Ward 1 NPA — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-02-11
Time: 18:30

Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
 In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
 And Zoom online:
 https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
 Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
 Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050

Food: Rob Facilitator: Sam Recorder: Jonathan Setup: Sam

6:15 - Welcome and Food (Namaste Kitchen Express)

6:30 - Formal Start - Introductions and Announcements: name, street

6:40 – Speakout

6:55: City Council Updates - Allie Schachter & Carter Neubieser

7:10 – School Commission Update – Matt Price & Gary Golden

7:25 – Town Meeting Day Ballot Items and more
 General Budget, and Public Safety Tax Increase –Katherine Schad, Chief Administrative
Officer
 REIB Charter Change - Kelli Perkins, REIB Director; Christian Berry, Communications
and Community Engagement Manager; Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator

8:05 – Overdose Prevention Center Listening Session – Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant

8:30 - Adjourn

 Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
 Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
 Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
 Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
 Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
 Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com



 Participation Guidelines:

The Ward 1 NPA is sustained by community involvement and encourages engagement at our monthly
meetings per the following guidelines:
1. We are collectively responsible for following the NPA Meeting Agenda as closely as possible regarding
both presentation/discussion topics and time.
2. Participants at the NPA will act in a positive, courteous manner that respects all of those present (both
participants and presenters/guests) and their differing opinions, experiences and perspectives.
3. Any attendee requesting to speak who has not yet spoken at a meeting will be called on before others
who have already had a chance to speak. Priority is given to Ward 1 residents.
4. Whenever speaking, please be sure to project your voice and use the provided microphone if provided.
5. If the facilitator feels the need to redirect activity in the room based on these guidelines, the facilitator
will do so per point number 1 above.

Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
 In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
 And Zoom online:
 https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
 Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
 Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050

Food: Rob Facilitator: Sam Recorder: Jonathan Setup: Sam

6:15 - Welcome and Food (Namaste Kitchen Express)

6:30 - Formal Start - Introductions and Announcements: name, street

6:40 – Speakout

6:55: City Council Updates - Allie Schachter & Carter Neubieser

7:10 – School Commission Update – Matt Price & Gary Golden

7:25 – Town Meeting Day Ballot Items and more
 General Budget, and Public Safety Tax Increase –Katherine Schad, Chief Administrative
Officer
 REIB Charter Change - Kelli Perkins, REIB Director; Christian Berry, Communications
and Community Engagement Manager; Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator

8:05 – Overdose Prevention Center Listening Session – Theresa Vezina, Special Assistant

8:30 - Adjourn

 Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
 Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
 Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
 Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
 Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
 Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com



 Participation Guidelines:

The Ward 1 NPA is sustained by community involvement and encourages engagement at our monthly
meetings per the following guidelines:
1. We are collectively responsible for following the NPA Meeting Agenda as closely as possible regarding
both presentation/discussion topics and time.
2. Participants at the NPA will act in a positive, courteous manner that respects all of those present (both
participants and presenters/guests) and their differing opinions, experiences and perspectives.
3. Any attendee requesting to speak who has not yet spoken at a meeting will be called on before others
who have already had a chance to speak. Priority is given to Ward 1 residents.
4. Whenever speaking, please be sure to project your voice and use the provided microphone if provided.
5. If the facilitator feels the need to redirect activity in the room based on these guidelines, the facilitator
will do so per point number 1 above.


 Page 1 of 35
 Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed
 Budget for Town Meeting Day
 Town Meeting Day is March 3rd!
 Visit www.bsdvt.org/budget for complete budget and voting information.
BALLOT LANGUAGE Shall the voters of the School District approve the School Board to expend $140,807,830 which
is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? Burlington School District
estimates that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in per pupil education spending of $15,774.58, which is
6.40% higher than per pupil education spending for the current year.

 BUDGET AT A GLANCE
Total Current Year Budget (FY26) $134.7 million
Increases to Health Insurance, Wages, and
 $4,682,571
Benefits
Federal Revenue Reductions, Debt Service
 $4,675,259
and Operating Inflation
Reductions (10 FTEs, Downtown BHS Rent,
 -$3,250,000
Department Budgets and Reorganizations)
Total Proposed Budget for Next Year (FY27) $140.8 million

Percent Change from FY26 Budget 4.47%

 TAX IMPACT ESTIMATES
 See reverse for more information.
Property Tax Payer +4.7%

Impact on $370K homestead $266

Income Tax Payer +1.89%

Impact on $50k income $23

Important Disclaimer: The actual impact on taxpayers receiving an income-
based credit is a combination of changes to their incomes and house-site
values over multiple years. This estimate makes assumptions about all of
these variables to illustrate a hypothetical impact. Income credit lags
behind the change in property tax bills by one year.

 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
1. Prioritizes academic achievement by providing more
 support for early math and literacy.
2. Drives funds towards students who need it the most with
 updated RISE allocations and expanded special education
 services.
3. Continues to align staffing to enrollment while minimizing
 layoffs.
4. Property Tax Rate increase assumes a $75 million tax buy-
 down from the State of Vermont.
5. Development of BSD’s budget is informed by the District’s
 Strategic Plan and our North Star: Every learner is
 challenged, empowered, and engaged.

 What’s the story behind our budget?
 Turn this page over to learn more!
 Page 2 of 35
 Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed
 Budget for Town Meeting Day
 Town Meeting Day is March 3rd!
 Visit www.bsdvt.org/budget for complete budget and voting information.
What is the Story Behind this Year’s Budget?
Each year, our goal is the same: to be careful with public
dollars while continuing to provide excellent schools for
our students. The school budget supports classroom
learning, social and emotional supports, arts and music,
athletics, and afterschool and summer programs that many
families rely on. We knew that keeping these programs at
their current level would require about a 5% increase to
the District’s overall budget, even after making reductions
due to lower enrollment. This is a reflection of the rising
costs of health care, salaries, and the day-to-day costs of
running our schools (inflation). We also knew that in
addition to keeping taxes low, recent achievement data
makes it clear that we need to be prioritizing classroom
 Combining transportation, food,
instruction. maintenance, and school operations, over
As a result, our proposed budget offers a number of 80% of all funds go directly to schools!
reductions while also supporting the following
instructional activities:
 🍎 Updating the academic coaching model to include increased time spent on direct student support (e.g., intervention)
 🍎 Revising our evaluation framework to align with the learning framework.
 🍎 Prioritizing early literacy through the use of universal screeners and training in the science of reading.
 🍎 Expanding support for elementary mathematics.
 🍎 Expanding in-District special education programing for students with the most significant needs.

Together, the budget represents moderate growth of 4.47%, and a moderate property tax impact of 4.7%. It’s important to
know that this projected Property Tax Rate increase assumes that the Vermont legislature will add $75 million to Vermont’s
Education Fund, reducing the tax impact on every community in the state. We are confident that at least this amount will be
added. Without this, the tax rate increase would be 8.99%.
How are we Working to Control Costs?
Our primary cost controlling measure is staffing. This year’s budget reduces 6.5 classroom teachers in response to a decline in
enrollment. An additional 3.5 district office positions are also proposed for reduction. We will also be reducing department
budgets and restructuring some positions in central office. While we have faced reductions in each of the past four budget
cycles, we have worked to avoid mass layoffs by spreading changes over time. As a result, attrition and restructuring have
enabled us to retain almost all teachers impacted by reductions in the past few years. This remains our goal again this year.
How Does Borrowing for the BHS/BTC Project Impact this Budget?
BSD has completed borrowing for the project. We were able to limit our total borrowing to $159 million of the $165 million
voter authorization, saving taxpayers six million dollars of debt and well in excess of that amount in interest costs. The proposed
FY27 budget includes $13.5 million of debt service that represents the annual payment of principal and interest associated with
the $159 million that has been borrowed. For context, the projected project tax would be about 5.6% lower were it not for this
debt service.




 Development of BSD’s budget is informed by the District’s Strategic Plan and our North Star: every learner is challenged,
 empowered, and engaged. Turn this document over to learn more about the budget.
 Page 3 of 35
 REIB CHARTER CHANGE
OFFICE OF RACIAL EQUITY, INCLUSION, & BELONGING (REIB)
 January 15, 2026


 REIB CHARTER CHANGE MARCH 3, 3026 BALLOT
 Page 4 of 35
 REIB Charter Change
 January 15, 2026

REIB Charter Change: What Voters Are Being Asked to Decide
 •On March 3, Burlington voters will decide whether to add the Office of Racial
 Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB) to the City Charter

 •The City Charter defines which parts of City government are permanent

 •This change would make the REIB a stable, ongoing part of City government.

 •Placing the REIB in the Charter helps ensure this work continues consistently
 over time, regardless of changes in leadership.
 NPA MEETINGS: REIB CHARTER CHANGE
 Page 5 of 35
 REIB Charter Change
 January 15, 2026




NPA MEETINGS: REIB CHARTER CHANGE Page 6 of 35
 REIB Charter Change
 January 15, 2026

REIB Charter Change: What the REIB Does and Why it Matters for Burlington
 What the REIB Does in Burlington Why This Matters for Burlington

 •Supports city departments in the • Helps the City and community respond to
 development, implementation, and diverse and community-identified needs
 coordination for programs and services to
 ensure consistency and accessibility • Supports a strong local economy and
 community resilience.
 •Provides training and guidance for City
 staff, boards, and commissions • Brings diverse perspectives into City
 decision-making and builds trust.
 •Creates ways for community members to
 engage directly with City government
 NPA MEETINGS: REIB CHARTER CHANGE Page 7 of 35
 REIB Charter Change
 Insert Date


REIB Charter Change: Budget Clarity

 Budget clarity:
 • The REIB already exists
 • It represents about 0.7% of the City’s General Fund
 • At its highest funding level, it has never exceeded 1% of the General Fund




 NPA MEETINGS: REIB CHARTER CHANGE
 Page 8 of 35
  FY27 General Fund Budget &
Police and Fire Tax Rate Increase
 NPA Presentation
 January-February 2026

 Page 9 of 35
 FY27 Budget: Big Picture

• Estimated $10-12M budget gap at this time
 - Approx. 10% of City's $107M budget


• Current FY27 general fund personnel estimate is $78.5M (increase
  of 7.5%)
• This is in line with expectations
  - Still includes estimates for health insurance & worker’s comp based on
 timing of the current fiscal year and self-insured nature of our insurance
 plan

 Page 10 of 35
 FY27 Budget: Personnel

• Started with FY26 personnel budget of $73M
 - Departments recently provided updated information

• New police and fire union contract provisions unanimously supported by
 City Council and Mayor:
 - Add 2 new firefighters per BFFA contract FY27
 - Cost of living adjustments of 7% (fire) and 4.75% (police). In line with
 regional salaries for first responders.
 - AFSCME negotiations start in February for FY27 so used
 a conservative figures for salary/benefits
 - Non-union – used AFSCME estimate as is our recent practice
 Page 11 of 35
 FY27 Budget: Personnel

• Add required annual step increases for all eligible employees

• Increase employer healthcare costs by 10%
 - Based on initial estimate and subject to change based on current usage

• Increase employer retirement costs by 5%
 - Initial estimate

• Increase worker’s compensation insurance costs by 5%
 - Initial estimate



 Page 12 of 35
 FY27 Budget: Operating

• Add 3% for inflation on most other non-personnel operating costs

• Added money to have cash available to purchase 9 new vehicles on
  the urgent/dire need list: 6 are for Police & Fire, remaining are for Parks
 - Since 2013, City has constrained replacement of vehicles and
 equipment for budget reasons
 - In 2020, fleet committee estimated City needs $2.7M/year for
 sustainable replacement of fleet
 - City has not yet been able to find sustainable fleet money in budget
 - Situation is no longer sustainable for first responders


 Page 13 of 35
 Why Ongoing Structural Budget Gap?
• Grand List is foundation of our revenue:
  property taxes.

• Property taxes represent approximately
  half of City’s General Fund revenue

 - Other revenue comes from grants,
 other types of taxes (ex: gross
 receipts), and fees.

• Our Grand List grows at a lower rate
  than our operating costs.

• Average annual grand list growth
  of 1.05% since 2016

• Note: In FY27, we no longer collect $1M of business personal property tax revenue, and
  there is no replacement source of revenue. Page 14 of 35
 Why Ongoing Structural Budget Gap?
• The City has overly relied on one-time funds. We are changing this
  practice and removing historically unachievable revenues from our budget.

• FY26 Included $1.2M of ARPA funding for police and fire salaries that is no
  longer available.

• FY26 included $650k of one-time increased collection of delinquent
  property taxes and gross receipts – removing for further discussion.

• Some revenues overbudgeted in recent years, and budget not met – revising
  downward to make realistic creates an additional expected gap of $1.3M


 Page 15 of 35
 Why Ongoing Structural Budget Gap?
• The City has grown the size of our workforce, services and programming over
  the past decade.

• The City added 98 FTEs positions with salaries funded by the General Fund
  between FY14 – FY24.
 - This is an ongoing operational expense we added with one-time revenue
 sources in many cases.




 Page 16 of 35
 Balanced Budget: 3-Part Approach

• A gap of $10-12M in City budget of $107M is approximately 10% and will
  require a balanced, three-part approach:

 – Raise Revenue

 – Rightsize Government

 – Realize Strategic Opportunities




 Page 17 of 35
 Raise Revenue: Raise Police & Fire Tax
• One option to raise revenue is $0.05 increase to police & fire tax

• Would raise about $3M toward projected gap

• Overall expected increase to FY27 compensation and benefits for police & fire is
 $3.05M
 - Excluding retirement, which is covered by dedicated tax

• Current police & fire tax projected to raise $6.4M this year
 - In contrast, budgets for those departments are $39.1M
 - Police & fire tax only raises 16% of costs for the services

• Bipartisan City Council vote (9-3) to place tax rate increase on TMD March ballot
 Page 18 of 35
 Municipal Tax Effect
 Note: $353K is current median assessed value for home or condo in
 Burlington​


 Fiscal Muni Tax Rate Total Muni Tax on $ Increase % Increase
  Year $353K Property
  FY22 $.6704 $2,367

  FY23 $.7085 $2,501 $134 5.7%

  FY24 $.7523 $2,655 $154 6.2%

  FY25 $.8326 $2,939 $284 10.7%

  FY26 $.8556 $3,020 $81 2.8%

  FY27 $.9363 * $3,305 $285 9.4%

* Proposed rate for FY27 including $.05 police and tax increase + other increases required by Charter.​

 Page 19 of 35
 Preliminary Early Balanced Solution
 Category Solution Amount Notes
Raise Revenue Increase Police & Fire Property Tax $ 3M Council approved question to be placed
 $.05 on Town Meeting Day ballot.
Raise Revenue Utilize One-Time Revenues $ 2M Exploring use of dedicated tax balances
 from many years previous in
 appropriate, budget-relieving ways.
Raise Revenue Enhance Collections $ 1M Examples include parking tickets,
 ambulance fees and building permits.
 Refine amount.
Rightsize Reduce Government Expenses 5-= $ 3M Department Heads made
Government 10% recommendations for further discussion.
Rightsize Create Voluntary Furlough Program $ 0.2M HR moving forward to create voluntary
Government program.
Realize Strategic Sale of City Property $ 1M Vacant properties or used for parking.
Opportunities Would create one-time money and add to
 ongoing property tax revenue.
 Total $ 10.2M


 Numbers are preliminary, and this is just an initial look at one way we could choose to structure the solution. Page 20 of 35
 Summary

• $10-12M current gap

• Will utilize a three-part approach to handle – raising revenue, rightsizing
  government, and realizing strategic opportunities

• $0.05 increase to police and fire tax will raise $3M, which pays for increases
  City is obligated to contract to pay to those employees

• Vote happens on Town Meeting Day, March 3

• Each department will present budget to Board of Finance in early April

• Budget drafted by Mayor and must be approved by June 30 by City Council
 Page 21 of 35
Page 22 of 35
 Introductions and Overview
Burlington ØWhat is an Overdose Prevention Center
Overdose (OPC)?
Prevention
  Center ØWhat is the status of the OPC in
 Burlington?

 ØOPC Services Assessment

 ØTonight’s Listening Session

 1
 Page 23 of 35
 Tonight’s Listening Session
Burlington
 ØPreliminary survey results
Overdose ØEvaluation next steps
Prevention
  Center ØDiscussion with Ward 1 residents
 ØWhat positive impact do you hope the OPC
 will bring to our community?
 ØDo you have concerns or questions related
 to the OPC?
 ØWhat would you like to see for ongoing
 communication once the OPC opens?


 2
 Page 24 of 35
Burlington Services Assessment Overview
 ØThe City of Burlington contracted with Pacific
Overdose Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) to inform
Prevention the Services Assessment report required by the OPC
 Guidelines.
  Center ØPurpose is to engage people with living experience
 and the wider Burlington professional and residential
 community to help inform the City and VCJR in the
 Services implement of the OPC.
Assessment
 Evaluation Activities to Date
 ØIn-person surveys with people with 49 people with
 living experience*
 ØOnline community survey completed with over 1500
 responses*
 ØOngoing tracking of community engagement
 activities

 *Preliminary findings only include quantitative data. Qualitative (open-ended) data will be shared
 3
 in final report Page 25 of 35
Who did we hear from?
49 individuals completed the in-person PWLE Survey
ØAll respondents used an illicit substance within the past 30 days
Ø84% of respondents reported not having a stable place to live, with 80%
 unsheltered
Ø86% used drugs at least once per day
Ø43% used drugs alone most of the time or always
Ø47% had at least one overdose in the past year.

1505 respondents completed the online community survey
Ø75% of survey respondents identified as Burlington residents, 45% work in
 Burlington, and 2% are Burlington business owners
Ø8% identified as a person who used to use or currently uses non-prescription
 opioids or stimulants

 4
 Page 26 of 35
Where are people using drugs in
Burlington?
Location of drug use N=49
Where you are currently living or staying 77%
Outside location, not specified (e.g., park, alley) 69%
Car or other vehicle 67%
Outside at City Hall Park 63%
Other residence (friend or acquaintance) 61%
Public restroom 57%
Outside on or near Church Street 55%
Outside at Waterfront 51%
Public building (e.g., library) 43%


 5
 Page 27 of 35
  Utilization and Perception of the OPC

PWLE utilization of the OPC
ØOf the 49 respondents, 92% responded that they would consider
 using the OPC once it opens, with 73% responding that they would
 use the OPC always or most of the time.

Community Perception of the OPC
ØOn scale of 1 (least helpful) to 10 (most helpful), the most selected
 answer was 10, the median answer was 7 and the average answer was
 6.3

 6
 Page 28 of 35
 Respondents’ Preferred OPC Location
 Location Factors
PWLE survey: How likely would you be to use (from community survey)
an OPC at various locations?
 When asked which are important
Community survey: Where should an OPC be factors when considering the
located in Burlington to be most effective? vicinity of the OPC:

 ØDowntown Burlington was the most Accessibility for potential clients
 selected response on both PWLE and was the most common response
 community surveys (52%), followed by proximity to
 schools/playgrounds (40%), other
 ØThe ONE and Riverside/Intervale area were support services (40%), and
 a close 2nd and 3rd choice on both surveys transportation (38%)


 7
 Page 29 of 35
Access to the OPC (PWLE survey)
ØTime PWLE are willing to travel to access an OPC:
 5-15 minutes: 60%
 15-25 minutes: 23%
 25-35 minutes: 13%
Ø68% of PWLE responded that they would be likely or very likely use a free
 shuttle if it were offered between downtown and the location of the OPC
Ø75% of PWLE responded that they would be likely or very likely to use the
 OPC if it was a mobile van that traveled around Burlington.



 8
 Page 30 of 35
Security and Safety at the OPC (PWLE Survey)

ØOPC Security How would a security guard inside the OPC make
 you feel?
  • More safe: 53%
  • Less safe: 19%
  • Neither more safe or less safe: 28%
ØHow would a security guard outside the OPC make you feel?
  • More safe: 47%
  • Less safe: 19%
  • Neither more safe or less safe: 34%


 9
 Page 31 of 35
 Public Health Outcomes
Community survey respondents ranked the order of importance of seven identified public
health outcomes (in order of most importance to least)

#1 Prevent overdoses and save lives
#2 Reduce the number of people using drugs outdoors and in public spaces
#3 Help connect people to drug treatment and health and social services
#4 Less burden on emergency rooms, police, fire, & EMS by reducing overdose-related calls
#5 Reduce crime in the area surrounding the overdose prevention center
#6 Reduce number of syringes or other litter related to drug use discarded in public
#7 Reduce HIV and hepatitis C transmission due to syringe sharing



 10
 Page 32 of 35
Services and Supports
Ø The majority of PWLE respondents reported that proposed OPC services
 such as medical care, STI testing, bathrooms and showers, peer support,
 drug checking, on-site buprenorphine, mental health and drug treatment
 referrals, and support with basic needs are important or very important

Ø Community survey respondents ranked possible OPC services: Referrals to
 drug treatment, Mental health services or referrals, on-site buprenorphine
 treatment, bathrooms, and peer support were noted among the most
 important services to offer at the OPC




 11
 Page 33 of 35
Ongoing Community Conversations
Community survey: How would you want to engage in community
conversations around the OPC?
Online form submitted to city or site employee 42%
Community gathering events 40%
Virtual gathering 38%
NPA Meetings 36%
In-person gatherings 34%
Community listening sessions 33%
E-mail address city or site employee 25%
Comment box located at City Hall, Library, etc. 19%
Phone number to leave voicemail or text message 19%
Other 11%

 12
 Page 34 of 35
  Next Steps

ØContinued engagement at NPA meetings, focus groups, attendance at
 community meetings, and interviews with people with living experience

ØFinal report with findings to inform the Services Assessment in April

ØLink to Annual Progress Report

ØHiring OPC Project Manager


 13
 Page 35 of 35

Ward 1 Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA)
 Wednesday, February 11, 2026
 In-person at the Friends Meeting House, 173 North Prospect Street
 And Zoom online:
 https://zoom.us/j/96245939050
 Webinar ID: 962 4593 9050
 Or by phone: +1 929 205 6099 ID = 962 4593 9050

 MINUTES
Linda Bowden Sam Doherty
Angie Chapple-Sokol Caryn Long
Kevin Bloom Erhard Mahnke
Julie Springer FaRied Munarsyah
Lisa Lax Allie Schachter
Katherine Verman Rob Gutman
Richard Hillyard Kelli Perkins
Mark Demers Katherine Schad
Nikhil Goyal Gary Golden
Matt Price Charlene Williams
Sharon Bushor Tom Derenthal
Roberto Fitzgerald Julia Pencek
Melo Grant Kathy Olwell
Sarah Morris Sarah Morris
Evan Horne Sophie Quest
Didi Macnow

The Ward 1 NPA did not vote on any issues at this meeting

6:30 - Formal Start - Introductions and Announcements: name, street

Surveys handed out for Ward 1 residents to suggest issues we want brought to the NPA before
decisions are made at the city/city council. We will vote on them at our March meeting

Nikhil Goyal candidate for State Senate

FaRied passed around Proposition Zero petition

Carol - Winterlude was postponed until 2/20-21. It’s not too late to get in on the fun!!!




6:40 – Speakout

Caryn, Erhard - Disappointment expressed at not being given the chance to vote on AFC, Tax
Fairness advisory questions

Erhard - Planning Commission working over next 6 months on comprehensive plan - 8 year
window but 20 year vision Commission meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Inclusionary zoning to be
a part of the conversation (Sharon added that there is more opportunity for a resident to
influence planning at the Commission than at City Council). Commission may joint meet with
Ordinance Committee to speed up process

Breck - suggested NPA agenda item - Property Assessment and Equity
Melo - urged attendance at Public Safety Committee meeting




6:55: City Council Updates - Allie Schachter

Appreciation for Crossing Guards

$10-12M Budget gap Admin is working on

Ballot Items:
5 Cent Tax for Public Safety will raise $3M of the gap
REIB Charter
$2000 stipend for school board members

ICE operations status can be found on City website:
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/1168/Status-of-ICE-Operations

There will likely be a discussion at the 2/17 Council meeting on city response to ICE

Tax Fairness Initiative advisory ballot item - Democrats voted against it because they felt it was
not fully vetted - not enough public engagement, clarity, and while it provided support for
owners of lower end appraised properties, as proposed it added burden to renters and to even
small commercial properties. The lack of an advisory ballot item does not stop Council from
working on refinement and implementation, with a goal of a charter change vote in August or
November. By contrast, a No vote on the advisory question would have strongly discouraged
Council from pursuing this Tax Fairness opportunity.




7:10 – School Commission Update – Matt Price & Gary Golden

 https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8760/files/attachment/12797

 ~4.7% increase in School tax for Burlington residents. This value has little or no
correlation to actual changes in the school budget

 Little or no Ed/Ed funding discussion going on in Montpelier at this point.

 BTC essentially rent-free next year; and there is just a little more to pay on Macy’s

 7:25 – Town Meeting Day Ballot Items and more



 General Budget, and Public Safety Tax Increase –Katherine Schad, Chief Administrative
Officer
 https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8760/files/attachment/12739




 https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8760/files/attachment/12738

 Clarification of confusion between a deficit and a gap

 Anticipate tax increase max to be lower that the 9.4% in the charts because retirement
income is higher than projected . More like 6.5% now.

 Splinter taxes consolidation into general fund? No - not possible, though there is
discussion of simplifying tax structure in general
 Why not stop all discretionary spending right now, and realize these savings in FY27
budget
 What is the role of the Board of Finance?

 Suggestions -
 Revive Business Personal Property tax -
 Increase 20% surcharge on Commercial assessments
 Increase Gross Receipts tax (again). Note: Mayor assumes temporary half cent
increase in Gross Receipts will be made permanent for FY27 budgeting purposes
 General support in the room for tax increase

 REIB Charter Change - Kelli Perkins, REIB Director; Christian Berry, Communications
and Community Engagement Manager; Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial
Coordinator

 Diversity - Systems and Outcomes, not INdividuals
 Equity - Access
 Inclusion - Feeling welcome

 Prioritizing city government for the people

 CCRPC has convened a county wide municipal equity council SB, EJ, BTV, Winooski,
Hinesburg, ¿Milton?

General support in the room for the Charter Change


8:05 – Overdose Prevention Center Listening Session – Theresa Vezina, Special

 https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8760/files/attachment/12798

 https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8760/files/attachment/12737

There were more questions posed than opinions posited from the NPA, making this more
informational than one would expect from a listening session

Where is the real estate available? Maybe more germane a question than where it should
be
Interest in mobile center

Concern - a visible problem will be made less visible

Need good communication on what is happening, how people feel, quantitative goals and
performance to metrics

Need to decide on a location soon - zoning changes have a long lead time

We need to compare what we do with what other communities are doing, learn from
successes and failures, explain why what we are doing is the right thing

Where is drug usage now?




8:30 - Adjourn


 Ward 1 NPA Steering Committee
 Carol Livingston carol.livingston1951@gmail.com,
 Jonathan Chapple-Sokol chapplesokol.npasc@gmail.com,
 Sam Doherty samcharlesdoherty@gmail.com
 Gretchen Platt gshuman7005@yahoo.com
 Rob Gutman rgutman@gmail.com



 Participation Guidelines:

The Ward 1 NPA is sustained by community involvement and encourages engagement at our monthly
meetings per the following guidelines:
1. We are collectively responsible for following the NPA Meeting Agenda as closely as possible regarding
both presentation/discussion topics and time.
2. Participants at the NPA will act in a positive, courteous manner that respects all of those present (both
participants and presenters/guests) and their differing opinions, experiences and perspectives.
3. Any attendee requesting to speak who has not yet spoken at a meeting will be called on before others
who have already had a chance to speak. Priority is given to Ward 1 residents.
4. Whenever speaking, please be sure to project your voice and use the provided microphone if provided.
5. If the facilitator feels the need to redirect activity in the room based on these guidelines, the facilitator
will do so per point number 1 above.