Ward 2 NPA — Burlington, VT
Date: 2025-10-09
Time: 18:30

Meeting Agenda
Ward 2 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
October 9th, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm | All are welcome

 Join in person: O.N.E. Community Dinner
 ONE Community Center, 20 Allen Street 5:30-6:30pm | Free | Donations welcome
 Fall Indian-inspired Feast: Creamy Coconut Curry with
 Join remotely: Potatoes, Chick Peas, Kale & Carrots; Spiced Fennel &
 https://zoom.us/j/93179389982 Cabbage; Masala-roasted Delicata Squash; Rice; Salad;
 and Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread for Dessert
 Music: Ben Wang​



Facilitator: Marc Stannard​ ​ Notetaker: Kason Hudman


6:30 pm Introduction
5 min Review and adopt/approve the agenda and previous minutes; introductions as time allows.
6:35 pm Public Forum (2 minutes max per person)
10 min Please state your full name, pronouns, street, and ward, and follow the NPA ground rules.
6:45 pm Updates from the Library
15 min Mary Danko, Library Director - Fletcher Free Library
 Learn about all the great services that the Library offers.
7:00 pm Updates from City Council
20 min Gene Bergman, Ward 2 City Councilor
 Melo Grant, Central District City Councilor
7:25 pm Overview of the City of Burlington Comprehensive Plan
20 min Sarah Morgan, Principal Planner - Dept of Planning, City of Burlington
 Learn about the Comprehensive Plan for the City
7:45 pm Updates from Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW)
45 min Chapin Spencer, Director - Dept. of Public Works
 Hear about upcoming projects from DPW on street and sidewalk repairs and the fall Clean Sweep.
8:30 pm Door prize drawing + Adjourn!
 Our next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 13!



 Scan the QR code (or click here) to: Email us • Go to our website • Watch meeting
 recordings on CCTV's website • Connect with us on Instagram • Request a time slot
 with CEDO’s request form • Get to all links related to this meeting


 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Agenda - Page 1
Appendix to the Agenda
Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee
To contact the entire Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee, email ward2npa@googlegroups.com
Name Email Joined Term expiration

Lauren Ebersol lebersol27@gmail.com 2023 2027

Kason Hudson kasonhudman@gmail.com 2024 2028

Charlie Giannoni charliecpg@gmail.com 2024 2028

Marc Stannard Marc.Stannard@outlook.com 2024 2028

Nora Aronds noraaronds@yahoo.com 2025 2029

Grace Sherwood Gsherwood703@gmail.com 2025 2029

NPA Guiding Principles
 ●​ Operate through democratic principles and democratic procedures.
 ●​ Provide a safe and welcoming forum where residents can actively share their voices about issues that
 matter to them, and where they can learn from the voices of others.
 ●​ Cultivate involvement by a diverse spectrum of community members through active outreach and
 through eliminating barriers to participation.
 ●​ Operate in a manner that models respectful, inclusive, culturally, and economically aware practices.
 ●​ Be a fun, creative, and vital organization that provides value and benefit through the multitude of
 perspectives shared by those who participate.


Ward 2 NPA Ground Rules
 ●​ Meetings should have clearly defined agenda and roles.
 ●​ Honor time limits: A best effort must be made to start on time, follow the agenda, and finish on time.
 ●​ Listen to others: Make efforts to be an open-minded member of the group.
 ●​ Respect the agenda and the process: Try to remain focused on the issue at hand.
 ●​ Share your opinion respectfully: Speak out, but not over, others’ comments.
 ●​ Treat people how you would like to be treated: Be respectful of everyone, including guests.




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Agenda - Page 2
Elected officials representing Ward 2
Mayor
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Progressive mayor@BurlingtonVT.gov


City Councilors
Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Melo Grant Progressive megrant@burlingtonvt.gov 802-310-0962
Ward 2 Gene Bergman Progressive gbergman@burlingtonvt.gov 802-598-3602


School Board Members

Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Jean Waltz jwaltz@bsdvt.org 802-355-7856

Ward 2 Polly Vanderputten pvanderputten@bsdvt.org 802-578-8653


Vermont State House Representatives
Chittenden-15 Troy Headrick Independent theadrick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-15 Brian Cina Progressive/Democrat bcina@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Kate Logan Progressive/Democrat klogan@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Jill Krowinski Democrat jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-17 Abigail Duke Democrat aduke@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228


Vermont State Senators

Chittenden-Central Tanya Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Martine Gulick Democrat mgulick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Philip Baruth Democrat/Progressive pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us (802) 503-5266




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Agenda - Page 3

Meeting Notes
Ward 2 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
October 9th, 2025 | 6:30-8:30pm | All are welcome

 Join in person: O.N.E. Community Dinner
 ONE Community Center, 20 Allen Street 5:30-6:30pm | Free | Donations welcome
 Fall Indian-inspired Feast: Creamy Coconut Curry with
 Join remotely: Potatoes, Chick Peas, Kale & Carrots; Spiced Fennel &
 https://zoom.us/j/93179389982 Cabbage; Masala-roasted Delicata Squash; Rice; Salad;
 and Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread for Dessert
 Music: Ben Wang​



Facilitator: Marc Stannard​ ​ Notetaker: Kason Hudman


6:30 pm Introduction
5 min Review and adopt/approve the agenda and previous minutes; introductions as time allows.
 -​ Agenda adopted
6:35 pm Public Forum (2 minutes max per person)
 -​ Ward 2 resident, mentions that the F-35s are being more frequent and louder, and
 expresses the opinion that we would like some relief.
 -​ Megan Humphrey (she/her), Ward 2 resident, retired from the organization HANDS which
 provided food for elderly unhoused folks, but she has started making craft bags for
 unhoused kids in shelters. She is asking for help with craft supplies or donations. She asks
 for people to visit her at the meeting for more information
 -​ Aurora Calderon, Mercy Connections, mentions that Mercy Connections is running the
 Mercy Marketplace Craft Fair on November 2nd and encourages folks to attend and points
 out the flyers at the entrance. 255 S. Champlain St Suite 8 is where Mercy Connections is
 located
 -​ Lauren Ebersol, Ward 2 resident, mentions the Richard Kemp Center back to school event
6:45 pm Updates from the Library
15 min Mary Danko, Library Director - Fletcher Free Library
 -​ Mary talks about libraries being grounded in intellectual freedom and freedom of speech,
 which help to make us a strong democracy. Mary mentions that there are multiple ways
 that the library helps do that, including the physical building and collections, but also
 through the digital services that the library provides. Ebooks, streaming, newspaper access,
 consumer reports, and more are all accessible via the library card. Mary mentions
 specifically the new Foundation Search
 -​ Ward 2 resident asks what should be brought for a library card. Mary says you need to bring
 a proof of residence. Mary also mentions that if you work in Burlington, you are also eligible
 for a library card, you just need to bring proof of employment



 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 1
 -​ Charlie, Ward 2 resident, asks a question about the Carnegie Building Restoration work.
 Mary mentions that the work should be done in Mid December, with funding help from the
 National Park Service, the City of Burlington, and Friends of the Fletcher Free Library.
 -​ Lauren Ebersol, Ward 2 resident, asks about the Green Mountain Book Festival. Mary says
 that she doesn’t know specifics about it but encourages Lauren to check out the library
 website, and does mention that John Scalzi will be a featured speaker.
 -​ Charlie asks about the long-term Library plan. Mary mentions that the housing crisis and
 climate crisis inspire a lot of the current library priorities to ensure that people with the
 most need are supported. Charlie further asks if the library has any plans for Halloween.
 Mary says that she doesn’t think anything specific is planned for Halloween, but she does
 mention the great library displays are often themed, including the current theme centered
 around banned books. Mary says that it is important that libraries expand and uphold the
 power of freedom of speech.
 -​ Comment from Ward 2 resident, she mentions that there is a Library community outreach
 coordinator named Julianna who comes to Decker Towers, where the commenter is a social
 worker, and it is much appreciated. Mary thanks the person for their comment
 -​ Comment from Ward 2 resident, wants to express their deep gratitude for the work that the
 library does. Mary mentions that the library also now contracts with a Howard Center
 Outreach team member who is there at the library to help with social work needs. She
 mentions that this has made the library accessible to everybody.
 -​ Question from Lauren, what is Mary’s favorite banned book and favorite spooky book?
 Mary mentions that John Green is her favorite banned book author, and she says that
 spooky children’s books are her favorite spooky books.
 -​ Comment from Ward 2 resident, mentions that her child loves the sensory table, and
 thanks the library for having such a fun play area.
 -​ Comment from Ward 2 resident, suggests that the library add a place to listen to the
 classical music collection at the library. Mary says that she will take the suggestion back to
 the library.
7:00 pm Updates from City Council
20 min Gene Bergman, Ward 2 City Councilor
 Melo Grant, Central District City Councilor
 -​ Gene starts by mentioning the resolution passed a year ago about the F-35s, which has now
 run up against a very unsympathetic federal administration. Gene says that he is trying to
 set up a meeting with the congressional delegation, and he is asking for community support
 to call our congresspeople to pressure them into taking the meeting.
 -​ Gene mentions the public safety updates, including the $1500 given to the Peace & Justice
 Center to support the BTV Clean Up Crew and their syringe litter pickup program. Gene says
 that sometimes it feels like pulling teeth to get even very simple resolutions passed.
 -​ Gene talks about the ordinance to introduce more strict signage requirements for parking
 lots since they are often confusing folks about what is actually public parking. Gene also
 mentions that they are looking to add rules to gas stations who hold debit cards before
 payments are processed.


 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 2
 -​ Melo mentions that folks should listen to Chief Burke as he gives public safety updates at
 various meetings around town. According to Melo, Chief Burke showed data that proved
 that the City Hall Park resolution just displaced some of the crimes to surrounding areas.
 Melo also mentions the joint statement signed by the Mayor and the Democratic Caucus
 Leaders regarding respectfulness, and voices her frustration that some city councilors were
 subsequently insulted in that same meeting. Melo reminds everybody that the Mayor is
 holding meetups every week, she gives press conferences every month, and she is generally
 accessible. She encourages folks to meet with Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak, and to push back
 against folks who are saying that the Mayor isn’t doing anything. Melo also mentions that
 she wants to thank Christian Berry for being the interim REIB director, and thank Kelli
 Perkins as the newly appointed director of REIB. Melo also mentions that the community
 should stay engaged in the process for siting the Overdose Prevention Center. Melo would
 like it to be Downtown.
 -​ Gene mentions two charter changes that will likely be on the ballot in March, one that
 would make the REIB office a permanent chartered office in the city.
 -​ Nora, Ward 2 resident, mentions that she has noticed a few parking meters around the city
 being out of service. She asks if that should be reported on SeeClickFix, and also wants to
 know if you can pay in one zone for parking in another. Gene answers that the DPW is in
 charge of parking enforcement, and he suggests calling the DPW to report any problems
 with parking payment.
 -​ Ward 2 resident, has a satirical proposal regarding the F-35s. Gene loudly reminds the
 federal administration that it was a joke.
7:25 pm Overview of the City of Burlington Comprehensive Plan
20 min Sarah Morgan, Principal Planner - Dept of Planning, City of Burlington
 -​ Sarah starts, the city is combining many planning efforts (transportation, parks &
 recreation, economic development, etc) to craft a holistic long-term vision. This is overdue,
 as many of these plans date back to the early 2010s. This includes plans for more housing
 and increasing equity in housing access, more multi-modal transportation, and more.
 -​ One of the things that is necessary to consider is the changes that occurred after the
 Covid-19 pandemic, which affected consumer patterns and socialization downtown. Many
 of the previous plans were drafted prior to the pandemic so are outdated and reflect old
 patterns.
 -​ Sarah invites everyone to attend the Old North End visioning workshop on Thursday,
 October 23rd from 5:30-7:30pm at the Old North End Community Center.
7:45 pm Updates from Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW)
45 min Chapin Spencer, Director - Dept. of Public Works
 -​ Chapin starts, mentioning that the job of the DPW is to balance all the city’s different assets
 and plans, including water treatment, roads, etc. Chapin thanks the public for approving the
 wastewater plant bond, the water reservoir bond, and the general obligation bond at the
 last Town Meeting Day. Chapin continues mentioning all the paving projects that happened
 in 2025, including the 1 mile of road paving that happened. Because of the bond that was
 approved on town meeting day, the city will be more likely to meet the demand of 4-5 miles


 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 3
 of paving and 2-3 miles of sidewalk paving next year. Chapin details all the sidewalk paving
 projects that occurred in 2025, including on Howard St, North Avenue, and others.
 -​ Chapin mentions that the Great Streets Main Street project is ahead of schedule on on
 budget, and the Champlain Parkway is also on time and on budget.
 -​ Chapin mentions the next major capital project reconnecting bank and cherry streets. They
 have started some of that work, but they won’t be able to work extensively until the
 Burlington Square project is completed.
 -​ Chapin mentions that the Wastewater Treatment upgrades have started.
 -​ Chapin also mentions that there will now be a Fall Clean Sweep similar to the Spring Clean
 Sweep, as a method to decrease the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Champlain. They
 will also be running their Fall Leaf Pickup from November 10-14, if you leave out a bag of
 leaves, the DPW will pick it up.
 -​ Lucy, Ward 2 Resident, mentions that there are still dangerous potholes on North Street.
 Also mentions that the new bike lanes that have gone in are wonderful and well marked.
 Asks if there is a timeline for finish on the Main Street Great Streets project. Chapin
 mentions that the project should finish by June 2026, if not sooner. And there will be a
 winter construction shutdown from Thanksgiving-March/April, that will bring back open
 sidewalks and two-way traffic.
 -​ Ward 2 Resident mentions that the area between N. Winooski and Elmwood on North
 Street is a bit rough.
 -​ Ward 2 resident asks about the Fall Street Sweep project and if it will happen at night,
 Chapin mentions that it will happen at night.
 -​ Ward 2 resident asks about the 2-way bike lane on N. Champlain St, wondering why it only
 goes partially up the street. Chapin says that cost and connectivity are the main reasons,
 with the lanes meeting up with the Old North End Greenway.
 -​ Grace Sherwood, mentions that they appreciate the protected bike lanes, wonders if there
 are improvements that can be made to Battery St. Chapin mentions that Depot St will be
 repaved hopefully, and that road diet improvements to Battery St. are expensive but have
 been considered. Battery St will probably be repaved in the next 3 years as well.
 -​ Ward 2 resident, asks if it would be possible for bike racks to be placed in the transit center.
 Chapin says he will note that request.
 -​ Nora, Ward 2 resident, asks for an update on the Green Mountain Transit budget and
 planning. Chapin mentions that the good news on the finance committee of GMT is that it
 is likely that no more service reductions will be required through 2027.
 -​ Charlie, Ward 2 resident, asks a question about the speed bumps on Archibald, he finds
 them to be particularly large.
8:30 pm Door prize drawing + Adjourn!
 Our next meeting is Thursday, Nov. 13!




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 4
Scan the QR code (or click here) to: Email us • Go to our website • Watch meeting
recordings on CCTV's website • Connect with us on Instagram • Request a time slot
with CEDO’s request form • Get to all links related to this meeting




Appendix to the Agenda
Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee
To contact the entire Ward 2 NPA Steering Committee, email ward2npa@googlegroups.com
Name Email Joined Term expiration

Lauren Ebersol lebersol27@gmail.com 2023 2027

Kason Hudson kasonhudman@gmail.com 2024 2028

Charlie Giannoni charliecpg@gmail.com 2024 2028

Marc Stannard Marc.Stannard@outlook.com 2024 2028

Nora Aronds noraaronds@yahoo.com 2025 2029

Grace Sherwood Gsherwood703@gmail.com 2025 2029

NPA Guiding Principles
 ●​ Operate through democratic principles and democratic procedures.
 ●​ Provide a safe and welcoming forum where residents can actively share their voices about issues that
 matter to them, and where they can learn from the voices of others.
 ●​ Cultivate involvement by a diverse spectrum of community members through active outreach and
 through eliminating barriers to participation.
 ●​ Operate in a manner that models respectful, inclusive, culturally, and economically aware practices.
 ●​ Be a fun, creative, and vital organization that provides value and benefit through the multitude of
 perspectives shared by those who participate.


Ward 2 NPA Ground Rules
 ●​ Meetings should have clearly defined agenda and roles.
 ●​ Honor time limits: A best effort must be made to start on time, follow the agenda, and finish on time.
 ●​ Listen to others: Make efforts to be an open-minded member of the group.
 ●​ Respect the agenda and the process: Try to remain focused on the issue at hand.
 ●​ Share your opinion respectfully: Speak out, but not over, others’ comments.
 ●​ Treat people how you would like to be treated: Be respectful of everyone, including guests.


 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 5
Elected officials representing Ward 2
Mayor
Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak Progressive mayor@BurlingtonVT.gov


City Councilors
Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Melo Grant Progressive megrant@burlingtonvt.gov 802-310-0962
Ward 2 Gene Bergman Progressive gbergman@burlingtonvt.gov 802-598-3602


School Board Members

Central District (Wards 2 & 3) Jean Waltz jwaltz@bsdvt.org 802-355-7856

Ward 2 Polly Vanderputten pvanderputten@bsdvt.org 802-578-8653


Vermont State House Representatives
Chittenden-15 Troy Headrick Independent theadrick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-15 Brian Cina Progressive/Democrat bcina@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Kate Logan Progressive/Democrat klogan@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-16 Jill Krowinski Democrat jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-17 Abigail Duke Democrat aduke@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228


Vermont State Senators

Chittenden-Central Tanya Vyhovsky Progressive/Democrat tvyhovsky@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Martine Gulick Democrat mgulick@leg.state.vt.us (802) 828-2228

Chittenden-Central Philip Baruth Democrat/Progressive pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us (802) 503-5266




 ​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 6
​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 7
​ ​ Ward 2 NPA - October 9, 2025 - Notes - Page 8