Here is your Neighborhood BUZZ for the week of February 23rd (and a bit for this weekend, check it out!)
I. Find Local Resources in 2009: Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating and More
II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
III. CEDO to Convene Economic Summit
IV. BURLINGTON DOG LICENSE REMINDER
V. Tips and Things to Know about Town Meeting Day in Burlington
VI. Mayoral Candidates Debates – More Will Be Added as Information Comes In
VII. DREAM is hiring!
VIII. Burlington Area Community Gardens Registrations Now Available
IX. FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling
X. BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
XI. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
XII. City Positions Available
XIII. Neighborhood Calendar
* * * * * * NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ * * * * * * * *
I. Find Local Resources in 2009: Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating and More
CEDO’s Center for Community & Neighborhoods (CCAN) has produced a resource guide full of money saving tips for you and your family. Information includes Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating & Housing Resources and much more: http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/ccan_local_focus.htm
II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
Recognize a neighbor you admire by making a nomination for a Neighborhood Leader Award to be given at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success. This annual event honors the people that make Burlington a great place to live, work and play.
Neighborhood Night of Success
Community Dinner & Awards
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
5:30pm-7:00pm
Nominations of persons, groups and businesses are welcomed. Due by March 6th!
E-mail, call or write the following information:
-Your Name & Contact info
-Nominee Name & Contact Info
-Description of nominee making Burlington a better place to live, work and play.
Send to: Ita Meno
125 College St, 2nd Floor
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 865-7172
imeno@ci.burlington.vt.us
CEDO and the Micro-Business Alliance will hold an Economic Summit in the Contois Auditorium, Burlington City Hall on February 13, 2009 from 8:30 – 11AM. “Building A Vision for Our Community’s Economic Future” will be the theme of this collaborative session.
The City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) and the Micro Business Alliance have hosted three meetings since early December 2008, with focused discussions on commercial lending, economic development and workforce training. With the success and collaborative spirit of these recent gatherings, CEDO seeks to broaden the scope, soliciting the community’s input on what can be accomplished in five years if the City, citizens, business owners and local organizations work together. This Summit is part of concerted effort by CEDO and the Alliance to be proactive in responding to the economic crisis. “We need to be there for the entrepreneurs,” says Bruce Seifer, CEDO’s Assistant Director for Economic Development. “Many of our local companies have thus far weathered this situation quite well. But for a business to grow, or to get started, entrepreneurs need access to capital, need well-trained employees, and need physical space. We’ve helped many innovative and resilient businesses start or expand during past downturns, and we aim to do an even better job this time out.”
Pre-registration strongly recommended. If you have any questions about the Economic Summit, or would like to pre-register,
please contact:
Jon Adams-Kollitz
jadamskollitz@ci.burlington.vt.us
802.865.7187
All dogs in Burlington, that are over six months old, must be licensed each year before April 1st. To license your pet, come to the Burlington Clerk/Treasurer’s Office at City Hall or send the rabies & spay/neutering info in the mail to 149 Church Street with a self addressed/stamped envelope (with 2 stamps affixed to it to cover postage). Please note below the hours we are open and the licensing fees (we do not take credit/debit cards). You must bring or send proof that the animal has been currently vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine comparable to that required in the State of Vermont. If the dog was licensed last year we may have a valid rabies certificate on file, so you can just mail in the fee payable to the City of Burlington. To receive a reduced licensing fee, you must provide a certificate of sterilization from a licensed veterinarian or it must be indicated on the rabies certificate under sex (i.e. MN=male neutered or FS*=female spayed). Anyone missing the April 1st deadline is charged a late fee (see fee schedule below).
Please call the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office (865-7000) if your dog is no longer with you so that we may update our files.
V. Tips and Things to Know about Town Meeting Day in Burlington
(1) Vote Early or Vote from Home: Voting is easier and more convenient than ever. Call the City Clerk’s office at 865-7000 if you would like to use any of the voting options below. If you prefer voting in person on Election Day and don’t know where to vote, go to http://www.burlingtonvotes.org/ for a map and directions to the City’s polling places.
(2) Vote By Mail: Any voter can request that the city clerk send them a ballot so they can vote by mail. Family members may also request ballots on behalf of spouses, children, or parents. This ballot will arrive with a return envelope so that the ballot, once voted, can be returned to the clerk and counted on Election Day. The clerk must receive the ballot by the close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day in order to be counted. If you forget to mail it in, you can hand deliver your ballot to the polling place on Election Day or bring the blank ballot with you and vote in person.
(3) Vote at Home on Election Day: If you are sick or disabled a ballot can be delivered to your home on Election Day. The deadline to request this assistance is 5 p.m. on the day before the election (March 2nd). Two justices of the peace (of different parties) will deliver a ballot to you, and then will bring the ballot back to the polling place to be counted (on Election Day or the 8 days preceding the election).
(4) Vote Early: A voter may vote in person at City Hall within 20 days of Election Day – March 3, 2009.
(5) Register to Vote or Change Your Address: The deadline to register to vote for Town Meeting Day is February 25th at 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at City Hall, the Department of Motor Vehicles on North Avenue, and most candidates are happy to help
register constituents to vote.
(6) What are the Ballot Items? What would Town Meeting Day be without a pile of ballot items? This year, we’ll be considering everything from our school budget to the airport. Attached is a listing of the 7 ballot items that will appear on the Burlington ballot this March. To read through them, click on the attachment above. For an explanation of the three school items, go to http://www.bsdvt.org/.
(7) Instant Runoff Election: As in 2006, Burlington will use the instant runoff election (IRV) this year for mayor to avoid having to hold a second election in the event no candidate wins a majority (over 50%) of votes.
Here’s how it works:
When you vote for mayor, you choose the candidates in order of your preference (1st choice, 2nd, etc.). If one candidate receives a
majority of first preferences, that candidate is elected. However, if no candidate is the first choice of at least half the voters, the instant runoff re-tabulation will be performed. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. In the next round, every ballot then counts as a single vote for each voter’s preferred candidate who has not been eliminated. If your favorite candidate is still in the running, your ballot counts for that person in this runoff round as well. If your favorite candidate has been eliminated in the runoff, your ballot automatically counts for your next choice. This process of eliminating candidates and re-tabulating the votes continues until just two candidates remain. Whichever of these two finalists has the most votes is the winner.
To get answers to your questions about IRV visit: http://www.burlingtonvotes.org/faq/
Who’s Running? To find out who is a candidate for mayor, city council, school board and inspector of election, visit: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/ct/elections/
VI. Mayoral Candidates Debates – More Will Be Added as Information Comes In
(1) Watch Town Meeting 2009 Election Forums on Channel 17 Candidates, Ballots Items and Budgets to Air in Feburary
Channel 17’s Live Coverage of Town Meeting 2009 election forums begins on Wednesday, Feburary 4th at 5:25PM and runs through February 17th. Viewers can call in and ask questions of candidates for Mayor, City Council, Selectboard and School Board in Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Williston and Winooski. The live election series also covers ballot items before the voters in these communities. The forums will be repeated several times before March 3d Town Meeting and can be viewed online at www.channel17.org. Don’t forget to watch Live Election Results on March 3d at 7:30 p.m. — only on Channel 17.
(2) Ohavi Zedek – Mayoral Candidates Debate
at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue (“O.Z.”)
188 N. Prospect St., Burlington
Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 3 to 5 pm
Note: debate will start promptly at 3 pm.
Moderated by attorney and O.Z. member Mark Kaplan.
The four major candidates for Mayor — Bob Kiss, Andy Montroll, Dan Smith, and Kurt Wright — have accepted an invitation from the Ohavi Zedek congregation to participate in a wide-ranging, two hour mayoral debate. The
debate is open to the public, and we encourage Burlington residents to attend, especially as this debate will be held just a little over one week before the election.
Our format: following brief opening statements, questions will be posed to all candidates, allowing time for each to respond, with brief rebuttals if needed. There will be short closing statements.
Questions on any relevant issues are welcome, and we expect the debate to cover a variety of issues. Questions will be invited from the audience. Index cards will be provided on which questions can be written.
** Child care and light refreshments (cookies/cider) will be available at no charge. RSVP to Laura Merit (lauramerit@comcast.net; 862-2445) if you need child care.
** Those attending are asked to turn off or silence their cellphones on entering.
For any questions about the debate, contact either Laura Merit (see contact information above) or Wayne Senville: wsenville@gmail.com (864-9083). OZ sponsored a similar debate in the 2006 mayoral election.
(3) PEOPLE’S FORUM on the Burlington Mayor’s Race
Tuesday, February 24, 7-9pm
Imani Center, 294 N Winooski Ave, Burlington
This is a forum for working and low-income people, tenants, and youth to help shape the future of our city.
The candidates for mayor will be there to hear about community issues including lead poisoning, jobs and economic recovery,
tenants’ rights, healthcare and transportation.
Got a question you’d like to ask the mayoral candidates?
Log on to workerscenter.org/peoplesforum to send us your question
Sponsored by the Burlington Livable City Coalition – Vermont Workers Center and the Imani Youth and Family Center
More information: (802) 861 2877 or www.workerscenter.org
* PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD BY FORWARDING THIS MESSAGE TO PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED
(4) Burlington Democracy ForAmerica and Green Mountain Daily
Event Date: Feb 26, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue Name: Sapa Coffee and Tea
Address: 9 Center Street
City: Burlington
Potholes. Disc golf. A dome over Burlington. There’s a lot to think about when deciding who should be the next mayor of Burlington and you’ve probably got a lot of questions you want to ask.
Well, if you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers… or, at least, a mayoral candidate forum in which you can ask your questions.
That’s right, Burlington DFA and Green Mountain Daily, Vermont’s finest political blog, are co-hosting a mayoral candidate forum to get you the answers to your question. Three candidates — Bob Kiss, Andy Montroll and Dan Smith — have already confirmed, so we hope to see you there!
7:00 p.m. – Doors open / mix and mingle
7:15 p.m. – Forum question and answer period
8:00 p.m. – Mix and mingle
8:30 p.m. – Wrap up
We have positions open that we’re excited to share with you. Are you seriously motivated? Passionate about making change? Do you love working with young people? We’re looking to hire a team of individuals who are innovative, adventurous, and have a contagious energy for DREAM’s work. We provide a supportive team, amazing opportunities for professional and personal growth, and incredible, life changing experiences. We believe in DREAMing BIG and helping kids in the State of Vermont do the same. Interested? Check out our positions below!
You may apply by sending a letter of interest and your resume to recruit@dreamprogram.org . Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Want to know more about what it is like to work for DREAM? Read our Current Reality.
Check out our website for our Job Openings!
VIII. Burlington Area Community Gardens Registrations Now Available
Spring is right around the corner and now is the time to sign up for a garden plot. Through BACG, you can register for a Full size, Half size, or Novice/Family Friendly garden plot and grow fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers for your enjoyment.
Our newest site opens on Myrtle Street this year! At least 10 Novice/Family Friendly plots will be available.
All 11 community garden sites are equipped with water and most have community tools sheds. In addition, each site (except for no-till areas) is tilled in the spring. Space is limited. Plots are reserved first come first serve. Descriptions of individual sites are available on-line at www.enjoyburlington.com
Full Size plots are $55.00 for the season.
Half size plots are $37.00 for the season.
Youth sized plots are $20.00 for the season.
Registration forms can now be downloaded from our website at www.enjoyburlington.com!
Scholarships are available; please contact Chittenden Community Action Office at 863-6248 for more information.
To register call 863-0420 or stop by the Burlington Parks & Recreation Office, at 645 Pine Street
Imagine a free service where a technician came to your home and tested for the presence of toxic lead paint dust so that you got a clear picture about the safety of your home.
FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling is now available through the City of Burlington’s Lead Program to all Burlington residents. This free service will help parents keep their children safe from lead poisoning by making sure you are aware of potential lead hazards.
Burlington has over 10,000 housing units with lead-based paint hazards. Take advantage of this FREE testing to keep your children safe from the life-long health, social and behavioral problems associated with lead poisoning.
For more information, or to set up an appointment please call Burlington Lead Program at 802-846-0149 or 865-LEAD (5323).
Burlington Winter Farmers’ Market will be held the third Saturday of each month all winter, December through April (February 21, March 21, and April 18).
Fresh eggs, cheeses, wines, maple syrup, veggies and much, much more, straight from local farmers, artists, and bakers. A great place to shop for the Thanksgiving meal or get a start on holiday shopping.
For more information www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org or info@burlingtonfarmersmarket.org.
XI. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
Wednesday, March 18, 5-9pm
Three Tomatoes Trattoria in Burlington, Williston, Rutland and Lebanon
will donate $1 per entree to Kids on the Block-Vermont.
Come enjoy a delicious rustic Italian dinner at any one of their locations. You may see us with the “kids,” so be sure to say “hi!” Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763770 to see a complete listing of menus and locations.
“At Three Tomatoes Trattoria, we take great pride in supporting the local communities that sustain our restaurants. One night each month we host a non-profit organization at our four restaurants and donate $1 per entree ordered to the cause.” – Jed Davis
Saturday, March 21, 7:30-9:30pm
Karen McFeeters CD Release Concert for her new CD “Here and Now,” contempoaray folk and pop music.
Concert Guests include: Carol Abair, Sarah Allerton, Craig Anderson, Peter Engisch, Adam Frehm, John Gibbons, Alec Julien, Colin McCaffrey, Melissa Morrison and Brendon Taylor
McCarthy Arts Center Recital Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT
Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets are $12, available in advance at 802.860.3349 or at the door.
Last year was a near sell out! Get your tickets early!
100% of concert proceeds will support KOBVT’s programs and
10% of all CD sales at the concert will be donated to KOBVT.
Thursday, April 2, 6:00-9:00pm
9th Annual Puppets’ Choice Award
Honoring Vermont author Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson’s literary works for children & young adults include Bridge to Terabithia; Jacob Have I Loved; The Great Gilly Hopkins; Bread and Roses, Too; and many other acclaimed stories.
Please join us for dinner, silent and live auctions, and to honor Ms. Paterson at The Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester.
For more information call 802.860.3349 or email Sarah@KidsontheBlockVermont.org
Keep your eyes open for all the exciting new things happening with
Kids on the Block-Vermont!
In the fall of 2009 we’ll be debuting our new program on Autism Spectrum Disrorders.
Kids on the Block-Vermont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving children in elementary and middle schools throughout Vermont. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep our programs affordable to schools, especially in these hard economic times.
Please consider making a gift to Kids on the Block-Vermont. Your donation will help
educate children on how to keep themselves safe and healthy and to appreciate each other’s
physical and cultural differences.
Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763771 to learn more about our 21 different programs
or how you can help.
Please contact us if you would like to engage Kids on the Block-Vermont for your school or organization
Educating Children Through the Magic of Puppets
Kids on the Block – Vermont
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 860-3349
-Special Meeting of the Board of Finance
-To discuss: Business Matters of the City
-5:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7019
-Regular Meeting of the City Council
-7:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7136
Tuesday, February 24
-Regular Meeting of the Design Advisory Board
-3:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7188
-Regular Meeting of the Burlington Telecommunications Advisory Committee
-4:00p.m., Burlington Telecom, 200 Church Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 846-5013
-Special Meeting of the Cable Advisory Council
-To discuss: Cable Carriage Policy
-4:00p.m., Burlington Telecom, 200 Church Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 860-6473
-Special Meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners
-To discuss: Youth Representative on Commission and Various Reports
-6:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 540-2107
-Special Meeting of the Development Community and Neighbor Revitalization Committee
-To discuss: Results of the Survey held at and for NPAs and other business
-6:00p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7174
Wednesday, February 25
-Special Meeting of the Board of the Burlington Employee Retirement System
-To discuss: Dahab Associates, Retirement Applications, and Ratify Fund
-8:30a.m., Burlington Electric Department, 585 Pine Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7097
-Special Meeting of the Waterfront Marketplace Downtown Advisory Group
-To discuss: Waterfront Access North, Appropriations budget overview, and Transportation Projects and Stimulus
-11:30a.m., Department of Public Works, 645 Pine Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7284
-Regular Meeting of the Chittenden County Transportation Authority
-5:00p.m., 15 Industrial Parkway
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 864-0211
-Regular Meeting of the Chittenden Solid Waste District
-7:00p.m., Williston Police Station Conference Room
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 872-8100
Burlington Happnenings 2/23/09
Here is your Neighborhood BUZZ for the week of February 23rd (and a bit for this weekend, check it out!)
I. Find Local Resources in 2009: Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating and More
II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
III. CEDO to Convene Economic Summit
IV. BURLINGTON DOG LICENSE REMINDER
V. Tips and Things to Know about Town Meeting Day in Burlington
VI. Mayoral Candidates Debates – More Will Be Added as Information Comes In
VII. DREAM is hiring!
VIII. Burlington Area Community Gardens Registrations Now Available
IX. FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling
X. BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
XI. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
XII. City Positions Available
XIII. Neighborhood Calendar
* * * * * * NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ * * * * * * * *
I. Find Local Resources in 2009: Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating and More
CEDO’s Center for Community & Neighborhoods (CCAN) has produced a resource guide full of money saving tips for you and your family. Information includes Free Tax Help, Food Assistance, Heating & Housing Resources and much more: http://www.cedoburlington.org/neighborhoods/ccan_local_focus.htm
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II. Recognize your Neighbors at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success
Recognize a neighbor you admire by making a nomination for a Neighborhood Leader Award to be given at the 9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success. This annual event honors the people that make Burlington a great place to live, work and play.
Neighborhood Night of Success
Community Dinner & Awards
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
5:30pm-7:00pm
Nominations of persons, groups and businesses are welcomed. Due by March 6th!
E-mail, call or write the following information:
-Your Name & Contact info
-Nominee Name & Contact Info
-Description of nominee making Burlington a better place to live, work and play.
Send to: Ita Meno
125 College St, 2nd Floor
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 865-7172
imeno@ci.burlington.vt.us
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III. CEDO to Convene Economic Summit
CEDO and the Micro-Business Alliance will hold an Economic Summit in the Contois Auditorium, Burlington City Hall on February 13, 2009 from 8:30 – 11AM. “Building A Vision for Our Community’s Economic Future” will be the theme of this collaborative session.
The City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) and the Micro Business Alliance have hosted three meetings since early December 2008, with focused discussions on commercial lending, economic development and workforce training. With the success and collaborative spirit of these recent gatherings, CEDO seeks to broaden the scope, soliciting the community’s input on what can be accomplished in five years if the City, citizens, business owners and local organizations work together. This Summit is part of concerted effort by CEDO and the Alliance to be proactive in responding to the economic crisis. “We need to be there for the entrepreneurs,” says Bruce Seifer, CEDO’s Assistant Director for Economic Development. “Many of our local companies have thus far weathered this situation quite well. But for a business to grow, or to get started, entrepreneurs need access to capital, need well-trained employees, and need physical space. We’ve helped many innovative and resilient businesses start or expand during past downturns, and we aim to do an even better job this time out.”
Pre-registration strongly recommended. If you have any questions about the Economic Summit, or would like to pre-register,
please contact:
Jon Adams-Kollitz
jadamskollitz@ci.burlington.vt.us
802.865.7187
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IV. BURLINGTON DOG LICENSE REMINDER
All dogs in Burlington, that are over six months old, must be licensed each year before April 1st. To license your pet, come to the Burlington Clerk/Treasurer’s Office at City Hall or send the rabies & spay/neutering info in the mail to 149 Church Street with a self addressed/stamped envelope (with 2 stamps affixed to it to cover postage). Please note below the hours we are open and the licensing fees (we do not take credit/debit cards). You must bring or send proof that the animal has been currently vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine comparable to that required in the State of Vermont. If the dog was licensed last year we may have a valid rabies certificate on file, so you can just mail in the fee payable to the City of Burlington. To receive a reduced licensing fee, you must provide a certificate of sterilization from a licensed veterinarian or it must be indicated on the rabies certificate under sex (i.e. MN=male neutered or FS*=female spayed). Anyone missing the April 1st deadline is charged a late fee (see fee schedule below).
Please call the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office (865-7000) if your dog is no longer with you so that we may update our files.
Clerk/Treasurer’s Office Hours
Monday – Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fees on or before April 1st
Neutered/Spayed – $26.00
Un-Neutered or Un-Spayed – $46.00
Fees after April 1st
Neutered/Spayed – $28.00
Un-Neutered or Un-Spayed – $48.00
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V. Tips and Things to Know about Town Meeting Day in Burlington
(1) Vote Early or Vote from Home: Voting is easier and more convenient than ever. Call the City Clerk’s office at 865-7000 if you would like to use any of the voting options below. If you prefer voting in person on Election Day and don’t know where to vote, go to http://www.burlingtonvotes.org/ for a map and directions to the City’s polling places.
(2) Vote By Mail: Any voter can request that the city clerk send them a ballot so they can vote by mail. Family members may also request ballots on behalf of spouses, children, or parents. This ballot will arrive with a return envelope so that the ballot, once voted, can be returned to the clerk and counted on Election Day. The clerk must receive the ballot by the close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day in order to be counted. If you forget to mail it in, you can hand deliver your ballot to the polling place on Election Day or bring the blank ballot with you and vote in person.
(3) Vote at Home on Election Day: If you are sick or disabled a ballot can be delivered to your home on Election Day. The deadline to request this assistance is 5 p.m. on the day before the election (March 2nd). Two justices of the peace (of different parties) will deliver a ballot to you, and then will bring the ballot back to the polling place to be counted (on Election Day or the 8 days preceding the election).
(4) Vote Early: A voter may vote in person at City Hall within 20 days of Election Day – March 3, 2009.
(5) Register to Vote or Change Your Address: The deadline to register to vote for Town Meeting Day is February 25th at 5:00 p.m. Applications are available at City Hall, the Department of Motor Vehicles on North Avenue, and most candidates are happy to help
register constituents to vote.
(6) What are the Ballot Items? What would Town Meeting Day be without a pile of ballot items? This year, we’ll be considering everything from our school budget to the airport. Attached is a listing of the 7 ballot items that will appear on the Burlington ballot this March. To read through them, click on the attachment above. For an explanation of the three school items, go to http://www.bsdvt.org/.
(7) Instant Runoff Election: As in 2006, Burlington will use the instant runoff election (IRV) this year for mayor to avoid having to hold a second election in the event no candidate wins a majority (over 50%) of votes.
Here’s how it works:
When you vote for mayor, you choose the candidates in order of your preference (1st choice, 2nd, etc.). If one candidate receives a
majority of first preferences, that candidate is elected. However, if no candidate is the first choice of at least half the voters, the instant runoff re-tabulation will be performed. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. In the next round, every ballot then counts as a single vote for each voter’s preferred candidate who has not been eliminated. If your favorite candidate is still in the running, your ballot counts for that person in this runoff round as well. If your favorite candidate has been eliminated in the runoff, your ballot automatically counts for your next choice. This process of eliminating candidates and re-tabulating the votes continues until just two candidates remain. Whichever of these two finalists has the most votes is the winner.
To get answers to your questions about IRV visit: http://www.burlingtonvotes.org/faq/
Who’s Running? To find out who is a candidate for mayor, city council, school board and inspector of election, visit: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/ct/elections/
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VI. Mayoral Candidates Debates – More Will Be Added as Information Comes In
(1) Watch Town Meeting 2009 Election Forums on Channel 17 Candidates, Ballots Items and Budgets to Air in Feburary
Channel 17’s Live Coverage of Town Meeting 2009 election forums begins on Wednesday, Feburary 4th at 5:25PM and runs through February 17th. Viewers can call in and ask questions of candidates for Mayor, City Council, Selectboard and School Board in Burlington, South Burlington, Essex, Williston and Winooski. The live election series also covers ballot items before the voters in these communities. The forums will be repeated several times before March 3d Town Meeting and can be viewed online at www.channel17.org. Don’t forget to watch Live Election Results on March 3d at 7:30 p.m. — only on Channel 17.
http://www.cctv.org/news/live-town-meeting-election-forums-run-24-217-channel-17
(2) Ohavi Zedek – Mayoral Candidates Debate
at Ohavi Zedek Synagogue (“O.Z.”)
188 N. Prospect St., Burlington
Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 3 to 5 pm
Note: debate will start promptly at 3 pm.
Moderated by attorney and O.Z. member Mark Kaplan.
The four major candidates for Mayor — Bob Kiss, Andy Montroll, Dan Smith, and Kurt Wright — have accepted an invitation from the Ohavi Zedek congregation to participate in a wide-ranging, two hour mayoral debate. The
debate is open to the public, and we encourage Burlington residents to attend, especially as this debate will be held just a little over one week before the election.
Our format: following brief opening statements, questions will be posed to all candidates, allowing time for each to respond, with brief rebuttals if needed. There will be short closing statements.
Questions on any relevant issues are welcome, and we expect the debate to cover a variety of issues. Questions will be invited from the audience. Index cards will be provided on which questions can be written.
** Child care and light refreshments (cookies/cider) will be available at no charge. RSVP to Laura Merit (lauramerit@comcast.net; 862-2445) if you need child care.
** Those attending are asked to turn off or silence their cellphones on entering.
For any questions about the debate, contact either Laura Merit (see contact information above) or Wayne Senville: wsenville@gmail.com (864-9083). OZ sponsored a similar debate in the 2006 mayoral election.
(3) PEOPLE’S FORUM on the Burlington Mayor’s Race
Tuesday, February 24, 7-9pm
Imani Center, 294 N Winooski Ave, Burlington
This is a forum for working and low-income people, tenants, and youth to help shape the future of our city.
The candidates for mayor will be there to hear about community issues including lead poisoning, jobs and economic recovery,
tenants’ rights, healthcare and transportation.
Got a question you’d like to ask the mayoral candidates?
Log on to workerscenter.org/peoplesforum to send us your question
Sponsored by the Burlington Livable City Coalition – Vermont Workers Center and the Imani Youth and Family Center
More information: (802) 861 2877 or www.workerscenter.org
* PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD BY FORWARDING THIS MESSAGE TO PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED
(4) Burlington Democracy ForAmerica and Green Mountain Daily
Event Date: Feb 26, 2009
Event Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue Name: Sapa Coffee and Tea
Address: 9 Center Street
City: Burlington
Potholes. Disc golf. A dome over Burlington. There’s a lot to think about when deciding who should be the next mayor of Burlington and you’ve probably got a lot of questions you want to ask.
Well, if you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers… or, at least, a mayoral candidate forum in which you can ask your questions.
That’s right, Burlington DFA and Green Mountain Daily, Vermont’s finest political blog, are co-hosting a mayoral candidate forum to get you the answers to your question. Three candidates — Bob Kiss, Andy Montroll and Dan Smith — have already confirmed, so we hope to see you there!
7:00 p.m. – Doors open / mix and mingle
7:15 p.m. – Forum question and answer period
8:00 p.m. – Mix and mingle
8:30 p.m. – Wrap up
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VII. DREAM is hiring!
We have positions open that we’re excited to share with you. Are you seriously motivated? Passionate about making change? Do you love working with young people? We’re looking to hire a team of individuals who are innovative, adventurous, and have a contagious energy for DREAM’s work. We provide a supportive team, amazing opportunities for professional and personal growth, and incredible, life changing experiences. We believe in DREAMing BIG and helping kids in the State of Vermont do the same. Interested? Check out our positions below!
You may apply by sending a letter of interest and your resume to recruit@dreamprogram.org . Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Want to know more about what it is like to work for DREAM? Read our Current Reality.
Check out our website for our Job Openings!
http://www.dreamprogram.org/resources/jobs.htm
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VIII. Burlington Area Community Gardens Registrations Now Available
Spring is right around the corner and now is the time to sign up for a garden plot. Through BACG, you can register for a Full size, Half size, or Novice/Family Friendly garden plot and grow fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers for your enjoyment.
Our newest site opens on Myrtle Street this year! At least 10 Novice/Family Friendly plots will be available.
All 11 community garden sites are equipped with water and most have community tools sheds. In addition, each site (except for no-till areas) is tilled in the spring. Space is limited. Plots are reserved first come first serve. Descriptions of individual sites are available on-line at www.enjoyburlington.com
Full Size plots are $55.00 for the season.
Half size plots are $37.00 for the season.
Youth sized plots are $20.00 for the season.
Registration forms can now be downloaded from our website at www.enjoyburlington.com!
Scholarships are available; please contact Chittenden Community Action Office at 863-6248 for more information.
To register call 863-0420 or stop by the Burlington Parks & Recreation Office, at 645 Pine Street
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IX. FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling
Imagine a free service where a technician came to your home and tested for the presence of toxic lead paint dust so that you got a clear picture about the safety of your home.
FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling is now available through the City of Burlington’s Lead Program to all Burlington residents. This free service will help parents keep their children safe from lead poisoning by making sure you are aware of potential lead hazards.
Burlington has over 10,000 housing units with lead-based paint hazards. Take advantage of this FREE testing to keep your children safe from the life-long health, social and behavioral problems associated with lead poisoning.
For more information, or to set up an appointment please call Burlington Lead Program at 802-846-0149 or 865-LEAD (5323).
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X. BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET
Burlington Winter Farmers’ Market will be held the third Saturday of each month all winter, December through April (February 21, March 21, and April 18).
Fresh eggs, cheeses, wines, maple syrup, veggies and much, much more, straight from local farmers, artists, and bakers. A great place to shop for the Thanksgiving meal or get a start on holiday shopping.
For more information www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org or info@burlingtonfarmersmarket.org.
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XI. Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!
Wednesday, March 18, 5-9pm
Three Tomatoes Trattoria in Burlington, Williston, Rutland and Lebanon
will donate $1 per entree to Kids on the Block-Vermont.
Come enjoy a delicious rustic Italian dinner at any one of their locations. You may see us with the “kids,” so be sure to say “hi!” Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763770 to see a complete listing of menus and locations.
“At Three Tomatoes Trattoria, we take great pride in supporting the local communities that sustain our restaurants. One night each month we host a non-profit organization at our four restaurants and donate $1 per entree ordered to the cause.” – Jed Davis
Saturday, March 21, 7:30-9:30pm
Karen McFeeters CD Release Concert for her new CD “Here and Now,” contempoaray folk and pop music.
Concert Guests include: Carol Abair, Sarah Allerton, Craig Anderson, Peter Engisch, Adam Frehm, John Gibbons, Alec Julien, Colin McCaffrey, Melissa Morrison and Brendon Taylor
McCarthy Arts Center Recital Hall, St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT
Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets are $12, available in advance at 802.860.3349 or at the door.
Last year was a near sell out! Get your tickets early!
100% of concert proceeds will support KOBVT’s programs and
10% of all CD sales at the concert will be donated to KOBVT.
Thursday, April 2, 6:00-9:00pm
9th Annual Puppets’ Choice Award
Honoring Vermont author Katherine Paterson
Katherine Paterson’s literary works for children & young adults include Bridge to Terabithia; Jacob Have I Loved; The Great Gilly Hopkins; Bread and Roses, Too; and many other acclaimed stories.
Please join us for dinner, silent and live auctions, and to honor Ms. Paterson at The Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester.
For more information call 802.860.3349 or email Sarah@KidsontheBlockVermont.org
Keep your eyes open for all the exciting new things happening with
Kids on the Block-Vermont!
In the fall of 2009 we’ll be debuting our new program on Autism Spectrum Disrorders.
Kids on the Block-Vermont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving children in elementary and middle schools throughout Vermont. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep our programs affordable to schools, especially in these hard economic times.
Please consider making a gift to Kids on the Block-Vermont. Your donation will help
educate children on how to keep themselves safe and healthy and to appreciate each other’s
physical and cultural differences.
Visit http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763771 to learn more about our 21 different programs
or how you can help.
Please contact us if you would like to engage Kids on the Block-Vermont for your school or organization
Educating Children Through the Magic of Puppets
Kids on the Block – Vermont
294 North Winooski Ave., Suite 125
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 860-3349
http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=259502911&u=2763772
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XII. City Positions Available
March 4, 2009
Public Works Department
Plant Mechanic Water
Full Time
$20.56/hr
March 5, 2009
Community and Economic Development Office
Community Development Specialist (Yes, this is my job)
Full Time
$771.75/wkly
Open
Parks and Recreation Department
Park Planner/Project Manager
Temporary Full Time
$24.00/hr
Open
Burlington Electric Department
Distribution Engineer
Full Time
$57,390/yr – $94,083/yr
DOE
Open
Burlington Electric Department
Senior Distribution Engineer
Full Time
$62,475/yr – $102,418/yr
DOE
Open
Burlington Police Department
Police Officer**
Full Time
$41,503.00 – $49,269.00/yr
DOE
For more information about these and other positions with the City of Burlington, visit: http://www.hrjobs.ci.burlington.vt.us/joblist.html
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XIII. Neighborhood Calendar
Monday, February 23
-Special Meeting of the Board of Finance
-To discuss: Business Matters of the City
-5:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7019
-Regular Meeting of the City Council
-7:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7136
Tuesday, February 24
-Regular Meeting of the Design Advisory Board
-3:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7188
-Regular Meeting of the Burlington Telecommunications Advisory Committee
-4:00p.m., Burlington Telecom, 200 Church Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 846-5013
-Special Meeting of the Cable Advisory Council
-To discuss: Cable Carriage Policy
-4:00p.m., Burlington Telecom, 200 Church Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 860-6473
-Special Meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners
-To discuss: Youth Representative on Commission and Various Reports
-6:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 540-2107
-Special Meeting of the Development Community and Neighbor Revitalization Committee
-To discuss: Results of the Survey held at and for NPAs and other business
-6:00p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7174
Wednesday, February 25
-Special Meeting of the Board of the Burlington Employee Retirement System
-To discuss: Dahab Associates, Retirement Applications, and Ratify Fund
-8:30a.m., Burlington Electric Department, 585 Pine Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7097
-Special Meeting of the Waterfront Marketplace Downtown Advisory Group
-To discuss: Waterfront Access North, Appropriations budget overview, and Transportation Projects and Stimulus
-11:30a.m., Department of Public Works, 645 Pine Street
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 865-7284
-Regular Meeting of the Chittenden County Transportation Authority
-5:00p.m., 15 Industrial Parkway
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 864-0211
-Regular Meeting of the Chittenden Solid Waste District
-7:00p.m., Williston Police Station Conference Room
-For more information about this meeting please call (802) 872-8100