Ordinance Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-01-15
Time: 16:30

Thursday, January 15, 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: Jan 15, 2026 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ordinance Committee Meeting

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1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adopt Draft Minutes from 12/18
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board
  Type

  Recommended Action

3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
Discussion
  Subject 3.1. Dormitory Executive Session
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action Executive Session to receive confidential attorney-client communications
 for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Committee
 Motion 1: Move that the Ordinance Committee find that premature general
 public knowledge of legal advice would clearly place the City at a substantial
 disadvantage;
 Motion 2: Based upon that finding, move that the Ordinance Committee go
 into executive session to receive confidential attorney-client communications.
 1 VSA §313(a)(1)(F). Persons included for the executive session will be the Committee,
 Assistant City Attorney Kim Sturtevant, and DPI Director Bill Ward.

  Subject 3.2. Presentation - Bill Ward
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Permitting & Inspections


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 3.3. Presentation - UVM Admin
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 3.4. Presentation - UVM Student Tenant Union
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion
  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 3.5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
 Discussion
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

4. Public Forum
  Subject 4.1. Verbal Comments regarding only University/College Minimum Housing
 unless time permits otherwise
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
  Category 4. Public Forum
  Department Council and Board


  Type

5. Any Other Committee Business
  Subject 5.1. Any Other Committee Business
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. Any Other Committee Business

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Adjournment
  Subject 6.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 6. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type
Recommended Action

Thursday, January 15, 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR
 REMOTELY via ZOOM

When: Jan 15, 2026 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Ordinance Committee Meeting

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://zoom.us/j/94079090915?pwd=nlbfOTCOe4Jv0QRzHfvbxmLO5aWqQB.1
Passcode:300238

Phone one-tap:
+13052241968,,94079090915#,,,,*300238# US
+13092053325,,94079090915#,,,,*300238# US

Join via audio:
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
Webinar ID: 940 7909 0915
Passcode: 300238
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adkzQRVAw




1. Agenda
  1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adopt Draft Minutes from 12/18
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 2. Adopt Draft Minutes

  Department Council and Board




 Page 1 of 23
  Type

  Recommended Action

3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
Discussion
  Subject 3.1. Dormitory Executive Session
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action Executive Session to receive confidential attorney-client communications
 for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Committee
 Motion 1: Move that the Ordinance Committee find that premature general
 public knowledge of legal advice would clearly place the City at a substantial
 disadvantage;
 Motion 2: Based upon that finding, move that the Ordinance Committee go
 into executive session to receive confidential attorney-client communications.
 1 VSA §313(a)(1)(F). Persons included for the executive session will be the Committee,
 Assistant City Attorney Kim Sturtevant, and DPI Director Bill Ward.

  Subject 3.2. Presentation - Bill Ward
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Permitting & Inspections


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 3.3. Presentation - UVM Admin
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 3.4. Presentation - UVM Student Tenant Union
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion




 Page 2 of 23
  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 3.5. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
 Discussion
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

4. Public Forum
  Subject 4.1. Verbal Comments regarding only University/College Minimum Housing
 unless time permits otherwise
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM
  Category 4. Public Forum
  Department Council and Board


  Type

5. Any Other Committee Business
  Subject 5.1. Any Other Committee Business
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 5. Any Other Committee Business

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Adjournment
  Subject 6.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting January 15, 2026 - Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, January 15,
 2026, 4:30 PM, Bushor Conference Room 1st Floor, City Hall OR REMOTELY via ZOOM


  Category 6. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type


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Recommended Action




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 Ordinance Committee
 Thursday, December 18, 2025
 Bushor Conference Room Conference Room
 or Remote via Zoom. Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Councilor Bergman (Chair), Councilor Carpenter, Councilor Barlow,
Councilor Kane

Staff Present: Kim Sturtevant (Assistant City Attorney), Bill Ward (Director of DPI), Charles
Dillard (Director of Planning), Sarah Morgan (Planning), Scott Gustin (Zoning), Nancy Stetson
(Planning)

Public Present: Sharon Bushor, Sabrina

Meeting called to order at 4:33 PM.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
 2.1 Adopt Draft Minutes from November 20th.

Motion to Adopt the Draft Minutes from 11/20.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

 2.2 Adopt Draft Minutes from December 5th.

Motion to Adopt the Draft Minutes from 12/5.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

3. Public Forum

Sharon Bushor: I have concerns about the zoning amendment. The changes to the ground floor
entries will be significant and will change the character of the South End. Developers are doing
what was originally proposed for the SEID over in South Burlington, so why can’t we? I think
this change should be considered more than a minor change.
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4. ZA-26-01 Technical Changes and Corrections

Sarah Morgan gave an overview of the zoning amendment changes. Amendment materials are
available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Motion to approve the changes to Line 119 of ZA-26-01.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Kane.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

Councilor Bergman proposed adding an example or other appropriate language to clarify the
definition of “loss” in Sec. 9.2.2. All councilors agreed.

Motion to refer the draft ordinance, with the changes to Sec. 9.2.2, back to the full City Council
for a second reading with a recommendation for adoption.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

5. Fuel Purchase Ordinance Discussion

Bill Ward described the investigation he did regarding this draft ordinance and delivered a letter
to each of the 11 gas stations in the City. He said that Cumberland Farms already have a notice
about the hold policy and they said that is the bank’s policy to hold up to $100 for up to a week
for a fuel purchase. He also offered a photo of the Cumberland Farms’ notice. He said that the
gas station staff said it isn’t an individual station decision and the holds are from the credit or
debit card company/bank.

Councilor Carpenter said she would like to set a public hearing on requiring a notice. She said
this seems to be a good consumer practice and would be easy to implement. All councilors
agreed.

All councilors agreed to have a public hearing on February 6th, 2026 2-4PM.

6. Private Parking Lot Terms and Rates Ordinance Discussion

Move that the Ordinance Committee find that premature general public knowledge of legal
advice regarding Agenda Item 6 would clearly place the City at a substantial disadvantage.
Motion by Councilor Carpenter, Seconded by Councilor Barlow.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

Based upon that finding, move that the Ordinance Committee go into executive session to receive
confidential attorney-client communications for Agenda Item 6. 1 VSA §313(a)(1)(F).
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter
 Page 2 of 3



 Page 6 of 23
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

Motion to come out of Executive Session.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

All councilors agreed to hold a public hearing on this agenda item on February 6, 2026.

Councilors Bergman and Carpenter both said they would like both the property owners and the
parking management companies to be responsible under the draft ordinance.

Councilor Barlow said he would like the parking signs to make it very obvious that the lot is
privately owned and not owned by the City.

All councilors agreed to a progressive fine system once the notice period has expired.

Sharon Bushor asked if victims of parking issues can be reimbursed or receive compensation.
Councilor Bergman said a private right of action already exists in the charter.

7. Financial Disclosure Ordinance Discussion

The Committee did not have the time to get to item 7.

8. Any Other Committee Business

The scheduled meeting for January 2, 2026 is cancelled.

9. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 PM.




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Ordinance Committee
 Thursday, January 15, 2026
 Bushor Conference Room Conference Room
 or Remote via Zoom. Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Councilor Bergman (Chair), Councilor Carpenter, Councilor Barlow,
Councilor Kane

Staff Present: Kim Sturtevant (Assistant City Attorney), Bill Ward (Director of DPI),

Public Present: Sharon Bushor, Allie Schachter, Melo Grant, William Rison, Gabby Grzan,
Ethan Kieffner, Nic Anderson, Floyd Campbell, Lawrence Saveall, Ben Robke, Isabelle Kriz,
Alva Yanowitz, Jackson Stoever, Marek Broderick, Alicia Estey

Meeting called to order at 4:31 PM.

1. Adopt the Agenda
 1.1 Adopt the Agenda

Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

2. Adopt Draft Minutes
 2.1 Adopt Draft Minutes from December 18th.

Motion to Adopt the Draft Minutes from 12/18.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

3. University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance Discussion
 3.1 Dormitory Executive Session

Move that the Ordinance Committee find that premature general public knowledge of legal
advice regarding Agenda Item 3 would clearly place the City at a substantial disadvantage.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

Based upon that finding, move that the Ordinance Committee go into executive session to receive
confidential attorney-client communications for Agenda Item 3. 1 VSA §313(a)(1)(F).
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
 Page 1 of 3
Yes: Unanimous

Motion to come out of Executive Session.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter
Final Resolution: Motion Passes

 3.2 Presentation from Bill Ward (DPI)

Bill Ward (Director of DPI) shared a minimum housing checklist and discussed how it is used
when inspecting units in the City and how it could be used when inspecting dormitories. This
document is available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

Bill Ward recommended changing the ordinance regarding self-certification to simply state that
“Self-certification shall be completed using a form provided by the Department of Permitting
and Inspections.” He said that then DPI can adjust the form as needed to include more
information if necessary. He added that the self-certification process would not negate the City’s
ability to inspect after receiving a housing complaint.

Councilor Carpenter asked how quickly a tenant should receive a response from their landlord
regarding a complaint. Bill Ward said it depends on the seriousness of the issue. He said that
there should be open communication within a few days, but an emergency like the heat being out
must be addressed immediately.

 3.3 Presentation from UVM Administration

Wendy Koenig (UVM Director of Government Relations) and Alicia Estey (UVM VP for
Finance and Administration) spoke on behalf of the University of Vermont. They said that UVM
is already going to be updating their website to make it clear that students in dormitories can
make complaints directly to the City. They also shared a letter about making changes to the
information on the self-certification and about UVM’s own inspection process. This letter is
available in the agenda packet on CivicClerk.

 3.4 Presentation from UVM Student Union

Gabby Grzan and Ethan Kieffner spoke on behalf of the UVM Student Tenant Union. They said
they were happy with the progress thus far, but the fundamental issues are still present in the
older dorms. They said there is overcrowding and the buildings were not designed for so many
residents. They also said that UVM’s own inspections have not been effective.

Councilor Barlow asked if the University’s attempts to make reporting easier and more
accessible will improve the process. The students said that the available QR codes are an
improvement, but that the PlanOn website itself is not intuitive and is difficult to use.

 3.5 University Exemption for Periodic Minimum Housing Inspection Ordinance
 Discussion

 Page 2 of 3
4. Public Forum regarding University/College Minimum Housing Inspection

Alva Yanowitz: I am part of the UVM Student Tenant Union and have lived in three different
dorm buildings at UVM. I am worried that the issues with the reporting software will
overshadow the larger infrastructure issues with UVM’s dorms. There are certain buildings that
has consistent issues with pests, mold, or temperature and students should not be the ones to have
to report on these every time.

Floyd Campbell: I am a first year UVM student. I am hoping for a more cooperative relationship
between the UVM administration and the tenants union going forward.

5. Any Other Committee Business

The next Ordinance Committee meeting is scheduled for February 6th. The agenda will include
Inclusionary Zoning, Total Demand Management, Fuel Purchase Notice, and Private Parking Lot
ordinance discussions.

6. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn.
Motion by Councilor Barlow, Seconded by Councilor Carpenter
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Yes: Unanimous

The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 PM.




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