NPA - All Wards — Burlington, VT
Date: 2023-11-15
Time: 19:30

All Wards NPA Meeting Agenda
 Wednesday, November 15th
 7:30-9:30pm
 Sharon Bushor room, floor 1, City Hall
 Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92994370932


Facilitators: Rachel Jolly, CEDO Assistant Director, Community Justice Center (CJC)
 Becky Penberthy, Adult Restorative and Volunteer Manager, CJC


7:30 pm Food & Conversation | 15 min

 • Catering by Mulu’s Kitchen
7:45 pm Welcome | 10 min

 • Finalize Meeting Guidelines
 • Introduction of City of Burlington staff & others invited

7:55 pm Introductions | 10 min

 • Please state your full name, pronouns & ward
 • Ice breaker activity

8:05 pm City Council Resolution on Open & Accessible NPAs | 45 min

 • Introduction of resolution (5 min) – Brian Pine, Director of CEDO
 • Update on by-laws work (5 min) – Jared Pellerin, Assistant City Attorney
 • REIB draft grievance process update (5 min) – Kim Carson, Director of
 Race, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office
 • Questions/speak out (10 min)
 • Introduction of Ward 5 resolution (5 min) – Jason van Driesche, Ward 5
 SC
 • Brainstorming plan to fulfill resolution (15 min)
 o Small group discussion (10 min)
 o Share out (5 min)

8:50 pm Steering Committee Member Trainings/Orientation | 15 min

 • Introduction – Fosca Bechthold, NPA Public Engagement Coordinator,
 CEDO
 • Group brainstorm – Scott Rogers, Community Development Manager,
 CEDO

9:05 pm Community Outreach | 20 min

 • Methods of outreach – Fosca Bechthold, NPA Public Engagement
 Coordinator, CEDO
 o Summary of existing methods used
 • Proposed projects – Fosca Bechthold, NPA Public Engagement
 Coordinator, CEDO
 o Tabling about NPAs
 o Large community NPA event
 • Language access – Scott Rogers, Community Development Manager,
 CEDO
 • Group Discussion (10 min)

9:25pm Spare time for other topics that arise | 5 min


9:30pm Adjourn

All Wards NPA Meeting Agenda Packet
 Wednesday, November 15th
 7:30-9:30pm
 Sharon Bushor room, floor 1, City Hall
 Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92994370932


Facilitators: Rachel Jolly, CEDO Assistant Director, Community Justice Center (CJC)
 Becky Penberthy, Adult Restorative and Volunteer Manager, CJC
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 Meeting Ground Rules/Expectations
In an effort to create a sense of community care, we will strive to:

 • Listen to understand

 • Remain curious

 • Speak from our own experience, using “I” statements and avoiding generalizations

 • Step Up/Step Back (“share the air”)

 • Avoid interrupting

 • Practice kindness, respecting differences in identities, pronouns, etc.

 • Offer solutions/framing in the positive as a way to respectfully disagree with something

 shared
Resolution Presented by Jason Van Driesche, Ward 5 SC Member:


A Resolution Affirming Norms of Respect within the
Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

In the year Two Thousand Twenty-Three



RESOLVED by the Ward 5 Neighborhood Planning Assembly of Burlington, Vermont



WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs) are grassroots neighborhood organizations
whose mission includes fostering an open space for all community members to gather and exchange
information, to have their voices heard by the community, and to have a say in city policies;
And WHEREAS, the NPAs’ ability to foster such a space depends on NPAs being an inclusive and
welcoming space for Burlingtonians of diverse backgrounds and identities;
And WHEREAS, a norm of respect for gender identity and expression, as well as other diverse identities,
is an essential part of ensuring that NPAs (and our community in general) are welcoming and inclusive;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ward 5 NPA affirms that all community members,
regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national
origin, ancestry, place of birth, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law,
are fully and equally welcome at NPA-sponsored events, as part of the fundamental commitment of the
NPAs to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all members of the Burlington community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Ward 5 NPA unequivocally rejects transphobic, sexist, racist, or other
discriminatory speech or actions at NPA 5-sponsored events as inconsistent with such a norm of respect,
and therefore incompatible with the mission of the NPAs;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all participants in NPA 5-sponsored events are called upon to respect the
gender identity, including stated pronouns, of all other participants;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a failure to respect such preferences on the part of any participant is
detrimental to the functioning of the NPA and compromises its ability to carry out its mission;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if any such discriminatory speech or action occurs during an NPA 5-
sponsored event, the NPA 5 steering committee will explicitly note the occurrence, as well as re-
emphasize the norm of respect and commitment to inclusivity; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in keeping with Burlington’s commitment to restorative practices, if such
an issue is ongoing the NPA 5 will seek assistance from the Community Justice Center and/or CEDO to
address the harm.
Resolution Presented by Jonathan Chapple-Sokol, Ward 1 SC Member:


A Resolution Concerning the Relationship Between Elected and Appointed City Officials and the
Neighborhood Planning Assemblies



Whereas the 1982 Resolution “Relating to the Creation of Neighborhood Planning Assemblies” (NPAs)
established the NPAs in part to provide a forum for Burlington residents to advise elected and appointed
officials on municipal issues, as evidenced by the language in that resolution:

“Whereas this council and various city commissions could be much assisted if the views of the general
public with respect to the needs of the city could be communicated to it in a regular and orderly fashion…

“Whereas many positive benefits would result from the creation of neighborhood assemblies at which
citizens would consider the issues facing government and make recommendations for the consideration
of appointed and elected officials charged with the responsibility of implementing city policies…

“Whereas in the judgement of this city council an appropriate and effective means of realizing such goals
would be through creation of NPAs in each ward of the city which would meet on a regular basis and
provide advice to appointed and elected officials with respect to the issues facing the neighborhoods and
the city

“Resolved…the NPAs shall…help provide citizens with an opportunity to participate in making
recommendations with respect to government decisions including allocation of revenues. The NPAs shall
also be encouraged to provide advice to the appropriate commission or this council with respect to
Community Development, housing programs, the city’s Comprehensive Development Plan and its
waterfront activities, and the city’s budget among other things.”

And Whereas there currently exists no process to ensure that elected and appointed officials consult
with the NPAs on any issues,

And Whereas it is not infrequent that City Council resolutions are made public and voted on before
discussion at NPA meetings is possible,

Now therefore be it resolved that the city council, in consultation with the NPAs, establish processes
and criteria for determining the municipal issues on which NPAs must be consulted for advice and input
prior to city council votes,

And let it further be resolved that said advice and input be considered in city council deliberations on
those municipal issues,

And let it further be resolved that similarly, processes and criteria be created by commissions and city
departments for the same purpose,

And let it further be resolved that these processes and criteria be established by April 1, 2024.

All Wards NPA Meeting Minutes
 Wednesday, November 15th
 7:30-9:30pm
 Sharon Bushor room, floor 1, City Hall
 Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92994370932


Facilitators: Rachel Jolly, CEDO Assistant Director, Community Justice Center (CJC)
 Becky Penberthy, Adult Restorative and Volunteer Manager, CJC
Note Taker: Scott Rogers, Community Development Manager, CEDO

Present In-Person (22): Rachel Jolly (CEDO Assistant Director, CJC), Becky Penberthy (Adult
Restorative & Volunteer Manager, CJC), Brian Pine (CEDO Director), Kim Carson (REIB Director),
Scott Rogers (Community Development Manager, CEDO), Fosca Bechthold (NPA Public
Engagement Specialist, CEDO), Jared Pellerin (Assistant City Attorney), Jonathan Chapple-Sokol
(Ward 1 SC), Carol Livingston (Ward 1 SC), Lauren Ebersol (Ward 2 SC), Roxanne Meuse (Ward 2
SC), Chris Haessly (Ward 3 SC), FaRied Munarsyah (Ward 5 SC), Lena Greenberg (Ward 5 SC),
Jason Van Driesche (Ward 5 SC), Ryan Nick (Ward 8), Christopher-Aaron Felker (Ward 3), Jake
(Ward 1), Charlie Giannoni (Ward 3), Melo Grant (City Councilor, Central District), Sarah
Carpenter (City Councilor, Ward 4), Mark Barlow (City Councilor, North District)
Present on Zoom (7): Samantha Ayotte (Ward 1 SC), Jessica Hyman (Ward 2 SC), Anita Rapone
(Ward 6 SC), Nancy Harkins (Ward 6 SC), Ute R (Ward 6 SC), Colin Larsen (Wards 4/7), KP


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Meeting Called to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Rachel Jolly (CEDO Assistant Director, CJC) who welcomed
participants and initiated introductions. Attendees provided their ward, names, and pronouns.
Rachel then introduced meeting guidelines and shared the screen for online participants.

Relationship Building Exercise:

Becky Penberthy (Adult Restorative and Volunteer Manager, CJC) facilitated a relationship-
building exercise where participants shared three words describing themselves.

Agenda Discussion:

The agenda was discussed, clarifying the introduction of the Ward 5 Resolution and adding a
discussion on all ward matters. Brian Pine (Director of CEDO) introduced and discussed the city
resolution, initiated by Councilor Ben Traverse of Ward 5, and sponsored by all councilors with
unanimous approval. The resolution outlined the intent to reestablish a basic code of conduct
for NPAs.

Open Meeting Law and Resolution Clarifications:

Questions were raised regarding open meeting laws and steering committee meetings. Jared
clarified that meeting planning is not required in an open session. Chris (Ward 3 SC) inquired
about the types of meetings subject to public meeting laws, and Jared explained NPAs, as
creations of the city council, are subject to open meeting requirements. Discussions ensued
about the relationship between the city and NPAs, including the creation of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) and clarifying conflict of interest clauses.

Resolution Intent and Timeline:

Jonathan (Ward 1 SC) expressed concerns about the relationship between the city and NPAs,
urging clarification. Lena (Ward 5 SC) questioned how the resolution would enhance NPA
openness and inclusivity. Carol (Ward 1 SC) highlighted time constraints for NPA bylaw updates,
and Jared discussed efforts to support these changes by January 31st.

Grievance Processes and Equity:

Kim Carson (Director of REIB) discussed researching grievance processes and emphasized the
need to understand each NPA's bylaws. Jake (wards 4/7) suggested focusing on celebrating
diversity. GOP Leader sought clarification on hate speech, and the discussion emphasized
creating equitable grievance processes.

Implementation and Communication:

Questions arose about implementing changes and a communication plan. Brian Pine (Director
of CEDO) suggested NPA committees work on a new resolution, and Jason (Ward 5 SC)
expressed the need for collaboration in the relationship between NPAs and the city.

Ward 5 Resolution Follow-up:

Ward 5 members shared their resolution's intention and discussed the process of building it
into their bylaws. A committee was formed to work on a new resolution for city council
consideration.

Orientation and Training:

Fosca (NPA Public Engagement Specialist, CEDO) presented options for training and orientation,
seeking input from participants. Ideas included community outreach, defining relationships
with the city, and creating guiding principles.
Action Steps:

The meeting concluded with identified action steps:



 • Return to All Wards Meeting in the near future.

 • Define the relationship between NPA and the City of Burlington.

 • Form an NPA bylaws and resolution committee.

 • Establish a communication group.

 • Align nondiscrimination policies with the City of Burlington.

 • CEDO to call Wards 4/7 and Ward 8 NPA meetings.

 • Develop a grievance and data collection process.

 • Encourage new registered voters to join NPAs.

 • Host a mayoral debate.

 • Utilize the All Wards Steering Committee Google Group for communication.

 • Explore the possibility of hosting community events.


Meeting Adjourned:

The meeting was adjourned, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, communication, and
community engagement.