Church Street Marketplace Commission — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-02-18
Time: 09:00

Church Street Marketplace Commission

 Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History
 Room, 235 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)

Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/6798652576
1. Adopt the Agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adoption of Minutes
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 2. Adopt Minutes
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Action



3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Discussion



4. Commissioner Updates (Marketplace Updates: up to 5 minutes per
commissioner)

5. Main Street America Accreditation
  Subject 5.1. Vote Anticipated
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)


  Category 5. Main Street America Accreditation

  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Cart Vendor Attendance Policy
  Subject 6.1. Vote Anticipated
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 6. Cart Vendor Attendance Policy
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Action



7. Holidays on the Marketplace 2025 Recap Presentation
  Subject 7.1. Presentation
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 7. Holidays on the Marketplace 2025 Recap Presentation
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Presentation



8. Reports
  Subject 8.1. Treasurer's Report
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 8. Reports
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type

  Subject 8.2. Director's Report
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 8. Reports
  Department Church St. Marketplace
  Type Report


  Subject 8.3. Chair's Report
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 8. Reports
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Report



9. Adjournment
  Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 9. Adjournment
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Action



10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 10.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Information

Church Street Marketplace Commission

 Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History
 Room, 235 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)

Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/6798652576
1. Adopt the Agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 2.1. Adoption of Minutes
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 2. Adopt Minutes
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Action



3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Discussion



4. Commissioner Updates (Marketplace Updates: up to 5 minutes per
commissioner)

5. Main Street America Accreditation
  Subject 5.1. Vote Anticipated




 Page 1 of 30
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)


  Category 5. Main Street America Accreditation

  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type

  Recommended Action

6. Cart Vendor Attendance Policy
  Subject 6.1. Vote Anticipated
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 6. Cart Vendor Attendance Policy
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Action



7. Holidays on the Marketplace 2025 Recap Presentation
  Subject 7.1. Presentation
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 7. Holidays on the Marketplace 2025 Recap Presentation
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Presentation



8. Reports
  Subject 8.1. Treasurer's Report
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 8. Reports
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type

  Subject 8.2. Director's Report
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 8. Reports
  Department Church St. Marketplace



 Page 2 of 30
  Type Report


  Subject 8.3. Chair's Report
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 8. Reports
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Report



9. Adjournment
  Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 9. Adjournment
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Action



10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 10.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting February 18, 2026 - Church Street Marketplace Commission Agenda - Wednesday,
 February 18, 2026, 9:00 AM, Zoom/ Fletcher Free Library (Local History Room, 235
 College Street, First Floor, Burlington, VT 05401)
  Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Church St. Marketplace


  Type Information




 Page 3 of 30
 CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE DISTRICT COMMISSION
 January 21, 2026
 9:00 AM
Location: City Hall, Bushor Conference Room, 149 Church St.

Attendance:

Commissioners: Mark Bouchett, Becky Holt (Zoom), Linda Magoon, Erik Monsen, Sarah Beal, and
Romeo von Hermann (Zoom)

Absent: Sam Tolstoi, Chris Haessly, and Cara Tobin

Staff: Kara Alnasrawi – CEDO Director, Samantha McGinnis – CSM Director, Aida Washburn – Project
& Event Coordinator, Andrew Bacher – CSM Coordinator, Kimberly Rojas – Community Engagement
Coordinator

  I. COME TO ORDER
 a. Meeting is brought to order at 9:04am
 II. APPROVE AGENDA
 a. Motion to approve – Erik Monsen
 i. Seconded – Linda Magoon
 b. Agenda approved unanimously
III. APPROVE MINUTES
 a. Motion to approve – Linda Magoon
 i. Seconded – Sarah Beal
 b. Minutes approved unanimously
IV. PUBLIC FORUM – GENERAL
 a. No members of the public had comments for public forum

 V. COMMISSIONER UPDATES
 a. Linda Magoon – More people she knows are considering coming back to
 the Marketplace. Their sentiment about downtown is more optimistic.




 Page 4 of 30
 VI. DPW PRESENTATION – RECONNECTING BANK AND CHERRY ST
 a. Sarah Beal – Please try to do as much work as you can in winter (January –
 April). Open streets for weekends. Try to coordinate projects so there’s only
 one main project going on at one time.
 b. Linda Magoon and Erik Monsen - Support for a second crew to speed up
 the construction work shown from.
 c. Linda Magoon - DPW has really listened to community feedback.
 d. Mark Bouchett - Way finding is really important for this project.
VII. CART VENDOR PROGRAM UPDATES
 a. Payment and Contract Rescission Changes (Action)
 b. Commissioners discussed recommended changes
 i. Motion to adopt actions recommended by Marketplace staff
 1. Motion to Adopt - Linda Magoon
 2. Seconded – Sarah Beal
 c. Cart Attendance Requirements (Discussion)
VIII. TREASURER’S REPORT
 a. Informal report provided by Director Samantha McGinnis
 b. Finalizing holiday expenses
 c. More drawdowns on salt and snow removal due to recent and upcoming
 snow events
 d. Samantha looking for additional sponsorships
 IX. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
 Samantha McGinnis reports that:
 a. Holiday merchant survey has received 25 responses to date and so far, sales
 have been reported more positive than in 2024.
 b. 97 businesses signed up to receive BTV Love Notes in Burlington’s
 downtown.
 c. Month of Love on the Marketplace will consist of a ‘Heart Hunt’ from
 February 2 –8, decorations along the Marketplace, and free Lake
 Champlain Chocolates over Valentine’s Day weekend at participating
 stores.
 d. Maple madness will be coming back on Saturday, March 21
 e. Parking services will begin ticketing for parking on the Marketplace after
 10:30a starting Feb. 2, 2026. Signs have been posted




 Page 5 of 30
 f. Applying for the Downtown Transportation Fund grant opportunity with the
 State of Vermont to replace bollards.
 g. Update on vacancies and new businesses.
 X. CHAIR’S REPORT
 a. December was as good as it could be
 b. Marketplace activations provided many opportunities for people to come
 down
 c. Feeling excited and optimistic about the future of the Marketplace
 d. Looking to get more business to stay open late
 e. Kara Alnasrawi – State Troopers will not likely be returning
 f. Sarah Beal - Costumers are seeing that it’s easier to come downtown and
 not deal with shopping online
XI. ADJOURN
 a. Motion to adjourn
 i. Moved by Erik Monsen
 ii. Seconded by Sarah Beal
 b. Meeting is brought to close at 10:53 am


Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 18, 2026




 Page 6 of 30
To: Church Street Marketplace Commission
From: Samantha McGinnis, Director
Date: February 13, 2026

Re: Advancing Toward Main Street America Accredited Status Through a Downtown Living Strategy

Background:

The State of Vermont, through the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, houses the
Vermont Downtown Program. This program coordinates downtown initiatives and supports community based
economic development efforts across the state. As part of this work, the Vermont Downtown Program serves
as the statewide coordinating partner for Main Street America.

Main Street America is a national organization, founded in 1980 as the National Main Street Center, that leads
a nationwide movement to strengthen historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through
place-based economic development and community preservation.

Main Street America maintains two levels of partnership: Affiliate and Accredited. The Church Street
Marketplace has been an Affiliate Member for several years. To increase our recognition, credibility, and
standing within the organization, I recommend that we pursue Accredited status, the highest tier of
designation, for our 2026 community evaluation.

To achieve Accredited status, the Church Street Marketplace Commission must vote to support and work
toward a defined transformational strategy for the Marketplace. These strategies serve as tools to guide long-
term thinking and planning. They do not limit other initiatives and are intended to remain flexible and
adaptable as conditions evolve. Main Street America provides several strategy templates for communities to
consider. After reviewing these options, I recommend that we adopt “Downtown Living Strategy”. This
strategy would work towards developing an environment that supports and encourages residential life.

We are entering a period of significant residential growth in the downtown core. Projects such as The Nest,
The Post Apartments, Burlington Square South Tower already online, and future developments including the
Burlington Square North Tower and the redevelopment of the former YMCA site. As these projects come
online, we can expect a growing population of residents living within and adjacent to the Marketplace.

To meet the needs of these new users, people who will live, work, and spend their leisure time in Burlington’s
downtown, the Marketplace must evolve to attract a broader mix of businesses and services. This may include
neighborhood-oriented amenities such as medical offices, pet services, dry cleaners, and fitness providers, as
well as experiential and interactive businesses like paint-your-own pottery studios, arcades, bowling, and
other entertainment uses.




 Page 7 of 30
These types of businesses also typically require on-site staff, which can help offset the decline in traditional
office worker presence downtown and support a more consistent, year-round customer base.

Pursuing an Accredited designation while focusing on a Downtown Living strategy will allow the Church Street
Marketplace to remain responsive to changing patterns of use, strengthen its role as a neighborhood center,
and support a more resilient and vibrant downtown.

If the Commission approves moving forward in support of the “Downtown Living” strategy, the Marketplace
will focus on three primary goals to advance this work: strengthening collaboration with property owners and
lease managers; partnering with other City departments to identify supportive incentives and coordinated
efforts; and aligning programming and events to engage a wide range of ages and demographics, ensuring
stronger connections with the growing residential community.

Recommended Action:
Staff recommends approval of the “Downtown Living Strategy”- in order to work towards developing a
downtown environment conducive to residential living.




 Page 8 of 30
To: Church Street Marketplace Commission
From: Andrew Bacher, Marketplace Coordinator
CC: Samantha McGinnis, Director
Date: February 13, 2026

Re: Cart Vendor Program Attendance Policy Changes Voting Item

Background:
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Church Street Marketplace Staff presented to the Church Street
Marketplace Commission regarding challenges encountered during the 2024-2025 Cart Vending Program.
Following the presentation, the Commission directed staff to conduct a comprehensive review of the Cart
Vendor Program rules and regulations. On Wednesday, January 21st Church Street Marketplace Staff
proposed updates to the cart vending program to the Commission. The Commission voted to make the
following changes:

 • Payment Structure: Require cart vendors to pay the full cost of their vending fees upfront, with an
 option to establish a payment plan. Vendors who pay their full fees prior to the start of the season
 would receive a 5% discount.
 • Contract Rescission Language: Revise the Cart Vending Contract to clarify that qualifying reasons for
 contract rescission do not include economic downturns, recessions, inflation, increased operating
 costs, supply chain delays, labor shortages, or changes in profitability or consumer demand.
 Additionally, if a contract is rescinded, any refund would be limited to no more than 15% of the annual
 fee.
Commission went on to discuss the attendance requirements to encourage more participation from vendors
during summer season. The discussion considered four possibilities for cart vendor attendance policy:

 1. Keep the policy the same: 1 weekday, 1 weekend required from June 1st - August 31st.
 2. Eliminate weekday/weekend distinction: Vendors can count 2 weekends or 2 weekdays as meeting
 the requirements from June 1st - August 31st.
 3. Set number of days throughout the season: Vendors are required to vend a minimum of 15 days
 between June 1st - August 31st. These days can be consecutive.
 4. Eliminate Attendance Requirement: Vendors are not required to vend at all.

The Church Street Marketplace Cart Vending Committee met on Wednesday, February 11th and had a robust
discussion about the cart vendor attendance policy options. They explored the challenges and opportunities
with each recommendation. They voted to recommend proposition 3 to the full commission, with the addition
of if the attendance expectation isn’t met that cart vendor will lose seniority placement for next season.
Attendance will be monitored through an online app. In addition, we discussed creating incentives for the



 Page 9 of 30
carts with the highest attendance each month such as social media highlights or reduced fees. Staff is
exploring the viability of these incentives further.

Recommended Action:
Staff and the Cart Vending Committee recommends approval of proposition 3, vendors are required to vend a
minimum of 15 days between June 1st - August 31st. These days can be consecutive.




 Page 10 of 30
HOLIDAYS ON THE MARKETPLACE
 SURVEY RESULTS


 Page 11 of 30
 holidays on the
 Marketplace
 4 1,500
  WEEKS OF MAGIC HOT CHOCOLATES
 REDEEMED




 33 8,700+
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS TOTAL EVENT ATTENDESS




 3
 SPECIAL FESTIVE FRIDAY
 EVENTS Page 12 of 30
What people are saying:
2025 Public Holiday Survey:
131 responses with an average rating of 3.99

2024 Public Holiday Survey:
14 responses with an average rating of 3.69

What Brought You to the Marketplace?
 23% Dining Out
 37% Shopping
 14% Holiday Activity
 19% Holiday Decor
 6% Other



 Page 13 of 30
 community survey results
 Top 5 Programs Attended:
 1. BTV Winter Market
 2. Tree Lighting
 Where are you from? 3. Free Hot Chocolate Program
 4. Window Decorating Contest
 5. Jingle & Mingle
Local - top 3 (125) Visiting (6)

 1. Burlington (80) 1. Massachusetts (2)
 2. New York Where did you hear about events?
 2. Colchester (12)
 3. Connecticut Seven Days Print (51)
 3. Essex (5)
 4. Rhode Island Instagram - CSM (37)
 4. Shelburne (5)
 5. Arkansas Seven Days Digital (33)
 Page 14 of 30
 Community Comments cont’d
 “The extra marketing and event
 planning effort this year was
 “The Market Place “You all rock! : )”
 noticeable. It was fun to get out
 looked beautiful”
 among the crowds to shop and
 eat! As a fellow designer, I
 “I didn't attend any of the appreciated the cool graphics.”
 “We visited 3 times
 special holiday events, but I
 this holiday season! always love going downtown,
 It was great to have and I love what folks are doing
our kids walk up and to create a more positive “Really nice job this year
 narrative about our city. Thanks
 down Church St trying to get more people
 for the work you're doing!”
  exploring the shop to the marketplace. As a
 windows and the Burlingtonian I
 tree. Tradewinds appreciated all the effort.
 “Thank you for a
window was a hit with We love Church Street!”
 great season!”
  our 19 month old.”
 Page 15 of 30
Merchant Holiday
 survey results
 30
 RESPONSES W/ 27
 BUSINESSES REPRESENTED
 SAME AS 2024




 3.833 3.96
AVERAGE RATING 2025 AVERAGE RATING (2024)




 3.58 3.69
AVERAGE RATING (2023) AVERAGE RATING (2022)
 Page 16 of 30
 FOot Traffic OPinions
Compared to 2024, How was foot traffic this holiday season?




 Page 17 of 30
Foot Traffic Drivers




 Page 18 of 30
 holiday sales 2022-2025
 2025
 43% Better or
 Significantly Better

 2024
 17% Better or
 Significantly Better

 2023
 29% Better or
 Significantly Better

 2022
 28% Better or
 Significantly Better

*Pre-2025, the question was, “Compared to last year, how did your business do this holiday season?” Page 19 of 30
Tree Lighting OPinions 2022-2025
 2025
 73% satisfied or very
 satisfied

 2024
 83% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2023
 67% satisfied or very
 satisfied

 2022
 78% satisfied or very
 satisfied
 Page 20 of 30
OPinions on Santa parade 2025




 Page 21 of 30
Santa parade OPinions 2022-2025
 2025
 50% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2024
 63% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2023
 48% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2022
 46% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 Page 22 of 30
window contest OPinions 2022-2025
 2025
 54% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2024
 50% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2023
 45% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2022
 39% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 Page 23 of 30
OPinions on festive fridays




 Page 24 of 30
OPinions on festive fridays

 Average:

 28% unaware

 34% Neutral

 20% Satisfied or
 Very Satisfied

 Page 25 of 30
Hot Chocolate Coupons 2022-2025
 2025
 70% satisfied or very
 satisfied

 2024
 64% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2023
 29% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2022
 65% satisfied or
 very satisfied
 Page 26 of 30
Marketing satisfaction
 2025
 63% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2024
 70% satisfied or very
 satisfied

 2023
 58% satisfied or
 very satisfied

 2022
 63% satisfied or
 very satisfied


 Page 27 of 30
 Merchant feedback
 What could be improved for next season ?

 Better access to restrooms weekdays are slow Hot Chocolate Program
 over-printing

Beef up caroling - have them Decrease programs and
 walk the street focus on more impactful Tie into NYE programming
 activations

  More law enforcement Increase
 Manage Church Street marketing/more
 Narrative/negative press marketing before
Find a better spot for Santa events

 More signage - shop
 names with each block

 Page 28 of 30
 Merchant Feedback
 What went well this holiday season?

Tree lighting and Saturdays
 Maintenance team did a great
 were busy! Friday night events
 job keeping the street clear!
 were impactful! x3

Customers were happy and
 loved the hot chocolate Police presence was Noticed an increase in
 program positive marketing/social media



 Shop and sip was
 Local people shopping
 fun! Need to get Foot traffic was great!
 word out more

  Pleased w/ increase
 in holiday events

 Page 29 of 30
THAT IS ALL!


 Page 30 of 30

CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE DISTRICT COMMISSION
 February 18, 2026
 9:00 AM
Location: Fletcher Free Library, Local History Room - 235 College St, Burlington, VT 0540



Attendance:

Commissioners: Mark Bouchett, Becky Holt (Zoom), Linda Magoon, Sam Tolstoi, Erik Monsen, Sarah
Beal, and Romeo von Hermann (Zoom)

Absent: Cara Tobin, Chris Haessly

Staff: Samantha McGinnis – CSM Director, Jessica Dudley - Marketing Manager, Aida Washburn –
Project & Event Coordinator, Andrew Bacher – CSM Coordinator, Kimberly Rojas – Community
Engagement Coordinator

  I. COME TO ORDER
 a. Meeting is brought to order at 9:05am
 II. APPROVE AGENDA
 a. Motion to approve – Linda Magoon
 i. Seconded – Erik Monsen
 b. Agenda approved unanimously
III. APPROVE MINUTES
 a. Motion to approve – Erik Monsen
 i. Seconded – Sam Tolstoi
 b. Minutes approved unanimously
IV. PUBLIC FORUM – GENERAL
 a. No members of the public had comments for public forum

 V. COMMISSIONER UPDATES
 a. Sarah Beal – Frustrated that commissioners have not been provided
 information regarding the location of the Overdose Prevention Center.
 i. Mark Bouchett to draft and send memo to Mayor’s office


 VI. MAIN STREET AMERICA ACCREDITATION
 a. Director Samantha McGinnis explains memo: Main Street America
 maintains two levels of partnership: Affiliate and Accredited. The Church
 Street Marketplace has been an Affiliate Member for several years. To
 increase our recognition, credibility, and standing within the organization, I
 recommend that we pursue Accredited status, the highest tier of
 designation, for our 2026 community evaluation.
 i. Linda Magoon expresses support, suggests talking to property owners.
 ii. Sam Tolstoi says biggest hurdle for business owners is high downtown rents.
 iii. Erik Monsen advises to be mindful of becoming “too corporate.”
 iv. Sarah Beal suggests a one-pager to commercial brokers and property owners on
 the gaps we are looking to fill.
 b. Vote to support the actions recommended by the Church Street Marketplace staff
 i. Moved by Linda Magoon
 ii. Seconded by Sam Tolstoi
 iii. All in favor of the motion
VII. CART VENDOR ATTENDANCE POLICY
 a. Andrew Bacher gives overview of attendance policy options discussed by
 in Cart Vendor Subcommittee meeting.
 b. Motion to adopt Cart Vendor Subcommittee recommendation of
 Attendance Policy #3 – Cart vendors must be in attendance for a minimum
 of 15 days during the season. This may be nonconsecutive.
 c. Moved by Sarah Beal.
 d. Seconded by Sam Tolstoi.
 e. All in favor of the motion.
VIII. HOLIDAYS ON THE MARKETPLACE PRESENTATION
 a. PowerPoint slides reviewing feedback and numbers for Holidays on the
 Marketplace events and activations presented by Director Samantha
 McGinnis.
 IX. TREASURER’S REPORT
 a. Currently 15K-20K short of fundraising goal.
 b. Spending is still down despite snow removal needs throughout the season.
 c. If spending continues as is, we will likely be at or below budget by end of
 fiscal year.
 X. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
 Samantha McGinnis reports that:
 a. CEDO Director, Kara Alnasrawi, is absent due to taking interim role with
 Mayor’s Office. Expects to be back in ~6 weeks.
 b. Review of Snow Ball and other February events and activations.
 c. Penguin Plunge rescheduled to March.
 d. Maple Madness planning underway.
 e. Olive & Ollie will reopen as Whim.
 f. Cart Vendor Program applications open.
 g. Leunig’s kiosk RPF has been posted.
 h. Grant has been submitted for new bollards along Church Street.
 i. Met with Mayor in last month to discuss downtown.
 j. Outreach to third parties in preparation for summer events.
XI. CHAIR’S REPORT
 a. February Merchant Meeting went well.
 b. Visitors seemed to really appreciate the Snowflake and Heart Hunts.
 c. Ad hock group to discuss marketplace governance has meeting with
 Mayor’s Office and CEDO Director Kara Alnasrawi.
XII. ADJOURN
 a. Motion to adjourn
 i. Moved by Sam Tolstoi
 ii. Seconded by Sarah Beal
 b. Meeting is brought to close at 10:25 am


Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 18, 2026