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December 13, 2023 – Local Government News Direct to You 

FY25 Budget: a Letter from City Manager Jessie Baker

Jessie presents the FY25 proposed budget at an All Staff meeting

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Hello South Burlington, 

As the year comes to an end, your City Council and City staff are working to develop and finalize the FY25 budget – the budget you will consider on Town Meeting Day. This is always an exciting time for us as a Team as we think about the resources needed to deliver the services you expect and have big conversations about balancing values of affordability, excellent service delivery, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

On December 4, 2023, I had the privilege of presenting the Leadership Team’s proposed FY25 municipal budget to the City Council. The Council will spend two months vetting this proposal, making changes, and ultimately approving what will go to the voters on Town Meeting Day. We encourage the community to watch or attend Council meetings to share your thoughts on this proposed budget. You can find all the information about the FY25 proposed budget here. We’d love to hear from you!  

The FY25 budget as presented to the City Council continues the current level of service delivery and addresses the needs of our growing city. This includes funding for a Highway position in Public Works, reinstating a Youth Services Bureau Seargeant in the Police Department, and adding another part-time Librarian. The proposed FY25 budget also fully implements the second ambulance in the Fire Department, as the medical call volume has exceeded the Department’s ability to meet the service demands of the community. With these operational investments, the property tax rate would increase 4.58%. Additionally, the Council is exploring funding a set of policy initiatives. In addition to the “operations budget,” staff put together a “policy budget” that includes funding to implement the transportation and government operations sections of the Climate Action Plan, increases the annual allocation to the Housing Trust Fund, funds half of the cost of school crossing guards with City Funds, and allocates funding to the Trinity Youth Center. To fully fund this policy budget, the tax rate would increase another 3.62% on the tax rate for a total of 8.20%.

The Council will discuss these investments in detail at the following public meetings. Please feel free to join us, participate virtually, or watch the recordings! Meeting details can be found here. 

• December 15 at 8:30 a.m.: The Council and Leadership Team will hold a Budget Retreat. The Department Heads will present their individual budgets and the Council will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the areas for funding.
• December 18 at 6:30 p.m.: At their regular meeting, the Council will continue their conversation about the proposed FY25 budget and provide direction to staff.
• January 2 at 6:30 p.m. (if needed): At their regular meeting, the Council will continue their conversation and potentially vote on changes to the proposed budget. Additionally, at this meeting, Tom DiPietro, Director of Public Works, will present for the Council’s consideration a proposed bond vote to fund a second water tower on Dorset Street.
• January 16 at 6:30 p.m.: The Council will hold a Public Hearing on the FY25 proposed budget and consider what to move forward to the voters on Town Meeting Day.

There is a lot to consider here. Again, we encourage you to review the materials and presentations available here. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me, Jessie Baker, at jbaker@southburlingtonvt.gov or you can reach out directly to the City Council at citycouncil@southburlingtonvt.gov. We look forward to seeing you and hearing from you!  

Jessie

Dorset St. Signals Update

During the week of 12/11, the City's contractor (Engineers Construction Inc) will be working to improve and replace traffic signals and pedestrian crossing infrastructure at the intersection of Dorset Street/Aspen Drive/San Remo Drive. The crew will move to the intersection of Dorset Street/South Burlington High & Middle School/Dorset Commons during the week of 12/25/23. Work at additional intersections on Dorset Street between San Remo Drive and Williston Road will take place in January and February 2024.

After the new traffic signal hardware is installed, motorists will notice improved traffic flow at each intersection. Once the hardware at all intersections has been updated, the coordination between intersections will be improved. Work on the Dorset Street Signals Project is expected to be complete in March 2024.

Winter Parking Ban

December 1–April 1 | Midnight–8:00 a.m.

The overnight parking ban on City streets helps our Public Works crew maintain operations and public safety throughout the winter. Please help our drivers by removing all obstacles from streets, including portable basketball hoops.

The parking ban is in effect regardless of weather conditions. Residents must plan for alternate parking if they normally park on a city street or right of way. Vehicles left on the street may be ticketed or towed. Please call dispatch at 802-846-4111 if your car has been towed. 

Celebrating South Burlington Police Officers

Congratulations to Officer Justin Maki and Officer Lucy Creedon on their graduation from the 116th session of the Vermont Police Academy. Lt. Chris Bataille was also recognized—the class honored Lt. Bataillee with the Rod Pulisfer Instructor Award.

Officers Cheer on Special Olympics Athletes

Forty swimmers from four Special Olympics delegations met this past weekend for competition, community, and fun. South Burlington's own Cpl. Williamson was in attendance, with friends from the Burlington Police Department and St. Michael's Public Safety, to cheer on athletes and share her energy and passion for Special Olympics Vermont! A huge thanks to all of the participating athletes and officers for creating amazing memories.

City Traffic Boxes in Search of Artists

Do you or someone you know have artistic talent? Have you thought that maybe you could paint one of our City traffic boxes? Painting will start again in the Spring of 2024. If you would like to be considered, please reach out to Katie O’Brien Barritt by emailing her at ktobrienb@gmail.com. She would love to hear and see your ideas!

VOTER REGISTRATION

The City Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining the voter registration list through the Vermont Elections Management System. There is no deadline to register—you may register to vote up to and including the day of election. However, if you register online the day before the election or on Election Day, your application may not be processed, your name may not appear on the checklist, and you may be asked to fill out another application at the polls. To be sure your name appears on the checklist, please register by the Friday before the election.

• Voter Registration forms are available at the City Clerk’s Office Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• You can register to vote through the Online Voter Registration System.
• There is no waiting period for establishing residency in Vermont.
• “Residency” is defined by where the person is domiciled, as evidenced by intent to maintain a principal dwelling place in the town indefinitely and to return there if temporarily absent, coupled with an act or acts consistent with that intent.

LOOKING FOR EARLY BALLOTS?

Beginning January 1, 2024, you can request your early ballots through My Voter Page. If you prefer, you can call the City Clerk’s Office at 802-846-4105 in the new year and we can manually enter your request.

LOOKING TO GET ON THE BALLOT?

The Secretary of State’s office has developed a resource page that walks you through the process of Petitioning your Local Government. 

If you are planning to run for local office, you will need to complete both the Consent of Candidate form, along with the completed Petition for Local Office with the required 30 signatures, and return to the City Clerk’s Office ahead of the late January due date. Due dates for the March election will be published on the City’s website on December 20^th. If you have questions regarding this process, please contact City Clerk Holly Rees at 802-846-4119.

The City of South Burlington is Hiring!

Looking for a full- or part-time job? The City of South Burlington is looking to hire great people to join our team. 

CLICK HERE for a complete list of current openings!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE CITY NEWS

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.southburlingtonvt.gov 

School District
Events & News

School Board Meeting  with budget presentation December 20, 2023 6:00 p.m. Agenda and participation info on the District website under Announcements Upcoming meeting dates here

For information about events and updates from South Burlington School District, read the Superintendent’s full newsletter December 7, 2023 HERE

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

City Council Meetings

Access agendas and minutes.

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City Council Special Meeting - Budget Retreat

Friday, December 15, 2023  |  8:30 a.m.  | Hybrid

City Hall, 180 Market Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room 301

Virtual Option: see info below

• FY25 Budget: Department Presentations
• FY25 Budget: City Council Discussion and Next Steps

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Join Meeting Here

You can also dial in using your phone (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 947-326-149

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City Council Meeting

Monday, December 18, 2023  |  6:30 p.m.  | Hybrid

City Hall, 180 Market Street, Auditorium

Virtual Option: see info below

• Receive the Chittenden County Planning Commission's (CCRPC) Annual Report
• Update to the community of the potential purchase of 1720 and 1730 Spear Street for conservation and affordable housing
• Consider Charter Change language to expand the number of School Board members and set a Public Hearing for a Special Meeting in January
• Further consider a proposed Residential Rental Ordinance, information on staffing and space planning, and provide direction to staff in anticipation of a future first reading
• FY25 Budget:  Additional Council discussion and warn a public hearing for January 16th at 7:00 p.m.

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Join Meeting Here

You can also dial in using your phone (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 812-712-461

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 December 4, 2023 recorded City Council Meeting HERE

City Meetings Video Archive

City Council, Development Review Board, and Planning Commission

Did you know that the videos of these group meetings are available online?

• For City Council and DRB meetings, visit the South Burlington YouTube Channel on CCTV. 
• For Planning Commission meetings,  visit the City’s YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClX3Ii-fyi-pRtuP3mSUzgQ

Art Sculpture at Jaycee Park?

The Public Art Committee wants to hear from you regarding proposed sculpture for Jaycee Park, starting December 2nd–December 9th. 

The Public Art Committee will be gathering comments on a proposal for public art at Jaycee Park. The piece would be an original commission by Clay Mohrman and Pheobe Lo and is proposed to be located in the park near Patchen Road. The Committee will be providing additional information on the City’s website, at Jaycee Park, and in City Hall at 180 Market Street, and collecting comments online and at City Hall.  

COVID Test Update

There are still COVID tests available in the City Clerk’s Office with an expiration date of Monday December 18^th. We have ordered a new supply and are hoping that they arrive ahead of the end of day Monday. If you are in need of COVID test kits next week, please call 802-846-4105 before coming in to ensure that we have received the new shipment.

Bonded Projects Update

On September 13, 2022, the Champlain Water District (CWD) voters passed a bond for $8.7M for the Filtered Water Tank II and Raw Water Parallel Transmission Main. Both of these projects had been identified for significant grant funding, potentially up to 80%. The promise to the CWD voters was there would be no CWD increase as a result of these two projects, with the potential grant funding and older CWD bonds set to expire. Unfortunately, neither project was eligible for the potential funding sources.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

 Hours 

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Seasonal Events

Christmas Storytime: Dec 14, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

LEGO Builders - New Day

Friday is our new LEGO Builders Day from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.! Come and check out our massive collection of LEGO! Each week, builders are invited to explore, create and participate in challenges.  

No pre-registration necessary. Best for ages 8 and up, or 6 and up with an adult helper.

Knit for Your Neighbor

South Burlington knitters have been working away since spring to create fabulous hats and scarves to be given away at the South Burlington Food Shelf. Knit or crochet hats and scarves to donate to our neighbors, Thursdays 2:00–5:00 p.m.

Do you have a new computer or device that you don't know how to use? Do you need help downloading e-books or audiobooks to your smartphone, e-reader, tablet, or computer? Do you want to learn more about technology and have questions? Join us in the Digital Lab for 1:1 assistance and to learn new skills!

Space is limited. Registration is required.

Online: Request Form
Email: sbplprograms@southburlingtonvt.gov
Call: (802) 383-1797

Winter Recreation

It’s that time of year again! Spark the Park will light up Veterans Memorial Park December 1st through January 7th. Be sure to check out the new lighted figures and the new lighted tunnel!

Sponsored by: North Country Federal Credit Union

Winter Driver's Ed Registration Open Now!

This class is for teenagers and/or adults who have a current Vermont learner's permit and want to obtain a Vermont Driver's license. This course reflects proven techniques for developing good driving skills and habits. The course consists of VIRTUAL and classroom instruction, 6 hours of supervised driving, and 6 hours of observation. Appropriate precautions will be made to ensure safe interaction during driving times.

WINTER 2024 - January 5th–February 16th 

Classes M–Th, 3:45–5:00 p.m., with driving in the evening.

Click here to register

KEVIN L. DORN SENIOR CENTER

Location: First floor, 180 Market Street 

Click HERE for the December Activities Guide 

Please note that some programs require pre-registration and have fees.

Reminder: Wednesday and Friday lunches require pre-registration. Sign up by the Friday before a meal.

If you have any questions about the programs, please contact Rebecca at 802-923-5545 or email at risham@southburlingtonvt.gov

Questions? Comments?

Contact Andy Brumbaugh, Communications & Outreach Coordinator

abrumbaugh@southburlingtonvt.gov