Parks, Arts, and Culture Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2024-01-24
Time: 17:00

City Council - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee




 Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room

MEETING TO BE HELD IN PERSON AT 645 PINE ST FRONT CONFERENCE ROOM AND VIA ZOOM
When: Jan 24, 2024 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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1. Call to Order
  Subject 1.1. Call to Order
  Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room
  Category 1. Call to Order
  Department


  Type

2. Procedural Items
  Subject 2.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda
  Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room


  Category 2. Procedural Items

  Department
  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 2.2. Motion to amend/adopt minutes from 12/13/2023
  Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room


  Category 2. Procedural Items

  Department Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront


  Type

  Recommended Action

3. Public Forum
  Subject 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments
  Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room
  Category 3. Public Forum
  Department


  Type

4. Agenda
  Subject 4.1. Solar Eclipse 2024 Update
  Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room


  Category 4. Agenda

  Department Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront


  Type

  Recommended Action

  Subject 4.2. Waterfront
  Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room
  Category 4. Agenda
  Department


  Type

5. Adjournment

6. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 6.1. 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 January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January
 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room
Category 6. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
Department Council and Board


Type

Bike Path
 Rehab/
 Pause
 Place
 North Street
 COTS &
 85 North Ave




  Sailing Center, Moran
 FRAME, Skatepark,
 Burlington Harbor Marina
 Battery
 Park



 Pearl Street
 Waterfront
 Park Transit



 S. Union Street
 Center
 Cherry Street
 City
 Place


 Church Street
 New
 Old YMCA



 S. Winooski Ave
 YMCA


 Battery Street
 The Nest


 ECHO City Hall
 Center Gateway
 Park
 Block
 Amtrak
 Station Main Street




 St. Paul Street
 City West VFW/ Post
 194 St. Apts
 Paul

 Maple Street
 Perkins
 Pier




 Pine Street
Downtown Reinvestment

Public Projects
 Complete
 Under construction/ in
 planning
Private Projects Bike
 Path
 Complete Rehab.
 Under construction/ in
 planning
Public-Private Projects
 Potential reinvestment/revitalization concept map from 2013 planBTV:
 Complete Downtown & Waterfront. July 2023 overlay to reflect areas within the
 Under construction/ in plan scope where projects have been completed or are underway. Not
 planning all projects have been implemented in exactly the same manner as
 envisioned in planBTV, but reflect the spirit/intent of the plan’s goals.
The FRAME Update
 Parks, Arts & Culture Committee
 January 24, 2024
Friends of The FRAME: 2023 Programming & Activations

Phase 2 Vision

Next Steps
Friends of The FRAME

Organized to facilitate the
sustained use of The Frame
as an inclusive, ever-
evolving public space,
Friends of The Frame
endeavors to present high-
quality public programming,
support ongoing
stewardship, and empower
local creativity in all of its
forms.
Friends of The FRAME PILOT




 - Friends of The Frame / City of Burlington Contract, 7/11/2022
FRAME Pilot & Better Places grant


Free public amenities

  + Bench swings, including a wheelchair accessible swing
  + WiFi hotspot
  + Picnic tables
  + Public restroom pilot with Burlington-based Wasted*

Art & activation

  + Illuminated “The FRAME” signage
  + Comprehensive historical information panels
  + Interactive community chalkboard
  + “Blue Alchemy” art installation
  + All-ages lawn games

Infrastructural support

  + Shipping container for secure onsite storage
  + Packed gravel path network
  + Custom temporary event fence system
FRAME Pilot - Events & Community

Movie Nights at The FRAME

  + 11 scheduled events, 6 rainouts
  + When weather was nice, the typical crowd was 50-100+
  + Food & beverage vendors
  + BCA team assisted with projection and sound
  + No security incidents
  + Learned a lot!

Blue Alchemy Opening

  + ~50-60 people over the course of the evening
  + Live music (sound was actually pretty good)
  + First event with no BCA assistance

Heartsong Aerial Arts Pop-Ups

Joy Riders & Vermont Skate Society Meetups

Betty’s Bikes

  + Lease with BPRW
Friends of The FRAME: 2023 Programming & Activations

Phase 2 Vision

Next Steps
Phase 2 Vision - Taking the Frame from ‘Safe’ to Spectacular

Goals:
 +  Improve accessibility and
 enjoyment for all ages and
 abilities
 + Create opportunities for year-
 round activation of the Frame
 and waterfront
 + Strengthen connectivity with
 adjacent destinations and park
 spaces
 + Build upon what people are
 already doing at the Frame
 + Introduce new public amenities
 that compliment those in nearby
 areas
Phase 2 Vision – Public Engagement


 Survey Distribution
Public Meeting – September 13, 2023 (50+)
UVM Design Innovation Class ONLINE PRINT
BHS City & Lake Semester Class
Post Card & Online Survey Postcard QR Code Miller Center

 Front Porch Forum Leddy Arena

 CEDO Website ONE Community Center

 MVVA Instagram Fletcher Free Library

 FoTF Social Media 645 Pine

 Seven Days Ad King Street Youth Center

 QR Code On-site Leddy Beach Bites

 Movie Nights at the Frame
 The
Phase 2 Moran
 Vision Frame
 – Public Engagement: Postcards
 Public Comments
 Survey Post Card




 68
 Postcards
 Returned
Phase 2 Vision – Public Engagement: Postcards
Phase 2 Vision – Public Engagement:
Online Survey

https://thj79m9ottl.typeform.com/to/RuOuLpFr




 502
 (and counting)

 Online
 Survey
 Responses
Survey Responses (550+)



 Concerts & Performances
Survey Respondents by
Neighborhood
 Centennial Woods / Riverside
 Downtown / Old North End / Waterfront
 6.37% 3.60%
 New North End

 South End
 6.37%
 Hill Section / University Housing
 Burlington (no neighborhood provided)



 Note: This information was only available
 for online survey responses, not the
 postcards (so about 12% of the total
 19.11% respondents are omitted).


 43.49% Main Takeaway: The most
 responses were from Downtown,
 the Old North End, and the
 Waterfront. Theseneighborhoods
 are represented almost 2:1
 compared to their population
 percentage of Burlington.
 21.05%
Burlington Population by Neighborhood
(2020)
 Centennial Woods / Riverside
 Downtown / Old North End / Waterfront

 New North End
 14.0%
 South End

 Hill Section / University Housing
 26.1%

 Census data showing the % of
 Burlington’s population in each
 neighborhood.

 This is intended as a comparison tool to
 show how closely our “Burlington-based
 Survey Respondents by Neighborhood”
 23.9% percentages align with the actual
 population distribution in a certain
 neighborhood.

 Note: This information was only available
 12.1% for online survey responses, not the
 postcards (so about 12% of the total
 respondents are omitted).


 Main Takeaway: We received a
 disproportionately high number of
 responses from the South End.
 23.9%
Phase 2 Vision




 JOIN US
 Public Open
 House
 February 8th
 3pm – 5pm

 Burlington
 City Arts
 2nd Floor
Friends of The FRAME: 2023 Programming & Activations

Phase 2 Vision

Next Steps
• Phase 1B
• Friends of The FRAME Explore feasibility
 Programming & Activations of Phase 2 vision

 Phase 2 Capital Campaign
Phase 1B

  Phase 1B is a near-term construction phase. The scope of
  work is a response to lessons learned over the past two
  years and public feedback gathered during 2023 and is
  intended to dovetail with the scope proposed for Phase 2.
  FOCUS: the ability to host a variety of public events & performances, and vendor infrastructure.

  Other items that Phase 1B is likely to include:
 + Connections / anchor points for the large-scale inflatable movie screen
 + Demolition of the “shelves” on the existing concrete pedestals & other misc. concrete repairs
 + A seasonal overhead cover system for vendor areas
 + Water connection(s) at vendor areas
 + Structural steel modifications @ Level 1 to accommodate portable stage at ground level
 + Paved connection to the Burlington Greenway
 + Clean up / Safety at boat hoist and water’s edge
Friends of The FRAME: Programming & Activations


 Contract with Friends of Frame to provide programming & activations for the
 next two summers, including:
 + Movie Nights
 + Live Performances
 + Public Art & Placemaking
 + Marketing & Engagement
 + Public Restrooms in partnership with (Burlington-based
 startup providing sustainable waste management solutions)
Friends of The FRAME: Phase 2 Capital Campaign


  + Friends of The FRAME, with the support of the City, would hire an experienced fundraising consultant, or team of
 consultants, to develop and implement a capital campaign strategy. This would include a private fundraising effort
 and grant writing effort.

  + Friends of The FRAME would facilitate and host a private “speakeasy-style” experience for potential donors and/or
 project champions to review conceptual design materials (physical model, renderings, cost estimate, precedent
 images, diagrams, etc.)

  + Prioritize finding “project champions” early on. These would generally be influential, well-connected individuals that
 may or may not be potential donors themselves. Some may be eventual partners (e.g. Higher Ground). This will help
 further legitimize the campaign and build momentum before any formal asks are made.

  + We would present the complete vision when courting donors, but we will also be able to communicate the
 “standalone” value of certain components. Breaking down the project this way, while largely unrealistic in terms of
 construction phasing, can make the full project value more digestible.

  + Anticipated timeline of 12-18 months (January 2024 - July 2025)

  + Goal = raise enough capital to support the construction of, at a minimum, the “Essential Elements” of the Phase 2
 concept
Long-Term Management Structure




 City of Burlington
 (Owner)




 MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS
 PARTNERSHIP




 Local
 Partnerships




 KEY COLLABORATORS
DRAFT Budget Summary




Sources Uses

Phase 1A Remaining $500,000 Friends of The FRAME 2024 & 2025 $65,000


ARPA Infrastructure $600,000 Phase 1B $600,000


CDBG $100,000 Phase 2 Capital Campaign Feasibility Study $40,000

Frame Pilot Remaining $4,000 Phase 2 Project $499,000


 Total $1,204,000 Total $1,204,000
 COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE




 CEDO-Managed
Waterfront Ground Leases &
 Public Access
 January 24, 2024
Background
The City owns lands
along the Lake
Champlain
waterfront that have
been redeveloped
overtime by private
entities under the
 ECHO
mechanisms of
Development
Agreements,
Memorandums of
Understanding
(MOU), and Ground
Lease Agreements.
In addition to all Burlington Harbor
construction plans
 Marina
and associated
improvements,
providing and
maintaining public
access to the
 Lake Champlain
waterfront was a key Sailing Center
element in the
redevelopment of
these sites.
 2
 Photo Credit: Ryan Bent
ECHO Science
Center
Public Access

“…at all times public
access to the facility and
Premises shall be provided
to the extent consistent
with the primary uses…”




 3
ECHO Science Center
• Ground Lease Commencement Date – June 1, 1995 with • The purpose of this Lease is to allow Science center to
  an initial term of 99 years construct, reconstruct, improve, use, and maintain on the
 Premises, all at the Science Center's sole discretion and
• Create a center for research and public and/or private
 in its exclusive authority, a facility, which may consist of
  education in, information about, and enjoyment of the
 one or more buildings or portions of buildings and other
  natural, historic, social, or cultural environment
 structures and improvements, for research and public
• …at all times public access to the facility and Premises and/or private education in, information about, and
  shall be provided to the extent consistent with the enjoyment of the natural, historic, social, or cultural
  primary uses specified herein. environment, and to create, perform, maintain, and
 provide public and private recreational, cultural, civic, and
 educational events, facilities, including retail and food
 service facilities accessory to the primary uses…;




 4
Community Sailing
Center
Public Access

2024 Lease Amendment: Public
 Sloped Restrooms
• Restroom facilities shall be available to Launch
  the general public when the facility is
  open.
• Access and use of the sloped launch
  (currently under construction) shall be
  available to the general public when the
  facility is open.




 5
Community Sailing Center
Purpose: to facilitate the development and operation of an educational
and recreational community waterfront center


Ground Lease Commencement Date - March 21, 2016 January 9, 2024 Amendment to Ground Lease
with an initial term of 30 years
 1. Increase the Community Service Credit Cap; and
Ground Lease was made subject to: 2. Memorialize general public access to portions of the
 1.1.3 All rights of way and easements reasonable and facility.
 necessary to complete the Waterfront Access North Section 20.5 General Public Access
 Project, which do not unreasonably interfere with the
 operation of the Sailing Center; a) Restroom facilities shall be available to the general
 public when the facility is open. No members of the
 1.1.4 The Sailing Center’s public access obligations general public will be denied access to restroom
 for the development and operation of the Sailing Center, facilities.
 including any conservation easement requirements
 under any agreement to which the City is a party or b) Upon completion of the expansion project, access
 required by any local state or federal agencies or and use of the sloped launch shall be available for
 regulatory bodies with respect to public access, use by the general public when the facility is open.
 stormwater mitigation, shoreline erosion mitigation or Note: The CSC allowed general public access to the restrooms in
 similar waterfront issues; the summer of 2023 as a condition of federal funding received for
 their waterfront improvements that began in the fall of 2023.


 6
Burlington Public Restrooms &
Harbor Store / Chandlery

Marina
Public Access

• Public restroom facilities (business hours)
• Store and chandlery (business hours)
• Water Taxi (business hours)
• Perimeter dock (7am –10pm)

"...the following areas of the Marina that will be
open in season, during business hours, to
pedestrians and the general public (not solely
Marina clientele ), subject to occupancy limits
established by all applicable governmental permits,
statutes, ordinances and regulations, with the
understanding that priority access will be given to
slip holders during certain Marina events...."
 Perimeter Dock
 7
Burlington Harbor Marina
The Marina Lot is, as a part of the Burlington waterfront lands Public Access to the Marina
subject to the public trust doctrine, which dictates that land
 The parties acknowledge that the Marina shall be accessible to
submerged beneath navigable waters, including land that has the public.
been filled so that it is no longer submerged, must be held in
trust for public uses. Tenant hereby agrees that the following areas of the Marina that
 will be open in season, during business hours, to pedestrians
Ground Lease Commencement Date – October 25, 2017 with and the general public (not solely Marina clientele), subject to
an initial term of 30 years occupancy limits established by all applicable governmental
 permits, statutes, ordinances and regulations, with the
Project Public Improvements work as shown on the Site Plan understanding that priority access will be given to slip holders
 during certain Marina events:
• East Parking Lot
 • the public restroom facilities; store and chandlery; and the
• The Public Park (Waterworks) and development of Water water taxi stand.
  Department Hardscapes
 The Marina's entire perimeter dock (i.e. the wave attenuation
• The Marina Drop Off Plaza system) shall be open to the general public daily from 7am to
• Improvements in the area of the South Parking Lot 10pm…with the understanding that priority access will be given
 to slip holders during certain Marina events




 8
2024 PACC -Waterfront
 Marina Usage
 Marina Transient Visitors
1000


 900 870

 796 804
 800 768
 749
 731 720
 713
 700 664
 632

 600


 500
 419
 400


 300
 231

 200 182

 96
 100

 0 0 0 0
 0
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

 Slips Moorings BHM
Marina Slip & Mooring Revenues




  2019 – LCT opened with their first large expansion, BHM opened
 2022 – Canadian/US Border fully re-opened
 (Revenues based on New World FY)
 Seasonal Slips Across
300
 the Harbor
 265

250


200
 178


150
 130


100


 50


  0
 City (All locations) LCT "Ferry" BHM
 Seasonal Slips & Moorings
 Total 573
Seasonal Boaters at City
Marinas: Breakdown by
 Home Address
 Recent Marina Capital
 Projects & Investments
• Upgraded Seasonal Moorings at Perkins Pier: Replaced 23 moorings to a safer and
  more reliable mooring system (2022)

• Security Gates on Boathouse Dock Ramps (2023)

• Dredging Design, Engineering and upcoming Dredging at Perkins Pier and
  Community Boathouse. Bond Project ($700K) started in 2023 and expected
  completion Spring 2024.

• Community Boathouse Marina Feasibility Study: With $200k from municipal bond
  funding, exploring the future options available for the Boathouse Marina, as the
  facility nears the end of its engineered lifespan. (2023-2024)
 Looking Forward: Future
 Projects & Direction

• Community Boathouse Marina Facility: Looking forward to finding solutions pertaining to the viability and
  future of this facility. We will have robust community engagement addressing the future of this Facility
  while understanding its past history in Burlington Harbor.
 • Themes: Public, Accessible, Recreation & Tourism

• Water Quality & The Impacts to our Recreational Waters

• Perkins Pier: Chart a course forward to how we can bring realistic improvements to the site. Siting study
  already complete.

• Tourism & Downtown vitality –Focus on the Waterfront/Downtown connection and how we can grow our
  strengths within the tourism field.
PERKINS PIER - SITING STUDY

Parks, Arts and Culture CommiƩee
 January 22nd, 2024
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY

Comprehensive
Planning Process
2021-2022

• 4 stakeholder
meeƟngs
 TITLE
• 3 public meeƟngs

• surveys

• winter onsite pop
up
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY




 TITLE


 Lake Level 98.02ft on 01/19
 (was 99.07ft on 12/22)
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY

Flood Levels in
2011:

103.27’ -
included TITLE
flooding of
the Lyman
Building, which
includes public
restrooms.
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY
PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN
PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN
PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN
PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN
PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN
PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN
PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY

PrioriƟzaƟons
per public input:

Waterfront for All

*there is enabling
work that needs to
occur for all projects:
permiƫng, review
of easements,
encumbrances and
invisible investments
like sheet piling and
the need for a BPRW
maintenance building,
growing private
partnerships for a
public-facing building,
etc.
 Thank you!
 QuesƟons?



 Sophie Sauvé
Parks Comprehensive Planner
 ssauve@burlingtonvt.gov
Improve and
Modernize
 WWTFs for
Burlington’s
  Future
 WASTEWATER PLANT
 UPGRADE STAGES
 0 1 2 3
Headworks Upgrade Main WWTF Conversion of East Plant North and Main WWTFs
  Main, North and East Primary treatment into a Pump Station & Main CSO pumps
  WWTFs covers and odor North High Priorities Main Building
  Replace influent screen control Construct East PS and improvements (inc.
  and grit removal New secondary FM ventilation and odor
  equipment treatment tankage Improvements to control)
  Upgrade North and East Dewatering system Main WWTF Main and North
  Headworks Buildings upgrade collection system sludge pumps
  Improved working Tertiary treatment North WWTF
  conditions (safety) in the Electrical distribution clarifiers, pumps, and
  areas with equipment system replacement Control Building
 Engineering Support:
  improvements Wright Pierce is assisting with WWTF Planning
 Hoyle Tanner & Assoc. is assisting with Tertiary
 Treatment and Integrated Planning
1985 Resolution regarding the purchase and use of Perkins Pier


  “Property is acquired for the expansion of the capacity of the main
  sewer treatment plant....”
  “...primary use is for wastewater treatment needs..”
  “...acquired for present and future wastewater needs and capacity; and
  that any conflict between the needs of these two Departments will be
  resolved in favor of wastewater needs”
 As of January 2024, future possible footprints based on continued preliminary engineering




 Main WWTF - Stage 1
Replace Aeration tanks in new location including new blower equipment
 Renews infrastructure at end of life
 Tertiary treatment equipment Increased capacity for growth
 New secondary clarifier tank
 New mechanisms in all clarifiers Meets/exceeds Burlington’s Lake
 New dewatering equipment
 Influent pump improvements
 Champlain phosphorus reduction
 Building improvements obligation
 Standby generator and electrical distribution upgrade
 New odor control on primary clarifiers Ensures regulatory compliance
 Burlington Water Treatment Plant
 Last upgrade in 1984 (40 years ago)
 Source of drinking water for Burlington including
 Medical Center
 Infrastructure renewal is necessary, at a minimum
 Need for Water Treatment Plant Modernization
 Study Raw and Finish
 Water
 Increase redundancy and resiliency Pumping
 Capacity evaluation
 Advance planning for potential water quality Treatment
 and regulatory issues
 more frequent turbidity (cloudy water) due
 to frequent storms
 contaminants of concern (not an issue yet)
 cyanobacteria toxins
 PFAS
 Addition of BHM reduced adjacent expansion space



Future planning of the Northern Waterfront needs to ensure there is space for Water treatment and pumping
LAST SAVED BY: JAMES.MICHAUD 8/21/2023 1:54 PM
 APP'D DATE
 N




 REVISIONS




 NO 1 2 3 4 5




 SUBMISSION: PRELIMINARY DESIGN
 PROJECT NO: 20776 CAD COORD: B. JONES
 NEW FENCELINE, TYP



 DESIGNED: APPROVED:
 NEW TREELINE, TYP

 CHECKED: DATE: DATE:




\\WRIGHT-PIERCE.COM\WPMFS\VOL4\ENG\VT\BURLINGTON\20776-WWTFPHASE2UPGRADE\DRAWINGS\20776-WWTF-PHASE2UPGRADES\CIV\20776-CS-MAINPLANT-SITEPLAN-LAYOUT.DWG | MainExConditionsSitePlan | 1:2.5849 | ---- | 8/21/2023 1:56:03 PM | JAMES.MICHAUD
 CAD:
 5TH
 SECONDARY
 CLARIFIER

 Approximate location of
 10-ft CSO box culvert

 TERTIARY
 TREATMENT SYSTEM
 OR OL
 OD NTR
 CO
 STORAGESLUDGE
 FUTURE
 100 YEAR




 EFFLUENT CHANNEL
 AERATION TANKS FLOODPLAIN
 SPLITTER STRUCTURES 4 TANKS




 FUTURE PEAK EQ
 FUTURE  FLOW
 EQUALIZATION
 TANK TANK




 603.606.4420 | www.wright-pierce.com 250 COMMERCIAL STREET, SUITE 4014, MANCHESTER, NH 03101
 20' DRIVEWAY




 BLOWER BUILDING
 FUTURE THIRD
 PRIMARY CLARIFIER




 BURLINGTON, VERMONT
 NOTES:


 MAIN WWTF
 STAGE 1 IMPROVEMENTS: AERATION SYSTEM, TERTIARY




 DRAFT
 TREATMENT SYSTEM, BLOWER BUILDING, 5TH




 WASTEWATER TREAMENT FACILITY
 SECONDARY CLARIFIER

 STAGE 3 IMPROVEMENTS: PEAK FLOW EQUALIZATION



 DRAFT FIUTURE SITE PLAN
 TANK, SLUDGE STORAGE TANK

 (FUTURE THIRD PRIMARY CLARIFIER IS NOT PART OF




 PHASE II UPGRADES
 CURRENTLY PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS.)




 MAIN WWTF SITE PLAN
 SCALE: 1"=40'
 DRAWING
 0 40 80
 C-10-101

CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
Minutes
Parks, Arts & Culture Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 24, 2023, 5:00pm
MEETING CONDUCTED IN PERSON AT 645 PINE ST, FRONT CONFERENCE ROOM, AND VIA ZOOM

Attendance:
Committee Members: Chair Joe Magee, Councilor Ali Dieng, Councilor Mark Barlow

City Staff: Cindi Wight – BPRW, Samantha Dunn – CEDO, Erin Moreau – BPRW, Rob Peterson – BPRW,
Megan Moir – DPW – Water Resources, Sophie Sauve – BPRW, Doreen Kraft – BCA, Zach Williamson –
BCA, Holli Bushnell – BPRW

Meeting called to order at 4:58 pm by Mark Barlow at the request of Chair Joe Magee

Approval of Agenda
Ali Dieng moved to approve the agenda, Barlow seconded, all were in favor.

Approval of Draft Minutes from 12/13/2023
Dieng moved to approve the minutes, Barlow seconded, all were in favor

Public Forum
Public forum was opened at 5pm. As no one present wished to speak public forum was closed at 5pm.

Waterfront –
Cindi Wight began the presentation by thanking the team of city staff for their hard work on this
presentation. She assured the committee that the presentation was extremely thorough and with that
turned things over to Samantha Dunn from CEDO to discuss FRAME and public spaces with city leases on
the Waterfront.

Samantha began by sharing a brief update as part of the original presentation request. She added that
CEDO will have more info coming out very soon and that will be presented to the full city council in
February.

Dunn shared that the organization Friends of FRAME organized a pilot program in 2023 to facilitate the
inclusive use of FRAME. The FoF provided bench swings, free Wi-Fi, and seasonal restrooms through the
company Wasted. Additionally, summer 2023 saw site specific art installations through BCA funding,
movie nights (unfortunately the evenings were rained out 6 times, but the movie nights that were able
to happen were very well received), pop ups with Heartsong Aerial Joy Riders and Vermont Skate
Society Meetups, and the presence of Betty’s Bikes on site for events.

Dunn continued by sharing the plans for the next phase of design. The goas of this phase is to improve
accessibility, create opportunities for year round programing activation, strengthen connectivity of the
FRAME to rest of Waterfront Park, build on what people are already doing in the space, and introduce
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
new public amenities. CEDO undertook a robust public engagement survey distributed on postcards
throughout the city which included a QR code for those who prefer to take the survey online. They held
a large public meeting at the Sailing Center, met with the UVM design class and BHS City and Lake
Semester as well. All told they have currently received 68 postcards and 502 online responses, and
collection of information is still ongoing.

The most desired additional aspects and uses for the space include programing concerts and
performances, allowing access to the views from up high, making the space fun and usable in all
seasons, making space for vendors, adding seating on the waterfront side, and continued use for public
art. The team took time to look into responses to identify where in the community responses were
coming from and discovered that most respondents were from the Downtown, Old North End, and
Waterfront areas.

Dunn then showed graphic site plan the next steps in development. She added that CEDO will be having
public open house at BCA on the second floor where the design team will unveil the vision for phase 2 of
the design.

The next steps include phase 1b of construction, continuing to work with Friends of FRAME on
programing and activation, and beginning a capital campaign speared by FoF. Phase 1B is a near-term
construction phase that is planned for summer 2024. This phase will enhance the sites ability to hold
public events/performances as well as enhance vendor infrastructure. There are still funds available for
this from ARPA and from the original contingency funds.

The Friends of FRAME intend to continue with their current offerings such as movie nights, live
performances, public art/placemaking, and providing public restrooms on the site. CEDO will work with
FoF while they look towards the feasibility of capital campaign – mainly looking towards grants and
some fundraising. The FoF will continue to collaborate with CEDO and other departments in developing
and shaping the future of FRAME.

Dieng asked of the site is expected to generate any revenue for the Fof or the city and Dunn confirmed
that there is no expectation of that this summer – all programing and events will be free to the public.
Dunn added that the FoF has committed to begin raising funds for programing through sponsorship and
partnerships. Dieng asked about the addition of food vendors for this year and Dunn confirmed that
food vendors would be returning during movie nights, however funds from food sales do not generate
revenue for the FRAME. Betty’s Bikes does have a lease which requires 5% of revenue to be paid to the
city. Dunn shared that CEDO will be moving forward with deliberate care as activity builds on the site,
especially in terms of vendors in the space. There will be more opportunities moving forward to provide
some sort of revenue. She added that once phase 2 is implemented that will help provide more
opportunities for revenue generation.

Dieng asked how the public has responded to the space and Dunn confirmed that the response has been
overall positive. There is a great core group of early users who love FRAME just the way it is, and they
have shared concerns about being pushed out as the space changes. FRAME as it is already resonates
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
with some people, but there are others in the community who just don’t get it. CEDO is trying to
maintain the uniqueness of the current space as well as give it an opportunity to evolve and change and
make it accessible and enjoyable to larger section of the population.

Dieng asked what negative responses people have had at the space. Dunn shared that, with no cameras
at the site, there have been some graffiti issues (though not as much as they expected). There have also
been some reports of people climbing the structure, however a great deal of signage has been placed to
discourage that. While Dunn sees the wisdom of investing in further climbing discouragement, it is
something that will likely be ongoing and need to be managed.

Barlow shared that he is one of the individuals in the city who thinks FRAME is awesome, but he can see
that it could be a bit polarizing. He asked Dunn to breakdown the remaining funding for phase 1b.
Dunn explained that about a year ago $2 million was set aside for ARPA infrastructure that supports
community engagement and activity. These funds went to a series of BPRW projects and a large chunk
of phase 1b funding came from those ARPA funds. The remaining funds are left over from phase 1A, as
due to the function of certain grants and rebates the project got some money back right at the end.
CEDO has also applied for a CDBG grant for $100,000. The ARPA money has been fluid, but needs to be
spent down.

Barlow asked about ongoing upkeep costs. Dunn explained that the funds for the infrastructure that
was installed last summer came from grant and that CEDO and FoF will continue to work for grant
money. That said, FRAME is part of BPRW and is part of BPRW operating budget. As this becomes a
higher use space they will have to work towards sustainable operations and create a maintenance plan
that goes in hand with construction.

Joe Magee (who joined the meeting in person late) shared that he is looking forward to a time when the
utilities and amenities are there and FRAME can be a producible space.

Dunn continued her presentation by sharing information regarding the privately leased city owned
properties on the waterfront. There have been many questions and comments about these leases from
public. Dunn explained that the city owns lands along lake that has been redeveloped over time by
private entities – specifically ECHO, the Burlington Harbor Marina, and the Lake Champlain Sailing
Center.

ECHO has public access is built into their lease – it requires that the public have access to the facility at
all times and that amenities can be accessed without any payment required. ECHO has a 99 year ground
lease started in 1995. The Community Sailing Center (on the north end of waterfront) has been working
hard to welcome the public in. Their lease includes language that requires the restroom facilities be
available to general public when facility is open, and, as of 2024, requires that the sloped boat launch be
available to general public when facility is open. Initially the Sailing Center was nervous about restroom
access and management, but they began allowing access in summer 2023 before it was required and
there were no serious issues. The Sailing Center has a 30 year ground lease beginning in 2016.
Burlington Harbor Marina has public restrooms, a store and chandlery, and water taxi all opened to the
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
public during business hours, and their perimeter dock is open 7am to 10pm for all to access. The space
is subject to occupancy limits and priority access given to slip holders during marina events. There have
been reports of BHM not allowing public access to their restroom facilities, and that needs to be
documented so the city can address it. BHM also has a 30 year ground lease, but there are
opportunities to renegotiate.

Barlow shared that he wasn’t aware that there was public access at BHM. He has visited the facility but
didn’t realize there was actually public access. Dunn shared that this is a common misunderstanding
and added that CEDO and BPRW are working on this by adding increased signage to that area. It’s
understandable that folks don’t feel invited into that space as there are gates and it can appear closed
to the public, so Dunn and her team are hoping to counteract that with signage. Barlow asked if there
had been reports of members of the public being denied access and Dunn confirmed that that was the
case. Magee shared that he has experienced the space feeling uninviting when gate is closed, and that
the gate feels like it’s intended to restrict access. Dunn continued to encourage documentation of these
issues.

Magee shared that, at some point he would like to hear about the flying A and the urban reserve; how
they play into waterfront and what’s coming in those area. Wight reminded the committee that the
urban reserve requires significant community input to do any development. She feels it will be up to
next mayor if development of that area becomes a high priority. For the time being that space is
protected, and development is on the planning schedule for the near future, but it does have to be
prioritized with dollars as well as time.

Erin Moreau and Rob Peterson provided a deeper dive on the city’s marinas (no pun intended).
Essentially the outer harbor is considered the section of lake that stretches from Oakledge park in the
south to Leddy park in the north. The inner harbor, on the other hand, stretches from lighthouse to
lighthouse. The harbor has a total of 573 seasonal use slips and the city own two marinas, one at
Perkins Pier and the other at the bottom of College St. The city operates 178 slips, Lake Champlain
Transit has 265 slips, and BHM has 130 slips. Since 2019 both LCT and BHM have added slips. All 4
spaces cater to both transient and seasonal boaters. As a side note, around 75% of the transient boating
visitors are French Canadian.

Moreau shared that 2018 was one of the best summers the waterfront has ever had in Burlington in
terms of revenue. Weather is one of the largest determining factors in terms of revenue, but recent
years have seen a loss of funds with Cyanobacteria blooms as well.

The expansion of LCT and BHM has been extremely helpful as BPRW were turning away boaters every
summer previous to their addition. The waterfront had an 8-10 year long waitlists for moorings and
slips, and they were turning transient boaters away. With the additional spaces at LCT and BHM staff
the city can welcome more people into our harbor even if the dollars get spread out between different
institutions.
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
Moreau informed the committee that the waterfront just passed a rate change for 2024. That said, they
are aware that they have an ageing facility at both the Community Boathouse and Perkins Pier, with
limited amenities which begs the question of how much the city can raise rates with the oldest facilities
in the harbor and fewer amenities than the counterparts. Data shows that the primary seasonal users of
the city owned marinas are Burlingtonians, so reinvestment in marinas is a reinvestment in the
community. Unfortunately, the perception remains that the marinas are not open to the public, so
BPRW has more work to do in terms of making sure those spaces are accessible to all.

BPRW is in the middle of creating a dredging design for both Perkins and the Boathouse which they
expected to be completed this year. They have an open RFP out and are looking for bids for project with
a completion date in the fall. They will also be placing major focus on a Community Boathouse Marina
Feasibility study, exploring the future options available for the boathouse marina as the facility nears the
end of its engineered lifespan. Essentially, that space is running on borrowed time; it’s rusting from the
inside out and needs to be addressed. As he waterfront team moves forward their focus will be on the
public, providing greater accessibility and recreational opportunities, and furthering tourism. They will
be working on implementing the VT state system for cyanobacteria tracking which will update directly
from smartphones to the city website for instant information for example.

Barlow shared that he found the presentation helpful for understanding the issues, especially around
boat slips. He remarked on the expanded capacity and asked if there is an agreement between the city
and the other facilities on the waterfront that BPRW can’t charge higher rates. Moreau confirmed that
the agreement is with BHM and was at the request of BPRW staff. BHM has to set their rates 15%
higher than BPRW. Staff was aware that BHM is a brand new facility and they didn’t want to have to
compete with that. That said BPRW does not have the same agreement with LCT. Moreau explained
that BPRW sets their rates where they are comfortable and the BHM adjusts their fees accordingly. This
caused a 25% increase in the rates for transient boaters and a 5-6% increase for seasonal boaters.
Moreau added that BPRW charges more for the seasonal slip users that aren’t Burlington residents. She
confirmed that our marina rates are competitive with LCT, and BHM will adjust once rates are issued.
BHM has never asked the city to alter rates.

Dieng was very impressed by the work in marina and would like to see the presentation go before the
full council at some point. He thanked the team for their great work and encouraged them to keep up
their efforts.

Magee also thanked the waterfront team. He asked for a brief history on the Community Boathouse.
Moreau shared that the barge the space is built on floated up to Burlington in 1987 and the boathouse
was built and opened in 1988. It is a wood frame building on top of metal barge and it’s weathering and
need of repair or possibly replacement. Magee also asked if the additional slips helped reduce the
waitlist and Moreau confirmed that, while there are still people sitting on all the waitlists it has gotten
shorter. The waterfront team no longer has to turn away transient boaters, and they are able to work
with LCT and BHM on busy days to accommodate what slips fill up at what rate. All slips are different
lengths so sometimes things need to move around.
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
Megan Moir shared plans for the expansion of the Waste Water Treatment Facility. The current plant is
old, technically past its useful life. Most facilities are upgraded around 20 year mark and ours was last
upgraded 1992-1994. Essentially, the upgrade is needed to maintain the water quality in the city. It
would improve the city’s ability to treat wastewater, something the city has had issues with due to pir
aging infrastructure and issues with flooding and natural disasters. The upgrade will help insure that
that sort of thing doesn’t continue to happen. Additionally, the city is starting to approach capacity on
organic treatment side of things, and with push for more housing we will also need to upgrade our
capacity. Finally the existing work space isn’t safe for everyone and it has an unpleasant aroma. This
project will help to resolve all these issues.

The WWTF upgrade is a huge project split into 4 phases. Phase 0 is where we are now with current
bond money. Phase 1 and 2 are planned, and ideas are in the works for phase 3. It is clear that the
upgrade will require a price increase for Burlingtonians, and the team is working on programs to help
assist those who might not be able to afford increase.

Moir continued by explaining that BPRW has occupied Perkins Pier since the 1980s, and that the WWTF
was included in the original purchase of the space by the city. A joint use resolution passed for
wastewater to have first rights for expansion. The city has been in talks concerning the expansion over
the years, but it looks like this is going to have to happen sooner rather than later. The planned
additional aeration tanks (to add in increased capacity) will have the largest impact on Perkins Pier.

The proposed expansion will renew the aging infrastructure at the end of its life, increased the city’s
capacity for growth, meet or exceed lake phosphorus reduction obligations, and ensure regulatory
compliance. While they don’t have an MOU that shows they have rights to northern waterfront, BHM
was installed there instead and consequently WWTF can’t use that.

Moir continued by explain that the water treatment plant was last upgraded in 1984 and things are
starting to fall apart/not functioning the way they need to. There is a need for a modernization study.
Unfortunately, the water treatment facility must have have endless backups to ensure UVMMC always
has water as the city provides all water for the only level 1 trauma center in area. A modernization
study is needed to make sure that when Burlington grows (and as climate change continues) that we are
able to produce all necessary water without straining the plant. The water treatment facility may also
need expansion space, so that’s something to keep in mind when planning what’s installed in the area to
the north.

Magee shared that he was somewhat aware of wastewater facility issues, but wasn’t aware of space
constraints. Barlow asked if, in terms of footprint for water treatment, it would be possible to build up.
Moir felt that could be looked at, but that it may not be logical. Building up would require a tremendous
amount of pumping power.

Sophie Sauve concluded the waterfront presentation by touching on the plans for a Perkins Pier
upgrade. The final plan does take WWTF expansion into consideration. BPRW completed a siting study
in 2021-2022. They held 4 stakeholder meetings and 3 public meetings in addition to public surveys, and
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
a winter onsite pop-up to get an idea of what’s missing and what the public wants. The study also
considers what other amenities are nearby. Of the 4.1 acres that comprise Perkin’s Pier, 47% is parking,
28% is greenspace, 23% hard surface, 1% building. What the survey made clear is that many people go
to Perkins to watch the sunset. The site flooded in 2011 with a high water mark at 103.27’ (the lake is
currently at 99.96’). The site elevation needs to be above 104’ and that is included in the planned
upgrade.

Sauve shared a map of the proposed site that would provide many of the amenities the public is
interested in (views, promenade area, sunset law, boardwalk, integrated play area, benches, non-
motorized craft launch) as well as necessary upgrades to the BPRW staff space. In addition to the
parking space being used for the WWTF upgrade and other changes, the public boat launch would be
removed and visitors would be directed to the coast guard ramp. The proposed changes have not
started yet.

Magee was extremely impressed by the design as was Barlow. Barlow asked if redirecting boaters to the
coast guard ramp will be too much traffic for them. Sauve shared that, currently only small boats can
launch from the Pier because the ramp is short and steep and requires boaters to make quick turns. It’s
limited to crafts 25’ and under. Unfortunately, Sauve did not have raw data on usage.

Magee asked about the potential cost for the project and Sauve shared that as of 2022 the cost would
be around $25 million. That said, the work can be done in phases and there are opportunities for grants
for the floating wetlands and boardwalk expansion.

Solar Eclipse 2024 Update –

Zach Williamson shared that plans for the eclipse are moving right along. It is going to be a massive
event and no one really knows exactly what to expect. It’s also a once in a life-time event, happening all
over Vermont (and the world), and more of an unknown in that more and more people are realizing how
big a deal this really is.

The Burlington event has been branded Obscura BTV. Plans are moving along really well and details are
starting to come into focus. There is an RFP out for a Waterfront park production (sound system for live
narration, music, and communication). A meeting with GMT to discuss parking and shuttling is in the
works and the use of Battery Park and Street will be incorporated into waterfront events. They are
planning to use hardscape as well as grass. The team is working on getting flaggers to move people
from the interstate to RT-127 for parking and the plan is to close half of Battery St so people can stand
on the western half of the street the day of. The Hilton Lake Champlain and Hotel Vermont will be
holding events as well. The team is also looking at closing College St from the Waterfront to Church St.
They are planning entertainment for Battery and City Hall Parks and are working with legal to look into
one weekend pass of food truck ordinance restriction that weekend. Over the weekend ahead of the
eclipse the team is looking at doing an Obscura market at the Hilton (offered partnership), an indoor
artist market on Sat/Sun, and unique events at Contois Auditorium and the UU Church. Unfortunately
the Flynn is not available during this time.
CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3
PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7
 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District

 Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant
 Lakeview Cemetery
 hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov
In an effort to reduce waste and limit the challenge of logistics needed for thousands of t-shirts, the city
will be offering t-shirts printed on demand to be ordered in advance and on the BCA website. The team
has ordered 50,000 glasses that should arrive on time, sponsored by the Airport and to be sold at the
Airport and the former location of Sox Market on Church St. There will also be stickers, posters, pins,
yoyos, and a few other things. The team is looking to hire merch manager. The day of the eclipse, the
store will go city wide with sales at parks all over the city.

The team has been leaning in to Oakledge’s accessibility. They will not be programing a DJ, just taking
advantage of infrastructure. KJ Doyle is working on using Roosevelt Park for family events and the team
is about to reach out to NPAs to offer eclipse materials for neighborhood events.

Doreen Kraft shared that the event gets bigger every day. Fundraising is ongoing but it’s very difficult in
the present moment. Hotels have all committed to giving $10 a room for each night as a contribution
towards event – but that doesn’t quite make the financial goals and they are still looking for
underwriters. The team will need to take advantage of every great asset we have and package it to
those 100,000 visitors. This is a red carpet moment for us, and we’re going to do our best to make it
great for our community and visitors.

Wight asked if the contractor beginning work on Main Street has been informed that they need to open
the roads for the event and Williamson confirmed that no work will be happening on that Monday or
the weekend previous per the contract with the city.

Kraft continued by saying that communication with public is critical. They need to make sure citizens
know what’s going on. Consequenlty, the eclipse team is working with the public safety team to make
sure understanding is coordinated. They will be going into emergency management mode, everything
coordinated from the center.

Williamson added that the team is working on creating a resident focus FAQ page, a visitor focused FAQ
page, and postcards mailed to residents. The current administration has stated that remote work for
staff is possible on the day of the eclipse and BSD has decided to do a half day. City team is always
thinking and at the table together, coordinated.

Magee asked to that the team make sure that any materials are translated so that non-english speakers
can find the information. Williamson confirmed that they are making all efforts to make that happen.
Magee also asked for a fundraising update and Kraft promised one at the next meeting. Magee
suggested an update on the eclipse go before the full council in February or March.

Adjournment –

Meeting was adjourned at 720pm.