NORTH END NPAs: North End residents want answers about Burlington Telecom debacle, pension fund, cash pool IOUs, and MORE

12/22/10

North End residents want answers about Burlington Telecom debacle, pension fund, cash pool IOUs, and MORE

Burlington, Vermont - December 21, 2010

A Tuesday night NPA public forum put city leaders in the hot seat.

Burlington residents have had ten days to digest an audit that points to several problems with the operations of Burlington Telecom. The forum allowed taxpayers to ask the mayor and city council about $17 million BT took from city coffers to pay its bills.

Burlington Telecom has lost money every year since 2005. Now the audit, that shows how troubled the utility is, has many taxpayers wondering how this could happen.

"What risk have all the taxpayers in this city been placed in?" asked John Foss.

Burlington Telecom was never supposed to be paid for with taxpayer money. But $16.9 million was taken out of the city's pooled cash fund. City councilors say while they knew BT was in financial trouble, they did not know taxpayers could be put on the hook for BT's debt.

"The audit which was a very exhaustive effort by a professional company makes it very clear that the city council was never consulted. The city council was never asked for any authorization and there were actually steps taken that kept information from the city council," said Kurt Wright, R-Burlington City Council. MORE...

WCAX video link

Burlington Telecom sparked more debate. On Tuesday night a [North End NPA] public forum put city leaders in the hot seat.
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=13725214#

http://www.burlingtonpol.com/

INTERNAL CONTROLS CHECKLIST

Burlington does not use the checklist, even though it is required by statute. 24 V.S.A. § 1571(d) makes it clear that Burlington is required to “complete and provide to the select board [City Council] a copy of the document made available by the Auditor of Accounts pursuant to 32 V.S.A. § 163(11) regarding internal financial controls.”

No city staff or elected officials from Burlington attended the State Auditor Office Internal Checklist symposium. Citizens can view the symposium by clicking here:

Vermont Access Network (VAN): Government Accounting & Auditing Symposium, Part 1 06/21/2011

Vermont Access Network (VAN): Government Accounting & Auditing Symposium, Part 2 06/21/2011

The purpose of the checklist is for municipal officers to be sure they have sound accounting practices, i.e. strong internal controls. Of course, it is also in the best interests of taxpayer that this checklist be adopted and made public, like a report card. Here's what it says -- sound like something Burlington could use?

"[This] self-assessment checklist has been compiled to assist town managers, treasurers, and auditors to assess their town's internal control environment for accounting and financial reporting and to provide guidance in implementing controls where weaknesses are perceived. Your town's system of internal controls includes all of the policies and procedures needed to provide reasonable assurance that your financial information is reliable, that operations within the office are effective and secure, and that you are complying with applicable laws and regulations."

As required by statute (and because it makes sense), we continue to recommend use of the checklist, which is available at the state Auditor's website. http://auditor.vermont.gov/localgovernment

Urban Reserve Plan

The Urban Renewal Plan for the Waterfront Revitalization District, approved by the voters in November 1990, stated that:

The principle motivations for the Urban Reserve are threefold:

• to preserve a large natural area from unwanted commercial development

• to reserve the right for future generations to determine what level of development should occur at this site; and,

• to concentrate the efforts of Burlington’s development activities within the Downtown Business District and the Waterfront Commercial District east of Lake Street.

Waterfront Urban Reserve, Interim Use and Stewardship Plan

The citizens of Burlington maintain a strong interest and concern for the future of the Urban Reserve, and the City government welcomes any opportunity to discuss their issues, concerns and dreams for this area. The City's boards, commissions, departments and community organizations as well as the state government have to be included in the long range planing process. Any final master plan would have to be approved by Burlington's voters.

BURLINGTON LEGACY PLAN

URBAN RESERVE

The city purchased this 45 acre parcel in 1991 after an Urban Renewal Plan was approved by voters. An interim use and stewardship plan was adopted in 1997 that set an agenda for the next 15 years and emphasized open space, public access and conservation. In 2012, the voters of Burlington passed a bill to devote $6 million toward waterfront revitalization. Although changes to the Urban Reserve were not included in this bill, attention has been drawn to this area and an effort to revitalize the reserve through a well balanced, cooperative approach has developed.

Diminishing North End representation on council UNFAIR, UNWISE, and UNACCEPTABLE

Bikepath intersections scoping study -- comments accepted thru 8/28

Bikepath intersections scoping study -- comments accepted thru 8/28
Reply-To: <stevenorman@fastmail.fm>

The materials from Aug. 20 public meeting are now online at

http://www.btvbikepath.com/intersections.asp

The most helpful document is the 77-slide "Alternatives Presentation" power point that discusses each of the 12 rec path intersections in detail, south to north, with 'as is' photos and recommended changes:

http://www.btvbikepath.com/pdf/2013-08-20%20Alternatives%20Presentation_Final.pdf

Update: Burlington Telecom

Burlington Telecom is a government-owned network (GON) in Vermont. Like many GONs, it is currently in dire financial straits. It also faces a lawsuit, has illegally borrowed from taxpayers, is past its deadline for completion, and has failed to attract subscribers. “In little more than a year, Burlington Telecom went from being a hopeful star of the community fiber network movement to an albatross around its neck.”

http://www.coalitionfortheneweconomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/1-28-13-Burlington-Telecom-FINAL.pdf

Jan 23, 2013 Program: OPEN SPACE PROTECTION PLAN being revised

Adopted by the Burlington City Council: 30 October 2000. CITY OF BURLINGTON, VT.OPEN SPACE PROTECTION PLAN. Natural Areas.

Click here:

city of burlington, vt open space protection plan

Point persons are Kelli Brooks and Dakota Casserly. Anyone else who wants to volunteer, please speak up at next NPA meeting. We have a lot of precious open space in the North End, and we have designated Neighborhood Activity Center areas zoned for mixed-use, high density development. Wise land use is critical to our quality of life (and our property values).

NPAs celebrate 30 Years, honoring Bill Aswad

AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies shall, among other things, help provide citizens with information concerning city programs and activities: help obtain citizen views of city needs; help provide citizens with an opportunity to participate in making recommendations with respect to governmental decisions including the allocation of revenues. The Neighborhood Planning Assemblies shall also be encouraged to provide advice to the appropriate commission or this Council with respect to Community Development, housing programs, the city’s Comprehensive development Plan and its waterfront planning activities, and the city’s budget among other issues.

Read the original Resolution that created NPAs in Burlington here.

DO WE NEED MORE PENNIES FOR OUR PARKS?

PROPOSED PROJECTS, BUDGETS/ACTUAL

Tim Jarvis reviewed the Penny for Parks funding and voiced his concern that significant money has been raised, but not allocated, and many of the city’s parks are in disrepair. The management of our Penny for Parks program has provided taxpayers with disappointing results over the 3 year history of the program.

City taxpayers expect our parks to be repaired, renovated and improved with P4P dollars being spent as fast as the funding is available. This hasn’t happened. Tim called for a public process with performance measures to ensure this does not continue. Parks & Rec has only spent $305,000 of the $1,064,000 that has been collected by P4P over the last 3 years. This has fueled taxpayer speculation that the P4P tax should be rescinded.

The FY10 starting budget was $350,636 but $173,422 went unused and carried over to FY11.
The FY11 starting budget was $526,208 but $419,910 went unused and carried over to FY12.
The FY12 starting budget was $780,910 but $759,063 was unused through December 31, 2011.

Update: Unspent funds now over a million. Sloppy accounting. Questionable project request allocation process.

Resident focus groups consistently listed our parks as #1 asset in North End Quality of Life. People warned that Penny for Parks would become a slush fund for pet projects, but it is worse than that. Get the facts, join the effort to restore transparency and accountability to city government.

FY2011 Annual Audit

Feb 13, Finance Board and City Council review draft of audit
Feb 21, Ward 4/7 NPA may question council candidates about audit
Feb 22, FINANCE SUMMIT

Read draft Audit HERE and Management Letter HERE.

Of what value is the audit and internal controls checklist to citizens? An independent audit provides valuable information to community residents. It assures residents that public funds are being well managed by their municipal government or it alerts them to problems, such as poor bookkeeping or mismanagement of funds that need to be fixed. Also, audits serve the interests of local residents by ensuring that the city continues to be eligible for state and federal grants that provide needed services and they are not withheld in future years due to poor bookkeeping or mismanagement. It is very important that the Annual Audit (financial, compliance audit) and the Management Letter (evaluation of internal controls) be presented to the people in a public meeting, as well as to the Mayor and City Council.

Feb 22: FINANCE SUMMIT, CITY HALL, 7PM

Discussion of FY2011 Annual Report of the City of Burlington. Vt State Auditor Tom Salmon will make a presentation based on Recommendation #4 of the Audit Task Force Final Report which calls for public information about what an audit is, and is not, and the importance of the auditor's management letter evaluating systems and internal controls. The management letter reports deficiencies and other findings of significance to the city's financial standing. We expect the city's FY11 Annual Audit to be complete, final, and available for public review and open discussion.

All-Resident Voting Rights in Local Elections

When VIVA [Vermont Immigrant Voting Alliance] presented a proposal to invite all residents to vote in local elections (school board members and school budget, city council and city budget, local referendums), our NPA voted unanimously to support the idea. Shortly thereafter, we changed our by-laws to extend our NPA voting rights to all residents of Ward 4.

The idea will be presented to city council as a resolution requesting it be placed on the March 2012 Ballot, as an advisory question:

http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/docs/5780.pdf

Information, contact Vince Brennan

864-0984
vbrennan@ci.burlington.vt.us

Need to change Constitution:
VT Constitution Chapter 2 Article 42

§ 42. Voter's qualifications and oaths

Every person of the full age of eighteen years who is a citizen of the United States, having resided in this State for the period established by the General Assembly and who is of a quiet and peaceable behavior, and will take the following oath or affirmation, shall be entitled to all the privileges of a voter of this state:

You solemnly swear (or affirm) that whenever you give your vote or suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear or favor of any person.

Finance Board, City Council Dec 5: Expanding scope of ANNUAL AUDIT?

At its October 17, 2011 meeting, the City Council adopted a resolution requesting that the Board of Finance considers the pros and cons of broadening the scope of the audit by providing for a greater examination of departments that rely on grant funding, those departments that have had significant deficiencies in past audits, those departments that have outstanding and repeat deficiencies, and all enterprise funds in general; with the Board providing a written response to this resolution outlining the possibility of broadening the scope of the audit and any applicable costs.

Discussion at Finance Board Mtg: http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington-board-finance-16

Report: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/docs/5790.pdf

TAPES OF FINANCE BOARD MEETINGS AVAILABLE CH 17

*BUDGET SUMMIT JUNE 1, Contois, 7-9pm.

Before town meeting, we heard the city needed a tax rate increase (4%), voters turned it down by a wide margin. A smaller increase was proposed (2%), but City Council declined to put it on the ballot. We have to live within the current budget $$$.

Depts were asked to propose cuts, and of course some of what they proposed is a high priority for citizens, so the Finance Board had a tough job. They asked for a list of cuts, $ amt and description, and they asked depts to come in and explain the impacts. No interruption in essential services was the goal set by City Council.

Links to the Finance Board meetings are below. Judge for yourself. Bring questions to *BUDGET SUMMIT, June 1, Contois, 7-9pm, sponsored by All-Wards NPAs. Moderator, Kevin Scully.

04/25/2011 http://www.cctv.org/node/106338 (annoying buzz, but information is so important CCTV decided to make it available.) Leases, Livable Wage, City Arts.

04/27/2011 http://www.cctv.org/node/106340 Review of offsets (cuts, opportunities for increased revenues) for each department.

05/02/2011 http://www.cctv.org/node/106810 Parks, Fire

05/04/2011 http://www.cctv.org/node/106341 Bonds, pooled cash, Parks, Airport, DPW, Enterprise, Special Revenue

05/11/2011 http://www.cctv.org/node/106378 Burlington Telecom, Capitol Budget (street repaving), Retirement Fund.

06/13/2011 http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/docs/4742.pdf AIRPORT FINANCE: Grant Anticipation Notice, Budget discussion

07/23/2011 http://www.cctv.org/node/108858

Comment on Free Press article about the North End

silkmind

8:50 AM on August 23, 2011

I live in The North End, and like it here a lot. I went to the NPA party at the Miller Center, talked with my city councilor about safety at a crosswalk, had a great dinner and met a lot of nice people -- all of them actively contributing to quality of life in our community. A woman who greeted me when I arrived is from Bosnia, I recognized her from my dentist office. She was taking dishes people brought to share, arranging them on the buffet table, welcoming everyone. I sat near a woman who won recognition for flower gardens she has tended on the Avenue for 40 years. A man was recognized for volunteering as a dog park monitor, a couple gave us a visual tour of the farmers' market at the elks club, a woman showed us the infant and child care center she is planning at St. Marks, children from Hunt School showed us their playground gardens, and a developer displayed a sketch plan of a housing project he designed with the neighbors. Area businesses donated door prizes, about 20 in all. Families were there with babies, two kids and their father organized the door prize drawing (wish the city was run so efficiently), a teenager won an hour of computer services, and the guy from the boathouse celebrated his 80th birthday. A woman was recognized who gave her hair to a cancer patient. I love living here, love the old and the new in the North End of Burlington. The local history club had pictures of an old farmhouse that is getting restored, and there were pictures of the original boathouse at the mouth of the Winooski River. We need more picnics like this so we can get to know each other better, work with our councilors to get things done, and celebrate neighborhood life.

Study Club to Review City Finances

The City of Burlington's Board of Finance responsibility is to allocate the city's funds into appropriate departments. More information on the Board's makeup and meeting times and agendas can be found here.

Discussion of increasing scope of audit: Nov. 14, 2011

http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington-board-finance-16

FY 2012 Budget

Agenda

CCTV tape - Burlington Board of Finance 07/11/2011

Pooled Cash Report

Fiscal Year 2012 GO Bonds

GO Refunding Bonds

ATTORNEY: ACA Compensation

Power Resources Positions

Budget Employee Wage Adjustment for 2 Years COLA

Appointment of Interim CAO

Review Council meeting:

Burlington City Council Part 1 07/11/2011

Burlington City Council Part 2 07/11/2011

Review Government Accounting and Audit Symposium:

Vermont Access Network (VAN): Government Accounting & Auditing Symposium, Part 1
Vermont Access Network (VAN): Government Accounting & Auditing Symposium, Part 2

RECALL of Mayor by Citizen Ballot Initiative Petition

Review of RECALL of local officials ordinances state by state: http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=16540

Original wording of resolution presented to City Council: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/docs/4611.pdf

City Council deadlocked, so the resolution is being put on the ballot by Citizen Initiative. Petitions will be circulating, door to door and at community events.

Changes - Citizens thought 20% of registered voters was sufficient to prevent frivolous recall petitions, and agreed to only permit recall is uyears 2 and 3 of a mayoral term, hoping that City Council will propose impeachment by a 2/3 vote of councilors to be used in first year of mayoral term, if necessary.

BUDGET DEFICIT OFFSETS

Mayor and CAO presented the Finance Board with a list of budget deficit offsets in April/May. NPA asks for definitions and impacts. Final list to be reviewed by citizens at Burlington Budget Summit, June 1.

Residents can literally stay tuned to FB meetings now. Tapes are available at Ch17 and on-line, thanks to Phil LaVigne who volunteered his time to tape the meetings for Ch17.

If you want to know what the mayor and CAO offer as alternatives to a tax rate increase, look at the list, watch the meeting, or come to the meetings. If you have better ideas, please attend the Budget Summit on June 1, 7pm in Contois Auditorium.

Residents are urged to invite their councilors to sit with them and put their heads together to ask good questions or make suggestions. NPA meetings in May will focus on budget issues, and we're hoping NPAs will bring insightful questions and brilliant ideas to the Summit.

Spring springs!

It's that time of year, and many people have water in their basements -- more or less, for one reason or another. Neighbors who are concerned about the stormwater/sewer system recently spoke before a Planning and Zoning board about it. Other neighbors spoke who are concerned about visibility at the bike path intersection on North Ave where a high mound obstructs views of both drivers and rec path users, and about the lack of an interconnected sidewalk system in a highly traveled pedestrian area. People from the neighborhoods access the bikepath there, and a family with a child in a wheelchair navigates the area with difficulty. We're working together working with the city to solve these problems that have plagued this area for years.

Update on finishing the space in the Miller Ctr:

Mar. 22,2011: Jen (Parks Dept) is sending out the RFP for the construction manager this week, and the RFP for tenants will go out in about two weeks.

Jen has had a mountain of paper work to finish up from the Phase I project. It seems that when construction was completed on what we now have as a Miller Center, the permits were not closed out and the parking easements were not in place.

The next step is to get the construction manager on board. The RFP closes April 8th, and soon after a manager will be hired to get the construction specifications together and obtain bids for the project. During this period, the tenant RFP will go out and the tenant chosen prior to obtaining bids for work to be done.

When the bids are received for construction, and Parks&R approves the project, then the proposal moves to the city Finance Board and then to City Council. Supposedly both groups are aware of the project and it should be approved by both. Then the funds will be available for construction. Jen is still optimistic that July 1 is a realistic date for completion.

WHAT'S MISSING?

NIN 2009, Survey by Parks

BIKE LANE ONNORTH AVE

PATH CONNECTING CPSMITH AND ETHAN ALLEN PARK TO FRANKLIN SQUARE

MOVIE THEATER

HOME-STYLE BAKERY

MORE FREQUENT BUS SERVICE

COMMUNITY GARDENS AT FLYNN SCHOOL AND NORTHGATE

TRASH CANS

STORM WATER TREATMENT, IT GOES DOWN THE STREET TO THE LAKE

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

RESTAURANT CHOICES

DRESS SHOP

A DINER

MORE EATERIES

GARDEN CENTER

PERMACULTURE LEARNING CENTER

SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES

KAYAK CLUB

BRANCH LIBRARY W/ COMPUTERS, SMALL QUIET ZONE STUDY ROOMS

HEATED PUBLIC POOL

YOGA/PILATES CENTER

DANCE/MUSIC CENTER

WHOLE FOOD MARKET

BIKE RACKS

MINI ELECTRIC CAR SHARES

JOBS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

BLOCK PARTIES 2x A YEAR

ART GALLERIES

DINNER CLUB

ABENAKI CULTURAL CENTER

FRENCH HISTORY CENTER

FARMERS MARKET

MORE BIKE LANES

MORE BUS ROUTES

LOCALLY OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

FULL USE OF NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITY CENTERS

FOOD-COOP

SHUTTLE BUS THAT OFFERS FREQUENT SERVICE

MORE USEOF GREEN SPACE FOR PLAY, GARDENS, PICNICS,

CLOTHING STORE

THRIFT SHOP

TRANSIT SERVICE

MORE WOODED LAND AVAILABLE FOR PASSIVE QUIET RECREATION

CHILD CARE CENTER

NPA FEATURES NNE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Front Porch Forum

What is the economic development plan for the [new] north end? Are our small business entrepreneurs getting a fair share of support from CEDO? We've asked Bruce Seifer to explain services CEDO offers, and bring clients from our own neighborhoods so we can hear their stories, celebrate their successes, and inspire others. The Village at Leddy Park commercial renovation begins soon. It will bring a prosperous up-scale look to a property that has been vacant and derelict for years. Where else would we like to see this happen? We'll brainstorm uses for the vacant theater.

As always, we will have Open Forum for residents, and a time for our elected and officials to get feedback on issues that bare before them today. The only guarantee you have that your ideas will be reflected in discussion is if you come and speak out. City Councilors will be electing a president, a $1.5 mil gap needs to be closed in the budget, the pension fund has been shorted, and while threatening to require residents to plow their own sidewalks, employee hires and non-employee (contractor) compensation continues to rise at a much faster rate than seems reasonable the current economy.

We have newly elected representatives on council and school board, at least one announced (and a second unannounced) mayoral candidates, and board/commission members struggling with failed bond requests (BED), and level tax rate demands (Public Works, Parks, CCTA). The checklist of registered voters is bloated and vulnerable to voter fraud, the city audit is more accurately described as a compilation of disclaimers, and the Neighborhood Planning Assembly is searching among our residents for ideas and solutions that will surface when people are informed and engaged. It's 'town meeting' of the neighborhoods, on the third Tuesday of every month.

OPPORTUNITY TO UPGRADE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO LEDDY PARK

Shopping center upgrades a few years ago following through on the city plan to connect North Ave to Leddy Park via a well lighted sidewalk system, but the pedestrian entrance to the park remains unkept and unwelcoming. Pedestrian can NOT use Leddy Road because there are no sidewalks, no shoulders, cars speed on the road, and it is not safe. Leonard St. neighbors are working to control the speeding problem. NPA has envisioned a welcoming pedestrian gateway between Hannafords and the theater, with a family picnic area opposite the mural and a walking path along the fence connecting to the area with new housing at the ThayerSchool/DMV site. A dog park has been suggested for the area, as well. NPA Steering Committee members have worked with the Parks Dept to prepare a 2011 CDBG grant to add picnic tables and lighting near the mural, with information kiosks and signs on the Avenue and on the bike path. Livable City for Dogs is working on siting dog parks around the city so residents can walk to a park near their home.

Residents city-wide demand fenced play areas for dogs in parks

*Photo of dog tied to post (in hot sun without water) in Oak Ledge Park which has no off-leash exercise/play area for dogs. Wide expanses of beautifully groomed grass and trees, a bocci court for a few humans to use, but no place for dogs.

Livable City for Dogs! is an outcome of NPA Neighborhood Improve Night. The North End dog park is over-used and poorly maintained. Waterfront Dog Park is a failure - inaccessible and shabby. South End has been trying to get a designated Dog Park since 2500 people signed petitions in 1998.

Fenced, safe off-leash play areas in parks throughout the city will benefit all neighborhoods. Dog lovers meet socially to plan strategy. To get on the announcement list: Liveable City for Dogs

Burlingtonians for dogs, a google group.

Study on Early Childhood Ed Investment -- HIGH RATE OF RETURN

Importance of early brain development, birth through 5 yrs. Architecture of brain shaped during this stage. Maria Montessori said if you had to choose between pre-school and college, choose pre-school!

Learn more about this important study:http://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/early-care-and-education-investing-babies-toddlers-and-preschoolers

VT census tells us 71% of children are in care of someone other than their parents.

How the early child brain development influences the rest of life and the impact on society. Why is early ed investment so important. High quality care and education leads to reaching genetic potential.

State needs to provide incentives to child care centers and homes to participate in the Stars program. A revolving loan fund, and grants based on need, would also be a good investment. Budget allotment for child care, shared the way the city senior budget allocation is shared.

Whether to locate childcare in Miller Center is a question our NPA is discussing. Should YMCA Child Care be subsidized by the city like the senior centers are? Should it be housed in the Miller Center like our North End Teen Center is?

How to track permit applications in your area

Planning & Zoning posts permit apps on interactive GIS website:

Projects will only stay on the list while the permit process allows input. When the permit is approved or denied, the project disappears from the list. We have objected to this, as people need information (link to the permit would be best) throughout the construction period. P&Z says just call them, but you have to leave a message, and meanwhile trees may be bring cut down, or a building demolished.

Ward 4 and 7 NPAs have also requested notification of Technical Review, and preview of major impact projects as a requirement of complete application.

NPAs in Action

"NPAs influence public policy in several ways. One way NPAs express their sentiments and concerns about particular issues is in the form of resolutions. These resolutions are distributed to the Mayor, City Councilors and appropriate City departments and commissions, ensuring that elected officials and Department heads know what residents are thinking about particular issues before they make decisions. Neighborhood Planning Assembly resolutions are shared with Steering Committee members of other Neighborhood Planning Assemblies in order to keep each other informed about their opinions on issues or projects of public concern."http://tiny.cc/NPAs

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.

LIVE @ 5:25 caller says NPA doesn't speak for everyone in North End

Open Government Issues

All-Wards NPA Steering Committee will be looking at the Open Government Committee Report to see what has been accomplished in the past year since it was presented at the NPAs in 2009. Others who wish to participate are welcome. Email: 4and7npa@gmail.com .

* OGC Monster List
Steve McIntyre created The Monster List almost entirely from contributions emailed to the committee or discussed during the public forums of the meetings. He combined some of them and discarded duplicates, then organized them ...

NewNorthEnder.com

Larry missed a meeting -- see the evidence below! Go CATS!

PROGRAM TOPICS

Review list of open government issues to see what has been accomplished and what remains to be addressed.

Support Council resolution to require all major developments to make presentation at affected NPA/s.

Free wi-fi access in every city building, provided by BT as a community service in return for $17 mil loan from all taxpayers.

Internet communication technology -- Front Porch Forum, Google Groups, Skype, Jing, Twitter, Blogger, Facebook, etc, How to use the social network to be informed and engaged.

Resolution that the city create a master plan for Leddy Park. Update.

Resolution that dog license fees be dedicated to maintain and create dog parks in the city. Update.

Accessory units create affordable housing and result in inclusionary housing which promotes social equity in our neighborhoods and in our schools. Gradually increases density without changing character of traditional neighborhoods.

Public transit updates, request for more bus service on North Ave.

North Avenue traffic issues, and poor condition of the roads. Grates very dangerous for cyclists. Low lighting on beltline, dangerous.

Signage on the bikepath to direct tourists to services on North Ave.

Leddy Park: Create attractive groomed picnic area next to shopping center, control poison ivy, monitor park and beach, stop stormwater runoff from arena parking lot directly into the lake.

Send ideas/requests to 4and7npa@gmail.com

PARKS ON THE AVENUE

Jan. 27, All -Wards NPA Steering Committees

Miller Center. 7pm
Greg Jenkins, facilitator.

North End NPAs contributed 4 items to the All-Wards Agenda:

1. Feb NPAs, Candidate and Ballot Question Forums, with Ch17. Rob Reiber. *Need Ch17 format to follow when we plan our Candidates' Night, and Rob needs a list of candidate questions from each NPA.

2. NPA review of major development projects -- resolution proposed by Sharon Bushor. *Need full support of NPAs, joint resolution.

3. NPA Open Government Committee, review of master list, what has been accomplished, what remains to be done. *Need an All-Wards NPA task force to work on this.

4. Master Plan for Parks. *Need Joint Resolution calling for a master plan for parks, modeled on Ward 4/7 resolution.

Steering Committee Seeks a Few Good People

Look around your neighborhood and find someone who you would like to have on the steering committee of the Neighborhood Planning Assembly. We plan the programs, and follow a charge established by the City Council when Bill Aswad was on the Planning Commission. Bill suggested that neighborhoods should have a say in planning, and ever since, we've been meeting monthly. Our output is only as representative as our input, so between now and March 16 we are seeking collaborative, creative, outspoken, nosey neighbors to guide the North End NPA in the coming year/s. (Nosey neighbors know what's going on in the neighborhood.)

To nominate someone, contact any NPA steering committee member, call Lea at 658-1908, or email 4and7npa@gmail.com .

Questions for Candidates Forum Feb16.2010

To propose a question: 4and7npa@gmail.com

1. Should increased bus service in the North End be a priority for CCTA, with a new stop, for example, at the Miller Center?

2. What is your vision for the North End Neighborhood Activity Centers, for example the one including and surrounding ThayerSchool/DMV, Ethan Allen Shopping Center, Leddy Park, Harrington Park, and Ethan Allen Residence?

3. How would you resolve the winter bike path plowing issue in a win-win manner?

4. Will you support and promote a resolution calling for NPA review of major development projects, early in the process when residents' concerns can result in changes in the project?

5. Do you support accessory units in traditional neighborhoods as a way to gradually increase density, provide affordable housing, and preserve the character of our neighborhoods? How important do you think "owner occupancy" is?

6. As a City Councilor, how would you exercise leadership and oversight of city officers, departments, and CEDO to ensure a high level of job performance, transparency, open government, and respect for due process and the public?

7. Will you support public involvement and open review of an emergency plan for Burlington preparedness in case of an accident at Vermont Yankee, a pandemic, or a natural catastrophe?

8. What is your vision of growth in Burlington? How large (population) should Burlington be? How high? How fast should growth occur, and where should the growth areas be?

9. How can economic development be encouraged, while keeping Burlington a livable residential city with the historic beauty and scale that makes our city unique?

10. How would you encourage greater civic participation by residents, inspire higher voter turnout at elections, and encourage volunteerism on community boards and commissions?

11. How can Burlington address the high percentage of non-profit housing and institutional real estate in the city, with the property tax-payer base shrinking all the time?

12. Will you attend your NPAs faithfully, and invite residents to share their ideas and concerns with you?

Community Garden Celebrates the Mural

While artists sprayed a mural, others created a garden in the dirt. Plants were donated to fill an area along the fence with splashes of color. Mr. Hauke cleared the area for us. Parks Dept cut the grass and brush on the park side of the fence. Sam Mazza's daughters cleared out their greenhouse for the garden, Gardener's Supply donated flats of perennials, and there were donations from residents' gardens, too. We now have a community picnic space where people can relax and enjoy the mural. Photos and info on Facebook: NE Mural Project.

Steering Committee Plans Neighborhood Improvement Month

Our Steering Committee meets Thursday, Sept 3, Miller Center at 7 pm. We will fine-tune our Sept. 22 Neighborhood Improvement (NI) Night agenda, discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) process, and review the month's NI activities.

Steve Norman attended the grant writing training at Center for Community and Neighborhood. Steve and Larry Solt represent us at a meeting of the city youth coalition. The NPA Youth Committee wants to support year-round teen drop-in activities at the Miller Center. We've got a list of other NI ideas for discussion, like full build-out of our NAC, and linking our NAC to the bikepath and Avenue of Parks with signage and maps. Linda Deliduka and Ann Burke, Ward 4 and 7 reps to the CDBG board, will go over the CDBG criteria/process with us and we'll form a committee to work on grants -- deadline is Dec 18.

We kicked off NI Month with a community mural and garden behind the vacant theater adjacent to Leddy Park. When the city keeps the grass mowed, there's a nice family picnic area between the mural and the squash and tennis courts.

Other NI projects include Senior Housing at the Thayer/DMV property (NPA senior housing advisory group meets on Sept 29), a resolution opposing disc golf in Leddy Park, request for a master plan for Leddy Park to protect the walking trails and passive recreation areas, and future uses for the vacant theater in the "shopping park." Parks on the Avenue -- can you name them all?

Steering Committee has openings

NOTE: There are openings for volunteers on the steering committee, both in ward 4 and ward 7.

~if you are committed to improving communication between City government and the neighborhoods;

~if you are interested in serving on a city board or commission, or are thinking of running for office;

~if you follow city issues and have ideas you want to share;

~if you like the tradition of the Vermont Town Meeting;

~and if you keep your ear to the ground and know your neighbors interests and concerns -- the Steering Committee wants you! Contact 4and7npa@gmail.com anytime!

AUGUST NPA COOK-OUT -- Third Thursday August 21, 6:45 pm. Heineberg Center.

There were only two agenda items in August -- good food and good neighbor awards -- with LOTS of both!

Thanks to local businesses that generously contributed to the event.

Hannafords
Sam Mazza
Phoung's Kithen
Ladies Workout Express
Body Le Bronze
Essential Nail
Ace Hardware
Papa G's
Josh Minor, dog walker
Martha Tormey, BIG HELP
Ethan Allen Citgo
Key Bank
Chittenden Bank
Cruz Insurance Agency
Antonicci's Barber Shop
Ben & Jerry's
North Avenue Mobile
Vermont Dental Care
BED
CCTA
The Bagel Cafe
The Bistro
City Market
Chappell's Florist
Messier Shell
Salon Capri
Aaron's
Video World
Bessery's Market
Merola's Market
UPS Store
Beansie's Bus
Pampered Pet
Dr. Weber, chiropractor

Special thanks to organizers and cooks:
Greg Jenkins
Alan Sousie
Jon Flint
Chuck Seleen
Linda Deliduka

And, THANKS to the Heineberg Center for their hospitality and the use of their outdoor grill.

And, THANKS to the clean-up crew:
Janet Patterson
Linda Deliduka
Alan Sousie
Sandy Gazo

like a town meeting...

NPA is like a town-meeting for the neighborhoods, and has the potential to support a community of informed, engaged citizens. With budget crisis in the city, development pressure on the NNE, new plans for the Moran Plant and the Armory, school redistricting issues, etc., the need-to-know factor is rising. NPA is a good channel for input to city government, and for information from city government and others, and many more people access the process through community television.

We have one meeting a month, not including December, June, July and August. So, 8 meetings per year. Each meeting is 2 hours, gavel to gavel. Starting in November, the location is the Heineberg Community Center.

For the flavor of NPA, also check these other websites:

Your NPA [to the tune of YMCA, by the Village People]

http://www.stinalisa.com/YMCA.html

Neighbor, there’s no need to feel down
We say, Neighbor, get ideas off the ground
We say, Neighbor, if you're in a new town
You just come and get connected.

Neighbor, there’s a place you can go
We say, Neighbor, if you just have to know
You can come here, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time

Come have your say at the N.P.A.
Come have your say at the N.P.A.
They have ideas to make life so good
You can hang out with folks from the hood.

Come have your say at the N.P.A.
Come have your say at the N.P.A.
You can get new ideas, find a good deal
You can say whatever you feel.

Neighbor, are you listening to me
We say, Neighbor, what do you want to see?
We say, Neighbor, you can make real your dreams!
But you've got to know this one thing!

No one does it all by herself
We say, Neighbor, put your blues on the shelf
And just go there, to the N.P.A.
I'm sure that they will make you feel gay.

It’s fun to go to the NPA
It’s fun to play at the NPA
You can learn about things
You can visit with friends
You can hang with all the boys in the hood...

This is a work in progress, help us improve it! and, we're looking for singers to record a PSA!

Today's Zoning Activity Report:
Table	Map