September 23rd - City Council meeting preview
Hi neighbors -
Monday's City Council meeting starts at 6:00 PM. Public Forum is at 7:00 PM. You can join and sign up to speak in person at City Hall's Contois Auditorium, or you can join virtually: https://zoom.us/j/94751796951 Or Telephone: +1 646 931 3860 US (Webinar ID: 947 5179 6951) and sign up to speak here: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/citycouncil/publicforum. View the full agenda and related materials here: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7009/files/agenda/11910
Here’s some of what you can expect:
3.1 Railyard Enterprise Project (REP) - Project Update
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is providing a project update on the REP. The REP aims to improve transportation connectivity, neighborhood livability, and economic development in the Burlington Waterfront South area. The project will enter the right-of-way acquisition phase in early 2025, with construction potentially starting in 2027, provided funding is secured. However, costs have risen to $53 million, and recent grant applications have been unsuccessful.
9.1. Public Hearing Regarding Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance ZA-24-03 Emergency Shelters and 9.2. Ordinance: ZA-24-03 Emergency Shelters
The proposed amendment seeks to bring Burlington's emergency shelter standards in line with state regulations (Act 47), allowing for greater flexibility in shelter placement. It includes changes to zoning districts, definitions, and operational guidelines for shelters, such as limiting overnight stays to 180 days.
9.3. FY24 Annual Report City of Burlington
The FY24 Annual Report highlights the collaborative efforts between the City of Burlington and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) across transportation, land use, and sustainability projects. Notable initiatives include stormwater management, multimodal transportation studies, and park accessibility improvements. We are proud of Burlington's leadership in sustainability and regional planning and will continue to advocate for projects that align with the values of equity, environmental responsibility, and public engagement.
9.4. Resolution: The Establishment Of A Downtown Public Safety Hub
A resolution proposing the establishment of a public safety hub in the Church Street Marketplace area will be discussed.
9.5. Resolution: Assuring Our Police Department Has A Modern Facility That Assures The Health And Wellbeing Of Employees, Meets The Expectations Of The Public And Provides Dignity, Security, And Privacy For Perpetrators And Victims
This resolution calls for a new or renovated police headquarters to improve working conditions for officers and meet community expectations.
9.6. Ordinance: POLICE Composition of Independent Panel
A proposed ordinance seeks to establish an independent panel of five members to oversee police-related issues. The panel will include experts in criminal law, law enforcement, and racial justice.
9.7. Ordinance: COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE ZA-24-04
Neighborhood Code 2A, Part 1: Technical Corrections & Secondary Structures
The Neighborhood Code was introduced to give greater flexibility in residential zoning, allowing for a range of housing types. The amendment being discussed tonight addresses secondary structures, design review standards, and other technical zoning adjustments. There are still ongoing negotiations between councilors on this item. Depending on these conversations, I may introduce an amendment on the floor.
My number one priority re-neighborhood code is ensuring A) reasonable affordability requirements on new construction and B) working to ensure there are no loopholes that allow developers to ignore the spirit of our existing inclusionary zoning policy. The vote tonight will mostly not address those priorities, but there will be next steps and places for residents to engage moving forward. I will be sure to share that information when I have it.
As always please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or concerns!
With Appreciation,
Councilor Neubieser
cneubieser@burlingtonvt.gov
