Police Commission — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-05-12
Time: 17:00

Police Commission

 Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:00 PM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room

Topic: Police Commission Special Meeting 05.12.2026

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
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Webinar ID: 843 3116 1894
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdQOBaE0Vm
1. Agenda
  1.1. Call to Order
  1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
  1.3. Additions or Modifications to Agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
  2.1. Motion to adopt previous meeting's minutes

3. Public Comment (Time Limited: 10 Minutes)
  3.1. The public is invited to address the Commission
4. Motion to Approve Bylaws as Written
  4.1. Bylaws motion

5. Proposed Executive Session
  5.1. Proposed Executive Session – Personnel Discussion, March 11th Mutual Aid Response

6. Announcement of Next Meeting Date - 05/26/2026

7. Adjournment
  7.1. Motion to Adjourn

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 8.1. 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 May 12, 2026 - Special Meeting Police Commission - Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:00 PM,
 Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room
  Category 8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

Police Commission

 Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:00 PM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room

Topic: Police Commission Special Meeting 05.12.2026

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84331161894

Phone one-tap:
+13017158592,,84331161894# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,84331161894# US

Join via audio:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
Webinar ID: 843 3116 1894
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdQOBaE0Vm
1. Agenda
  1.1. Call to Order
  1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
  1.3. Additions or Modifications to Agenda

2. Adopt Minutes
  2.1. Motion to adopt previous meeting's minutes

3. Public Comment (Time Limited: 10 Minutes)
  3.1. The public is invited to address the Commission




 Page 1 of 17
4. Motion to Approve Bylaws as Written
  4.1. Bylaws motion

5. Proposed Executive Session
  5.1. Proposed Executive Session – Personnel Discussion, March 11th Mutual Aid Response

6. Announcement of Next Meeting Date - 05/26/2026

7. Adjournment
  7.1. Motion to Adjourn

8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 8.1. 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 May 12, 2026 - Special Meeting Police Commission - Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:00 PM,
 Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room
  Category 8. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 2 of 17
 City of Burlington, Vermont
 Board of Police Commissioners
 Bylaws
Preamble and Authority


1. Who We Are and Where Our Authority Comes From
The Burlington Board of Police Commissioners (the “Commission” or “BPC”) was created by
the Burlington City Charter (24 App. V.S.A. ch. 3, §§ 120, 126, 183, and 184). The Commission
also operates under authority given by the City Council through city ordinances, resolutions,
union contracts, and police department rules.

These bylaws set out how the Commission runs its internal business. All Commission actions
must stay within the authority that the law and the City Council have given us.


2. Guiding Principles
In carrying out their duties, Commissioners shall:

2.1 Treat fellow Commissioners, city staff, police department staff, and members of the public
 with respect and good faith;
2.2 Come to meetings prepared, having reviewed materials ahead of time, and be mindful of time
 and consideration for others;
2.3 Follow Vermont’s Open Meeting Law (1 V.S.A. §§ 310–314) and Public Records Act (1
 V.S.A. §§ 315–320);
2.4 Act fairly and without bias, especially when deciding appeals or complaints;
2.5 When speaking publicly, clearly distinguish between a personal opinion and the official
 position of the Commission; and
2.6 Give fair consideration to the interests of all people and groups affected by Commission
 decisions.


Purpose and Goals


3. What the Commission Does
The Commission’s job is to carry out the police oversight, policy review, disciplinary appeals,
and community accountability responsibilities that the City Council and the law have given it.


4. Commission Goals




 Page 3 of 17
The Commission’s goals are to:

4.1 Promote fairness and equal treatment in public safety;
4.2 Support transparency and accountability in policing; and
4.3 Give the community a structured way to provide feedback and oversight, and to help build
 trust between the Burlington Police Department (“BPD”) and the public.


Powers and Responsibilities


5. What the Commission Is Authorized to Do
Under the Burlington City Charter and City Council policy, the Commission has the following
duties and powers:

5.1 Provide civilian oversight and help manage the Burlington Police Department as directed by
 state law, city ordinances, and the City Council;
5.2 Conduct audits, reviews, and evaluations of police department policies, directives, or data on
 discipline, racial disparities, or other Commission priorities;
5.3 Review complaints from the public against BPD employees and review how the Police Chief
 responds to those complaints;
5.4 Hear appeals from police officers or employees who believe the Police Chief unfairly fired,
 suspended, or demoted them. The Commission in a timely manner may uphold, change, or
 reverse the Chief’s decision;
5.5 Approve the Chief’s appointment of temporary or special police officers for up to one year;
 and
5.6 Oversee animal control policy as required by city ordinance.


Officers of the Commission


6. Leadership Structure: Co-Chairs or Chair and Vice-Chair
6.1 At the July organizational meeting each year, the Commission shall choose its leadership
 structure by majority vote and elect officers. The Commission may choose either: (a) two
 Co-Chairs, who will share the duties of the presiding officer by mutual agreement; or (b) a
 Chair and a Vice-Chair. The choice of structure and the election of officers happen at the
 same time and apply for that year.
6.2 Any Commissioner may nominate someone, including themselves.
6.3 Officers serve for one year, or until new officers are elected.
6.4 If one Co-Chair steps down, the remaining Co-Chair takes on all duties until the Commission
 elects a replacement. If both Co-Chairs (or the Chair) step down or are unavailable, the




 Page 4 of 17
 longest-serving Commissioner present takes over as acting chair until the Commission elects
 someone new.


7. Duties of the Chair (or Co-Chairs)
The Chair, or Co-Chairs sharing duties by mutual agreement, shall:

7.1 Run all Commission meetings and make rulings on questions of procedure;
7.2 Run meetings efficiently and respectfully, making sure all Commissioners have a chance to
 be heard;
7.3 Set and publish meeting agendas with input from all Commissioners, including regular items
 like the Police Chief’s report, policy updates, use-of-force reports, and commendations;
7.4 Make sure meetings are properly announced and run in line with Vermont’s Open Meeting
 Law;
7.5 Speak on behalf of the Commission on official actions, policy recommendations, and public
 matters, while clearly noting any personal views and acknowledging different perspectives;
7.6 Write the Commission’s Annual Report, share a draft with all Commissioners for review and
 input, and get each Commissioner’s signature before submitting it to the City Council;
7.7 Make sure meeting minutes are accurately prepared and posted publicly;
7.8 Make sure closed (executive) sessions are held only for lawful purposes under 1 V.S.A. §
 313, and that only properly noticed topics are discussed; and
7.9 Make sure no major policy recommendation, complaint decision, or communication to the
 Mayor or City Council goes out without approval from a majority of the Commission with
 notation of Commissioner votes.



8. Duties of the Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair shall:

8.1 Fill in for the Chair whenever the Chair is absent, has a conflict of interest, or is otherwise
 unavailable;
8.2 Help the Chair with administrative and procedural tasks as needed; and
8.3 Take over as acting Chair if the Chair steps down, until the Commission elects a new Chair.


Meetings


9. Regular and Special Meetings
9.1 Regular meetings shall be held in a publicly accessible location with proper public notice
 under Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.




 Page 5 of 17
9.2 The Chair may cancel a regular meeting when necessary, after consulting with the full
 Commission, and must post public notice on the City and Commission websites.
9.3 The Chair may call special meetings with at least 24 hours’ notice to all Commissioners and
 the public, as long as enough Commissioners can attend to form a quorum.


10. Agendas and How Meetings Are Run
10.1 Commissioners are encouraged to submit agenda items to the Chair at least five calendar
 days before a meeting. Reasonable and relevant requests will be honored.
10.2 Once an agenda is posted, it can only be changed by a two-thirds vote of the
 Commissioners present at the meeting.
10.3 Supporting materials should be sent to Commissioners and the Police Chief (or their
 representative) at least two calendar days before the meeting, when possible.
10.4 Meetings will generally follow Robert’s Rules of Order, unless the Chair decides
 otherwise.


11. Public Participation
11.1 Members of the public are encouraged to attend all public meetings.
11.2 During public comment, each person may speak for up to four minutes. The presiding
 officer may extend this time at their discretion based on the nature or complexity of the
 comments. Time limits may not be applied based on what someone is saying or their point of
 view. The presiding officer may only stop a comment that is patently offensive. If there are
 many speakers, the Commission may shorten individual speaking times by majority vote.
11.3 Dialogue and back-and-forth discussion with members of the public may happen only
 when the Chair or a majority of the Commission approves it.


12. Attendance
Commissioners are strongly encouraged to attend meetings in person. If attending by video
conference, Commissioners should keep their cameras on when possible. Missing more than six
meetings in a calendar year — whether in person or online — may result in the Chair
recommending to the City Council that the Commissioner be removed, after first discussing the
absences with that Commissioner.


Committees


13. Standing and Ad Hoc Committees
13.1 Committee work should be shared among Commissioners.




 Page 6 of 17
13.2 The full Commission will discuss who serves on standing and ad hoc committees.
 Appointments are made on a volunteer basis. The Chair will encourage members to step up,
 including serving on committees themselves.


14. Citizen Complaints Subcommittee
14.1 At least two Commissioners shall serve on the Citizen Complaints Subcommittee. The
 Chair or Vice-Chair may also serve as a member.
14.2 Subcommittee members serve for six-month terms, so that all Commissioners have a
 chance to serve during their time on the Commission.
14.3 Subcommittee members review and post each complaint in the shared drive upon receipt.
 After receipt of the investigation of each complaint by the Burlington Police Department, and
 Determination by the Police Chief, the subcommittee shall review and post the investigatory
 materials and Determination in the same folder as the respective complaint, and notify the
 full Commission that these materials have been received and posted. The subcommittee may
 make a recommendation to the commission with respect to the Police Chief’s Determination,
 which shall also be posted in the same folder as the complaint. Thereafter, the full
 Commission shall follow the procedures as set forth in the Commission Complaint Policy
 and the agreed Burlington Police Department Directive DD40 External and Internal
 Complaints, Supervisor Reviews, Administrative Reviews, Internal Investigations &
 Discipline.
 .


15. Animal Control Committee
Commissioners serve on the Animal Control Committee as required by city ordinance.


Conflicts of Interest


16. Conflicts of Interest
Under City Charter § 133, Commissioners must disclose any real or potential conflict of interest
and step aside from any matter where they have a conflict. Commissioners are encouraged to
contact the City Attorney confidentially if they need guidance on whether a conflict exists.


Changing These Bylaws


17. How to Amend These Bylaws
These bylaws may be changed by a majority vote at a properly noticed public meeting, consistent
with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.




 Page 7 of 17
 City of Burlington, Vermont
 Board of Police Commissioners
 Bylaws
Preamble and Authority


1. Who We Are and Where Our Authority Comes From
The Burlington Board of Police Commissioners (the “Commission” or “BPC”) was created by
the Burlington City Charter (24 App. V.S.A. ch. 3, §§ 120, 126, 183, and 184). The Commission
also operates under authority given by the City Council through city ordinances, resolutions,
union contracts, and police department rules.

These bylaws set out how the Commission runs its internal business. All Commission actions
must stay within the authority that the law and the City Council have given us.


2. Guiding Principles
In carrying out their duties, Commissioners shall:

2.1 Treat fellow Commissioners, city staff, police department staff, and members of the public
 with respect and good faith;
2.2 Come to meetings prepared for open and engaged discussion, having reviewed material
 available in advance, being mindful of their time speaking and always assuming the best in
 one another;
2.3 Follow Vermont’s Open Meeting Law (1 V.S.A. §§ 310–314) and Public Records Act (1
 V.S.A. §§ 315–320);
2.4 Act fairly and without bias, especially when deciding appeals or complaints;
2.5 When speaking publicly, clearly distinguish between a personal opinion and the official
 position of the Commission; and
2.6 Give fair consideration to the interests of all people and groups affected by Commission
 decisions.


Purpose and Goals


3. What the Commission Does
The Commission’s job is to carry out the police oversight, policy review, disciplinary appeals,
and community accountability responsibilities that the City Council and the law have given it;
while preserving the operational authority of the Chief of Police except where otherwise
provided.




 Page 8 of 17
4. Commission Goals
The Commission’s goals are to:

4.1 Promote fairness and equal treatment in public safety;
4.2 Support transparency and accountability in policing; and
4.3 Give the community a structured way to provide feedback and oversight, and to help build
 trust between the Burlington Police Department (“BPD”) and the public.


Powers and Responsibilities


5. What the Commission Is Authorized to Do
Under the Burlington City Charter and City Council policy, the Commission has the following
duties and powers:

5.1 Provide civilian oversight and help manage the Burlington Police Department as directed by
 state law, city ordinances, and the City Council;
5.2 Conduct audits, reviews, and evaluations of police department policies, directives, or data on
 discipline, racial disparities, or other Commission priorities;
5.3 Review complaints from the public against BPD employees and review how the Police Chief
 responds to those complaints;
5.4 Hear appeals from police officers or employees who believe the Police Chief unfairly fired,
 suspended, or demoted them. The Commission in a timely manner may uphold, change, or
 reverse the Chief’s decision;
5.5 Approve the Chief’s appointment of temporary or special police officers for up to one year;
 and
5.6 Oversee animal control policy as required by city ordinance.


Officers of the Commission


6. Leadership Structure: Co-Chairs or Chair and Vice-Chair
6.1 At the July organizational meeting each year, the Commission shall choose its leadership
 structure by majority vote and elect officers. The Commission may choose either: (a) two
 Co-Chairs, who will share the duties of the presiding officer by mutual agreement; or (b) a
 Chair and a Vice-Chair. The choice of structure and the election of officers happen at the
 same time and apply for that year.
6.2 Any Commissioner may nominate someone, including themselves.




 Page 9 of 17
6.3 Officers serve for one year, or until new officers are elected.
6.4 If one Co-Chair steps down, the remaining Co-Chair takes on all duties until the Commission
 elects a replacement. If both Co-Chairs (or the Chair) step down or are unavailable, the
 longest-serving Commissioner present takes over as acting chair until the Commission elects
 someone new.


7. Duties of the Chair (or Co-Chairs)
The Chair, or Co-Chairs sharing duties by mutual agreement, shall:

7.1 Run all Commission meetings and make rulings on questions of procedure;
7.2 Run meetings efficiently and respectfully, making sure all Commissioners have a chance to
 be heard;
7.3 Set and publish meeting agendas with input from all Commissioners, including regular items
 like the Police Chief’s report, policy updates, use-of-force reports, and commendations;
7.4 Make sure meetings are properly announced and run in line with Vermont’s Open Meeting
 Law;
7.5 Speak on behalf of the Commission on official actions, policy recommendations, and public
 matters, while clearly noting any personal views and acknowledging different perspectives;
7.6 Write the Commission’s Annual Report, share a draft with all Commissioners for review and
 input, and get each Commissioner’s signature before submitting it to the City Council;
7.7 Make sure meeting minutes are accurately prepared and posted publicly;
7.8 Make sure closed (executive) sessions are held only for lawful purposes under 1 V.S.A. §
 313, and that only properly noticed topics are discussed; and
7.9 Make sure no major policy recommendation, complaint decision, or communication to the
 Mayor or City Council goes out without approval from a majority of the Commission with
 notation of Commissioner votes.



8. Duties of the Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair shall:

8.1 Fill in for the Chair whenever the Chair is absent, has a conflict of interest, or is otherwise
 unavailable;
8.2 Help the Chair with administrative and procedural tasks as needed; and
8.3 Take over as acting Chair if the Chair steps down, until the Commission elects a new Chair.




 Page 10 of 17
Meetings


9. Regular and Special Meetings
9.1 Regular meetings shall be held in a publicly accessible location with proper public notice
 under Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.
9.2 The Chair may cancel a regular meeting when necessary, after consulting with the full
 Commission, and must post public notice on the City and Commission websites.
9.3 The Chair may call special meetings with at least 24 hours’ notice to all Commissioners and
 the public, as long as enough Commissioners can attend to form a quorum.


10. Agendas and How Meetings Are Run
10.1 Commissioners are encouraged to submit agenda items to the Chair at least five calendar
 days before a meeting. Reasonable and relevant requests will be honored.
10.2 Once an agenda is posted, it can only be changed by a two-thirds vote of the
 Commissioners present at the meeting.
10.3 Supporting materials should be sent to Commissioners and the Police Chief (or their
 representative) at least two calendar days before the meeting, when possible.
10.4 Meetings will generally follow Robert’s Rules of Order, unless the Chair decides
 otherwise.


11. Public Participation
11.1 Members of the public are encouraged to attend all public meetings.
11.2 During public comment, each person may speak for up to four minutes. The presiding
 officer may extend this time at their discretion based on the nature or complexity of the
 comments. Time limits may not be applied based on what someone is saying or their point of
 view. The presiding officer may only stop a comment that is patently offensive. If there are
 many speakers, the Commission may shorten individual speaking times by majority vote.
11.3 Dialogue and back-and-forth discussion with members of the public may happen only
 when the Chair or a majority of the Commission approves it.


12. Attendance
Commissioners are strongly encouraged to attend meetings in person. If attending by video
conference, Commissioners should keep their cameras on when possible. Missing more than six
meetings in a calendar year — whether in person or online — may result in the Chair
recommending to the City Council that the Commissioner be removed, after first discussing the
absences with that Commissioner.




 Page 11 of 17
Committees


13. Standing and Ad Hoc Committees
13.1 Committee work should be shared among Commissioners.
13.2 The full Commission will discuss who serves on standing and ad hoc committees.
 Appointments are made on a volunteer basis. The Chair will encourage members to step up,
 including serving on committees themselves.


14. Citizen Complaints Subcommittee
14.1 At least two Commissioners shall serve on the Citizen Complaints Subcommittee. The
 Chair or Vice-Chair may also serve as a member.
14.2 Subcommittee members serve for six-month terms, so that all Commissioners have a
 chance to serve during their time on the Commission.
14.3 Subcommittee members review all complaints and the Police Chief’s response. The
 subcommittee shall draft a recommendations and brings them to the full Commission. The
 full Commission votes on the recommendation. Commissioners may amend it, vote yes, vote
 no, or abstain. The final written recommendation — including how each Commissioner voted
 — is sent to the Mayor’s office. Any Commissioner may write a separate minority
 recommendation. In the event a majority of the subcommittee cannot agree on an action the
 matter will be elevated to the full Commission to discuss.


15. Animal Control Committee
Commissioners serve on the Animal Control Committee as required by city ordinance.


Conflicts of Interest


16. Conflicts of Interest
Under City Charter § 133, Commissioners must disclose any real or potential conflict of interest
and step aside from any matter where they have a conflict. Commissioners are encouraged to
contact the City Attorney confidentially if they need guidance on whether a conflict exists.


Changing These Bylaws


17. How to Amend These Bylaws
These bylaws may be changed by a majority vote at a properly noticed public meeting, consistent
with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.




 Page 12 of 17
 City of Burlington, Vermont
 Board of Police Commissioners
 Bylaws
Preamble and Authority


1. Who We Are and Where Our Authority Comes From
The Burlington Board of Police Commissioners (the “Commission” or “BPC”) was created by
the Burlington City Charter (24 App. V.S.A. ch. 3, §§ 120, 126, 183, and 184). The Commission
also operates under authority given by the City Council through city ordinances, resolutions,
union contracts, and police department rules.

These bylaws set out how the Commission runs its internal business. All Commission actions
must stay within the authority that the law and the City Council have given us.


2. Guiding Principles
In carrying out their duties, Commissioners shall:

2.1 Treat fellow Commissioners, city staff, police department staff, and members of the public
 with respect and good faith;
2.2 Come to meetings prepared, having reviewed materials ahead of time, and be mindful of time
 and consideration for others;
2.3 Follow Vermont’s Open Meeting Law (1 V.S.A. §§ 310–314) and Public Records Act (1
 V.S.A. §§ 315–320);
2.4 Act fairly and without bias, especially when deciding appeals or complaints;
2.5 When speaking publicly, clearly distinguish between a personal opinion and the official
 position of the Commission; and
2.6 Give fair consideration to the interests of all people and groups affected by Commission
 decisions.


Purpose and Goals


3. What the Commission Does
The Commission’s job is to carry out the police oversight, policy review, disciplinary appeals,
and community accountability responsibilities that the City Council and the law have given it.


4. Commission Goals




 Page 13 of 17
The Commission’s goals are to:

4.1 Promote fairness and equal treatment in public safety;
4.2 Support transparency and accountability in policing; and
4.3 Give the community a structured way to provide feedback and oversight, and to help build
 trust between the Burlington Police Department (“BPD”) and the public.


Powers and Responsibilities


5. What the Commission Is Authorized to Do
Under the Burlington City Charter and City Council policy, the Commission has the following
duties and powers:

5.1 Provide civilian oversight and help manage the Burlington Police Department as directed by
 state law, city ordinances, and the City Council;
5.2 Conduct audits, reviews, and evaluations of police department policies, directives, or data on
 discipline, racial disparities, or other Commission priorities;
5.3 Review complaints from the public against BPD employees and review how the Police Chief
 responds to those complaints;
5.4 Hear appeals from police officers or employees who believe the Police Chief unfairly fired,
 suspended, or demoted them. The Commission in a timely manner may uphold, change, or
 reverse the Chief’s decision;
5.5 Approve the Chief’s appointment of temporary or special police officers for up to one year;
 and
5.6 Oversee animal control policy as required by city ordinance.


Officers of the Commission


6. Leadership Structure: Co-Chairs or Chair and Vice-Chair
6.1 At the July organizational meeting each year, the Commission shall choose its leadership
 structure by majority vote and elect officers. The Commission may choose either: (a) two
 Co-Chairs, who will share the duties of the presiding officer by mutual agreement; or (b) a
 Chair and a Vice-Chair. The choice of structure and the election of officers happen at the
 same time and apply for that year.
6.2 Any Commissioner may nominate someone, including themselves.
6.3 Officers serve for one year, or until new officers are elected.
6.4 If one Co-Chair steps down, the remaining Co-Chair takes on all duties until the Commission
 elects a replacement. If both Co-Chairs (or the Chair) step down or are unavailable, the




 Page 14 of 17
 longest-serving Commissioner present takes over as acting chair until the Commission elects
 someone new.


7. Duties of the Chair (or Co-Chairs)
The Chair, or Co-Chairs sharing duties by mutual agreement, shall:

7.1 Run all Commission meetings and make rulings on questions of procedure;
7.2 Run meetings efficiently and respectfully, making sure all Commissioners have a chance to
 be heard;
7.3 Set and publish meeting agendas with input from all Commissioners, including regular items
 like the Police Chief’s report, policy updates, use-of-force reports, and commendations;
7.4 Make sure meetings are properly announced and run in line with Vermont’s Open Meeting
 Law;
7.5 Speak on behalf of the Commission on official actions, policy recommendations, and public
 matters, while clearly noting any personal views and acknowledging different perspectives;
7.6 Write the Commission’s Annual Report, share a draft with all Commissioners for review and
 input, and get each Commissioner’s signature before submitting it to the City Council;
7.7 Make sure meeting minutes are accurately prepared and posted publicly;
7.8 Make sure closed (executive) sessions are held only for lawful purposes under 1 V.S.A. §
 313, and that only properly noticed topics are discussed; and
7.9 Make sure no major policy recommendation, complaint decision, or communication to the
 Mayor or City Council goes out without approval from a majority of the Commission with
 notation of Commissioner votes.



8. Duties of the Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair shall:

8.1 Fill in for the Chair whenever the Chair is absent, has a conflict of interest, or is otherwise
 unavailable;
8.2 Help the Chair with administrative and procedural tasks as needed; and
8.3 Take over as acting Chair if the Chair steps down, until the Commission elects a new Chair.


Meetings


9. Regular and Special Meetings
9.1 Regular meetings shall be held in a publicly accessible location with proper public notice
 under Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.




 Page 15 of 17
9.2 The Chair may cancel a regular meeting when necessary, after consulting with the full
 Commission, and must post public notice on the City and Commission websites.
9.3 The Chair may call special meetings with at least 24 hours’ notice to all Commissioners and
 the public, as long as enough Commissioners can attend to form a quorum.


10. Agendas and How Meetings Are Run
10.1 Commissioners are encouraged to submit agenda items to the Chair at least five calendar
 days before a meeting. Reasonable and relevant requests will be honored.
10.2 Once an agenda is posted, it can only be changed by a two-thirds vote of the
 Commissioners present at the meeting.
10.3 Supporting materials should be sent to Commissioners and the Police Chief (or their
 representative) at least two calendar days before the meeting, when possible.
10.4 Meetings will generally follow Robert’s Rules of Order, unless the Chair decides
 otherwise.


11. Public Participation
11.1 Members of the public are encouraged to attend all public meetings.
11.2 During public comment, each person may speak for up to four minutes. The presiding
 officer may extend this time at their discretion based on the nature or complexity of the
 comments. Time limits may not be applied based on what someone is saying or their point of
 view. The presiding officer may only stop a comment that is patently offensive. If there are
 many speakers, the Commission may shorten individual speaking times by majority vote.
11.3 Dialogue and back-and-forth discussion with members of the public may happen only
 when the Chair or a majority of the Commission approves it.


12. Attendance
Commissioners are strongly encouraged to attend meetings in person. If attending by video
conference, Commissioners should keep their cameras on when possible. Missing more than six
meetings in a calendar year — whether in person or online — may result in the Chair
recommending to the City Council that the Commissioner be removed, after first discussing the
absences with that Commissioner.


Committees


13. Standing and Ad Hoc Committees
13.1 Committee work should be shared among Commissioners.




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13.2 The full Commission will discuss who serves on standing and ad hoc committees.
 Appointments are made on a volunteer basis. The Chair will encourage members to step up,
 including serving on committees themselves.


14. Citizen Complaints Subcommittee
14.1 At least two Commissioners shall serve on the Citizen Complaints Subcommittee. The
 Chair or Vice-Chair may also serve as a member.
14.2 Subcommittee members serve for six-month terms, so that all Commissioners have a
 chance to serve during their time on the Commission.
14.3 Subcommittee members review all complaints and the Police Chief’s response. The
 subcommittee shall draft a recommendations and brings them to the full Commission. The
 full Commission votes on the recommendation. Commissioners may amend it, vote yes, vote
 no, or abstain. The final written recommendation — including how each Commissioner voted
 — is sent to the Mayor’s office. Any Commissioner may write a separate minority
 recommendation. In the event a majority of the subcommittee cannot agree on an action the
 matter will be elevated to the full Commission to discuss.


15. Animal Control Committee
Commissioners serve on the Animal Control Committee as required by city ordinance.


Conflicts of Interest


16. Conflicts of Interest
Under City Charter § 133, Commissioners must disclose any real or potential conflict of interest
and step aside from any matter where they have a conflict. Commissioners are encouraged to
contact the City Attorney confidentially if they need guidance on whether a conflict exists.


Changing These Bylaws


17. How to Amend These Bylaws
These bylaws may be changed by a majority vote at a properly noticed public meeting, consistent
with Vermont’s Open Meeting Law.




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Police Commission Special Meeting
 Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
 Remote via Zoom and In-person in Sharon Bushor Conference Room City Hall
 Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Commissioner Depper, Commissioner Ginorio
Members Online: Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Finneran, Commissioner Fast,
Commissioner Paul
Staff Present: Interim Chief Burke, Attorney Hayley McClenahan, Command Staff Assistant
Shibe Couchman online.

 1. Agenda
1.1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 5:02pm by Commissioner Depper.

1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
Required quorum present.

1.3. Motions for Additions or Modifications to Agenda (Time Limited: 15 Minutes)
Chair Depper motions to add Commissioner Fast completing her oath for the Police Commission
to the top of the agenda right before the adoption of minutes. Commissioner Ginorio seconds.
Passes unanimously.

  2. Commissioner Fast Commission Swearing-In
Commissioner Fast is virtually sworn in by Chief Burke.

 3. Adopt Minutes
2.1. Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from April 28th, 2026
Chair Depper moves to adopt, Commissioner Ginorio seconds. Passes unanimously.

 4. Public Forum (Time Limited: 10 Minutes)
4.1. The Public is Invited to Address the Commission
Laura Ullman asks why the meeting is to mostly be in Executive Session. It is clarified that only
personnel issues will be discussed, not the report of the mayor.

 5. Motion to Approve Bylaws as Written
5.1 Bylaws Motion
Commissioner Ginorio brings forward that in section 14.3 the wording may be confusing.
Commissioner Cox says that the last sentence does not make sense to her. Commissioner Cox
motions to add the word “also” into the second sentence, Commissioner Ginorio seconds. Passes
unanimously.
Commissioner Cox moves to say that instead of saying DD40 and the Complaint Policy of the
day it was adopted, say “will follow Commission Policy and Department Directive”. Chair
Depper seconds. Passes unanimously.

Chair Depper moves to adopt the bylaws as written, with the modifications in mind, as the
Burlington Police Commission Bylaws. Commissioner Ginorio seconds. Passes unanimously.
Written and amended as of May 12th.

 6. Proposed Executive Session
6.1. Proposed Executive Session – Personnel Discussion, March 11th Mutual Aid Response
Motioned by Chair Depper. Seconded by Commissioner Ginorio. Passes unanimously.

  7. Announcement of Next Meeting Date
May 26th, 2026.

 8. Adjournment
8.1. Motion to Adjourn
The Commission adjourned the public meeting at 5:26pm.