CITY MANAGER MESSAGE
Hello South Burlington!
Starting this month, the Leadership Team (Department Heads) and I, in partnership with the City Commissions and City Council, will start a three to four-month process to make clear and intentional decisions about the policy priorities of the City and the implementation strategies we will use to achieve this vision. In a council-manager form of government, staff must implement the City Council’s policies and priorities. The goal of this process is to build upon past work to produce a city-wide workplan for the Council, staff, and commissions. I’m thankful for the Council’s support of such a process. It is my hope that by mid-November, the Council will have adopted this clear set of policy priorities and implementation strategies and these decisions will help shape the FY23 Budget process. Annually we will then revisit these priorities and make sure our work continues to be aligned.
Over the next few months, the Leadership Team will put together a set of recommendations for the Council to consider. As we do this we will also take into consideration the following:
- Policy directions provided through past Council Resolutions
- The objectives and strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan
- Regulatory requirements we know are on the horizon for specific service areas
- The Annual Workplans developed by the committees and commissions
If you have ideas we should consider as we think about how to implement the policy priorities of the Council, please feel free to reach out to me at jbaker@southburlingtonvt.gov.
Below you will also read about the announcement of our new City Attorney! Pending approval by the City Council on September 7th, Colin McNeil will join our Team on September 13th. You can read about his qualifications below. I’m thrilled that he is joining our Team!
- Jessie Baker
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NEXT CITY ATTORNEY NAMED
 The City of South Burlington is pleased to announce that Colin K. McNeil, Esq. has been hired as the South Burlington City Attorney. Colin knows South Burlington well having worked with the City over the past several years, representing the City Council and Development Review Board as conflict counsel and on special projects. The City Council will consider his official appointment as City Attorney at its next regular meeting on September 7.
Read more.
PROGRESS UPDATE:
Kimball Avenue Bridge
 Kimball Avenue bridge work continues. This aerial view shows progress on the removal of the old bridge.
 UPDATE: Indoor Recreation Center
Since COVID-19, the planned indoor recreation project has been in a holding pattern at the schematic design level. To begin the process to move the project forward, City staff provided a memo to the City Council at their regular Council meeting August 17, with a timeline and process to have the option to place the project on a March 2022 ballot.
During a lengthy discussion, the Council explored investigating costs involved in building a public pool in conjunction with the project, building the project on an undetermined vacant commercial lot, the magnitude of and the timing of the project. Project costs, other priorities and importance of climate change were discussed. At Council’s direction, staff will be returning with additional options.
Council passed a motion (4-1) to assess the feasibility of a pool for a possible future vote. At this point, it is not anticipated that any bond vote will go to the community in March 2022.
 KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE:
Lock Your Car
The community has experienced wide spread looting of unlocked vehicles. The instances have been occurring overnight and can be prevented when you take your valuables with you and lock your cars.
 HYDRANT FLUSHING
The City of South Burlington Water Department will be performing its annual hydrant flushing program through October 15. Water Department crews will be flushing fire hydrants between 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Customers may experience intermittent cloudy or discolored water while we are flushing in your area or nearby adjacent areas. If discolored water is experienced, we recommend running your cold water taps until the water runs clear.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please call the South Burlington Water Department at 864-4361.
 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING AT CITY HALL
Twelve new electric vehicle charging stations came online this month at 180 Market Street. These stations (Chargepoint - Level 2) are open and available to the public 24-7.
For the first year (until August 2022) users may charge vehicles free of charge, with only a dwell fee (squatting on a charging space while not charging). Two spaces are priority parking (near the building entrance).
The installation of the chargers was funded in large part by a grant from the State of Vermont – available through the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust. In all, this 12-spot charging location provides a place for people to “fill up” their vehicles with easy access to goods and services in City Center while at the “station."
Construction has started on the new security terminal at the Burlington International Airport. A zoning permit was issued by the Planning & Zoning Department to begin work for the two-story, 33,440 square foot addition at the south end of existing terminal.
The new space will consolidate the airport’s security screening checkpoints into one location. This will improve passenger circulation throughout the terminal building and provide a more direct route to the North and South concourses. It will also add additional landscaping and sculptural elements along the approach drive to the passenger drop-off area.
If COVID-19 has caused you economic hardship, assistance is available.
The 2021 Vermont COVID-19 Arrearage Assistance Program (VCAAP II) provides financial support to customers who may face disconnection of service because of past-due balances for their electric, landline telephone, Vermont Gas (natural gas), water or sewer/wastewater charges. Learn more.
School District Events & News
POP-UP VACCINE CLINICS
The SBSD will be offering pop-up vaccine clinics for those ages 12 and above at the high school from 9:00 am-5:00 pm on the following dates:
- Thursday, September 16
- Thursday, October 7
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
For a complete list of meetings & events, please visit the calendar at www.sbvt.gov. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 7 | 6:30 pm | Hybrid
Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street
Virtual Option: see info below
- Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award
- Project Update: Auclair multi-parcel conservation initiative
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FY23 General Fund Budget Schedule & Discussion
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Appoint a new City Attorney
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Continued discussion: Indoor Recreation Center
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Resolution: No parking on Peterson Terrace
- Consider warning public hearing on proposed Official Map amendments
- UPDATE: Emerald Ash Borer plan
- UPDATE: Stormwater
Access agendas and minutes.
VIRTUAL OPTION
Want to attend the meeting virtually? You can join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Here are some etiquette guidelines:
- Keep your camera and microphone off.
- During invitations for the public to speak, you should turn your camera on to be recognized.
- If you are having audio issues using your computer's audio, we find it works best to watch the meeting on your device AND dial in to the phone number directly.
Watch the Last City Council Meeting Recording
Want to see what happened during the latest City Council meeting? Can't attend the live session online? We've got you covered. You can watch the recorded August 17 meeting here.
 Property Tax Payments Due August 30
You can make your payment at City Hall:
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In person. 8 am - 4:30 pm, M-F
- Drop your payment in our drop box.
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Mail via USPS.
Be sure it is postmarked by August 30.
Questions? Connect with the Tax Department.
PUBLIC FORUM:
Hubbard Recreation & Natural Area
 SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, September 23
5:30 pm
Kevin L. Dorn Senior Center
180 Market Street
Join the discussion, as we share project updates related to the Hubbard Recreation & Natural Area. You will have a chance to review and comment on current design elements including:
- Shared Use Path
- Viewing Area
- On-Site Parking
- Trail Connectivity
Questions? Contact Ashley Parker, Project Manager.
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South Burlington Public Art Gallery Open
The South Burlington Public Art Gallery opened with an exhibition of extraordinary photographic portraits by South Burlington artist Todd R. Lockwood on Saturday August 7. The Public Art Selection Committee was thrilled when Lockwood agreed to mount his exhibition in the city’s new exhibit space, a first for the City. The Gallery occupies the main hall in the South Burlington Public Library and City Hall The Gallery is operated by the City’s Public Art Selection Committee.
The Gallery may be visited by the public whenever the Library, City Hall, or Senior Center are open, M-Th 8 AM – 7 PM, Fri 8 AM-5 PM, Sat 10 AM-2 PM. “One Degree of Separation” will run through October 14.
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RECREATION AND PARKS
 SoBu Night Out ADDED DATE
To make up for a rain out earlier this season, we join us for this added date.
Veterans Memorial Park
BAND: Quadra
Food trucks, games, friends, & fun
PLUS FIREWORKS at dusk!
5 - 7:30 pm
Location: First floor, 180 Market Street
Looking for Volunteers
Do you like to help others? Are you looking for something to do in your free time? Do you have a hobby or activity you would like to teach others?
We are looking for volunteers for a variety of activities. Contact Rebecca Isham (923-5545) for more information.
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Coffee Corner
Come check out the new Senior Center, gather with friends and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 10:30 am. We look forward to seeing you there!
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
 The Public Library is open:
Monday - Thursday 10 am - 7 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Did you forget to return a book or video by the due date? Well, don't worry. Just drop by the library and return it. There is no fine!
Looking for a Full and or Part time job? The City of South Burlington is looking to hire great people to join our team. Here are a few of the positions:
Finance & Payroll Specialist - Full Time
The Finance/Payroll Specialist is responsible for maintaining financial and accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures, state statutes & legislative requirements, supporting municipal operations, and the general ledger. Position maintains the integrity of record keeping related to the City Center TIF District, including the electronic postings from connected accounting functions (modules) along with the processing of related grant reimbursement submissions, updating & maintaining the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and processing of City-wide ADP payroll. Works in support of entire city financial operations and other related work as required. Learn More
Community Justice Director - Part Time 32 Hours
This position is responsible for all overseeing all programs and operations of the South Burlington Community Justice Center (CJC), which is a department of the South Burlington Police Department. This includes supervision, financial management, grant management and new program development as well as promoting the use of restorative principles. Learn More
CLICK HERE for our most current openings.
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Not on our mailing list? Want to receive the bi-weekly South Burlington City News and other news in your email box?
Visit us at www.sbvt.gov and sign up under "How do I?" |
