June 24th 2024 - City Council Preview
Hi Neighbors!
Tonight's City Council meeting starts at 6:30 PM, with Public Forum starting at 6:45 PM.
You can join and sign up to speak in person at City Hall's Contois Auditorium, or can join virtually: https://zoom.us/j/98653723824 Or Telephone: +1 305 224 1968 US Webinar ID: 936 2668 0571) and sign up to speak here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum.
View the full agenda here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7005/files/agenda/11118
Here are some highlights from today's agenda:
6.1. Request to Execute a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Contract with Engelberth Construction, Inc. (ECI) for Project NexT the North Concourse Replacement (25 mins.)
The Burlington International Airport is seeking approval for a new construction project called Project NexT. This would involve building a modern 25,000-square-foot concourse, adding more gates for planes, replacing boarding bridges, and upgrading areas where passengers wait. Most of the money for this, about 90%, is coming from a grant from the FAA, the Federal Aviation Administration. The rest, around 10%, will be paid for with local money and other grants, which adds up to about $55 million.
Councilors will be asking questions about the use of city funds for a project that may increase our emissions. Specifically, they want to understand how the proposed construction aligns with the city's climate goals.
6.2. & 6.3 Resolutions: Annual Appropriation and Budget for Fiscal Year and Annual Tax Assessments On The Property Grand List Of The City For The Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024 And Ending June 30, 2025 (Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak; Board of Finance) (15 mins.)
The Mayor seeks approval on the appropriations/expenditures budget and tax plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025. This plan involves setting property tax rates to fund city services and projects. Key areas of funding include support for city operations like police and fire departments, improvements to parks, and funding for public transportation through Green Mountain Transit. The plan also includes financial support for cultural activities such as the Fletcher Free Library, as well as initiatives for open space conservation, affordable housing, the retirement system's commitments, and bond repayments.
The budget and tax rate resolution need majority votes to pass. Expenditures can be reduced by a simple majority. Increasing line items, however, require a two-thirds majority.
6.3. Ordinance: Restaurant, hotel, amusement and admissions taxes BCO Sec. 21-31 (Councilors Shannon, Bergman, Traverse) (30 mins.)
Councilors Bergman (Ward 2), Shannon (South District), and Travers (Ward 5) will propose an ordinance amendment that raises the City's gross receipts tax on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. This is an alternative to raising the property tax to fund community safety spending that has bipartisan political and the business community's support. This amendment raises the Hotel and Motel Tax from 2% to 4% for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. Taxes on gross receipts from restaurants, amusements, and admissions are temporarily increased from 2% to 2.5% during the same fiscal year but it reverts to 2% the next year unless the council removes the rollback. These changes are necessary to sustain current city services and are likely needed next fiscal year and beyond. The budget resolution mandates quarterly reports on the revenue from this change and ensures that if any part of the ordinance faces legal challenges, other parts will remain intact.
Hope to see you there!
Town Meeting TV has it covered: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2PwCge7lNoKug676jIf_iUA
Please keep in mind that the Town Meeting TV YouTube page is also a great place to catch up on the Board of Finance, NPA, and other city meetings.
As always reach out with questions and/or concerns,
Carter Neubieser
Ward 1 City Councilor
cneubieser@burlingtonvt.gov
