Ward 8 NPA — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-05-28
Time: 18:30

Ward 8 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
 May 28, 2026 | 6:15 - 7:40pm

 Join in-person Join online Facilitator: Tom Carroll
 City Hall, 149 Church Street zoom.us/j/91523077007 Notetaker: Amy
 Sharon Bushor Room Malinowski



 6:15pm Welcome & food
 15 min Pizza (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options)

 6:30pm Opening & Speak out (2 min per person)
 10 min Welcome. Review today’s agenda and meeting practices. Introduce yourself, share announcements
 (events, meetings, activities of interest), and speak out about anything relevant to our Ward 8
 community—raise concerns, sing out appreciations, etc.

 6:40pm VOTE: Budget proposal
 15 min Vote on spending of balance of 2025-2026 NPA funds ($2,401.84). Steering Committee suggests
 spending:
 (a)​ Our contribution to zine renewal | $100
 (b)​ NPA Organizing & Outreach Intern(s) | $2,301.84 for 2025-2026 & up to $1000 for 2026-2027
 NPA budgets must be used for: promoting the NPA, providing residents with information about city
 programs/activities, and/or gathering input from residents about city needs. Budget expenditures are
 approved by a 2/3 vote of Ward 8 residents present.

 6:55pm Updates from Department of Public Works
 20 min Robert Goulding, Chapin Spencer
 A presentation about DPW's 2026 construction workplan as well as previews of the end of the Champlain
 Parkway project and Main Street project.

 7:15pm Concerns about the McNeil Plant
 25 min Lisa Lax, Peter Macausland
 This is a presentation about the McNeil Plant in Burlington by the Chittenden Node of 350Vermont and
 Stop VT Biomass.

 7:40pm Closing


What to expect at this month’s meeting:




 Wheelchair accessible Closed Captions available on Bathroom available on same No live language translation or
 via ramp from the street. Zoom. No ASL interpreter or floor and is ADA accessible. document translation is
 CART is planned. Email a planned. Email a request 2-4
 request 2-4 weeks in advance. weeks in advance.




 Masks not required, but free Low or no fragrance not No childcare (though View parking options
 at door. Air filtration & required of attendees. children are welcome). and bus routes.
 ventilation unknown.


 bit.ly/ward_8_npa →
 email the steering committee ● watch meeting recordings ● propose agenda topics ● sign up for email reminders
Purpose, principles, and practices to guide us:

Practices Principles Purpose

We collectively help each other Practice deep democracy ✦ Help provide residents with
honor the agenda focus and The Ward 8 NPA should provide a information concerning city
 safe and welcoming forum where programs and activities.
time containers. (But if needed,
 residents can actively share their
the facilitator will redirect voice about issues that matter to ✦ Help obtain resident views of
activity.) them, and where they can learn city needs.
 from the voices of others.
 ✦ Help provide residents with an
We are collectively responsible Nourish difference & diversity opportunity to participate in
for cultivating a posture of The Ward 8 NPA should cultivate making recommendations with
curiosity when listening. We involvement by a diverse spectrum respect to the city budget.
support each other in speaking of community members through
honestly and directly, while active outreach and through ✦ Maintain and enhance the
 eliminating barriers to quality of life in in our ward.
holding compassion. participation. The Ward 8 NPA
 should be operated in a manner ✦ Ensure that the voices of Ward
We will prioritize the voices of that models respectful, inclusive, 8 residents are heard in all
 culturally and economically aware matters pertaining to life therein.
those living in our ward as well
 practices.
as those who have not yet
 ✦ Provide a vehicle for residents
spoken. Grow each other of Wards 8 to collectively act.
 The Ward 8 NPA should be fun,
We allow each other space to creative, and vital organizations
 that value & benefit through the
speak in “rough draft.” (But if multitude of perspectives shared
needed, say “oops” or “ouch.”) by those who participate.




Let’s collaborate!
 Contact the steering committee Current steering committee:
 Reach out to the steering committee by emailing: Tom Carroll
 ward-8-sc@googlegroups.com Amy Malinowski

 Propose an agenda item
 Please fill out the NPA request form at least 2-4 weeks
 before you would like to present.
 www.burlingtonvt.gov/221/NPA-Request-Form
Who represents Ward 8?
CITY
MAYOR, BURLINGTON SCHOOL BOARD, WARD 8
Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Bill Church​
Progressive | term ends XXXX term ends 2026
mayor@burlingtonvt.gov | (802) 865-7272 bchurch@bsdvt.org | (802) 922-0432

CITY COUNCILOR, WARD 8 SCHOOL BOARD, EAST DISTRICT
Marek Broderick​ Matthew Price​
Progressive | term ends 2026 term ends 2027
mbroderick@burlingtonvt.gov | (802) 488-5134​ mprice@bsdvt.org | (802) 735-6058

CITY COUNCILOR, EAST DISTRICT
Allie Schachter​
Democrat | term ends 2027
aschachter@burlingtonvt.gov | (802) 448-4227


STATE
REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 14 REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 16
Barbara Rachelson Kate Logan
Democrat | term ends 2027 Progressive/Democrat | term ends 2027
brachelson@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 klogan@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 14 SENATOR, CHITTENDEN CENTRAL
Mary-Katherine Stone Philip Baruth
Democrat | term ends 2027 Democrat/Progressive | term ends 2027
mstone@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228​ pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 503-5266

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 15 SENATOR, CHITTENDEN CENTRAL
Brian Cina Martine Larocque Gulick
Progressive/Democrat | term ends 2027 Democrat | term ends 2027
bcina@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 mgulick@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 15 SENATOR, CHITTENDEN CENTRAL
Troy Headrick Tanya Vyhovsky
Independent | term ends 2027 Progressive/Democrat | term ends 2027
theadrick@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 16 GOVERNOR, VERMONT
Jill Krowinski Phil Scott
Democrat | term ends 2027 Republican | term ends 2027
jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 vermontce.my.vermont.gov/s/governor-office-ce
 (802) 828-3333


FEDERAL
SENATOR, VERMONT REPRESENTATIVE, VERMONT
Bernie Sanders Becca Balint
Independent | term ends 2030 Democrat | term ends 2026
sanders.senate.gov/contact | (202) 224-5141 balint.house.gov/contact | (202) 225-4115

SENATOR, VERMONT
Peter Welch
Democrat | term ends 2028
welch.senate.gov/email-peter | (202) 224-4242​
Icon attribution:
accessibleicon.org/
thenounproject.com/icon/shampoo-8152184/
thenounproject.com/icon/rubber-duck-6285851/
thenounproject.com/icon/translator-6951307/
thenounproject.com/icon/bus-school-2206806/
thenounproject.com/icon/covid-protection-5497318/
thenounproject.com/icon/toilet-1581214/

Ward 8 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
 May 28, 2026 | 6:15 - 7:40pm

 Join in-person Join online Facilitator: Tom Carroll
 City Hall, 149 Church Street zoom.us/j/91523077007 Notetaker: Amy
 Sharon Bushor Room Malinowski



 6:15pm Welcome & food
 15 min Pizza (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options)

 6:30pm Opening & Speak out (2 min per person)
 10 min Welcome. Review today’s agenda and meeting practices. Introduce yourself, share announcements
 (events, meetings, activities of interest), and speak out about anything relevant to our Ward 8
 community—raise concerns, sing out appreciations, etc.

 6:40pm VOTE: Budget proposal
 15 min Vote on spending of balance of 2025-2026 NPA funds ($2,401.84). Steering Committee suggests
 spending:
 (a)​ Our contribution to zine renewal | $100
 (b)​ NPA Organizing & Outreach Intern(s) | $2,301.84 for 2025-2026 & up to $1000 for 2026-2027
 NPA budgets must be used for: promoting the NPA, providing residents with information about city
 programs/activities, and/or gathering input from residents about city needs. Budget expenditures are
 approved by a 2/3 vote of Ward 8 residents present.

 6:55pm Updates from Department of Public Works
 20 min Robert Goulding, Chapin Spencer
 A presentation about DPW's 2026 construction workplan as well as previews of the end of the Champlain
 Parkway project and Main Street project.

 7:15pm Concerns about the McNeil Plant
 25 min Lisa Lax, Peter Macausland
 This is a presentation about the McNeil Plant in Burlington by the Chittenden Node of 350Vermont and
 Stop VT Biomass.

 7:40pm Closing


What to expect at this month’s meeting:




 Wheelchair accessible Closed Captions available on Bathroom available on same No live language translation or
 via ramp from the street. Zoom. No ASL interpreter or floor and is ADA accessible. document translation is
 CART is planned. Email a planned. Email a request 2-4
 request 2-4 weeks in advance. weeks in advance.




 Masks not required, but free Low or no fragrance not No childcare (though View parking options
 at door. Air filtration & required of attendees. children are welcome). and bus routes.
 ventilation unknown.


 bit.ly/ward_8_npa →
 email the steering committee ● watch meeting recordings ● propose agenda topics ● sign up for email reminders



 Page 1 of 45
Purpose, principles, and practices to guide us:

Practices Principles Purpose

We collectively help each other Practice deep democracy ✦ Help provide residents with
honor the agenda focus and The Ward 8 NPA should provide a information concerning city
 safe and welcoming forum where programs and activities.
time containers. (But if needed,
 residents can actively share their
the facilitator will redirect voice about issues that matter to ✦ Help obtain resident views of
activity.) them, and where they can learn city needs.
 from the voices of others.
 ✦ Help provide residents with an
We are collectively responsible Nourish difference & diversity opportunity to participate in
for cultivating a posture of The Ward 8 NPA should cultivate making recommendations with
curiosity when listening. We involvement by a diverse spectrum respect to the city budget.
support each other in speaking of community members through
honestly and directly, while active outreach and through ✦ Maintain and enhance the
 eliminating barriers to quality of life in in our ward.
holding compassion. participation. The Ward 8 NPA
 should be operated in a manner ✦ Ensure that the voices of Ward
We will prioritize the voices of that models respectful, inclusive, 8 residents are heard in all
 culturally and economically aware matters pertaining to life therein.
those living in our ward as well
 practices.
as those who have not yet
 ✦ Provide a vehicle for residents
spoken. Grow each other of Wards 8 to collectively act.
 The Ward 8 NPA should be fun,
We allow each other space to creative, and vital organizations
 that value & benefit through the
speak in “rough draft.” (But if multitude of perspectives shared
needed, say “oops” or “ouch.”) by those who participate.




Let’s collaborate!
 Contact the steering committee Current steering committee:
 Reach out to the steering committee by emailing: Tom Carroll
 ward-8-sc@googlegroups.com Amy Malinowski

 Propose an agenda item
 Please fill out the NPA request form at least 2-4 weeks
 before you would like to present.
 www.burlingtonvt.gov/221/NPA-Request-Form




 Page 2 of 45
Who represents Ward 8?
CITY
MAYOR, BURLINGTON SCHOOL BOARD, WARD 8
Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Bill Church​
Progressive | term ends XXXX term ends 2026
mayor@burlingtonvt.gov | (802) 865-7272 bchurch@bsdvt.org | (802) 922-0432

CITY COUNCILOR, WARD 8 SCHOOL BOARD, EAST DISTRICT
Marek Broderick​ Matthew Price​
Progressive | term ends 2026 term ends 2027
mbroderick@burlingtonvt.gov | (802) 488-5134​ mprice@bsdvt.org | (802) 735-6058

CITY COUNCILOR, EAST DISTRICT
Allie Schachter​
Democrat | term ends 2027
aschachter@burlingtonvt.gov | (802) 448-4227


STATE
REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 14 REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 16
Barbara Rachelson Kate Logan
Democrat | term ends 2027 Progressive/Democrat | term ends 2027
brachelson@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 klogan@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 14 SENATOR, CHITTENDEN CENTRAL
Mary-Katherine Stone Philip Baruth
Democrat | term ends 2027 Democrat/Progressive | term ends 2027
mstone@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228​ pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 503-5266

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 15 SENATOR, CHITTENDEN CENTRAL
Brian Cina Martine Larocque Gulick
Progressive/Democrat | term ends 2027 Democrat | term ends 2027
bcina@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 mgulick@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 15 SENATOR, CHITTENDEN CENTRAL
Troy Headrick Tanya Vyhovsky
Independent | term ends 2027 Progressive/Democrat | term ends 2027
theadrick@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228

REPRESENTATIVE, CHITTENDEN 16 GOVERNOR, VERMONT
Jill Krowinski Phil Scott
Democrat | term ends 2027 Republican | term ends 2027
jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us | (802) 828-2228 vermontce.my.vermont.gov/s/governor-office-ce
 (802) 828-3333


FEDERAL
SENATOR, VERMONT REPRESENTATIVE, VERMONT
Bernie Sanders Becca Balint
Independent | term ends 2030 Democrat | term ends 2026
sanders.senate.gov/contact | (202) 224-5141 balint.house.gov/contact | (202) 225-4115

SENATOR, VERMONT
Peter Welch
Democrat | term ends 2028
welch.senate.gov/email-peter | (202) 224-4242​




 Page 3 of 45
Icon attribution:
accessibleicon.org/
thenounproject.com/icon/shampoo-8152184/
thenounproject.com/icon/rubber-duck-6285851/
thenounproject.com/icon/translator-6951307/
thenounproject.com/icon/bus-school-2206806/
thenounproject.com/icon/covid-protection-5497318/
thenounproject.com/icon/toilet-1581214/




 Page 4 of 45
WARD 8 NPA ORGANIZING & OUTREACH INTERN
Responsible for assisting the Ward 8 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) Steering Committee with promoting NPA
engagement, especially among college students and young renters who make up a large percentage of the Ward. The
internship is a part-time, paid position that will work closely with the Ward 8 NPA Steering Committee and the City’s NPA
Public Engagement Specialist to develop a NPA engagement strategy and plan to be rolled out in Fall 2026 that would
identify ways for the ward 8 NPA to reach the full diversity of our community. This could include identifying outreach and
storytelling strategies, researching and networking with potential community and campus partners, and planning a Fall
campaign of events and experiments. This opportunity is well-suited for a creative individual who is interested in civic
engagement, local democracy, and community organizing!

Internship Learning Outcomes
 ●​ Strengthen ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
 ●​ Develop skills in project management, event planning, strategic communications, and community organizing.
 ●​ Learn how to build relationships with allies, partner organizations, and members of the public to further
 community engagement efforts.
 ●​ Deepen understanding of municipal government and local democracy in Burlington.

Work Schedule & Pay
We anticipate a flexible summer schedule of around 10-14 hours per week, not including holidays and weekends (though
weekend events may be planned at the discretion of the NPA Steering Committee and the intern). Tentative duration of
internship: 4 weeks, June 1 – June 30, 2026 (with the possibility of extending into July and August). Pay would be $19.90
/ hr and you will use a phone app to track your hours.

Essential Job Functions
Burlington’s Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs) were established in 1982 with the intent to de-centralize City
government and ensure regular people can have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Every resident is
automatically a member of their Ward’s NPA. Monthly NPA meetings in each Ward keep residents up-to-date on local
issues and provide a structured forum for sharing their questions, concerns, and hopes. Within the NPA, residents are
able to collectively organize and advocate for neighborhood interests, while strengthening neighborhood social
connections over conversation and community meals. The Ward 8 NPA covers a student-heavy area but struggles to
engage with the many students and young renters that make up the neighborhood. The Ward 8 NPA will not be meeting
during the months of June/July/August and the Steering Committee will instead be using this season to focus on
re-imagining the Ward 8 NPA to be more inclusive of the full diversity of our ward alongside the Organizing & Outreach
Intern. As a Steering Committee, we are undertaking this work with the following intentions: (a) really listening to our
neighbors and letting what emerges guide us, (b) dreaming big AND finding the next small experiment we can do and
learn from together, and (c) moving at the speed of relationships and trust.
This is a unique internship opportunity that can go in different directions based on the intern’s interests/skills and the
needs of the Steering Committee. During the first days of the internship, the intern and Steering Committee will work
together to design a scope of work that makes sense for both parties. Tasks may include:
●​ Developing and implementing an outreach campaign to engage different Ward 8 constituencies, such as students,
 renters, and long-term Ward 8 residents; helping the Ward 8 NPA Steering Committee plan and prepare for a Fall
 2026 campaign of events and outreach experiments
●​ Support with the development of a map and outreach tracker for potential community and campus partners
 (professors, staff, clubs, community organizations, etc).
●​ Support with the completion of a ‘potential meeting locations’ identification, research, and prioritization spreadsheet.
●​ Analyzing ward resident & property data to identify opportunities for strategic outreach.
●​ Creating outreach materials (educational/promotional) such as flyers, graphics, and postcards.
●​ Tabling and door-to-door canvassing to engage residents about the Ward 8 NPA.
●​ Planning and hosting community events.
●​ Developing other neighborhood-based projects that highlight Ward 8’s past & present.


 Page 5 of 45
Suggested Qualifications
●​ Curious, generous listener, willing to question the status-quo, and capable of imagining an abundance of possible
 experiments we might try
●​ Comfort moving between strategizing big picture and attending to small details of a project
●​ Familiarity with the Ward 8 community, the UVM/Champlain College communities, and issues that affect Ward 8
 residents.
●​ Demonstrated interest in civic engagement, democracy, local activism, and/or community organizing (e.g. through
 related coursework or extracurricular activities).
●​ Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
●​ Able to work independently and exercise independent judgement.
●​ Able to collaborate effectively with a team through regular check-ins and maintaining work in shared digital
 collaboration tools
●​ Interest (or experience) developing and creating basic outreach materials (e.g. flyers, graphics, postcards).




 Page 6 of 45
DPW:
2026 CONSTRUCTION
Our Mission is to steward Burlington's
infrastructure and environment by delivering
efficient, effective, and equitable public services.

Chapin Spencer, Director
Cspencer@burlingtonvt.gov/802 - 863 - 9094
Robert Goulding, Public Information Manager
RGoulding@burlingtonvt.gov/802 - 881 - 2278
 Page 7 of 45
WRAPPING UP TWO MAJOR
PROJECTS
 Main Street & the Champlain
 Parkway are both anticipated to
 wrap up in early summer.

 Both projects are on - time, and on -
 budget.

 These projects are unlocking the
 potential for additional housing &
 commerce while providing enhanced
 infrastructure for residents
 Page 8 of 45
CHAMPLAIN
PARKWAY
• 25MPH road
• Connects South End with
 Downtown
• Stormwater improvements
• Pedestrian enhancements: signals,
 shorter crossings, new sidewalks
 Page 9 of 45
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO
(tentative schedules below)
Pine Street Champlain Parkway
• Roadway sign installation • Overhead signs
• Signal activation (week of • Roadway signs
  May 4) • Final Pavement
• Pavement (Main Street) and • Line striping
  sidewalk repairs (misc. along • Signal timing adjustments
  Pine) (upcoming weeks)
• General clean up


 Page 10 of 45
MAIN STREET

• A welcoming gateway into Vermont’s
  Queen City
• Wider sidewalks for pedestrians &
  commerce
• More trees & gardens
• Enhanced lighting
• Abandonment of ravine sewer
 Page 11 of 45
WHAT’S LEFT TO
DO
• Sidewalks
• Signals
• Tree plantings
• Paving
• Public Art


 Page 12 of 45
A decade of work
in Ward 8


 *Paving in orange
 *Sidewalk in red




 Page 13 of 45
Town Meeting Day
2025


 *Paving in orange
 *Sidealk in red




 Page 14 of 45
SIDEWALKS

The season has started!
$1.65M contract + additional work with in - house
crew
3.1 miles planned overall - hitting our annual target
Contract largely funded by 2025 Town Meeting Day
Bond


 Page 15 of 45
SIDEWALKS: developing a workplan

  • Developed using the City’s 2021 citywide sidewalk inventory
  • Prioritizes based on utilization, location, and sidewalk
 condition .
  • Location considers the sidewalk’s proximity to schools,
 neighborhood activity centers, employment centers, etc .
  • Resident requests, field inspections, and coordination with
 other City projects.




 Page 16 of 45
 SIDEWALKS**




**Short run segments not included above



 Page 17 of 45
PAVING

Asphalt plants are open!
$1.7M contract + remaining work from CY
25
Total ~3.5 miles planned for the year
Largely funded by 2025 TMD Bond
Larger workplan being developed for
2027 - 2030
 Page 18 of 45
PAVING: developing a workplan
 BACKGROUND
  • Street network consists of over 96 miles of streets.
  • Classified as Primary/Arterial, Secondary/Collector and
 Tertiary/Residential.
  • Each street type has different anticipated lifespan generally based on
 average daily traffic volumes.
  • In order to keep pace with the anticipated lifespan of the Burlington
 Street network, minimum target is 4 miles/year.
 PRIORITIZATION
  • Funding, street condition, street type/traffic volume, nearby projects and
 resident requests
 HEADWINDS
 While this year we had our most competitive bid environment in awhile,
 inflation & fuel prices may eat into available construction funding




 Page 19 of 45
 PAVING*




 Remaining 2025 contract
 streets
 College Union - Willard
 Pearl Battery - Winooski

*Includes patches on lower North Ave, Lake St,
 Archibald St, Intervale Rd
 Page 20 of 45
WATER WORKS!
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
 • Stage 0 remains on target for completion this
 summer/fall. This is a major first step to begin
 comprehensive upgrades funded by 2025 TMD bond
 • Screening & grit equipment being installed at all 3
 plants

Water main improvement project
 • Includes: Pine St (from S Crest to Home Ave), Summit
 St (Maple to Main), and all of Bennington Court
 (coordinated with paving)

Manhattan Ave Stormwater Outfall: late summer/early
fall

 Page 21 of 45
Page 22 of 45
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR WATER:

 https://vt.adopt-a-drain.org/




 https://seagrant.w3.uvm.edu/blue/



 Page 23 of 45
 STAY INFORMED
 STAY IN TOUCH
 Maintenance Construction Customer
 Requests Impacts Service




 • Front Porch Forum
 See Click Fix: 802 - 863 - 9094
 • Signage
burlingtonvt.gov/dpw • VT - Alert:
 dpw - pinecustomerservice
 burlingtonvt.gov/
 @burlingtonvt.gov
 construction

 Page 24 of 45
THANK YOU Page 25 of 45
Burlington’s McNeil Plant:
 A CASE FOR CLOSURE
 A presentation to Burlington’s NPAs
  By 350 Vermont’s Chittenden Node & Stop VT Biomass




 SPRING 2026

 Page 26 of 45
Page 27 of 45
McNeil Plant Basics

• Commenced operation June 1984
• Located in Burlington’s Intervale
• Burns wood to generate electricity
• 50 MW (largest electricity generator in Vermont)
• Jointly owned by Burlington Electric Department (BED) (operator
 and 50% owner),Green Mountain Power (31%) and Vermont
 Public Power Supply Authority (19%)
• Provides 32-45% of BEDs total power supply (FY 2015-2023).



 Page 28 of 45
The Case Against McNeil Plant

• Largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions in VT
• Harmful to health - particulate matter and other pollutants
 which leads to or exacerbates health conditions
• Negative impact on forest ecosystems and the benefits they
 provide.
• It costs a lot- the power it produces is expensive.
• It’s old and inefficient




 Page 29 of 45
 McNeil’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions


 “Burning wood to generate electricity emits more carbon
  dioxide per kilowatt-hour generated than fossil fuels- even
 coal, the most carbon intensive fuel.”
-John Sterman, William Moomaw, Juliette N. Rooney-Varga & Lori Siegel, Does wood
 bioenergy help or harm the climate?, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol 78, No. 3
 (2022) 130.

  McNeil emitted 316,405 tons of CO2 in 2025 (EPA). It also emits
 lesser amounts of the greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide.
Fossil-fuel powered equipment and vehicles used to pull wood feedstock
from the forests and transport it to the plant emits additional greenhouse
 gases.


 Page 30 of 45
The Carbon Neutrality Myth

BED claims that McNeil is carbon neutral because BED engages in
sustainable forestry and the carbon dioxide emissions from its stack are re-
sequestered by trees as they regrow.
This is a myth. When trees are burned the carbon dioxide is released
immediately creating a carbon debt which takes decades to centuries to
eliminate through tree regrowth.
Also, regrowth is uncertain. Harvested areas may be converted to other
land uses or trees may succumb to insects, disease or drought.
 John Sterman, et al.; EU Bioenergy, Bioenergy Accelerates Climate Change,
https://www.eubioenergy.com/the-5-issues/it-accelerates-climate-change/




 Page 31 of 45
 Theory (according to BED):
“Closed Loop” Carbon Cycle




 Page 32 of 45
Reality:
Wood burning power plants
emit more CO2 per unit
energy and also degrade the
forest carbon sink.
The result is higher
atmospheric CO2
concentrations.




 Page 33 of 45
Ecological Harm


• Burlington Electric claims: “McNeil’s wood supply is primarily 88.4% in-
  woods chips/residues such as the tops and limbs left over from
  higher-value wood products, with an additional 9.7% from sawmill
  residue and 1.6% from waste-wood yard wood.” (Bold added)
 - McNeil, Climate and Forestry, BED website.

• The reality: McNeil’s burns “Whole Tree Chips,” which include chips
  generated by cutting down and chipping whole trees.
-PUC Dkt. No. 4450, Certificate of Public Good for McNeil, 9/14/81 § 87; 6/22/83 Order Amending Certificate of Public Good.

• The plant burns 400,000 tons of woodchips per year
 -April 29, 2022 VEIC Summary Memorandum.
 Page 34 of 45
  This impairs forest ecosystems and
 erodes important benefits forests
provide, including flood protection, & has
a destructive impact on forest ecology
 and wildlife.


 Page 35 of 45
Carbon Rock Stars: Large, Older Trees & Forests
 How many oak trees does it take to store 8 tons of carbon?




 Page 36 of 45
 Human Health

 McNeil emits particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur
dioxide, volatile organic compounds, including benzene and
 formaldehyde, and other pollutants which are known to be
 harmful to human health.
McNeil releases these pollutants in proximity to racially diverse,
 low and middle-income neighborhoods of Burlington’s Old
 North End and Winooski, whose residents face greater
 environmental risks than residents of other areas.


 Page 37 of 45
 $ $$
Expense

• BED Financial statements show that McNeil has generated losses for 8
  of the last 10 fiscal years (2016-2025) totaling more than $34 million
  over the 10-year period. (This figure includes depreciation, but does not
  include interest.)
• As 50% owner, BED bears 50% of these losses.
• The average real-time price for wholesale power in New England in
  2024 was $39.50 per megawatt-hour. www.iso-ne.com/about/key-stats.
• Wholesale prices were forecast to increase to $55/MWH in 2025.
  U.S. Energy Information Administration.
• The net cost of generating power from McNeil was $96.42/MWH in
  fiscal year 2025 and $98.70/MWH in fiscal year 2024. McNeil Joint Owners
  Operating Committee Materials.
 Page 38 of 45
Age & Efficiency of the Plant

• The plant is 26% efficient. (April 29, 2022 VEIC Summary Memorandum)
• It runs only about 50-60% of the time, and is frequently off-line for planned
  maintenance, repairs due to operational problems, or because of market prices.
• BED has invested in capital improvements to extend operation of the 42-year-
  old plant beyond its anticipated useful life.
• In 2023, BED obtained City Council approval to move forward with District Energy
  Project which would depend on McNeil.
• Additional capital expenditures are planned or under consideration.
• BED has planned all of these major expenditures without evaluating whether
  the plant should continue to operate or whether alternative sources of power
  would be more effective.

 Page 39 of 45
Flawed Policies
Flawed Policies

BED has directed the course of Burlington’s overall climate policy, leading to
flawed policies.
• These call for reducing fossil fuel use rather than reducing GHG emissions from
  all sources (such as the McNeil Plant).
• The Net Zero Energy Roadmap defines “net zero,” as eliminating fossil fuel use in
  the heating and ground transportation sectors, yet calls for pursuit of the District
  Energy Project, which would perpetuate McNeil’s massive GHG emissions to
  produce electricity.
• The Carbon Pollution Impact Fee is applied to heating systems powered by
  fossil fuels but not to “renewable” systems and fuels with significant greenhouse
  gas emissions.
 Page 40 of 45
  This undercuts the potential benefits of
electrification of buildings and vehicles. To
meaningfully reduce GHG emissions through
electrification, we must electrify and obtain
  power from low carbon sources, such as
 hydropower, solar and wind.


 Page 41 of 45
Our Vision:




 Page 42 of 45
Advocate!

Burlington City Government Should:
• Place responsibility for development of the city climate policy in a
 city department or official independent of BED.
• Develop a plan to close the McNeil Plant, preferably by June 2028.
 The plan should include measures for a just transition to other
 employment for affected employees, a plan to keep electric rates
 stable, and ensure adequate energy for future needs.




 Page 43 of 45
Actions We Can Take


• Connect with our city councilors (email, phone calls, in person
 conversations).
• Write to Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak.
• Attend a city council meeting and speak during public comment.
• NPAs to consider a resolution to send to City Council on this issue.
• Attend Electric Commission meetings and speak during public
 comment.
• Get involved with VT 350.org or Stop VT Biomass.



 Page 44 of 45
Questions
Comments
Discussion



 Page 45 of 45

Ward 8 Neighborhood Planning Assembly
May 28, 2026 | 6:15 - 7:48pm | City Hall, Sharon Bushor Conference Room

 Recording & transcript available on Town Meeting TV →
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI1G6THx6T8

FACILITATOR: Tom Carroll | NOTETAKER: Amy Malinowski
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Tom Carroll, Amy Malinowski


 6:15pm Welcome and food
 Pizza (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options)

 6:35pm Opening & Speak Out
 start time ●​ Tom calls meeting to order
 ●​ Introductions: Tom Carroll, Ambrose Moore, Amy Malinowski, Stephen Chisa, City Councilor Allie
 Schachter, Linda, Peter Macausland, Floyd Campbell, Jeffrey Peterson, Caroline Coussoule, Lisa Lax,
 Robert Goulding, Sarah Montgomery (with City Clerk’s Office), Barbara Turnbull (with CEDO),
 Charlie Giannoni (with Town Meeting TV)
 ●​ Floyd: Expressed appreciation for the Burlington Clean Up Crew that just had a birthday party
 celebration. Learn more: https://www.pjcvt.org/btv-clean-up-crew/
 ●​ Jeffrey: Shared that they were at the Burlington Clean Up Crew birthday party and encouraged folks to
 get involved. They shared that they are running for State Representative in Chittenden 16 district.
 Learn more: https://www.jeffreyforvt.com/
 ●​ Barbara: For the August 11th primary, you will not get a ballot sent to you automatically, you have to
 request it. Ballots are sent out starting June 29th and that is also the day when you can start early
 voting in person at City Hall. You can request a ballot anytime now until the Friday before the
 primary. Request your ballot → https://vote.vermont.gov/
 ●​ Allie: Shared that they are nearing the end of budget season and trying hard to pass the budget by
 June 30th. Shared that the UVM housing resolution brought forward by Councilor Broderick
 previously has been followed up on– the City Council passed an ordinance at their last meeting
 re-affirming how they will hold university partners to housing standard rules. Shared that she brought
 forward a resolution re-instating our Aging Council which had been formed in 2021 and created a
 report– it’s now officially being staffed by the REIB office and hopefully can act on the
 recommendations in the Age Strong BTV report.
 ●​ Steering Committee announcements:
 ○​ We will be pausing our NPA meetings over the summer – see you in September!
 ○​ Candidate Forum: VT Senate (Martine, Tanya, Elaine, and Nikhil) | Ward 1 NPA | June 10 @
 7:30 | https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/9998/files/agenda/20189
 ○​ Candidate Debate: State’s Attorney (Bram and Sarah) | Contois Auditorium | July 29

 6:45pm VOTE: Budget proposal
 ●​ Vote on spending of balance of 2025-2026 NPA funds ($2,401.84). Steering Committee suggests
 spending:
 ○​ Our contribution to zine renewal | $100
 ○​ NPA Organizing & Outreach Intern(s) | $2,301.84 for 2025-2026 & up to $1000 for 2026-2027
 ●​ NPA budgets must be used for: promoting the NPA, providing residents with information about city
 programs/activities, and/or gathering input from residents about city needs. Budget expenditures are
 approved by a 2/3 vote of Ward 8 residents present.
 ●​ Tom: Shared about the purpose and goals of the internship. Learn more:
 https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/9951/files/attachment/16231
 ●​ Discussion:
 ○​ Linda: Shared excitement about this internship idea. Question: Does any money need to be set
 aside for any initiatives?
 ●​ Linda motioned to adopt this budget proposal. Seconded by Stephen. Vote: PASS (5 YAY, 0 NAY)

 6:55pm Updates from Department of Public Works
 Robert Goulding
 ●​ Main Street project and the Champlain Parkway project are both anticipated to wrap up in early
 summer. Both projects are on-time and on-budget. Stay tuned for a series of community events to
 celebrate the end of these multi-year, multi-ward projects.
 ●​ Champlain Parkway is a 25 mph road that connects south end with downtown with stormwater
 improvements and pedestrian enhancements (signals, shorter crossings, new sidewalks). Things left to
 do:
 ○​ Pine Street: roadway sign installation, signal activation, pavement and sidewalk repairs, general
 clean up
 ○​ Champlain Parkway: overhead signs, roadway signs, final pavement, line striping, signal timing
 adjustments
 ●​ Main street is a welcoming gateway into the city that includes wider sidewalks for pedestrians and
 commerce, more trees & gardens, and enhanced lighting. Importantly, this project has included the
 abandonment of the ravine sewer which was 19th century infrastructure that was limiting
 development on top of where this sewer ran. This took longer than expected and was very challenging.
 Things left to do: sidewalks, signals, tree plantings, paving, public art
 ●​ Updates about…
 ○​ Sidewalks: Sidewalks can last about 40 years – ever 5-8 years, they use a machine to do a
 mechanical inspection of all the sidewalks and then develop a prioritization for which sidewalks
 to work on. Sustainable sidewalk renewal means renewing roughly 3 miles of sidewalk each
 year. If there is truly an urgent dangerous repair, please call DPW (802-863-9094) and don’t
 just record it on See Click Fix.
 ○​ Paving: Sustainable paving renewal means renewing 4 miles of paving each year. Use a
 prioritization matrix to catalog condition of network of roads and develop work plans. Learn
 more: https://burlingtonvt.gov/construction
 ○​ Waterworks: Renewing all three wastewater treatment plants with significant
 upgrades–including tertiary treatment which removes phosphorus which has been a driver of
 blue/green algae in Lake Champlain (though this is watershed wide issue).
 ●​ What you can do:
 ○​ Get a free stormwater assessment https://www.uvm.edu/seagrant/blue/
 ○​ Adopt a drain https://vt.adopt-a-drain.org/
 ○​ Make maintenance request on See Click Fix https://seeclickfix.com/burlington_2
 ○​ Look out for construction impacts on Front Porch Forum, signage around town, or by signing up
 for VT-Alert https://vem.vermont.gov/vtalert
 ○​ Contact customer service: 802-863-9094 | dpw-pinecustomerservice@burlingtonvt.gov
 ●​ Discussion:
 ○​ Peter: How many have adopted drains?
 ○​ Lisa: Share that the communication about the work in ward 1 was great, timely, and gave us a
 chance to think about different routes. Question: The rain gardens–is that a city project? How
 does that work?
 ○​ Floyd: Expressed concern about pedestrians and bikers being able to be safe and comfortable
 walking. Appreciated transparency and communication. Question: Regarding the walk/bike
 path, I’m curious about upcoming developments and expansions?

7:15pm Concerns about the McNeil Plant
 Lisa Lax, Peter Macausland
 ●​ This is a presentation about the McNeil Plant in Burlington by the Chittenden Node of 350Vermont
 and Stop VT Biomass. They would like to lay out a case for why the McNeil Plant needs to be closed.
 ●​ “Burning wood for electricity is a bad idea–the science has changed a lot since Burlington started
 doing it decades ago. It makes sense to phase it out, not incentivize it.” - Bill McKibben, March 2023
 ●​ History: McNeil plant started operation in 1984, burns wood to generate electricity, and is the largest
 electricity generator in Vermont. It is jointly owned by Burlington Electric Department (BED)
 (operator and 50% owner), Green Mountain Power (31%), and Vermont Public Power Supply
 Authority (19%). In 2023, BED obtained City Council approval to move forward with a District Energy
 Project which would depend on McNeil.
 ●​ Largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont | McNeil emitted 316,405 tons of
 CO2 in 2025 (EPA)--which is somewhere between 7,000-8,000 tons per resident in Burlington.
 “Burning wood to generate electricity emits more carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour generated than
 fossil fuels–even coal, the most carbon intensive fuel.” - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (2022). BED
 claims that McNeil is carbon neutral because BED engages in sustainable forestry and the carbon
 dioxide emissions from its stack are re-sequestered by trees as they regrow in a “closed loop.” But
 when trees are burned down the carbon dioxide is released immediately creating a carbon debt which
 takes decades to centuries to eliminate through tree regrowth (which is in itself uncertain).
 ●​ Negative impact on forest ecosystem | McNeil burns “Whole Tree Chips” which includes chips
 generated by cutting down and chipping whole trees. Cutting down trees impairs forest ecosystems
 and flood protection and is destructive to biodiversity. It takes a lot of new large landscape trees to
 equal the carbon-storing-power of 1 mature canopy tree.
 ●​ Harmful to health | Burning wood emits pollutants in proximity to racially diverse, low and
 middle-income neighborhoods of Burlington’s Old North End and Winooski.
 ●​ High cost | BED shows that McNeil has generated losses for 8 of the last 10 fiscal years totaling more
 than $34 million over the 10 -year period. The average real-time price for wholesale power in New
 England in 2024 was $39.50 per mega-watt hour while the net cost of generating power from McNeil
 was $98.70/MWH in fiscal year 2024.
 ●​ Old, inefficient | The plant is only 26% efficient. It runs about 50-60% of the tim because it is
 frequently off-line for planned maintenance, repairs due to operational problems, or because of
 market prices. You couldn’t build McNeil today because it would have to be 60% efficient and it’s not.
 ●​ “Net Zero” or "Renewable" vs. “ Low Carbon” – When we focus solely on “net zero”, we might be
 reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, but not reducing the carbon we are putting into the
 atmosphere. Wood may be “renewable” but it is not “low carbon” like hydropower, solar, and wind.
 Other states are changing their language in their policies.
 ●​ Goal:
 ●​ Burlington City government should place responsibility for development of the city climate policy
 in a city department or official who is independent of BED. BED has directed the course of
 Burlington's overall climate policy, leading to flawed policies.
 ●​ Burlington city government should develop a plan to close the McNeil Plant, preferably by June
 2028–which is the next time it could be closed. Do this in a way that keeps electric rates stable,
 meets our energy needs, and has a just transition for employees.
 ●​ What you can do:
 ○​ Email and call your city councilors – Councilor Broderick has been a strong ally and Councilor
 Schachter has not articulated a position on this yet.
 ○​ Write to the Mayor.
 ○​ Speak at public forum at city council meeting
 ○​ Encourage NPAs to consider a resolution to send to City Council on this issue
 ○​ Attend Electric Commission meetings and speak during public comment
 ○​ Get involved with VT https://www.350vermont.org/ or Stop VT Biomass
 https://www.facebook.com/stopvtbiomass/
 ●​ Discussion:
 ○​ Tom: What is your sense of the political climate around this at city and state level leadership?
 And what is the realistic projection of actually putting renewable energy sources in place in the
 next couple years?
 ○​ Caroline: Expressed that there is potential to work with students who are interested in this.

7:45 Charlie asked to offer some suggestions to our NPA
 ●​ NPAs got rejuvenated by 2-4 americorps interns with federal grant money in the late 1990s. Are there
 any records left behind?
 ●​ Suggested survey question of “where would you go to a meeting?” and ask about specific, potential
 locations.
 ●​ When having steering committee meetings, invite folks to come and weigh in even if they can’t vote.
 ●​ Totally discourage even attempting to use Robert’s Rules – they are extremely complicated and can
 create power imbalance.
 ●​ Have presenters summarize their presentation in 2-3 minutes before they get started.

7:48pm Adjourn
adjourn ●​ Tom adjourned the meeting




Ward 8 Steering Committee: Contact us! Next meeting:
Tom Carroll ward-8-sc@googlegroups.com September 2026
Amy Malinowski
 Submit a request to present!
 https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/
221/NPA-Request-Form