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Hello Team,
Since September, the Leadership Team and I have worked to build the FY 2025 (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025) budget. We presented it to the Council on December 4th, and on January 16th the Council unanimously voted to send it to the voters on Town Meeting Day. While the Council had a lively conversation about funding their policy positions (such as investing in mitigating the impacts of climate change and financially supporting new affordable housing in the City) they fully supported the operations budget we proposed. This is the budget that supports our salaries, health insurance for our families, and the equipment and materials you all need to do your jobs.
This was a huge sign of support for our work and you all from our City Council. This indicates that they believe in the work you all do every day and are willing to advocate for it to our neighbors. They support us because each of you, every day, works to hold the trust of your colleagues and our community. We each are ambassadors of the City and, because you do your job well and with pride, we received unanimous support from our City Council. Thank you for always focusing on serving South Burlington to the best of your abilities.
This FY25 Budget focuses on continuing our commitment to core city service delivery, to school safety, and takes the first financial steps to implement our Climate Action Plan. Specifically, this budget includes funding for our second ambulance, another Highway position, a Youth Services Police Sergeant position, another part time Librarian, and adds a staff person to lead climate efforts. Also, on the ballot this year is a $5.75M bond to build a second water tower on Dorset Street to enable us to provide enough water to the City for the next 50 years.
Please take a few minutes to review last year’s Annual Report and the FY25 Budget Book. If you have any suggestions or ideas, feel free to reach out or stop by!
Finally, please consider voting in your local election on Town Meeting Day or before. And while you are there (and in City Hall) please thank the fantastic City Clerk teams who keep our Vermont elections running smoothly!
Thank you for your hard work!
Jessie
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Leo Wermer
Firefighter/EMT
Leo is back! Leo lives in South Hero, Vermont with his wife Ashley. His favorite food is brisket and favorite restaurant is Shore Acres Inn.
Welcome back Leo!
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Megan Holt
Firefighter/EMT
Meet Megan! Megan lives in Burlington with her wife Urszula and dog Hazen. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, biking, climbing, skiing, hiking, and swimming. Her favorite food is soy dumplings.
Welcome Megan!
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Doug Schmidt
Firefighter/EMT
Meet Doug Schmidt! Doug is a local that grew up in Williston, VT and now lives in Hinesburg with his girlfriend. Together, they are on the lookout for a new four-legged friend! During Doug's free time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, riding ATVs, spending time on the water in the summer, and claims he is a bit of an aviation nerd. His favorite food is pub fare, favorite restaurant is McGillicuddy's, and he really enjoys Mexican cuisine. Three words he says best describe him are "outgoing, friendly, and helpful." Welcome Doug!
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February Birthdays
Brian Russell
Amanda Brown
Lisa Davis
Betsy Brown
Rebecca Isham
Emily Norway
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Todd Poole
Michelle Collins
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Caleb Moore
Andrew Traynor
Hazen Powell
Matthew Plunkett
PUBLIC WORKS / WATER QUALITY
Pat Adams
Monica Ingalls
Michael Fortin
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The following employees are celebrating their work anniversaries with us this month! Thank you for all you contribute to our team and to the community we serve. Congratulations!
CITY HALL & LIBRARY
_____________________________________Andrea Leo - 6 Years
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mike Walsh - 5 Years
Sam Donahue - 5 Years
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Gerard Eno - 21 Years
Dave MacDonough - 15 Years
Dan Boyer - 14 Years
Brianne Williamson - 14 Years
PUBLIC WORKS & WATER QUALITY
Danny Whitaker - 2 Years
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Christina Tourangeau, Family Nurse Practitioner, Marathon Health
Damir Alisa, Behavioral Health Counselor Marathon Health
Don't forget, Christina also does personal health coaching, which can help you get on track for 2024!
Need an appointment? Click HERE to login or call them directly - 802-755-7201
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Mark Your Calendars!
Free Hearing Screenings
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Mark Your Calendars!
Tuesday, 2/27/24 – 9:30 a.m. to noon – POLICE
Tuesday, 2/27/24 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – DPW
Thursday, 2/29/24 – 9:30 a.m. to noon – FIRE
Thursday, 2/29/27 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – CITY HALL
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Register Today! Blood Drive #2
 Please register with the American Red Cross to donate. (Enter the zip code 05403 and scroll down to find the South Burlington Public Library blood drive.)
3 Reasons Why You need a Primary Care Provider
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- Identify potential health issues before they escalate
- Coordinated care for a wide range of health needs
- Most cost-effective and shorter wait times than urgent care or the ER
Establishing a primary care provider is a proactive investment in your health. Download Three Reasons You Need a Primary Care Provider to learn more.
AGE WELL - Elder Care Help and Assistance - For Aging Adults and Their Caregivers
 Do you or someone you know need assistance with the care of an elderly parent or family member? Age Well is committed to serving all older Vermonters, their families, and caregivers regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, race, religion, education, or financial status. We believe that demonstrating inclusiveness creates a healthy, positive, and collaborative community.
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Are you at Risk for Oral Disease?
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Healthy Smile, Happy Life.
Wouldn't it be nice to know if you were at risk for oral disease before it became a problem? By taking a few minutes to answer some simple questions about yourself and your oral health, our LifeSmile Score tool will assess your level of oral disease risk and your oral health needs. By knowing your risks, you can better control the factors that lead to future problems.
Good oral health is an important part of overall health, and the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. Keeping your smile healthy can help keep you on the path toward a healthier, happier life.
CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED
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ABOUT EAP
What is Invest EAP?
Short-term confidential counseling Information and resources
Am I covered?
Yes! It's free for all employees and their household members
- Family and Relationships
- Workplace Conflict
- Financial/Legal Problems
- Alcohol and Drug Use
- Childcare and Eldercare
- Depression/Anxiety
- Grief/Loss
- Stress/Work-Life Balance
Call toll free 1-800-287-2173
Go to https://www.investeap.org/ to create a login
Organization Password: vlct
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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can help complete your 2023 Taxes.
AARP will offer free tax return preperation to anyone who needs it. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to help you file a variety of income tax forms and schedules. There are certain situations such as self-employment, hobby income, rental income and agrriculture income that volunteers can not prepare returns for. Learn More and Register Today!
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VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE FEB 1 - APRIL 15 Monday/Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday: 9:00a.m.–8:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Must be a resident of the US all 2023. Total income must be less than $64,000.
Learn More and Register Today!
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VERMONT MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (VMERS)
Vermont Municipal Employees' Retirement System (VMERS) is the public pension plan provided by the State of Vermont for participating municipalities' employees. It was created in 1975 and is governed by Vermont Statute Title 24, Chapter 125.
When it comes to planning for your financial future, you don’t have to do it alone.
We want you to feel comfortable and confident saving for retirement. After all, this is your financial future we’re talking about. No one knows better than you the importance of making sure your savings are always working as hard as they can.
At any time, you can meet with a professional retirement counselor who can provide one-on-one assistance. Choose the counselor that is located in your region.
Learn More
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MISSION SQUARE
Do you have retirement questions? Schedule a virtual meeting with Mike Savage today. Get your questions answered.
- Can I retire and not run out of money?
- Have I done all I can to protect my loved ones?
- How can I optimize my Social Security Benefits?
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Click HERE to schedule a meeting.
IRS Raises Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 2024
More information about the 2024 contribution limits, including the Age 50 Catch-Up and Pre-Retirement Catch-Up limits, is available at www.missionsq.org/contributionlimits. Detailed information is available from the IRS.
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Take Steps To Get the Retirement You Want
 Welcome to the Winter 2024 issue of MissionSquare Realize! We hope you enjoy the magazine, designed to help public sector employees like you on your path to and through retirement. Download the magazine
Beef Stew with Squash
Ingredients
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1 tablespoons olive oil
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1 1/2 cups chopped onion, from 1 large
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2 cloves garlic, chopped
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2 pounds beef chuck, cut in 1 inch cubes
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kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 1/2 cups beef broth
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1/4 cup red wine
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1 teaspoons dried oregano
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1 sprig fresh thyme
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1 bay leaf
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4 cups cubed pumpkin, acorn or butternut squash, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes
FULL RECIPE HERE
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The South Burlington Food Shelf is in need of donations. Want to help? What can you donate? Here is a list of items that they are always in need of:
Canned meats (tuna fish, chicken, spam, hash) Canned fruits Soups Pasta/tomato sauce Read More
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We are on our way to another NexTrex Bench!
We collect clean, dry, and food residue-free plastic. When we reach 500 pounds, we earn a new NEXTREX bench!
Bring your plastic from home!
Where are the recycle bins located?
Police - Lobby
Fire Station 1 - Back corner
City Hall - Kitchen
Library - Behind main desk
Public Works - Lobby
Wastewater - Conference room
Most plastic wrap and bags can be included, such as:
pallet wrap, grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, ziplock bags, dry cleaning bags, bubble wrap, air pillows in packing, electronic wrap, plastic wrap from products, shrink wrap, ice bags, wood pellet bags, salt bags, cereal box liners, etc.
There are a few things NOT TO INCLUDE. For example: potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, mulch or soil bags, frozen food bags, floral wrap, etc.
To learn more about the program or to see a definitive list of what can be recycled, click HERE.
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Looking for information on
- Benefits and Policies
- Employee Directory
- Wellness
- Holiday Calendars
- Forms
Visit the portal.
You can also access the employee portal from your homepage on ADP Workforce Now. Don't forget to save the the link in your web browser.
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In order to be considered, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be at least 20 years of age at the time of application and have a High School Diploma;
- Associates Degree or higher strongly encouraged; or
- Have a minimum of 2 years previous full-time experience with another agency; or
- Have honorably discharged after a minimum of a 2-year active duty military tour
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Supervisory work in park maintenance, park construction and leading work crews in recreation and park facility maintenance and construction. Oversight of athletic field maintenance. All other work as assigned.
For more Information on All Employment Opportunities Click Below
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Family Fun
SB Employee Summer Camp Discounts!
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Now is the time to think Summer, especially if you need day camp for your kids! Did you know you can get $30.00 off a camp for your children through the South Burlington Recreation Department? Check out the offerings HERE, then click SUMMER CAMPS. This is some of their line up: Baseball Camp, Chess Wizards Camps, Community Sailing, Flag Football, Pottery, Rocketry, Soccer Sparks, Tennis, and Wicked Cool for Kids camps! Want to enroll? Reach out to Brett Leonard, Recreation Specialist by email or call 802-846-4137 to register or for any questions you may have! |
Annual Harris Hill Ski Jump Competitions, Brattleboro, Vermont
February 17 & 18, 2024
This year, the iconic Harris Hill Ski Jump Competition will celebrate 102 years of ski jumping in Brattleboro with two thrilling competitions. This long-standing Brattleboro tradition is held on New England’s only Olympic-size, 90-meter hill.
The Pepsi Challenge takes place on Saturday, February 18th, and the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament is on Sunday, February 19th.
If you’ve never witnessed the thrill of watching winter high-flyers, you’re in for a treat. A field of around 40 of the world’s top up-and-coming ski jumpers from the US and Europe are scheduled to compete this year. Jumpers launch from the takeoff and soar more than 300 feet at speeds of nearly 60 mph.
The event has a festive atmosphere for the whole family with food, music, souvenirs, a bonfire, and a beer tent.
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Lighten Up: Middlebury, Vermont
February 24, 2024
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Bring light to the Middlebury community with a lantern walk through downtown, with stops at local businesses offering free outdoor entertainment and food/beverages for purchase.
Lighten Up Middlebury is the perfect way to embrace winter while supporting local businesses. You can even visit Experience Middlebury for directions on how to make your own lantern for the event.
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Want to share an event or news with other employees? Tell us about a new family member, a volunteer opportunity, or a fun fact.
Do you have any suggestions of what you would like to see in the next issue of Employee News?
We want to hear from you and share your story!
Reach out to Andrea Leo aleo@southburlingtonvt.gov
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