City Council - Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-04-21
Time: 17:30

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 3.1. February 2026
  Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 3. Adopt Minutes
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. TCV Updates

7. Missisquoi Gift
  Subject 7.1. Authorization to Accept a Work of Public Art from the Abenaki Nation of
 Missisquoi Tribal Council Memo
  Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 7. Missisquoi Gift

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. REIB Updates

9. Adjournment
 Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 9. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended 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 April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 3.1. February 2026
  Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 3. Adopt Minutes
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. TCV Updates

7. Missisquoi Gift
  Subject 7.1. Authorization to Accept a Work of Public Art from the Abenaki Nation of
 Missisquoi Tribal Council Memo
  Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)




 Page 1 of 17
 Category 7. Missisquoi Gift

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. REIB Updates

9. Adjournment
 Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 9. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended 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 April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type




 Page 2 of 17
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. January 2026
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. Follow Up About Twincraft and Hiring

7. ICE Resolution

8. TCV Updates

9. Town Meeting Day Education Updates


 Page 3 of 17
10. Adjournment
 Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 10. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Subject 11.1. 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 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type




Minutes taken by Vicky Luciano

Attendees:

Kelli Perkins, Director (in person)

Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)

Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager (in person)

Councilor Melo Grant (in person)

Fabiola Myomna (in person)

Jaime Contois (in person)

Coucilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh (Virtual)

Mona Tolba (virtual)

Jess Hyman (virtual)



 Page 4 of 17
Maryan Maalin (virtual)

Cristine Hughes (virtual)

Tiffanie Katsuva (virtual)

Loan Nguyen (virtual)

Ferene Paris (virtual)

Hemant Ghising (virtual)

Amer Ahmed (virtual)

Monica Allard (virtual)



 • Call To Order
 o Meeting was called to order at 5:38 pm.
 • Adopt Agenda
 o Councilor Singh moved to adopt the agenda. Councilor Grant seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
 • Adopt Minutes
 o Councilor Singh moved to adopt the minutes. Councilor Grant seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
 • Public Forum
 o No one had a comment for Public Forum
 • Councilor Updates
 o Councilor Grant informed everyone of Director Perkins’s idea to make one of the REIB City Council
 Subcommittee meetings a BIPOC Stakeholders meeting to maximize the number of people who can
 participate and ensure the REIB is involved.
 o Director Perkins added the meeting will be off site and it will still be the Mayor’s meeting and she is
 supportive of this idea and will be present. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17th.
 ▪ The people who have been on the BIPOC Stakeholders meeting will receive an updated meeting
 invite.
 o Councilor Singh updated everyone on his discussion with the school district. He said each school has
 been encouraged to create their own parent phone tree, so kids can be picked up from school and taken
 home without using public transportation. Phone tree participants are chosen on a peer-to-peer basis.
 • Follow up about Twincraft and Hiring
 o Christian Berry informed everyone that the information that was shared in the last meeting about
 Twincraft was incorrect. The information that was shared with her was a misunderstanding and
 misinformation. Christian and Michelle will work together to make it clear for everyone in the
 community.
 • ICE Resolution
 o Jaime Contois volunteered to be a person to support community safety in preparation of an escalation
 of ICE.
 ▪ Councilor Singh offered to speak with Jaime after the meeting
 o Director Perkins shared Katie Greene is working with AALV and other community organizations to
 support the immigrant, refugee, elderly and other communities who may need help getting to vote.
 Information will be coming out soon probably within the next week or so.
 o Councilor Grant shared City Council has received a draft of a resolution to be presented by the
 Burlington City Council to be clear about how the residents of Burlington will be supported. She asked
 people to look at the resolution and give feedback to have a finalized version by Tuesday’s City Council
 meeting and went line by line through the resolution.


 Page 5 of 17
 o Jamie Contois asked if there was any legal jurisdiction Burlington has in protecting residents from
 masked people taking them. Councilor Grant said what BPD officers do and don not wear is defined in a
 strict way due to protocol. If the criteria aren’t met it, is not BPD.
 o Monica Allard added the ACLU of VT has been in communication with some other affiliates who have
 been working with their local cities and towns in other states like Minnesota to develop some policies
 that could be helpful in responding and offered to put the City of Burlington in contact with them.
 o Jaime Contois asked what the State of Vermont might be doing with regards to people having to be
 clearly identifiable, before being allowed to take people in Vermont and if the ACLU is working with
 anyone on the state level.
 ▪ Monica Allard said there is a bill in the State House around masking and it is currently moving
 through the state legislature along with a number of other immigration-related bills (H742 and
 H745).
 o Jamie Contois asked for a clear way on how to talk to audiences who believe in the mission of ICE but
 don’t want them doing bad things. Monica Allard suggested connecting with their action team and
 visiting their website.
• TCV Update
 o Maryan Maalin updated everyone on a Somali man who was detained by ICE. The man was released but
 they took his documentation. He is working with a lawyer to find some options.
• Town Meeting Day Education Updates
 o Councilor Grant informed everyone there have been some great turnouts at some of the NPAs and they
 are almost done.
 o Director Perkins told everyone what has been happening leading up to Town Meeting Day and the plan
 for the future. Katie Greene told everyone the Vermont Language Justice Project has finished translating
 videos for education for Town meeting. She directed everyone to the newsletter, social media, and the
 elections website for education on the charter change.
• Adjournment
 o Councilor Singh motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Grant seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously. The meeting ended at 6:44 pm.




 Page 6 of 17
 BURLINGTON CITY ARTS
 MEMORANDUM
TO: City of Burlington, City Council

FROM: Doreen Kraft, Director, Burlington City Arts

CC: Kelli Perkins, Director, Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
 Sophie Sauvé, Parks Planning Division Director, Burlington Parks
 Recreation and Waterfront
 Colin Storrs, Public Art and Grants Program Manager, Burlington City
 Arts

DATE: 2/17/26

SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept a Work of Public Art from the Abenaki Nation of
 Missisquoi Tribal Council.


REQUEST

Burlington City Arts (BCA) requests City Council authorization to accept the donation of
a work of Public Art from the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi Tribal Council, and for the
Director of BCA, their assignee, or their successor to execute all documents necessary to
accept the gift, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office and Chief
Administrative Officer.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background:

In 1984, Peter Wolf Toth approached the City of Burlington and proposed to complete a
sculpture as part of his Whispering Giant series, where he carved Indigenous figures in
each of the 50 states to honor oppressed peoples. Having fled the Soviet occupation of
Hungary, he identified with their struggles. In 1987, he completed what would later be
known as Chief Greylock in Battery Park. The work was named and embraced by the
Abenaki community but was neither created by nor representative of the Indigenous people
of Vermont.

After 40 years of exposure to the elements, the sculpture had sustained significant
degradation. In 2019, the 6–8-foot-tall feather atop the statue was deemed a hazard and fell
after being fenced off for public safety. In the fall of 2024, Burlington City Arts (BCA)
commissioned Tree Works to conduct a condition assessment, which concluded that the
entire sculpture was a public safety risk and recommended removal. Subsequently, and in



 1


 Page 7 of 17
accordance with the Art in Public Places Policy, BCA consulted the City Attorney’s Office
to confirm appropriate next steps.

Prior to the City informing Chief Brenda Gagne of the need to remove the existing Chief
Greylock sculpture, the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi—using funds allocated under City
Council Resolution 6.01 (formerly 6.05), adopted on March 21, 2022—had
commissioned artist Brandon Wilson of Mountainside Sculpture & Design (Jay, VT) to
create a large-scale public artwork. At the time of commissioning, a permanent
installation site for the work had not yet been secured.

While several potential locations had been explored with community partners, the
planned removal of the existing sculpture created an opportunity for the Abenaki Nation
of Missisquoi to propose donating the commissioned work to the City as a replacement
on the existing foundation. In response, Burlington City Arts initiated the Public Art Gift
process in accordance with the City’s Art in Public Places Policy, ensuring that City
Council would serve as the final decision-making body regarding acceptance of the
donated work.

As part of the public art donation process, BPRW Director at the time, Cindi Wight
expressed her approval for the project from the perspective that the donation would align
with the Battery Park’s function and plan. As it was to be a replacement of an existing work
of art, it met the BPRW Department’s criteria for acceptance.

The Public Art Committee, a subcommittee of the BCA Board of Advisors, reviewed the
work and made a motion to recommend the acceptance of the gift to the BCA Board of
Advisors during their March 13, 2025 public meeting. The committee was provided with
contextual information regarding the City’s Art in Public Places Policy and City Council
Resolution 6.01 and were advised that their role was not to determine City policy
direction, but rather to evaluate the proposal within the existing Art in Public Places
policy framework.

A preliminary assessment by an accredited engineer indicates that the existing foundation
appears to be capable of safely supporting a new sculpture, pending further evaluation. If
acceptance is provided, an engineer will be commissioned to finalize any adjustments
necessary to accommodate the installation of the new work.


Project Funding:

The total project budget is $25,000 for the foundation evaluation, materials required, and
support of the necessary construction work. All City related costs will be covered by the
Public Art Commissioning Fund (807-27-700.9500_100-Capital Outlay Construction).

The value of the donated work is $20,000, which is the commission fee paid to the artist.




 2


 Page 8 of 17
The City’s estimating a maximum project budget of $25,000 to support project-related
costs associated with the acceptance and installation of the donated artwork. This
maximum authorization accounts for potential contingencies should an engineering review
identify hidden deficiencies or structural failures in the existing foundation that require
substantial reconstruction.

Maintenance

The work will be incorporated into the City’s Art in Public Places program and
maintained using funds from the 1% for Public Art fund. The City will include in their
donation agreement, a clause that allows for an accelerated deaccession process—to
reflect the realities of displaying a wooden sculpture in an outdoor environment. While
the work is expected to remain in place for an extended period of time, this adjustment
ensures a more responsive long-term maintenance strategy and more efficient removal
and replacement process if the condition warrants it.

Department Contact:

If you have any questions, please contact Colin Storrs at cstorrs@burlingtoncityarts.org
or (802) 540-8376.

ATTACHMENT
  A. Gift Summary
  B. Public Art Committee Recommendation to Approve and Accept Gift Date March
 13 2025
  C. BCA Board of Advisors Recommendation to Approve and Accept Gift Date
 March 18 2025

MOTION

Burlington City Arts (BCA) respectfully requests City Council approve the following
motion:

"To approve and authorize the Director of BCA to accept a public art donation as
described in Attachment A, with a total value of $20,000 from the Missisquoi Abenaki
Nation; to facilitate site preparation up to a maximum amount of $25,000; and to execute
all necessary documents upon final review and approval by the City Attorney’s Office."




 3


 Page 9 of 17
Abenaki Public Art Donation: Gift Summery
TO: City of Burlington, City Council

FROM: Doreen Kraft, Director, Burlington City Arts
CC: Kelli Perkins, Director, Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
 Sophie Sauvé, Parks Planning Division Director, Burlington Parks Recreation
 and Waterfront
 Colin Storrs, Public Art and Grants Program Manager, Burlington City Arts
DATE: 2/17/26
SUBJECT: Donation Summery of a Public Art Gift from the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi
 Tribal Council to The City of Burlington

Summary:

In 1894, Peter Wolf Toth approached the City of Burlington and proposed to complete a
sculpture as part of his Whispering Giant series, where he carved Indigenous figures in each of
the 50 states to honor oppressed peoples. Having fled the Soviet occupation of Hungary, he
identified with their struggles. In 1987, he completed what would later be known as Chief
Greylock in Battery Park. The work was named and embraced by the Abenaki community but
was neither created by nor representative of the Indigenous people of Vermont.

After 40 years of exposure to the elements, the sculpture has sustained significant degradation. In
2019, the 6–8-foot-tall feather atop the statue was deemed a hazard and fell after being fenced
off for public safety. In the fall of 2024, Burlington City Arts (BCA) commissioned Tree Works
to conduct a condition assessment, which concluded that the entire sculpture was a public safety
risk and recommended removal.

Recognizing the cultural significance and high visibility of the site, the Abenaki Nation of
Missisquoi request that the City consider accepting and installing a work of public art with a
comparable visual presence in this prominent public space. The Nation had previously
commissioned artist Brandon Wilson of Mountainside Sculpture & Design (Jay, VT) to create a
public artwork, though no permanent installation site had been finalized at the time.

After exploring various potential locations with community partners, and following discussions
between the City, Council representatives, and Chief Brenda Gagne regarding the removal of
Chief Greylock, the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi propose donating the commissioned work for
installation on the existing foundation in Battery Park. Burlington City Arts subsequently
initiated the Public Art Gift process in accordance with the City’s Art in Public Places Policy.

Gift Value:

The value of the artwork is $20,000, which includes all payments made to the artist for
fabrication and delivery. Installation and any necessary foundation updates will be the City's



 Attachment A: Gift Summary
 Page 10 of 17
responsibility. The City will use 807 Public Art Funds for foundation requirements and
installation costs associated with the project, if available the project may also utilize funds
allocated by BPRW for Battery Park renovations.

Material:

The artist has provided in-progress images of the work (attached at the end of this document).
The final piece will feature a lower section that includes a wildlife totem on one side, an Abenaki
figure on the other, and a top section that is an eagle carving. The lower section will stand 11 feet
above the foundation, with a too-be-attached eagle sculpture increasing the total height to 16 ½
feet. The sculpture is made of Red Oak with carved and painted sections.

Site Plan:

The project will utilize the existing foundation from Chief Greylock with necessary
modifications. The location is in the northern section of Battery Park, intentionally positioned so
that viewers at the base of the sculpture can look through the bandstand toward Odzihozo, a rock
formation of significant importance to the Abenaki community.

City Department Support:

Cindi Wight, former Director of BPRW, has supplied letters of support.

Construction Documents:

Construction documents will be prepared following City Council Acceptance. A preliminary
assessment by an accredited engineer indicates that the existing foundation appears to be capable
of safely supporting a new sculpture, pending further evaluation.

An engineer will assess the optimal modification needed to the existing foundation and the base
of the donated work to safety and securing accommodate the new piece. The new artwork is
intended to be secured to the foundation with the existing metal rod support system (similar to
the original installation) with final details determined after the engineering assessment.

If acceptance is provided, an engineer will be commissioned to finalize any adjustments
necessary to accommodate the installation of the new work.

Recommended Maintenance Plan:

The work will be incorporated into the City’s Art in Public Places program and maintained using
funds from the 1% for Public Art fund. The City will include in their donation agreement, a
clause that allows for an accelerated deaccession process to reflect the realities of displaying a
wooden sculpture in an outdoor environment. While the work is expected to remain in place for
an extended period of time, this adjustment ensures a more responsive long-term maintenance
strategy and more efficient removal and replacement process if the condition warrants it.




 Attachment A: Gift Summary
 Page 11 of 17
Red Oak is one of the more stable woods for outdoor sculpture. However, to ensure longevity,
the artist recommends power washing the sculpture and applying log-based oil (Cabot Timber
Oil – Natural) generously with a paint sprayer every two years. The estimated cost for this
maintenance, if performed by an external vendor, is $2,000–$3,000 every two years. This
expense will be budgeted into the Public Art Maintenance Fund.

Attachments:

 • Images of the proposed sculpture
 • Site plan of Battery Park
 • Statement of support from BPRW




 Attachment A: Gift Summary
 Page 12 of 17
Image #1: Side 1 Image #2: Side 2




 Image #3: Cap piece




 Attachment A: Gift Summary
 Page 13 of 17
Image #4: Location




Image #5: Map




 Attachment A: Gift Summary
 Page 14 of 17
March 10, 2025



To whom it may concern:

Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront (BPRW) supports the addition of murals on the home and
visitor dugouts at the Calahan Park Little League field, ensuring the art represents the diversity of users
participating in baseball now and in the future.

In addition, BPRW supports the replacement of Chief Greylock at Battery Park as proposed.

Sincerely,



Cindi Wight
BPRW Director




 Attachment A: Gift Summary

 Page 15 of 17
To: Burlington City Arts - Doreen Kraft, Executive Director
From: Burlington City Arts - Public Art Committee
Date: 3.13.25
Re: Artwork Gift - Recommendation to Approve and Accept

Dear Doreen:

Reference is hereby made to the City of Burlington Art in Public Places Guidelines and Policies (the
“Guidelines”). Capitalized terms used herein, but otherwise undefined, shall have the meanings ascribed
to them in the Guidelines.

On March 13 2025, the Public Art Committee of the BCA Board of Advisors (the “Committee”) met to
discuss, among other things, the proposed gift of Artwork to replace the current Chief Greylock work in
Battery Park described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Gift”). Based on the information presented to
the Committee, the Committee agreed that the Gift meets the criteria for Selecting Artists and Artwork
as outlined in Section V of the Guidelines. Accordingly, the Committee voted to recommend the approval
and acceptance of the Gift pursuant to Section VI.B.2 of the Guidelines.

As always, thank you for your advancement of BCA’s mission and public art planning and projects – your
leadership and efforts are very much appreciated!

Sincerely,

Burlington City Arts Board of Advisors



Livia DeMarchis, Public Art Committee




 Attachment B: Public Art Committee Recommendation to Approve and Accept Gift Date March 13 2025

 Page 16 of 17
To: Doreen Kraft, Executive Director
From: Burlington City Arts Board of Advisors
Date: March 18, 2025
Re: Gift Acceptance – Public Art Gift to the City by the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi

Dear Doreen:

Reference is hereby made to the City of Burlington Art in Public Places Guidelines and Policies (the
“Guidelines”). Capitalized terms used herein, but otherwise undefined, shall have the meanings ascribed
to them in the Guidelines.

Pursuant to Sections VI.B.2 and VI.B.3 of the Guidelines, the BCA Board of Advisors (the “Board”) hereby
certifies its approval of the Acceptance of the Public Art Gift to the City by the Abenaki Nation
of Missisquoi (the “Gift”). The Board’s decision to approve the Gift is based on the City’s commitment
to encourage equitable and empowering partnerships with leadership and citizens of the Vermont
Abenaki Community and ensuring their continued representation in the City’s Public Art program is
important. The Board also as reviewed considerations, including, among other things, its inherent
artistic quality, its planned design and materials, its durability and ability to be maintained, its
accessibility by the public, and its environmental impact and believes it that the proposed Gift fulfills
the goals of the Art in Public Places Program. Finally, having considered the recommendations of the
Public Art Administrator and the Public Art Committee, the Board has concluded that the Gift is
fitting and appropriate to the Project’s function and location.

In light of the above, the Board believes it to be in the best interests of the City and the Art in Public
Places Program to initiate a gift agreement with the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi for the proposed gift
in accordance with Sections VI.B.2 and VI.B.3 of the Guidelines.

Sincerely,

 Lori Rowe

Burlington City Arts Board of Advisors




 Attachment C: BCA Board of Advisors Recommendation to Approve and Accept Gift Date March 18 2025

 Page 17 of 17

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

 Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor City Hall
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
  Subject 3.1. February 2026
  Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 3. Adopt Minutes
  Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


  Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. TCV Updates

7. Missisquoi Gift
  Subject 7.1. Authorization to Accept a Work of Public Art from the Abenaki Nation of
 Missisquoi Tribal Council Memo
  Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 7. Missisquoi Gift

 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

 Recommended Action

8. REIB Updates

9. Adjournment
 Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 9. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended 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 April 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 5:30
 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type




Minutes Taken by Vicky Luciano
Attendees:

Kelli Perkins, Director (in person)

Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)

Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager (in person)

Councilor Sarah Carpenter (in person)

Brian Wiggins (in person)

Robert Richard (in person)

Sophie Sauvé (in person)

Richard Menard (in person)

Chol Dhoor (in person)

David Massell (in person)

Troy Headrick (in person)

Denise L. Watso (in person)

Max Curry (in person)

Mira Fakiranando (in person)

Laura Massell (in person)

Councilor Laura Sanchez-Parkinson (virtual)

Councilor Melo Grant (virtual)

Daniel G. Nolett (virtual)

Rev. Mark Hughes (virtual)

Mona Tolba (virtual)

Liz Curry (virtual)



 • Call To Order
 o Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm.
 • Adopt Agenda
 o Councilor Grant motioned to adopt the agenda. Councilor Carpenter seconded. The motion passed
 unanimously.
 • Adopt Minutes
 o Councilor Grant motioned to adopt the minutes. Noting this is a new iteration of the committee.
 Councilor Carpenter seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
 • Public Forum
 o Sophie Sauvé announced an upcoming open house for planBTV 2050, a coordinated planning effort
 involving Parks, CEDO, City Planning, and the Transportation Division of DPW.
 o  The municipal plan is due for revision; the parks plan has not been revised since 2015; the
 transportation plan dates to 2011; there has been no economic development plan.
 o The open house will be on Thursday, April 30, 3:30-8:00 PM at Main Street Landing. Food, activities, and
 consultant engagement will be available to the public.
 ▪ Sophie Sauvé asked for support with outreach
 o Reverend Mark Hughes extended a welcome to new Chair Sanchez-Parkinson and expressed
 appreciation for Director Kelly and the REIB staff.
• Councilor Updates
 o Councilor Grant reported on the ongoing review of the 2020 City Council Resolution, tracking items
 completed and items still outstanding. She noted the recent charter update vote to include the REIB
 Department in the city charter as an example of completed work. Raised concern that certain
 obligations from the 2020 resolution have lapsed. Refer to the video
 o Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson thanked Councilor Grant for her leadership as Chair for the Public Safety
 Committee and the REIB Committee and for her mentorship. She expressed she would be interested in
 bridging some of the conversations that happen in the Public Safety Committee in the REIB Committee.
 She updated everyone on what has been happening with the South Burlington Immigration raid. Refer
 to the video.
 o Councilor Carpenter shared there has been some side work happening to bring back the Aging Council
 and will bring information back to the REIB Committee when the time comes.
• TCV Updates
 o Christian Berry informed everyone none of the TCVs were able to come to the meeting but they are
 working on disseminating the planBTV 2050 information to their communities.
• Missisquoi Gift
 o Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson informed everyone the matter of the Missisquoi Gift was referred to the
 REIB City Council Committee by City Council for further consideration. The Committee was tasked with
 making a recommendation to City Council on whether to proceed with accepting the gift commissioned
 by the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi. Refer to the video.
 o Brian Wiggins shared a letter from Chief Brenda Gagne of the Missisquoi Nation. The letter requested
 the totem be installed at Battery Park; if not, asked that the sculpture be returned to the tribe. Refer to
 the video.
 o Bob Rickard noted the tribe has received repeated state recognition, with near-unanimous support from
 Vermont legislators. He clarified the sculpture is not a “gift” in the traditional sense. Burlington funded
 the project via a grant and awarded those funds to Missisquoi for educational purposes.
 ▪ Christian Berry clarified BCA did not commission the piece. The $50,000 was gifted to the
 Missisquoi Nation via the 2022 resolution; the Nation commissioned the sculpture
 independently. Parks and REIB’s role was to identify a placement location. The original Greylock
 statue had been removed for safety reasons.
 o Richard Mernard informed everyone he has been storing the sculpture at his property since last July and
 urged a decision be made. Refer to the video.
 o Troy Headrick framed his concern as procedural, not personal. He stated his role is to amplify voices that
 have been excluded. He argued that the Vermont state recognition process for Abenaki groups was
 procedurally and inconsistent with UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Refer to the
 video.
 o David Massell helped organize three public forums on Indigenous history and identity at UVM since
 2022, which prompted press investigations on this issue. Stated that based on research the leadership
 and Vermont’s recognized Abenaki groups have no traceable Abenaki ancestry. Refer to the video
 o Denise Watso spoke on behalf of the Odanak First Nation and its elected Band Council. She argued the
 Missisquoi Nation does not represent actual Abenaki people, citing the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs
 denial of their application. She called the current statue offensive and stereotypical; she urged the
 Council to reject the gift and begin engagement with legitimate Abenaki representatives. Refer to the
 video.
 o Max Curry expressed his concern about the educational message the statue would send in Burlington’s
 high-traffic, university-dense public spaces. He noted that descendants of Chief Greylock have said the
 statue does not represent who he was and urged the Council to listen to those voices.
 o Laura Massell cautioned the Council against rushing to a decision due to “momentum” from the existing
 recognition process and suggested more time for evaluation with new information.
 o Mira Fakiranando questioned the motivation of the Odanak’s opposition. Refer to the video.
 o Daniel G. Nolett stated that as the Nolett family (Waba Nolett/ direct Greylock descendants), Odanak
 would be glad to collaborate with the City of Burlington to honor Greylock’s memory. He asked the
 Council to decline the gift and return the sculpture to Missisquoi. He framed a collaboration with
 Odanak as a meaningful act of truth and reconciliation.
 o Liz Curry argued the City should not attempt to adjudicate the dispute, and should instead view the
 statue as an educational tool that can spark community dialogue, including about the current
 contestation. Liz Curry suggested accepting the gift need not be read as legitimizing any one side of the
 dispute. Refer to the video.
 o Councilor Grant and Councilor Capenter voted to recommend to proceed with acceptance to City
 Council. Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson opposed. The motion passed. Refer to the video.
• REIB Updates
 o Director Perkins noted no updates requiring extended discussion and invited ongoing email updates
 from community members and REIB staff.
• Adjournment
 o Councilor Sanchez-Parkinson moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Carpenter seconded. The
 meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm.