New Rental in South Burlington Available

By Pike | Published: July 9, 2009

“Quiet, sunny, newly renovated 3-bedroom apartment. Excellent location in South Burlington–close to amenities, bus stop, hospital, schools. Large yard, community garden, off-street parking, car port. $1,050/month + utilities (natural gas, electricity). Trash, lawn/snow removal, water included. Washer/dryer hookup, small storage in basement. No smoking/dogs. Cats OK. 1 year lease. Available 7/15/09. For questions or to schedule a viewing, please contact 802-862-8664 or email pgadams@sover.net.

Posted in Rentals | Leave a comment

212 Southfield, Williston Vermont Real Estate For Sale

By Pike | Published: July 9, 2009
Old Stage Estates home for sale in Williston Vermont

Old Stage Estates home for sale in Williston Vermont

Classic home on cul-de-sac adjoining walking and biking trails. Large yard with mature trees. 2nd floor laundry, master bath, vaulted ceilings, deck off the eat-in kitchen, 4 bedrms, 3 baths, dining room, fireplace, mud room, easy access to shopping, highway. There are seveal homes for sale in Old Stage Estate, but you’ll find that this home, not only is well maintained, is also listed at a gret price. I can also arrange viewings of  the 36 and 48 Southfield  homes listed by Lang McLaughry Spera. Showings begin July 16th.

212 Southfield Documents

Posted in Williston Vermont Homes | Leave a comment

Burlington Happnenings 2/23/09

By admin | Published: February 23, 2009

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

Posted in Burlington Happenings | Leave a comment

VAR legislative summary 2/21/09

By admin | Published: February 21, 2009

Legislative Update February 15th – February 21st 2009

Permit Reform

Permit reform remains part of the discussion in Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee. The committee is working on a broad set of economic stimulus ideas, including permit reform. They are especially concerned with making sure federal stimulus dollars are utilized quickly and efficiently. The Committee has been working overtime in an attempt to move this legislation, Once Senate Economic Development does pass the bill out it will likely move to Senate Natural Resources and Energy next.

Clean Energy Assessment Districts (S54) and (H.161)

These are two companion bills one originating in the senate and one in the house both with the same intent. The bills propose to allow towns, cities, and incorporated villages to incur indebtedness or otherwise finance projects relating to renewable energy or energy efficiency undertaken by owners of real property within the boundaries of the municipality.

Both of these bills were discussed in there respective bodies this week. Senate Natural Resources and Energy took testimony of the Senate version, while House Government Operations took up the house version.

The proposal would allow homeowners to receive, in essence, small loans to perform energy efficiency upgrades on there homes, however many issues have arisen surrounding this proposal, and lawmakers are grappling to find alternatives and solutions to try and make this a viable program.

Stormwater fees (H.259)

This legislation will create a new stormwater discharge fee. For a new discharge or an expansion of an existing discharge of stormwater into an impaired watershed this fee would apply. The fee would be $30,000 per acre of impervious surface. The monies garnered from the fee would be used to fund stormwater treatment and control projects.

Town Meeting Week

Next week is Town meeting week. VAR would like to encourage all our members to participate in your town meetings and events, and be sure to vote. The legislature is off for the next two weeks and will not be meeting in Montpelier. This provides for the perfect opportunity to reach out to them and let them know how you feel about the issues. Be a participant, and remember the government that affects us most is local government.

Posted in VAR Legislative Summary | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Burlington Happenings 2/2/09

By admin | Published: February 4, 2009

I.  2009 Local Focus Resource Guide Now Available

II.  Recognize your Neighbors at the  9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success

III.  CEDO to Convene Economic Summit

IV.  Volunteers Create Groomed Ski Trail In Burlington’s Intervale

V.  A Call for Volunteer “Readers”

VI.  GospelFest

VII.  Mayoral Candidates Debate at Ohavi Zedek

VIII.  The Climate Action Project Update:  Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!

IX.  Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time! 

X.  Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information

XI.  Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!

XII.  FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling

XIII.  BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET

XIV.  Save the Dates – Kids on the Block – Vermont has Exciting Events coming up!

XV.  City Positions Available

XVI.  Neighborhood Calendar

* * * * * * NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ * * * * * * * *

I.  2009 Local Focus Resource Guide Now Available

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.  Volunteers Create Groomed Ski Trail In Burlington’s Intervale

Now there’s another reason to get out of the house and get active.  As a demonstration this winter, Local Motion volunteers are grooming Burlington’s Intervale Trail for both classic and skate skiing (weather permitting of course). 
The 2.5-mile trail connects Intervale Compost to Ethan Allen Homestead.  The trail map, snow conditions and more info can we found at www.skiburlington.blogspot.com. 
Parking:     South: Intervale Road by the Tommy Thompson community gardens
    North: Ethan Allen Homestead (first parking lot off the Beltline)
This is a mixed-use trail so please be courteous to all users (walkers, dogs, other skiers).  We’re grooming the trail every other day (snow permitting).  The Intervale is not a resort so don’t expect exquisite conditions, but it is a convenient and fun place to ski!  Please note that all who use the trail are doing so at their own risk. 
Local Motion has raised $2,000 to acquire the used grooming equipment, but another $1,100 is needed to complete the purchase.  Tax-deductible contributions can be made on Local Motion’s website or mailed to Local Motion. To celebrate this new recreational resource, come to “Wintervale Day” – a wintertime introduction to fun in the Intervale on Sunday, Feb. 8th, 10am to 2pm!
*    Free ski & snowshoe demos
*    Hosted by Skirack and Local Motion
*    Weather permitting, check www.skiburlington.blogspot.com for status
*    Directions: Off Riverside Avenue, follow Intervale Road down the hill. 
*    Park at the Intervale Community Farm.
As a demonstration project, we want your feedback.  Send comments to Lisa Coven at Parks & Recreation (lcoven@ci.burlington.vt.us or 863-0420).  If the grooming is well received, we’ll explore expanded operations or maybe other locations next winter.

Thank you to the Skirack, Intervale Center, Burlington Parks & Recreation, Winooski Valley Park District, Intervale Compost, Gardener’s Supply, Catamount Trail Association and the many Intervale farmers for making this project possible.  

More Intervale Trail info can be found at our Trail Finder: www.localmotion.org/trails.  This
grooming project was initiated by members who wanted an in-town skiing option, but we want to remind people about the great outdoor centers in Chittenden County that also have groomed skiing – Catamount Outdoor and Sleepy Hollow!

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V.   A Call for Volunteer “Readers”

On February 11,17 and 19 2009 three Burlington elementary schools (Champlain, Edmunds and Flynn) will participate in a community initiative called Reading to End Racism to support the District wide goal of promoting and valuing diversity. This project creates an opportunity for students to listen to new literature, hear personal stories and join age-appropriate forums to explore and explain racism.

Classroom presentations are led by volunteer “readers” who are solicited throughout the community, all of whom are committed to undoing racism. These “Readers” serve as powerful role models for students, and in the past have included police officers, elected officials, educators, artists, business  professionals, parents and school board members. Entire schools are enlisted in one-day presentations involving all classes, with book readings, personal stories and discussions on ways students can help end racism. Results from Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colorado where thousands of students were offered Reading to End Racism show over 85% believed they had an increased understanding of racism after participating.

This project is a collaborative effort by the Burlington School District, The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and VARAT (The Vermont Anti-Racism Action Team).

Please join us for a community wide volunteer readers training on Thursday evening January 29, 2009 at Burlington School District offices on Colchester Ave. We will meet in the Ira Allen Boardroom from 6 pm to 7:30pm.

For more information about this exciting initiative, or to sign up to be a volunteer reader, please contact:

Denise Dunbar
Chittenden County Council coordinator
Email: Denise.H.Dunbar@uvm.edu
802-578-2062

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VI.  GospelFest

Come and shake off the winter blues and enjoy some of Vermont’s finest musical talents which include the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the New Alpha Children’s Choir, and the Burlington Ecumenical Gospel Choir!

GospelFest, Sunday, February 15, 5pm, The Flynn Center, Burlington, adults $15, children $10. Tickets available at the Flynn Box Office, 802-863-5966, www.flynncenter.org.

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VII.  Mayoral Candidates Debate at 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.

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VIII.  The Climate Action Project Update:  Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!

The Climate Action Plan update team – composed of dozens of residents, business leaders, non-profit representatives, city staff and others – wants to hear from you!  Since September, this team of 8 working groups has collected over a 100 ideas and recommendations on how to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.  

Please take a moment to review this initial work and weigh in with your own ideas, feedback or recommendations by visiting  http://www.cedo.ci.burlington.vt.us/legacy/cap.html .  The success of the final product depends on broad citizen input and participation – so thank you for your time and input!

For additional information on the Climate Action Plan, please contact Sandrine Thibault, Comprehensive City Planner, at sthibault@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7193), or Jennifer Green, co-coordinator of the Burlington Legacy Project at jgreen@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7532). 

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IX.  Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time! 

Burlington’s Neighborhood Planning Assemblies are looking for help from you!  Please take 5 minutes to complete this Neighborhood PLanning Assembly Report Card:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PwTNBtkSkp3ZHYDdFDt42g_3d_3d

Thanks,

Your NPA Steering Committees, Staff and City Council

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X.  Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information

The Burlington Police Department has provided law enforcement services to the Queen City since 1865. Since 1999 we have operated using community policing as our primary methodology. Described succinctly, community policing is a model of community safety in which all members of a community play a role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and self-reliant city.

The role of the police department, in addition to providing emergency response and criminal investigation (key parts of traditional policing), is to foster and facilitate community engagement and partnerships, and to be a foundational player in problem solving initiatives community-wide.

As we approach 2009 and the ten-year anniversary of our contemporary community policing efforts, we believe it is time to assess what strategies have been successful, which require improvement, and what lies ahead for Burlington’s community policing efforts. To that end, with the assistance of an Advisory Board made up of seven representatives from around the City, we have designed a community engagement process that will be deployed in January and February of 2009. 

The primary goals of this process are three-fold. First, we hope to have an opportunity to discuss the future of policing with a sizable number of Burlington residents and businesses. Next, working from a list of ideas about future partnerships, initiatives, and programs we seek to gain the community’s assistance in refining and prioritizing these ideas. Finally, working from the discussions and the ideas we present, we will solicit new ideas from throughout the Burlington community.
 
To obtain meaningful feedback during this process, we will use a variety of strategies, including public forums, focus groups, and surveys.  Meetings are to be held:

February 2 at 6pm
Heineburg Senior Center
Heineburg Road
(North location)

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XI.  Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!

Food Stamp Rules Have Changed

In the past many people could not get food stamps because they had too much savings. Now you can have retirement and education savings accounts and still get the help you need, even if you have been denied before.

The Food Stamp Program is an important federal nutrition program that helps make sure people have enough food to be active and healthy. Households that participate can also receive other benefits like free school meals for your children and phone bill assistance!

For a food stamp application, call 1-800-287-0589 or visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com. For help with your application, dial 2-1-1, free from anywhere in Vermont, and ask to be connected to your nearest Community Action Agency.

If you are a senior, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

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XII.  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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XIII.  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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XIV.  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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XV.  City Positions Available

February 4, 2009
Burlington Telecom
Help Desk Technician
Full Time
$17.60/hr

February 4, 2009
Code Enforcement Office
Case Management Specialist
Full Time
$879.88/wk

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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XVI.  Neighborhood Calendar

Monday, February 2

-Special Meeting of the Public Works Commission
    -To discuss: 2009 Paving Plan
    -9:00a.m., Department of Public Works, 645 Pine Street

-Regular Meeting of the Conservation Board
    -5:30p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall

-Special Meeting of the Disc Golf Committee
    -To discuss: Impact of creating disc golf at Leddy Park
    -6:00p.m., Robert Miller Community and Recreation Center, Gosse Court

-Regular Meeting of the Housing Board of Review
    -7:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue

Tuesday, February 3

-Regular Meeting of the Development Review Board
    -5:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall

-Regular Meeting of the Board of Registration for Voters
    -6:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall

-Special Meeting of the Planning Commission
    -To discuss: Committee Recommendations
    -7:30p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall

Wednesday, February 4

-Special Meeting of the Institutions and Human Resources Policy Committee
    -To discuss: Changes to the Personnel Polices
    -7:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall

Thursday, February 5

Ward 6 Neighborhood Planning Assembly

Friday, February 6

-Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Ordinance Committee
    -1:15p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room, 1st floor of City Hall

For more information, please visit http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/events/

Posted in Burlington Happenings | Tagged , | Leave a comment

VAR legislative summary 2/2/09

By admin | Published: February 4, 2009

 

State Surplus
Lands

 

The Department of Housing and Community Development is
beginning work on two pilot projects where unused state land will be developed
into housing projects.  The department has identified two good locations one in
Berlin and one in Brandon and is working
closely with the towns to meet mutually beneficial goals.  This has the
potential to be a good program where many different goals and interests can be
met, towns get projects they would like, in places that make sense, utilizing
surplus state lands, and adding to the tax base.

 

Permit
Reform

 

The House Natural Resources Committee took up discussion
on Governor Douglas’s permit reform package.  They began what looks to be
lengthy review of the proposal, it is too early to tell what changes the
committee is likely to consider.    

 

H.57

 

House Natural Resources also took up bill H.57 this
week.  This bill would amend Act 250 to provide that rule amendments shall apply
only to permits that have application dates after the effective date of the rule
amendments.  This a bipartisan bill with a dozen co sponsors.  It is likely this
bill will be folded into the Governor’s permit reform
package.

 

S.17

 

Senator Mullen of Rutland introduced a bill to provide a local
option to exempt traditional industrial districts from Act 250 review for
certain projects.  This bill proposes to allow municipalities that have a zoning
administrator and have adopted permanent zoning and subdivision bylaws to
determine by ordinance to exempt from Act 250 the construction of improvements
on one or more tracts of land lying entirely within a traditional industrial
district that was in existence on June 1, 1970 and still exists, whether or not
currently subject to an act 250 project.

Posted in VAR Legislative Summary | Leave a comment

Chittenden County Town agendas 2/2/09

By admin | Published: February 4, 2009

Burlington

        Public
Meeting:  There will be a special meeting of the Planning Commission
on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 PM.  The agenda is below.

                   
I.           
Agenda

                 
II.           
Public Forum – Time Certain (7:35 pm):
The Public Forum is an opportunity for any member of the public to
address the Commission on any relevant issue.

              
III.           
Joint City Council/Planning Commission Committees
Recommendations:  The Commission will continue its discussion of
the recommendations brought forward by the two joint City Council and
Planning Commission committees:

a.       Downtown
Committee

b.       Institutions
Joint Committee

               
IV.           
Adjourn (9:30 p.m.)

 

Charlotte

        Public
Meeting: The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00
PM. 

 

Colchester

        Public
Meeting:  The Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 3 at
7:00 PM.  The agenda is below.

                   
I.           
Call to Order

                 
II.           
Discussion with Town Assessor or Zoning &
Taxes

              
III.           
Minutes of January 20th

               
IV.           
Packet Information

                 
V.           
Adjourn

 

Village of Essex

        Public
Meeting:  The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, February 5 at
7:00 PM.  The agenda is below. 

                   
I.           
Audience for Visitors

                 
II.           
Additions or
Amendments to Agenda

              
III.           
Minutes

a.      
Regular Meeting – January 15, 2008

               
IV.           
Planning Commission Discussion on Open Space

                 
V.           
Public Hearing

a.      
Deliberation of
Preliminary plan for 48 units in a Planned Residential Development at 216 Maple
Street (off Woods End Drive and Kiln Road) in the R-1 District, by Sheppard,
Brogna, Gardner Essex LLC, agent for Patricia Sutliff, Michael Bouffard,
Richard Bouffard and Paul Bouffard, owners.

               
VI.           
Public Meeting

a.      
Conceptual Plan for
conversion of single family dwelling to duplex; construct six additional units
at 4 Park Terrace in the VC District, by Frank and Judy Naef, owners. (Tabled
from January 15, 2009 meeting)

            
VII.           
Adjournment

 

Jericho

        Public
Meeting:  The Planning Commission will hold a second public meeting on
Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 PM to discuss Jericho
Land Use and Development Regulations.

Milton

        Public
Meeting:  The Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 3 at
7:00 PM.  The agenda is below.

                   
I.           
Call to order

                 
II.           
Roll call

              
III.           
Additions to or
deletions from the agenda

               
IV.           
Public forum

                 
V.           
Discussion on
proposed zoning changes

a.      
Clarify section 130
– zoning permit exemptions

b.      
Height limitations
proposal

c.      
Articles II and III
changes

d.      
 Definition
changes

e.      
Boundary line
adjustment changes to zoning district map

f.       
General housekeeping
amendments

               
VI.           
Approval of
minutes – January 27, 2009

            
VII.           
Other business

          
VIII.           
Planning
Director’s Report

               
IX.           
Adjournment

Underhill

        Public Meeting: 
The Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 PM.

Posted in Chittenden County Government Affairs | Leave a comment

LCRCC week 4

By admin | Published: February 4, 2009

There are
fundamental differences of opinion between the Administration and legislative
leaders about the measures that should be taken to address the budgetary,
economic, and revenue issues facing the state. Senators Shumlin (D-Windham Co.) and
Bartlett (D-Lamoille Co.) returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. where they
learned that Vermont stands to receive one billion dollars over the next two
years. They advocate using a portion of these federal funds as a bridge to avoid
state employee layoffs and budget cuts. Governor Douglas has also proposed using
the federal stimulus money to cover the Medicaid deficit, but he also believes
that structural changes and layoffs are needed to address long term
sustainability issues in all of the state’s spending.

 

The Vermont
Senate continues to receive grim news from their fiscal experts about the
state’s unsustainable spending trends. The use of the state’s “rainy
day fund” to fill budget holes in 2010 is being considered. Steve Klein of the
Joint Fiscal Office explained that the fund is used like overdraft protection on
a personal checking account to pay the state’s bills when revenues aren’t
available. The fund currently holds roughly $60 million. Klein explained that
over the next five years, the state is looking at a $1 billion budget deficit
and that it is difficult to know when decreasing revenues will bottom out. If
the Legislature were to use the rainy day funds for fiscal year 2010, it is
possible that the fiscal year 2011 budget could be even worse and there would be
no rainy day funds available. Klein also indicated that the state is expecting
to receive between $175 and $200 million in the Federal stimulus bill for
Vermont’s Medicaid program. He went on to say that those funds will likely help
cover Medicaid budget deficits in FY2009 and 2010, however come FY2011, they
could be faced with a $200 million deficit. He suggested spreading the federal
funding over four years if possible.

 

Tom Kavet, an
economist for the legislature, described the need for structural changes to the
education system to the Senate Appropriations Committee. He questioned
whether we would design the same system that we have today, knowing that
enrollment levels have declined by ten percent but our spending has doubled over
the same time span. He recommended that all options should be on the table
including looking for efficiencies, spending cuts, tax increases and money from
the Federal government.

 

Commissioner
of Labor Pat Moulton Powden visited several committees this week to explain the
Administration’s proposal to fix the state’s rapidly decreasing unemployment
insurance trust fund. The proposal contains several changes to employer
unemployment insurance payments, as well as employee benefits such
as:

• Raise the taxable
base wage from $8,000 to $14,000 in 2010
• Raise the taxable base wage from
$14,000 in 2010 to $20,000 in 2011
• Do not relieve employers that do not
respond within 10 days to the Department’s request for information relating to
the employee’s dismissal from experience rating changes
• Institute a 1% fee
on all charges to reimbursable employers (non-profits, local/state governments,
school districts) to cover part of the cost of administering benefits
•
Reduce the maximum weekly benefit for employees from $425 to $409
• Change
how the weekly benefit amount is calculated from 57% of wages paid to an
employee over the last 5 quarters to 50%
• Changes to: the number of weeks
worked in order to gain benefits, annual benefits paid out, and eligibility for
a person fired for misconduct and gross misconduct

The Federal Stimulus
Package is likely to contain some unemployment insurance funding for states,
many of whom are also experiencing dwindling unemployment insurance trust funds.
The Senate Economic Development Committee heard concerns from Vermont retailers
about the projected increase in rates. The retailers described the numerous
increases in costs (energy, fees, insurance, etc.) their businesses are
experiencing at a time when their business volume is declining.


Several
legislative committees dedicated time to learning more about the workforce
development needs of the state to determine if legislative changes could improve
existing programs. John O’Kane, Chair of the State’s Workforce
Development Council, joined Commissioner Moulton Powden to highlight the success
of various programs and to provide recommendations as to how they could be
improved. According to O’Kane, “Vermont cannot compete on the same level with
Iowa or Ohio in attracting new business to our state via incentives, therefore,
we cannot underestimate the importance of workforce skills and development for
our economic future.” Some recommendations discussed by various committees
included the following:

• Hold a forum to
connect laid-off workers with employers and seed/venture capital and technical
assistance providers to encourage new business start-ups and retain people in
Vermont.
• Retool funding allocations prescribed by statute to allow more
flexibility in the disbursement of workforce training funds.
• Eliminate
financial disincentives for high schools to send students to regional technical
centers.
• Create an educational system focused on the success of every
individual and tailored toward their learning style and interests.
• Work to
reduce poverty and mitigate the impacts of poverty.
• Provide funding and
leadership to develop curriculum for green building/energy efficiency and
weatherization techniques that can be used by technical centers or trainers for
people already in the field.

 

Several
groups representing the tourism and recreation industry appeared before the
Senate Economic Development Committee to describe the importance of this sector
to the State’s economy. Brian Cain, Chair of the Travel and Recreation
Council, described other states’ marketing efforts and investments in promotion
versus the declining amount budgeted for Vermont. He made a case for continuing
to invest in tourism and recreation as visitor spending supports 12% of all jobs
in Vermont and it was one of the few sectors to increase employment and revenues
for the state in 2008. The Committee expressed interest in improving promotional
efforts and asked the Council to come back with additional recommendations as to
how more resources could be dedicated to this sector.

 

GBIC
President Frank Cioffi presented an outline of ideas to stimulate the economy to
the House Commerce Committee. (See Week 2 at
http://www.vermont.org/chamber/legreports.aspx for more details.) He emphasized
the need for coming together as a state to grow our economy and create an
economic development plan that everyone will buy into and work as partners to
accomplish.

 

The House
Natural Resources Committee began a review of the Governor’s Permit Reform Task
Force’s recommendations for changes to streamline the State’s permitting
processes. The Land Use Panel of the Natural Resources Board has also
filed its proposed rules package with the Secretary of State. A public hearing
is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at the Natural Resources Board’s
conference room in Montpelier. The deadline for filing public comment is Friday,
March 6, 2009.

To view the package,
please click here:
http://www.nrb.state.vt.us/rulemaking/act250/act2502009.htm

 

Representative Helen Head (D- So.
Burlington), Co-Chair of the 2008 Basic Needs Budget Technical Advisory Council,
announced the 2008 Livable Wage Rates to the House Democratic Caucus on
Tuesday. The council determined that the average livable wage for a two-person
family with no children is $13.07/hour.

 

Representative Steve Maier (D-
Middlebury), Chair of the House Health Care Committee, provided the House
Democratic Caucus with an overview of issues they expect to focus on this year,
noting that there is no money to spend. He indicated that the Committee
will look at a Massachusetts-style health insurance mandate, though he does not
expect a vote on that issue this year, as well as the Governor’s proposal to
raise deductibles in the Catamount Health Insurance program in order to reduce
premiums. Representative Maier was also asked about the rumor that Vermont might
be one of five states chosen by the Federal government in the Stimulus Bill to
serve as a single-payer health care reform pilot project. He responded that
there are many people working to get Vermont included in the discussion of a
pilot program on health care reform but that he doesn’t expect anything in the
Federal stimulus bill.

Posted in LCRCC & GBIC Legislative Report | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Burlington Happnenings 1/23/09

By admin | Published: January 23, 2009

 
I.  Recognize your Neighbors at the  9th Annual Neighborhood Night of Success

II.  Burlington Economic Summit

III.  Reverse Angle Parking in the Downtown

IV.  GospelFest

V.  IMANI/New Alpha Dinner

VI.  Peace & Justice Center Celebrates 30 years

VII.  The Climate Action Project Update:  Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!

VIII.  Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time! 

IX.  Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information

IX.  Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!

X.  FREE Lead Dust and Soil Sampling

XI.  BURLINGTON WINTER FARMERS MARKET

XII.  City Positions Available

XIII.  Neighborhood Calendar

* * * * * * NEIGHBORHOOD BUZZ * * * * * * * *
 
I.    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.  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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II.    Burlington Economic Summit
 
CEDO and the Micro-Business Alliance invite you to attend The Burlington Economic Summit, to be held on Friday, February 13, 2009 from 8:30-11AM in Contois Auditorium.  The theme of this collaborative session will be “Building A Vision for Our Community’s  Economic Future.”  More details to follow. 

Please confirm your attendance with me, and feel free to share this invitation:
Jon Adams-Kollitz
(802) 865-7187
jadamskollitz@ci.burlington.vt.us

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III.  Reverse Angle Parking in the Downtown
 
What: Public meeting to discuss Reverse Angle Parking
 
When: Thursday, January 29
9 am at the Fletcher Free Library Pickering Room
6 pm in Room 12 of City Hall
 
Why: Reverse angle parking has many benefits, and some challenges. We would like to introduce the concept of reverse angle parking and receive feedback from the community to determine if it should be considered for on-street parking in the downtown area. 
 
If you’re unable to attend, we will post information on reverse angle parking on DPW’s website.

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IV.  GospelFest

Come and shake off the winter blues and enjoy some of Vermont’s finest musical talents which include the New Alpha Missionary Baptist Church Choir, the New Alpha Children’s Choir, and the Burlington Ecumenical Gospel Choir!

GospelFest, Sunday, February 15, 5pm, The Flynn Center, Burlington, adults $15, children $10. Tickets available at the Flynn Box Office, 802-863-5966, www.flynncenter.org.

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V.  IMANI/New Alpha Dinner

IMANI/New Alpha Dinner: January 24 from 6pm – 8pm
Take a break from cooking and eat a homemade Southern dinner! 
Menu includes: BBQ or fried chicken, black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread.

$10/plate  Delivery available as well!
To order your plate, please call IMANI at: 864-2631 or New Alpha Baptist at: 879-0076

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VI.  Peace & Justice Center Celebrates 30 years

On January 30th, the Peace & Justice Center will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary at 7pm, City Hall, Burlington. We will have 30 cakes, some speakers and the Starline Rhythym Boys! Free/donations appreciated. We will have a parade of the 30 cakes down Church St at noon that day. We could use some more volunteers who would like to bake a cake and/or carry one in the parade. Contact Anise at 863-2345 x6.

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VII.  The Climate Action Project Update:  Recommendations and feedback welcomed & encouraged!

The Climate Action Plan update team – composed of dozens of residents, business leaders, non-profit representatives, city staff and others – wants to hear from you!  Since September, this team of 8 working groups has collected over a 100 ideas and recommendations on how to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions.  

Please take a moment to review this initial work and weigh in with your own ideas, feedback or recommendations by visiting  http://www.cedo.ci.burlington.vt.us/legacy/cap.html .  The success of the final product depends on broad citizen input and participation – so thank you for your time and input!

For additional information on the Climate Action Plan, please contact Sandrine Thibault, Comprehensive City Planner, at sthibault@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7193), or Jennifer Green, co-coordinator of the Burlington Legacy Project at jgreen@ci.burlington.vt.us (tel: 865-7532). 

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VIII.  Neighborhood Planning Assembly Survey – There is still time! 

Burlington’s Neighborhood Planning Assemblies are looking for help from you!  Please take 5 minutes to complete this Neighborhood PLanning Assembly Report Card:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=PwTNBtkSkp3ZHYDdFDt42g_3d_3d

Thanks,

Your NPA Steering Committees, Staff and City Council

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IX.  Statement & Invitation to the Community – Community Policing Re-Assessment Process Meeting Information

The Burlington Police Department has provided law enforcement services to the Queen City since 1865. Since 1999 we have operated using community policing as our primary methodology. Described succinctly, community policing is a model of community safety in which all members of a community play a role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and self-reliant city.

The role of the police department, in addition to providing emergency response and criminal investigation (key parts of traditional policing), is to foster and facilitate community engagement and partnerships, and to be a foundational player in problem solving initiatives community-wide.

As we approach 2009 and the ten-year anniversary of our contemporary community policing efforts, we believe it is time to assess what strategies have been successful, which require improvement, and what lies ahead for Burlington’s community policing efforts. To that end, with the assistance of an Advisory Board made up of seven representatives from around the City, we have designed a community engagement process that will be deployed in January and February of 2009. 

The primary goals of this process are three-fold. First, we hope to have an opportunity to discuss the future of policing with a sizable number of Burlington residents and businesses. Next, working from a list of ideas about future partnerships, initiatives, and programs we seek to gain the community’s assistance in refining and prioritizing these ideas. Finally, working from the discussions and the ideas we present, we will solicit new ideas from throughout the Burlington community.
 
To obtain meaningful feedback during this process, we will use a variety of strategies, including public forums, focus groups, and surveys.  Meetings are to be held:

January 28 at 6pm
Greek Orthodox Church
600 South Willard Street
(South location)

February 2 at 6pm
Heineburg Senior Center
Heineburg Road
(North location)

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IX.  Save for Retirement – Save for Your Child’s Education – And Still Get Food Stamps!

Food Stamp Rules Have Changed

In the past many people could not get food stamps because they had too much savings. Now you can have retirement and education savings accounts and still get the help you need, even if you have been denied before.

The Food Stamp Program is an important federal nutrition program that helps make sure people have enough food to be active and healthy. Households that participate can also receive other benefits like free school meals for your children and phone bill assistance!

For a food stamp application, call 1-800-287-0589 or visit www.vermontfoodhelp.com. For help with your application, dial 2-1-1, free from anywhere in Vermont, and ask to be connected to your nearest Community Action Agency.

If you are a senior, call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.

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X.  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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XI.  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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XII.  City Positions Available

February 4, 2009
Burlington Telecom
Help Desk Technician
Full Time
$17.60/hr

February 4, 2009
Code Enforcement Office
Case Management Specialist
Full Time
$879.88/wk

January 30, 2009
Planning and Zoning
Planning and Zoning Clerk
Full Time $17.10/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, January 26

-Special Meeting of the Board of Airport Commissioners
    -To discuss: Monthly Reports, Board Reorganization and Managers Report
    -12:00p.m., Burlington International Airport

-Special Meeting of the Planning Commission-Executive Committee
    To discuss: Status Reports, Committee Updates, and upcoming items
    -4:00p.m., Planning and Zoning Conference Room 1st floor of City Hall

-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

-Special Meeting of the City Council Worksession
    -To discuss: Open Government Transparency Committee Recommendations
    -5:30p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall

-Regular Meeting of the City Council
    -7:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall

-Special Meeting of the Board of Civil Authority
    -To discuss: Request for Review of BTA Decision
    -7:00p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall

Tuesday, January 27

-Regular Meeting of the Burlington City Arts Board of Directors
    -2:00p.m., Firehouse Gallery

-Regular Meeting of the Design Advisory Board
    -3:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall

-Regular Meeting of the Burlington Telecommunications Advisory Committee
    -4:00p.m., Burlington Telecom, 200 Church Street

-Special Meeting of the Police Commissioners
    -To discuss: Personnel Matter and Chief and Chair Reports
    -6:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue

-Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
    -6:30p.m., Contois Auditorium, 2nd floor of City Hall

Wednesday, January 28

-Regular Meeting of the Chittenden County Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners
    -5:00p.m., 15 Industrial Parkway

-Special Meeting of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board
    -To discuss: Public Service Applications
    -6:00p.m., Conference Room 12, 1st floor of City Hall

-Special Meeting of the City Council Ordinance Committee
-To discuss: Fire Ordinances, Zoning Ordinances, and Housing Amendments
-7:00p.m., Burlington Police Department, 1 North Avenue

Posted in Burlington Happenings | Leave a comment

VAR legislative summary week 2

By admin | Published: January 23, 2009

Permit
Reform

 As part of Governor Douglas’s economic stimulus proposal
there is a section devoted to permit reform.  The goals of this proposal include
providing greater predictability, expediency and fairness for applicants; as
well as reduce agency costs and staff time.  The following is a synopsis of what
is being discussed thus far.  Any feed back on these proposals would be
welcomed.

 Expanding General Permit
Uses

The Agency of Natural Resources will undertake a review
of all current permit processes and determine which ones an expanded use of
general permits is applicable.  General permits incorporate standard conditions
that all applicants that must follow (like storm water).

They are also looking into expanding the use of permits
by rule.  These are more often used to regulate a certain class of operation, where
an industry will adopt a rule set in which all applicants must adhere. 
Compliance with the rules is expected, and the agency works on outreach and
training.  Fines and other penalties may be levied for noncompliance.  This
allows for more agency staff to focus on finding the few non
conformers.

Another aspect to general permits under review is self
certification.  The self certification process gives licensed professionals the
ability to submit an application for a project with the implied certification
all statutory requirements have been met.  Compliance is again expected and the
agency will use inspections to monitor projects.  This again frees up agency
staff time to focus on enforcement actions on those in not in
compliance.

 Changing the Relationship between ANR
permits and Act 250 Review.

 Currently ANR permits are frequently challenged during
the Act 250 review process.  ANR routinely defends permits they have granted
during the Act 250 process.  This takes a lot of staff time and energy.  The
proposal would give ANR permits the rebuttable presumption all environmental
criteria has been considered, and the project is in compliance.  This would give
more weight to ANR permits and help applicants avoid redundant hearings on the
same environmental issues.  ANR permits would still be open to appeals in the
Environmental
Court where interested parties can settle
disputes.

 On the Record
Review

Currently an applicant has a hearing with an Act 250
district commission.  The hearing consists of testimony, models of the projects,
scientists’ reports, economic studies; an entire body of evidence is presented. 
If a commission ruling is appealed, the environmental court begins the process
all over, as if the prior hearing did not take place.  Where all the evidence is
again presented, heard, and ruled on.  This places applicants in the position of
completely retrying their case, often at great
expense.

Governor Douglas’s proposal would allow an applicant the
option of requesting an on record review.  This would allow for a very formal
proceeding involving all parties presenting all the evidence once on the
record.  Then any appeals would review the evidence and determine whether the
commissions ruling was lawful and followed state statute, and eliminate the need
to completely retry the case.

Adding Consideration to Public
Benefits during Act 250 Review

The Governor’s proposal would allow for equal weight be
given to additional aspects a development would have on a community.  These
include economic benefits, recreational benefits, social and cultural benefits,
or any other benefit a development might bring to a community. This will allow
for a broader scope to be used when balancing between environmental impacts, and
benefits a development might bring to a given
community.

Posted in VAR Legislative Summary | Leave a comment