member Roger Marshall moved the resolution, Carolyn Bates seconded. This put the resolution up for discussion. A number of edits were made to the resolution. The final resolution is on the website under April 2009. Listen to the podcast to hear the whole discussion.

South End Dog Park Update
SC Member Connie Gunther gave us an update on the progress of the proposed South End Dog Park. Please visit their website for more information and to sign the petition online. The consensus of her group is that they don’t want to use an existing city park. They are looking into a realtor to find land to possibly buy w/the city. Brendan Bush suggested the Blodgett land off Lakeside Ave.

Steering Committee Elections
Ward 5 resident Carolyn Bates motioned the 4 incumbent steering committee members be re-elected. Another Ward 5 resident seconded the motion. Brendan Bush was nominated by resident named Rachel. All 5 were elected unanimously via a slate election.

Raffle Items
Congratulations to the lucky winners of our raffle items tonight!

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is May 20, 2009

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Ward 5 NPA disc golf Resolution

April 15, 2009 - Disc Golf Resolution

2009-04-14T15:40:00.001-04:00

Voted on and accepted at the April 2009 Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting:

Resolution to the Burlington Parks and Recreation Commission, regarding Parks Dept Management Plan:

Whereas: The Burlington Park System is an asset for every citizen of Burlington and it needs careful, thoughtful, and long term, planning;

Whereas: An eighteen hole disc golf course has been proposed for Leddy Park and the Ward 5 NPA was not included in the process:

Now be it resolved that: The Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) urges the Burlington Parks and Recreation Commission take no further action on any significant changes to park assets until a comprehensive planning process, with significant public input, has been completed for the whole City Park system.

March 18, 2009 - Agenda

2009-03-18T15:37:00.003-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 18 March 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Connie Gunther

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Police Dept - 10 min
Sergeant Bob Baurs will give us a brief update of police concerns and answer citizen questions.

CDBG block grant reassignment for Edmunds Middle School - 5 min
Kim Moran will speak on behalf of Edmunds and present details on their application for a CDBG block grant.

Burlington Board of Health presentation on Fluoride - 20 min
Hear their concerns and be able to ask questions.

Disc Golf at Leddy Park - 20 min
Learn what disc golf is and what is being proposed at Leddy Park.

Dog Park Update - 10 min
Hear about possible sites and organizing efforts underway.

City Council Update - 10 min
As the City Council changes its make-up after the elections, learn about topics under consideration.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call the Community and Economic Development Office, 865-7172.

March 18 2009 - Minutes

2009-03-18T15:08:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 18 March 2009 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall, Connie Gunther.
18 people, 5 members of the Board of Health and 1 School Commissioner were present.

Open Forum
a) SC Member Elisa announced plans for Green Up Day on May 2, 2009. Still working on sites throughout the city. Nicole Losch (nlosch@ci.burlington.vt.us) is the point of contact for Green Up Day.
b) April meeting, we will have Steering Committee elections. We have one opening out of five seats.
c) School Commissioner Fred Lane thanked everyone for the positive turnout on election day and the public’s support for the 3 ballot items.
* There is an accessibility bond in the state; school board is in talks with the state about Edmunds.
d) Resident Paul Hochanadel (paul.hochanadel@gmail.com) mentioned a possible community garden plot in the Five Sisters neighborhood. It is on a 45x150 plot being sold on Howard St/Caroline St corner.
e) The 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success is March 25, 2009 at 5:30pm at Contois Auditorium. Please come!
f) The Ward 5 NPA Steering Committee presented Ita Meno a thank you card and a hanging plant for her years of service to CEDO and the NPAs.
g) Resident Carolyn Bates brought up trucks on Burlington streets. She has talked to Steve Goodkind (DPW) about this. One suggestion is to put up “preferred truck route” signs on Rte 7.
h) The “Friends of Leddy Park” group is looking for anyone interested in joining. They clean the park and are putting together a master plan for Leddy Park.

CDBG block grant reassignment for Edmunds Middle School
The CDBG grant for music room padding was deemed ineligible, so they are here tonight to ask the NPA for another purpose, since the money is still sitting there. They would like to install an announcement sign (not an electrical one, but a manual one), some shrubbery, landscaping and perennials. They would use the skills of parents who are landscape architects. A suggestion was made to include students in the planting. Roger Marshall motioned to accept the change in the CDBG grant. Jay Vos seconded the motion. Passed unanimously.

Police Dept
There was no police update tonight as no officer was able to attend the meeting. Read more about the police department online at http://www.bpdvt.org.

Burlington Board of Health presentation on fluoride
All of the Board of Health members were present tonight. Chair Alan Sousie and member Jay Vos presented the Board of Health stance on fluoride in city water. He encourages us all to read the report. The ultimate choice is ours as residents. They said infants, diabetics and those with kidney problems should not ingest fluoride. When it was last voted on, 3 members were against and 2 were in favor on this issue. A resolution of the Board recommends removal of fluoride. They’ve created a brochure with the facts about fluoridated water. The dissenting board members also spoke on why they feel fluoride should be left in the water supply. Jay mentioned the 1952 ordinance on fluoride stating specifically it is for children 12 yrs old and younger. An excellent Q&A followed. Listen to the podcast to hear the rest. Read more about the Board of Health online at http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/health.

Disc Golf at Leddy Park
Brendan Bush (fpf@brendanbush.com) from BTown Disc Golf Club expressed his discontent at not being personally invited to the meeting. There appears to be a misunderstanding about the groups in favor of disc golf. That aside, he talked about disc golf, what it is. Its popularity around the country and also brought a Frisbee. He gave a background of the entire process to date, of trying to install the disc golf course in Leddy Park. Carolyn Bates and Nancy Powers spoke on behalf of Friends of Leddy Park and Leddypark.org against a disc golf course in Leddy Park. They said Ethan Allen Park is the only park in Burlington with a Master Plan. They said Leddy Park is designated as a passive recreation park. Carolyn put together a photo collage of various disc golf courses so attendees could see what other courses look like. She also had outdated photos of the attempted course installation at Leddy Park. A great Q&A followed. Ward 4 SC Member Ron McGarvey asked if the letter from the Chittenden County Forester be included in the minutes. A motion to extend the discussion for 5 more minutes did not pass. Listen to the podcast to hear the whole presentation.

South End Dog Park Update
SC Member Connie Gunther gave us an update on the progress of the proposed South End Dog Park. Please visit their website for more information and to sign the petition online. A few other locations have come up for consideration, most of which are not feasible though. Connie will be meeting with Parks & Rec in April. Attendees suggested she visit other NPAs in the city and get the support of other dog park supporters, particularly from the North End.

City Council Update
Joan Shannon was present tonight. She talked briefly about the building height ordinance (from 105 to 127). There will be a public forum on Monday March 23, 2009 at 7pm at Contois Auditorium on the amended ordinance.

Raffle Items
Congratulations to the 2 lucky winners of our raffle items tonight!

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is April 15, 2009

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Mike Snyder Report on Leddy Park
Presentation to Ward 5
Leddy Park door hanger

2009 Town Meeting Info

2009-02-18T15:34:00.002-05:00

February 18, 2009 - Agenda

2009-02-18T14:53:00.002-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 18 February 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Connie Gunther

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Candidate Forum - 45 min total
Hear from the candidates for office and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Ward 5 City Council Candidates - 10 minutes
Mayoral Candidates - 35 minutes

BED Bond Issue- 10 min
Barbara Grimes of Burlington Electric will explain the change in the type of bond.

School Board Ballot Items - 20 min
Fred Lane and Amy Werbel will explain the budget and bond proposals and answer questions.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

January 21, 2009 - Agenda

2009-01-10T14:32:00.003-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 21 January 2009 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Connie Gunther

Introduction and Ground Rules - 3 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

Community Policing- 15 min
The Burlington Police Dept is reviewing their community policing program and they would like to hear from you about improvements or changes that should be made.

Sidewalk Plan - 20 min
Nicole Losch will present survey findings and the proposed Pedestrian Potential Index (PPI). She is looking for residents' feedback on the point values that have been assigned to the various pedestrian destinations. The goal is to gain residents' support for the PPI so that all sidewalk projects can be prioritized using the same criteria.

South End Dog Park- 10 min
In December the Ward 5 NPA identified a possible site for a south end dog park. We want to hear from residents about the site at Flynn Ave and Briggs St, on the southern connector land. What issues need to be resolved and what are the next steps in the process.

School Board Budget Update - 20 min
Fred Lane will give a brief explanation of the proposed budget and answer questions.

City Council Update - 10 min
Joan Shannon and Bill Keogh will update us on the City Council and the issues before them.

Door Prizes
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

January 21, 2009 - Minutes

2009-01-09T14:38:00.004-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 21 January 2009 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall, Connie Gunther.
6 citizens were present in addition to our 2 city councilors, 2 school board members and the school superintendant.

Open Forum
a) SC Member Elisa Nelson announced the Candidate Forum for the February NPA meeting.
b) Elisa mentioned the Ward 6 proposal to have a joint candidate forum in February.
c) Resident Jason Van Driesche commented on the Shelburne St rotary project. He is a part of a group of residents in support of a one lane roundabout. Visit http://onelaneroundabout.blogspot.com for more info. They will be canvassing neighborhoods for signatures in support of a single lane design.
d) SC Member Roger Marshall made a comment about attendance being low and encouraged everyone to bring a friend to the next meeting.
e) Jason commented on the street redesign and reconstruction program from DPW.
f) There is a Talent Show at Contois Auditorium in March. More info will follow at the February meeting.

Sidewalk Plan
Nicole Losch of DPW presented survey findings and the Pedestrian Potential Index. She elicited feedback on the point values that were assigned to the various pedestrian destinations. She will be going around to all of the NPA meetings to do the same. After that, there will be an Open Forum, after which the plan will be presented to the Public Works Commission. Read more online at http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us/streets/projects.

Police Update
There was no police update tonight as no officer was able to attend the meeting. Read more about the police department online at http://www.bpdvt.org.

South End Dog Park
SC Member Connie Gunther rehashed what was discussed at the December NPA meeting regarding the proposed Dog Park in the South End. A unanimous vote was taken to move forward on recommending the Briggs/Flynn location. The NPA Steering Committee will draft a recommendation letter to be sent to the Parks Dept and DPW. Read more about the Dog Park online at http://tinyurl.com/7jmtdm.

School Board Budget Update
School board members Fred Lane and Amy Werbel spoke tonight. They talked about the school budget and everything he mentioned tonight can be found on the school district’s website at http://www.bsdvt.org. The sustainability school being launched at Barnes is the first in the nation. The Burlington School District is committed to livable wages and they believe BSD is a cost efficient district. Fred provided estimates for what the school tax increase would cost taxpayers, which can be found here http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org/Board/budget0910/homestead.htm. Superintendant Jeanne Collins and Amy fielded questions after Fred spoke. Another website to review and learn more is http://www.bsdmagnet.com. Please visit http://www.bsdvt.org to read all of the handouts and information regarding the school budgets and bond requests.

City Council Update
Councilors Joan Shannon & Bill Keogh were present tonight and both spoke. The FHA released a letter today effectively saying to choose the Pine St Alternative or the No-Build Alternative. It stated the city has done nothing since 2007 and wants a decision soon. Joan brought up downtown heights, being 100 feet, then 105 feet. The zoning rewrite went to committee and came back with 127 feet. Joan is against this new height. Also relayed to the group was the new/updated Lead Ordinance. The Burlington ordinance will help enforce the state statute. There will be a meeting at 7pm at the Police Dept regarding the lead ordinance.

Raffle Items
Congratulations to the 2 lucky winners of one pound of coffee beans and one Dell coffee mug!

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is February 18, 2009

December 17, 2008 - Agenda

2008-12-17T15:38:00.000-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

CDBG representative election - 5 min
We need to find someone to serve on the Community Development Block Grant Committee to help determine how certain anti poverty monies will be spent in Burlington. Please contact Ita for more description of the job.

South End Dog Park - 35 min
South Enders have again identified the interest in a south end dog park. We hope to explore several possible locations, the pros and cons of each site, and possible funding sources. Representatives from the Parks Dept and DPW will be there to address logistics.

School master plan - 25 min
Where does the budget stand and what is happening with long term building upgrades?

City Council Update - 10 min
Joan Shannon and Bill Keogh will update us on the City Council and the issues before them.

Door Prizes - 3 min
Stay to the end of the meeting and possibly win a door prize!

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

December 17, 2008 - Minutes

2008-12-17T15:10:00.002-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall.
15 citizens were present in addition to 1 city councilor and Parks & Rec officials.

Police Update
Corporal Wade Labrecque presented in place of Lt. Scott Davidson. We had a question & answer session with him and it mainly focused on transients and graffiti. There is a transient issue at Lyman Ave & Briggs St, and the concern is fairly high. We were told that transients on the whole were not violent but rather rude. If you see any vandalism or graffiti, please let BPD know. Read more about the police department online at http://www.bpdvt.org.

Open Forum
a) SC Member Roger Marshall responded to a question about the status of the Southern Connector.
b) CDBG applications are due Friday, 12/19/08. Please contact Ita Meno for more info or to submit your application.

CDBG Representative Election
Americorps Vista Jordan Benkov was nominated to be the Ward 5 representative for CDBG; seconded by Marcia Mason. Unanimously approved.

South End Dog Park
Wayne Gross gave an abbreviated background on dog licensing and dog parks in Burlington. Starr Farm opened in 2001 and the Waterfront park opened 8/2002. The North End, Central and South End were the 3 main locations for dog parks. They are predominantly run by volunteers. It is estimated that it costs $5000/yr to maintain Starr Farm Dog Park. SC member Connie Gunther showed a PowerPoint presentation for the “Champlain Barkway”. It highlighted community benefits of a dog park and had some criteria for a dog park. It also had proposed sites and their respective pros & cons. Land at Briggs & Flynn was picked by all attendees as the best location. It was noted that Starr Farm Dog Park has 16 parking spaces. Marcia Mason suggested posting to the FPF querying everyone before sending a recommendation to the Parks & Rec Commission. We will revisit this at the next NPA meeting. Read more about the Dog Park online at http://tinyurl.com/7jmtdm.

City Council Update
Ward 5 City Councilor Bill Keogh discussed the following:
- He updated us on Champlain College’s recent purchase of the Ethan Allen Club.
- City Pension Plan. It is underfunded.
- He had recently finished working on a Personnel Policy.
- Shelburne St roundabout update – CCTA says they would have to re-route buses if there is a single lane rotary.
- Stormwater runoff fees & regulations. City Council is currently looking at this.
- Recommended that those who haven’t seen the Council sessions might enjoy watching it on Ch 17 or on-line via streaming from CCTVs web site: http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington.

Raffle Items
Congratulations to the 3 lucky winners of one pound of Fair Trade Organic Coffee Beans, Dakin Farms Maple Candy and a 2GB USB Thumb Drive!

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is January 21, 2009

October 15, 2008 - Agenda

2008-10-15T15:13:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 15 October 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

City Council Update - 10 min
Joan Shannon and Bill Keogh will update us on the City Council and the issues before them.

Paving Plan - 20 min
From DPW...10 minute presentation and 10 minute Q&A following.

Penny for Parks - 20 min
Steve Allen, Parks & Recreation Commission, Chair - will give a 10 minute presentation about the Penny for Parks proposal and will take 10 minutes of questions.

Candidate Forum - 30 min
Hear from the candidates for State Senator from Chittenden County and have some time for questions.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

September 17, 2008 - Agenda

2008-09-17T14:58:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 17 September 2008 - 6:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

DINNER STARTS AT 6:00pm - PLEASE JOIN US!

Introduction and Ground Rules - 5 min
We will start at 6:30pm SHARP. Please arrive on time.

Open Forum - 10 min
Open discussion on what "neighbors" are looking for from the NPA in the coming year. What are your concerns and what topics should the NPA discuss? Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per person.

School Board Update - 15 min
Hear about the school boards latest proposals for repairing and maintaining our schools and creating magnet school.

City Council Update - 10 min
Joan Shannon and Bill Keogh will update us on the City Council and the issues before them.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION - NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT NIGHT -- OPEN GOVERNMENT/TRANSPARENCY

Meeting Procedure - 7:15pm
Facilitated by Stephanie Clark.

Brief Overview of Open Government Committee - 7:20-7:35pm
Process with Mayor Bob Kiss and Review the Open Government Committee Report with Damon Lane and other committee members.

Questions and Answers about the Committee Report and Process - 7:35-7:40pm

Discussions & Brainstorming - 7:50-8:20pm
(1) Development, (2)Methods of Transparency, and (3) Opportunities for Participation How can the City be more transparent? What can the NPA do to support a more transparent City for residents? What can residents do to support a more open and transparent City?

Closing - 8:20pm
Prioritization, What’s Next, Evaluation, Next Year?

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

What is an NPA?

2008-06-30T16:16:00.000-04:00

Neighborhood
Planning
Assembly

Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs) are grassroots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of Burlington's seven wards to encourage citizen participation in City government. Working as neighborhood advocacy groups, Neighborhood Planning Assemblies help to improve communication between the citizens of Burlington and City departments regarding quality of life issues throughout regular meetings scheduled in each Ward.

NPAs serve as organized, democratic forums where neighbors can learn about public issues that affect them, and advise the City of their concerns and needs. From stop signs to major development projects, the NPAs offer you an innovative way to get involved in neighborhood and City issues and make your opinions heard. NPA resolutions are distributed to the Mayor, City Councilors and appropriate City departments and commissions, ensuring that elected officials and Department heads know the sentiments and concerns of residents on particular issues before they make decisions.

As active members of the Neighborhood Planning Assembly, citizens have the power to influence public policy and work with others to bring about changes in the neighborhood and City.

NPAs elect representatives to serve on several citizen boards - to allocate funding for development projects, to sit on the City's Conservation Board, the City's Transportation Plan Committee, the Downtown and Waterfront Marketplace Committee and the Neighborhood Improvement Night Committee. NPAs also elect representatives to a citizen board that approves the neighborhood development grant applications. These are two grant programs providing assistance for neighborhood improvement projects such as block parties, clean up days, park and playground improvements, and street enhancements.

For info on Burlington's Neighborhood Planning Assemblies and to sign up for the CEDO Buzz mailing list, contact Ita Meno at 802-865-7172 or email at imeno@ci.burlington.vt.us

June 18, 2008 - Agenda

2008-06-02T15:45:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 18 June, 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono

Introduction and Ground Rules - 3 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

Police Update - 10 min
Lt Scott Davidson will keep us up to date on crime trends in the South End.

Open Forum - 10 min
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

Board of Health Pesticide Law - 20 min
How it affects you.

Stormwater Issues - 20 min
How you affect it and it affects you.

Lake Champlain Basin Program - 15 min
What's going on at the LCBP.

City Council Report - 10 min
Bill Keogh will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

June 18, 2008 - Minutes

2008-06-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 18 June 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall.
15 people and 4 members of the Board of Health were present.

Open Forum
a) Resident Carolyn Bates spoke on behalf of the Front Porch Forum (FPF) and urged everyone to sign up if you’re not a member. Elisa mentioned that people can print off forum messages and hand deliver them to older people without computers.
b) Carolyn also mentioned that a Pizza shop will be opening in the building that houses Springflower Market.
c) Alan Sousie announced the Heineberg Center’s annual flea market this weekend.
d) Reminder that the new South End Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 3:30pm-6:30 pm at the FlynnDog on Flynn Ave.
e) Elisa announced that the Lois McClure is on its way to Quebec for the Quadricentennial celebrations.

Lake Champlain Basin Program
Nicole Ballinger of LCBP (and Ward 5 resident) presented An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin tonight. She talked about reducing phosphorus inputs and toxic contaminants. Q. How can we lower them ourselves? A. Use phosphorus-free fertilizers. The city is working on upgrading/fixing stormwater drains and is working with farmers to reduce phosphorus runoff. Residents can and should read and heed fish-eating advisories, beach closings and wait 24 hours after rainfall before entering an unmonitored swimming area. Read more online at http://www.lcbp.org and http://www.lawntolake.org.

Police Update
Officer Dave Clark spoke to us tonight. He gave us all reminders to keep our doors and windows locked when we are not home. Graffiti is still an issue around the city, however there is a growing database of graffiti tags and offenders throughout the county that law enforcement officials have access to. Q. Are the satellite police stations at neighborhood fire stations being used? A. They are not being used or staffed by police anymore. Read more about the police department online at http://www.bpdvt.org.

Board of Health and Pesticides
Four of the five Board of Health members discussed pesticide issues. Chair Alan Sousie explained what the Board of Health is (volunteers appointed by city Council)) and what it does (advisory re prevention, removal, destruction and/or mitigation of public health risks). The Board is working on revising Burlington’s Pesticide Ordinance, with goal of removing all pesticides. Presently, they are working on holding the chemical application companies accountable; enforcing usage guidelines; notification of neighbors before pesticide application. They are also trying to expand their “jurisdiction” to include the entire city of Burlington. Q. Doesn’t this interfere with property rights? A. Public health and lake water health transcend property rights – for example, it is mandatory to obtain permission when spraying within 500 feet of the lake. Read more about the Board of Health online at http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/health.

Stormwater Issues
Laurie Adams and Steve Roy, both from DPW, spoke tonight about Stormwater in Burlington. They talked about what is Stormwater runoff, why we should be concerned about it, what the city is doing about it (meeting with other city departments; working on erosion control ordinance; work to restrict digging) and what we can do about it (wash car on lawn, not on pavement; clean up dog waste; get garden soil tested before dumping fertilizer…and reduce amount of paved area on your property). Some suggestions were positioning your rain gutter connections, using rain barrels at the end of downspouts, and creating rain gardens. Get a Rain Garden manual online at http://www.vacd.org and click on Winooski and then Rain Garden Manual. Read more online at http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us/stormwater, http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/planning/cb/stormwater_management.html and http://www.smartwaterways.org.

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is September 2008

May 21, 2008 - Agenda

2008-05-02T14:24:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 21 May, 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono

Introduction and Ground Rules - 3 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

Police Update - 10 min
Lt Scott Davidson will keep us up to date on crime trends in the South End.

Legislative Update - 20 min
Bill Keogh and Johanna Donovan will give us a wrap up of the 2008 Legislative session.

Open Forum - 10 min
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

Street Improvements - 20 min
Erin Demers of DPW will make a presentation about possible changes in the funding of the paving budget including possible bonding and/or tax increases. Time will be available to ask questions.

Burlington Lead Program - 15 min
The Burlington Lead Program will present a new lead-based paint ordinance for the City of Burlington. The need for this ordinance is great as an estimated 10,000 rental units in Burlington contain lead-based paint.

School Board Update - 10 min
Amy Werbel and Fred Lane will update us on the reorganization of the school board and their focus for the coming months.

City Council Report - 10 min
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

May 21, 2008 - Minutes

2008-05-01T14:41:00.004-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 21 May 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono, Roger Marshall and Elisa Nelson.

Police Update
Officer Kevin Wilson presented in place of Lt. Scott Davidson. Discussion mainly consisted of summertime issues that the Police Department encounters, such as a typical increase in property crime. Officer Wilson distributed a handout on suggested techniques to reduce the likelihood of being a victim of such crimes. Read more about the police department online at http://www.bpdvt.org.

Legislative Update
No legislators were present and the topic was skipped.

Open Forum
a) Nina Dahlstedt from the Department of Health gave an overview of how chronic disease is on the rise, and how walking or exercising regularly can improve one’s overall health.
b) At the request of Roger Marshall, Ita Meno from CEDO briefly spoke on the current status on the funding of her position.

Street Improvements
Erin Demers from the Department of Public Works gave an overview of the Burlington’s street paving program and its budgetary challenges. Specifically, she mentioned the following:
- Burlington is “behind the curve” in street maintenance and has deteriorating roads.
- Cost of asphalt has gone up 200% in the last few years.
- Presented different effects of how various amounts of a possible tax increase could bring Burlington’s roads up to a more sustainable level.
- Presented FY ’09 capital budget and current paving plan.
- Discussed a “street index” that professionals use to gauge overall condition of roads and to establish maintenance goals.
- Answered questions on sidewalk maintenance, discussed current sidewalk assessment program, and mentioned how sidewalk funding is part of the road maintenance budget.
Read more about the Department of Public Works online at http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us.

Burlington Lead Program
Jeff Tanguay from CEDO and Leslie Wright from the Vermont Lead Safety Project gave an overview of The Burlington Lead Program. They discussed the following:
- Lead poisoning is the #1 health threat to children.
- Distributed a handout on The Burlington Lead program.
- Approximately 10,000 housing units in Burlington contain lead paint.
- Overview of new City ordinance to enforce State lead laws.
- Discussed lead paint remediation techniques.
Read more online at http://www.cedoburlington.org/housing/lead_program.htm.

School Board Update
Ward 5 Commissioner Amy Werbel gave an overview of the master plan and how Burlington’s school buildings are currently behind in needed improvements. She mentioned designs for newer, energy-efficient “green buildings” and how the local architectural firm Truex and Cullins is working with them in this endeavor. Read more about the Burlington School District online at http://www.bsdvt.org.

City Council Update
Ward 5 City Councilor Joan Shannon discussed the following:
- She is a member of the recently formed Open Government Committee, consisting of community members, City government employees, and two City Councilors.
- Westlake Update:: The City is negotiating the sale of Parcel A, formerly allocated for affordable housing, to the Burlington Harbor Hotel Group for $250,000, and to be used for a new hotel. The City received only two proposals from developers for this property. However the time period it asked for letters of interest was very brief in the eyes of some Councilors.
- The City is negotiating with Champlain College on the proposed sale of the private Eagles Club property to be used for student housing. Joan’s amendment to address neighborhood parking issues at the site by requiring satellite parking for students was originally passed by the Council 11-3. This resolution was objected to by Champlain College. The Council then reversed their decision by a separate 11-3 vote.
- Discussion of the Myrtle Street building lot proposed to be purchased by the City to be used as a small “pocket park” and community garden. Joan gave detail into how this parcel became a building lot under current zoning.
- She recommended those who haven’t seen the Council session might enjoy watching it on Ch 17 or on-line via streaming from CCTVs web site: http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington. Read more about the City Council online at http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/citycouncil.

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is June 18, 2008

April 16, 2008 - Agenda

2008-04-02T14:08:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Wednesday, 16 April, 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono

Introduction and Ground Rules - 3 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

Open Forum - 10 min
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

Burlington Electric Dept - draft IRP - 10 min
BED’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan is available for public comment. This is a 20-year plan that will guide BED in every facet of its operations as we move toward the post fossil fuel economy. BED hopes to achieve a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio. Hear how they plan to make it happen.

Strategic sidewalk plan - Nicole Losch - 15 min
The City is beginning to develop a sidewalk strategic plan, we would like to:
1. Introduce this project;
2. Discuss pedestrian corridors and destinations, and have residents identify their priority corridors and destinations;
3. Recruit volunteers to assist with a citywide sidewalk inventory that will occur in May.

Legacy Update - Jennifer Green - 15 min
1. The history of Legacy including the 5 main themes of the 2030 vision;
2. The importance of keeping the vision alive -- and the need to include a broad base of institutions, individuals, and city partners;
3. Future Legacy direction

E2C2 plan and Citizen input - Jennifer Green - 15 min
The Energy and Environment Coordinating Committee has created recommendations for the City Council. They will present their recommendations and are looking for feedback from the public.

School Board Update - 10 min
Amy Werbel and Fred Lane will update us on the reorganization of the school board and their focus for the coming months.

City Council Report - 10 min
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

April 16, 2008 - Minutes

2008-04-01T14:15:00.002-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Wednesday, 16 April 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Roger Marshall.
12 people and a number of elected officials were present.

Open Forum
a) Ita announced Green Up Day is on May 3, 2008.
b) Elisa announced that Eco teams are being formed around the City, and alternative transportation methods related to greenhouse gas emissions.
c) Roger announced 2 topics about April 4/7 NPA meeting. Topics were about the farmers market and the Intervale composting situation.
d) Basil announced that the City is looking for volunteers for an Open Government Committee.

Burlington Electric Dept
Ken Nolan of BED presented tonight. He talked about the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and left copies. BED has asked to extend the May 1 deadline an additional month or so to allow for more public review and input. Read more online at

Strategic Sidewalk Plan
Carol Duncan from DPW presented the Strategic Sidewalk Plan tonight. The plan is broken down into a few phases: popular destinations and sidewalk assessments. DPW is looking for about 35 volunteers to assist with a citywide sidewalk inventory. There is a meeting on May 12 and 13 to train volunteers on assessing sidewalks. Read about the plan and more online at http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us. There is also a survey online at the DPW website.

Legacy Update
Jennifer Green did not show up tonight.

School Board Update
School Commissioner Fred Lane talked about what was going on at the School Board. Fred is the Chair of the School Board Finance Committee. The board is working with a planner to get public feedback on the direction of the school district and perform a facilities review. The Burlington School District website is http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org.

Legislative Update
Ward 5 City Council rep Bill Keogh spoke tonight. He mentioned Champlain College is close to purchasing the Eagles Club property on St. Paul St. Bill explained and talked about the “Westlake” situation. He also talked about the Ward 7 ballot box issue and just stated his feelings on the issue as being an honest mistake.

E2C2 Update
Steering Committee member Elisa Nelson spoke tonight about the Mayor’s Energy and Environment Coordinating Committee (E2C2). Topics at the E2C2 meeting were trash management, transportation management within downtown, parking lots (2) around the city, bicycle and pedestrian improvements. There will be some announcements on the Front Porch Forum with survey links to rate the various E2C2 proposals. The results will be presented to the City Council in May or June. Read more about E2C2 online at http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/environment.

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is May 21, 2008 at 7pm

March 25, 2008 - Agenda

2008-03-10T15:03:00.004-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, 25 March, 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono, Steve Scuderi

6:50 pm - Refreshments
Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments!

Introduction and Ground Rules - 3 min
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

Open Forum - 10 min
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

Police Update - 15 min
Lt Davidson will update us on happenings in the south end and will answer questions.

Steering committee election - 5 min
There are 5 steering committee positions. If you are interested in serving, please contact a steering committee member for more information.

Legacy project on the road - 15 min
The Burlington Legacy project was created in 1999 to help maintain the qualities that we all cherish about our city, and create a comprehensive plan to guide change for the economic, environmental, and social health of Burlington for years to come.

CCTA - What's new at CCTA? - 15 min
Meridith Berkett will tell us what’s going on at Vermont’s largest public transportation system.

VIVA (Vermont Immigrant Voting Alliance) - 15 min
Marta Ceroni and Martin Baumann discuss extending voting rights to immigrants in local elections.

City Council Report - 10 min
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

For information on childcare, accessibility, alternate forms of the agenda or the NPA’s please call Ita Meno with the Community and Economic Development Office, IMeno@ci.Burlington.vt.us or 865-7172.

March 25, 2008 - Minutes

2008-03-09T12:52:00.001-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Tuesday, 25 February 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Bill Stuono, Roger Marshall.
15 people and a few elected officials were present.

Open Forum
a) Elisa announced the formation of Eco teams around the city for citizens interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
b) Green Up day is on May 3rd. CEDO will be organizing a city-wide cleanup. The Ward 5 NPA plans to participate in a cleanup of Englesby Ravine.
c) Roger gave a report on the following DPW projects:

* Champlain Parkway/Southern Connector
There is a difference with the alternative preferred by Federal Highway and the State and that preferred by the City. The City advocates for a route that travels Pine Street to Curtis Lumber where a spur from Pine Street continues behind Curtis Lumber to Battery Street. Federal Highway and the State would prefer that the roadway continue up Pine Street through Maple and King to Main Street. We have worked with the railroad to make the City’s preferred alternative work. We are waiting for the state and feds to reconsider this alternative.

* Queen City Park Bridge
The scoping study has been completed and we are awaiting a final report. We do not anticipate funding for this project to be a priority for the State. Staff will explore funding alternatives.

* Shelburne Street Rotary
The Public Works Commission chose the Roundabout as their preferred alternative at their meeting on 3/19. Public comment was concerned with traffic queuing along Shelburne Street approaching the intersection. The Commission’s decision and all comments will be added to the project report and forwarded on to VTrans. VTrans’ schedule calls for design in state fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009) and construction in state fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2009 June 30, 2010). The City Council Transportation Energy and Utilities Committee (TEUC) passed a resolution to the full City Council requiring that DPW make recommendations to City Council, through the TEUC.

* Flynn Avenue Sidewalk
We are awaiting contract documents from the state. When contracts are signed staff will set the alignment and begin design work.

* Ward 5 Sidewalk/Pedestrian planning
Staff is developing a Sidewalk Strategic Plan. Nicole Losch will visit the Ward 5 NPA in April to introduce the plan, solicit input on priority pedestrian destinations, and request support from volunteers for a sidewalk inventory occurring in May.

Police Update
a) Car break ins are not happening as much. No more car fires to report.
b) Noise - 2 levels of ticket. If officer hears noise they can give a ticket on the spot, or, if a complaint is filed, in writing, they can follow up.
c) Graffiti - still a major problem - please report any activities.
d) Drug problem not as bad as Rutland, yet.

Steering Committee Elections
Elisa explained what the steering committee does.
Colin Bloch nominated Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch and Bill Stuono for a one year term. Marcia Mason seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

CCTA
Meredith Birkett - 5% ridership growth in FY07 over FY06
UMall/Airport route has highest ridership - 318.086 in FY07
Average weekly ridership - 7,600
6 new link busses, 6 local all biodiesel
New high school schedule nice improvement for south end
New Rt. 15 route
Expansion plans - possible Waterbury link
Wants to have 15 minute service on major lines - gradually working towards goal
Funding - 25% fares, 75% grants
Suggestion was made to have individuals or businesses "adopt a bus shelter".
CCTA tries to have schedules posted at each time point bus stop
Colin suggested expanding free school buses to more than just school hours - talk to school board.

Vermont Immigrant Voting Alliance
Marta Ceroni and Martin Bauman presented tonight.
*Non citizens, are not allowed to vote, but are legal residents and tax payers. Some have children who are citizens. Some towns allow non citizens to vote in local elections. It can be a welcoming idea that helps attract good people to the area. Tonight is the start of a discussion about documented residents being allowed to participate in school board, etc, elections. This is being done in parts of Europe, Cambridge and Amherst MA, and Tacoma Park, WA
*Burlington had 1,340 foreign born residents in last census (yr 2000)
*7-15 years to become eligible for permanent residency, then wait for 5 more years for citizenship. This voting initiative could help promote a path for commitment to the city. Not being allowed to vote causes you to feel disengaged.
*It would require amending the city charter - by question on the city ballot (State would have to ratify the charter change), or the NPA could propose a motion to the city council.
*The NPA suggests VIVA research possible resolution language, and the constitutional basis for the idea, and come back to the NPA at a future date.
*US history allowed voting for "freemen" (white, males) to vote despite citizenship. This was taken away during turbulent times in countries history.

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is April 16, 2008 at 7pm

February 26, 2008 - Agenda

2008-02-18T11:52:00.002-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, 26 February, 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono, Steve Scuderi

6:50 pm - Refreshments
Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments!

3 min - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

10 min - Open Forum
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

20 min total - Candidate Forum
Each candidate will have 2 minutes for a presentation and then there will be time for Questions.
a) City Council - Bill Keogh, Lisaann Oberbrunner, Sean Starfighter
b) School Commissioner - Amy Werbel, Robin Guillian

10 min - BED - NOx reduction at McNeil Plant
Mayor Bob Kiss will give us information about the proposed upgrade and bond question. There will be time allotted for questions and answers.

20 min total - Moran Plant
a) Mayor Kiss presents his proposal to renovate the Moran Plant into an outdoor park, community sailing center, children's museum and public amenities (4 min)
b) Jay Vos, Representing the Green Democratic Alliance and Citizens for a Waterfront Park, will present a proposal to tear down the Moran Plant (4 min)
c) Questions and Answers (12 min)

15 min - School Budget
School Commissioner Fred Lane will give us details on the proposed school budget.

10 min - City Council Report
Joan Shannon and Bill Keogh will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

February 26, 2008 - Minutes

2008-02-17T14:33:00.005-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules
Steering Committee members present: Elisa Nelson, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono.
42 people and a number of elected officials were present.

Open Forum
a) We will be voting on NDBG at the next NPA meeting. Please have all applications in to CEDO by 2/29/08. Click here for more info.
b) Steering Committee elections will be held at the next NPA meeting.

School Commissioner Candidate Forum
Incumbent Amy Werbel (Chair of the School Board Curriculum Committee) and challenger Robin Guillian presented themselves as candidates for the Ward 5 School Commissioner seat. Each candidate had 2 minutes to speak and then fielded questions from the audience.

City Council Candidate Forum
Incumbent Bill Keogh (Democrat) and challenger Sean Starfighter (Independent) presented themselves as candidates for the Ward 5 City Council seat. Each candidate had 2 minutes to speak and then fielded questions from the audience. Not present tonight was candidate LisaAnn Oberbrunner (Burlington Greens). Read more on the candidates online: Click here.

BED – Nox Reduction project at McNeil
Mayor Bob Kiss and BED General Manager Barbara Grimes presented the Burlington Electric bond item and projects that will be on the March 4, 2008 ballot. There are 2 referendums on the ballot. One is for the approval of a Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) reduction system at the McNeil Generating Station and the other is for the approval of revenue bonds for BED. Barbara gave a strong presentation and fielded a few questions.
Read the FAQ’s on the BED bond items on the ballot online. Click here.

Moran Plant
Mayor Kiss presented the advisory referendum to renovate and redevelop the Moran Plant and Jay Vos and Maurice Mahoney presented the advisory referendum regarding the demolition of the Moran Plant. Jay and Maurice represent the Green Democratic Alliance and Citizens for a Waterfront Park. The Burlington Business Association announced at the meeting they released a letter of support for the proposed renovation and redevelopment of the Moran Plant. As expected, this discussion became quite lively! Listen to the audio online and check out what you missed. Here are two links, one for the proposal: For the proposal and one against the proposal: Against the proposal.

School Board Update
School Commissioner Fred Lane talked about what was going on at the School Board and provided us with information regarding the FY09 School budget. Fred is the Chair of the School Board Finance Committee. He mentioned the goals of the budget are Student Achievement through adequate staffing and support for our demographics; absorb cost shifts and compliance mandates from federal and state laws; maintain a safe physical infrastructure through preventive maintenance; continue to maximize cost savings.
The Burlington School District website is here and a direct link to the budget page is here.

City Council Update
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon talked briefly about Westlake on Battery Street and the DPW sidewalks & streets budget. Westlake refers to the 4-part Westlake Development Project on Battery St. Westlake Residential Partnership has agreed to pay $400,000 into the City’s Housing Trust Fund rather than meet a mandate to build affordable housing units near the Burlington Waterfront. In exchange for building housing in the downtown area, the developer, Westlake Residential Partnership, was given permission to add 20 feet to the height of the hotel and apartments. Steering Committee member Bill Stuono mentioned that he was at a recent Design Advisory Board meeting in which Westlake has submitted plans to add 34 more units onto their hotel. Joan Shannon said that this is something the Council was not made aware of. Larry Kupferman commented that this is early construction of the last phase of their original proposal. Westlake’s settlement agreement is currently headed to the DRB for final approval.

The next Ward 5 NPA meeting is March 25, 2008 at 7pm

2008 Town Meeting Info

2008-02-17T10:27:00.012-05:00

I am posting links to listen to the audio from the Ward 5 School Board Candidates and the Ward 5 City Council Candidates. You can also subscribe to the podcasts via the links on the left.

Listen to the Ward 5 School Board Candidates Forum

Listen to the Ward 5 City Council Candidates Forum

MORAN PLANT LINKS
Here is an updated link for info regarding the Moran Plant Redevelopment Proposal:
Moran Plant Redevelopment Proposal

Here is an updated link for info regarding the demolition of the Moran Plant:
Moran Plant Demolition

BED BOND LINKS
Here is an updated link to the BED ballot items for Town Meeting 2008. Link to FAQ

SCHOOL BUDGET LINKS
Here is an updated link to the School Budget ballot item for Town Meeting 2008. Link to Budget Overview

WARD 5 SAMPLE BALLOT LINK
Here is an updated link to the Ward 5 Sample ballot for Town Meeting 2008. Link to Sample Ballot (Adobe PDF reader needed)

January 22, 2008 - Agenda

2008-01-23T09:45:00.000-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
Tuesday, 22 January, 2008 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono, Steve Scuderi

6:50 pm - Refreshments
Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments!

5 min - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

10 min - Open Forum
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

15 min - CDBG Process
Ita Meno will announce the process and deadlines for Community Development Block Grants.

20 min - Shelburne Rotary Design
Dan Bradley of the Department of Public WOrks will let us know the choices under consideration for the Shelburne St. Rotary upgrade.

15 min - Legislative Update
Bill Keogh and Joey Donovan will give a preview of the new legislative session.

10 min - School Board Committee Update
Fred Lane and Amy Werbel will let us know what is under discussion at the school board.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

January 22, 2008 - Minutes

2008-01-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Tuesday, 22 January 2008 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules

Police Update
a) LT Davidson spoke about two car fires in a particular section of the South End.
b) He reminded us all to lock our doors and windows; keep lights on at night; and report anything suspicious to the Police Dept.
c) He mentioned that folks were posting crimes and suspicious activity on the Front Porch Forum and encouraged doing so. Check the Downloads area for Crime Prevention Tips.
d) He added that there is a decline in property crimes this winter.

Open Forum
a) An announcement of a Car Share Meeting/Introduction presentation on 2/15 at Union Station was made.
b) Request made to have the Champlain Parkway on a future agenda.

CDBG Process
Ita Meno of CEDO joined us this evening to talk about Community Development Block Grants. Ita gave us some background on CDBG. She mentioned how the budget this year is lower than past years and is roughly $880,000 this year. 5% is set aside for neighborhood projects. Ita reiterated her commitment to helping neighborhoods get their applications in to her by 2/29/08. You may contact Ita or Margaret Bozik for types of projects that can apply for grants.
Their website is http://www.cedoburlington.org/cdbg/cdbg_main.htm.

Shelburne St. Rotary design
Dan Bradley of DPW presented the proposals for the redesign of the Shelburne St circle. The project is available for VTrans funding. Ward 5 attendees voted on and unanimously approved a resolution “Enthusiastically supporting the roundabout proposal”. A motion to accept the resolution was brought by Roger Marshall and seconded by Marsha Mason.
The link to the project on the DPW website is http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us/transportation/projects/ShelburneStreetCircle.php.
The link to the project on the CCMPO website is http://www.ccmpo.org/communities/burlington/shelburne_st_rotary.html.

School Board Update
Amy Werbel talked about what was going on at the School Board. She mentioned the upcoming vote on the school budget. There is a need to pay for the raises for para-educators that was approved. Some topics at the school board include World Languages (foreign languages) in after-school programs, a facilities review, and a Director of Operations position. Results of the 5th Element survey were positive and in favor of magnet school(s) in the Old North End.
The Burlington School District website is http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org.

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Crime Prevention Tips

November 27, 2007 - Agenda

2007-11-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
November 27, 2007 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono, Steve Scuderi

6:50 pm - Refreshments
Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments!

5 min - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

10 min - Police Update
Lt. Scott Davidson will give us an update on South End safety concerns and current trends.

10 min - Open Forum
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

15 min - Fletcher Free Library
Robert Resnick will update us on the activities and programs at the library.

20 min - Queen City Bridge
Erin Demers of DPW will show us the possible bridge repair/replacement ideas for the Queen City Bridge. Comment cards will be available for people to leave written comments for DPW to review.

15 min - Presentation of resolutions
DPW resolution from Ward 6 will be considered by Ward 5 (See resolution download link)

10 min - School Board Committee Update
Fred Lane and Amy Werbel will let us know what is under discussion at the school board.

10 min - City Council Update
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without notice.

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FOR THE MEETING:

Ward 5 DPW Resolution 2007

November 27, 2007 - Minutes

2007-11-01T16:38:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Tuesday, 27 November 2007 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules

Police Update
a) LT Davidson spoke about some burglaries that have been happening around Burlington.
b) He reminded us all to lock our doors and windows; keep lights on at night; and report anything suspicious to the Police Dept.
c) He mentioned that folks were posting crimes and suspicious activity on the Front Porch Forum and encouraged doing so. Check the Downloads area for Crime Prevention Tips.
d) He was asked about a bicycle registry in Burlington and said there is a program and everyone is strongly encouraged to register your bicycles.
e) He added that folks should not wait one or two days to report something/someone suspicious to the Police. Call the Police as soon as you can get to a phone.

Open Forum
a) Announcement of the Legacy Town Meeting on Wednesday from 5 to 7:30 pm.
b) Some interest had been shown in a South End Dog Park. If anyone has comments/suggestions/input on the matter, please direct them to the Steering Committee. If there is enough interest, it will be placed on a future agenda.
c) Every Spring, CEDO make an announcement about registering bicycles with the BPD.
d) Steering Committee member Bill Stuono commented on how well the Graffiti Removal kits work. They can be picked up free of charge from CEDO.
e) Steering Committee member Bill Stuono commented on the low NPA attendance in relation to other NPAs. Questions were posed to attendees if they had any suggestions to boost attendance.

Fletcher Free Library
Robert Resnik, Barbara Shatara and Amber Gaster joined us this evening to talk about the Fletcher Free Library. Robert gave some background on all of the wonderful services the library has to offer. Barbara and Amber both work in the Outreach program. This program is for those who cannot make it to the library and want to check out materials. Fletcher Free has “First Wednesdays”, where guest speakers come and talk about various global topics. There is also a book club on the second Wednesday of every month. FFL is hosting English as a Second Language classes, and is currently hosting Citizenship classes weekly. FFL has expanded in the foreign language area, as there are now offered two programs: a German-English Conversation Group and a Chinese-English Conversation Group where English speakers practice foreign-language conversation with native speakers of that language. FFL also loans out garden tools and snow shovels! Their website is http://www.fletcherfree.org.

Queen City Bridge
Erin Demers presented the November 8th public meeting presentation regarding the bridge and if it should be repaired or replaced. The purpose of the presentation was to address the ongoing deterioration of the bridge. The two alternatives are to (1) rehabilitate the existing one-lane bridge and adding a sidewalk to the south side of Industrial Pkwy, or (2) replace the bridge with a two-lane bridge. The DPW website is http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us.

Presentation of Resolutions
Steering Committee member Elisa Nelson read the DPW resolution to everyone. Erin Demers (DPW) provided comments about the DPW website as related to the resolution. Erin mentioned that she thought just about all of the requests set forth in the resolution were doable, and that DPW is already in the process of implementing some of them. Steering Committee member Roger Marshall moved to adopt the resolution with an amendment – change the wording to read “… DPW be urged to adopt…” The resolution passed unanimously. The resolution will be amended and forwarded to DPW by the Ward 5 NPA.

School Board Update
Amy Werbel talked about what was going on at the School Board. She said there was money available for a study/survey of Burlington parents of school-age children. Survey invitations were sent out via email and there is a link to the survey on the Burlington School District website at http://bsdweb.bsdvt.org. Amy mentioned that the search is in progress for a Principal at Champlain Elementary School.

City Council Update
Bill Keogh talked about the Police Department’s citizen radar gun program. Look for his column in the North Ave News regarding his findings, some of which he stated may be surprising. Check the Downloads area for his results. Bill also answered additional questions about speeding and the proposed new zoning ordinance. Steering Committee member Bill Stuono brought up the subject of new downtown zoning bonuses, which allow developers to build up to an additional 4 stories above the regular zoning height limit and that, in his opinion, some of these bonuses were quite easy for a developer to obtain.

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Check out the Podcast of the November meeting!

Crime Prevention Tips
Ward 5 Resolution to DPW
Bill's Radar Gun Results

October 23, 2007 - Agenda

2007-10-23T11:57:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
October 23, 2007 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono

6:50 pm - Refreshments
Come early and enjoy complimentary refreshments!

7:00 pm - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

7:05 pm - Open Forum
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

7:15 pm - Police Update
Lt. Scott Davidson will give us an update on South End safety concerns.

7:25 pm - Front Porch Forum
Learn more about the Front Porch Forum. How do you join? What can it help you do?

7:35 pm - Steering Committee Elections
There is one seat open on the Ward 5 NPA steering committee. Anyone interested in serving should contact a member of the current steering committee for more information.

7:40 pm - Moran Plant Redevelopment Plan
Kirsten Merriman Shapiro will show us the most recent proposal for the possible redevelopment of the Moran Plant. The plan is expected to be an item on the March ballot.

8:10 pm - City Council Update
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

8:20 pm - School Board Committee Update
Amy Werbel and Fred Lane will update us on the current discussions of the School Committee regarding possible magnet schools and socio economic integration.

October 23, 2007 - Minutes

2007-10-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
Tuesday, 23 October 2007 @ 7:00pm
Dept of Public Works building, 645 Pine Street

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules

Open Forum
a) There is an “Alternatives Presentation Meeting” for the Queen City Park Road Bridge scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 6:30pm in the Main Conference Room at Burlington Department of Public Works on Pine St.
b) Rhino Foods will be holding their annual sale on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 9am – 2pm at the Industrial Pkwy location. On the web at http://www.rhinofoods.com
c) The City will be collecting fall leaves on your recycling day the week of November 12. Just put your leaves in a biodegradable paper leaf bag and place the bag at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your recycling day the week of November 12. Remember: no plastic bags, garbage cans, and no brush, rocks, pumpkins, dirt, or trash! On the web at http://www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us
d) Roger Marshall made a motion to have a presentation next month regarding “Paying your fair share of taxes”, as based on the Ward 6 Resolution on the same topic.
e) Ita Meno announced a need for volunteers to become an IRS-Certified Tax Preparer. Contact Robyn Bahar at 655-6688 ext 4712 for more information.
f) The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum has an exhibit of photographs of "Boats from around the world" on display at the Fletcher Free Library. The show is on from now through Nov 30th.
g) Elisa is serving on the City's Environmental and Energy Coordinating Committee. She is hoping people will contribute ideas of how the City can reduce it's CO2 emissions.

Police Update
a) LT Davidson spoke about some burglaries that have been happening around Burlington.
b) He reminded us all to lock our doors and windows; keep lights on at night; and report anything suspicious to the Police Dept.
c) He mentioned the Citizen Radar Gun program. Bill Keogh and Basil Vansuch have already used it for a speed study on Home Ave and Pine St. Contact Bill Keogh if you would like one of us to do an informal speed study on your street.

Front Porch Forum
Michael Wood-Lewis gave a presentation on the Front Porch Forum and updated us on its progress. It is a great community gathering place online. The community-building accomplishments of Front Porch Forum are being recognized with the 2007 Innovator in Place award from the Orton Family Foundation. Read more on the web at http://communitymatters.org.

Steering Committee Elections
Steve Scuderis was nominated and unanimously elected as the fifth Steering Committee member. Congratulations Steve!

Moran Plant Redevelopment Plan
Kirsten Merriman Shapiro gave the City’s Moran Plant Redevelopment Plan presentation. It was too long to create handouts and suggested people visit http://www.cedoburlington.org to read more and download the Moran Report. A healthy question and answer session followed.

City Council Update
Both Ward 5 City Councilors were present at our NPA meeting tonight. Both councilors spoke jointly on some key topics, including shifting property tax to an income-based tax; pension plan for City employees; Zoning Ordinance amendments update; School board discussions; the City’s towing contract with Spillane’s.

School Board Update
Amy Werbel was present at our NPA meeting tonight. She talked about the possibility of magnet schools, and Barnes & Wheeler came up in that discussion. Surveys will be sent out to Burlington households with school-age children on the matter. The school Board is also looking to options for pre-school and after-school programs.

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Ward 5 Neighborhood Improvement Night Q & A
Moran Plant Proposal Overview
Moran Plant Proposal Q & A

September 25, 2007 Agenda

2007-09-25T11:41:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
September 25, 2007 - 6:30pm
Champlain Elementary School Gymnasium, Pine St
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch, Bill Stuono

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm - Free Dinner

7:00 pm - Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

Introductions and Ground Rules - 5 min

Open Forum - 5 min
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

Police Dept Update - 5 min
Updates on South End safety, noise and coverage/staffing.

City Council Report - 5 min
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

School Board Report - 5 min
Amy Werbel and Fred Lane will let us know what is under discussion on the School Board.

Neighborhood Improvement Night, Reviewing the Transportation Plan - approx 60 min
Basic History and Overview of the Burlington Transportation Plan - Will include relevant neighborhood recommendations and concerns selected by NPA participants, Consultants, and City Staff.

Coming in October:
* Moran Plan Update
* Front Porch Forum

September 25, 2007 - Minutes

2007-09-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
September 25, 2007 6:30pm
Champlain Elementary Gymnasium, Pine Street

The Ward 5 NIN started off with a delicious free dinner for all attendees. Donations were made by Kountry Kart Deli, Rhino Foods, Sirloin Saloon, Price Chopper, Green Mountain Coffee, and Peter von Doepp.

Corporal Tom Radford and Sergeant Bruce Bovat gave an update on the safety of South Enders and other police-related matters. City Councilors Joan Shannon and Bill Keogh provided us with quick updates on what’s going on in the City Council. The City’s Transportation Plan was presented. Three door prizes were given away to lucky attendees!

The Transportation Plan portion of the meetings opened with a presentation by a representative from the lead consultant, Smart Mobility, and is directed at promoting three general themes:
A) Strong and Healthy City:
a. Economic Health;
b. Physical health, including choices for an aging population, safety and environmental health.
B) Transportation Choices:
a. Cars;
b: Transit;
c. Transportation Systems Management;
d. Transportation Demand management;
e. Walking;
f. Biking;
g. Accessibility.
C) Great Streets - Street Design Guidelines:
a. Complete Street;
b. Transit and Bicycle Street;
c. Slow Street;
d. Neighborhood Streets;
e. Truck routes.

The Transportation Plan will be implemented through:

A) Transportation Services - explaining how work will get done and who is responsible.

B) Progress indicators - establishing measurable goals that will be reviewed annually.

C) Initial five year plan - including Maintenance, Funded Capital Projects, Capital projects in need of funding, Transit, Parking pricing programs, and remote parking.

D) Policy Initiatives that include supporting the creation of a downtown Transportation Management Association (TMA), changing speed limits to 20 mph in the downtown Slow Streets zone and to 25 mph on neighborhood streets without posted speed limits, supporting improvements to the western corridor rail infrastructure and expansion of passenger rail services to Burlington, and supporting a car sharing service.
Residents can continue to comment on the draft by sending thoughts to Dan Bradley at the City of Burlington Department of Public Works, 645 Pine Street, Suite A, Burlington, VT 05402-0849. He can be called at (802) 865-5832 or e-mailed at dbradley@ci.burlington.vt.us. For more information about the Transportation Plan, including the appendices, visit www.dpw.ci.burlington.vt.us/transportation/.

Following the presentation by Norm Marshall, of Smart Mobility, residents had 30 minutes of Q & A time with Dan Bradley, Project Manager of the Transportation Plan. Any technical questions, unable to be answered by the City, were answered by consultants on hand.

Here is a list of questions, comments and some answers generated at the meeting. These will be posted on the internet along with the Transportation plan, along with a more complete listing of responses and answers:

• Explain 1/4 mile radius of Neighborhood Activity Centers.
A: Planning designation to encourage development of neighborhood services that you can walk to.
• Speed on Birchcliff Pkwy is very high, especially at east end. Could we get traffic calming? A: Can start with collecting data on east end, and then engage neighborhood in creating traffic calming plan.
• Bike lane on Pine Street is not safe for kids going to school - bring complete street on Pine farther south
• Does the City have incentives to encourage TMA?
A: Using CATMA data to help downtown employers create a TMA planning underway.
• Bike path maintenance - rocky, loose surface. What can be done?
• Goals in plan should have numerical benchmarks.
• Develop a pedestrian plan for the city.
• How does Development Review process integrate transportation?
• Timetable, pathway to address funding inadequacies.
• Use of shuttles & Park and Ride lots close to City Center.
A: Working regionally and within City now and want to expand.
• Why no bike paths in slow streets?
A: Idea is that speeds are so slow that they can share the road safely
• Consider no Right on Red where you have bikes and pedestrians.
A: Will look at No Right on Red
• Economic health should be subsidiary to physical health
• Shelburne Rd Rotary is a bad situation - unclear and unsafe.
A: DPW & Vtrans will work on this over next year.
• Lakeside and Pine intersection - Northbound on Pine, turning onto Lakeside, have exclusive phase.
A: Working on a technical analysis now.
• Signage - over road, in large print, especially in downtown. List 100-# blocks on signs.
A: Plan stresses wayfinding.
• Like complete street as cyclist, but Shelburne Rd is a concern in practice
• Linking and working with neighboring communities on transportation should be articulated in plan
• Pollution generated by cars at rush hour is harmful for pedestrians and transit riders at stops. What can be done to address this?
• Bikes and pedestrians on sidewalks can be an unsafe situation
• Bikes and cars in road traveling in opposing directions on a care one way
• Carpooling - incentivize and enhance and encourage
• Exclusive pedestrian phase on slow street, also No Right on Red.
• Enforcement and Education of Bike traffic regulations
• bike path must be redone.
• Quicker headways and express service for transit
• Be careful about raising parking cost too high on waterfront
• More benches at transit stops.
• Seen some improvements in downtown pedestrian phases.

June 26, 2007 - Agenda

2007-06-26T13:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
June 26, 2007 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

7:00 pm - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

Police Dept Update - 10 min
Updates on South End safety, noise and coverage/staffing.

Open Forum - 10 min
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

Burlington Lead Program - 10 min
Erin Reynolds will discuss the dangers posed by lead and how to reduce lead paint hazards.

CCTA update - 10 min
Meridith Berkett will tell us what’s going on at Vermont’s largest public transportation system.

Chittenden County MPO Sidewalk Program Grants - 10 min
Find out about the Sidewalk Program Grants and the upcoming work on Flynn Ave sidewalks from DPW’s own Nicole Losch.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes - 10 min
Roger Marshall will describe some of the main issues in the Budget Process, including the premise that Non-Profits should be paying their Fair Share for Services.

Steering Committee Elections - 5 min
There are two openings on the Steering Committee. Anyone interested in serving should contact a steering committee member.

City Council Update - 15 min
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council, specifically covering the zoning plan rewrite.

Coming in September:
* Transportation Plan Update
* Front Porch Forum
* Neighborhood Improvement Night

June 26, 2007 - Minutes

2007-06-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting Minutes
June 26, 2007 - 7:00pm

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules

Police Update
a) LT Davidson spoke on the City’s Noise Ordinance. He brought a copy of it and reviewed a few key points, which led to a vibrant discussion.
b) He mentioned some 3-month statistics and said that Wards 5 & 6 had 67 noise complaints, whereas the Hill Section had 215 noise complaints, reiterating that the South End has significantly less infractions than other Wards.
c) Residents should make an effort to meet with an officer if they make a noise complaint.
d) In addition to calling the police, residents can call the companies of possible noise ordinance and/or speed violators. Recently, this has proven effective.
e) Roger Marshall moved that the Ward 5 Steering Committee could meet with Ben Pacy of Parks & Rec about issuing permits with amplified music. The aim is to keep it at or below 85 decibels, and possibly monitored. An amendment by Elisa Nelson was agreed to by Roger Marshall and seconded by Marsha Mason.

Open Forum
a) Ita Meno of CEDO passed out Lake Monsters’ baseball schedules and encouraged all to attend games.
b) Marsha Mason commented on City Council mtg Monday night regarding planning & zoning. She also commented on bacteria testing at beaches, such as Blanchard Beach, and having someone talk at a future NPA meeting about this.
c) Elisa Nelson will post some replies on the Front Porch Forum regarding Blanchard Beach and DPW.
d) Blanchard Beach officially opens June 27, 2007. E. coli tests are performed on all beaches for swimming, per DPW.
e) Basil Vansuch handed out traffic safety brochures and reminded all to drive safely and be on the lookout for increased foot traffic this summer.
f) Elisa Nelson has been named to the Mayor’s Environmental Task Force. Congratulations Elisa!

Burlington Lead Program
Erin Reynolds of the Burlington Lead Program spoke about lead poisoning and the hazards of lead paint dust. There is FREE lead paint dust testing offered by the Program. She passed out a Home Safety Reminder brochure, a brochure on home renovations as it relates to paint and dust, and a brochure with info on Lead Hazards & Vegetable Gardening. They also offer a program to teach people how to work with lead when doing construction projects.

CCTA Update
Meridith Berkett from CCTA gave us an update on what’s happening with Vermont’s largest public transportation system. She brought a fact sheet which had an overview of their routes and other interesting factoids. The construction at the garage on Industrial Pkwy should be completed in Sept or Oct of this year. The purpose of the construction was to add storage space for 14 additional buses. CCTA is introducing some new buses next month. They are environmentally friendly, in that they will have diesel and bio-diesel particulate filters on them.

Chittenden County MPO Sidewalk Program Grants
Nicole Losch and Erin Demers of DPW spoke about Sidewalk Program Grants. Specific to the South End, they are working on installing and improving sidewalks on Flynn Ave after much input from area residents. The 4 areas they are focusing on include the north side of Flynn Ave between Pine and Shelburne Sts., the north side of Flynn Ave at the entrance to Oakledge Park, the southerly sidewalk on Flynn Ave directly east of Briggs St, and 2 curb ramps will be installed at the intersection of Oak Beach Dr & Flynn Ave. Erin mentioned that Champlain School is not a member of “Safe Routes to School” and encouraged residents to have the school apply for membership.

Payment in Lieu of Taxes
Steering Committee Member Roger Marshall spoke on this always interesting topic. Often referred to as “Paying Their Fair Share for Services”, this is always a discussed topic at City Council meetings. There are some non-profit organizations that are paying taxes and the City would like to see more. UVM, Champlain College and Fletcher Allen are the “big three” non-profits that Burlington is currently communicating with to have them “pay their fair share”. We will continue to try to have Jonathon Leopold speak at a future NPA meeting.

Steering Committee Elections
Bill Stuono was nominated and unanimously elected as the fourth Steering Committee member.

City Council Update
Both Ward 5 City Councilors were absent from the NPA meeting tonight. Joan Shannon sent a detailed description of the amendments she has proposed and a summary of other amendments as a handout in place of her being here. In their place, Bill Stuono gave us an update. He has been attending the planning and zoning meetings regularly. He spoke about the proposed rewrite and provided handouts on the Executive Summary of the Zoning Rewrite, Amendments by Councilors Shannon, Ashe and Ellis, and Communication to the Council from Councilor Knodell.

Minutes prepared by Basil Vansuch, Steering Committee member

Coming in September:
* Neighborhood Improvement Night
* Transportation Plan Update
* Front Porch Forum

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTS FROM THE MEETING:

Safety - Check your speed
Safety - Aggressive Driving Brochure
Safety - Distracted Driving Brochure
Safety - Citizen's Guide to Crime Prevention
CEDO - Lead Hazards and Vegetable Gardening
CEDO - Free In-Home Lead Paint Dust Testing
CEDO - Home Safety Reminder
CCTA - Fact Sheet
CCMPO - Sidewalk Program FY2008
City Council - Councilor Knodell Communication
City Council - Councilors Shannon, Ashe and Ellis Communication
City Council - Executive Summary of Rewrite

May 22, 2007 - Agenda

2007-05-22T13:17:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
May 22, 2007 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Basil Vansuch

7:00 pm - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

7:05 pm - Open Forum
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

7:15 pm - Crosswalk safety response from DPW
Steve Goodkind, Director of Public Works will respond and answer questions about South End crosswalks.

7:25 pm - Payment in Lieu of Taxes
A resolution to have the City negotiate with exempt organizations to pay a portion of their tax burden in the City, will be discussed and voted on.

7:45 pm - School Reorganization proposal
Come hear our Ward 5 School Board members, Amy Werbel and Fred Lane, discuss the ongoing Burlington school reorganization proposals.

8:05 pm - Moran Plant process
Get a brief overview of the Mayor's redevelopment proposal and process for the Moran Plant on Burlington's waterfront.

8:20 pm - City Council Update
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Coming June 26th:
* Burlington Lead Program.
* CCTA update
* Sidewalk Program Grants

May 22, 2007 - Minutes

2007-05-22T12:28:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting Minutes
May 22, 2007 - 7:00pm

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules

7:05pm – Open Forum
a) Loyal Ploof announced that he is circulating a petition to place on the ballot a question to tear down the Moran Plant building
b) South Burlington has changed to chloramine in their drinking water. Although Burlington is not changing it’s water treatment, maybe this could be a future agenda item
c) Transportation Security Administration is hiring at the airport starting at $12.74/hr
d) Marathon this weekend, remember to park your car away from the route if you need to drive.

7:15pm – Crosswalk safety response from DPW & Police Dept
Steve Goodkind of the Dept of Public Works (DPW) said that a safety barrel has been provided for the Champlain Elementary crosswalk. The crossing guard is in charge of placing it in the road during crossing times. If someone would like to take charge of the barrel at other times, contact Steve for details. Raised crosswalks have not been very successful, but color can be added to highlight the walkway. There is no DPW solution to aggressive drivers. Many people seem to misunderstand the crosswalk lights. The white light says it is OK to start crossing. The red light says you can finish crossing, but do not start. In the winter the DPW welcomes help maintaining access to crosswalk buttons.

Corporal Small says that traffic and drugs are Police Dept top priorities. He writes lots of tickets for speeding and aggressive driving. Crosswalks and schools are a high priority. Citizens can be “eyes” for the PD. If you can get the license plate #, time, date, make, model, description of driver and description of violation, he is willing to contact the driver to follow up with the drivers. There is a citizen traffic enforcement program – a radar gun – training and volunteer. PD is looking a possible future video traffic monitoring system.

7:25pm - School Reorganization Proposal
School Commissioners Amy Werbel and Fred Lane said that proposals have been made by the superintendent and they are listening to public input. In late June the school board will meet to discuss the feedback. If there are changes decided, they need to be made by October, but if there is no decision it will wit until the next fiscal year. They must reach a consensus as a board. The City Council appreciates getting information, but they do not vote on the school budget. More information can be found on BSDVT.org. Shelburne Farms has proposed sponsoring a magnet school.

Joan Shannon contributed that other towns need to work on affordable housing too. Butlington needs affordable and middle income housing. Kids are adaptable and may adjust to changes better than adults.

7:55pm - Moran Plant Update
Kirsten Merriman Shapiro let us know that there is a group of potential users looking at how they might use the building, what programs would be available. Soon there will be a feasibility phase. What is possible, and what might it cost. Some items that are determined are that the building will be under permanent public control and will have year round uses.

8:20pm – City Council Update
Joan Shannon told us that emergency funds have been approved for repairs to Industrial Avenue. It will be a short term fix. A capitol expense has been approved for a light system at Shelburne and Flynn with a countdown pedestrian system.

Minutes prepared by Elisa Nelson, steering committee member

Coming June 26th:
* Burlington Lead Program
* CCTA Update
* CCMPO Sidewalk Program Grants

April 24, 2007 - Agenda

2007-04-24T22:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting
April 24, 2007 - 7:00pm
Department of Public Works Building, 645 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
Steering Committee: Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall, Harry Clark and Rob Backus

7:00 pm - Introduction and Ground Rules
We will start at 7pm SHARP. Please note that we will adhere closely to all time limits.

7:05 pm - Open Forum
Announce upcoming community events or suggest a topic for a future NPA meeting. Please limit yourself to 2 minutes per announcement.

7:15 pm - Police Update
The South End Safety Officer will answer questions about South End safety.

7:25 pm - Howard Center Update
Mary McKerrin will update the services available at Howard Center and some recent reorganization of services.

7:35 pm - Walking Work Group
The Walking Work Group is an advocacy group that emerged from the 2006 Pedestrian Summit. They want to update us on their progress since the Summit and inform us of their hopes and plans for the upcoming year.

7:55 pm - No Idling Ordinance information
Stephanie Clark will let us know about the new no-idling ordinance. Learn about the ordinance and dispel myths about this new city initiative. What are the vehicle idling impacts in Burlington, and what can community members do in their neighborhoods?

8:15 pm - NPA Steering Committee election

8:20 pm - City Council Update
Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon will let us know what is under discussion in the City Council.

Coming May 22nd:
* School reorganization proposals.
* Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) - A resolution to have the City negotiate with exempt organizations to pay a portion of their tax burden in the City, will be discussed and voted on.

April 24, 2007 - Minutes

2007-04-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2007 - 7:00pm

7:00pm – Introduction and Ground Rules

7:05pm – Open Forum

1) There is an anti-graffiti push in Burlington. This will be a part of green up day.
2) Way to go week is May 7th -12th. Try a week of alternative methods of commuting. Walk, cycle, carpool or ride the bus. Learn new habits.
3) There will be a Summit to shore walk on May 8th from the Old Mill tower to the Burlington boathouse.

7:10pm – Police Update

Cpl. Phil Small talked about crosswalk issues. The Champlain school crossing guard should have the key for the orange safety barrel. That barrel can be placed in the street during school arrival and departure times to encourage crosswalk safety.

7:30pm – Howard Center Update

Mary McKearin informed us of the recent reorganization of services under the name of HowardCenter. The new name will hopefully help people understand were to go for services. Services are available to people with developmental issues, emotional and mental illness, substance abuse issues, and support for children and families. Over 16,000 people received care through HowardCenter programs.

7:45pm - Walking Work Group

The Walking Work Group is an advocacy group that emerged from the 2006 Pedestrian Summit. They are working on 1) sidewalk connections 2) education. They are not focusing on any specific crosswalks but the Ward 5 NPA recommendations are submitted to the transportation plan. They meet the 2nd Monday of the each month at 5:30pm in the CCAN offices at 125 College St, 2nd floor.

7:55pm - No Idling ordinance information

Stephanie Clark let us know that the City has had a no idling ordinance since 1977, but there is a new effort in education and enforcement. There are windshield cards that can be placed under the windshield wipers of idling vehicles, education cards and outreach efforts, and an attempt to identify hot spots that need more attention.

8:15 pm – NPA Steering committee election

Elisa Nelson, Roger Marshall and Basil Vansuch were nominated and unanimously elected to serve for 2007-2008 .

8:20pm – City Council Update - Joan Shannon

1) Crosswalk Safety – DPW suggests that we should start with placing the safety barrel in the street. The school has the key.
2) Zoning – in some parts of the city there is a 0ft setback requirement from the street. Joan is trying to get a 15 ft setback from the curb to provide for sidewalks and greenspace, but is having trouble making headway. The fast timeline for approval does not allow much opportunity for changes. Trying to get to the City Council in May, with adoption in June.
3) There is a request for quotes (RFQ) for proposals to develop the parking lot at St Paul and King Street to become mixed use housing.
4) There is more movement on the Moran Plant redevelopment. Some proposal is expected to be on the ballot.
5) Champlain Parkway – the City is in negotiation with the railroad about the route.

Minutes prepared by Elisa Nelson, steering committee member

Coming June 26th: School reorganization proposals

Payments in Lieu of Taxes – A resolution, to have the City negotiate with exempt organizations to pay a portion of their tax burden in the City, will be discussed and voted on.