Police Commission — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-02-24
Time: 18:00

Police Commission

 Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium

When: Feb 24, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Police Commission

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
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Webinar ID: 857 2376 2504
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keDwFIjvVc
1. Agenda
  1.1. Call to Order
  1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
  1.3. Additions or Modifications to Agenda

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

3. Public Comment (Time Limited 10 Minutes)
  3.1. The public is invited to address the Commission
4. Police Department Business
  4.1. Chief's Report

5. Commission Business (Time Limited 60 Minutes)
  5.1. Committee Reports from All Committees
 Complaints Committee
 General Info
 Animal Control Committee
  5.2. Discussion re: joint meeting with REIB and Public Safety
  5.3. Bylaws discussion

6. Commendations (Time Limited 15 Minutes)
  Subject 6.1. Commendations from the public in January
  Meeting February 24, 2026 - Police Commission Meeting - Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00
 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium


  Category 6. Commendations (Time Limited 15 Minutes)

  Department Police Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. Announcement of Next Meeting Date - 3/24/2026

8. Adjournment
  8.1. Motion to Adjourn

9. Executive Session
  9.1. Executive Session

10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 10.1. 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 February 24, 2026 - Police Commission Meeting - Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00
 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium
  Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

Police Commission

 Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium

When: Feb 24, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Police Commission

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85723762504

Phone one-tap:
+13092053325,,85723762504# US
+13126266799,,85723762504# US (Chicago)

Join via audio:
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 305 224 1968 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 205 0468 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
Webinar ID: 857 2376 2504
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keDwFIjvVc
1. Agenda
  1.1. Call to Order
  1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum
  1.3. Additions or Modifications to Agenda

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

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



 Page 1 of 12
4. Police Department Business
  4.1. Chief's Report

5. Commission Business (Time Limited 60 Minutes)
  5.1. Committee Reports from All Committees
 Complaints Committee
 General Info
 Animal Control Committee
  5.2. Discussion re: joint meeting with REIB and Public Safety
  5.3. Bylaws discussion

6. Commendations (Time Limited 15 Minutes)
  Subject 6.1. Commendations from the public in January
  Meeting February 24, 2026 - Police Commission Meeting - Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00
 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium


  Category 6. Commendations (Time Limited 15 Minutes)

  Department Police Department


  Type

  Recommended Action

7. Announcement of Next Meeting Date - 3/24/2026

8. Adjournment
  8.1. Motion to Adjourn

9. Executive Session
  9.1. Executive Session

10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 10.1. 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 February 24, 2026 - Police Commission Meeting - Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00
 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium
  Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 2 of 12
 Police Commission
 Tuesday, January 27th, 2026
 Remote via Zoom and In-person in Contois Auditorium City Hall
 Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

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

 1. Agenda
1.1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:04 pm by Commissioner Depper.

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

1.3. Motions for Additions or Modifications to Agenda (Time Limited: 15 Minutes)
N/A

 2. Adopt Minutes
2.1. Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from December 16th, 2025
Moved, seconded, approved unanimously.

 3. Public Forum (Time Limited: 10 Minutes)
3.1. The Public is Invited to Address the Commission
Bill Morris speaks about his concerns about ICE in Burlington.
Councilor Melo Grant also touches on the concern about ICE and future meetings involving
herself.

 4. Police Department Business (Time Limited: 30 Minutes)
4.1. Annual 2025 Chief’s Report
Charts supported by data shown and explained by Chief Burke and Jeff Nicholson on cumulative
2025 statistics.

 5. Commission Business (Time Limited: 30 Minutes)
5.1.Committee Reports from All Committees
Grievance Procedure Discussion – General Info
Animal Control Committee

5.2. Grievance Procedure Discussion

5.3. Website Change in Language Discussion
Proposed




 Page 3 of 12
 6. Commendations (Time Limited: 15 Minutes)
6.1. Officer Commendations
Officer Chun recognized.

 7. Announcement of Next Meeting Date
February 24th, 2026.

 8. Adjournment
8.1. Motion to Adjourn
The Commission adjourned the public meeting at 7:39pm.




 Page 4 of 12
City of Burlington, Vermont
Board of Police Commissioners

Bylaws



 Preamble and Authority
1. Establishment and Legal Authority

The Burlington Board of Police Commissioners (“Commission” or “BPC”) is established
pursuant to 24 App. V.S.A. ch. 3, §§ 120, 126, 183, and 184 of the Burlington City Charter, and
operates under authority expressly granted by the City Council through Charter provisions,
ordinances, resolutions, collective bargaining agreements, and Departmental Directives.

These bylaws govern the internal procedures of the Commission and are intended to ensure that
Commission actions remain within the scope of authority delegated by law.

2. Guiding Principles

In carrying out its duties, Commissioners shall:

 2.1 Act in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect toward fellow Commissioners,
 City staff, Department personnel, and members of the public;

 2.2 Come to meetings prepared for open and engaged discussion, having reviewed
 material available in advance, honoring fidelity and efficiency to the agenda, self-
 monitoring time management and consideration of colleagues and others, and
 always assuming the best in one another;

 2.3 Comply fully with the Vermont Open Meeting Law (1 V.S.A. §§ 310–314) and
 the Vermont Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315–320);

 2.4 Conduct themselves in a fair, impartial, and unbiased manner, particularly when
 acting in an adjudicatory or appellate capacity; and

 2.5 Consider fairly the interests of individuals and organizations affected by
 Commission actions, consistent with the Commission’s limited and delegated
 role.




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 Page 5 of 12
 Purpose and Goals
3. Commission Purpose

The purpose of the Commission is to exercise those responsibilities related to police oversight,
policy review, disciplinary appeals, and community accountability that are delegated by the City
Council or conferred by law, while preserving the operational authority of the Chief of Police
except where otherwise provided.

4. Commission Goals

The goals of the Commission are to:

 4.1 Promote fairness and impartiality in public safety;

 4.2 Contribute to transparency and accountability in policing; and

 4.3 Provide structured community feedback and oversight to improve public safety
 and build trust between the Burlington Police Department (“BPD”) and the
 community.




 Powers and Responsibilities of the Commission
5. Powers and Responsibilities

The Burlington City Charter and City Council policy, gives the Commission the following duties
and responsibilities:

 5.1 To provide civilian oversight and assist in management of the Burlington Police
 Department as directed by statute, ordinance, and the Burlington City Council;

 5.2 Initiate, when needed, audits, reviews, and evaluations of policies, directives, or
 data regarding discipline, racial disparities, or other Commission priorities;

 5.3 To hear any appeal of a decision by the police chief to dismiss, suspend, or
 demote an officer. The board of police commissioners shall hear any appeal filed
 in a timely manner with respect to such actions of the chief and may affirm,
 modify, or vacate the decision;

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 Page 6 of 12
 5.4 To approve the chief’s appointment of limited and special police officers for a
 period not to exceed one year;

 5.5 Oversee animal control policy;

 5.6 Review citizen complaints against BPD and review chief’s response to citizen;
 and complaints.




 Officers of the Commission
6. Chair (or Co-chair) and Vice-Chair (if no co-chair)

 6.1 At the July organizational meeting each year, the Commission shall elect a Chair
 (or co-chair if so deemed by the Commission) and a Vice-Chair (if the
 Commission does not appoint a co-chair) from among its members by majority
 vote.

 6.2 Nominations may be made by any Commissioner, including self-nominations.

 6.3 The Chair and Vice-Chair shall serve for one year or until successors are elected.

7. Duties of the Chair (or hereinafter Co-chairs)

The Chair shall:

 7.1 Preside over all meetings of the Commission and rule on questions of order and
 procedure;

 7.2 Shall conduct the meetings with efficiency, respect for all Commissioners,
 mindful of time management, allowing all Commissioners to be heard and doing
 their best to see that all Commissioners’ perspectives are respected;

 7.3 Together with all Commissioners and allowing time for input with agenda items
 being welcomed and encouraged, set and publish meeting agendas, including
 required recurring items such as the Chief of Police report, policy matters, use-of-
 force reports, and commendations, as applicable;

 7.4 Ensure that meetings are properly noticed and conducted in compliance with the
 Vermont Open Meeting Law;

 7.5 Serve as a spokesperson, clearly and purposefully acknowledging other points-of-
 view that have been publicly expressed and allowing other Commissioners notice,
 when practicable, when speaking about actions, policy recommendations and
 matters of public interest as well as acknowledging any personal views,

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 Page 7 of 12
 7.6 Write the Commission’s Annual Report and distribute a draft to the full
 Commission allowing ample time for review and input as well as securing each
 Commissioner’s signature on said report which is required by the City Council;

 7.7 Oversee the accurate preparation and public posting of meeting minutes;

 7.8 Ensure that executive sessions are convened and conducted strictly in accordance
 with 1 V.S.A. § 313, and that no matters beyond those noticed are discussed; and

 7.9 Ensure that no major policy recommendation, complaint determination, or
 communication to the Mayor or City Council is issued without approval of the
 Commission as a whole.

8. Duties of the Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair shall:

 8.1 Perform the duties of the Chair in the Chair’s absence, recusal, or incapacity;

 8.2 Assist the Chair in carrying out administrative and procedural responsibilities as
 requested; and

 8.3 Assume the duties of Chair on an interim basis if the Chair resigns, until a new
 Chair is elected by the Commission.




 Meetings
9. Regular and Special Meetings

 9.1 Regular meetings shall be held at a publicly accessible location and noticed in
 accordance with the Vermont Open Meeting Law.

 9.2. In consultation with the entire Commission, the Chair may cancel a regular
 meeting when necessary, provided public notice is given through the City and
 Commission website.

 9.3 The Chair may call special meetings of the Commission, provided at least 24
 hours’ notice is given to each Commissioner and the public, and provided that a
 quorum of Commissioners is able to attend.

10. Agenda and Meeting Conduct




 4


 Page 8 of 12
 10.1 Commissioners are encouraged to submit proposed agenda items to the Chair at
 least five calendar days before a scheduled meeting with reasonable and pertinent
 requests honored.

 10.2 Once an agenda is posted, amendments may be made only by a two-thirds vote of
 Commissioners present.

 10.3 Supporting documents shall be distributed to Commissioners and the Chief of
 Police or designee not less than two calendar days before the meeting, when
 practicable.

 10.4 Meetings shall generally be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of
 Order, unless otherwise determined by the Chair.

11. Public Participation

 11.1 Members of the public are encouraged to attend all public meetings.

 11.2 During public forum, members of the public shall be permitted to speak for up to
 three minutes unless amended by majority vote of the Commission. It is the
 responsibility of the presiding officer to monitor all public comment and the
 Commission reserves the right to allow said officer to address comments that are
 disrespectful, personal to a member of the Commission, department or other
 members of the public, or run counter to responsive public engagement.

 11.3 Dialogue with the public shall occur only when authorized by the Chair
 or by majority vote of the Commission.

12. Attendance

In-person attendance is encouraged. When it is necessary for Commissioners to participate in
meetings via zoom, Commissioners will make every attempt to do so with their cameras on.
More than six absences (meaning a meeting not present for either in person or via zoom or
electronic means) in a calendar year may result in a recommendation by the Chair, after
discussion with said Commissioner to the City Council for removal.




 Committees
13. Standing and Ad Hoc Committees

 13.1 Committee work shall be distributed among Commissioners when practicable.

 13.2 The Commission as a whole will discuss the appointment of members to standing
 and ad hoc committees and as a general rule, appointments will be done on a

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 Page 9 of 12
 volunteer basis. The Chair will do their best to elicit members to serve including
 serving on such committees themselves.

14. Citizen Complaints Subcommittee

 14.1 The Chair shall appoint at least two Commissioners to the Citizen Complaints
 Subcommittee; the Chair or Vice-Chair may serve as a member.

 14.2 The Subcommittee shall draft recommendations when directed by the
 Commission, which shall be subject to full Commission discussion and vote.

15. Animal Control Committee

Commissioners shall serve on the Animal Control Committee as required by ordinance and
assignment.




 Conflicts of Interest
16. Recusal and Disclosure

In accordance with City Charter § 133, a Commissioner shall disclose actual or perceived
conflicts of interest and shall recuse themselves from participation when required. Any
Commissioner is encouraged to confidentially consult with the City Attorney should they require
advice on this matter.




 Amendment of Bylaws
17. Amendment

These bylaws may be amended by majority vote at a duly warned meeting, consistent with the
Vermont Open Meeting Law.




 6


 Page 10 of 12
 COMMENDATIONS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC
 January 2026

#1

Dear Sital,

On behalf of KidSafe Collaborative and the Child Protection and Family Support Team, I would
like to express my deep appreciation for your exceptional support during our meeting.

Your role in providing transportation and additional interpretation support was absolutely
central to making this meeting possible. Without your involvement, the parent’s ability to
attend, participate, and feel safe and supported would have been significantly diminished. You
did far more than help someone get to a meeting and sit next to them. You ensured that they
arrived feeling welcomed, accompanied, and emotionally cared for.

Throughout the meeting, your presence and support were essential. The calm reassurance and
emotional grounding you provided to the parent allowed them to fully engage in a difficult and
vulnerable conversation. Your ability to recognize what was needed in the moment – comfort,
compassion, clarity, and advocacy – made a meaningful difference for everyone involved. It was
clear that many members of the team looked to you for guidance, and they followed the
example you set in how to best support the family.

Although the actions you took fall within your professional role, the way you carried them out
was truly exemplary. You demonstrated the highest standard of what a Community Support
Liaison can be: a trusted partner, a cultural and emotional bridge, and a steady source of
strength for families and professionals alike. Your contributions transformed the tone and
effectiveness of this meeting: without you, we would have faced greater logistical barriers,
emotional uncertainty, and significantly less connection.

I was an honor to work with you during this meeting. Please accept this formal letter of thanks
as recognition of your extraordinary commitment, your compassion, and your vital role in
supporting both the family and the team.

With sincere appreciation,
Megan Masterson




 Page 11 of 12
#2

Kudos to “Dwayne” an outstanding member of the BPD.

On 1/08 I was cleaning snow at my residence. Vehicle stopped and questioned if I would like
help. Dwayne introduced himself, picked up a shovel and cleared snow down to the pavement.
Then inquired if I had salt for walkway. No visible wings but I felt God wink.

Seniors aren’t neglected by this gentleman. He made my day! Thank you for giving me the
opportunity to express my appreciation.

-Jane Fitzpatrick


#3

Dear Kyle,

Thank you so much for taking me on a ride along. I’m sorry it took a while to send this note;
unfortunately the city email servers weren’t communicating properly for several weeks with
BPD emails.

It’s so helpful for me to see how our officers are staffed and supported and what you are facing
every night. The impact of substance use and mental health are so clear. Thank you for staying
in the thick of this with us. Please reach out anytime with issues or ways I can help.

-Evan Litwin




**redacted for privacy.
 ###




 Page 12 of 12

Police Commission
 Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
 Remote via Zoom and In-person in Contois Auditorium City Hall
 Burlington, Vermont
 DRAFT MINUTES

Members Present: Commissioner Depper, Commissioner Ginorio and Commissioner Paul
Members Online: Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Finneran, and Commissioner Fast
Staff Present: Interim Chief Burke online, DC Young online, Data Analyst Jeff Nicholson
online, Command Staff Assistant Shibe Couchman online.

 1. Agenda
1.1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm by Commissioner Depper.

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

1.3. Motions for Additions or Modifications to Agenda (Time Limited: 15 Minutes)
N/A

 2. Adopt Minutes
2.1. Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from January 27th, 2026
Commissioner Paul moved to have minutes be more detailed and add more information in all
minutes. Seconded, approved unanimously. 5.2 and 5.3 specifically modified

 3. Public Forum (Time Limited: 10 Minutes)
3.1. The Public is Invited to Address the Commission
No public in attendance to comment.

 4. Police Department Business (Time Limited: 30 Minutes)
4.1. Chief’s Report
Chief Burke gave an overview about personnel and staffing, CAIP leadership update, 2025
incident, arrest, traffic stop, and use of force data, recruitment, and 2025 accomplishments.
Jeff Nicholson explains various charts and graphs that examine different statistics regarding
arrest by race. Community member Bruce Wilson asks clarifying questions regarding race arrest
statistics, in particular racial differences in referral to alternative justice programs.
Commissioners would like to acknowledge the time and effort put in by Jeff Nicholson on his
report.

 5. Commission Business (Time Limited: 60 Minutes)
5.1.Committee Reports from All Committees
Complaints Committee
Animal Control Committee
5.2. Joint Meeting with REIB and Public Safety
Commissioner Cox asks questions regarding the 14 days after a final decision is made in the
Complaints Committee. Chair Depper asks to discuss this during the next Complains Committee
meeting. Commissioner Ginorio asks for a standing Complaints Committee meeting date once a
month.

Commissioner Ginorio updates the Commission that the ACC is working to organize a date for
the hearing, hopefully for the start of March.

Councilor Grant has suggested a joint REIB and Public Safety meeting. Commissioner Ginorio
supports the idea. Chair Depper suggests creating an agenda for this meeting. Commissioner
Ginorio moves to reach out and coordinate a meeting, Chair Depper seconds, unanimously
approved.

5.3. Bylaws Discussion
Commissioners decide to limit to an hour to discuss the bylaw changes. First, Chair vs Co-Chairs
(or Vice-Chair) were discussed. Chair Depper voiced concerns that if one Chair does not give
someone the answer they want, that the individual would go to the Co-Chair for approval. Straw
poll was made to see how Commissioners felt on the Co-Chair/ Vice-Chair Model.
Commissioner Paul, Commissioner Finneran, Commissioner Cox, and Commissioner Fast are all
in favor of writing into the bylaws the potential for a Co-Chair/Vice-Chair model. Chair Depper
moves to include in the bylaws a model in which a Co-Chair or Vice-Chair model may be
selected by the Commissioner, seconded by Commissioner Ginorio. Unanimously approved.

Modification to Public Comment was next discussed. Commissioner Paul votes for 3 minutes to
be the allowed time for the public to speak with the caveat with no hateful speech. Commissioner
Ginorio brings up the idea that having the limit of time can be harmful to the person speaking,
especially since not many people attend to speak. For example, if someone is talking about a
traumatic experience. Chair Depper voices concern on policing the speech of any individual.
Chair Depper moves to adopt into bylaws an allotted 4-minute time limit for public comment
that may run shorter or longer if needed. Seconded by Commissioner Paul, unanimously
approved.

 6. Commendations (Time Limited: 15 Minutes)
6.1. Officer Commendations
Community Support Liaison Sital Dulal, Sergeant Mellis, and Corporal Yeh recognized.

 7. Announcement of Next Meeting Date
March 24th, 2026.

 8. Adjournment
8.1. Motion to Adjourn
The Commission adjourned the public meeting at 8:26pm. Moved into Executive Session.