South Burlington City News - December 15, 2021

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South Burlington City News

December 15 , 2021   -    Local Government News Direct to You 

Snowflakes
Budget 1

Overview of FY23 Budgets

A message from Jessie Baker, City Manager

On Monday, December 6, we presented the proposed FY23 Budget to the City Council, including the finances across funds, the FY23-32 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and focused presentations on general administration, library, and recreation & parks budgets.

Over the next few Council meetings, the following focused budget presentations will  made:

Dec 20   Public Safety
Jan 3      Public Works & Community
               Development

Then, join us for public input.

Jan 10   Public Hearing on budgets
Jan 24   Steering Committee meeting

Read Jessie's full message on budgets and access materials.

 

City Council Gives Mask Guidance

Face Mask Notice

Face Coverings Are Required Within City-Owned and Operated Buildings Within The City of South Burlington

On December 6, the City Council  voted on a resolution to require the use of face coverings in City-owned and operated buildings. Currently, City Hall & the Public Library at 180 Market Street is open to the public, and masks are now required to enter the building (beginning on Wednesday, Dec 8 at 7:30 am). Our other buildings are currently closed to the public, including Public Works, the Police Station, and Fire Stations.   Read the full resolution.

There was also extensive conversation about the use of face coverings/masks in local businesses and in the community. The Council has left the decision to individual business owners. There was discussion about the need for continued community awareness about the importance of mask-wearing in being effective against the transmission of COVID-19 and its variants.  We are providing signage that businesses and organizations can use to help provide awareness at their locations.

Read More

Land Development

Public Hearing: Draft LDRs 

January 3, 2022  |  7:30 pm
City Hall  |  Hybrid meeting


During their first meeting of the New Year, the City Council will be holding a public hearing to consider a series of changes to the City’s Land Development Regulations. 

Read more.

Holiday package warning

The South Burlington Police want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and remind internet shoppers to be smart about their parcel deliveries. This time of year we tend to see an increase in the number of package thefts from front porches. To prevent this type of crime we remind internet shoppers to use these delivery strategies; have your package delivered to work, ask a neighbor to take your packages in, require a signature for delivery, or ask that deliveries are left in a spot other than the front porch. Steps such as these and the use of home video technology can go a long way in preventing and solving crime in neighborhoods.

Airport Rezoning Task Force Begins Work

The Airport Rezoning Task Force is starting up with the task to review and evaluate the Burlington International Airport’s request to rezone an area of land east of Airport Parkway in the vicinity of Kirby Road Extension from “Residential 4” to a district that would support aviation-related activities.

The Task Force is charged with recommending a course of action consistent with the Neighborhood plan, the Airport plan, and the multi-community joint resolution, and also foster economic opportunity and a thoughtful transition from aviation activities to the adjacent neighborhood. The first Task Force meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2021 at City Hall.

See the calendar for agenda and virtual meeting info.

Climate Action

Climate Action Task Force Underway 

The City’s brand-new Climate Action Plan Task Force held its first meeting shortly after Thanksgiving. Their task will be to work with our consultant to prepare the City’s first-ever Climate Action Plan, designed to meet the ambitious targets laid out in State Law and through the Paris Accord.

Read more.

EPA Household Carbon Footprint Calculator

The EPA has a handy calculator to measure your own household’s carbon footprint and provide tips based on where your household’s energy use is coming from. Give it a try! https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/

Apples

FUN FACT: Apples!

Did you know there are over 20 streets in South Burlington are named after types of apples? Can you name them all? 

Send your list to planning@sburl.com and we’ll reveal the full list next month!

Public Gallery at 180 Market Street

Art Gallery

Gallery Curator Appointed

The Public Art Committee unanimously selected Daniel Zeese to be the first Curator for the Public Gallery at 180 Market Street.  Daniel is a practicing artist with extensive experience with public art, curation, and living in Vermont and New England.  He recently completed a position as Staff Artist and Visual Arts Coordinator at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson.  His experience includes managing large scale public art installations for Studio Echelman, teaching (at all levels), and several artist-in-residencies.  

The Committee is extraordinarily excited and pleased to have had Daniel accept this honorary position.  He brings a huge depth of knowledge of the Vermont art community, energy, and interest in building the Public Gallery program. 

Watercolor - wooden

Meet your neighborhood artist: Lauren Wooden

South Burlington resident Lauren Wooden is a watercolor artist featured in Hometown Watercolorists, the show on exhibit in the South Burlington Public Art Gallery through January 7, 2022.  This show includes several pieces that she has painted in the past few years.

Read more.

City Center logo

Tax Increment Financing District Update

In November, the City Council approved a City Center TIF District change request.  The City is close to the end of the time to finance City Center projects and more is known now then when the plan was first approved. 

The Council has approved many projects for funding and design – with three completed:  Market Street, City Center Park and the South Burlington Public Library and City Hall at 180 Market Street. 

Four others are in design:  Garden Street (partially approved for construction), Williston Road Streetscape (has $800,000 in Federal Funding), the Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge over I-89 (has $9.7 M in Federal Funding), and the boardwalk connection between Market Street, Garden Street and City Center Park. 

Read more.

Home Weatherization Program - Save the Date!

Wednesday, January 26
5:30-7 PM | City Hall Room 301
180 Market Street

Man caulking window

Join the Energy Committee and Dwight DeCoster, Director of the Weatherization Program at CVOEO (Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity), for a presentation and discussion on CVOEO's low and moderate income home weatherization program.

Learn about the program's impacts, how to access the program, who is eligible, and the process that applicants can expect. We will also discuss the future of the program, and answer any questions you may have.  (virtual option will also be provided.)

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

SB School District logo

School Board Meetings

Dec 15   |  7 pm
Jan 5   |  7 pm

The agenda can be found at www.sbschools.net

Zoom Drop-In Chat with David Young on Running for the School Board

December 16  |  6-7pm

Agendas and Participation Info on the District website under Announcements

 

City Hall, Public Library and city offices are closed on December 24 and December 31.

 

Parking ban

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

For a complete list of meetings & events, please visit the calendar at www.sbvt.gov.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, December 20  |  6:30 pm  | Hybrid
Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street
Virtual Option: see info below

  • Town Meeting TV Annual Presentation
  • Recreation & Parks Committee Appointments
  • Recognition of Captain Micah Genzlinger
  • FY23 Budget: Public Safety
  • Stormwater update
  • Continued discussion on LDRs

Access agendas and minutes.

VIRTUAL OPTION
Want to attend the meeting virtually? You can join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

 https://www.gotomeet.me/SouthBurlingtonVT/city-council-meeting12-20-2021 

Phone (audio only):   (224) 501-3412
Access code:   226-552-021

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 December 6 meeting here.

RECREATION AND PARKS

Gentle Flow Yoga

Gentle Flow Yoga

Slow paced flow yoga with gentle stretching and strengthening movements through sequenced practice. Calming the mind with breath awareness and attention to deeper stretches. Guided with intention setting, mindfulness and focus.

See below for upcoming sessions.

Tuesdays - Session 3

Thursdays - Session 3

Kevin L. Dorn Senior Center

Location:   First floor,  180 Market Street

Fitness Fair - Senior Center

Senior Fitness Fair Roundup

On Wednesday December 3, the senior center in partnership with the UVM Active Aging students held a Fitness Fair. The students have been studying the role of movement and physical activity in healthy aging including the evaluation of current health trends and health promotion for older adults.

Read more.

Holiday Dinner and Concert

Holiday Dinner - entrance

Seniors were welcomed into the Annual Senior Holiday Dinner in the new Senior Center.

 

Senior Holiday Dinner 21

Seniors enjoyed a catered dinner.

Senior Holiday Concert

Making merry during the Green Mountain Chorus concert concluded the festive evening.

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES


Check out the website for the December activities or stop by and grab a copy of our monthly listing. Games, activities, lunches, and more!

 

Holiday lights on house

Senior Holiday Lights Tour
December 17  |  5:30-7:30  |  Market Street

Board the Holiday Cheer Bus to see the festive holiday lights in theCity. The 2 hour tour is free to South Burlington seniors. Space is limited. Call Rebecca at 923-5545.

Register here.

 

Seated yoga

Seated Yoga for Seniors

Dec. 6- Jan. 10 | Mondays | 10-11 am| Senior Center

Registration Required - Res. $80 / NR $96

Gentle Seated Yoga practice using a straight chair or your wheelchair.  Awareness of the breath with movement, increasing mobility in upper & lower body, muscle toning & improvement with strength.  Ease anxieties with Relaxation, Mindfulness & Gratitude.

Click here to register.

Volunteer - blue with hands

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. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Library - reading nook

The Public Library is open:

Monday - Thursday         10 am - 7 pm
Friday                              10 am - 5 pm
Saturday                          10 am - 2 pm

Check out the many events happening.

 

Winter Concert Series - Library

Library Winter Concert Series

The Library staff is excited to announce the Friends of the Library Winter Concert Series, four free concerts in the beautiful new auditorium at the South Burlington Public Library. 

See the dates and learn more.

Librarians in "Act"-ion

Kelly Kendall in play

Librarian Kelly Kendall recently starred in a production of Borrowing Time, by Vermont playwright Carole Vasta Folley. The comedy of errors follows the Friends of the Stamwick Public Library as its members try to save their small-town institution.

Emily Thibodeau

Young Adult Specialist Emily Thibodeau is a founder of Shakespeare production company, Foul Contending Rebels. This small Vermont-based theater collective gives female-forward voice to some of the most famous works of William Shakespeare. She recently directed Hamlet and in October the company produced Macbeth. Channel 3 interviewed Emily and others about their feminist re-writing of Will’s classic tales. View the interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knORirKM-OQ&ab_channel=CBSMornings.

The City of South Burlington is Hiring!

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:

Director of Public Works

We are seeking an experienced and engaging leader who can work effectively across the organization, with City Council, and the public.  The department includes three divisions: Water Quality, Stormwater, and Highway.  Learn more.

Finance Specialist 

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.  Learn More

CLICK HERE for our most current openings.

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