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Directory of Burlington Vermont
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Burlington Vermont's City Council
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Burlington City Council Blasts FTAA
Burlington City council passed a resolution against the FTAA at last night's meeting. I believe this makes Burlington the second city in the U.S. to pass such a resolution. The council vote was 12 to 0 in favor. Democrat Bill Keogh abstained and one member was absent from the meeting. The resolution was sponsored by Progressive council member Philip Fiermonte. Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle has also been vocally opposed to the FTAA. He's part of a panel discussion scheduled for next Monday 4/16 at 7:00 p.m. at Edmunds Middle School cafeteria to discuss the trade agreement.
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After years of work and last summer's rancor, the City Council unanimously
approved Burlington's new zoning ordinance Monday night.
The ordinance, more than 100 pages long, was six years in the making, and Monday's passage means only that some difficult issues -- among them a new review process for development -- remain unresolved. Those issues will be dealt with as amendments to the ordinance.
Council President Kurt Wright, R-Ward 4, described the new ordinance as imperfect. Amendments, he said, would emerge on the zoning approach to institutions such as Fletcher Allen Health Care and the city's colleges, and on planned unit development and the mix of residential and commercial properties downtown.
Tim Ashe, P-Ward 3, said he remained uncertain how he would vote as the council meeting began. He called the new ordinance a "hodgepodge of ideas," but concluded, he said, that while a "no" vote would feel good, it would be a mistake to throw out the work of the past six years.
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Burlington became marginally safer Monday,
council proponents said, when City Council passed an ordinance banning most animals from the Church Street Marketplace and from city parks.
The measure passed 6-3.
The ordinance, calling animals other than dogs, house cats and the European ferret "a threat to public health, safety and welfare," passed the Ordinance Committee by a 3-1 vote -- Council President Andy Montroll, D-Ward 6, dissented -- and went to the Council for a final vote Monday.
Voting against passage were Carina Driscoll, P-Ward 3, Kevin Curley, R-Ward 4, and Bill Keogh, D-Ward 5.
... Montroll, who was acting mayor Monday in the absence of Mayor Peter Clavelle and couldn't vote, spoke against the ordinance, which he described as unnecessary. Supporters of the ordinance described it as useful to protect city residents from diseases that could be carried by exotic animals such as prairie dogs and monkeys.
Burlington is Taking the Lead on Fire Safety
It's well-known that smoke detectors save lives, but several close calls -- within the last month alone, when lives were nearly lost -- have propelled Burlington into the lead on fire prevention measures that will prove expensive, but probably destined for the entire state.
The City of Burlington last month enacted a new ordinance based on existing state fire and life safety codes that are on the books but not enforced. Starting on Monday the city will require hard-wired smoke detectors in all rental apartments -- powered by household current as well as batteries, and inter-connected so that when one goes off, they all go off. The installation will be costly in older buildings.
Some of those issues were raised In Burlington Thursday night when two-hundred landlords packed city hall to get their questions answered. They know the upgrade will cost a lot -- anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. But without it they also know they'll be legally liable.
Burlington's long-awaited new zoning ordinance will take effect
for development applications as early as Monday.
... Under state law, the ordinance will take effect as soon as it's warned, rather than after the council votes on it.
Despite the disagreements between councilors since a draft of the new ordinance appeared in late June -- followed quickly by more than 50 amendments to the draft -- Monday's council meeting was civil. The division wasn't apparent between those who argued for incentives for downtown development and those who have urged a measured approach to development to protect Burlington's small-city virtues.
In late October the council unanimously approved a package of amendments offering height and size bonuses to developers who include public amenities such as additional parking, public art, and "green" design features. Additional bonuses are available for downtown commercial development.
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Cheryl McDonough Wins as Ward 2 City Counciler
- Cheryl McDonough says she is not a politician. The Ward 2 Progressive candidate has worked in her Old North End neighborhood -- a "pass-through" for commuters -- to have stop signs and speed bumps put in place, she said. "My family background is one of great volunteerism so I was raised to believe we're put here to help," she said. McDonough runs Replays, a used clothing store owned by the Fletcher Allen Health Care Auxiliary, an independent nonprofit organization that raises money for the hospital. Her neighbors sometimes are unsure who to call in city government when they have a problem or concern, McDonough said. She would like to be their go-to person. McDonough would like to see more police patrolling her neighborhood. She supports the Burlington Police Department's community-based policing effort. Progressive candidate Cheryl McDonough defeated Republican Michael Diemer, 321-202, to win Stahl's seat. McDonough joins Progressive Jane Knodell representing the ward.
City Council confirms Schirling as police chief
The City Council on Monday confirmed the appointment of Michael Schirling as Burlington's 25th police chief.
Schirling, formerly deputy police chief, was selected as the top candidate for the job by interview panels made up of residents, city employee union representatives, and individuals from nonprofit groups in the city.
The council vote was unanimous.
Schirling, 37, succeeds Thomas Tremblay as chief and has said he will concentrate on recruitment and retention of officers, the department's budget, and will reassess and strengthen the department's community policing program.
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City Council Meeting -- 5/15/2000
Business covered during the May 15th City Council Meeting included:
City councilors stall on building height
A difference of 10 feet stalled a City Council decision Monday that would increase building heights in a section of downtown Burlington. City employees and councilors have worked for a year to make it easier for developers to build high-density housing by raising the allowed building height in the neighborhood bordered by Main, South Union, Maple and Pine streets. The new law would affect six nonresidential sites in that area. Two competing versions of the proposed law emerged Monday: One mandated buildings no higher than 65 feet; the other allowed a limit of 75 feet.
City GOP gains spirit, not seats
When the polls closed Tuesday, Burlington Republicans seemed to have made little progress chipping away at the city's liberal power structure.
The GOP had more council candidates -- six -- than it has in years for seven ward seats. The crop of candidates was young and energized. ... The effort yielded little palpable gain. The GOP will again have two members on the 14-member City Council when the body reorganizes in April. Fewer than 40 percent of city voters cast ballots in favor of Republicans. Only Curley won his race. Progressives and Democrats will again share power on the council, as they have for years. ... GOP City Council candidates won 38 percent of the votes cast in their six elections March 5.... The city's GOP falls short on the basics -- registering residents to vote, encouraging them to show up at the polls, and calling supporters on Election Day -- for lack of a strong grass-roots network, Shumski said.
Councilors must decide on lease
The city of Burlington will charge ,800 yearly in rent for a prime slice of waterfront real estate if the mayor signs a proposed lease.
City councilors will debate Monday whether Mayor Peter Clavelle should sign the lease for 2 acres of city property. The Burlington Community Land Trust plans to build 40 units of low-income and market-rate rental housing on a stretch of scrubland hemmed by Depot Street and the bike path.
The Land Trust -- represented in the lease by Waterfront Housing Limited Partnership -- could automatically renew the lease for a total of 99 years.
The lease limits the developer to building and operating affordable housing. Terms of the lease restrict the city's ability to raise the rent. Future rent is capped so the payments do not jeopardize the project's financial health, said Burlington Chief Administrative Officer Brendan Keleher.
Democrats move even with Progressives on Burlington council
The potential for major power shifts on the Burlington City Council fizzled with only one seat changing party hands in Tuesday's elections, with a possible recount pending, according to preliminary city results. ... Burlington Democrats gained one seat in a Progressive stronghold. Progressives held onto seats in Wards 2 and 3, but lost a seat in Ward 1. Democrat Ian Carleton ended a decade of largely Progressive politics in Ward 1. Carleton won 553 votes to defeat Progressive Erika Nestor, who had 388 votes, and Republican Nathan Rice, who had 129 votes. ... Progressive candidate Cheryl McDonough defeated Republican Michael Diemer, 321-202, to win Stahl's seat. McDonough joins Progressive Jane Knodell representing the ward. Incumbents won in the city's other five wards, though Blais faces a recount after defeating Farrington by six votes, 745-739. Republicans will challenge the results, said James Barrett, vice chairman of the city Republican Party. new
Ellie Blais the Democrat incumbent Narrowly Wins Ward 7
Ellie Blais..., the Democrat incumbent in Ward 7, said those neighbors are the reason she is on the council. Blais includes among her accomplishments helping New North End residents oppose a plan to build affordable housing on a swath of forest and wetland on nearby Venus Avenue. That fight is unresolved. She also cites more "everyday" achievements, like helping neighbors have the bushes trimmed near their homes. She still has work to do, she said. She would like to cut down on traffic on North Avenue and create a youth center in the New North End. Blais said she has mixed feelings about the selection of the Onion River Co-op. Downtown badly needed a grocery, she said. She hopes the market will continue to serve the needs of the residents. Incumbent Democrat Ellie Blais narrowly defeated Republican Patrick Farrington in Ward 7 and the GOP is calling for a recount.
Hundred's of people turned out for a meeting at city hall
in Burlington last night.
The issue was the cost of safety. Over 200 landlords and electricians heard about a new city ordinance requiring apartments to have interconnected, hard wired smoke detectors. Re-wiring thousands of apartment could cost millions of dollars.
But city officials say it will save lives and protect landlords from liability. Neil Curtis of Burlington's Community & Economic Development Office said "The way the state law is now written, that landlord is very much liable because there's not an interconnected smoke detector in that apartment. We're trying to help landlords get away from that liability and protect tenants. ... City officials say a significant portion of the city's 10,000 rental units will need the upgrades.
Ian Carleton Wins Ward 1 seat in Burlington
When Ward 1 residents ask Democrat Ian Carleton how he distinguishes himself from his Progressive opponent, Erika Nestor, he explains that he would offer a different perspective from the City Council's Progressive members. The Progressives' dominance seems to have given them little incentive to listen to voters, Carleton said. ... His court experience gives him a different perspective on Burlington's growing heroin problem, he said. Drug-related issues should be a high priority for the city, he said. He would like to see an emphasis on schools citywide. He is concerned about parking availability in the ward, the sale of Trinity College and the impact of expanding Ward 1 institutions on area traffic. "Or else I'm never going to be able to drive home again," said Carleton, who lives off Colchester Avenue near the Winooski bridge. Carleton is a member of the city Planning Commission
Incumbent City Councilor Bill Keogh Wins ward 5
Bill Keogh...The Ward 5 Democrat said he wants to ensure bars are accountable for paying fees and fines to the city, clean up the greenbelt -- the grassy area between streets and sidewalks -- and push forward the Southern Connector, a proposed route between Shelburne Road to downtown Burlington. Keogh counts among his accomplishments the establishment of a code enforcement office, to monitor building codes, and cracking down on bars that are behind on their taxes. Keogh requested in January the City Clerk/Treasurer's Office determine how many bars were delinquent. The research showed approximately one in seven Burlington establishments licensed to sell alcohol was behind in paying taxes. The native Vermonter is chairman of a city committee that recently attempted to stiffen penalties for bars that fall behind. Keogh is also a state representative.
Is the government sticking its nose where it doesn't belong?
The Burlington City Council is taking on that issue and others tonight in hopes of sending a message to lawmakers in Washington.
Telephone calls, emails, even library selections are open to the prying eyes of the US Government.
The Patriot Act is supposed to make it easier for law enforcement to go after terrorists in this country, but council member Richard Kemp says it goes too far.
"There might be overanxious government officials who might go after people and not really have sufficient evidence," he said.
Dr. Anthony Gierzynski, a UVM political science professor says that Vermonters have a history of vocal support for issues that concern them. "If large numbers of communities do this, then it can have an impact and lawmakers will pay attention to it."
A reminder that people working together can make a difference, even on the national level.
Monday, 12/2/02
Kevin Curley wins Ward 4 City Council Seat
Kevin Curley has lived in Ward 4 all of his 39 years, he said. The Republican incumbent would like a third two-year term representing his neighbors. Curley said his constituents are most concerned about taxes. He is worried Burlington's property taxes will rise so high his children will not be able to afford homes in the neighborhood in which they are growing up. Curley counts among his accomplishments on the City Council: promoting the food shelf, creating a system to reward voters with one-day park passes, sponsoring and passing a measure that increases drug education in schools, something he hopes will help combat the city's drug problem. Curley served on the Burlington School Board for three years. Curley said he is proud of standing up to councilors from opposing parties who have tried to force their issues on the city. It was a close race against Democratic opponent Russell Ellis. Curley defeated Ellis, 891-767.
Marijuana measure fails in council
The Burlington City Council narrowly defeated a watered-down ballot question on decriminalization of marijuana that would have asked the governor and Legislature "to explore an alternative to the criminal system for dealing with small quantities of marijuana."
The measure, sponsored by Ed Adrian, D-Ward 1, and Tim Ashe, P-Ward 3, failed 7-6 in a vote late Tuesday night.
... The resolution originally called for the mayor and City Council to explore decriminalization locally, as well as asking state government to take a look at the issue.
The local portion reappeared Tuesday as a separate resolution, but not as a ballot item. It passed 11-2, with Bushor and Decelles voting against it.
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Not the Co-op?!
I'd like to share some numbers with you; 57, 57, 58 71, 51, 52, & 75 .Of course this data is the % favorable for the Shaw's proposal in wards 1 through 7, respectively. The city average was 61.6% favorable. Even though this was only a single-issue ballot 13.4% of the eligible Burlington voters, voted. Before you conclude that voter turn out of 13+% is insignificant, let me share some other information with you. In the spring city elections of 98 with a full slate of issues only 12.8% and 7.7% of the eligible voters in 2 wards voted in the election of the councilors. I don't recall the mayor or any of the councilors ignoring those results or deciding that they were meaningless.
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Progressive Phil Fiermonte win his second term as Ward 3 city councilor.
Ward 3 is a poor area of Burlington, he said. His work on the council has been to provide better options, such as cheaper and higher-quality housing, for his constituents, he said. ... Fiermonte counts among his successes his work on the Depot Street housing project, 40 units of low- and middle-income waterfront apartments, and the city's livable wage ordinance, which requires companies doing business with Burlington pay at least .90 plus benefits. Fiermonte would like another term to work on youth issues, providing more choices for kids when they are not in school, such as the city's planned recreation center. Fiermonte said he has discussed the multi-million dollar project with his former boss Rep. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. On the Onion River Co-op: Fiermonte joined the council after the city approved the Co-op downtown. Fiermonte said he will work to ensure the market keeps prices affordable for Burlington residents.
Say NO to Gross Receipts Tax Increase
"The voters of Burlington have already said they do not want to pay more in property taxes. That does not mean they want to pay more for food. Business is not getting any easier. Our largest expenses are going up at an alarming rate. Our payroll expenses are up ten percent over last year. It is very difficult to find people to work. We are offering wages of eight and nine dollars per hour and even this rate is not very effective. People are simply not applying for the jobs. Because of the turnover rate, training is a constant priority."
Dave Simendinger set the general tone of most of the people that spoke about the one-half percent increase in the Burlington rooms and meals tax. Most of the speakers on this subject were restaurant owners.
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Sh-na-na's will be closed for two weekends as punishment
following a sidewalk fist fight. City police filed a complaint against Sh-na-na's Bar last fall after two women patrons had a fist fight in front of the bar. City Council members recommended a two weekend liquor license suspension citing numerous prior problems at Sh-na-na's. Monday night the council voted on the issue after Sh-na-na's lawyer charged that the bar was being treated unfairly. The unanimous vote means that Sh-na-na's will be closed for the next two weekends. However, Sh-na-na's lawyer says the owners may try to get a court order to halt the suspension pending an appeal.
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State of the City Address
Clavelle annual adress included
The Burlington City Council on Monday defeated a proposal
from Ed Adrian, D-Ward 1, to ban smoking on the Church Street Marketplace.
The vote was 8-5, with all five Democrats on the council voting in favor of the ban. Progressives and Republicans voted solidly against it.
Adrian called the measure a "family friendly" restriction on smoking on the Marketplace from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but it came to the council without the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, which Adrian chairs, and it was opposed by the Marketplace Commission.
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The winners from the November 5th elections
haven't even been sworn in yet, but the next political season is already under way in Burlington, in the contest for mayor. Democrat Andy Montroll takes his campaign cue from governor-elect Jim Douglas -- It's time for a change.
Montroll's announcement comes as no surprise. He told Channel 3 six months ago that he would run for mayor, although six-term incumbent progressive mayor Peter Clavelle tried to dissuade the Democrats from putting up a candidate.
After twenty years of Progressive administrations, twelve of those years under Clavelle, Montroll says voters feel disenfranchised. "People are frustrated that their voices aren't being heard, that their needs aren't being met," he told about two-dozen Democrats at city hall. Montroll has served nine years on the city council, including two as council president. His main issue is quality of life, charging that Clavelle has allowed overcrowding and unacceptable social problems to fester in hill section neighborhoods
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This year's elections could shift the power balance on city council
Two Progressives, both four-year veterans, declined to run again. Their decisions leave the races open for Republicans or Democrats to move into those slots without having to defeat incumbents. Progressives say the party's deep roots and strong candidates will allow them to hold onto the vacant seats. ... Democrats and Republicans wanted candidates in each of the city's seven wards, party leaders said. Both nearly succeeded.
Only Barbara Perry, I-Ward 6, is running uncontested.
Democrats and Republicans look at the March 5 election as a chance to chip away at the Progressive power structure that has dominated Burlington for decades. The Progressives can only hold onto their six seats this year; they do not have the candidates to add to their numbers.
UVM Students Petition-City Council
Nearly 20 UVM students showed up at the City Council Meeting to protest the party resolution, where the city council site UVM student gatherings and wanted to crack down on private parties in downtown bars. The city council was looking at having UVM develop strict controls on these events. After listening to the student pleas, the council voted to hand the matter over to Mayor Peter Clavelle to discuss with the colleges of the area, especially the University of Vermont (UVM).
This was a surprise to me. I expected the City Council to go after the owner of the bar for not following the law of the land. I didn't hear anything in the entire meeting about how they were planning to deal with the bar Sha Na Na's. It seems to me that the bar should have been closed until after this issue was dealt with and the students that were there illegally should have gone to jail for the night and should have been booked for it.
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With local school tax increases looming,
the City Council will wade into the intricacies of Act 60 and school funding when it debates a resolution Monday from Mayor Peter Clavelle asking the state to increase its disbursement to local schools.
The council also will consider a resolution that asks City Attorney Joseph McNeil to determine whether Burlington School Super- intendent Lyman Ams- den meets residency requirements under the city charter.
... The superintendent residency resolution, sponsored by Ward 4 Republicans Kevin Curley and Shaver, cites a city charter provision that requires the superintendent to be "a legal voter with the city within one year" of assuming office, unless exempted "by the City Council with mayor presiding" for reasons of "personal hardship."
The resolution asks McNeil to determine and report to the council by Jan. 21 whether Amsden, who became superintendent in 2001 and lives in Barre, may still seek a hardship exemption or whether his office should be declared vacant.
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