NPA review of development projects

Re: Recommendations from the Open Government Committee to the Department of Planning & Zoning

In the resolution passed by City Council on 09/14/09, regarding NPA review of 'major' development projects and notice to neighbors of administrative permit applications, the resolution is quite clear that the desire is for NPA review of 'major' projects. The Council voted unanimously to support the resolution.  http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington-city-council-6

David White, in his response, suggests that NPAs could review a project, or developer could call a separate meeting. The latter is always an option, but the point of the Open Gov. Com. recommendation, and your resolution, is to make it clear that NPAs will have the opportunity to review a 'major' project and give feedback to a developer, before the official permit process is set in motion.  Projects used to come to our NPAs routinely. Requiring NPA review before an application is stamped complete is reasonable. The NPA requirement would be part of the application process, and could be waived "for cause not the fault of the applicant," for example if the NPA signed off on hearing a presentation.

Wards 4 and 7 had a wonderful experience with this recently [link to Jan 15 '09 Assembly, presentation of Thayer School mixed housing project]. We strongly affirm the intention of the original recommendation to have "major" projects presented at NPA of affected ward/s early in the process.

DECEMBER 15, 2009

AGENDA

Miller Center, 130 Gosse Court.
Facilitator: Marga Kempner , Ward 4; Note-taker, Phil LaVigne, Ward 7. 

6:45 pm. Welcome and Sign-In
   
7:00 Introductions, ANNOUNCEMENTS, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:10 NPA Business – Nov 17, 09. minutes. *Copied below the agenda. CDBG grants. Resolutions.

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members, Steering Committee sub-committee, Task Force members, Working Groups, etc. )

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 Program: MAJOR DEVELOPMENT, THAYER SCHOOL MIXED HOUSING/COMMERCIAL, NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITY CENTER (NAC) SMART GROWTH.  Background on NPA designation of NAC and open space protection, Lea Terhune; NAC designation and Municipal Development Plan, Peter Potts; Site plan presentation: Amy Wright and Tim ashe from Cathedral Square, Brenda Torpe from Champlain Housing Trust; and Eric Farrell of Farrell Construction. Q&A.

8:50 Reflections: Statements of thoughts/ideas that came up during the meeting.

*MINUTES: November 17, 2009

 

7:00 Greg Jenkins, facilitator, opened the meeting with a review of the Ground Rules, Agenda and Program

NPA Business – Oct 20, 09. minutes were moved by Phil LaVigne, second by Nancy.  Committee Reports: Lea Terhune reported that the ecruiters Committee will meet in January. Anyone who wants to recommend someone,m contact Lea. Atiya has been appointed to the Planning Commission, and will be replaced by another high school student. We are checking first with someone who inquired last year.

Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials

Russ Ellis reported that the Council met until after midnight Monday night. The issue is conflict between two loyalties – obligation to move forward on Burlington Telecom and Moran Plant redevelopment, and to do so without requiring money that requires raising taxes. Russ said the dual responsibility to citizens is difficult because start-up installation costs were high and the city has been covering the losses with cash reserves that doesn’t follow the requirements of the Public Service Board. City Council voted not to use any money from the cash pool that is not repaid within 60 days, and delayed approval of a proposal to refinance BT. That is the most highly charged issue. Also at that council meeting, Paul Decelles presented a resolution honoring veterans, Council recognized a family whose mother was very active on school issues in Ward 3, Dr. Larry McCrory and John Tucker were remembered for their leadership in the community, and BHS Girls Soccer were praised. Questions: Lea asked about the link between Moran and BT. Russ said there was discussion of a resolution to hold off on further Moran plans given the withdrawal of one of the partners. Bob asked about the refinancing of BT. Russ said it looks like a 60 million deficit, and the interest will be significant. The city would sign a Certificate of Participation, and councilors asked what they entailed, and then decided to delay signing it until they know more. The city would authorize the payment, but the city is not required to be responsible for payment, but there could be serious consequences for the city if they didn’t pay up so they probably would. Cliff asked if Russ is more skeptical of city administration now? Russ said he is always in support of transparency and protocols, has always stressed this, and participated in several resolution in regard to this. Such a resolution passed this year, and now the idea that there will be oversight of BT, in addition to the administration, is underway. Does Russ still trust city officers? Yes. They may not always do it the best way, but City Council has been derelict in not insisting on oversight of BT. Somebody has to make the decisions, and Council was willing to let the administration make decisions for BT.

Mark Larson, legislature: Upcoming state budget challenge – 18 million deficit – depending on what happens with the federal health care reform bill. We also have bridges that have some problems, which could require considerable dollars. Lea said VT has been named the healthiest state in the nation, and credited the legislature, and thanked Mark and Kurt Wright with protecting our health programs at a time when there are budget cuts, and she asked for applause. Mark said VT is also the safest state, the best place to raise kids, clean environment, highest rate of women in leadership – and these are things the legislature has invested in for decades. The housing crash in other states is really bad, but our housing crash isn’t so bad because of our permit process. Mark supports IRV, thinks it is a good system, and it works. He explained the ranking system, and said it ensures that the winner will get 50% of the vote (compared to 40% requirement under the old system). You could do a regular runoff, but IRV does it all at one time on one ballot. More voters participate in the election because in a run off not so many people vote. Some folks don’t like it, and the petition about repealing IRV, sending back to the old system where you could win with 40% -- Burlington voted 3 times in favor of IRV, over 60%. A nice young woman came to Mark’s house and said she was against IRV because her mom only voted one preference, and they threw her ballot out.  Mark said that Burlington voters supported IRV three times, and supported it overwhelmingly. Cliff said the young woman is right. Her mother’s ballot would not have been counted after the first round. Mark said the mother chose not to be counted on run-off rounds by only voting one preference. Cliff said losers are picking the winners, and that does not work in a democracy. Mark described traditional run-off voting, and said it is the same process. Cliff said no, voters would re-look at the candidates and their qualifications. Mark said there are always funny dynamics, before and now. Lea said that the petition calls for a reconsideration vote, brings IRV back to the electorate, many IRV cities have called for reconsideration vote after a few elections, Burlington is not unusual; the new math is suspect, we’re used to football game playoffs with one final winner, and if there is a crisis in the city, most people don’t remember their second, third and fourth choices, they remember their first choice and you can end up with a Mayor who was very few people’s first choice, and if there is a crisis you end up with a crisis in confidence in city government. Mark said a lot of people voted for IRV because they (60%) were not confident in the old system. Lea said a reconsideration vote for IRV could strengthen confidence in IRV the city. Someone raised the 40% issue, but there was not time to talk about it further.

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

Starr Farm Gardens presented their CDBG grant proposal to improve the garden area that many ward 4 and ward 7 residents use. They want to put up a bulletin board, a shed for tools, and repair the potholes in the parking lot. Many low and moderate income families use the gardens to grow fresh produce, they have a waiting list, they have a good education program. Lisa Coven explained how Parks Dept works with the garden program. There are scholarships available, surplus food is donated to the food shelf, and Friends of Burlington Gardens is a supporter. Anne asked who owns the land, and the city owns it. They also own the doggie park, and the soccer field. Anne asked about the woods behind Flynn School, but the city doesn’t own that. Jim Flint explained how the NPA has supported gardens, and made the program possible. Liisa said there are many small groups that support gardens. Lea said we need more gardens.

Jenny Davis was at the Parks Commission meeting, where a presentation was made about Segway tours, 2-9 vehicles at a time. Jenny was surprised at the low turn out, the testimony was 50/50, the chamber favors it, Local Motion had a poll on their blog and hasn’t taken a position. Jenny encouraged people to make their opinion known. Parks & Rec Commission will make the decision. Phil asked if the company will pay for use of the city resource, and Gary Rogers said it will be on the January agenda of Parks and Rec Commission, after they do some research. Someone asked for another public meeting, later in the evening so people who work can get there. Even if the public hearing is closed, Jenny said people can always speak during public forum.

Don Supansic commented on the aftermath of garage sales, how people leave free items at the curb and leave it there for days. Don thinks it’s tacky, and would enhance the neighborhood if this were regulated.

Carolyn Bates spoke about her concern about beach fires at Leddy Park Beach. She said to call the police, and there’s a $50-200 fine, and asked fro NO FIRES signs, and reinstatement of the fees.

Janet Paterson announced Thanksgiving dinner at the Heineberg Center.

Slide Show – North End Mural Project. Jenny Davis, who organized the project, narrated the slides, and Chad Quirk was recognized for his work on the mural, and for painting our NPA signs. The project started because the building was vandalized by graffiti. Some of the artists were former vandals, now creating community art in an area that people see when they come through Leddy Park. The artists worked from sketches that came from ideas brainstormed at an NPA meeting. The NPA made a word list about what their community is, that the artists used to design the mural.

Program: WELCOME, MARI STEINBACH. Mayor Kiss explained the process by which the parks director was chosen, which included staff and residents. Candidates were interviewed by Skype, which worked very well. Mari Steinbach was recommended as the final candidate, and she came for a final interview and met with staff, commissioners and residents. Mayor Kiss said her strengths were and it is important to have a dialogue and inclusive process regarding how the department will run. Mayor asked her to join him in the penguinm plunge. She has previously worked in Anchorage Alaska!– Welcome, from Gary Rogers, director of the Miller Center. Mari Steinbach lives in ward 7, and she walked to the meeting. She is impressed by the enthusiasm residents have, and with our help she expects to get a lot done. To summarize her philosophy, collaboration, dialogue, and democracy is the way to move forward. In a public forum like the one tonight on Segway, people have a lot of good ideas, and give us the concepts that Parks staff needs, partnership with the community is so important. When she hears an idea, she is open to possibilities and wants dialogue with residents. She wants to promote Burlington as the healthiest place to live, work and play. She thanked everyone for welcoming her with open arms. She’s lived in all four corners of the country, and the plunge sounded like a good idea in August…., but she’s a hearty Alaskan. She will listen, and do the best for the city of Burlington.

Everyone introduced themselves to Mari. Park/Rec-related programs and groups active in the North End, goals and acitvities, greeted Mari Steinbach: Nancy Powers, Friends of Leddy Park; Mary Chaffee, Friends of Starr Farm Dog Park; Kathy Olwell, Youth Center at the Miller Center and After-school Program at Hunt School; Janet Paterson, senior walking program; Mark Barlow, leddypark.org; Larry Walters, Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community; Anne Taylor, healthy earth anti-litter campaign.

Jim Flint, Your Healthy City Youth Farm. Executive director of Burlington Gardens. We have the largest community garden program in northern New England except for Boston. We were founded in the early 70s, and our newest initiative is a continuation of an Intervale youth gardening program, where youth learned abut farming skills. The program is now district-wide, and the new farm will be behind Hunt School. Jen McGowan, who started with the Intervale program, is full time staff. Jim, who grew up in the North End, has been the sole staff member since the 70s. Kathy Olwell pioneered the initial garden at Hunt, and that program will be enhanced by a 70 sq. ft garden “farm” which will provide produce for the school lunch program, senior programs, and the summer lunch program. In terms of food miles traveled, we will shorten the distance traveled. CDBG grants get a garden started. Nancy Powell asked about the funding for scholarships, and Jim said they rely on donations to pay interns in the summer. Nancy’s son participated in the program, and it was great. The educational aspect includes concepts of permaculture, organic, people-power, compost on site, sustainable, labor-intensive but that’s good for kids, highly nutritious foods, crops suitable for Vermont gardens, non-traditional foods popular with immigrants, diversity, planning. Youth can receive a small stipend, and that’s really important. Last year there were 75 applicants for 16 interns. We need to build both capacity and funding, and hope to give 12 stipends this coming summer. Many more students can participate, supervised by caring adults. Mary asked whether the land is suitable for organic? Hunt School was established in the 1950s, and no pesticides are used on school grounds, but the pitch pine colony created poor gardening soil. 60 yds of compost will be brought in, for raised beds. Future gardening will be organic. Anne recommended animal manure for nitrogen, and Jim said the compost incorporates manure. Mark explained how varied and appreciated the after-school programs are.

Reflections: Greg said the meteor shower will be on display around 10pm. Jenny reminded people that the Community Development Block Grant deadline is Dec 18. Contact Jenny to check whether a project idea is eligible. The idea has to be approved by the Neighborhood Planning Assembly, and signed off on by any city department impacted by the project. Applications on-line from CEDO. Or call Jenny. Reminder that Jan 18 is Martin Luther King Day of Service. Larry announced the Great American Smoke Out. Dave Hartnett reported that disc golf was on the Parks agenda tonight, the group [B'Towm] is working hard to find an alternative site; they are close to [identifying] another site north of here. They want 18 holes, so hopefully disc golf [in Leddy Park] will be put to rest pretty soon. The sooner we can get it off the tale, the better. Carolyn Bates asked why the Parks Commission doesn’t take the invitation off the table? B'Town has no money, no designer, why not put an end to it? Dave said the commission extended the invitation to bring a proposal for 9 holes at Leddy Park, and now they have to honor that. Dave didn’t vote for to extend this invitation, but the majority of commissioners did.

9 PM. Meeting Adjourned.

Link to podcast:  http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/wards-4-7-npa-meeting-0

AGENDA: Nov. 17, 2009

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY
Miller Center, 130 Gosse Court.
Facilitator: Greg Jenkins , Ward 7; Note-taker, Marga Kempner, Ward 4.
 

6:45 Welcome and Sign-In

7:00 Introductions, ANNOUNCEMENTS, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business – Oct 09. minutes. *Copied below the agenda.

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members, Steering Committee sub-committee, Task Force members, Working Groups, etc. )

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 Program: PARKS DIRECTOR, Mari Steinbach – Welcome, Gary Rogers; Introduction: Mayor Kiss; followed by a few words from the Director about her interests, professional experience, philosophy of urban parks and recreation.  Park/Rec-related programs and groups active in the North End, goals and acitvities, followed by presentations by Local Motion, and Your Healthy City Youth Farm. Q&A.

8:50 Reflections: Statements of thoughts/ideas that came up during the meeting.

Oct 20, 2009 Wards 4 and 7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly—

Resolution, Master Plan for Leddy Park, attached.

Senada Sokocevic, Facilitator, welcomed everyone to the NPA, and reminded people to sign-in. Senada reviewed the Ground Rules, and the Agenda. People introduced themselves, and named the street they live on.

NPA BUSINESS

Minutes of the September 15, 2009 Assembly were approved. Phil LaVigne motion; Chuck Seleen, second. Unanimously approved.

RESOLUTION: Master Plan for Leddy Park: Carole LaVigne motion; Larry Solt, second. Lea Terhune read the Resolution. The resolution was introduced on Sept. 22, 2009, and posted on Front Porch Forum. The resolution was unanimously supported. It will be presented to the Mayor, City Council, the Parks Commission, and all other NPAs. Jenny Davis will take care of that. If we so desire, we can be there when it is presented and speak to it if we want to. The Council and the Parks Commission are pretty busy right now, so we will hold off on that for now.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Kurt Wright, legislative rep. Big issues coming up in the next session of the legislature will be the economy, and whether to re-license VT Yankee. Lea Terhune asked if Burlington’s will designate growth centers to be covered by the housing bill that passed last year. Burlington’s Neighborhood Activity Centers are not designated as growth centers, and Kurt said he would look into that. Janet Patterson had questions about the closing of the Crown Point Bridge, which will impact people who work in Vermont and in Burlington. Kurt said he is aware that it is a huge issue, and he will be watching it closely. There was a proposal for a floating bridge, and a temporary ferry, and people have asked Kurt to check on it. Phil Lavigne asked Kurt how he feels about VT Yankee. He said he will start out with a n open mind and wait to see the power purchase agreement, and will hear all the evidence. He leans toward re-licensure, and knows IBM and others say it will have a huge impact on VT, but Kurt will be open to listening to the discussion and would not support re-licensure if it is not safe.

Greg Jenkins , serving on the school budget task force, reported on the School Budget Task Force. A group that calls itself the Rogue committee, got together many evenings and drafted 12 suggestions that could be done to help with the process. Jeanne Collins’ response was very positive, looking at consolidation of buildings and services, getting DPW and Parks Dept involved in plowing, anything to prevent duplication of services. The School Board seems really willing to work hard, and they know they can’t come back with a double-digit tax increase. At the next meeting they will get feedback from teachers, and Greg expects the committee to continue its work. Larry Solt asked if there were any students or teachers on the committee, and Greg thought not, because it was people who had served on the Mayor’s Budget Task Force. Greg is more enthusiastic about the committees work now because they have been heard. Suggestions included consolidation of schools, projected cost savings on down the road – like building new schools now would be expensive, but may have long term savings. 51% of teachers are art top tier, and how can we get more turn over, new teachers with fresh ideas. Looking at ways to get the capital improvement budget up to where it needs to be so things don’t keep falling apart. Phil mentioned inviting our newly elected school board member to future NPA meetings. Marga Kempner praised experienced teachers, and Greg said he thought that 20% turnover would be healthy because teachers retire and you need a mix of both young and old. Jenny Davis asked if changes would impact the upcoming budget, and Greg said it’s too late for that. Larry said they have until January to finalize the budget, but Greg thought it was too late. Lea Terhune asked about budget over-runs, for example, the magnet schools budget. Greg said the committee is asking for open budget review, on a monthly basis.

Bob Herendeen, member of the electric commission, said BED Commission has a financial statement every month, which is reviewed by the commission every month. He says BED has to purchase power, and the costs of transmission are high and not controlled by BED. BED’s rates are lower than area rates.

OPEN FORUM

Steve Norman is working on a CDBG grant for NPA 2/3 and 4/7 to pay for the cost of a crane and operator Washington Street and Manhattan Drive where a body shop and garage tossed cars over the bank and there’s scrap metal accumulated there. It will be taken out by Demag at a reduced rate, and dumpsters will remove it for free. 10 months of the year we don’t have to look at it, and every year Steve submits it to the Free Press as an idea for Green Up Day but no one ever got back to him. He will announce the grant application on Front Porch Forum, and recruit volunteers to work with shovels and pry bars to loosen the scrap so the crane can get access to it. Steve hopes everyone will come to the next meeting and vote yes.

Janet Patterson talked about the Walking Group at the Miller Center. Residents of Senior Housing will be bussed over at least one day a week,

Jenny Davis announced a community social hour sponsored by Burlington Coalition for a Healthy Community.

Lea Terhune reminded everyone that there is a meeting downtown about Burlington Telecom, and we could talk about it. She wondered how people feel about it. Kurt Wright said the letter Lea mentioned was a resolution calling for the CAO to take a leave while an audit is done.

TAPE DAMAGE. Presentation, Lakeview Terrace History. Jane Sudor and Jim Inman.

PRESENTATION, MORAN PLANT

…..Kirsten Merriman-Shapiro presented the updated plans for the Moran Plant. She described the sustainability in design that qualifies the project for LEED Silver designation. The next phase of design will include mechanicals. The city is proceeding in a prudent, methodical manner, and coming back to residents every step of the way. Kirsten said she is available to attend NPAs anytime to answer questions. Phil Lavigne asked if any of the money is loans, and Kirsten said most of it is grants. The $2 mil. loans will be funded through the tax incremental financing district, taxes that comes off of new development, like was used to build the fishing pier and reconstruction of Lake Street that made development in that area possible. Jenny Davis said that when she went to a presentation in the Moran building, it was very impressive to see the unique views that are hard to imagine if you’re not there. There are no other views in Burlington like it. The historic aspect of the building comes through when you are there. Jane Sudor asked if the city has asked CCTA to have bus service? Kirsten said there is a free shuttle to the Waterfront that the city pays for, and they can offer that, but CCTA will probably also provide service when there is something there to visit.  Phil LaVigne asked if people who live in that area are concerned about traffic? Kirsten said that more activity all seasons and longer into the evening will be an advantage, and traffic will be spread out evenly and will not be a problem. Bob Herendeen asked if the storage area by the sailing center was going to be a city expense?, Kirsten said it would be built by the sailing center. Bob asked about the artificial ice and the towers, energy costs? Kirsten said the ice rink operation is like a big walk-in freezer that is well insulated, and it takes the same energy as it takes to run a one person retail shop. So energy costs are low. Bob asked about the status of negotiation with Ice Factor. Kirsten said the economic shake up slowed things down, Ice Factor is still participating, but everyone decided to work slowly on financing in parallel tracks. By end of Jan/Feb there should be more financing details. Larry Solt asked what is happening to the stone blocks? Kirsten said they will be re-moved by Burlington City Arts. They have become magnets for graffiti and will be hard to clean up. Jenny Davis said the ice rink is in view of the café and restaurant, which is nice for parents. She said zoning laws have many restrictions on waterfront, and the Moran Plant could not be built today – which is what Ice Factor likes so much about the site because they need a building with height. 60 ft walls will allow them to have national climbing championships here. Ice Factor sees this site as a good place to put their first site in North America. Jane Sudor asked if people who are involved are also helping build the structure. There are two non-profits, and Ice Factor is for-profit which will have a lease so the city can maintain control of the waterfront. The non-profits will contribute their share with capital campaigns, up front. All the tenants will have to fit up their own space, including the storage building for the sailing center. Someone asked when it is expected to open? The goal is to get permist in Jan/Feb/Mar, do the bidding the spring, and start construction in the summer. 18 months to 2 years. Lea Terhune said there will be more community scrutiny because of what has happened with Burlington Telecom, and she hopes, if there are any problems, Kirsten will be out front about it and let the community help resolve any problems openly. City Website Update.

9 PM Adjourn, and APPLAUSE for Senada.

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A MASTER PLAN FOR LEDDY PARK:

WHEREAS we have a Master Plan for some city parks; and

WHEREAS there is no Master Plan for Leddy Park; and

WHEREAS the Leddy Park environment needs to be protected; and

WHEREAS disc golf proposed for Leddy Park took residents by surprise; and

WHEREAS a Master Plan would benefit both citizens who use the park, and proponents of new park uses, providing an inventory of both active and passive park activities, a clearly articulated vision of land use based on science-based environmental considerations and community preferences, and a definitive process for proposing compatible future uses;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ward 4 and 7 Neighborhood Planning Assemblies request the Parks Commission to develop a Master Plan that reflects both science-based considerations and the community vision for Leddy Park; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Master Plan for Leddy Park must be thoroughly vetted through a process that will include park users, abutting residential neighborhoods, and all wards' Neighborhood Planning Assemblies representing the greater Burlington community, all of whom are stakeholders in our city parks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks Commission and the Parks Department will develop a proposed scope of work for the development of this Plan with strong public involvement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks Commission will be responsible for guiding the public process and for presenting the plan to all wards' Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, making necessary modifications to the proposal based on public comment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will include well-advertised public meetings where residents will feel welcome, included and encouraged to give comments and that such meetings will be held at times when many residents are able to attend, such as evening meetings and at least one meeting during the day for those who cannot attend evening meetings, and that there will be ample opportunity for online feedback and other avenues of communication so everyone who wishes to can be included.

JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION, SEPT. 22, MILLER CENTER, 6:45 PM

Planning the Agenda

NPA/NIN AGENDA:

(Neighborhood Planning Assembly, Neighborhood Improvement Night)

Facilitator: Lea Terhune. Note-taker: Senada Sokocevic.

6:45 PM Greetings and Sign-In

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
..............Anyone who would like to make an announcement, please do briefly so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business – Minutes, resolution, endorsement

7:30 Municipal Development Plan Presentation by Planning Commission, Chairman, Peter Potts. 2006 Municipal Development Plan Adopted May 22, 2006.

7:50 Q & A, Director of Planning, David White; and Senior Planner, Sandrine Thibault

8:10 DISCUSSION: Residents provide ideas/input on what they value about their neighborhood, what they want to preserve, and improve. Focus on municipal development issues in our neighborhoods.

8:50 REFLECTIONS and closing remarks

9:00 ADJOURN

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A MASTER PLAN FOR LEDDY PARK:

WHEREAS we have a Master Plan for some city parks; and

WHEREAS there is no Master Plan for Leddy Park; and

WHEREAS the Leddy Park environment needs to be protected; and

WHEREAS disc golf proposed for Leddy Park took residents by surprise; and

WHEREAS a Master Plan would benefit both citizens who use the park, and proponents of new park uses, providing an inventory of both active and passive park activities, a clearly articulated vision of land use based on science-based environmental considerations and community preferences, and a definitive process for proposing compatible future uses;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ward 4 and 7 Neighborhood Planning Assemblies request the Parks Commission to develop a Master Plan that reflects both science-based considerations and the community vision for Leddy Park; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Master Plan for Leddy Park must be thoroughly vetted through a process that will include park users, abutting residential neighborhoods, and all wards' Neighborhood Planning Assemblies representing the greater Burlington community, all of whom are stakeholders in our city parks; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks Commission and the Parks Department will develop a proposed scope of work for the development of this Plan with strong public involvement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks Commission will be responsible for guiding the public process and for presenting the plan to all wards' Neighborhood Planning Assemblies, making necessary modifications to the proposal based on public comment; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this process will include well-advertised public meetings where residents will feel welcome, included and encouraged to give comments and that such meetings will be held at times when many residents are able to attend, such as evening meetings and at least one meeting during the day for those who cannot attend evening meetings, and that there will be ample opportunity for online feedback and other avenues of communication so everyone who wishes to can be included.

Introduced: September 22, 2009

Posted on FPF: _____________________________ (date)

Action taken: _______________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________ (date)

Presented to City Council: _____________________ (date

SEPTEMBER -- NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT CELEBRATION BEGINS

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We're planning our Neighborhood Improvement Night celebration for September 22, 6:45 at the Miller Center. The mural -- NE Mural Project -- has been completed, a symbol of resident-city collaboration. It takes a city to paint a mural! It takes planning, and support from many city departments; volunteer energy from residents and friends; material donations from paint stores; cooperation from Mother Nature, and simple good luck -- two rain-free days followed by a slow soaking rain for the newly planted garden. We lucked out!

The Planning Commission will be our guests on Neighborhood Improvement Night, Sept 22. Councilors, commissioners and department heads who live in our wards are invited to join us for a brainstorming session on what we can do next to make the North End of Burlington a safe, prosperous, peaceful and beautiful place to live, work and play. Together we will launch the next round of Municipal Development Plan review -- expressing our shared hopes and desires for our neighborhoods and the city.

LIVE@5:25, Neighborhood Improvement Night

Agenda Aug. 20 NPA BBQ at Miller Center

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WARDS 4 & 7 JOINT NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLIES
Miller Center, 130 Gosse Court
Facilitator: Linda Deliduka, Ward 7. Note-taker: Lea Terhune, Ward 4.

6:00 Greetings and Sign-In , BBQ and announcement of FAVORITES.

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda - Anyone who would like to make an announcement may do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business – NPAssembly; Leddy Park dg resolution, Larry Solt.

7:30 Open Forum for Residents to discuss youth programs at the Miller Center.

8:00 Applause for hosts, donors, and Miller Center.

AUG. 20 BBQ Celebrates Favorites

Free BBQ served by elected and appointed officials who live in Wards 4 and 7. A chance to meet and thanks the people who volunteer to provide government by the people in the city of Burlington. This year, awards will celebrate life in the North End, naming FAVORITES familiar to all of us. Ballots will be available on Front Porch Forum and in the North Ave News, mail or drop off at the Heineberg and Miller Centers.

FAVORITES winners -

EATERY: 1 Avenue Bistro; 2 Bagel Cafe; 3 new Chinese restaurant
PIZZA: 1 Bagel Cafe; 2 Dominoes
CREAMEE: 1 Bagel Cafe; 2 Mobil Short Stop
MARKET: 1 Hannaford; 2 Bessery
HAIR-CUT: 1 Salon Capri; 2 Antonicci; 3 Lori
RETAIL: 1 Dollar Store; 2 Ace; 3 Video World
GAS STATION: 1 Citgo; 2 Tim's Mobil; 3 Messier; 4 Mobil Snort Stop
PLACE IN A PARK: 1 Leddy trails; 2 Tower; 3 Pinnacle; 4 North Beach
WALKING TRAILS: 1 EA Tower Park; 2 bikepath; 3 Intervale; 4 Rock Point
BIKE TRAILS: 1 EA Homestead; 2 Mt. Calvary

SPORTS FIELD - 1BHS, 2 Leddy & Schiffillitti

ICE SKATING - 1 Leddy Arena, 2 Wick Ponds

SWIMMING - 1 Leddy Park Beach; 2 North Beach

DATE PLACE - 1 Heineburg Club, 2 Ave Bostro, 3 Dog Park

YARD/GARDEN - 1 Solt on Edgemore Dr, Prim on Staniford Rd, 3 Fern Crete

STREET - 1 Heineberg Rd and Village Green, 2 Appletree Point Lane

BUILDING - 1 Appletree Bay Medical Center, Heineberg Center

NEIGHBOR - 1 Sue Prim, 2 Heineberg Senior Center members, 3 Gigi Weisman

STREET NEEDS PAVING - All of them!

MAKE OVER - 1 DMV, 2 Thayer School, 3 Cheap Seats bldg and Wick house

BUS SHELTER - 1 Plattsbrg Ave, 2 Staniford Rd, St. Mark's, Woodbury, Algrid

BIKE RACK - 1 all public areas, 2 Heineberg Ctr, EA Tower Park, Schiliffitti Park

CELL PHONE SERVICE -- Verizon is lousy, ATT is great or OK

What do you like most about your neighborhood - friendly atmosphere, quiet, open space.

MINUTES WARD 4 & 7 JOINT NPAS, AUGUST 22,, 2009
ANNUAL BBQ. Attended by over 100 residents, many of whom stayed for the Assembly meeting.
Hosted by City Councilors Vice Dober, Russ Ellis and Paul Decelles.
Facilitator, Linda Deliduka
FAVORITES
EATERY: 1 Avenue Bistro; 2 Bagel Cafe; 3 new Chinese restaurant PIZZA: 1 Bagel Cafe; 2 Dominoes CREAMEE: 1 Bagel Cafe; 2 Mobil Short Stop MARKET: 1 Hannaford; 2 Bessery HAIR-CUT: 1 Salon Capri; 2 Antonicci; 3 Lori RETAIL: 1 Dollar Store; 2 Ace; 3 Video World GAS STATION: 1 Citgo; 2 Tim's Mobil; 3 Messier; 4 Mobil Snort Stop PLACE IN A PARK: 1 Leddy trails; 2 Tower; 3 Pinnacle; 4 North Beach WALKING TRAILS: 1 EA Tower Park; 2 bikepath; 3 Intervale; 4 Rock Point BIKE TRAILS: 1 EA Homestead; 2 Mt. Calvary
SPORTS FIELD - 1BHS, 2 Leddy & Schiffillitti
ICE SKATING - 1 Leddy Arena, 2 Wick Ponds
SWIMMING - 1 Leddy Park Beach; 2 North Beach
DATE PLACE - 1 Heineburg Club, 2 Ave Bostro, 3 Dog Park
YARD/GARDEN - 1 Solt on Edgemore Dr, Prim on Staniford Rd, 3 Fern Crete
STREET - 1 Heineberg Rd and Village Green, 2 Appletree Point Lane
BUILDING - 1 Appletree Bay Medical Center, Heineberg Center
NEIGHBOR - 1 Sue Prim, 2 Heineberg Senior Center members, 3 Gigi Weisman
STREET NEEDS PAVING - All of them!
MAKE OVER - 1 DMV, 2 Thayer School, 3 Cheap Seats bldg and Wick house
BUS SHELTER - 1 Plattsbrg Ave, 2 Staniford Rd, St. Mark's, Woodbury, Algrid
BIKE RACK - 1 all public areas, 2 Heineberg Ctr, EA Tower Park, Schiliffitti Park
CELL PHONE SERVICE -- Verizon is lousy, ATT is great or OK
What do you like most about your neighborhood - friendly atmosphere, quiet, open space.
RESOLUTION
By vote of both Assemblies, the resolution NO Disc Golf in Leddy Park was re-introduced and passed with 2 dissenting votes in ward 7. The motion was made by Larry Solt, and seconded by Greg Jenkins. Larry explained that we previously passed this resolution and sent it to City Council. Councilor Ellis introduced the resolution at Council, and it was passed with amendments which weakened the resolution and removed our specific and strong desire that Council take a stand against disc golf in Leddy Park.

~Whereas the Parks and Recreation Commission has appointed a Disc Golf Working Group to evaluate the proposal for an 18-hole disc golf course at Leddy Park;

~ Whereas the Disc Golf Working Group has been charged to obtain input from the
constituents who they represent;

~ Whereas the Chittenden County Forester, in a letter, dated September 22, 2008, stated, "…it would be hard to make a case that clearing the understory for disc golf (in Leddy Park) is consistent with maintaining long-term forest health or with the existing forest management plan.";

Now, therefore, be it resolved that:

The residents of Wards 4 and 7, as represented by their NPAs, are not supportive of a disc golf course in Leddy Park.

ADJOURN

Taxation Without Representation!

Re: Conservation Board, Development Review Board, Design Advisory Board

Re: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/citycouncil/docs/BOARD_COMMISSION_LIST.pdf

Conservation Board -- Ward 5 has SIX residents on the Conservation Board, and Wards 4 and 7 have NONE.

Design Advisory Board -- NO members from Wards 4 or 7.

Development Review Board -- ONE member from Ward 4, Ellie.

We have to do something about this.

We have only one representative on the development review boards, yet we are consistently something like half the voters in the city!

Help! We need representation on these boards, people from the North End who know our neighborhoods, the land and the history, our residents and our goals regarding quality of life. We pay A LOT of taxes out here, and we deserve strong representation on all boards and commissions. Please help achieve this for us.

Ellie Kenworthy is ideal -- she is smart, has lived out here all her life, she puts neighborhood above party, she listens, she reads, and she really cares. We all know hundreds of people like her out here. Please actively recruit good people, and advocate for North End representation on all boards and commissions.

Currently there is an opening for an alternate on the Development Review Board.

Lea

Ward 4 NPA Steering Committee

AGENDA, July 16, 2009

Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road
Facilitator: Jon Flint, Ward 4. Note-taker Lea Terhune, Ward 4.

6:45 PM - Greetings and Sign-In

7:00 - Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
..........Anyone who would like to make an announcement, please do so at this time.

7:15 - NPA Business – Minutes, June assembly; vote on Leddy Park woodlands management resolution, present "no dg in LP resolution" for consideration, endorsement of The Mural Project," nomination of Helen Hossley, ward 7.

7:20 - Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials
........(Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members, Steering Committee members, etc.)

7:30 - Open Forum for Residents
...........Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern. Blurt requested -- words that relate to the mural.

8:00 - Program:

~CarShareVermont, Karen McNeil Saille announcing the pod location in the North End, and providing details about how car sharing works.

~Good News Garage, Carmen George, Ward 7. Wheels for Work, and a great deal for donors.


8:50 - Reflections: Statements of thoughts/ideas that came up during the meeting.

Times are approximate and flexible.

WARD 4 & 7 JOINT NPAS, JULY 16, 2009
Facilitator, Jon Flint
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Helen Hossley, school board commission opening in ward 7; Lea Terhune introduced Jenny Davis, CCAN staff assistant to the NPAs; Jenny Davis announced that The Buzz will be emailed to anyone who signs uo for it; Ron McGarvey announced a clean up of Leddy Beach.
RESOLUTION – UPDATE WOODLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR LEDDY PARK?
Jon Flint asked residents to review the resolution proposed regarding woodland management in Leddy Park. Linda made a motion to table the motion. Greg Jenkins seconded the motion. Nancy Powers clarified that there have been changes to the original motion, and Jon suggested that the changes be posted on Front Porch Forum.
ENDORSEMENT
Jon introduced Jamal Reid, who will speak later about the North End Mural Project.
ELECTION TO STEERING COMMITTEE
Linda Deliduka nominated Helen Hossley to the steering committee. Phil LaVigne, second. Helen explained that she is a former member of the NPA, enjoys civic engagement, and is glad to see so many people attending the assembly. Ward 7 members voted to support the motion, which passed.
RESOLUTION – NO DISC GOLF IN LEDDY PARK
Larry Solt introduced a resolution that disc golf is NOT appropriate for Leddy Park. It is a separate resolution from the woodlands management plan. It will be posted on Front Porch Forum, and will be voted next month.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Mark Larson, State Rep from the North End, reported on the work of the budget committee of the House. Revenues are down $26 mil, the Gov has to present a plan, joint fiscal committee meets on the off season to address money issues, Mark is on that committee, and welcomes anyone’s ideas or questions. Mark thinks the free-fall is slowing and we may see the economy begin to recover soon. Mark explained the public health care option, how VT has this model with Catamount and Blue Cross, allowing people to buy in to something like Medicare or Medicaid. Jenny asked about the botrtoming out of the economic slump, and asked if the projected $28 mil might be less if the economy improves? Mark said the projected loss would only be less if the recovery was faster or stronger. Jenny asked if the difference would be made up by additional taxes? Mark said the Joint Committee does not have the power to propose legislation, but they could shift funds or propose use of the rainy day fund. Lea suggested it is a rainy day. Mark said there is agreement not to use those funds unless there is reasonable assumption that there is an upturn. Mark explained that this recession is unprecedented outside of the great depression.
Russ Ellis reported that the late City Council meeing this week was embroiled in discussion of whether to raise salaries of city employees. Russ thought the administration should come out to the NPAs and make a case for the increases. The rationale is that of 170 non-union positions, 46 positions are not competitive in salary. Example – we lost 3 top engineers in BED because they were underpaid by something like $40K a year, and they can’t be replaced at the salaries that are offered. Asst. Chief Administrative Officer of Finances is said to be underpaid by $40K, so we can’t hire for that position. Analyst said that it is likely that the city would save more money than the increase if we had a good p0erson in that position. People in Ward 4 are not convinced because the report just came out and there has been no opportunity to look at it. If the salary increases for these 170 employees were implemented, there would be savings in the retirement funds because reduction in reduction in reimbursement would be matched by increase in salary. On a $200K house, you are paying an extra $20 this year for the retirement fund, and this is likely to keep going up. So, Russ is reading the report,. Larry asked what the response of councilors was, and Russ said he proposed that the administration make presentations at each NPA, which the administration did not gobble up. The motion was to continue to review the report, and Russ thought it would be a good topic for Neighborhood Improvement Night. Lea asked when it would be voted by Council. Russ said the administration wants to vote now, and wants the decision to be in effect July 1. Mark asked about what is being done if we have lost engineers? Russ said the fine administrator in BED is getting the job done, perhaps hiring outside people, Russ isn’t sure. Steve Norman asked how paying positions more would cut down on contributions to the retirement fund? Russ said the average of the last 5 years would replace the last 3 years, which is how it is not. The accountants tell us this would be significant. Question about 401K? Russ said employees are strongly against this. Police can retire after 20 years, and the 401K plan would reduce their benefits considerably, as compared to the guaranteed benefits they have now. The police want the retirement benefits to stay the same. Lea said the All-Wards Steering Committee is meeting next week, and she would pass along the idea of proposing the salary increases as an NIN presentation.
Greg Jenkins urged residents to contact the School administration and ask for the Budget Task Force to continue to play an active role in discussing issues.

OPEN FORUM
Jon introduced Jamal Reid, who will be leading a Blurt to gather ideas about the North End Mural Project. Jamal explained his background in hip hop music, and aerosol art and how he got connected with Jenny and Lea. Nancy asked Jamal how people could find out when the painting will happen? Linda said it would be posted on Front Porch Forum, and there is a Facebook page. Helen asked what aerosol art is – spray paint art, kids with painted fingers. The goal is to create a team of artists who will be painting murals in the city. Steve Norman announced that ACE Bibens in North End and Colchester has donated paint and Jamal hoped to have the project completed in August. Artists would be doing the design, and anyone who wants to paint can come out and participate. Jon called for a motion to endorse the project. Linda Deliduka, Larry Solt, motion and second. Unanimous endorsement. Jon initiated the blurt by asking for ideas and images that people would like to see in the mural - community, recreation tennis walking cycling walking birding swimming sailing trees softball Champ EATower, different seasons, elements that happen around the site, surroundings, nature, trees, walking trails, mountains, shopping, community, proud of our community, gardens, kids, music, happy people, different ages, food, culture, creamees, walking down the trails, connectivity, candyland, diversity of Burlington. Jamal encouraged people to post additional ideas on Facebook at NE Miural Project.
Linda Deliduka is concerned that the Miller Center was closed this summer, it is staffed, but the teen center is not open. There are programs, but the drop in center is closed. Kids have more unsupervised time in the summer, and we need to work to get money to open the drop in center in the summer.
Nancy Powers said the resolution she brought to the last meeting, and asked for input, and she has a final resolution tonight. Confusing to vote on two different resolutions. Nancy isn’t sure about the process but she wants to know how to eliminate the draft resolution and vote on the revised resolution. Jon explained that it is tabled. Further updated resolution has changes and residents need time to discuss it and go over it. Front Porch Forum can be used. Jon said we screwed up on the postings, Linda said the first version could be voted down at the next meeting, and vote on the new one in. Greg said that changes at 4:30 on the day of the vote is not enough time for people to review it. If it had been posted a week before, people would have had time. Chuck clarified that there are two separate resolutions – one about woodlands management in Leddy Park, and the other is about NO disc golf in Leddy Park.
PROGRAM
Carmen George, Ward 7, explained Good News Garage. It was recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. GNG accepts donations of cars and repairs ones that are a good fit for low income people who need transportation. Others are sold to raise money to support GNG. Carmen explained that 10 Chevy Impalas, worth 18K each, were donated, and 2 will be given to VT families. If you know a family that has a compelling story about how receiving this acre would make a significant difference in their lives, there is an application at the web site. Two cars are going to the Neighbor Keepers program. Greg asked about tax credits for donations, and Carmen explained how Sen. Leahy was influential is keeping the benefits of the tax credit. How many cars are given? Last year 157 were repaired and given to families, with 25 vans for van pools. How is the value decided? The owner declares the value, based on the Blur Book. GNG accepts any car in VT, and they tow for free. The garage has 8 lifts, and they take cars, trucks, boats, riding lawn mowers. Things that can’t be used for traveling are sold. Carmen told about a person who recently received a car, a woman who was in a crash and when she could return to work, she needed a car to get to the job and take her child to day car.
CarShare VT, Annie Bordan. They are a new non-profit, launched last year with 8 vehicles, mission to provide a network of cars that people can use without owning the car. Members can reserve a car, without the high costs of owning a car. People only pay when they drive, and the results are that people drive less, walk/bike/bus more frequently, and save a lot of money. There are currently 300 members sharing 8 cars, and the 9th car will be located in the North End. There are now 10 members who have to take the bus downtown to use a car. The car will be based at the shopping center, except in the winter when plowing requires that the car move. A member can use any of the cars in the city. Employers sign up as well as individuals, so employees can bike/walk/bus to work and have access to a car during the day. It saves on parking. There are cars at UVM and Champlain, and they expect to add student members. Gas, insurance, repairs – everything is covered by the hourly rate. Suggested alt parking spot is the Miller Center, Thayer School where Senior housing will be built. They plan to add a truck, and there is strong demand for it. Lea suggested CarShare work with GoodNewsGarage to get good used vehicles. Annie said their service compliments GNG, and issues of insurance and reliability of the vehicles calls for new cars, and hybrid cars. Nancy asked about the process – sign up on line, $30 application fee to add you to the insurance, make reservation, hefty late fees. Ratio in Burlington is 25/1, members to cars. Car ownership encourages driving more; CarShare members drive less because they have to plan, make a reservation, and consider cost. People reduce their driving by as much as 50%, and replace the need for a family to have a second car. Utilization – fleetwide average of 3 hrs per day usage, per car. Goal is 6 hrs per day. Reciprocal agreement outside VT? Yes, about 20 other non-profit car share programs, and you can use a car in another city. Driving record? You have to be 18, with a spotless record if under 21. Over 21, all you need is 2 years of clean driving record, no more than 2 moving violations, no alcohol incidents. You can take the car to Canada and Mexico, and be covered by the roadside insurance. Some people take a car for as long as a week, and the rate changes. Some people use the share car for long distance instead of renting a car because the share car is fully insured, and fee is cheaper than the federal reimbursement rate. No date yet for the launch of the North End pod. There will be a hybrid, but there are no hybrids available now. Help get the word out in your neighborhood. We’ll be posting updates on Front Porch Forum. Planning to host a pot luck BBQ at Leddy Park.
REFLECTIOINS
Greg Jenkins said a new neighbor [Sen. Sanders] knocked on his door, and asked about Greg’s electric vehicle, and drove it. There will be more electric vehicles available in the near future.
Jenny Davis said the community policing survey identified drugs and graffiti as high priorities and the NE Mural Project is a prevention project on a number of levels. Long term, Jenny encourages people to write grants for more community murals, possibly an All-Wards collective grant to have a mural artist on salary to organize more projects like this in the city. Larry talked about other murals in the city that beautify the city.
Nancy Powers suggested there be designated areas where artists could have freedom of expression, a place for open expression. Jenny urged people to work on a grant to maker this happen.
Lea praised Carole LaVigne for helping recruit a student artist. Phil LaVigne made us aware of the community policing survey. The mural project we endorsed has leadership and design review because we are using private property in a public area.
Linda is concerned that the Armory is not being used enough, and we need to get ownership of people who live out here before there is graffiti. Phil said the cost is reasonable, and well worth the investment if it results in prevention of
Lea reminded people of the Aug NPA BBQ, that our City Councilors will be cooking and serving, that all food and utensils will be donated, and we don’t want money, just labor from our City Councilors. The last two years we gave “Good Neighbor Awards.” And this year we’re going to give FAVORITES Awards in the North End, to be announced at the BBQ. Send ideas to our web siter, just google NPA Ward 4 and 7.
Chuck reminded people that LIVE at 5:25 on Aug 17 will feature Jenny Davis, and how our NPAs work together with the city.
ADJOURN.

MINUTES, RESOLUTION, COMMUNITY POLICING ISSUES: June 18, 2009

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

Facilitator: Phil LaVigne; Ward 7 Note-taker, Linda Deliduka; Ward 7; Time-keeper, Mary Chaffee, Ward 4. Ch17 Producers: Neisha Surprise and Matt Russell.

The Assembly was called to order at 7:10 pm by Facilitator Phil LaVigne.

Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
Phil reviewed the Ground Rules and the Agenda. Introductions, sign-in sheet attached. Announcements:
~Janet Patterson announced that the Heineberg Center is having a fundraiser. A Calcutta Fundraiser to be held on July 31, at the Center. Call 802-863-3982 for tickets and information.
~ Anna Niemiec reminded us that the North End Farmers Market is now at the North Avenue Alliance Church, directly opposite the beltline, on Thursday afternoons 3-6pm
~ Linda Deliduka announced that the Miller Center is not open for drop in activities for teens this summer and a group of citizens are working to change that. Contact Linda Deliduka at 802-864-5114 or ldeliduka@burlingtontelecom.net for more information or to offer to help.
~ Phil Lavigne announced that the Police Activity league is underway at the Miller Center and we will be provided with updates.
~ Greg Jenkins in on the School Budget task force and he is looking for input and suggestions. 80% of the budget is in salary. We need to look at the long term, should we continue to have neighborhood schools, should we consolidated business offices. Bottom line, we need to look long and hard at what works and what doesn't, and to do that I need the input of the community.

NPA Business:
~Minutes: May 2009 minutes were unanimously approved.
~Election: Atiya Harris was elected to the Ward 7 Steering Committee. She is a student at BHS, and active in Student Government.
~Resolution: A resolution was presented by Nancy Powers, Friends of Leddy Park, requesting an update of the forest management plan for Leddy Park. The resolution will be posted on Front Porch Forum, and at the next meeting it will be discussed and voted upon.

Proposed Resolution: Leddy Park Forest Management Plan.

Whereas there is no current development plan for the future maintenance and enhancement of Leddy Park.

Whereas there currently exists a balance of recreational fields, facilities and woodland trails.

Whereas many residents of Burlington use and enjoy the existing system in the park.

Whereas the current forest management plan is outdated.

Be it resolved that the Wards 4&7 NPA's encourage the Burlington Parks and Recreation Commission to update and enact the Leddy Park Forest management plan through an open public process including discussions with NPA’s in order to foster an understanding and agreement with the forest management plan and its implementation, and to maintain the woodlands and enhance the public use of woodland trails, fields and facilities.

Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials:
~Mayor’s Budget Task Force: Greg Jenkins and Larry Walters serve on the Budget Task Force, called into action this year to work with the School board. Larry asked for input, and we did an impromptu “Blurt” [5 min. brainstorming session] to gather ideas on ways to improve School Dept efficiency, reduce expenses, or increase revenues. List of ideas is attached. If anyone has more ideas, they are asked to contact Larry Walters wltrs@aol.net or Greg Jenkins gregjenkins@burlingtontelecom.net .
~City Councilors Report: Vince Dober and Russ Ellis expressed concerns about the budget and the fact that taxes are going up. They also mentioned that citizens are concerned about the rules concerning lot coverage. There was also some discussion about getting the tax rebates.
~School Board Report: Bob Hooper and Bernie O’Rourke talked about the school construction at Lyman C. Hunt and the accessibility issues at Edmunds. They also talked about ideas of cutting costs.

Open Forum for Residents:
~Ann Taylor expressed concern about litter in the city, for example in the woods between Flynn School and residential areas. Ann asked if anyone was willing to work with her on this. Several people volunteered – Jay Cataland.
~Lea Terhune said the Governor’s Press Conference announcing the housing at Thayer School property was well attended by residents, city officials, and housing partners. Cathedral Square invites the community to share ideas with them. Anyone interested in getting involved or having input should contact an NPA steering committee member. There will be an opportunity to learn more at the end of June, TBA.

Program:
~Local Motion: Emily Eschner explained what they are doing in the city to improve bicycle mobility and safety. She left some information about trails and bike activities in the area.
~Geometric Bikes: Steve Norman brought his geometric bike and answered questions and showed residents how to ride it. The bike is one speed, and uses a “stepmaster” stroke that is more energy efficient and easy on the knees. The bike is recommended for people with knee, leg, hip issues. Also good for bike racers, tricksters, and people who like to dance on wheels! For more information linearc@fastmail.fm or www.geometricsbike.com. Steve will be a guest on our LIVE@5:25 show on Friday, June 19.
~Lt. Bruce Bovat, Community Policing, introduced Sgt. Duffy and explained the current activities of the Burlington Police Dept in the North End. Bruce discussed residents concerns about the graffiti, drug dealing, and police patrols. Complete list of issues attached.

Reflections: We celebrated our North End Farmer’s Market with a drawing of donated vegetables, pork, and baked goods brought to us by manager, Anna Niemiec. Market tote bags were sold for $5 each. We thanked our Ch17 producers, presenters, residents and elected and appointed officials for contributions to our assembly.

The Assembly was adjourned at 8:55 pm.


*Community Policing Issues:

~ Fears about drug dealing in Leddy Park. Neighbors fear there is drug dealing in the parking lot by the tennis courts when they see graffiti behind the theater, and they keep their children away from the park. Abby Knapp and crew -- including our NPA -- removed the graffiti last weekend, we're hoping some local graffiti artists will do community service, and we'd appreciate it if the police would keep an eye on the area in the future to discourage vandalism and reassure parents. We've asked the Parks Dept to clear brush away from the fence behind the theater at the shopping center to make the area more visible

~ Speeding on our neighborhood streets is an ongoing problem. People want the speed bumps REMOVED, and find it much more effective to calm traffic by parking cars on the streets. It definitely slows drivers down, which speed bumps did not do. We'll address the safety of parking on the street.

~ Car break-ins and bikes stolen from porch in our area.

~ Symbols have been spray painted on trees in the woods behind Flynn School. People who live in the area feel uncomfortable, and consider it a hate crime . People are also dumping yard waste there, which kills the understory in a forest and ultimately creates conditions for erosion. Property owner needs to clean the area up and provide regular maintenance.

~ There is continuing concern about vacant buildings, and the city's enforcement of Vacant Building Permits that require regular inspections and monitoring. Vacant buildings are known to invite criminal activity --arson, and drug use -- and they are a blight on a neighborhood – like graffiti, only worse! A felon was found hiding in a vacant building downtown that did not have a permit. Residents want our vacant buildings inspected and monitored, and have requested that the city post them with something like the red/green Zoning, and we'd like the police to have a list of vacant buildings so when they are patrolling the area they can stop and check the building regularly.

~ Similarly, encampments on vacant lands that are not cared for is an ongoing issue for the North End. It is tolerated, and the city looks the other way. Walking from Rock Point Conference Center to the bikepath, here is a camp full of trash and bedding. We would like the issue to be addressed compassionately as a community need, creating a plan to deal with it that includes both property owner stewardship, enforcement by the city, and options for homeless people. We would like to begin this discussion now.


BLURT – Give fast answers to the question, things you have thought or heard. Like brainstorming.

How can the school dept save money? gregjenkins@burlingtontelecom.net, wltrs@aol.com
· Ask students for ideas
· Consolidate services, for example one business office for Chittenden County
· Write creative grants, like to the Gates foundation, and for historic preservation
· Have a senior mentors program
· Do central purchasing
· Consolidate ESL in magnet schools
· Compare cost of rehab of old buildings vs. investing in new buildings
· Keep neighborhood schools, small schools are good learning environments
· Keep school open in the summer, schedule school vacation in winter
· Prioritize spending based on need
· Have a 10-15 yr maintenance plan and budget for it

Governor Announces Senior Housing at Thayer School

The Thayer School site meets all locational criteria for senior housing in the livable community.

"A livable community is one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, as well as adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life."

It began with a community focus group on senior housing, guided by AARP and The Snelling Center, identifying senior housing needs and quality of life criteria. Then the Ward 4/7 NPA identified a perfect location at the old Thayer School property, which is part of our Neighborhood Activity Center.

A task force of residents met with city housing developers Cathedral Square, CEDO, and the Mayor. Together we took the idea to Montpelier. There, Sen. Mazza and Reps. Wright and Larsen shepherded the proposed purchase of the property through the red tape of selling a state-owned building. At the press conference today, Governor Douglas praised Burlington for our foresight, perseverance, and firm commitment to affordable senior housing, and he pledged his continued support for the project.

On hand to mark the event were Mayor Bob Kiss, CEDO Director, Larry Kupferman; Ward 4 City Councilor, Russ Ellis; Rep. Kurt Wright; NPA steering committee members Linda Deliduka, Lea Terhune, and Larry Solt; Director of the Heineberg Senior Center, Gail Moreau; Janet Paterson, Heineberg Senior Center Board of Directors; Amy Wright, Molly Dugan, and Tim Ashe, Cathedral Square; Brenda Torpy, Champlain Housing Trust; Brian Pine, CEDO Housing; Gerry Myers, State Buildings, and residents Charles Delaney, and Chuck Seleen.

Everyone hopes to return a year from now for the ground breaking, and after a lot of hard work on everyone's part, we will be here for the ribbon cutting.

WARD 4 RESIDENT STEVE NORMAN BUILDS A BETTER BICYCLE!

AGENDA: June 18, 2009
WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road
Facilitators: Phil LaVigne, Ward 7

6:45 Greetings and Sign-In

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business – Minutes, May mtg.; election of Atiya Harris, ward 7; resolutions, endorsements

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members, Steering Committee sub-committee, etc. )

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 Program: Local Motion’s Chapin Spencer, and Steve Norman from Geometrics will present the latest bike news, inventions and events, followed by Lt. Bruce Bovat reporting on a grant the City has received, followed by discussion of community policing issues* that have been raised by residents.

8:50 Reflections: Statements of thoughts that came up during the meeting.

________________________________________________________________

*Community Policing Issues:

~ Fears about drug dealing in Leddy Park. Neighbors fear there is drug dealing in the parking lot by the tennis courts when they see graffiti behind the theater, and they keep their children away from the park. Abby Knapp and crew -- including our NPA -- removed the graffiti last weekend, we're hoping some local graffiti artists will do community service, and we'd appreciate it if the police would keep an eye on the area in the future to discourage vandalism and reassure parents. We've asked the Parks Dept to clear brush away from the fence behind the theater at the shopping center to make the area more visible

~ Speeding on our neighborhood streets is an ongoing problem. People want the speed bumps REMOVED, and find it much more effective to calm traffic by parking cars on the streets. It definitely slows drivers down, which speed bumps did not do. We'll address the safety of parking on the street.

~ Car break-ins and bikes stolen from porch in our area.

~ Symbols have been spray painted on trees in the woods behind Flynn School. People who live in the area feel uncomfortable, and consider it a hate crime . People are also dumping yard waste there, which kills the understory in a forest and ultimately creates conditions for erosion. Property owner needs to clean the area up and provide regular maintenance.

~ There is continuing concern about vacant buildings, and the city's enforcement of Vacant Building Permits that require regular inspections and monitoring. Vacant buildings are known to invite criminal activity --arson, and drug use -- and they are a blight on a neighborhood – like graffiti, only worse! A felon was found hiding in a vacant building downtown that did not have a permit. Residents want our vacant buildings inspected and monitored, and have requested that the city post them with something like the red/green Zoning, and we'd like the police to have a list of vacant buildings so when they are patrolling the area they can stop and check the building regularly.

~ Similarly, encampments on vacant lands that are not cared for is an ongoing issue for the North End. It is tolerated, and the city looks the other way. Walking from Rock Point Conference Center to the bikepath, here is a camp full of trash and bedding. We would like the issue to be addressed compassionately as a community need, creating a plan to deal with it that includes both property owner stewardship, enforcement by the city, and options for homeless people. We would like to begin this discussion now.

MEETING NOTES. MAY 21, 2009.

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MINUTES: May 21, 2009
WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road
Facilitators: Michael Crane, Ward 4
Note Taker: Phil Lavigne, Ward 7

Assembly was called to order at 7:00. Introductions and announcements were followed by the Ground Rules and Agenda

BUSINESS: We approved the minutes of the March and April meetings, and elected of Larry Solt, Ward 7. There were no resolutions or endorsements.

REPORTS from Elected and Appointed Officials included Russ Ellis, Paul Decelles, Mark Larson, Pat Kearney, Bob Hooper and Bernie O’Rourke.

OPEN FORUM: Residents made brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern. There was discussion of the sea gulls on Lori Lane and Gazo Ave., and of the disc golf course proposed for Leddy Park. Nancy Powers brought us up to date on Friends of Leddy Park request for a Master Plan.

8:00 PROGRAM –

~Vermont Refugee Resettlement : Beth Lemire Jenkins shared her work as a volunteer with VRRP. She built community awareness of the challenges met by refugees and immigrants who live among us. Like how to use seat-belts, child car seats, shopping at Hannafords, figuring out what processed foods are, how to dress for snow and cold in Vermont, plastic cards for library, debit, safe child – what to do if a child is abducted? Call the police – sheer terror! A group of local residents has proposed that a community center showcasing cultural diversity would be a wonderful addition to North End. Volunteers are welcome as we search for a location, sponsors, and funding.

~Fluoride: Wendy Davis, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health, spoke of her confidence in fluoride. Local dentists, Chuck Seleen and Paul Kenworthy talked about the dental health advantages of fluoride. Donna Hayes, dental hygienist, raised many skeptical issues, like after all this fluoride in drinking water, children still have cavities. Donna advocates for choice. Ian Carlton explained why the Board of Health is opposed to mandatory fluoride in public drinking water. Our dentists, and the Health Commissioner, are very much in favor of it because of the public health benefits.

~Wind Power, Paul Kenyon. This speaker thinks wind generation would be a big mistake for VT. He feels there is only one side of the issue being presented, and he urges people to be skeptical, to doubt and check the facts. In VT the winds are variable, don’t blow in the summer when we need it. We don’t store electrical energy in our grid, it’s generated and used, not stored so it is inefficient. Wind is an erratic power source, so it creates inefficiencies. It costs a lot to buy auxiliary power, and that pours more CO2 in the environment. Windmills will fundamentally change the ridgeline of VT drastically, not what people move to VT for. There is only wind on the ridgelines, and in order to get more wind they have to put up larger and larger turbines.

Sketch-Up 3-D Modeling was rescheduled because Carol Stenberg was called out of town.

8:50 Reflections

SEA GULLS ON ROOFTOPS -- Ita investigates

.
Sandy Gazo and I went to check the report about sea gulls on rooftops at Lori Lane. We talked with several people out in their yards who said there have always been sea gulls in the area. Sandy remembered that they used to serve popcorn at baseball games, and spread leftovers on the field for the gulls! until her mother complained and got that practice stopped. But the longitude and latitude must have stayed in the birds' genetic memory banks, and it would have gone back even further, to the farms in the area! This area has a history of attracting sea gulls.

I talked with Gary Cuedek, who spoke at our meeting. Phil Fortin and Gordy Ries spoke last month. Gary is working with Ita Meno in Code Enforcement to resolve the issue if possible, and she will be issuing a report soon. He was very impressed with her responsiveness and professionalism. [Update: report cites health code violations, and Board of Health urges residents, city and farm to work together and find a solution. all parties are invited to the June 18 NPA meeting.]

Gary and his neighbor put points and fishing line along their roof peaks, which solved the problem for them but pushed the problem further along. The neighbor they are concerned about lives on Gazo Avenue, in a two story house, which is apparently preferred by sea gulls now. The birds get tired circling, waiting for the pigs to be fed. They rest on roof tops, and poop.

Burlington seeks gull solution

Panel says no to 18-hole disc golf at Leddy

.


Parks Commission Meeting, May 19, 2009
http://www.cctv.org/node/73983


John Briggs, Burlington Free Press

AGENDA May 21, 2009: LOCAL GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE, WIND AND WATER

AGENDA: May 21, 2009
WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

Facilitators: Michael Crane, Ward 4
Note Taker: Phil Lavigne, Ward 7

6:45 Greetings and Sign-In

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business – Minutes March mtg; election of Larry Solt, Ward 7; resolutions, endorsements

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members, Steering Committee sub-committees) *

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 PROGRAM

May 21 2009 - PROGRAM

Welcome to the Third Thursday Neighborhood Planning Assembly. Here's the MAY program:

~Beth Lemire Jenkins will bring us community awareness of the challenges met by refugees and immigrants who live among us. A group of local residents have learned that a community center that showcases cultural diversity would be a wonderful addition to North End quality of life.

~Also on the program is wind power -- and not the usual rap. This speaker, we're told, thinks it would be a mistake for VT to invest in wind. He is a local small wind installer who lives off the grid. He is pro-wind and pro-solar but anti-industrial. Here's a good article that sums it up: http://www.7dvt.com/2008blowing-it



~Finally, everything you've wanted to ask about fluoride, and your Board of Health and local dentists will be there with the answers. The BoH is opposed to fluoride in public drinking water. Our dentists are very much in favor of it because of the public health benefits. They will inform; you will decide. We'll take a straw vote at the end of the evening.




~And, a bonus -- a quick introduction to Sketch-Up. As the city prepares to revise its Municipal Development Plan, local teams of 3-D modelers will be covering the city, placing neighborhood models in Google Earth! CANCEL -- moved to July meeting.

I've appreciated getting info about the NPA....

*** CRESCENT WOODS NEIGHBORHOOD FORUM NO. 308 ***

FRONT PORCH FORUM FEEDBACK
By Sheila Boland Chira, Vine Street
Sun, 03 May 2009

I've appreciated getting info about the NPA and building heights and Leddy Park and disc golf just as much as the requests for info about sledding hills and roofer recommendations and queries about who is interested in a neighborhood garage sale everything else that has come along on this forum.

I also appreciate the volunteer ethos that Kara [Buchanan] has brought to the forum which is an extension of the community building ethos she and Gus Buchanan have brought to the neighborhood. Being an informed citizen should be what we all aspire toward, not a prerequisite for running for office, and I welcome this forum as a means of being more informed.

...what could be more neighborly than knowing what is in front of our NPA?

--------------------

THINK GREEN and it will happen!

AGENDA: April 16, 2009

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

Facilitators: Greg Jenkins, Linda Pidgeon, Ward 7
Note Taker: Michael Crane, Ward 7

AGENDA

6:45 Greetings and Sign-In

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business – Minutes March mtg; election of Larry Solt, Ward 7; resolutions, endorsements

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members, Steering Committee sub-committees) *

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 Program – Permaculture, Pig Farming, Farmers’ Market at Ethan Allen Park this summer, and Way to Go Burlington.

8:50 Reflections - Opportunity for residents, officials, guests to speak about any subject.

*Tax equalization issues, waterfront property

*Update on preserving Leddy Park forest for passive recreation

*Mixed housing at DMV/ThayerSchool property in our Neighborhood Activity Center

.

Disk Golf Working Group 3-3 vote = NO

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Testimony at public forum on Mar 24 was overwhelmingly opposed to disc golf in Leddy Park. Two disc golf club members testified for it, attacking Leddy Park neighbors instead of making a strong case FOR disc golf in Leddy Park. Carol Stenburg, ward 4, taped the meeting for Ch17, and when it is available we will post the link here.

Public Working Group Discussion about the Proposed Leddy Park Disc Golf Course - 03/24/2009

The Ward 4/7 Resolution opposing disc golf in Leddy Park was presented to the Working Group, along with a reminder that each rep was instructed to communicate with their NPAs, and with the public via Front Porch Forum. The only reps who met with their NPAs were both reps from ward 4 (Pat Kearney, Joanne Hunt), and one rep from ward 7 (Greg Jenkins). Thanks to Pat, Joanne and Greg for representing us so faithfully.


LEDDY PARK DISC GOLF WORKING GROUP: Lisa Coven (Parks staff), Pat Kearney (ward 4), Matt Hogg (ward 4), Harry Wendt (ward 3), Greg Jenkins (ward 7), Nick Hinge (ward 5), Joanne Hunt (ward 4), Warren Spinner (parks staff), Brendan Bush (B'town Doisk Golf Club, technical advisor). Absent: Dan Herman (ward 7) and Peter Hess (disc golf technical advosor).

The buzz at the March 16 NPA meeting.....

NPA MEETING REPORT
By Lea Terhune, NPA Steering Committee Member - Ward 4, Appletree Point Ln, leaterhune2@comcast.net
Fri, 20 March 2009

~Pat Kearney, Ward 4 member of Leddy Park Disk Golf Working Group, said the next meeting is Mar 24, Leddy Arena, 6pm, to Vote "YES to Disc Golf at Leddy with recommendations", or "NO to disc golf [in Leddy Park]." Before the vote, there will be an open public forum for residents, and working group members will express their opinions.

~ The Mayor is expected to propose a merger of Parks and Rec with DPW. Residents generally agree something needs to be done. DPW has a good track record of achieving economies of scale in city government (merged all vehicle maintenance). Dave Hartnett, Ward 4 Parks Commission member, said Parks Commission opposes merger.

~Shake-up in city gov. Kathleen Butler leaves Code Enforcement. Ita Meno leaves Center for Community and Neighborhoods to take a possition as a Code Enforcement Officer.

~ Petition drive to dump IRV starts next week. Issue is voter representation. Kiss was elected by 28% of voters, and by just 7% of registered voters. Petitions will circulate to dump IRV and reduce the win threshold to 40%.

~ Cathedral Square is close to learning whether they win the bid on the DMV property. We've asked them to build senior/mixed housing in our Neighborhood Activity Center. Kurt Wright and NPA community group helped move this along. Much interest and many questions about it. Residents will have a chance to learn details and have input through our NPA, long before the project goes to the city for development review.

~Many concerns about the city's pension plan, and what we're going to do about it. Taxpayers are looking for answers.

~ Strathmore has all it's occupancy permits now. Not sure if homeowners have to pay.

~ Steve Goodkind, Ward 7, Director of Public Works, vowed to bring in the cameras to dis-cover sewer back-up problems in Staniford/Western/Oakland areas in Ward 4. Village Green, Ward 7, chimed in with their sewer problems. Problems are city-wide, we have an aging infrastructure, and it will cost BIG BUCKS (read taxes) to permanently fix the problems.

~ City Council has called for a special public hearing on the downtown building height issue. Paul assured us that councilors' minds are open, and the vote could change, depending on public input. Russ and Paul admitted that the tax [TIF] deal diverts new revenues from the general fund for 20 years. So what is the public benefit of this new height ordinance? Are there any location guidelines, set backs, step backs, etc?

~ Lakeshore property owners imminently face tax equalization, with estimated adjustment +33%. John Vickery, city Tax Assessor, took all questions, and delivered straight answers.

~ Fair Housing thrives in Burlington. Tenant organization is active. CVOEO is vigilant. Residents are supportive.

The meeting was taped for Ch17 by Steve Norman, Ward 4. When the air time schedule is available, it will be posted on FPF.

The night after the NPA meeting, we review meeting issues on Ch17, LIVE@5:25. Residents can call in -- thanks to Dale, Lincoln, and others who called in with thoughtful comments.
.

FEB 19 2009 MEETING NOTES

Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2009

Opening: The regular meeting of the Ward 4and 7 NPA was called to order at 7:15 on February 19, 2009 at Heineberg Senior and Community Center by Lea Terhune

Present: see sign in sheets.
Facilitator, Lea Terhune. Note-taker: Linda Deliduka

Introductions and Ground Rules and Agenda

Business: RESOLUTION Presented by Wards 4 & 7 NPA's

(To be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Disc Golf Working Group)

~ Whereas the Parks and Recreation Commission has appointed a Disc Golf Working Group to evaluate the proposal for an 18-hole disc golf course at Leddy Park;

~ Whereas the Disc Golf Working Group has been charged to obtain input from the constituents who they represent;

~ Whereas the Chittenden County Forester, in a letter, dated September 22, 2008, stated, "…it would be hard to make a case that clearing the understory for disc golf (in Leddy Park) is consistent with maintaining long-term forest health or with the existing forest management plan.";

Now, therefore, be it resolved that:

The residents of Wards 4 and 7, as represented by their NPAs, are not supportive of a disc golf course in Leddy Park due to its adverse environmental impacts; and

The Disc Golf Working Group shall include this Resolution within the recommendations it makes to the Parks and Recreation Commission; and

The Parks and Recreation Commission shall direct the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department to work with the BTown Disc Golf Club to identify alternative sites for a disc golf course in Burlington, or surrounding communities.

___________________________________________________________________________________

The resolution was proposed by Nancy Powers and seconded by Michael Crane from Ward 4; proposed by Greg Jenkins and seconded by Phil Lavigne from Ward 7.


The vote result:


Ward 4
support the Resolution 42
oppose the Resolution 0
undertain 12

Ward 7
support the Resolution 14
oppose the Resolution 0
uncertain 9


Open Forum for Residents, and Announcements:
Amy Wright was introduced by Lea Terhune. Amy explained the background of the DMV Site, stating that a number of citizens from the New North End approached Cathedral Square about the need for senior housing in the New North End, requesting that CSC try to secure the former Thayer school for this purpose. Amy described a meeting held in the summer with over 30 residents who expressed strong support for senior housing with support services. She explained that Cathedral Square is submitting a bid to buy the DMV site on North Ave. The citizens of Wards 4 & 7 were very enthusiastic when they heard about the progress.

D. Ballot Items
Barbara Grimes spoke about the bond for Burlington Electric ballot item # 4

Bob Hooper, Thom Fleury and Bernie O’Rourke spoke about the ballot items for the Burlington Schools. They answered questions from the audience.



Candidates Forum.

The Wards broke in to two groups to hear the Candidates for City Council for both wards.


Meeting Adjourned at 9:30 pm.

MARCH 19 2009 NPA Meeting

Wards 4 & 7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday March 19, 2009
Heineberg Senior and Community Center

6:45 – 7:00 Gathering and Sign in

7:00 – 7:10 Introductions, Review ground rules and agenda

7:10-7:15 Open Forum for Residents Brief statements of interest or concern *

7:15- 7:30 Reports from Elected Representatives Brief statements from our elected officials *

7:30-8:00 John Vickery, Tax Assessor, City Tax Equalization.

800-8:15 Dani Fuoco, CVEO Fair Housing, anti-discrimination.

8:15-8-35 Steven Goodkind, Public Works, answers questions about sewers, potholes, disk golf at landfill.

8:35- 9:00 Speak Out – Announcements

RESOLUTION

Presented by Wards 4 & 7 NPA's

(To be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Disc Golf Working Group)

~ Whereas the Parks and Recreation Commission has appointed a Disc Golf Working Group to evaluate the proposal for an 18-hole disc golf course at Leddy Park;

~ Whereas the Disc Golf Working Group has been charged to obtain input from the constituents who they represent;

~ Whereas the Chittenden County Forester, in a letter, dated September 22, 2008, stated, "…it would be hard to make a case that clearing the understory for disc golf (in Leddy Park) is consistent with maintaining long-term forest health or with the existing forest management plan.";

Now, therefore, be it resolved that:

The residents of Wards 4 and 7, as represented by their NPAs, are not supportive of a disc golf course in Leddy Park due to its adverse environmental impacts; and

The Disc Golf Working Group shall include this Resolution within the recommendations it makes to the Parks and Recreation Commission; and

The Parks and Recreation Commission shall direct the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department to work with the BTown Disc Golf Club to identify alternative sites for a disc golf course in Burlington, or surrounding communities.

___________________________________________________________________________________

The resolution was proposed by Nancy Powers and seconded by Michael Crane from Ward 4; proposed by Greg Jenkins and seconded by Phil Lavigne from Ward 7.


The vote result:


Ward 4
support the Resolution 42
oppose the Resolution 0
undertain 12

Ward 7
support the Resolution 14
oppose the Resolution 0
uncertain 9


Linda C Deliduka, Ward 7 Inspector of Elections

CANDIDATES NIGHT, FEB 19, 2009

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

Thursday, Feb 19, 2009
6:45 pm
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

• Facilitators: Lea Terhune, Ward 4; Senada Sokocevic, Ward 7; Jon Flint, Ward 4.
  
• Note Taker: Linda Deliduka, Ward 7
• Time-keeper: Greg Jenkins, Ward 7
  

AGENDA

6:45 Welcome and Sign-In for Residents

7:00 NPA Business -- Jan. meeting notes; Amy Wright's announcement; election, Steve Norman (Ward 4); Leddy Park resolution.

7:10 Ballot Issues:

• School Board Budget and Bond, Bob Hooper (7).
  
• BED bond, Barb Grimes.
  

7:30 City Council Candidates Forum -Wards 4 and 7 meet separately.

• Facilitators: Jon Flint, for ward 7. Timekeeper, Greg Jenkins.
• Senada Sokocevic, for ward 4. Time keeper, Phil LaVigne.

• Ward 4 - Nancy Kaplan, Ellie Kenworthy
• Ward 7 - Ellie Blaise, Vince Dober, Eli Lesser-Goldsmith

8:20 Break: Wards merge again.

8:30 Mayoral Candidates Forum - Joint meeting, wards 4 and 7

• Clockwise: Kurt Wright, Andy Montroll, Bob Kiss, Dan Smith.
  

MEETING NOTES, January 15, 2009. posted on website: http://wards4and7npa.blogspot.com/

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

Facilitator: Marga Kempner, Ward 4
Note Taker: Lea Terhune, Ward 4

7:00. Meeting called to order. Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda. Business – Minutes from the January meeting were approved. Reports from officials. Mark Larson (state rep), Russ Ellis (City Council), Bob Hooper (School Board), Bernie O’Rourke (School Board), Greg Jenkins (Leddy Park Disc Golf Proposal Working Group), and Phil LaVigne (Community Policing Survey Advisory Group) spoke.

7:30 Open Forum for Residents – A large group of residents came to update us on the status of the disc golf course proposal for Leddy Park. They are quite upset about the process, the project, lack of environmental impact information, and the location of the course. Pat Kearney, a representative on the working group from Ward 4, and Greg Jenkins, a rep from Ward 7, addressed stormwater, setback from property lines, traffic, and safety, and asked for input from residents. Pat and Greg took notes and promised to take our concerns to the next meeting. People wanted to know why the meetings are not open to the public? and asked Councilor Ellis to look into it. Information can be obtained at www.leddypark.org, a website created by Friends of Leddy Park. Phil LaVigne gave an update on the Community Policing Survey, encouraged everyone to attend the Community Policing Survey meeting in their area, and directed us to the on-line survey .

8:00 Program - History of Leddy Park, Search for Felix Powell's Cabin, NPA Retrospective on Neighborhood Activity Center. Muriel More described the legacy of Leddy Park [notes to be added]. Lori Sullivan invited the community to join the search for the cabin of Burlington's first settler, Felix Powell. She asked everyone to search for artifacts, findings, letters and journals that describe the area, maps, anything that might contain a clue. There is a commemorative plaque on Appletree Point and by deductive archaeological reasoning, Dr. Wallace believes the location is near the head of Appletree Point Stream, a perennial spring that would have provided fresh water year round for humans and animals. Lori distributed a quiz about Appletree Point history, and the person who got the highest score won a membership in APHS. The winner was Andy Montroll, who is running for Mayor and had come to listen to the concerns of our residents. The program wrapped up with a retrospective of Ward 4 NPA [ Mar. 19, 1992 NPA mtg. that has been airing on Ch17], and

8:55 Reflections.

Leddy Park facts

Did You Know…..

• Some of the trees in Leddy Park are over 110 years of age.

(1993 Community Forester, Charles Vile, Park Forest Management Plan)

• Some of the trees in Leddy Park have a diameter of 26 plus inches.

(1993 Community Forester, Charles Vile, Park Forest Management Plan, and recent measurements)

• Leddy Park’s first name as a city park in 1971 was Wabanaki.

(Abenaki for Thanksgiving. Historic Guide to Burlington Neighborhoods, Vol I by David J.Blow)

1991, page 22

• A former owner of the land which is now Leddy Park, the Burlington

Rendering Company, cooperated in the Vermont Department of

Forest and Parks’ Vermont Cooperative Forest Management Program

and in 1942 planted 22 acres of red and white pine trees.

(1993 Community Forester, Charles Vile, Park Forest Management Plan)

• The Burlington 2000 Open Space Protection Plan Land Inventory identified

the following attributes for Leddy Park:

view points

passive recreation value

significant wooded area

shoreline, wetlands, buffers

(Burlington 2000 Open Space Protection Plan Land Inventory Land-Works 1999)

• Approximately 2 miles of walking, biking and cross country trails cross

Leddy Park.

(Stay “tuned”. In the Spring, we’ll have a more accurate instrument and can measure more

precisely right ON the trails. Would you like to help? )

• Japanese Knotwood – a non native invasive plant is growing on the

south side of Leddy Park.

(Burlington Dept of Parks and Rec. Land Steward)

(Grows to 10 and 12 feet tall in full sun, partial shade or full shade! It’s very hard to get rid of

once it gets established – Can take 3 years of persistent hard work. It crowds out native

vegetation as it has no local competitors. Can be found in waste places and in utility right of

ways. It’s often transported to new sites as a contaminant in fill dirt seeds and as discarded

cuttings. Source: - Google)

• Approximately 200 adult softball games were played at Leddy Park in 2008.

(Burlington Dept of Parks and Rec.

Burlington High School also uses the field when school is in session.)

(Stay “tuned” for 2008 statistics on the use of the soccer fields and tennis courts.)

Plants observed in Leddy Park by Friends of Leddy Park:

Trees: White Pine Red Maple Black Birch Quaking Aspen

Red Pine Sugar Maple Paper Birch Big Toothed Aspen

Beech Striped Maple Hemlock

Black Cherry Red Oak

Herbaceous Plants:

Sarsaparilla Bracken Fern

Skunk Cabbage (in some wet areas) Cinnamon Fern

Partridge Berry Christmas Fern

Teaberry Sensitive Fern

Winterberry (near south end of arena parking area) Royal Fern

Red Trillium (north central part of park)

Mammals observed in Leddy Park by Friends of Leddy Park:

Red Squirrels (near the Dale Rd. entrance.)

Gray Squirrels

Raccoons

Skunks

Opossum (2007 – south side of park)

Red Fox

Moles

Birds observed in Leddy Park by Friends of Leddy Park:

Pileated Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker

(a nesting pair – summer 2006, south side of the park)

Barred Owl (winter 2006 and 2008) Downy Woodpecker

Cardinals American Goldfinches

Bluejays House Finches

Crows Bald Eagle

Nesting Wood Ducks (summer 2007) (Leddy Vista View area) – Jan 2009)

Black capped chickadee Snowy Owl

White-Breasted Nuthatches (bluff above the southend beach – Jan 2009)

Red Tailed Hawk

Amphibians and Reptiles observed in Leddy Park:

(Be the first to report a sighting….)

The Friends of Leddy Park are compiling natural and historical information on an on going basis.

Please let us know of the plants and wildlife you see in the park, the date of and the approximate

location of your sighting.

Call or email Nancy: 316-0492 or Joy: 865-4424

Noodlepower@yahoo.com rmcgar864@aol.com

Friends of Leddy Park January 2009 revised

PROTECT OUR PARKS, NEIGHBORHOODS AND OPEN SPACES FROM DEVELOPMENT PRESSURE

AGENDA: January 15, 2009

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

Thursday, January 15, 2009
6:45 pm
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

Facilitator: Marga Kempner, Ward 4
Note Taker: Lea Terhune, Ward 4

AGENDA

6:45 Greetings and Sign-In, downstairs Heineberg Center

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business -- Minutes, elections, resolutions, endorsements

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members)

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 Program - History of Leddy Park, Search for Felix Powell's Cabin, NPA Retrospective and a preview of PUD. Muriel Moore will describe the legacy of Leddy Park. Lori Sullivan and Paul Wallace will invite the community to join the search for the cabin of Burlington's first settler. A retrospective of Ward 4 NPA [a clip from Mar. 19, 1992 NPA mtg. that has been airing on Ch17] followed by public official, TBA, who will define PUD and explain how it will affect the future of development in the NNE.

8:50 Reflections - Opportunity for residents, officials, guests to speak about any subject.


MINUTES

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

December 18, 2008
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

Facilitator: Phil LaVigne, Ward 7

Time-keeper: Linda Deliduka, Ward 7
Note-taker: Lea Terhune, Ward 4

Greetings and Sign-In was held downstairs in the Heineberg Center. The meeting was called to order by facilitator Phil Lavigne at 7 pm. The group went around the room for Introductions and Announcements, and Phil reviewed the Ground Rules and Agenda. Ita announced that she will help anyone who wants to make a CDBG application. Janet Paterson said there was a great opening at the Robert Miller Community Recreation Center, and the Walking Group will start in the New Year. Phil announced three community policing [cp] reassessment meetings Jan 19, Jan 28, Feb 2 in different locations. Phil will post on FPF. There will be a survey looking at cp 10 years out. Lea Terhune announced Ch 17 Ward 4 NPA LIVE@5:25, third Friday of each month. Gail Moreau announced a holiday fundraiser benefit for the Center. Phil thanked Mary Chaffee for refreshments and dusting snow off our signs, and thanked Steve Jaramillo for being our Ch 17 producer.

7:15 NPA Business – Minutes were reviewed and approved as written. Alan Sousie and Larry Walters were elected by our NPAs to serve on the Mayor’s Budget Task Force. Ann Burke (Ward 4) and Linda Deliduka (Ward 7) were elected to represent our NPAs on the CDBG Board.

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials. Greg Jenkins, Disc Golf Working Group, Parks and Rec, reported on the first organizational meeting. He said the group will be looking at options that will work for the entire city. Ron asked if the meetings will be open? Lea thinks the answer is YES. Greg will post the meetings on FPF. John Foss asked whether the focus is IF they will have the disc golf there, or how to implement it? Greg said it is the former. Mary asked if the group is balanced, and Greg said he doesn't know yet. State Rep Mark Larson reported on the budget cutting in Montpelier. These are difficult financial times… revenue shortfall related to downturn in projections, so budget expectations are $87mil short, and demand for services is up. How to close the gap – $66 mil.? John asks whether the gap is temporary, and what is being done to address it long term? Mark sees both short and long term challenges. The transportation budget, for example, has not been bringing in enough revenue to maintain roads. Similarly, we have a structural deficit in health care. Other areas are temporary downturns. Better off in VT than other places. We have reserve funds. We have always passed a balanced budget, so we are in a strong position. Gail Moreau asked about pharmaceutical programs for seniors. Bob Hooper reported on the retirement board tracking of losses, but it’s not unusual, everyone is running in the red, and 'money management wise' we are in good shape. School Board is having budget meetings, some increases, a bond, but the critical issue is that things need to be fixed and Bob invited people to email him. Bob Herendeen reported that BED is in good shape!

7:30 Open Forum for Residents – Phil received a communication from Terry Bonson, Roseade Pkwy asking for a right hand turn arrow at Ethan Allen Parkway, across from Little Eagle Bay. Phil will follow up with Terry. Ita explained Operation Snow Shovel, and asked for volunteers as the biggest need right now is in the NNE.

8:00 Program - Mayor's Citizen Budget Task Force, Ward 4 representative, Larry Walters, and Roger Marshall from Ward 5, summarized past and current recommendations of the Budget Task Force, and encouraged residents to share their ideas for raising revenues and cutting costs. Larry, Roger, and Bob Hooper each hosted a table and took notes.

Recommendations ranged from: “spend less,” and “cut spending, we’re on an unsustainable course,” and “the city has to learn to live within our means;” to: “restructure departments to function more efficiently,” “combine police and fire department and cross train public safety officers,” “reduced work week and reduced payroll,” and “bring fees for services in line with what it costs to provide the service.” Carol Lavigne talked about the need for restructuring departments, like the police department is doing with community policing. Tom Papp talked about the need for regional planning, and the foolhardiness of depending economically on IBM, and in Burlington depending on the big institutions. Mary Chaffee talked about the need for an ombudsman to monitor best practices. Carol talked about deterioration of neighborhoods when transient rental housing replaces family homes. Increasing density is going to create problems. Mary added that people can be packed in the city if the design is good, and public transportation is available. Tom added that there are costs to growth; you can’t grow yourself out of financial problems. People invested here because they like the scale, and packing people in does not increase quality of life. Marga talked about the schools falling apart, and teachers working conditions deteriorating – increase revenue by educating the youth so they can get good, high paying jobs. Schools should be one of our #1 priorities. Joe Senesac said we need to make schools more efficient, too. He added that Burlington has a business unfriendly reputation! Bob Hooper noted a correlation between livable city and business unfriendly. Joe doesn’t think CEDO is worth all the payroll they pull down. Linda Deliduka noted the tax rate seems high in Burlington, but 70-80% of people don’t pay the full taxes. Roger Marshall wondered why we don’t tear down old schools and build new schools. Part time jobs, with benefits; political public statement that we aren’t a wealthy community and we have to live within our means; prioritize capital budget according to what pays off the quickest; new ways look at the value of senior centers so the payback is measurable; Moran not optimal, but that waterfront real estate is unique and could be developed as a world class tourist destination; people who use services should pay for them; CEDO needs to be more transparent; city departments need to work on 10 year planning horizons that are transparent to the public; city should do crisis planning; don’t throw money at the city departments unless they are forced to change their way of doing business! Non-profits depress the revenue to the general fund and we need them to pay more. Consultants are a high cost, like the legal costs, and we have paid city staff for that. Are the fees we charge in line with the services derived, like are fees for boat slips comparable to market prices compared to other cities? Do we have to get the laws changed for non-profits? Shouldn’t we collect meals tax from UVM facilities, banquets at the Davis Center, for example? Are there more things citizen volunteers can do, like community service, to clean up the city? One Green Up Day is not enough. Discussion about emergency services, fire and police going out on an ambulance call, for example. Ideas were flying too fast to possibly catch them all! At 8:50, each table reported their recommendations, which Larry and Roger will take to the Mayor and his Chief Administrative Officer, Jonathan Leopold. Larry explained that the info will be folded into the next cycle of budget task force work. Meanwhile, every city department has been asked to file a report on status of previous recommendations. This Task Force is a repository for good ideas! Linda suggested people use Front Porch Forum for ideas, too. Lea said that Jonathan will watch the meeting tape.

MEETING TAPE, Ch 17

AGENDA: December 18, 2008

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

Thursday, December 18, 2008
6:45 pm
Heineberg Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

Facilitator: Phil LaVigne, Ward 7
Recording Secretary: Lea Terhune, Ward 4

AGENDA

6:45 Greetings and Sign-In, downstairs Heineberg Center

7:00 Introductions, Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 NPA Business -- Minutes, elections, resolutions, endorsements

7:20 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials (Councilors, Legislators, Commissioners, Board Members)

7:30 Open Forum for Residents - Brief statements of neighborhood/city interest or concern.

8:00 Program - Mayor's Citizen Budget Task Force, Ward 4 representative, Larry Walters, and Roger Marshall from Ward 5, will summarize past and current recommendations of the Budget Task Force, and solicit ideas for raising revenues in these difficult economic times.

8:50 Reflections - Opportunity for residents, officials, guests to speak on any subject.

AGENDA: November 20, 2008

WARDS 4 & 7 NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY

Thursday, November 20, 2008
6:45 pm
Heineberg Senior & Community Center, 14 Heineberg Road

Burlington Wards 4 & 7 NPA - 11/20/2008 meeting tape

Facilitator: Michael Crane, Ward 4
Recording Secretary: Marga Kempner, Ward 4

AGENDA
6:45 Greetings and Sign-In

7:00 Introductions, Review Ground Rules, Confirmation of Agenda
Anyone who would like to make an announcement can do so at this time.

7:15 Reports from Elected and Appointed Officials

7:30 Burlington Code Enforcement, Kathleen Butler, Director
Mission and responsibilities of Burlington’s Code Enforcement Office
What we do, what we don't do, how to contact our office, how our processes work. Questions and comments.

8:00 Community Policing Program
Burlington Police Department is reassessing its current community policing philosophy
What is it? What worked? What didn’t? What should be new? The BPD is starting a public engagement process and is seeking your input. Questions and comments.

8:30 Open Forum for Assembly Participants
Discussion of issues not previously discussed tonight.

9:00 Assembly Adjournment

Citywide NPA Steering Committee meeting

NPA Citywide Steering Committee
Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm
at CCAN - 125 College Street, 2nd Floor.

Agenda

(1) NPA / PLanning Commission Collaboration
(2) NPA Surveys
(3) Winter Trainings
(4) Resolutions, and what happens to them or what can happen
(5) Open Gov't Next Steps
(6) Other: Police Dept, Mayor's Office

AGENDA, OCTOBER 16 MEETING

AGENDA, OCTOBER 16 MEETING

Wards 4 & 7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday October 16, 2008

Heineberg Center

BALLOT QUESTIONS and CANDIDATES

Facilitator: Alan Sousie
Note-taker: Michael Crane.
Time-Keeper:

6:45 Gathering and Sign in. ~~~ WELCOME!~~~

7:00 Introductions and Announcements, Ground Rules, Agenda, Minutes (see below). [Minutes posted below.]

7:20 Reports from Officials who are not candidates*

7:30 Open Forum for Residents*

8:00 PROGRAM

~~~~BALLOT QUESTIONS AND CANDIDATES



Meeting Minutes, September 18, 2008

Facilitator, Steve McIntyre began the assembly with introductions and presentation of ground rules. The agenda was quickly reviewed.

Alan Sousie moved the acceptance of Phil LaVigne’s nomination for a position on the Assembly’s Steering Committee. Greg Jenkins seconded. Phil described his past experiences and interests briefly and emphasized his desire to serve the community. He expressed a particular interest in community policing programs. The assembly agreed unanimously to put Phil on the Steering Committee as a representative of Ward 7.

Lea Terhune moved the acceptance of Linda Pigeon’s nomination for a Ward 7 Steering Committee position. Kurt Wright seconded. Linda was not present to address the assembly. She was elected unanimously.

The meeting proceeded with reports and comments from our elected officials. City Council updates were provided by Craig Gutchell, Paul Decelles, Kurt Wright. Councilor Ellis was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. Their comments included some upcoming financial considerations like the 1 cent designated tax for Parks and Recreation, the school department’s request for support of its capital improvement plans totaling $226 million, and bonding for street/sidewalk repairs. In addition, they all agreed that the Disc Golf Course at Leddy Park got off to a wrong start. However, each councilor now believes that the process has now been sufficiently corrected. They each expressed confidence that the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff are doing what is right for both the City and our neighborhoods. Representative Bill Aswad spoke briefly about his efforts to improve Vermont’s transportation resources. He advocated strongly for increased rail services and promised to continue doing so.

Open forum began with information from Wally Elliot and Bernie O’Rourke who serve on the School Board. Each expressed his personal support for the total improvement plans package developed by the school department. Each also emphasized the importance of public participation in the process and encouraged attendance at events that will address the details of the plans. It was noted that there will be meetings at Champlain School, Tuesday 9/23; Edmunds School, Wednesday 10/1, and Burlington High School, Thursday, 10/9. Each meeting is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Next Tom Papp, president of the Strathmore Community Association addressed the assembly. He reiterated his concerns about the city’s failures to enforce the development and zoning ordinances that apply to certificates of occupancy. He moved the following two resolutions which were seconded by Steve McIntyre and passed unanimously. Each resolution was discussed and voted on separately and affirmatively.


Resolution I: CODE ENFORCEMENT AND CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY

WHEREAS, the Ward 4/7 NPA’s are extremely concerned about the underlying causes surrounding the issues with the Strathmore and Westlake projects, specifically as they relate to the lack of Code Enforcement and certificates of Occupancy

BE IT RESOLVED that the Ward 4/7 NPA wholeheartedly supports the City Council’s 7/14/08 resolution regarding the aforementioned and welcomes their efforts to improve and correct the process so that no homeowner in this city is ever forced to live in a gray area with regard to Certificates of Occupancy for their home.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the responsibility of meeting Zoning Permit conditions should always rest with the original permit holder/developer and the Town Clerk be directed that titles cannot be transferred unless and until all of the Building and Zoning Permit conditions are met, or a forfeitable completion guarantee bond and completion date is posted by the developer, and the buyer is made aware of the deficiencies in writing prior to purchasing.


Resolution II: OVERSIGHT COMMISSION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT

WHEREAS, the Code Enforcement Department does not report to a Commission or the City Council, but only to the Mayor

BE IT RESOLVED that in an effort to promote Open Government and fairness to all citizens, the Ward 4/7 NPAs request the creation of a permanent Code Enforcement Department Oversight Commission consisting of citizen volunteers appointed by the City Council. The commission’s duties shall include monitoring the department’s effectiveness, performance metrics and presiding over public appeals hearings regarding the actions or inactions of the department.


Mr. Papp was followed by information from the Fire Department. Fire Marshal Francis reported that the department is revising existing related ordinances. A draft of the proposed changes is available on the city’s website at the Fire Department’s page. The department is actively seeking input for changes. Ideas may be submitted to Fire Chief Mike O’Neil’s office in writing or by email. He pointed out that there will be two public hearings which are scheduled on 9/23 at Champlain School Gymnasium and on 9/25 at Lyman C. Hunt School regarding this matter.

We next heard comments from Nancy Powers of Ward 4 who has recently formed the group, Friends of Leddy Park. Nancy reminded us about the lack of community involvement in the Disc Golf course development. She praised the quick response of the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff to the demand from the public for a hearing which was well attended at Leddy Arena. However, she noted that the meeting concluded without a clear description of how the process will continue. Nancy like others is concerned that there may not be specific ways yet determined for direct public involvement. She stressed the need for clarity from the city administration and staff and its elected and appointed officials.

Nancy was followed by Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Dave Hartnett. Dave acknowledged that the initial decisions and actions by the commission and staff concerning Leddy park were a major “slip up”. Nevertheless, in his mind the meeting at Leddy Arena was a success. He pointed out that the Commission and all staff wants to hear from constituents. In fact, at the Leddy meeting everyone was invited to attend the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday 9/23. Dave stressed that over 200 written comments have been received and the commission expects to vet them all. Dave also stressed that in his opinion there no other hidden plans about which the public needs awareness that will be completed by the Parks and Recreation department.

Open Forum was closed at this point and we heard brief presentations by Mayor Bob Kiss and Steve McIntyre, NPA representative on the Temporary Open Government Committee established by the administration. Mayor Kiss first reviewed how the committee was formed. He pointed out that it consisted of 10 members and three of them were citizen representatives like Steve M. The other members were invited from city government and staff, the media, and the business community. The committee began its process by receiving input from city departments and eventually its focus landed on IT development in the city regardless of the department. The committee also held public hearings and compiled written comments from numerous sources in the city. Finally, the Mayor reiterated his position that he believes the city is doing a great job operating in the light with considerable transparency and he concludes that Burlington is a very openly governed city. He committed to keeping it that way.

Then Steve McIntyre presented his views about the experience of serving on the Open Government Committee. He reinforced the opinion that this committee was necessary due to long term process failures by the city. He stated that there was an obvious shortcoming of the committee which demonstrated by its lack of diversity among members. He also reported comments that he received about the lack of openness during the committee membership selection. He reminded us that the first meeting held for the public was not even posted on the city website, but should have been. He also opined that there was insufficient time to deliberate any matter during any meeting. For Steve, the lack of opportunities for deliberation among the committee was a serious deficiency of the process.

The remainder of discussion included questions and comments both pro and con toward the idea of establishing a permanent open government committee. Ideas like these were heard:
n All city staff and officials should be fully responsible without daily oversight
n What would be done with any concerns brought to this permanent committee?
n The committee would serve as a resource and could make recommendations to the City Council for improvements.
n How will accountability be measured?
n There would be considerable subjective processes combined with the legally required processes
n Were there any hidden agendas and do any remain? Answer: a flat NO to both
n What is the role of the NPAs in open government? Both the mayor and Rep. Bill Aswad affirmed the opinion that NPAs play a very important role in the process and it is expected that they will continue to do so in the future.
n All recommendation made by the temporary Open Government Committee will be vetted by the NPAs before being sent as a final package to the City Council. And all recommendations will be brought back to the NPAs when determined to be useful
n Any action(s) that will affect the citizenry and their neighborhoods or public spaces must be made public earlier. We should place emphasis on proaction rather than reaction. And along with this notion, keeping a positive and amicable attitude rather than becoming negative and adversarial will get us further in keeping governance open and make for better community participation.
n Several members spoke strongly in support of ending the committee process at this point but continuing the correction process to enhance the openness of governance. With adequate diligence, it was thought by these members that our confidence in the system can be restored.
n A full description of the assembly meeting packet was provided for the Channel 17 audience by Lea Terhune.
n Greg Jenkins offered the conclusion that if it is decided to establish a permanent Open Government Committee, it should be done with the idea in mind that the committee should not be needed in the first place.

Following questions and comments, Steve McIntyre moved the following resolution and was seconded by Michael Crane. Discussion led to acceptance by the maker of a friendly amendment that has been included below. At the final vote done by hand count, the resolution passed 16 yea to 12 nay.


Resolution: REQUESTING A PERMANENT OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

WHEREAS Burlington City Council passed a resolution that created a temporary Open Government Committee that held meetings between the months of May and August of 2008, and

WHEREAS several issues brought before the Open Government Committee by the public and members of the committee were not fully addressed, and

WHEREAS all three members of the Open Government Committee who represented the public at large and the citizens of Burlington agreed that a permanent Open Government Committee be established, and

WHEREAS all three members of the Open Government Committee who represented the public at large and the citizens of Burlington opposed suggestions that the responsibilities of the committee should be delegated to an existing committee or to the City Council, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the NPA of Wards 4 & 7 request all NPAs to participate in the creation of an Open Government Committee that is diverse and has representatives from each NPA Steering Committee chosen by each NPA Steering Committee to serve.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Open Government Committee creates a mission statement that is consistent with the resolution already passed by the City Council and that this committee will report directly to the City Council and the NPAs.


With the passage of the above resolution, Michael Crane came forward to offer another resolution to create a City Council appointed Task Force to provide oversight to the Leddy Park development of a Disc Golf Course. The resolution was moved by Michael and seconded by Steve McIntyre. After consideration and speak out by those still present it was agreed by voice acknowledgement to table the resolution until next month’s NPA meeting. It was further acknowledged that this tabling would allow time for the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff to advance the golf course development process without an additional layer of oversight. It was assumed that the best interests of the city and neighborhoods will be respected and protected by the existing systems of oversight, i.e. the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff, City Council and Friends of Leddy Park organization.

Resolution: Ward 4/7 NPA OVERSIGHT ON LEDDY PARK DEVELOPMENT

WHEREAS the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department has allowed tree cutting by a private non-profit organization for the purposes of creating an 18 hole disc golf course with no prior public meeting, and

WHEREAS the Parks and Recreation Commission allowed “preliminary approval” of such tree cutting without calling for a public meeting or requesting public comment, and

WHEREAS the Burlington City Ordinance § 3-203 states “…all public recreational activities hereafter sponsored by the city, shall be under management, care and control of the City Council…”, and

WHEREAS the Burlington City Ordinance § 3-207 states “…The city council shall have power to make and alter from time to time, all needful rules and regulations for the maintenance of order, safety and decency in said parks and for said recreational program…”, and

WHEREAS the Burlington City Ordinance § 3-209 states “…No shade or ornamental trees growing in the streets and public grounds of said city, shall be destroyed or removed except by leave in writing, first obtained from the City Council…”, and

WHERAS these ordinances were not followed during the decision process to construct a disc golf course in Leddy Park nor did any city officer or councilor inform the Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) of said proposed disc golf development, and

WHEREAS the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies were established by the city of Burlington to “help improve communication between the citizens of Burlington and city government”,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The Wards 4 and 7 NPA herby requests that the City Council, under its authority, appoint a special Task Force to investigate the impacts of a disc golf course in Leddy Park.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The Wards 4 and 7 NPA requests that this Task Force be made up of:
6 representatives from the Wards 4 and 7 NPA (3 from Ward 4, 3 from Ward 7)
2 representatives from Burlington Parks and Recreation
2 representatives from the Btown Disc Golf Club
2 representatives from the Parks and Recreation Commission
2 City Councilors (1 from Ward 4, 1 from Ward 7)
The Task Force shall be charged with directing and otherwise being fully involved with an independent study conducted by a neutral third party, and paid for by the course developers, that shall determine the environmental, social, recreational and fiscal impacts of a disc golf course in Leddy Park. The Task Force shall present the study’s findings to the public and the City Council. The City Council shall then determine if such a course is to be built. Until such time where the City Council will make this determination all work on the disc golf course in Leddy Park shall stop immediately.


The meeting closed with announcements.

1. There will be two programs that will be conducted at the Ethan Allen Residence on Poirier Place and North Avenue. They are Savvy Seniors a comedy presentation on 9/28 from 2 to 4 pm and Life Changes: A Guided Discussion on 10/12 from 2:30 to 4 pm.

2. Apple Tree Point Historical Society Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, September 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Ethan Allen Club, Burlington. The keynote speaker will be Professor Paul W. Wallace who will address archaeological research methodology and pursuit of the cabin of Felix Powell at Appletree Point in Burlington. The public are welcome.

3. The next meeting of the Assembly will be Thursday, October 16 at the Heineberg Center and will be focused on the general election and candidates who are running for offices at the time.


Recorded by,

Alan Sousie, Ward 7

NPA Resolution Calling for Special Task Force

RESOLUTION **TABLED til Oct. 16**

WARD FOUR AND SEVEN NPA
OVERSIGHT ON LEDDY PARK DEVELOPMMENT
Presented by Wards 4 and 7 NPA
Presented to Burlington City Council

Whereas the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department has allowed tree cutting by a private non-profit organization for the purposes of creating an 18 hole disk golf course with no prior public meeting;

Whereas the Parks and Recreation Commission allowed "preliminary approval" of such tree cutting without calling for a public meeting or requesting public comment;

Whereas the Director of Burlington Parks and Recreation admitted at a public meeting on September 3rd 2008 that he allowed the development of the disk golf course in Leddy Park without ever playing the game;

Whereas the Burlington City Ordinance § 3-203 states "... all public recreational activities hereafter sponsored by the city, shall be under the management, care and control of the city council..."

Whereas the Burlington City Ordinance § 3-207 states "...The city council shall have power to make and alter from time to time, all needful rules and regulations for the maintenance of order, safety, and decency in said parks and for said recreational program..."

Whereas the Burlington City Ordinance § 3-209 states "...No shade or ornamental trees growing in the streets and public grounds of said city, shall be destroyed or removed except by leave in writing, first obtained from the city council."

Whereas these ordinances were not followed during the decision process to construct a disk golf course in Leddy Park nor did any City officer or Councilor inform the Neighborhood Planning Assembly (NPA) of said proposed disk golf development; and

Whereas the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies were established by the City of Burlington to “help improve communication between the citizens of Burlington and City government”

Now therefore be it resolved that:

The Wards 4 and 7 NPA has lost confidence that City Officials will adequately represent our interests during discussions regarding the planning of Leddy Park,

and therefore the NPA hereby requests that the City Council, under its authority, appoint a special Task Force to investigate the impacts of a disk golf course in Leddy Park.

Be it further resolved that the Wards 4 and 7 NPA requests that this Task Force be made up of:
6 representatives from of the Ward 4 and 7 NPA (three from Ward 4 and three from Ward 7).
2 representatives from Burlington Parks and Recreation
2 representatives from the Btown Disk Golf Club
2 representatives from the Parks and Recreation Commission
2 City Councilors (one from Ward 4 and one from Ward 7)

The Task Force shall be charged with directing and otherwise being fully involved with an independent study conducted by a neutral third party that shall determine the environmental, social, recreational and fiscal impacts of a disk golf course in Leddy Park. The Task Force shall present the study’s findings to the public and the City Council. The City Council shall then determine if such a course is to be built. Until such time where the City Council will make this determination all work on the disk golf course in Leddy Park shall stop immediately

LEDDY PARK DISC GOLF COURSE and OPEN GOVERNMENT

Heineberg Center

6:45 Gathering and Sign in

7:00 Introductions, ground rules, agenda, minutes, election to SC

7:10 Short Reports from Elected/Appointed Officials

7:20 Open Forum for Neighbors** (Topics other than disc golf will be given precedence, but if there are none we will go immediately to the topic of Disc Golf.)

7:30 Open Forum on Disc Golf in Leddy Park** (Time will be limited to that which is stated on the agenda.)

7:40 Open Government Committee Summary by Mayor Bob Kiss and Steve McIntyre, NPA Rep, Ward 7

8:10 Assembly Remarks about Open Government Processes (Facilitator will strive to guide a fair and balanced presentation of ideas. We urge everyone to remain focused on the topic at hand.)

8:40 ACTION: Decide on any Recommendations and/or Resolutions Proposed by Assembly

8:50 Announcements and Reflections



PRESS CONFERENCE with Mayor Bob Kiss and NPA Steering Committee Members

LIST of Questions and Opinions about Leddy Park issues, primarily the disc golf course and the process that was followed.

NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING ASSEMBLY COOKS OUT AND CELEBRATES GOOD NEIGHBORS, AUG 21.

Alan Sousie and Greg Jenkins have been busy planning food and prizes -- let's hope someone brings citronella candles because we will need them! Greg has experience preparing and serving large banquets, and he'll be cooking all day to prepare grilled veggies (donated by local gardeners), breads (homemade by Greg), hotdogs and burgers (donated by Bessery's). Jon Flint will be roasting the corn (donated by Paul Mazza). North Ave Mobile has donated beverages, Hannaford's and City Market have also donated. Phoung's Kitchen is preparing hors d'oeuvre, a sampling of her menu items. Neighbors in Wards 4 and 7 are invited to come, and if you want to bring something, salads and desserts are welcome!

Highlight of the evening will be awards given to good neighbors, and we'll be handing out the noisemakers at the door. Local merchants have donated prizes -- we'll be cheering for them, too. The theme is "Eat and Buy Local," encouraging people to drive less, eat locally grown foods, and shop close to home to reduce gas use and carbon emissions. Many people who have been nominated for awards are doing this now. Others are just great neighbors: helping out when needed (loaning a ladder), tracking development issues (organizing neighborhood watchdog groups), creating neighborhood events (yard sales and block parties), and looking for ways to improve quality of life in our neighborhoods (working with the city to build a sidewalk). We'll be posting photos of award winners and prize donors on our Noisemakers website: click here to see last year's line up. This year we have over 50 nominations!

NEXT ASSEMBLY of NEIGHBORHOODS

AGENDA, JULY 17 MEETING

Wards 4 & 7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday July 17, 2008

Heineberg Center

"MYSTERY ON LOALDO DRIVE"

Facilitator: Linda Deliduka
Note-taker: Greg Jenkins.
Time-Keeper: Steve McIntyre

6:45 Gathering and Sign in. ~~~You can also register to vote.~~~

7:00 Introductions, ground rules, agenda, minutes. [Minutes posted at end of agenda.]

7:10 Reports from Officials*

7:35 Open Forum for Residents*

8:00 PROGRAM

~~~~BED, Integrated Resource Plan . Mary Sullivan

~~~~CEDO Legacy Plan. Jennifer Green, Wanda Hines

~~~~~BPD, Community Policing. Lt. Bovat

8:25 Questions, Comments, Discussion*

8:55 Announcements*

*Brief statements. Time for more lengthy discussion on issues of concern after the meeting.

~Participate in Project Porchlight! Pick up your free low-energy bulb and replace your porchlight!

~Sign up for Front Porch Forum to connect with neighbors and find out what’s up in your neighborhood.

Meeting Notes, June 19, 2008
Susan Wheeler, note-taker.

The meeting was called to order at 7 pm. Steering Committee members present included Marga Kempner, Jon Flint, Linda Deliduka, Lea Terhune, Steve McIntyre, Senada Sokocevic, Alan Sousie, Susan Wheeler, Ron McGarvey and Mike Beganyi. Facilitator, Lea Terhune; Note-taker, Susan Wheeler; Time-Keeper, Linda Deliduka.

MINUTES: After introductions, Thea Knight moved to accept the meeting notes/minutes of the May meeting. Susan Wheeler seconded the motion. Minutes were accepted.

REPORT FROM COMMITTEES
Recruiters: Two residents are standing for election to the Steering Committee tonight. They are Michael Crane and Greg Jenkins.

~Russ Ellis, ward 4, nominated Michael Crane, ward 4. Seconded by Chuck Seleen, ward 4. Michael lives on Ivy Lane and is a consultant in community development and planning. He does planning for a living, thought he could do something for his neighborhood planning assembly, and is happy to do so.

~Alan Sousie, ward 7, nominated Greg Jenkins, ward 7. Seconded by Steve McIntyre, ward 7. Greg has lived on Rivermont Terrace for 10 years, and feels it is time to step up to the plate and do what he can to make Burlington a better city.

Michael and Greg were unanimously elected to the Steering Committee, and welcomed with applause.

REPORT FROM OFFICIALS

~Kurt Wright, President City Council, ward 7: Council will be voting on the city budget at the next meeting. The good news is that the city budget is level funded for the second year in a row, and for the first time we have made a commitment to our senior centers. The bad news is that CEDO [Community Economic Development Organization] didn’t fund Ita’s position at CCAN [Center for Communities and Neighborhoods], and the Council wants to cover her position for one year to give CEDO a chance to restore that funding. There will be a motion to divert that funding from CCAN to senior centers, but most councilors feel the NPAs need a support person to continue their work in the community and that is a big part of Ita’s job. // Streets and sidewalks are always a big issue, and Council will be considering a bond or a dedicated tax. Let Russ and I know what you think about that.

~Russ Ellis, Councilor, ward 4: Russ supports the budget, and funding for the NPA staff person. // There’s a request for the City to provide funding to produce a schematic for the new Moran building plan. // Russ is concerned that frequently the Council uses Executive Session to handle business. There are reasons for it, but Russ doesn’t think the reasons are always valid. If others question this also, they should let Russ or Kurt know that. Russ would like to see more open meetings and fewer executive sessions.

~Mark Larson, legislator, Vice Chair of Appropriations Committee, ward 7: Mark worked on getting 100K into the budget to support a demonstration project for a Senior Services hub at the Heineberg Senior Center. It will be a private/public partnership providing services so elderly people in the area can live independently in their homes longer. Mark credits Cathedral Square and Nancy Eldridge, ward 7, for this successful effort. And he credits a group of ward 4/7 residents who have been working for 2 years to generate support for mixed housing at the site of the state DMV property [Neighborhood Activity Center]. Ward 7 residents Linda Deliduka, Mark Larson and Nancy Eldridge met with Gerry Meyers, state Commissioner of Buildings and General Services, to promote this plan, and the Legislature passed a bill authorizing the state to explore sale of the property for senior housing, mixed use commercial and housing, with criteria for evaluating the proposal. State also wants to get fair market value, and keep DMV on site. An RFP [request for proposals] will go out this summer. The site features proximity to services and public transit. // The joint fiscal committee is meeting to develop proposals around the rising cost of food and fuel.

Q: Gigi Weisman asked why staff had to leave the DMV building on North Ave. A: Mark said the building was overcrowded, and Alan Sousie (Board of Health) added that staff was relocated and there are no structural problems in the building.

~Alan Sousie, Chairman, Board of Health, ward 7: The citizen group that is paying attention to the mixed housing plan for the DMV property meets regularly and anyone with ideas or interest in the project is encouraged to come forward. The resident group wants to help move this project forward in a way that is constructive for everyone involved. Mark added that the citizen group is partnering with the coalition that will make this happen, Kurt offered that the housing bill also supported this, and City Council voted unanimously to support the idea and sent a resolution to the legislature.

~Ralph Montefusco, Planning Commission, ward 4: Ralph said that Peter Potts is resigning from the Planning Commission, and tonight is our last go at him in that role! Amid applause, Alan called for a Standing Ovation which was enthusiastically followed by more and longer applause.

Lea commented that we won’t need a break at our assembly meetings, just frequent applause and standing ovations for our hard-working officials.

Alan, on behalf of the Board of Health, reminded us that each landowner is responsible for her/his own property. He pointed out that we can wash our cars on the lawn, we should follow our dog and pick up after them, and we mustn’t use fertilizer/herbicides on or lawn because it washes into the lake and pollutes. The Board of Health is going to educate and encourage people to make their environment safer.

Ita Meno, neighborhood development specialist, spoke about the role of CCAN, and the various activities her office does to make Burlington a great place to live. Support for NPAs is high on the list, also graffiti removal, Neighborhood Improvement Night, and Green-Up day. [Applause.] C-CAN has 5 AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers that work with city non-profits and do a lot of really good work. Ita’s office helps residents organize to solve problems, and sometimes the problem is a development the economic development arm of CEDO is promoting! If a city department is committed to serving residents, there will be these conflicts at times. CEDO website has more information. Ita goes to a lot of meetings, and NPAs are the grassroots of city organizing.

Lea praised Ita’s staff for the excellent work they do training city leaders in Facilitative Leadership, and encouraged everyone to look for a chance to participate in one of these trainings. Lea called for a standing ovation for Ita and her CCAN team.

OPEN FORUM

Lea thanked Steve Jaramillo for his work producing our meetings for Ch 17, and reminded people to include the at home audience when addressing the group.

Alan Sousie made a motion: The NPA approve and permit the redistribution of grant funds given to the Heneberg Senior/Community Center for the original purpose of renovating the bathrooms to the following alternative uses: repair the electrical problems in the assembly hall kitchen, purchase of materials and installation of a utility sink, repair/replacement of the exterior building trim and use all the remaining funds for any other capital project(s) prioritized by the Center's Buildings and Grounds Committee. Second by Steve McIntyre. Gigi Weisman asked if the women’s bathroom is accessible. Alan explained that it accommodates a wheel chair, but it does not meet code. If renovations are done, the facility will have to meet code, which would be costly so the money will be transferred to another capital project, like electrical wiring in the kitchen. Gigi Weisman could not support the motion; she feels full accessibility for the handicapped is a priority. The motion passed with one dissenting vote.

Mark Larson wanted to announce a meeting called by DPW to discuss the pilot closing of the 127 slip ramp on North Ave. T he meeting will be next week. Mike Beganyi, ward 7, added that the location is North Avenue Alliance Church and urged people who are interested in safety for cyclists, pedestrians and cars to come and voice their concerns.

Tom Papp, President of Strathmore Association and resident of ward 4 addressed flaws in the Code Enforcement process related to fairness, accountability and cost to taxpayers. The first flaw is that the process is complaint driven which incorrectly assumes residents are experts in the Codes, are willing to rat on a neighbor and able to observe a violation as well as a trained inspector, and has the time to spend on this. The second flaw is that developers are on the honor system to call Code Enforcement when they are ready for inspection and occupancy permit. As Strathmore and Westlake have demonstrated, this is flawed reasoning! Nobody’s on the honor system, nobody is obeying it, and people are moving into properties without permanent CO’s [certificates of occupancy] and then have problems when they want to sell or refinance their homes. Properties are therefore devalued or undervalued, which lowers the tax base. The third flaw is that code enforcement is slow, ineffective and unfair. Westlake is an example of this. Developer was financially rewarded for NOT following the rules. There is a cost to taxpayers. Strathmore Board has dealt with this for 20 years. We all have to work together to solve the problem. Why do we bother to have DRB write permits and conditions if we don’t enforce them? This demonstrates that enforcement is selective, unequal, and unfair! Final question: how much will we sell out our principles for NEXT TIME? Simple solution: eliminate temporary CO’s, brand new unit must have a final CO before title – no final CO, no sale! Q: Resident asked Tom where he wants to go with this? A, Tom: Fee payment, then inspection, no title transfer until final inspection. Tom would like to see Strathmore have permanent CO’s by the end of the year.

Steve McIntyre, Open Government Committee, ward 7, put the work of the committee at his web site, NewNorthEnded.com. Steve encouraged people to go there, and post comments.

Bob Schwartz, Rebuild Together, ward 4, suggested that Alan contact his group for help with the renovations at the Heineberg Center to stretch the funds further.

Greg Jenkins, ward 7, recently drove the NEV – Neighborhood Electrical Vehicle – which sells for $10K and costs about $100 a year to run! It fits two people, is fully safe, goes 25 mph, will serve local driving needs, and Greg recommends it highly.

Mike Beganyi, ward 7, added that his wheels are outside, cost a lot less tan $10K, and cost nothing to run (bicycle). Mike told us about the Transit Committee Meeting which is looking at a ballot advisory to plan for expanded public transit. For more information, contact Mike or Mary Sullivan.

Tom and Carley are volunteers with Project Porchlight. They will be distributing low energy compact fluorescent bulbs to every household in Burlington. This can represents a saving of $1.75 million in a year in Chittenden County, or $80 per household. They urged everyone to Be Green and Save Money! The project is sponsored by BED and Efficiency Vermont. They are going door-to-door to talk with people. Residents are encouraged to volunteer.

PROGRAM:
The program theme is Overview of Development in the North End. Lea introduced Peter Potts, Chair of the Planning Commission; Scott Gustin, Senior Planner with Planning and Zoning; Larry Kupferman, Director of CEDO; and Sue Prim, representing N7, seven neighborhoods who have been grappling with large developments recently.

Peter Potts: Peter held up a copy of the Municipal Development Plan, told us how to get a copy or read it on-line, and explained that it includes plans that are incorporated in it by reference as well [Open Space Protection Plan, Transportation Plan, Consolidated Plan]. MDP looks 10-20 years down the road, and it is the tool that governs development. It is prepared by the Planning Commission, adopted by City Council, and is then submitted to the Regional Planning Commission for approval [compliance with regional plan]. The MDP prepares the city for growth, provides a reliable basis for investment, contains goals and objectives, guides decision-making by review boards. It contains policies, programs and actions to achieve objectives. Zoning Ordinance has to be consistent with the MDP. The current administration is addressing the backlog of capital improvement projects, like repairs to City Hall. There are specific plans for different areas of the city. The city is always re-evaluating the plans, policies and programs. A comprehensive rewrite will de done shortly. Stay tuned, and be prepared to speak up! The PC will be bringing the draft to the NPA and they want input from residents.

Scott Gustin. Scott prepared a brief overview of the Development Review Process. Any land development in Burlington requires a zoning permit. New construction, exterior alterations, sometimes changes in use. Three steps: Development Review Board reviews all areas of permits, including subdivisions, prd’s, signs, fences and awnings, with advisory review by Conservation and Design boards. Uses are either permitted [YES], conditional [MAYBE, depending on the impacts], or NO [not permitted]. DRB is quasi-judicial, decision is binding, and board is bound to implement policy set by ordinance. Staff doesn’t get involved in conditional uses or variances. Advisory decisions and conditions from the two advisory boards – Design, and Conservation (storm water, natural area impacts) – are nonbinding but the DRB generally adheres to them. DRB can only approve applications that comply completely with the applicable bylaws or state laws, and can only levy conditions authorized by bylaws or state laws. If a project meets all the applicable criteria, DRB must grant approval. Staff interprets things literally; and, as with DRB, personal opinion cannot weigh in and there can be no conflict of interest. After application, there are 30 days for staff to determine whether an application is complete. Timetable for DRB decision is 45 days after public hearing is closed, otherwise project is deemed approved. There is a 30 day appeal period, to environmental court at state level; or, 10 days for administrative permit, appeal to DRB. DRB notice is 15 days, in newspaper, mailing to abutters and posting on the property with Z-Card, posted on the day of permit application. The planning office maintains a log of all active permits in the system, online, which is updated daily at 8am. Old and new zoning regulations are also online, as well as information about process, fees, etc.

Larry Kupferman, director of CEDO. Will address “preserve and enhance neighborhoods” during question period. Larry held up the Consolidated Plan, the document that governs much of what CEDO does. Larry recently became Director, and his knowledge of the job is growing daily. He polled his staff on role of CEDO in the city. CEDO is charged in the city primarily to watch and help grow the tax base, the economic development side of things, so the city doesn’t grow to need a level of services the city can’t provide – police, fire, DPW, Parks&Rec. They hear ideas and promote growth in areas of the city where it can grow the property tax base as well as items that are specifically targeting in the Consolidated Plan. Federal funding comes from HUD (Housing and Urban Development), and involves: decent housing; expanded economic opportunities including job opportunities and retention; and thirdly, a suitable living environment = neighborhood revitalization, stability, sustainability and support. An aspect integral to the Consolidated Plan, CDBG [Community Development Block Grant], is that it is a very public process. There’s a board of selected citizens including residents, with NPA participation, and the board decides how the HUD money will be spent, with an oversight and approval process and recommendation to City Council. CEDO is also the seat of governance, the city engagement part of the Plan. C-CAN is part of CEDO, and there is tension in the department between economic development and the scrutiny of those efforts, because CCAN involves public scrutiny of efforts by CEDO to develop density and things like senior bonus. It’s a tension Larry is comfortable with.

Sue Prim, Staniford Rd member of N7, resident of ward 4, longtime lifetime resident of Burlington. Appletree Point is an oasis in the city, abundant with wetlands, streams, woods, wildlife, and a historic farmhouse surrounded by 7 neighborhood areas near Burlington’s bikepath that make up N7. Sue introduced Bob Schwartz, facilitator of the N7 Summit. Bob explained that the 7 neighborhood areas include Appletree Point Farm; Appletree Point West Shore; Strathmore; Sunset Cliffs/Starr Farm east shore; Pleasant/Curtis/Starr Farm Rds.; Western/Staniford Rds and Oakdale Terrace areas; and Shore Road and Crescent Woods neighborhoods. N7 doesn’t indiscriminately oppose development. It’s priorities are: protection of sensitive natural features; prevention of over-development of properties that include sensitive and unbuildable areas; assurance that a new development fits within the existing scale and intensity of surrounding neighborhoods; and, above all, compliance with the Municipal Development Plan and related statutes.

Sue proceeded with a power point presentation: Burlington was a beautiful example of “smart growth.” Noah Maslan wrote a masters thesis in city planning for MIT describing how Burlington did it – with the guidance of Burlingtonians and City Council, working together, neighborhoods and city officials. Residents got together, at meetings just like this one, and asked “What can we do to protect our neighborhoods and open space from future development? How do we direct growth to appropriate locations?” Neighborhood Activity Centers and Open Space Protection Plan were born. The Neighborhood Activity Center concept is part of the Municipal Development Plan, which is the law. All land use and development must be in conformance with the policies and directives found in the MDP. The MDP is the law. The MDP targets appropriate areas for density. In the north end, growth is targeted and guided into the NACs. NACs are the appropriate areas for density, with defined boundaries that prevent encroachment of density into the rest of the neighborhoods. The city will draw infill development into these areas, creating the new urban village with transit, bicycle and pedestrian access. The proposed Appletree Point development is far removed from the NACs. The new urban village NAC option at Ethan Allen Shopping Center and Leddy Park is where infill development belongs, not on Appletree Point. We’ve lost most of the open space on Appletree Point, and it is featured in the Open Space Protection Plan. We must remain vigilant or we will lose more. Quality environment is critical to maintaining healthy neighborhoods. Sue dedicated her presentation to “our friend, neighbor and colleague, Roger Secker-Walker.”

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:

Q: Thea asked for an update on the application for Appletree Point.
A: Scott Gustin explained that the public hearing remains open, and it has been recessed indefinitely. DRB interim deliberation resulted in unfavorable feedback to the developer, and he is planning to make substantial revisions in the application and start the process all over again. Nothing has been scheduled, and nothing additional has been submitted about storm water.

Q: Larry K. had a question about the [N7] presentation: understanding the difference between guiding and mandating, and the role of private property in the MDP. It’s puzzling to me what guiding means, when the underlying basis of our economy is private property gives people privileges and responsibilities? What does GUIDE mean in the Municipal Plan?
A: Peter said it is less than mandate, guidance, is what we would like to see, this is the direction that we think is best.
Sue: NACs are areas where there is already development -- bus lines, shopping centers. It does not mean to sprawl out into existing neighborhoods. NACs are designed to draw in the density, so guide density to the NACS, not to sprawl into neighborhoods that already exist.

Alan Sousie cited the recent work of ward 4/7 residents who got together to guide development to the NAC as an example. The state DMV property is already in a designated NAC, all the amenities are already in place. It makes sense to direct density there.

Q: Cliff Cooper went to most of the [Appletree] development review meetings, and he asked himself “How did it get to this? Hold it up to the stink test – does this smell right? A developer put down thousands to file this application, the city took his money, the developer said “We’ve been encouraged to do this,” and Cliff has been trying to find out WHO encouraged this? He sits there as a taxpayer and city citizen and wonders why somebody didn’t stand up and say NO to this developer? City and taxpayers have spent so much money on this, as well as the developer spending a lot of money. We’ve gone through this whole process, for what? WHO ENCOURAGED THIS? Cliff asked for an answer.
A: Larry K. said he did not have an answer.
Q: Renee Lauber pointed out that the MDP is a guiding vision as to how development needs to be done in the city, and if we direct development away from NACs, we risk losing the benefits that NACs can offer to us as a city, as taxpayers
A: Larry K said that encouraging a developer does not mean he wasn’t directed to look at an NAC, but if somebody comes in with a property that they own, CEDO’s responsibility is to help them explore options for their property. Property in the NAC is owned by a reputable developer, but he hasn’t come forth.

Q: Art Frank told Larry that what he said disturbs him greatly: a developer can develop whatever he wants? We have zoning laws.
A: Larry said a person can build what he wants as long as he follows the zoning law.
Art said he hopes a developer can’t come in to an established neighborhood and change it. Art bought his home in an established neighborhood and he expects it to stay that way.

Q: Martha said it doesn’t feel fair for a developer to have to pay money when the city already knows the project isn’t going to fly. Somebody needs to tell a developer up front that what is proposed doesn’t fit with the Municipal Plan. Did anyone have an up front, honest discussion with the developer?
A: Scott Gustin said that planning staff did meet with the Appletree Point developer, and they told him that character of the neighborhood and relationship to the built environment would be a problem. Applicant didn’t want to do sketch plan review, and was advised of the risk he was taking.

Q: Alan Sousie, asked Scott whether DRB is elected or appointed?
A: Scott said appointed.
Q: Alan asked why a development at Franklin Square did not come before the public? He’s not opposed to it, but why wasn’t the public involved?
A: Scott said it was a major impact project; it was notified and heard under the old zoning ordinance 2 years ago; it was approved, and they had a year to start the project.

Q: John Foss said the process is what troubles him, and others who want to trust the process. The application was done under the old regs (Dec ’07) and the simple words for Conditional Use are clear -- you don’t get a conditional use if you can build what is allowed. On page 6 of the permit application, applicant says they can build what the property is zoned for, but they want to do something else. Given the very straightforward language of the zoning regs, how does this not get to a very quick up or down vote? On page 13 of that application, they make a specific request for final approval of the conditional use application. It seems very straightforward to vote it down. How does it get to a process that reviews everything in the application? How did it get to where it is now? If you read the application and read the ordinance they decided to file under, you can’t get to anything but a down vote. Can someone get back to us about how this happened?
A: Larry K. doesn’t understand the question, is it about the DRB process? He didn’t attend any review hearings, maybe the answer is in the notes of those meetings. He doesn’t know how to get an answer to that question.
Q: John asks someone to look at page 13 where the applicant asks for conditional use approval, and on page 6 where they say they can build what is allowed, and then on the front, the request for variance and conditional use. John can’t see how the process can continue one more day?
A: Scott said the DRB could have denied it, but they chose to continue it. Because it is a major impact project, staff has no discretion. It’s entirely up to the DRB.

Lea wrapped up, saying that the NPA invites city officials to our meetings so people can get to know them. They are accessible, and people are encouraged to take questions directly to them.

ANNOUNCEMENTS included reminder to pick up light bulbs as you leave the meeting, that slip ramp issues will be heard by DPW at a meeting next week, and that the upcoming NPA meetings include a program about the city’s energy plan and community policing in July; a cookout in August; a program about the Open Government Committee Report to City Council in September; and Candidates Night in October.

Meeting adjourned at 9 pm.

AGENDA, JUNE 19 MEETING

Wards 4 & 7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday June 19, 2008

Heinegerg Center

"Preservation and Enhancement of Neighborhoods"

Facilitator: Lea Terhune.
Note-taker: Susan Wheeler.
Time-Keeper: Linda Deliduka

6:45 Gathering and Sign in. ~~~You can also register to vote.~~~

7:00 Introductions, ground rules, agenda, minutes.

7:10 Reports from NPA Standing Committee: Recruiters

7:15 Reports from Elected Officials*

7:35 Open Forum for Residents*

7:55 Development in the New North End 7 min each

Peter Potts, Planning Commission. Municipal Development Plan.

Scott Gustin, Senior Planner. Zoning Ordinance and Review Process

Larry Kupferman, Director, CEDO*. Preserve & enhance neighborhoods.

Sue Prim, N7. Ward 4/7 NPA, OSPP, NAC, Village at Leddy Park.

8:25 Questions and Comments*

8:55 Announcements*

*Brief summary statements. Time for more lengthy discussion on issues of concern after the meeting.

~Participate in Project Porchlight! Pick up your free low-energy bulb and replace your porchlight!

~Check out the Front Porch Forum to connect with neighbors and find out what’s up in your neighborhood.

May 15 Meeting Notes

Wards 4 and 7 Joint Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Heineberg Center

Senada Sokocevic, facilitator

Mary Chaffee, notetaker

Alan Sousie, timekeeper

The meeting was called to order at 7 PM. Senada introduced the steering committee members, read the ground rules and reviewed the agenda.

SC members present: Marga Kempner, Jon Flint, Susan Wheeler, Ron McGarvey, Linda Deliduka, Steve McIntyre, Jim Thomas, Senada Sokocevic, Alan Sousie, Mary Chaffee, Mike Beganyi. Lea Terhune was away and not able to attend.

Breakdown of attendees: 39 people signed in. 22 people indicated their ward:

WARD 4: 12

WARD 7: 9

WARD 2: 1

OFFICALS: 4

NOTE: The minutes for the previous Joint Assembly meeting on April 17 were not submitted for approval.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS

WARD 7: Paul Decelles (R) reported that plans to revitalize the Armory were moving forward, and that technical issues were being looked into for the Moran Plant project. Voters may see a referendum regarding financing this project on the ballot in November.

Craig Gutchell (R) reported that City Council voted to go forward on the sale of a downtown property to Champlain College, with payment for services in lieu of taxes. He addressed the question of inadequate city council attention to NNE issues, saying there was actually a lot of behind-the-scenes work on NNE’s behalf. Also: • Federal funding for the Moran Plant is being actively pursued. • A resolution to move forward on the Thayer School project (to rebuild on the site) has been presented to Gov. Douglas.

State Representative Mark Larson (D) reported that the Thayer School site is owned by the state, so any site changes must go through the Buildings and General Services Dpt, and • DMV offices will have to stay at present location. • The state is “officially” in a recession • early adjournment saved the state $.5 million • statistics show that between 2002–2006 incomes below $75,000 stayed flat, while incomes above $75,000 showed substantial increase. Meanwhile the cost of healthcare, childcare and transportation all increased; the legislature has tried to address these costs to state residents. Q.Is the state addressing predatory credit card charges? A. Difficult to do much at state level, since this is under federal jurisdiction. • The fed. government has eliminated funding for bike and ped, so at state level, the program is preserved but at a reduced level.

OPEN FORUM

A representative from the Health Department spoke about role of regular exercise in preventing chronic diseases. Walking is key. She is organizing walking groups and looking for group leaders. Ron McGarvey talked about BED’s inclusion on the July NPA agenda to discuss their Integrated Resources Plan 2008: which BED will use to guide the department’s decisions about the type of power it buys, the amount of energy efficiency it promotes, future capital projects and bond requirements, and more.

PRESENTERS

Board of Health members and a Code Enforcement person discussed pesticide issues. Chair Alan Sousie explained what the Board of Health is (volunteers appointed by city Council)) and what it does (advisory re prevention, removal, destruction and/or mitigation of public health risks). Board is working on B-ton’s Pesticide Ordinance revision, with goal of removing all pesticides. For now: hold the Chem-Lawns accountable; enforce usage guidelines; notification of neighbors before pesticide application. Q. Doesn’t this interfere with property rights? A. Public health and lake water health transcend property rights – for example, it is mandatory to obtain permission when spraying within 500 feet of the lake. This question highlighted the importance of public education on this issue.

[A soil scientist and neighbor spoke movingly about her sister’s death related to pesticide and herbicide exposure, with the inert ingredients acting as a carrier of the chemicals]. Board of Health member Fern Crete gardens organically; invited everyone to visit and see the happy results: 863-5696 fernand.crete@vtmednet.org Alan invited all to attend Board meetings.

Dept of Public Works, Water and Wastewater staff presented on storm water issues. Development changes the “hydrological cycle”-- that is, creates more run-off, carrying debris, pesticides, bacteria, heavy metals etc. into the lake. Phosphorus levels are too high, creating deadly bluegreen algae. What is the city doing? Meeting with other city departments; working on erosion control ordinance; work to restrict digging, What can we do? Wash car on lawn, not on pavement; clean up dog waste; get garden soil tested before dumping fertilizer…and reduce amount of “pervious” (paved area on your property). Collect rainwater in rain barrels, build inexpensive rain gardens (bowl-shaped beds that allow rain to soak into earth). Staniford Road residents recounted sewer backup problems due to drain placement in street. Q Could Infill development on Appletree Lane exacerbate this problem? A. They are looking at this sort of adverse impact, and will be reporting to the development review board.

REFLECTIONS

Linda Deliduka advised neighbors to be aware of new installation of red arrows on traffic lights at two N. Ave intersections: Ethan Allen Pky. and Plattsburg Ave. Ita Meno of CEDO introduced visitors from the Binghamton (NY) Neighborhood Assemblies Project, modeled after Burlington’s NPAs. Bob Herendeen invited people to join informal drummers to encourage runners in the Burlington Marathon: Sunday May 25 at 9:15 AM (rain or shine) at the first bike path overlook north of Starr Farm Road.

You can watch this program on Channel 17/ Town Meeting Television, on Comcast Cable and Burlington Telecom systems at the following times:

1 Tuesday May 27, 10:15 PM
2 Wednesday May 28, 3:15 AM
3 Wednesday May 28, 9:15 AM
4 Wednesday May 28, 3:15 PM

If you have questions, please email Nat Ayer at nat@cctv.org or call him at 802-862-3966 x17.

FARMERS' MARKET AND INTERVALE COMPOST

April 17, 2008

Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Facilitators: Marga Kempner W4 and Jon Flint W4;

Note-taker, Senada Sekocevic W7.

Residents present: 39. 19 Ward 4; 17 Ward 7, 1; 3 Other.

Meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm. Marga reviewed the Ground Rules, Agenda and March Minutes.

Report from Recruiters Committee: Lea Terhune, W4 SC, encouraged residents to volunteer for the NPA Steering Committee, which meets on the first Thursday of each month to plan NPA meetings. They rotate facilitative leadership, time-keeping and note-taking at meetings. Requirements are an active interest in communication between city government and neighborhoods, and a willingness to keep your ear to the ground and know what your neighbors’ interests and concerns are. Community based planning begins at the NPA.

Officials present: Mark Larson W7, Paul Decelles W7, Russ Ellis W4, Bob Herendeen W4, Bernie O’Rourke W4, and Steering Committee (SC) members Jon Flint, W4, Marga Kempner W4, Senada Sekocevic W7, Mary Chaffee W4, Lea Terhune W4, Mike Beganyi W7, and Alan Sousie W7.

Mark L. presented budget issues that the legislature is dealing with. Mary C. asked why this has apparently taken legislators by surprise? Mark said tax collections are down, like gas tax, because people are conserving and watching their budget. Lea T. asked about the Thayer School property in our NAC, and Mark said it is in the capitol bill for state buildings and grounds to negotiate sale of the property, with the requirement that DMV remain on site. Lea said that would work ok, as long as the rest of the building can be used for housing and asked that the state prioritize perpetually affordable housing for that site. Mark said he would keep close watch on this. Mike B. asked about the Instant Runoff Vote bill, and Mark said the Governor would probably veto it. Jim Flint, W7, asked about the plan to close the correctional center in Windsor, and Mark said the women would be moved to St. Albans, men would go to a new work camp or out of state.

Paul and Russ, City Council. Paul reported that 2 wks ago was CC reorganization, when newly-elected councilors joined the Council. He said the Council unanimously agreed on a plan to make elections go more smoothly in the future. CC also passed an Open Government resolution and the Mayor will be adding 3 more public members, randomly selected. Paul will be Chair of the Charter Change committee, and will serve on Parks/Arts/Culture Committee, and Public Safety Committee. Russ reported that Champlain College is going to build student housing downtown on the Eagle’s property, and will provide “in-lieu of affordable housing” funds which can go toward building affordable housing in Brown’s Court. Regarding Westlake, Russ said that the hotel owners now claim they have the right to build on the Loft building site since the developer of that site withdrew from the deal. CC was waiting for the Development Review Board to make a decision about accepting the $400,000 in-lieu payment for not building affordable housing in the Loft Bldg, but CEDO asked to open up the bids immediately to all developers in order to have a wide open process. CC voted to let CEDO go ahead with this. Lea T. thanked Paul, Russ, Craig and Kurt for putting party politics aside and working together in the best interests of our neighborhoods.

OPEN FORUM:

Alex Messinger, W4, accompanied by two very well-behaved children, told us about the Low Carbon Diet, a program in which every household calculates it’s CO2 emissions – it’s carbon footprint – and by making changes in the household energy use, reduces it’s footprint! It’s a family project, and a neighborhood social opportunity, and households form ‘Eco-Teams.’ They meet 3-4 times over a two-month period to chart progress toward the group’s goal of reducing non-renewable energy use. We’ll be hearing more about this effort!

Marianne Ward, Ward 7, expressed concern about increasing electric bills, rising fuel and food prices, school bond issue last year and now there’s talk about a city bond issue to fix the roads. At the Finance Committee 4/14, there was some discussion about other available funds - $500,000 from UVM, for example, but Andy Montroll seemed to be the only one really searching for other resources. Marianne thought Russ, the Mayor and Steve Goodkind seem to favor a road bond, but what she found most disturbing was that Jonathan Leopold introduced the idea of declaring the roads an emergency and raising taxes without putting the questions of road repair on the ballot at all! Marianne is adamantly opposed and she hopes the city will look for other sources of funds. Paul said Council has asked for a status report. Russ said that he also is looking for other resources.

Alan Sousie, W7 SC, was on the Mayor’s task force on finances last year, and has been reappointed. He agrees that we are in serious financial trouble as a City, and, realistically the easiest way is to tax but we have to cut spending.

PROGRAM

Spencer Welton, W4: Spencer and his wife Mara own Half-Pint Farm in the Intervale. The Farmers’ Market at Ethan Allen Park starts June 12^th, Thursdays, 3-6:30. It’s a food market that features baked goods, some sweets like maple syrup, honey, fruits, and veggies veggies veggies! There are some prepared foods, like salads; they are looking for a meat vendor; and sometimes they have crafts. Vendors pay a market fees, $150 for the summer. 8 vendors have been involved, with 5 set up most Thursdays. This season vendors will include Adams Berry Farm; Troika Farm (mixed vegetables); Plum Hill Farm (yellow, red and purple plums, peaches, cherries, pears, as well as tomatoes, peppers); Pitchfork Farm (eggplants, multi-color peppers), Half-pint Farm (onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, peppers, tomatoes, radishes); Sarajevo, (Nermina Bobraca’s baklava); Gus Buchanan’s honey; and hopefully Boyden Family Winery. Prices are competitive, the food is fresh, and a farm market has a low carbon footprint because the food is locally grown and transported short distances. Spencer and Mara are local, too – they live on Tracy Drive!

Steve McIntyre, W7, asked if there is a city-wide association of Farmers Markets? Spencer said there is a coalition and they work together -- they are meeting tonight and Mara is there, but NNE is a separate market, independent.

Bob Herendeen, W4, asked if a vendor could come a few times, not the whole summer? Spencer said yes, there is a reduced trial fee. Parks&Rec restricts them to 5 vendors.

Jim Flint, W4 asked if numbers of people shopping at the market has increased? Spencer said yes, but parking is limited at the Park.

People asked about and suggested alternate locations –like the Elks Club, North Avenue Alliance Church, and the Ethan Allen Shopping Center. Spencer said he would follow-up and report back to us.

Tom Moreau, W7, Director, Chittenden Solid Waste District. Tom is also on the board of the Intervale Center that is connected with the Intervale Composting operation. CSWD started the composting operation as an alternative to putting food and organic waste into the landfills. CSWD made some loans to the composting business, and has always been repaid in full. The State is the third partner. The compost operation started as a demo project, and became a valuable community business. They need permits, including an Act 250 permit and that’s where the problem is now. The permit is renewed every 5 years, and this year Agency of Natural Resources had some concerns about run-off in the river and flooding of Tommy Thompson gardens. But the biggest problem was that the Dept. of Historic Preservation declared the site significant (Abenaki village) and put it on the National Historic Register. The Intervale Center can’t afford the permit process, and has asked CSWD to take over the project which they will do but they need a transition period to find a new site. Two potential solutions are: Sen. Lyons has a bill that would exempt the compost center (which has an Act 78 permit) from Act 250 and give then 2 years to transition. CSWD is looking for a new location. Dan Goosen, W4, manages the compost operation, and he urged people to get their compost next week when there is a $10 discount. Lea T., asked if compost could be transported by rail, and Tom said no.Everyone thanked Tom, and others who are working to save this valuable resource in our community.

Ita Meno, Center for Community and Neighborhoods, announced Green Up Day 2008. It will be the first Saturday in May (MAY 3). It was started to build a community project around something the community was already doing – clean-up. It was a chance for garbage picker-uppers to meet each other and have a party. The first year there were 300 people involved. Next year, 500. Last year, there were 5 sites and 900 people in matching t-shirts. NNE sites include North Ave, and the Caverns. Mary asked if rubber gloves are provided, and Ita said yes. NNE site leaders are needed.

Mike B. announced Way to Go Week, May 5-9, when people will bike, walk, take the bus, roller blade etc to go to work or shop or play, instead of using a car. There are different challenges – check the website http://www.waytogovt.org/ . There are prizes, like coupons for restaurants. The goal is to reduce 500,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions in one week! Want to reduce potholes and road maintenance costs? – get out of your car. Every dollar spent on CCTA goes into the local economy. Telecommute when you can – eat in your own kitchen, go to work in your pj’s! If you’re complaining about roads and paying taxes – get out of your car!

Jim F. announced that people can get in shape for Green Up Day by helping clean out the children’s garden at Ethan Allen Homestead, Friday or Saturday between 9 and 3, with a picnic lunch at the shelter.

Bob H. announced that a group will be drumming for the marathon on the overlook near Starr Farm. Contact Bob 862-5017 for more info. Lea T. asked if people need to have a drum? No. Experience? No. Just leave your ego behind.

Alan S. announced that there is a Flea Market at the Heineberg Center on Sundays. Tables are $10.

Jim F. announced that tonight is a historic night for the NPAs in Burlington – the FIRST time youth members have planned and facilitated an NPA meeting in Burlington. Everyone applauded Marga and Jon for a job well done.

Meeting was adjourned.

“ SHARING THE ROAD!”

Wards 4 &7 Joint Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday, March 20, 2008 • Heineberg Center

Mary Chaffee, facilitator.

Jon Flint, time-keeper.

Marga Kempner, notetaker

7:00. Mary Chaffee introduces Steering Committee members present: Senada Sekocevic, Alan Sousie, Jim Thomas, Steve McIntyre, Ron McGarvey, Carol Jaramillo, Lea Terhune, Marga Kempner, and herself - Mary Chaffee. (Not present were Linda, Susan, Joanna. Jon came later.) Alan reviewed the Ground Rules. Mary reviewed the Agenda. Notes from the February meeting were accepted.

Reports from Commitees:

A. Community Development Block Grant Committee:. Gail Moreau reported on Heineberg Center’s CDBG grant. All windows were replaced. Gail asked to reallocate $ for other building repairs and electrical work like emergency ligthing. She thanked everyone for the new floor. Motion to reallocate the funds was unanimously approved by voice vote.

B. By-Laws Committee: Ron McGarvey presented the by-laws which were revised by a standing committee of steering committee members and NPA member Russ Ellis. Current by-laws make a distinction between residents of wards 4/7 and registered voters. Committee felt it was important to eliminate this distinction and allow all residents to vote (including youth). Mark Larson suggested topics be added, not just commissions (Sec. 11, part A), and change to “members present” for voting rights. Betsy Ellis-Kempner clarified the dates. Alan Sousie commented that by-laws can be revised at any meeting. Mark Larson asked to what extent notice should be given of meetings? Ita Meno, CCAN staff, said the sign-in sheets ask for email so her office can send notice. Mark Larson said notice should e given to residents “at request.” Motion to approve the by-laws, Alan Sousie. Second, Steve McIntyre. Approved.

C. Recruiters Committee: The by-laws call for 9 members each from wards 4 and 7. Alan pointed out that there is a slight imbalance between wards 4 and 7 SC members. He encouraged nominations from the floor. Ward 4 members Mary Chaffee, Ron McGarvey, Lea Terhune, Carol Jaramillo, Jon Flint, Marga Kempner, and Susan Wheeler, were nominated and elected by Ward 4 residents. Ward 7 members Linda Deliduka, Alan Sousie, Jim Thomas, Senada Sokocevic, Steve McIntyre, and Mike Beganyi were elected by residents from Ward 7.

Reports from Elected Officials

• A. Mark Larson, state representative, talked about the goal of locating mixed housing in the neighborhood activity center around the Ethan Allen Shopping Center, and the housing bill that the house has recently passed with goals to eliminate some permit requirements to make it easier to build affordable housing, and inspect more houses for fire safety. $225,000 qualifies as affordable housing. Text of bill is available on-line. The bill is passed in the House and now goes to the Senate. Lea Terhune asked about the Land Bank. Mark said Gov. Douglas is not a fan of the housing bill. He does not approve the rental housing inspection component. A resident worries that if Act 250 is eliminated from reviews, it creates a loophole for developers to get through and there’s no enforcement. Chuck Seleen asked if neighborhood activity centers are included in growth center language in the bill, on a city level. Mark said the budget will be done in the next few weeks. He highlighted several issues: co-pay and premium for Medicaid, hospital reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare, Vermont Housing Conservation Board should continue to get funding, underfunding for police, teen/youth centers. Alan Sousie asked how to build jobs without a budget for that? Mark said they want to provide funding to employers to train people and match workers with jobs. He said quality childcare needs to be funded – the budget is millions short to fund childcare. A resident asked how to draw new business to Vermont? Mark said we encourage beginning businesses to grow with a trained entrepreneurial work force and a modified tax credit program. Ron McGarvey asked about composting in the Intervale. Larson said a bill is pending to exempt composting from Act 250, but Chittenden County Solid Waste District is stepping in.
• B. Russ Ellis, Ward 4 City Councillor. There are a lot of pothole complaints, and city needs $1 million to fix them. Public Works doesn’t have enough money to keep up the maintenance, and every year the quality of our roads goes down. It would cost residents $180 per household to fix all the streets. Council passed a resolution to authorize improvements to Armory, proposed by Bobby Miller. Electing someone from Fire Commission from NNE, nominating John Vincent (ward 7) who has been involved in the fire dept., and Gordon Gilbert (ward 4) a retired police officer. City Council passed an Open Government Resolution which will make moe information available on the internet so open government is more accessible. Mark Larson said the Governor wants to decrease the amount of money from state to local communities, but Larsen thinks it should increase! A resident asked if roads not salted is because of a shortage of salt? Roads in Burlington are icy, but roads are clear in Essex. Councilor Ellis said we need more plowing. Alan Sousie said the state could not get enough salt from the mines. Mark said there was no more salt to buy.

PROGRAM:

MAKING THE NNE BIKE FRIENDLY, Chuck Sleeen and Paul Kempner

Chuck talked about his experiences bike commuting

· complimented NNE for biking conditions year-round

· concerns about bike path visibility

· need to improve North Ave bike corridor during winter

· hopes to incorporate bike lanes when N. Ave is repaved

Paul talked about the benefits of biking

· best way to prevent ALZ is to walk

· good exercise

· community connection

· feel better mentally – optimistic

· economic, save on gas and car costs, don’t need health club

· good for checking out garage sales

· reduce carbon footprint

Mary Chaffee asked how we can make it safer?

What prevents people from biking/walking?

· Taking children somewhere

· Getting clothes dirty if going to a meeting, or to work

· Weather, either very cold or very hot

· Sidewalks unsafe

· Fear of assault

Chuck started biking to save money and stay fit. He addressed some of the problems of biking. Paul talked about bike care, and gear, fenders to keep clean, visibility enhanced with bright color jackets, lights, helmet. He demonstrated the gear, including gators. Chuck introduced a resolution to make biking safer. The resolution passed unanimously, and is directed to the Public Works Commission for consideration, with copies to DPW, Burlington Bike Council, and the Mayor.

WALKING AROUND THE NNE, Steve McIntyre and Nicole Losch

Steve talked about the short crossing time at Plattsburgh/N.Ave and Heineberg/N.Ave.

· unsafe for children and seniors

· speeding cars hurry to beat the light

· no crosswalk signal

· crosswalks not painted or otherwise clearly marked

Nicole Losch, Dept. Public Works, said existing signals can be converted to countdown signals. There will be 4 new signal poles. Ethan Allen Shopping Center will have a countdown signal. Improvements could be part of the re-paving project. Gail Moreau said the crosswalk signal at Heineberg/NorthAve is too short for pedestrian safety and she drafted a resolution calling for re-timing of the signal. Nicole said it's not easy to do, and it is expensive. Need to get cooperative agreement from State to make progress. Paul Kempner wants more police speed enforcement in the area around the Hunt School intersection. Alan Sousie has observed that the sidewalks do not drain properly. Nicole said that a sidewalk inventory needs to be done, and it’s already started. Volunteers are needed to do the inventory in May.

REFLECTIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tom Papp, President of Strathmore Homeowners, described code enforcement problems, like the silting up of their stormwater systems as a result of a large tree clearing violation that resulted in serious erosion upstream.

Alan Sousie serves on the budget task force and is Chair of the Board of Health. His board is concerned about air quality issues in the schools, and the new pesticide ordinance.

Meeting adjourned at 9PM. People helped stack chairs, and stayed to chat with neighbors.

AGENDA

6:45 – 7:00 Welcome and Sign In

7:00 Introductions, Ground Rules, Agenda, Minutes

7:05 Report from Steering Committee sub-committees:

-By-Laws: Present revisions and vote

-Recruiters: Present Steering Committee volunteers and vote

Nominations and Volunteers from the floor are encouraged!

7:20 Reports from Elected Officials

7:40 Open Forum for residents. Be brief (2min) so we can hear from many people!

8:00 Program

................Making North Ave bike-friendly: Paul Kempner, Chuck Seleen and friends.

................Walking around the NNE: sidewalks, streets, safety: Steve McIntyre, Nicole Losch.

8:45 Reflections and Announcements

9:00 Meeting adjourned. Please stay for refreshments and to continue discussions!

Meeting notes, Feb 21, 08

Wards 4 and 7 Joint Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Heineberg Center

CANDIDATES AND BALLOT QUESTIONS NIGHT

Lea Terhune, facilitator

Senada Sekocevic, timekeeper

Mary Chaffee, notetaker

The meeting was called to order at 7 PM. Lea introduced the presenters and steering committee members, and welcomed members. By a show of hands there were many first-time people.

Breakdown of attendees: There were approximately 93 people present, of which 56 signed in. Almost all indicated their ward:

WARD 4: 27 WARD 7: 21 WARD 6: 2 WARD 5: 2 OFFICALS: 13

Ron read the Ground Rules. The minutes for the previous meeting on January 17 were approved by a show of hands, with Jim Flint dissenting, on a point of order. He declined to explain his decision.

Candidates, Open Forum:

The candidates introduced themselves briefly.

INSPECTOR OF ELECTION

WARD 4: Sherrie Lee Ireland (R), Linda Deliduka (D). WARD 7: Jim Couture (D)

WARD CLERK

WARD 4: James Couture (D). WARD 7: Diane Noyes (D) was not present

SCHOOL COMMIISSIONER

WARD 4: Bernie O’Rourke. WARD 7: Thom Fleury

CITY COUNCILOR

WARD 7: Paul Decelles (R), Steve McIntyre (D). WARD 4: Russ Ellis (D)

Q. What do you think about the proposed Appletree Point Development? Lori Sullivan, Ward 4.

A. Russ Ellis: A mistake. There are better places for Senior housing (the current Motor Vehicle Building on N. Ave. near services and bus line is under consideration). Paul Decelles: agrees. Steve McIntyre: Agrees: developers should once again be required to present to NPAs before things go too far. Maurice Mahoney: Proposed Appletree development doesn’t make sense: scale is wrong for neighborhood; no services nearby for seniors.

Q. Moran Plant?

A. Steve M: reservations about business plan. Moran re-development should house profitable businesses. If foundation is unsafe, shouldn’t waste more time and money. Paul: A refurbished Moran will boost city’s economy.

Q: What about a previous study showing that 86% of residents want Moran replaced with a park? Peggy Gallant, Ward 7.

1. Russ: A park comes along with the re-development, funded partly by Fed. funds. But if Moran is just torn down, a park will cost the city even more, since Fed funds won’t be available. A vote FOR Moran = 80 permanent jobs, $6 million added to city economy. Vote AGAINST = eyesore will be around for a long time. Steve: disagrees about availability of Fed. funds.

Q. Repave North Avenue, add bike lanes in both directions from BHS to Plattsburg Avenue? Jim Flint, Ward 7.

A. Steve is definitely in favor of that. The bike path is not a direct route into town, and intersections on North Ave. are not safe for bike or ped.

Paul: DPW has plans for North Ave. and Paul supports bike lanes.

Russ puts about 1000 miles on his bike, and is in favor of bike lanes.

Q. Is the upcoming referendum our only chance to weigh in on Moran issue? If result is “yes” will we ever get another chance?

A. Russ: if the city needs to issue a bond, the voters will have to approve. And NPAs will be consulted as the process continues. The city’s bond rating is Triple A.

Q. Will a proposed new hotel on the waterfront eat up even more open space? Maryanne, Ward 7.

A. Paul: The site proposed for the hotel is behind Breakwater’s” on the King Street Dock, by the Maritime Museum, and is not on open space.

Q. What is Burlington;s Standard and Poor’s rating? Jim Thomas, Ward 7.

A. Russ: Triple A, the best. Jim responds that this would make a bond issue the way to go.

Q. Illness among teachers at BHS? Ralph Montefusco, Ward 4.

A. Thom Fleury: Need to look at physical plant for efficiency, safety. School Board will continue to follow up.

Q. Consolidation of the scools? Wally Elliott, Ward 4.

A. Thom: we want to meet the needs of all our students, including after school. We work with the city, with Parks & Rec to do this.

Paul: This is a school issue, but also a city issue.

Q. Money for Senior Centers? Lea Terhune, Ward 4.

A. Russ: an amended resolution proposes $75,000 to start, with more fund raising needed. Steve: Need to find sustainable funding. Move a business into the Armory? Other creative solutions needed. Paul: agrees.

Q. Magnet schools? Alan Sousie, ward 7.

A. Bernie O’Rourke: we need socio-economic balance, and there’s a price-tag involved, but I think every school should be a magnet school.

. Thom: we need to make sure our schools are balanced, and 68% of people surveyed want neighborhood schools.

Ballot Questions, Open Forum

School Budget - Jeanne Collins

Veterans Property Tax Discount – Craig Gutchell

Burlington Electric Dept. Bond – Mayor Bob Kiss, Barb Grimes

NO2 Reduction system for McNeil Plant - Barb Grimes

Re-develop Moran Plant - Mayor Bob Kiss

Recycle Moran Plant - Maurice Mahoney

Introductory statements:

Jeanne Collins: School budget funds pre-school and afterschool programs for NNE

Craig Gutchell: Veterans Discount referendum increases property tax exemption for vets (and their families, widows etc.) to $40,000, with minimal cost to city, no tax increase

Barbara Grimes: $39.6 million bond issue makes BED greener and more reliable, reduces nitrous oxide, cuts emissions in half.

Mayor Kiss: Planners encourage redevelopment of Moran over demolition. Three commercial partners (Ice Factor, Children’s Museum, Sailing Center) will bring economic benefits to city.

Maurice Mahoney: Ice climbing isn’t a big market. If Ice Factor leaves, no backup plan. Sailing Center makes sense. But cost of Moran demolition alone is $1.5 million, better spent on infrastructure.

Q. Will Children’s Museum offer a discount? Martha Frank, Ward 4.

A. (from the floor): Museum will be affordable, with special passes and discounts

Q. Will there be joint memberships with other museums? Beth Wiliams, Ward 7.

Q. (to Jeanne Collins) Pre-school program at Flynn Elementary, what ages will it serve and will it be open to every member of the community? Jim Flint, Ward 7.

A. Jeanne Collins: Currently serving about 90% of kids with disabilities between 3-5. There is a waiting list.

Q. (to Mayor Kiss): What is your opinion of the proposed Appletree development? Lori Sullivan, Ward 4.

A. Bob Kiss: I support the process, which will result in a good outcome. The process is critical to getting good projects in the end.

Q (to Mayor Kiss): In view of the project’s size and unsuitability for the site and neighborhood, why wasn’t it directed to downsize sooner?

A. Bob Kiss: I have faith in the review process, which will result in a good outcome. Good public process is a challenge of good government.

Q. (to Craig Cutchell) Does the disabled vet property tax discount include family?

Craig: Yes, it includes widows and widowers, and children, even if they only have partial ownership.

Comment, Coach Dave: Moran isn’t a good investment for the City. There are so many other issues that need city money. Schools need money! His girls’ team plays at other schools, and they notice that other schools are nicer, don’t have shabby gyms and leaky roofs. Schools would be a better investment of tax dollars.

Q. After the Westlake debacle, how can we trust the process? Gigi Weisman, Ward 4.

A. It was developed under the previous administration.

Q. (to Mayor Kiss) You take a position on Moran development, why not on the Appletree development?

Mayor Kiss: Appletree project is in the planning process, and Moran will go through the planning and zoning process in the future.

Comment: Maurice Mahoney feels development should go to the NPAs and ask what residents want. He is completely opposed to the Appletree because it is out of scale and makes no sense for the city. Also, regarding the Moran Plant, it is tax incremental financing, so taxes go back to the district and do not generate tax money for the city.

City Council President Kurt Wright thanked all the presenters for participating.

Q. (to the Mayor) Will the Moran park be on the North 40? Josanna Cole, Ward 7.

Mayor: Nothing is being built on the North 40. It is unlikely that the park could be built until the end because it would get messed up.

Reflections:

Bruce Seifer, CEDO, went over a hand-out with info about financial aspects of the Moran Plant.

Devin Coleman, Ward 7. Ward 6 examined Moran renovation pros and con: tear down alone resulted in negative return to city. Demolition is expensive, rebuilding is better.

Tom Papp, Ward 4, President of Strathmore Association, on Moran: What’s the backup plan if Ice Factor doesn’t make it?

Sailing Center user supports Moran redevelopment, or we’ll be left with “the most expensive hole in Vermont.” Moran could be another jewel for Burlington.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

CANDIDATES AND BALLOT QUESTIONS NIGHT

FEB. 21, '08. 6:45 PM

Heineberg Center

AGENDA

6:45 – 7:00 Welcome and Sign in

7:00 – 7:15 Introductions, Ground Rules, Agenda, Minutes

7:15 - 8:00 Candidates, Open Forum - questions from floor:

• W4 City Councilor: Russ Ellis (D).
• W7 City Councilor: Paul Decelles (R), Steve McIntyre (D).

• W4 School Commissioner: Bernie O’Rourke.
• W7 School Commissioner: Thom Fleury.

8:00-8:45 Ballot Questions, Open Forum:

1 School Budget - Jeanne Collins

2. Veterans Property Tax Discount

3. Burlington Electric Dept. Bond

4. NO2 Reduction system for McNeil Plant

5. Re-develop Moran Plant - Mayor Bob Kiss

6. Recycle Moran Plant - Jay Vos

8:45-9:00 Reflection and Announcements

*At the end of the meeting, you are welcome to stay and continue discussions.

Jan 17 -- Vermont Immigrant Voting Alliance, Affordable Housing Panel, Library Happenings

Watch the meeting on Ch 17 -- schedule to be announced.

Wards 4 & 7 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Thursday January 17, 2008

Heineberg Senior and Community Center

Linda Deliduka, facilitator. Senada Sekocevic, timekeeper. Lea Terhune, notetaker.

6:45 – 7:00 Gathering and Sign in. 62 people were present. 45 people signed in, 26 W4, 13 W7, and 6 other. 11 elected officials were there, 5 presenters, and 2 city staff. NPA Steering Committee present: Ron McGarvey, Lea Terhune, Carol Jaramillo, Bob Schwartz, Jon Flint, Linda Deliduka, Alan Sousie, Senada Sekocevic, Marga Kempner, Susan Wheeler, Steve McIntyre.

7:00 – 7:15 Introductions, ground rules, minutes, agenda, election. Elected to the steering committee were Marga Kempner, motion by Jon Flint, ward 4; Steve McIntyre, motion , ward 7; and Susan Wheeler, motion Linda Deliduka, ward 4.

7:15-7:45 Open Forum for Residents and Reports from Elected Reps. Chuck Seleen encouraged people to contact him if they are interested in working to propose a resolution to create a bike commuter lane on North Avenue. Steve McIntyre announced that he is running for City Council, and he is concerned about pedestrian safety at the Plattsburg Ave intersection, and the timing of the light by Heineberg Rd. Representative Mark Larson reported on many issues and invited questions. Carol Ode asked if state employee travel budgets could be cut and Mark said they are using VT Interactive TV whenever possible. Steve McIntyre asked about campaign finance reform. Mark said the influence of money on government is a serious concern, and VT is trying but the limits law was overturned and now VT has nothing. A resident asked why the statehouse doesn’t have energy saver bulbs. Mark said he’s check on that. Alan Sousie asked what the state is doing to bring business to VT. Mark said that businesses say workforce is the biggest issue, so VT is investing in workforce training. Energy costs and health insurance are the other challenges, as well as affordable housing for the workforce. Carol Ode said she is a member of AARP, she’s concerned about safety and she wants to know what other states do to make sure all drivers are safe drivers. Mark agrees this is a sensitive aging issue. As a parting thought, Mark urged people to contact him to let him know what they care about – email or call. He says it really makes a difference, and he welcomes it. Councilor Paul Decelles reported that his committee has looked at funding for senior centers to see what the city can do to help. Centers need sustainable funding. There was a proposal for a ½ cent tax for senior centers, which the committee was concerned about jumping into, so they amended the resolution to ask the city to include senior center funding in the budget. Paul will work on this, and he will vote on the motion to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Carol Ode suggested that, as senior housing is built, there be an impact fee to support senior centers similar to the school impact fees. Ralph Montefusco asked how Paul intends to vote on the marijuana motion, and Paul said he would vote no. Mayor Kiss was introduced by Linda Deliduka who thanked him for his support for Senior Center funding. Mayor Kiss affirmed that senior center funding is important, and the city will partner with United Way, or maybe bring back a recommendation for a tax, but will take a year to study the issue. Budget – the mayor said he is starting the budget process, and with additional fees paid by non-profits in the city, Burlington’s goal is to be sustainable. Appointment of Larry Kupferman – Larry is the new candidate for CEDO director. He has experience with economic development and human needs. New police chief search – three candidates are being interviewed, and an appointment will be made soon. Burlington is in a better financial position than many other cities that are all struggling with lean budgets. And the city doesn’t have the social problems of other cities, like drugs and no housing downtown. BED bond – it will put a NOx unit on the McNeil Plant to reduce air pollution. Burlington Telecom – fiber is almost city-wide. BT wants to be sure that services are delivered to Burlington before going out to other towns. High Def and DVR are further options. Housing – The population is growing older, and the mayor supports pedestrian access and building senior housing in smaller denser units. The city has a process that works pretty well, so when someone proposes a project we work through the issues. Questions: Alan Sousie asked about the debt for the wastewater treatment plant. Mayor said it’s a zero interest loan, and fees will begin to pay that loan off which was the long term investment strategy. Susan Wheeler asked if the city has given any thought to building up funding for electric company improvements or police equipment instead of bonding for everything. Mayor said that some of this is being done now, and some portions of the BED bond, for example, will be paid off by selling pollution credits that the new equipment creates. Susan said it’s better to save money to buy new equipment instead of bonding. Steve McIntyre said the mayor mentioned building new housing units, and asked what areas in ward 4 and 7 the city is looking at? Mayor said the city isn’t doing any development out here, There is a request for something on city land at Brown’s Court which is city land, but they haven’t pursued any final plan for that. Carol Ode said she’s a member of VT’ers Against Sprawl, and VT Interfaith Action, and she cares about housing, but she also cares a lot about the environment and not every spot of open land is appropriate to put development. There needs to be a balance between development and wetland preservation and open space protection. Mayor said the idea that open space isn’t wasted space is what he agrees with. Burlington is open for business, but it’s not for sale. There’s an Open Space plan that the city pays attention to. Lea Terhune thanked the mayor for hiring from within the city, and for acknowledging the importance of the Open Space Protection Plan, She added that Ward 4/7 NPA created Neighborhood Activity Centers (NAC), which are part of the Municipal plan and direct density to those areas which already have the infrastructure to support it. Lea handed out a map of Wards 4/7 which show NACs, the busline and available land for housing. She said she encourages the city to use this land for mixed housing. School Board member Wally Elliott introduced Bernie O’Rourke who is running for school board from Ward 4. Thom Fleury, Chair of the School Board, said he will be back to the NPA in Feb to go over the school budget. He reported that changes in city demographics present challenges, and we’re proceeding with work on excellence in our schools, surveying residents and proceeding carefully and cautiously.

7:45-8:05 VIVA - Vermont Immigrant Voting Alliance: Marta Ceroni and Martin Baumann spoke about a community effort to restore immigrant voting rights in local elections. Martin is a 10 yr resident, and thinks Burlington is a great place to live and bring up his 4 kids. He’s a German citizen, and chooses to live here and he has a lot of family in Germany. He works in Milton, and brings business to VT. He has a green card, he is legal, but he can not vote. He thinks that VT could attract many young immigrant professionals by welcoming them with the right to vote in local elections. Marta has lived here for 5 years, and it takes a long time to be eligible for citizenship – it can take up to 20 years! All this time her children are going to school here, but she can’t say anything about how the schools are run. In the pas,t immigrants had voting rights, and cities and towns can offer these rights again. Susan Wheeler asked what we can do to help? The answer is to sign petitions, and ask City Council to put it on the ballot.

8:05-8:35 Housing Panel – Brian Pine CEDO, the City’s Vision for Housing. Melinda White Bronson, VIA and Habitat for Humanity, Inclusionary Zoning. Carol Jaramillo, Mixed-use Housing. Thom Fleury, Burlington School Board, socio-economic integration in the schools. They will be discussing the vision of housing for Burlington residents and its implication for all of us. Hans Heikel will add information about a project he worked on recently. Questions: Resident asked about local exposure to the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and about recent trends in vacancies and rents; and, does the city have plans to address the deficiencies in the inclusionary zoning ordinance? Brian said foreclosure rates are climbing in VT but we have good banks and smart homebuyers. Vacancy rates are low, and rent inflation is high, largely attributed to students. The inclusionary zoning loophole has been address in the Zoning Rewrite. If you build affordable housing off-site, you have to pay $100,000 into the City Housing Trust Fund. Cliff Cooper asked who in city government does a developer go to first. There’s a huge development project proposed in ward 4, and we’d like to know who in city government thought that was a good idea?

8:35-8-45 Fletcher Free Library Robert Resnik Discussing the new library programs. Including computer terminals, home delivery of books, downloadable books, WI-HI services. Rob wrapped up with a rousing ditty, which ended the evening on a very joyful note.

8:45- 9:00 Reflections – Announcements. Applause and thanks to Steve Jaramillo and Hans Heikel for videotaping the meeting for Ch17. Meeting adjourned. Many people stayed to chat with city officials and neighbors about issues raised during the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Lea Terhune, notetaker.

86 defy bad weather to attend Third Thursday NPA

Third Thursday NPA

Where the Action Is!

Development density in ward4, Moran Plant redevelopment, an electric department bond issue to upgrade of the McNeil [woodchip] Plant, and the closing of a beltline exit ramp -- these issues brought energy to the room as people filled the upstairs of the Heineberg Center on “Third Thursday” NOVEMBER for a Neighborhood Planning Assembly.

It was a lively meeting, and residents had plenty to say. Chuck Seleen traced how the ward4 NPA developed the concept of Neighborhood Activity Centers where mixed use and medium density housing would be concentrated to preserve neighborhood character and protect open space in the New North End. Following a passionate description of how his neighborhood is threatened with becoming an institutionalized bonus housing area, Bob Schwartz, w4, was applauded, nominated from the floor, and unanimously elected to the Steering Committee of the NPA with fellow residents Carol Jaramillo and Jon Flint. The Steering Committee creates meeting agendas, facilitates meetings, and guides the assembly in crafting resolutions to advise the city of residents’ concerns and needs.

Open Forum and Zoning Rewrite elicited many concerns about development pressures on residential areas. Several residents were staunchly opposed to bonus density. Other agenda items drew generally supportive comment. There were questions about costs associated with redeveloping the Moran Plant, but the concept was favorably received. The eco-friendly crowd liked the wood chip plant stack scrubber upgrade. Residents accept the ramp closing for the reasons of safety and traffic calming, and have good ideas about how to improve the corridor. Paul Kempner suggested a one-lane bike commuter lane, which drew applause. Holly Hauser raised the topic of pesticide and herbicide use, and circulated dramatic photos of suspicious outflow entering the lake through culverts. The chairman of the Board of Health was facilitating the meeting, so Holly’s presentation went directly to the person most likely to do something about it.

There were many city officials in attendance at this meeting, and available for discussion afterward: Wally Elliott, w4, School Board; Barb Grimes, w4, General Manager, Burlington Electric; Steve Goodkind, w7 Director, Public Works; Peter Potts, Chair, w4, Planning and Zoning; Alan Sousie, w7, Chair, Board of Health; Margaret Gunderson and Bob Herendeen, w4, Commissioners of Public Works; and City Councilors Russ Ellis w4, Kurt Wright w4, and Paul Decelles, w7.

Presentations were brief and discussion was repeatedly cut short in the interest of moving the agenda along. Later, in the downstairs hospitality center, discussion continued and action plans took shape: a special meeting on density pressure and preservation of neighborhood character; circulating a petition to block bonus housing which encourages overbuilding in residential areas; and confronting CEDO on it's vision of growth that is out of focus with what residents here see for the future of their neighborhoods.

NPA GUIDING PRINCIPLES

· NPAs provide a safe and welcoming forum where citizens can actively share their voice about issues that matter to them, and where they can learn from the voices of others.

· NPAs cultivate involvement by a diverse spectrum of community members through active outreach and through eliminating barriers to participation.

· NPAs are operated in a manner that models respectful, inclusive, culturally, and economically aware practices

· NPAs are fun, creative, and vital organizations that value and benefit through the multitude of perspectives shared by those who participate.

~Steering Committee, Nov 1. ~NPA meeting, Nov 15.

The Steering Committee will meet Nov 1 @ 7 pm, 22 Appletree Point Lane. Call 658-1908 for directions. At this time, we will be making up agenda for the Nov. meeting. Any member of the NPA (residents registered to vote in wards 4 or 7) can request an agenda item. Just call, or come to the steering committee meeting. Please include the amount of time you need. We have to make room for everyone, so the amount of time available will depend of how many requests we have. If there are many requests for the same issue, we may want to have a special NPA meeting.

The next NPA meeting will be the THIRD THURSDAY of the month, Nov 15, at the Heineberg Center, 14 Heineberg Rd @ 7pm. Park in the lot, or along the street.

AGENDA: Nov. 15, '07

Heineberg Senior and Community Center, 14 Heineberg Rd., 6:45 pm.

·6:45 Welcome, Sign-in

·7:00 Review Guidelines and Agenda.

Approve minutes of Oct. Mtg.

·7:05 Open Resident Forum and

Reports from Elected Officials and Appointees

·7:25 Election to Steering Committee

·7:30 Zoning Rewrite – Impact on Wards 4/7 Q&A

·7:45 Moran Plant Proposal, CEDO, Q&A

·8:05 BED bond issue, John Irving. Q&A

·8:25 Ramp Closing, Beltline, Steve Goodkind, Public Works

·8:35 Announcements, Reflections

*Mtg. will be taped by Ch17 volunteers.

MEETING OCTOBER 17 at 7PM, Hunt School Library

Join us to learn about the latest issues and developments. Agenda available at official website, see link on the left of this page.

NPA thanks STEVE JARAMILLO, Ch 17 Producer

NPA Official Videographer

and the man with the microphine is HANS HEIKEL

Thanks to you both for putting our NPA mtg on Ch17.

Steering Committee meets Wed. Oct 3, 7pm

STRENGTHENING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
By Alan Sousie, NPA Steering Committee Member - Ward 7, Birch Court, asousie@burlingtontelecom.net
Mon, 17 September 2007

Hello Fellow Neighborhood Volunteers and Neighbors,

Let me begin by asking you to please pass this message to others.

[I want to encourage you to] participate in your Neighborhood Planning Assembly. Through it, we can better pro-act than re-act to local issues. The assembly should be a place where individual contribution matters. In my mind, the NPA in Burlington should be a reincarnation of the town meeting of days gone by. It is a great way to restore and nurture this root of Vermont tradition. Next time the NPA meets [October 17], be there, and bring a friend.

Movin' and Groovin' in the NNE

CLICK HERE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT OF BURLINGTON TRANSPORTATION PLAN!

This is a multi-modal transportation improvement plan that provides a comprehensive and coordinated list of pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and roadway facility, PLUS streetscape and landuse recommendations for implementation that satisfy the overall vision of the City developed in the Burlington Municipal Development Plan and the Burlington Legacy Project.

The public is invited to offer their comments at the annual Wards 4 and 7 Neighborhood Improvement Night gathering, Sept 19 at Hunt School at 7 PM [following a pizza party and recognition of amazing neighbors at 6:30pm]. The proposed transportation plan will be adopted as a part of the City's Master Plan once completed, and now is the time to comment on it.

A brief easy-read summary of the plan will be distributed, and a 15 minute power-point presentation will cover the highlights. There will be plenty of time for questions, and comments. The consultants who helped craft the plan will be there -- Mike Oman, who many of you know, has worked with Chittenden County transportation issues for many years, and he's an expert in Vermont-style urban mobility!

Decelles motion to reconsider vote on Amendment 38 FAILS!

August 20, 2007

City Council votes NOT to reconsider Amendment 38

At City Council Meeting on August 20, Paul Decelles made a motion to reconsider the vote to adopt Amendment 38. Passed by a 10-4 vote on Aug 6, Amendment 38 excludes nonbuildable wetlands and slopes from density calculation.

We have a lot of wet lands and slopes in Wards 4 and 7, and without Amendment 38 protection, we could have dense development that is out of scale with our neighborhoods.

Although Decelles intent was to send the slopes issue back to committee, the entire Amendment had to be reconsidered and there were no guarantees that the committee wouldn't weaken the amendment. A role call vote defeated Decelles' motion:

NAYs (keep A38 as voted 10-4, on Aug 6) - Ellis, Gutchell, Shannon, Keogh, Adrian, Bushor and Montroll.

AYEs - (reconsider the Aug 6 vote on A38, and send back to committee) Decelles, Ashe, Knodell, Wright, Davis, and Perry.

At a meeting here on Aug. 2, all Ward 4 and 7 Councilors -- Decelles, Wright, Gutchell and Ellis -- pledged their support for Amendment 38. On a sweltering hot night, 77 people turned out for this special meeting called by the Neighborhood Planning Assembly and the Heineberg Senior Center. Overwhelmingly people spoke of the need for Amendment 38 which excludes wet lands and slopes from the buildable area calculation when development is proposed.

Decelles explains his failed motion to reconsider below.

____________________________________________________________

August 24, 2007

DECELLES EXPLAINS motion to reconsider Amendment 38

ZONING REWRITE POSITION CLARIFICATION

By Paul Decelles, City Councilor - Ward 7, Gosse Court, pdecelles@comcast.net Mon, 20 August 2007

First, let me make sure everyone is perfectly clear I in no way want to see massive and over scaled development in our neighborhoods. I have no desire to have the Council reconsider in any fashion that part of the decision relating to wetland areas.

However it does concern me that other possible development around town may be prohibited in certain areas that are appropriate for such development. Riverside Ave for example.

In any event I am confidant that our tri-partisan ad hoc committee will be able to develop a better solution to this issue.

I hope that this makes the record clear.

Do not hesitate to call 658-4367 or email pdecelles@comcast.net with any questions

Paul Decelles

Ward 7 City Councilor