Wards 1 & 8 NPA — Burlington, VT
Date: 2022-09-14
Time: 19:00

BHS/BTC 2025
 In August 2022, City Council voted to allow
 Burlington School District to place a $165 million
 bond question on the November ballot to build a new
 high school and technical center.

 Ballots will be mailed in September
 Election Day is November 8

 DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
 WHY DO WE NEED A NEW SCHOOL
 In 2020, BHS and BTC were closed due to high amounts
 of PCBs in the air. The PCBs were found during a voter-
 approved renovation project and added to a long list of
 de ciencies previously identi ed.

 Aging and outdated learning spaces
 • Does not meet “Collaborative High-Performance
 School Standards”
 • 1960s classrooms
 • Science labs insu cient for larger class sizes
 • STEM equipment in need of replacement

 $30+ million needed for maintenance (in 2018)
 • Crumbling infrastructure
 • Outdated plumbing, electrical, heating, and ventilation
 systems
 • Insu cient insulation and windows
 • Outdated tech infrastructure

 Does not meet current accessibility standards WHY NOT JUST STAY IN MACYS?
 • Comprised of six academic buildings with unheated, Downtown BHS (DtBHS) is not a long-term solution
 outdoor walkways • BSD doesn’t own the old Macy’s building and is
 • Seven stories from top to bottom leasing the space
 • Elevators outdated and in undesirable locations • DtBHS does not have windows or an auditorium or
 gymnasium
 • BTC is not located in DtBHS, but leases several spots
 in Burlington and South Burlington
 WHY NOT JUST REMOVE THE PCBs? • Building is scheduled for demolition following our
 PCBs are not only in the air lease agreement
 • Found in tile, ceiling, walls, soil, and concrete oor
 • BSD cannot reoccupy without removing all
 contaminated materials, including all the soil
 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE
 between buildings $70m BOND FROM 2018?
 • PCB removal would require every window to be BSD no longer has access to that money
 replaced, along with two feet of wall on each side • BSD spent $4m of the 2018 bond request on the
 • Building likely to never be “PCB free” and will ReEnvisioning project before canceling the plan
 always need ongoing, costly testing • All other funds were either returned or never borrowed
 • This new bond entirely replaces the 2018 bond


 Visit www.bsdvt.org/bhs-btc-2025 to learn more, or see
 reverse for project details, tax impact, and budget.

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 BHS/BTC 2025




 WHY IS THIS THE BEST PLAN? BUDGET and BOND
Built for Current and Future Needs Total Project Cost $190 million*
• Adaptable to future technology infrastructure
• LEED Certi ed and “Net-Zero Ready” for future BSD Contributions ($5m budget $25 million*
• High-e ciency heating and cooling systems savings/surplus, $10m from capital
• Designed with 50-100-year lifespan plan, $10m American Rescue Act)
 *In addition to these contributions, BSD
Supports “Deep Learning for all Students” utilized another $10m congressional grant to
 move half of BTC’s programs to the airport,
• Flexible learning spaces and updated classroom technology reducing the original project cost from
• Multi-use spaces can be expanded or reduced in size based $210m to $190m
on program needs
• Maintains connection to outdoors and community Total Bond Request on $165 million
• Meets high-performing standards for STEM November Ballot

Designed with Public Engagement
• Design Steering Committee included representation from TAX IMPACT
schools, families, community
 Annual Cost to BSD Budget $11,609,578
• Multiple rounds of feedback from students and community
• Incorporates community asks from prior projects Tax Rate Increase 15.67%
Balances Need for New Spaces and Cost to Taxpayers Property Tax Increase $805/year
• Lowest cost option out of ve design options (For whose who pay taxes based on a ($67.08/month)
• Saves taxpayers $20m by leveraging Congressional grant to home valued at $370k)
move half of BTC programs to airport (original plan was Income Tax Increase $190/year
$210m before deciding to move programs) (For income sensitized person paying ($15.83/month)
• Reuses land owned by School District based on a $50k income)

 The tax projections above are based the impact the bond will have
 when fully borrowed, three years from now. The actual impact will be
 lower for the rst two years of the project.
 Additionally, BSD recently supported legislation that provides more
 funding to districts with students who qualify for free and reduced
 lunch or who are learning English. We expect that support to
 substantially reduce the impact this project has on tax rates.


 Visit www.bsdvt.org/bhs-btc-2025 for additional property tax scenarios,
 or see reverse for why a new school is needed
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BHS/BTC 2025
NPA Presentation
September 2022
 Brief Project History
April - August 2020: BSD working to complete $70m
“ReEnvisioning” project approved by voters to address
accessibility, outdated learning spaces, and failing mechanical
systems.

During the project, it became clear that PCBs were pervasive. We
found them in the caulking, around the windows, in glue in the
tile, in the ceiling, and in the concrete ﬂoor.

After ﬁnding them in large amounts in the air, BHS/BTC was
shut down in August and the board ultimately decided to scrap
the project because we would never be able to fully remove the
PCBs and have an accessible, ﬂexible learning space for students.
 Brief Project History

April 27, 2022: Board Chooses Option C
May 13: BSD begins working with Leonine to partner on
fundraising research and strategy.
June 22: Board approves program shift to move BTC’s “high bay”
programs to Aviation Education Center.
June 23: BSD partners with Burlington Students Foundation to
serve as pass-through for obtaining grants and private donations.
June 29: Schematic Design Forum, New Designs Released
Aug 10: School Board Approves $165m Bond Request
Aug 15: City Council Approves Bond Placement on Ballot
Updated Site Plan
South Entrance
North Entrance
Conceptual Classroom Rendering
Entryway Commons Rendering
Auditorium Rendering
Learning Center Rendering
 Tax Implications when Fully Bonded

 Possible Bond Amount $165 million

 Annual Cost to BSD Budget $11,609,578

 Tax Rate Increase 15.67%
 *pupil weighting changes will oﬀset much of this increase

 Property Tax Increase on $370k Home $805/year
 *pupil weighting changes will oﬀset much of this increase ($67.08/month)

 Tax Increase to Income Sensitized Payer ($50,000 income) $190/year
 *pupil weighting changes will oﬀset much of this increase ($15.83/month)

● Weighted Pupil Oﬀset - It is likely that changes to state law regarding the weighting of pupils will result in relatively more equalized
 pupils and therefore reduce Burlington’s Education Spending per Equalized Pupil, which could lower current tax estimates.
 However, BSD is committed to providing increased support for students, so while we expect there to be some tax relief as a result of
 this legislation we do not anticipate that relief fully oﬀsetting the tax increase associated with bonding for the new high school.
Tax Implications Based on Diﬀerent Home Values
 (when fully bonded)
 Property Tax Rate Over Time

 Fiscal Estimated Cumulative Tax Change from Prior
  Year Borrowing Impact Year

  2023 $30 million 0% 0%

  2024 $70 million 2.85% 2.85%

  2025 $65 million 9.50% 6.65%

  2026 $0 15.67% 6.17%

2027-2044 $0 15.67% 0%

  2045 $0 12.82% -2.85%

  2046 $0 6.17% -6.65%

  2047 $0 0% -6.17%
 BSD Revenues and Fundraising

Contributed $35m to the project:
 $5m in BSD budget savings and surplus
 $10 in ESSER Funds
 $10 from Capital Bond
 $10 from Congressional Grant (used to reduce cost of project)
Pursuing State and Federal Funding
 Working with a consultant
 Researching no less than 16 leads
Public Fundraising Partnership with Burlington Students Foundation
 Have already received donations
 Allows us to apply for grants
We are committed to raising funds even after the bond vote to ensure we do not
borrow the full $165m
 Updated Timeline

September 21: BHS/BTC 2025 Town Hall

September 26: Last Day for Ballots to be Mailed

November 8: Bond vote

January 2023: Demolition Begins (maybe late December)

June 2023: Construction Begins

August 2025: Move in Date
THANK YOU and QUESTIONS?
 Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
 Agenda Wednesday, September 14 7:00 - 9:00 PM
 In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
 And Zoom online
 Please click the link below to join the webinar:
 https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
 Webinar ID 962 459 39050
 Or Telephone: Dial:US: +1 929 205 6099 Webinar ID: 840 3612 3619 YouTube:
 YouTube Livestream: NPA Wards 1&8 Playlist, click on upcoming/next meeting:
 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2Pa3H8l30gy_gZ3NL6orXcN
Note: This is for live streaming purposes only. Ward residents should intend to participate via Zoom or in-person
 if they wish to speak or vote.

Facilitator: Jonathan Chapple-Sokol Host:Sam Heinrichs, CEDO Minutes: Carol Livingston

6:30 Pizza and welcome

7:00 Formal start - Announcements & Introductions

7:05 Speak-out - General Public

 From Dan Hill, Burlington Traffic Manager: need for crossing guards


7:25 Ward 1 Bylaws - Review and Vote

7:50 Charter Change Committee – Legal Resident Non Citizen voting

8:05 City Councilors’ updates - Zoraya Hightower, Jack Hanson
 Public Safety; Redistricting update; Trinity Development update; UVM enrollment

8:20 School Bond Vote – Superintendent Tom Flanagan, Commissioner Kathy Olwell

9:00 Adjourn




 NPA Steering Committee
 Tom Derenthal (Ward 1) tomd.npa@gmail.com,
 Carol Livingston (Ward 1) carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
 Jonathan Chapple-Sokol (Ward 1) chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
Redistricting. As you know the redistricting committee that met early this year and did a survey process
and NPA meetings noted a few preferences that we are keeping in mind

  The most important thing is preserving current neighborhoods
  People wanted smaller wards so they have more access to their councilors and candidates and I
 personally also to keep wards small for future elections. Even in our small ward races people
 have raised $15,000 and I think larger wards would only increase that number. I think someone
 needing to raise tens of thousands of dollars to become a first-time councilor is not ideal for
 democracy.
  Ideally wanted to retain multiple representatives as councilors.

And a note that will be moving to a ranked-choice voting system for councilors.
The Mayor has said that he would veto anything with more than 14 councilors – he believes the council
works better with the smaller size created since he became mayor.
For me, this then means that the most logical map has 7 wards with 2 councilors each. However, this
map does not have the votes. I like it because it basically keeps Ward 1 the same. However, none of the
councilors in the NNE or the ONE support this and others, including me, see it as problematic in that it
takes a small slice of the ONE and adds it to the NNE. It doesn't preserve those neighborhoods and
further lumps them in with folx that have very different needs and preferences (being in the densest
part of Burlington and very close to downtown vs being in the most suburban part of Burlington). Our
neighbors here have been VERY vocal that this is unacceptable to them - it seems the folx who have
weighed in on this would rather have one representative than be lumped in with a neighborhood they
don't identify with. This one is seemingly off the table.
So the next step is 8 wards with two councilors each. This does a fairly good job of keeping
neighborhoods together after downsizing the outsized Ward 1. Again the Mayor will veto this, so we
would need eight votes to override. This one is TBD - maybe still on the table.

The other option is lots of (12-14) small single-wards. This would also be vetoed by the Mayor, and we
don't seem to have the votes for this and I too have my concerns. Given the small size we would have a
UVM only ward. This means essentially a sophomore would have to run for UVM's city council and
school board for us to not have an election there every year. If a junior or senior ran, they wouldn't even
have the option to stay in their position as they would be forced out of residential housing - that doesn't
seem sustainable. This one is seemingly off the table.

The 6 ward map (wasn't created, but you can sort of see it in the 12 ward map). This at least seems a
little more fair in that it evenly creates the split between the ONE and the NNE as opposed to having a
small group from the ONE joining the ONE. However, it's still wildly unpopular for those groups who
want to continue with their NPA and polling stations and it of course goes against the spirit of having
smaller wards as it even increases the relatively large Ward 1. Not sure where this one stands, but I am
still inclined to support it as a compromise.
Mark Barlow, Joe Magee, Ben Traverse and I will be meeting to discuss this as a working group. I will
post the above and the information on our first meeting to FPF as soon as I have that information.
University of Vermont - Trinity Campus. This has become a gnarly issue. So at the end of last year UVM
told the administration that they would not be continuing the MOU with the City started in 2009. This is
an MOU that both lays out voluntary taxes as well as enrollment per bed count. I'm not sure it's
enforceable or if we just choose not to enforce it - over the past few years UVM hasn't even been
complying with getting the numbers to us although the numbers have been complain or close to it. The
President has been clear with his staff and the Mayor that he will not be signing another one.
UVM has been increasing their undergraduate enrollment. If we take their word for it, this has been
unintentional - a function of more people than expected enrolling after being accepted to UVM. At the
same time, according to some folx in the University, they are likely to increase their graduate student
enrollment as they seek to separate undergraduate and graduate courses more to obtain their R1
designation.
Amidst all of this is the expansion of Trinity campus and the rezoning to reduce the setback. I am a no on
this and will encourage all of the other councilors to vote no on this. Based on the meetings between
the President and the Mayor, UVM is highly likely to posture this as us being anti-housing and that a no
vote for this is a vote for less housing, but as we all know we have been waiting for far longer than I've
been on the council to hold UVM accountable. I am not willing to trade more housing for less
accountability as it seems likely that UVM will build more housing but then more than fill that with
increased enrollment. UVM first has to be a willing partner in trying to collaborate on housing strategy in
the city before we can talk about what they can and cannot do, and if they won't come to the table,
then we aren't negotiating. We shouldn't be bullied into letting them do whatever they want.
One other bit of news. Joe and I were slammed with a mix of August primaries and me trying to plan for
my departure at work, but we are still planning a Public Safety Townhall now maybe at the end of
October or early November. I will keep you all posted and apologize for the delay!



Zoraya
We need Crossing Guards!
 There are currently 17 open positions.
 Can you help?
 Shifts are 50 Minutes
 7:30 to 8:20 in the morning
 2:35 to 3:20 in the afternoon
 Except Wednesday:
 1:40 to 2:20 in the afternoon

 Pay
 $34.35 per day, two shifts
 $171.47 per week, 10 shifts

 We Supply
 Safety clothing
 Stop Paddle
 Training

 A background check is required.

 Contact Dan Hill, Traffic Manager
 dhill@burlingtonvt.gov
 Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
 Agenda / MINUTES
 Wednesday, September 14 7:00 - 9:00 PM
 In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street And Zoom online
 Please click the link below to join the webinar:
 YouTube:
 YouTube Livestream: NPA Wards 1&8 Playlist, click on upcoming/next meeting:
 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLljLFn4BZd2Pa3H8l30gy_gZ3NL6orXcN Note: This is for live streaming
 purposes only. Ward residents should intend to participate via Zoom or in-person if they wish to speak or vote.

Facilitator: Jonathan Chapple-Sokol Host:Sam Heinrichs, CEDO Minutes: Carol Livingston



6:30 Pizza and welcome

7:00 Formal start - Announcements & Introductions

Announcements:
 Welcome to our new meeting venue! Let us know how it works for you! Our thanks go to Christopher McCandless
and the Friends for the space, Dominos Pizza for the sustenance, and Ohavi Zedek for the parking spaces.
Earlier this Summer, the Ward 8 Steering Committee announced their decision to stop meeting with Ward 1 and
manage their own meetings. If you have any questions about this decision, feel free to contact the Ward 8 Steering
committee
As you may have already heard, Jack Hanson resigned from the City Council, effective today, so he is not here
tonight. A city councilor has a lot to balance – constituent issues, city issues, global issues. I want to thank Jack
for his efforts to find that balance. A special election will be held in the East later this Fall, and here’s the important
part: We need a City Councilor – they could be you! Please seriously consider running for the office – if you care
enough about the City to participate in the NPA, you may just have the commitment to represent the District!
As we are now just 3 folks working on delivering NPA meetings with value to the community, we want to stress how
much we’d appreciate more folks joining the Steering Committee. It is an opportunity for you to make this meeting
what you want it to be. If you do not want to commit to the Steering Committee but could help with social media,
please let us know -
Thank you all for participating in our summer community activities, Ward 1 Night with the Lake Monsters and the
barbecue in Schmanska park. We look forward to organizing more non-meeting community activities in the future.
The Ad Hoc Reappraisal committee is holding a public forum on Thursday September 22 at 6PM in the Sharon
Bushor Room at City Hall and over Zoom. If you want to share your thoughts or opinions on last year’s reappraisal
process, please plan to attend. Zoom details will be posted on the Committee web page, reachable from the
Assessor’s page on the City site. If you want to provide written comments. please send them to Joe Dempsey,
jdempsey@burlingtonvt.gov . Thank you!
Earlier this year Ward 1 purchased a subscription to Survey Monkey, which could be a way for folks to express their
opinions. If you have a topic you think should be surveyed, let us know. An example could be redistricting choices.
In the direct neighborhood: Prospect Hill is about to be repaved. Rob Goulding of DPW reports on North Prospect
Street:
Short Term Update:
Tomorrow morning our contractor will be paving the trench at North St and North Prospect at approximately 7AM.
The intersection will be closed with no thru access for a few hours. We anticipate access resuming by the evening
rush hour.
Longer Term Update
Our contractor has finished relining the water main. As part of the normal process for water main relining, we then
conducted pressure tests to ensure structural integrity of the new liner. On one section of liner, the pressure test did
not pass due to leakage. All other sections of liner have passed the pressure test.
We will be sending a camera through the liner to help finalize the plan for this section – which will determine the
repair method (relining vs section replacement), scope and duration for the remainder of this project and ultimately
final paving of the road. We expect the remaining water work to be done this year. All access pits will be paved to
grade before the season is up. At this time, due to this delay, we now anticipate full width paving to happen in spring.

7:05 Speak-out - General Public

Martine Gulick (mgulick@bsdvt.org ) is running for State Senate, introduced herself. Key issues: supporting families
struggling with health care, housing, safety, education and she would work to reinstate funding for school
construction.

Infinite Culcleasure ( i.culcleasure@gmail.com ) introduced himself as an Independent candidate for State Senate.
He has lived in North End, 30 yrs, worked at Spectrum for few years; for 10 yrs - community organizer/lobbyist for
children and families; equity in schools; education quality standards around literacy; wondering about
implementation of bills that have become laws to foster the hoped-for change.

Brian Cina (bcina@leg.state.vt.us ) is running for re-election to State House, introduced himself & key issue: health
care system disintegrating /how to realign services//Norway model

Catherine Simmonds spoke in support of Jake Schumann as candidate for East District City Council seat, to fill Jack
Hanson’s seat. Jake Schumann (jake4btv@gmail.com ) introduced himself as candidate for East District City
Councilor, has lived in Burlington for 13 yrs; Ward 1 - past year; Covid Recovery Center work; then CVOEO - hotel
housing assistance program

Sharon Bushor - concern about No. Prospect construction - limited communication about progress; concern about re-
zoning of Trinity campus to facilitate project from UVM - none of planning commission people had toured the site -
tour 9/13. Concern: housing shortage/crisis - need project to house UVM juniors and seniors. Concerned about the
setback - map on planning commission - https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/plan/trinitycampus . 400 beds plus put
housing in green space - proposing 45 feet setback. Please attend Planning Commission Meetings: welcome
people’s comments - https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/CityPlan/PC/Agendas . The Commission is then moving to
public hearing, then to city council for vote on zoning amendment. Richard Cate last night’s Planning Commission
meeting - asked if Trinity project would provide relief for housing crisis; he couldn’t answer that it could
.Caryn Long - message from Jared Wood: Every stop sign should have stop line showing where cars should stop.
Concern about cars not stopping at stop signs. Willard St (state highway) - paved, still need final paving. Caryn is
also concerned about enforcement at stop signs. Jonathan Chapple-Sokol asked if our NPA should write a letter as
a ward to city council to install the lines. There was a show of hands in support. Jonathan said the NPA Steering
Committee will write a letter.
Christopher McCandless lives across from Friends Meeting House, has been responsiblility for care of Friends
buildings for many years. Concerns as resident of Prospect St - struck by lack of traffic on this street due to traffic;
traffic on northern side of construction is too fast. He is supportive of considering turning No. Prospect into a one-
way street. Christopher also expressed concerns about increased taxes due to need for new school.

Dan Hill, Burlington Traffic Manager did not attend, but wrote about the need for crossing guards. See flyer posted
with minutes.

Angie Chapple-Sokol - frustration/concern that UVM and City are at loggerheads constantly about addressing the
housing crisis. Concern that UVM just accepted the largest freshman class in their history. Public safety in our
community: concerned about the anger & dissension about the police dept; concerned that council members acted
too quickly in June 2020 when they cut the sworn officer cap – apology/acknowledgement of having acted too
hastily might help. Appreciative of Zoraya’s support of CNA recommendations which may help undo some of the
damage done.

Carter Neubieser - he is a biker who’s had close calls with drivers and rough pavement; interested in helping on NPA
Steering Committee.



7:25 Ward 1 Bylaws - Review and Vote - POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT MONTH – Please review the draft in the
meantime:
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/sites/default/files/DRAFT%20Ward%20One%20Neighborhood%20Planning%20Assem
bly%20Bylaws%20September%202022.pdf

7:50 Charter Change Committee – All Legal Resident voting - Ben Traverse

Councilor Travers represents Ward 5. Gene Bergman, Sarah Carpenter, and Ben Traverse are the Charter Change
Committee. They are meeting with all NPA’s about a proposed charter change for the March ballot, Legal Resident
Non-Citizen voting. It was on ballot in 2015 and voted down. City Council discussed in 2020 to put on ballot again.

Overview: over 18 non-citizen residents would be able to vote for school commissioners, city councilors and mayor
and vote on local questions - school bond, charter changes. Trusted Community Voices is disseminating
information. See City page for more information. https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/AllLegalResidentVoting .
Experiences in Montpelier and Winooski who have passed this measure: most all non-citizen voters who registered
to vote, came out to vote. Charter Change Committee is working with Winooski city about their processes to learn
about details of their measure.

Q/A - Sharon Bushor: what are the concerns from community? Ben - some concerned that citizenship should be a
requirement for voting; voting is a privilege of being a citizen.Today: looking at democracy and participation in govt
differently than in 2015. Responses mostly positive. Another concern is the paperwork / ID logistics for city clerks
offices - only a local issue (Burlington city clerk)

Councilor Traverse is also a member of the redistricting working group, with Zoraya Hightower, Joe McGee and Marc
Barlow. As a result of the 2020 census results, the State House & Senate districts have been restructured at state
level, as well as looking at our wards and districts because of population shifts. This Redistricting Working Group is
looking at the proposals from last year’s Ad hoc Redistricting committee as well as map suggestions from various
residents.

Redistricting proposals have been narrowed down to: one map with 7 wards; and another map with 8 wards; looking
at the total number of councilors. At City Council Monday night, this committee was created to work on maps and
options Working group meetings will, hopefully, be open meetings. Time together will be working sessions -
discussion with attendees.

8:05 City Councilors’ updates - Zoraya Hightower, Jack Hanson
Neither Councilor attended the NPA meeting.

8:20 School Bond Vote – Superintendent Tom Flanagan, Commissioner Kathy Olwell; Joe
 Weith - project manager
SEE One-page information plus a FAQ sheet as well as SLIDE PRESENTATION posted with minutes

Q/A - The cost of PCB removal is included in project bond proposal ($25 million)
The original $70 bond passed by Burlington voters - only $4 million was used; the remaining $66
million was not used and is not included in the project cost.

Sharon Bushor: state cost Burlington money because of delays and financial costs incurred by
Burlington and proposes that the state pay Burlington $15 million. Tom met with Dept ED to propose
funding from the State. The State officials say Burlington has gotten financial support through the
change in the weighting formula - which Tom doesn’t accept. Next tack is to push for construction
aid, as well as state PCB remediation. Also Burlington may be eligible for federal funding.
Concern: This is a major financial sacrifice for Burlington residents.
Carter Neubieser: natural gas & biofuels part of the design? Heating & cooling is not fossil fuel.
Geothermal energy on the site. Some of science labs will need gas. But most energy will not be
fossil fuel.

9:00 Adjourn

 Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee

 Tom Derenthal tomd.npa@gmail.com,
 Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
 Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,