The Other Paper - 03-03-22

City settles lawsuit

E.O. Wilson

Police officer wins $90K in settlement

A bright light in conservation goes out

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the MARCH 3, 2022

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VOLUME 46, NO. 9

Developer sues city over regs Alleges discrimination, taking, seeks injunction AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY STAFF WRITER

Barely a month old and South Burlington’s new land development regulations are already headed to court. Two large landowners in the southeast quadrant, Jeff Davis and Jeff Nick, have sued the city and three city councilors — those who voted in favor of the recently approved regulations — alleging that the amendments outlaw 45 acres of their 113-acre property from development in an “illegal taking” and that the regulations “discriminated against property owner rights.” The South Burlington City Council approved the new regulations in early February by a 3-2 vote after three years of interim zoning, which paused development in most of the city with a few exceptions. The new rules have drawn a mixture of criticism and applause from voices across the community, from college students to business-owners to the city affordable housing committee, sometimes bringing heated discussion into the pages of this newspaper’s letter and opinion sections, onto social media and to public hearings. It has also seemed to be a driving divider in the race for city council this Town Meeting Day, with incumbents supportive of the new regs straining to keep their seats in the face of pro-development challengers. The main problem for Davis and Nick, who work with J.L. Davis Realty and own numerous properties across the state, is habitat blocks, according to their lawsuit,

Linda Bailey, center, braved the cold weather Tuesday to campaign at the polls in her bid for a three-year seat on the city council. She was joined by family and friends throughout the day, such as affordable housing committee member Leslie Black-Plumeau, left.

See REGULATIONS on page 10

See TOWN MEETING DAY on page 10

PHOTO BY AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY

Incumbents defend city council seats School, town budgets pass; fall election will see Senate, House changeover AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY STAFF WRITER

A flurry of snow dusted this year’s Town Meeting Day, leaving the four candidates for city council who braved the weather to campaign at the polls with cold jitters on top of their nerves, as the two incumbent city councilors handily defeated their challengers. Tim Barritt and Meaghan Emery won

decisive votes to keep their seats. “It validates what we’re doing in the city, it validates the land development regulations, and it shows that the people are behind them,” Emery said on Tuesday night after the votes were tallied and she’d won her two-year seat against challenger Chris Trombly, 2,132 to 956. “I feel very gratified and very humbled that the voters place their trust in us. It’s not a small thing,” she said.

Emery has served on South Burlington City Council for eight years. Two years ago, she was almost unseated by Matt Cota, who lost by just 74 votes after a tight recount, but he later won a council seat in 2021. “It’s a real endorsement for our position, especially on the land development regulations,” Barritt added. “I’m looking forward to serving three more years.” (See related

Page 2 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

Police officer wins $90k settlement

Power at the polls

City avoids lawsuit over sexual assault AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY STAFF WRITER

all possible steps in response, the city came to a settlement agreement with the officer for $90,000, a compromise to avoid a formal lawsuit.

Change your shift and take a pay cut. That’s what a South Burlington police officer said her superiors Repeat offender told her in 2018 after she reported This is not the first time Johnfeeling unsafe partnering with an son was accused of sexual assault. officer who had been investigated In 2016, the department for sexual assault. suspended Johnson Unable to take the without pay during an smaller paycheck, she investigation into claims kept the night shift. he sexually assaulted a Just over a year woman while on duty. later, that night shift Former city manager partner, Andrew JohnKevin Dorn and city son — formerly of the council upheld Johnson’s South Burlington Police suspension, but an indeDepartment — sexually pendent three-member assaulted and harassed appeal board later overher, she said. Then it Andrew Johnson turned it and awarded happened again a few Johnson lost pay, letting months later. him return to work. A demand letter and draft The female officer’s 2021 draft complaint against the city sent by complaint alleges that, in 2016, her lawyer in 2021 described the the city “treated the (other) female response that followed as a frag- victim so poorly that she withdrew mented, negligent effort by the city her claim,” and that during the that ultimately shielded Johnson subsequent investigation, several and allowed him to resign with other women came forward with severance instead of protecting the stories of Johnson making inapprophysical, mental and emotional priate sexual advances to them. health of the female officer. Johnson continued working at While the city disagrees, argu- the department. ing that it takes all workplace Just three years later, Johnson harassment seriously and took abruptly resigned following a four-

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F.H. Tuttle Middle School in South Burlington saw a steady stream of voters on Town Meeting Day on March 1.

month paid suspension and second internal investigation, this time into reports made by the most recent accuser. In one incident, she said he approached her from behind, saying, “I could f--- you right here and no one would ever know,” uttered lewd and violent language, and physically assaulted her. In the second investigation, a third-party found Johnson’s behavior to reflect a “pattern of unacceptable behavior,” according to previous reporting by The Other Paper. However, investigators did

not determine whether Johnson’s behavior was criminal, writing that establishing criminal conduct was beyond the scope of their investigation. While Johnson’s assault is at the heart of the female officer’s draft complaint, which also named Dorn as a defendant, the complaint takes issue with how the city handled the situation and further “traumatized” the female officer.

‘Pervasive discrimination’ The female officer’s attorney, Sue Edwards, accused the city of

violating fair employment practices, including ignoring the officer’s requests for protection, denying her certain work assignments, colluding with Johnson to get out of consequences, creating a “hostile work environment” where female officers experienced “pervasive discrimination because of gender” and failing to act on previous sexual assault allegations against Johnson, which opened the door for further harassment. At one point, Edwards wrote that during a more than five-hour interview in the investigation, the female officer “suffered emotionally through the interview to the point of crying most of the time and during a short break she contemplated fleeing the building in order to stop the process of revictimization.” She was not told that a police union attorney was available for her, nor did she have a victim advocate during the interview, according to the letter. In another example, according to Edwards, after Johnson sexually assaulted the officer, she was forced to continue working with him during shift overlaps a couple nights a week. It also alleged that officers, whose names were redacted in the public records request, suggested she “needed to get over” it and that those who had accused Johnson just didn’t get his sense of humor. Dorn, for which the city’s new senior center is named, is called out in the complaint for allegedly ignoring the evidence of sexual assault in the investigation report, failing to notify the Criminal Justice Training Council and permitting Johnson to See SETTLEMENT on page 11

The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 3

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This bobcat was captured on a remote camera near Whales Tails, a short slope up to Interstate 89.

SoBu: tale of two reports DECLAN MCCABE CONTRIBUTOR

South Burlington residents may be familiar with the report prepared by Arrowwood Environmental that ranks open areas in terms of wildlife habitat value. In that report, the Hill Farm property southwest of where Hinesburg Road crosses I-89 is ranked as No. 7. Based on several factors, consultants considered it to be the seventh most important piece of core wildlife habitat remaining in South Burlington. You may also be aware that wildlife biologist Peter Spear wrote a report for Hill Farm Development and reached diametrically opposing conclusions based on 12 full field days on site. The statements in Spear’s report include: • “I have never seen a deer, a red or gray fox, river otter, fisher, or bobcat on the site.” “There is no forested habitat north of I-89.” • “Common sense dictates that vertebrates would avoid the noise, smells, sounds and sights of a four-lane divided highway.” • “Hill Farm is not a movement corridor to the north and never will be.” Spear’s report goes on to paint the woods at Hill Farm as being of little habitat value to species like bobcats because of proximity to homes and cites a Middlebury College report concluding that sensitive species like bobcats are precluded from preserved lands because recreational use of trails essentially drives them away. The Arrowwood report and Spear’s report can’t both be right. Right? By way of a tie breaker, I visited both the Hill Farm site and the small, forested strip that does indeed exist just north of I-89. Within nine full field minutes at the site, I saw bobcat, fox and deer tracks. Although I have tracked mammals for years with my biology students at Saint Michael’s College, I’m a scientist and I wanted some incontrovertible evidence for the presence of the mammals that Arrowwood claimed would use this site and Spear claimed would not. I don’t ask you, my neighbors, to trust my word because of credentials, training or field experience. Instead, I would ask you to consider photographic evidence with an open mind. I installed a trail camera on a tree in the forest strip at the I-89 box culvert north of the

highway on Jan. 30 of this year. This culvert allows a Potash Brook tributary to flow north from the Hill Farm and under I-89. I placed the camera well within the sound, sights and smells of the highway traffic and close to busy neighborhoods. I left it in place for less than two weeks and returned to see what if any mammals happened by. So what did I learn? There are at very least bobcats using the Hill Farm site. In my experience working at several suburban Vermont sites, I believe I will eventually find other species and footprints to confirm they are there. There is forest north of I-89. It’s small, but its existence is undeniable, and it connects across open land to the Muddy Brook corridor, which then connects to the Muddy Brook Natural Area on the Winooski River. Bobcats don’t much care what common sense dictates. Within three days of camera installation, a bobcat entered the highway box culvert from the north traveling south toward the Hill Farm. Two days later a bobcat emerged from the same culvert traveling north; it may or may not be the same one. Not only did this bobcat not avoid the “noise, smells, sounds, sights of a four-lane divided highway,” it traveled directly under I-89. This is unsurprising, at least to me. I have photographed bobcats near the Whale Tails, just a short distance from the strip of forested land in question, and in Centennial Woods, both within feet of I-89. There is a wildlife corridor under I-89 to the north of the Hill Farm property. Interpret the reports as you see fit, but consider that just two weeks of photography with a single trail camera confirm that we do, in fact, have active wildlife in the remnant woodland patches of South Burlington. If we protect these woodlands, we will continue to be a bobcat, fisher and fox town. If we squander these patches the dominant mammals in our town will be rodents that are currently held in check by a diverse population of predators that includes bobcats, red and gray foxes, fishers, mink and coyotes, all of which my students have photographed using trail cameras in South Burlington. Declan McCabe is a biologist at Saint Michael’s College and lives in South Burlington.

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Page 4 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

CRIME & COURTS Fed prosecutors won’t pursue death penalty in drug murder MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

Federal prosecutors in Vermont have taken the death penalty off the table for a reported out-of-state drug dealer charged with gunning down a Lamoille County man two years ago. Taylor Ruffin Herrington, 35, of Philadelphia has pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court to three felony charges, including using a firearm during drug trafficking and causing the death of Michael P. Haines in Jeffersonville in March 2020. U.S. attorney Nikolas “Kolo” Kerest said prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against Herrington, court records show. Chief federal public defender Michael Desautels said in a phone interview this week that he had

questioned whether the shooting case was worthy of even consideration of the death penalty by federal officials. He said Herrington appreciates the threat of the death sentence is now moot. Desautels said the case can now move toward a resolution or a trial after two years. He had said last August in open court that his office had repeatedly tried to resolve the criminal case since at least September 2020, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office had been dragging its feet. Desautels said it was impossible to make a plea offer until the death penalty question was resolved. Prosecutors obtained an expanded indictment for Herrington last November that finally included the death of Haines and added a co-defendant — a former South Burlington resident who was an eyewitness

to the fatal shooting in Lamoille County — as an accessory after the fact. Samantha L. Simms, 34, pleaded not guilty last November to a charge that she knowingly assisted Herrington to hinder and prevent his apprehension, trial and punishment on drug and gun charges, records show. Investigators now believe Herrington had been dealing both heroin and crack cocaine on a regular basis in the Chittenden County region as early as summer 2018. He would bring drugs to Vermont to sell and was assisted in selling them by numerous local addicts, including Haines, court records show. Police said Simms drove Herrington in her truck to and from the Lamoille County home the See DEATH PENALTY on page 11

South Burlington Police Blotter Total incidents: 194 Car crashes (property damage): 19 Alarms: 14 Retail theft: 12 Welfare checks: 10 Public assists: 9 Disturbances: 8 Traffic stops: 7 Unlawful mischief/vandalism: 4 Overdose: 1 Incidents: Feb. 21 at 1:46 a.m., police aided with a mental health issue on Shelburne Road. Feb. 21 at 3:51 p.m., police responded to Al’s French Frys for a reported assault. Feb. 22 at 7:19 a.m., someone late reported a car crash on Shelburne Road. Feb. 22 at 12:12 p.m., police lent assistance with a reported suicide attempt on Shelburne Street. Feb. 22 at 4:01 p.m., an officer checked the wellbeing of a resident on Farrell Street. Feb. 23 at 11:12 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop near Kimball Avenue and Old Farm Road.

Feb. 23 at 5:35 p.m., a car crash causing injuries occurred near Gregory Drive and Williston Road. Feb. 24 at 9:54 a.m., police trespassed someone from Gracey’s Store and Deli. Feb. 24 at 1:46 p.m., police responded to the University Mall for a report of retail theft. Feb. 25 at 10:08 a.m., police responded to Dorset Street for a report of intoxication. Feb. 25 at 4:21 p.m., an officer assisted a motorist on Dorset Street. Feb. 26 at 8:20 p.m., police dealt with a traffic hazard in Williston Road. Feb. 26 at 9:48 p.m., a missing person was reported from Market Street. Feb. 27 at 3:58 p.m., a car crash causing property damage, but no injuries occurred on Allen Road. Feb. 27 at 8:11 p.m., police responded to Williston Road for a report of larceny. Feb. 28 at 12:20 a.m., police responded to Cottage Grove See BLOTTER on page 11

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The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 5

OPINION Legislature looks to plug loophole on surprise costs for medical care tax exemption to improve on changes we made three years ago. Anyone living exclusiveRep. Ann Pugh ly on Social Security already receives these benefits tax free, As you read this, the Legisbut this bill will allow moderlature is on its town meeting recess, and we are approximately ate-income seniors to use their half-way through the 2022 legis- payments for food and other living expenses. As of early lative session. March, this bill is When we return being considered by March 8, policy the Senate. committees will have Health care is one week to vote expensive enough, potential legislation so being confronted out of committee. This with an unexpected process then allows charge is a shock. the other body time The House passed to do its own analyH.489 to ensure sis and debate. The state compliance and House Committee enforcement of the on Human Services federal No Surprises will be completing its Ann Pugh Act. That law addresswork on bills focused Vermont House of Representatives es situations in which on the developmental District 7-2 patients receive an disabilities system of unexpected medical care, responses to both bill, also known as a the opioid settlement balance bill, when they unknowand the increasing number ingly receive care from providers of deaths, and improving the that do not participate in their system of support for families living in deep poverty to become health plan and therefore are out-of-network. work ready. Future articles will The insurance provider explore those in detail. denies the claim for payment This column will focus to that provider and the patient on several health and human becomes responsible for the services initiatives that have already passed the House and are entire bill. For example, the patient may go to an in-network awaiting action in the Senate. hospital for knee replacement The federal child tax credit surgery with an in-network puts money directly into the orthopedist but receive a bill wallets and checkbooks of famifrom an out-of-network anesthelies with children. It’s credited with helping people pay rent and siologist. If you have concerns buy food and reducing food inse- about a surprise bill, you should curity by 25 percent. For parents contact the Office of the Health with more income, the credit has Care Advocate (vtlawhelp. org/health) or the Department helped with mortgage payments of Financial Regulation (bit. and credit card, student loan and ly/3sq6qNp) or call them at car debt. Along with the chairs (802) 828-3301. This bill will be of the House committees on taken up by Senate Finance after education and ways and means, the town meeting recess. I co-sponsored a state version of Vermonters have an opporthe child tax credit. tunity to see significant savings H.510 passed the House in on their health insurance costs February and would create a because of extended subsidies payment of $100 a month for under the American Rescue Plan every child age 6 and under and Act. Those directly enrolled in will lift families with young the individual market can roll children out of poverty. It will over to Vermont Health Connect also encourage young families with no change in benefits and to move to Vermont, or to stay gain the advantage of federal in Vermont and thrive. Our laser focus on young families address- subsidies. Between $58 million and $76 es two important goals: reducing million is available to Vermontpoverty for young children and ers in subsidies for plan year meeting our demographic chal2023. Check out the Vermont lenges. Health Connect page to learn The bill also included an more about potential savings. increase in the Social Security

Legislative Update

As we celebrate our local democracy this week, I am keeping the citizens of Ukraine defending their country in my prayers. We need to support democratic values across the world and stand up with truth and solidarity against authoritarianism. We are so lucky to live in Vermont, and I’m honored to be one of your four South Burlington representatives. Rep. Ann Pugh, a Democrat, South Burlington 7-2, chairs the House Committee on Human Services.

Letters to the Editor Sidewalks are a mess in South Burlington To the Editor: I am a resident taxpayer and per my doctor’s orders need to walk every day. However, I cannot do that because city public works does such a sloppy job on our sidewalks after a snowstorm. They don’t plow them; they just smear the snow. They don’t sand or salt them. I cannot count the times I have fallen but thank God I have not had to go to the

hospital. But if do, a lawyer I talked with said we’ll sue the city for carelessness and because of this I am voting no on the budget. Scott Miller South Burlington

Bucknam obfuscates problems of racism To the Editor: There is a great deal of See LETTERS on page 7

Page 6 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

School district addresses enrollment short and long term From the School Board Laura Rowntree Carter Higgins The quality of South Burlington’s schools has long drawn families with school-aged children to our city, and recently this has led to rising enrollment. This puts us in a unique and challenging position compared to many districts statewide, which by and Carter Higgins large have seen decreases in enrollment in recent years. While we are excited to welcome new students, this has also meant confronting the challenges of our schools’ capacity head on. To address current and future facility needs, administrators have been working with demographers, educational designers and, since November, a committee of school board members, teachers, administrators and community members to understand the nature of the strain and assess potential options for short- and long-term solutions. Enrollment concerns are at a critical point at two of the district’s elementary schools, Orchard School and Rick

Marcotte Central School. Although Gertrude Chamberlain School, the town’s third elementary school, has been recently reported to have a slight decline in enrollment, the student enrollment is not so low as to absorb the rising numbers at the other two schools. Currently, at Orchard, there are 441 students. At Rick Marcotte, there are 415. Based on the state’s recommended 85 percent capacity, Laura Rowntree the optimal number of students at Orchard is 350 and 323 at Rick Marcotte. This means that both schools are over-capacity by more than 90 students, or 26 percent and 28 percent, respectively. This influx of students looks like it will continue. According to the October 2021 report done by McKibben Demographic Research, enrollment at all elementary schools is projected to steadily increase throughout the next 10 years. Next school year, Orchard is projected to have 454 students, and by the 2031-2032 school year, that number will rise to 478. Similarly, Rick Marcotte Central School is projected to

have 422 students next year and 471 during the 2031-2032 school year. To mitigate the problems — both short- and long-term — that come with increasing enrollment, the district has begun devising plans to alleviate the crowding. The response has been structured in what superintendent David Young has described as short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures. The short-term response is intended to alleviate space concerns for the remainder of this school year, the medium-term response will provide another interim measure for the next two school years, and the long-term response will be a solution for the coming decade. As for the short-term measures, this spring the school district will install temporary structures on site, what some call mobile trailers. The district, however, is referring to the new structures as flexible space or swing spaces because they offer so many options as to where they can be placed on property and how they can be used, including if the current facilities at Orchard and Rick Marcotte end up undergoing renovation and expansion as the solution to the long-term enrollment issue. These new structures will house office spaces for staff who support student learning in a variety of ways. Staff has often borne the brunt of ever-increasing demands on space within the schools.

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS INVITED

SBBA MEMBER MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16TH • 7:30 AM-9 AM

South Burlington City Hall - 180 Market St.

Meet with City Manager Jessie Baker and the City’s leadership team to discuss: • City Priorities • Planning for COVID Funding • Basic City Functions such as tax collection, impact from COVID, infrastructure problems, new development projects, areas of concern • Update on Search for new Director of Public Works and City Employment as a whole This will be a hybrid meeting. Attend in-person to see the new city building and network with your colleagues, or email sbbabiz@gmail.com to join us virtually. Not a member yet? Join us for networking and dialogue around day-to-day and long-term issues in the South Burlington business community. RSVP to sbbabiz@gmail.com.

Notably, Orchard’s principal What the district’s longhas been sharing an office with term solution ends up being is a behavioral facilitator, who will still the subject of the iterative be among the staff to have a process that administrators and new workspace once the mobile the enrollment committee have structures are up and running. undertaken, and all options Moreover, other rooms at remain subject to discussion, as Orchard have had to be repurany proposed remedy will ultiposed as workspaces, such as the mately be up to the community staff room, which now serves as to endorse. the office of the school’s newly However, as school adminhired Howard Center counselor. istrators have noted, tacking If staff continue to lack on more classrooms or more adequate spaces to work, the offices in the form of high-tech ways in which our children are zero energy modules or sometaught could thing more be negatively permanent does According to the impacted. not provide The next sufficient relief October 2021 report phase of planfor the coming ning for district decades. done by McKibben administrators While and the advisory individual Demographic committee to classrooms address is the Research, enrollment are certainly so-called medineeded, as are um-stage plans, staff spaces at all elementary namely, the to respond to schools is projected enrollment needs staff growth in 2022-2023. proportionate to steadily increase The district is to increasexploring the ing student throughout the next purchase of zero numbers, new energy modules, classrooms and 10 years. which are mobile staff offices structures that alone would would be both energy efficient not alleviate the stress on the and thus cost-effective to operbuildings’ congregate spaces like ate, but also offer state-of-the its gymnasiums, cafeterias and art design features, like climate hallways. Though community control and air filtration, all of members have voiced concerns which make them a far cry from about relying on the prospect the impression many people have of federal and state funding of mobile trailers. sources that do not yet exist for new construction, Young has noted the potential for state funding options mirroring that of Massachusetts in which a major component in determining allocation to schools is enrollment. While enrollment concerns at the elementary level are currently the primary concern, the district has not forgotten about the needs at the middle and high schools. The superintendent continues to acknowledge the work done by the planning firm Dore and Whittier Architects Fostering Business in South Burlington regarding the master planning and visioning for Tuttle and • Networking South Burlington High School, • Advocacy which was at its height in 2019. Recently, the firm concluded • Education a report on the conditions of the • Empowerment elementary schools, which is not • Impact yet publicly available but will be presented at an upcoming school The SBBA is South Burlington’s only board meeting. This report, business organization focused solely too, will be part of the iterative on strengthening business in process hopefully leading to long-term enrollment solutions. South Burlington. We find strength

in numbers, and welcome new member businesses, large and small. For more information, visit www.sbbabiz.com.

Laura Rowntree is a member of the South Burlington School Board. Carter Higgins is the board’s student representative.

The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 7

LETTERS

continued from page 5 confusion in Deborah Bucknam’s guest perspective. (“Good trouble: Vermont must ‘stop racist indoctrination’,” Feb. 24, 2022) In comparing Justice Roger Taney’s opinion on the Dred Scott case of 1857 with the state employee trainings on systemic racism she somehow conflates Taney’s decree that Black people should remain slaves with the trainer’s attempts to teach that slavery was racist, and that the repercussions of enslaving others don’t easily disappear. I did not attend the trainings to which Bucknam refers, but her copious use of ellipses in “quoting” the trainer is rather suspect. Does an ellipsis really justify changing someone’s meaning? Can I say that Deborah Bucknam believes that “Justice Clarence Thomas’s ... monstrous and barbaric ... doctrines ... violate ... Americans?” Probably not, although those are all her own words. The recognition of systemic racism in our society is not an attempt to “shame and denigrate white Vermonters,” any more than teaching about the Holocaust would be an attempt to shame white Vermonters. Antisemitism exists, racism exists, discrimination against LGBTQ people exists. These realities hurt and kill people. To bring them out in the open and to explore the ways in which we

continue to perpetuate them is to heal our society. If those who continue to harbor racist ideologies feel shame in the face of honest exploration, that might ultimately be healing as well. Bucknam expresses concern that “our children are also hearing comparable racist messages in our public schools.” Although she does not name this as critical race theory, obviously as a lawyer she knows that it is not being taught in our schools. Many people do believe that when racism is talked about in the classroom, they are teaching critical race theory. Critical race theory is a legal theory that explores the relationship between racial inequity and the law. It is taught in law schools, not in kindergarten, or sixth grade or 12th grade. Hopefully, what our children are being taught in our public schools is that discrimination based on skin color, poverty level, religion, sex and gender identity is not a good thing. If that relegates me to the “progressive left” that Bucknam fears, I’m OK with that. Bucknam quotes Dr. David Moshman in making her point about the trainings being in violation of the First Amendment. She doesn’t seem to notice that her desire to silence these trainings is also an attempt to limit freedom of speech. To further quote Moshman, “Perhaps academic freedom only protects us as long as we

don’t offend others.” Bucknam has a right to be offended by the idea of systemic racism, but she does not have the right to try and silence those who speak about it. Congressman John Lewis’ phrase “good trouble,” with which he was referring to civil disobedience in the service of civil rights, and all that he stood for in recognizing systemic racism, seems to me to be the antithesis of what Bucknam says and believes. I can’t speak for him, but I strongly suspect he would not have approved of being used in this way. Karin Shearer Hardwick

Rural Vermonters left out of decision-making To the Editor: As our current legislative session proceeds to debate bill after bill that impacts every citizen’s life, an unreported threat to democracy has clearly emerged that nobody seems willing to acknowledge: that only the privileged few are consistently heard in matters of state government. In this day of remote telecommunications, affluent urbanites enjoy stable broadband access with reliable connections that allow them to fully participate in civic discourse — the bedrock

of our society and democracy. Their opinions are easily heard by legislators, and they enjoy the privilege of representation in the state Senate and House, as well as, if not more importantly, in committee meetings prior to any call for votes. Rural Vermonters, however, do not enjoy that same privilege. The lack of broadband infrastructure across the state prohibits many from participating in the most basic of public discussion when it comes to matters of policy, which is the very foundation of our republic. In parts of the countryside where access is available, it’s often unreliable or lacks the necessary bandwidth to adequately run live-conferencing applications such as Zoom or other means of telecommunications. The impact of this geo-economic disparity is that rural citizens of Vermont are left unrepresented when it comes to legislation directly impacting their income, property, day-to-day life and culture. Current bills 316, 201, 281 and 129 are just the most recent examples of privileged urban dwellers enjoying an outsized voice in state politics. H. 316 requires hunters to be in visual and verbal control of their hunting dogs to hunt black bear; S. 281 bans hunting coyotes with dogs; S. 201 bans the use of leg hold traps; and S.129 transfers authori-

ty from the fish and wildlife board to the fish and wildlife department. The kicker here is that these bills have nothing to do with zoning laws, mass transit, industrial sprawl, education or health care but with wildlife management. The very people these policies will impact every day are underrepresented or left out of the policymaking process altogether, while the affluent voice their opinions without any skin in the game. If the policies are poorly designed, they do not suffer the consequences the silenced majority will struggle under. In effect, the state will victimize rural residents twice over by failing to provide the infrastructure that allows them to participate in the full civic life of our communities and state. Regardless of where you stand on the aforementioned bills, equal opportunity to participate in our government is something we can all agree on. It’s about time someone recognized that rural voices are being left out of policy discussions precisely when we need them most. Gone are the days of no taxation without representation; today’s equivalent is no representation without telecommunication. Mike Covey Williamstown Executive director Vermont Traditions Coalition

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South Burlington Youth Baseball & Softball has been providing a safe, healthy way for kids to make friends and stay active for over 40 years. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for ages 5 to 12, best of all T-Ball is now being offered free of charge!

Sign up today at www.sbybs.com • Scholarships available for all league ages • State and local safety and social distancing recommendations are strictly enforced • Your child will improve their game and learn important life skills

The Other Paper • Every Home, Every Business, Every Thursday

Page 8 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

COMMUNITY Calling all Scouts

Community Notes Wheeler hike explores fragmented landscape Have you ever wondered why March is sugaring season in Vermont? Find out at Wheeler Nature Park Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m.-noon, with Drew Shatzer, a Vermont master naturalist, while exploring different forest biomes and discovering what trees do during the closing weeks of winter. See signs of local wildlife and discuss ways the city can accommodate them as they navigate a fragmented landscape. The event includes a community discussion. Shatzer has been a resident of South Burlington for five years and wants to hear what other members of the community have to share about Wheeler Nature Park and how it is being managed. Questions? Contact Ashley Parker at aparker@southburlingtonvt.gov. To register, visit bit. ly/357esC8.

Garden club helps green up interior spaces Theresa Carroll and her husband Mick Levine started Mother Nature’s Helper in 1982. Armed with a degree in forestry and a love of the outdoors, she knew the value of green plants —

they provide beauty, reduce stress and minimize airborne illness. Some plants can also extract harmful substances from the air. On Tuesday, March 22, Carroll offers a talk on interior landscaping, Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington, at 1 p.m., sponsored by the Burlington Garden Club of Vermont.

Harlan Mack exhibits at SoBu public art space “Future Kin,” Vermont artist Harlan Mack’s selected paintings depicting fictitious futures and sculptures, is now on display in the gallery at the South Burlington Public Library and City Hall, 180 Market St. Mack is a rural multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Johnson. He works narratively through painting, sculpture, oral narrative and poetry as well. His narratives are built around a fictitious future that contemplates themes related to life’s experience and pieces of life yet to be arranged. The pieces are primarily gesso and acrylic on tar paper or forged steel sculptures. He has recently shown his work at The Highland Center for the Arts, The Current, Tangshan Delong Steel and Iron Interna-

tional Steel Sculpture Art Festival Laoting, China, and at Jenkins Johnson Gallery in San Francisco. This past year Mack was named on the 10 New England Emerging Artists list by Art New England. The exhibit closes at the end of March. The gallery is open Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday noon-4 p.m. For more information email gallery@southburlingtonvt.gov.

Upcoming blood drives Saturday, March 5, 7:15 a.m.-4 p.m., University Mall, 155 Dorset St., South Burlington. Tuesday, March 8, noon-5 p.m., St. Catherine of Siena, 72 Church St., Shelburne. Friday, March 18, 12:30-6 p.m., United Church of Hinesburg, 10580 Route 116, Hinesburg. Thursday, April 14, 2-7 p.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, Charlotte.

Student milestones Ken Francis of South Burlington graduated from Champlain College with a master’s degree in business administration. Danielle Halliday of South Burlington graduated from Cham-

COURTESY PHOTO

Do you want to start a new adventure? Go kayaking, camping, hiking, rock climbing and more while developing leadership skills and friendships that will last a lifetime? Then take a first step on this journey and check out the open house for South Burlington’s first all-female Scout troop. Meet some of the Scouts, leaders and learn about the program, Sunday, March 7, 6-7:15 p.m., St. John Vianney gym, 160 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington. All young women ages 11 to 17 are welcome. For more information, email sbvtscouts@gmail.com.

plain College with a master’s degree in health care administration. Brenden Provost of South Burlington graduated from Champlain College with a bachelor’s in broadcast media science. Emily Rollo of South Burlington graduated from Champlain College with a bachelor’s in accounting. Adam Backus of South Burl-

Winter Open House Sunday, March 6th 2pm Vermont Commons School GRADES 6-12 | VERMONTCOMMONS.ORG

ington was named to the Champlain College trustees’ list for the fall 2021 semester. He is a business management major. Daniel Wagner of South Burlington was named to the Champlain College president’s list for the fall 2021 semester. Wagner is currently enrolled in filmmaking. The following students from South Burlington have been named to the Champlain College dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester: Mary-Margaret Andrulot, Garrett Brayman, Zlata Cavka, Alyssa Colby, Mohammed Hussein, Matthew Lambert, Kim Le, Najma Maawia, Nathan Ploof and Zane Swift. Ben Deetjen of South Burlington was named to University of Utah’s fall 2021 dean’s list. South Burlington resident Emily Davis was named to dean’s list at Bryant University for fall 2021 semester. Shane Tenney, a senior business administration major from South Burlington, was named to fall 2021 dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College. Allison Buckley, a senior business administration major from South Burlington, was named to fall 2021 dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College. Liam Joseph Clancy of South Burlington graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in neuroscience. Lydia Charbonneau, a junior psychology and elementary education major from South Burlington, was named to fall 2021 dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College.

The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 9

News from South Burlington Public Library ton

180 Market St., South Burling-

802-846-4140 • southburling tonlibrary.org for information about any programming, cancellations or in-person changes. Some events may change from in-person to virtual. Some events require preregistration. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Email sbplinfo@southburlingtonvt.gov.

KIDS & TEENS Art & crafternoons Tuesdays, March 15 and 29, 3-4:30 p.m. From painting to print-making and from collage to sculpture, each crafternoon features a different kind of activity. For kids ages eight and up, or ages six and up with an adult helper. March 15: Cat in the Hat; March 29: star stick mobile.

Dungeons & Dragons Saturdays, March 5 and 19, 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Join experienced dungeon master, Miss Jo, Saturdays at the library and get started on the Shadows of the Moonsea journey. Experience not required to play.

Lego builders Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 3-4:30 p.m. Projects geared to kids ages eight and up, or ages six and up with an adult helper. Each week, builders explore, create and participate in challenges.

Youth advisory board meeting Thursday, March 10, 4-5 p.m. For teenage library lovers to help make decisions about how things run at the library. Looking for new members. Is that you?

Kids’ Book Club Thursdays, March 10 and 31, 4-5 p.m. Kids in kindergarten through second grade and their parents are welcome to join Ms. Natacha for a book club for kids. March title is “Half Magic” by Edward Eager. Preregister.

Friday movie Fridays, March 11 and 25, 3-4:30 p.m. March 11: “The Secret of NIMH. March 25: “Aladdin.”

ADULTS Great decisions: Russian Thursday, March 3, 6-7:30 p.m. Moderated by Bernie Carver,

the discussion invites participants to explore important global issues. Read the article for the month in the briefing book. Zoom only.

Tech help by phone Fridays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 10 a.m.-noon Do you have a new computer or device that you don’t know how to use? Call during dial-in tech help hours for help.

Drop-in crafts for families Friday, March 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Spring wreath craft project. No pre-registration. Materials provided. All ages.

Draw together Tuesday. March 8, 3-4:30 p.m. Wendy Mac’s magically inspiring drawing program in the Katie O’Brien Activity Room. Materials and watercolor paints supplied.

Poetry club Tuesdays, March 8 and 22, 11 a.m.-noon Come share your poetry in a supportive, comfortable setting facilitated by local poet Jodi Girouard.

Obituary Alan R. Elrick Alan R. Elrick, 93, of South Burlington, died at home Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones after a short illness. Alan was a Vermonter to his core, born March 5, 1928, in St. Albans to Lynford and Marion Elrick. His childhood was spent on a farm at St. Albans Bay, providing him with fond memories about which he would reminisce poetically until the end of his life. Though he grew up in the depths of the Great Depression, and money was tight, Alan insisted he never felt deprived and remained thankful for those idyllic early years. He graduated from BFA-St Albans in 1945, and entered the University of Vermont in 1947, where he graduated with a degree in business administration. He eventually returned to school and received a master’s in education from the University of Connecticut, after which he taught at nearby Storrs Grammar School.

Alan R. Elrick

Eventually, Alan found his way to the U.S. Customs Service, where he served as an import specialist for 35 years. In retirement he gave his time to local charities such as the Committee on Temporary Shelter and served a term as president of the First Congregational Church of Burlington, where he was a member for over 40 years. Alan is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda; daughter, Nancy

Bartle of Orange, Conn.; son, Andy Elrick and daughter-in-law, Andrea Maas of Potsdam, N.Y.; three grandchildren, Jonathan Bartle of Milford, Conn., Kristen Bartle of Oxford, Mass., and Bryson Elrick of Potsdam; as well as much-loved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Burlington on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 2 p.m., and will be livestreamed at firstchurchburlington.org. In accordance with Burlington city ordinances, masks and social distancing will be observed. Donations in his memory should be made to University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice Interdisciplinary Team, 110 Prim Road, Colchester VT 05446, or to First Congregational Church of Burlington, 38 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington VT 05401. Arrangements are in care of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, Essex Junction.

Puzzle swap Wednesday, March 16, 2:30-5 p.m. Bring a puzzle you’ve already completed and leave with a new puzzle to put together. Bring any 250-plus-piece general adult puzzle(s) that you would like to trade during the event.

Open mic Wednesday, March 16, 6-7:30 p.m. Performers have eight minutes each to share a song or poem. These can be original works or covers. No microphones at this open mic, just un-amplified voices and instruments.

Drop-in magic: The Gathering Wednesday, March 9, 5:30-7 p.m. For adults and teens ages 12 and up. Never played Commander? Come and learn from local magic enthusiast, Tanner, who has more than 10 years of experience playing Magic: The Gathering.

Morning book group Thursday, March 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. “Simon the Fiddler” by Paulette Jiles. Set at the end of the Civil War, the book is about an itinerant fiddle player, a ragtag band of musicians with whom he travels trying to make a living, and See LIBRARY on page 11

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Page 10 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

TOWN MEETING DAY

It’s a wrap

continued from page 1

story, page 1) Barritt beat challenger Linda Bailey 2,146 to 886. He has served on city council for six years, and in his campaign described himself as an independent swing voice on the council. Now he’s just glad to be eating and thawing out after 12 hours standing outside campaigning. The three school board races were all uncontested. Michelle Boyer will serve a three-year term, Kate Bailey will serve a two-year term and Chelsea Tillinghast will serve the two years remaining of a three-year term. Overall, only about 20 percent of registered voters cast ballots this Town Meeting Day, with close to 1,000 voting absentee.

Yay for budgets Voters OK’d both the $52 million municipal budget — 2,144 to 985 — and the $58 million school budget, despite a heavy turnout against the latter, which passed 1,971 to 1,165. The overall city budget rose a little over 6 percent compared to the current fiscal year, with a tax rate of 46 cents. The average homeowner will pay about $118 more in taxes while the average condo-owner’s tax bill will rise about $79, per estimates from assistant city manager Andrew Bolduc. The school budget, which is about $2.7 million higher than

the current fiscal year, was also approved by voters. For the average homeowner, annual education property taxes are expected to rise about $36, and for the average condo-owner about $24. This is based on district officials’ estimates but some factors in the education funding formula haven’t been set by the state, so taxpayers won’t know for sure how their tax bill will shake out until summer. Last year’s school budget also passed muster, but the previous year voters rejected the budget twice before finally approving a slashed budget as the school year began. Despite the persistence of face masks inside polling locations, this year’s Town Meeting Day felt a little more like the days of yore: more voters headed to polls in person, stopping to chat with or hug friends. Chamberlin fifth graders crowded around a bake sale table heavy with cake pops, baked bread and cookies, while candidates shared hand warmers and sipped on coffee mugs while holding campaign signs and greeting constituents.

AVALON STYLES-ASHLEY PHOTO

South Burlington city councilor Tim Barritt, left, who handily won reelection Tuesday, stood outside for 12 hours at the polls despite the cold.

Looking down the road, November is sure to have a few juicy ballot items for South Burlington voters to consider. Locally, the city is on a short timeline to get voter approval for four public projects, such as

the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 89, which would be funded through tax increment financing. One or more of those projects could appear on a fall ballot. At the state level, Vermonters will vote on Prop 5, which would enshrine the right to an abortion into the state constitution. The amendment, which passed the Senate in 2021 and the House just a few weeks ago, would make Vermont the first state in the nation to guarantee such a right in its

constitution. In another momentous vote, one of the most buzzed about elections in recent state history will come in November as Vermonters decide who next to send to the Senate. This will be the first opening for a Vermont Senate seat since 2006, when Sen. Bernie Sanders — then the state’s sole representative — ran for the open seat and won. Since Sen. Patrick Leahy, president pro tempore of the Senate and its most senior member, announced

his retirement last year, several candidates have already thrown their hats in for the seat. Democratic Rep. Peter Welch, who took over from Sanders in 2006, announced his campaign, and former U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan is seeking the GOP nomination. Some candidates who hope to take over Welch’s open seat in the House include Chittenden County senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, state Senate president pro tempore Becca Balint and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray.

which many in the developer and and geospatial data in a windaffordable housing communi- shield survey. (See related, page 3) ties don’t seem to like much for The lawsuit also attempts to their controversial conservation poke holes in the city’s interim of swaths of natural and wildlife zoning committee work throughareas. out the 2000s, arguing that their Meanwhile, environmental goal was to “strip private propadvocates and erty owners of other supporters their develop“They hired a have described ment rights,” the changwhile randomly consultant that’s es, which also excluding small increase protecproperties from never walked tion for wetlands, conservation and streams, flood“undermining our land. To call plains and more, any legitimate as trail-blazing in environmental something critical the fight against conservation.” climate change. While the habitat without ever “They hired a lawsuit names consultant that’s stepping foot on it is c o u n c i l o r s never walked Tim Barritt, our land. To call Meaghan Emery impossible.” something critical and chair Helen habitat without Riehle, all who — Jeff Nick, plaintiff voted to pass ever stepping foot on it is impossithe new regs, ble,” Nick said, referring to the it is Emery who is singled out as planning commission’s contract having an alleged conflict of interwith an ecological consulting firm, est in her vote and a contributing Arrowwood, which identified the reason why the process to develop habitat blocks via aerial imagery the new rules was fraught.

According to the lawsuit, the University of Vermont had a financial interest in the outcome of the regulations, and since Emery works as a French professor at the school, she should have recused herself. The lawsuit does not name councilor Thomas Chittenden, also a professor at the University of Vermont, as a defendant, nor does it suggest he should have recused himself from similar votes. When asked why Chittenden and councilor Matt Cota, both who voted against the regulations, were not named in the lawsuit, Nick declined to comment. Their parcel at 835 Hinesburg Road is in a different zoning district under the new rules, switching from industrial open space to residential and commercial development. This bumps the maximum number of homes from one per three acres to 6-12 units per one acre, meaning the amount of housing stock in the city could go from 35 to 300-500 in just this district, but Nick argued the amount of commercial opportunity is quite small and wouldn’t be

compatible with what they hoped to build. Davis and Nick are also in the midst of an environmental court appeal with South Burlington over a plan they submitted last fall during interim zoning, in the hopes that it could move forward under the old regulations. City councilors declined their application for an industrial park in the southeast quadrant, triggering their appeal in December to the environmental court. A hearing is scheduled for April. Last fall in front of the city council, Nick said that he felt misled after proposing plans to the planning commission in 2015 that seemed to garner positive responses. His team conducted studies and analyses of the land, he said, but felt inclined to wait until local comprehensive planning was finished in 2016, then regional planning in 2018. “From there we’ve walked into the interim zoning process, which we were quite shocked about. We thought we were heading in the right direction. But things changed

from there,” Nick said at the time. As for their most recent lawsuit, Nick argued that the new regulations contradict regional plans and that not taking advantage of infrastructure in place, like sewer and Wi-Fi, goes against environmental and housing needs. “If you don’t build close to your city center, people are just going to leapfrog into rural areas of Chittenden County,” he said, meaning more cars on the road, longer commutes and more sprawl as services are spread out. The lawsuit names seven counts against the city and three councilors, including illegal taking, violation of due process, violation of the state’s common benefits clause, violation of the equal protection clause, declaratory judgment in that the city lacked authority to seize their property, invalid voting because of conflict of interest and illegal reverse spot zoning. They’re seeking an injunction barring enforcement of South Burlington’s new land development regulations, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.

More votes ahead

REGULATIONS

continued from page 1

The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 11

LIBRARY

continued from page 9

DEATH PENALTY continued from page 4

night of the fatal shooting. Haines, 39, was inside his duplex on Hillside Drive in Jeffersonville when he was fatally shot about 3 a.m. on March 3, 2020. Herrington, who was outside the home, fired into the residence while Haines spoke with state police by phone, a trooper said. Hours after the shooting the Vermont Drug Task Force arrested Simms in Winooski for selling methamphetamines, records show. She was subsequently convicted in that case, but got

a time served sentence and was placed under federal supervision for three years and fined $4,000. During a court hearing in mid-February Judge Christina Reiss sent Simms back to prison for nine months for repeatedly violating her supervised release by failing to appear at least seven substance abuse treatment sessions last summer. At one point, Simms owned and operated Cheltenham Field Stable in Shelburne. She later moved it to Charlotte.

continued from page 2

Settling for compromise The city has a different view on the events, arguing that its personnel policies are up to date and that the correct steps were followed. “The city feels like it responded adequately and swiftly to any allegations that it received and so I think it would do the same thing in the future,” said city attorney Colin McNeil. He said the city is not involved in any outstanding or pending claims regarding this case. A written statement sent by deputy city manager Andrew Bolduc said that “management took all steps possible to keep our employees safe and mitigate any potential harm,” including placing Johnson on leave, hiring independent investigators and negotiating his “separation” from the city. Bolduc added that city management is “incredibly grateful” to all the women who “had the courage to come forward. It is

English conversation circle Mondays, March 14 and 28, noon-1 p.m. English as a Second Language discussion group, facilitated by an experienced instructor Louis Giancola.

through that courage that the city was able to provide a measure of accountability and bring the department forward and ensure this does not happen again,” he wrote in an email. Police chief Shawn Burke deferred to the Bolduc when asked for comment. While the officer sought $900,000, the final number was only 10 percent of what she asked for. Payment of $90,000 to the officer will come from South Burlington’s insurance company, Travelers, once the officer signs a general release holding harmless city officials, agents, officers, councilors, insurers and former officer Johnson, meaning she won’t be able to follow additional litigation regarding these claims. The city pledged to consult the female officer in its process of reviewing personnel policies, including policies related to sexual harassment and assault, but McNeil noted that the timing of review is standard and not in response to the settlement. Since the agreement was made to avoid litigation, the settlement also notes that neither party “makes any admission concerning the strength or weakness of any claim.”

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We are still here Monday, March 14, 6-7:15 p.m. Father and son storytellers and musicians Joseph and Jesse Bruchac of the Nulhegan Abenaki Nation use drum, flute, rattle and vocals to address the continued presence and vibrant cultural heritage of the Wabanaki Nations of Ndakinna.

BLOTTER

continued from page 4 Avenue for a domestic incident. Feb. 28 at 3:52 p.m., officers assisted with a juvenile problem on Dorset Street.

SETTLEMENT

stay on paid leave for four months before resigning without discipline. Dorn did not respond to a request for comment.

the charming young Irish lass who steals his heart. On Zoom.

Arrests: William J. Rock II, 26, of Colchester, was arrested Feb. 27 for domestic assault and violating conditions of release. William C. McDonald, 40, of South Burlington, was arrested Feb. 23 for violat-

ing conditions of release. Tiara D. Washington, 30, of Albany, NY, was arrested Feb. 21 for possession of stolen property (felony), operating a vehicle without owner consent and grand larceny. Susan A. Tucker, 33, of Milton, was arrested Feb. 18 for domestic assault. Devin R. Coolidge, 40, of Burlington, was arrested Jan. 24 for burglary.

Page 12 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to the SOUTH BURLINGTON LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Public Hearing Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 7:00 pm PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM to consider amendments to the Land Development Regulations. The amendments affect all parts of the City unless otherwise specified below. The hearing will be held in person and remotely via Zoom. Participation options: • In Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street • Interactive Online: https://zoom.us/j/99937091885 • Telephone: (929) 205-6099; Meeting ID: 999 3709 1885 The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following: A. LDR-22-01: Establish a General Planned Unit Development Type for new PUDs and amendments to existing PUDs (Article 15.C, Section 3.07) B. LDR-22-02: Establish Site Amenity requirements for new development, expansions, or residential conversions subject to site plan review; add additional allowable Site Amenity types, and allow partial credit to Site Amenity and Civic Space requirements for nearby publicly-accessible civic spaces & parks (Sections 14.06, 15.A.16; Article 11.B) C. LDR-22-03: Augment Site Plan review standards of Relationship of Structures to the Site, and of Relationship of Structures and Site and to Adjoining Area (Section 14.06). D. LDR-22-04: Minor and technical amendments to include: a. Adjust Master Plan applicability for single-user lots (Article 15.C) b. Definitions updates and corrections (Sections 2.02, 8.08) Copies of the proposed amendments are available for inspection at the Department of Planning & Zoning, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 180 Market Street, and on the city website at www.sbvt.gov. Jessica Louisos, Planning Commission Chair March 3, 2022

SALES SUPPORT Full-time position for a customer-service expert, general office support, all-around jack-or-jill-of-all-trades for busy newspaper office. Responsibilities include ad management and traffic flow, working the phones, directing customers, some basic website data entry, and other office-related duties. Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications required. Familiarity with html a bonus. Flexibility and welcoming disposition a must. Send a resume and cover letter to: Stowe Reporter, POB 489, Stowe VT 05672; or leslie@stowereporter.com. No phone calls please.

SPORTS South Burlington teams move into posteasson LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ hockey South Burlington and Colchester faced off in the Division I quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 2, after press time as the No. 4-ranked Lakers and No. 5-ranked Wolves looked to book a spot in the boys’ hockey semifinals. The two teams played at 6 p.m. in Colchester. The winner will face the winner of No. 1 Rice and No. 8 Rutland in the D1 semifinals. Colchester and South Burlington played twice during the regular season, with the Lakers winning both times, 3-2 and 2-0.

Girls’ hockey The South Burlington girls’ hockey team traveled to No. 2 Spaulding on Tuesday, March 1, after The Other Paper went to press to take on the Crimson Tide in the D1 quarterfinals. The Wolves have a 6-13 record and faced Spaulding twice during the regular season. The Crimson Tide handed South Burlington a 10-2 loss in the first meeting and then defeated them again in the final week of the regular season, 4-1. The Wolves won the last two games of the regular season to move up to the No. 7 seed and will look to improve on their late

season push to pull off an upset. The winner will advance to the DI semifinals to face the winner of No. 3 Essex and No. 6 Burlington-Colchester.

Boys’ basketball South Burlington welcomed Colchester Tuesday in the DI basketball playdowns. No. 7 South Burlington and No. 10 Colchester both look to book a spot in the DI quarterfinals against No. 2 Champlain Valley. The Wolves (9-10) beat Colchester in both matchups during the regular season (55-42 and 46-38) but lost the last two games of the regular season heading into the playoffs. If South Burlington can advance, it will play CVU, which beat them in the final game of the regular season 57-50.

Girls’ basketball Burlington 39 (No. 9 seed), South Burlington 31 (No. 8): Burlington went on an 11-0 run in the first quarter and South Burlington could not recover in a loss on Tuesday in the DI girls’ basketball playdown game. Miranda Hayes had 12 points to lead the Wolves, who came back from a 26-11 halftime deficit but could not close the gap all the way. Aleah Staley added eight points. With the loss, South Burlington finishes the season with an 8-13 record.

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The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 13

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified ads are free for South Burlington residents. Ads run for two weeks, as space and time allows. Ads should be 30 words or less.

Call 802-864-6670 with questions or to run a paid ad for Services, Real Estate, For Rent, Employment, Business Opportunities, etc. FREE LUDWIG & CO VINTAGE COUNTRY VICTORIAN PIANO: Upright, mahogany piano and swivel stool in good condition. Serial number is 84609. Easy access to front door. Email wbezio@gmail.com for pictures.

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Beta Air LLC, South Burlington, VT REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or closely related field + 60 months of quality engineering experience w/an ISO 9001 or SAE AS9100 certified manufacturing company. ALSO REQUIRES: Excellent written & verbal communication; attention to detail; bias for action; good analytical skills & logical thinking; excellent problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability w/statistical methods; demonstrated ability w/online ERP system; demonstrated ability w/Microsoft Office or Google word processing, spreadsheets & presentation apps; experience w/blueprint reading including knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T); & experience w/production & assembly of mechanical or electronic equipment & assemblies. 10% travel. To apply, email resume to careers@beta.team.

Shared Living Provider Open your home to someone with an intellectual disability or autism and open a whole world to them, and to you. Working with our team of professionals, you’ll help someone live a safe and fulfilling life at home and in the community. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. A $500 sign on bonus, generous stipend, paid time off, comprehensive training & supports are provided. Plus, CCS has been voted one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for the fourth year in a row. Join us! Contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 ccs-vt.org EOE

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Champlain Community Services just raised their salaries. Significantly. And that’s on top of being a “Best Place to Work In Vermont” for four years running. Great positions in Residential Program Management ($43K) and Direct Support Professionals ($18 per hour) at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities. Plus a $500 sign-on bonus and an incredible benefits package. Make a career making a difference. Apply today at https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/ ccs-vt.org EOE

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Golf Ball Drop and a chance to win prizes depending on where the numbered balls Page • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper land.14Proceeds from ticket sales help fund Rotary’s many projects through the year.

SERVICE DIRECTORY To advertise in the service directory email judy@otherpapersbvt.com or call 802-864-6670

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WHY GO

LOCAL?

Shape the community’s character Vermont Community Newspaper Group

The business next door donates nearly twice as much as big-box stores and online retailers to local non-profits, events and teams.

The Other Paper • March 3, 2022 • Page 15

CROSSWORD

ARIES

LEO

March 21 - April 20 Aries, an exciting relationship may soon develop after you socialize with friends. If you already are involved romantically, someone you meet could be an important ally.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21 Unexpected changes are the name of the game this week, Taurus. This could mean anything from learning a new skill to having to train a new coworker.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21 Gemini, there’s potential to meet someone interesting on a trip you will be taking shortly. Strike up conversations with those around you, as you never know what will happen.

CANCER June 22 - July 22 Cancer, do not be discouraged when something seems like an insurmountable task. You just have to find the right help and then you’ll quickly master the job.

July 23 - Aug. 23 An unexpected phone call or text from someone in your past could come your way soon, Leo. Whatever the news, don’t let it scare you. You’ll do fine.

VIRGO Aug. 24 - Sept. 22 A significant sum of money could be coming your way shortly, Virgo. It may be a bonus or some sort of repayment. Be pleased at the windfall and utilize it wisely.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Libra, an exciting group activity involving a number of your friends is on the horizon. You may be wondering whether to go. Don’t pass up the opportunity.

SCORPIO Oct. 24 - Nov. 22 Exciting prospects and fortunate events seem to be in your orbit, Scorpio. Enjoy this bit of good luck that garners much of your attention and could have further benefits.

SUDOKU Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 21 Sagittarius, are you feeling adventurous lately? Now may be a good time to enter a race or try something daring, like sky diving. Let your instincts guide your decision.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 20 Your mind is attuned to learning new lessons. If time permits, enroll in some college courses or explore trade school offerings. This will enable you to expand your mind.

AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 18 This is a good week to travel or to make the arrangements for it, Aquarius. The journey promises to be an exciting time that you will remember for a while.

PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Pisces, bizarre dreams may invade your comfort levels. Don’t try to analyze their meaning too much, but be aware of symbolism.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Neckwear 7. Fish parts 13. Cooking 14. Quality 16. Rural delivery 17. Popular superhero 19. Partner to Pa 20. Shivering fits 22. Wrath 23. Linguistics pioneer 25. Large integers 26. A way to prepare food 28. Group of badgers 29. Peyton’s little brother 30. Rock out 31. Danish krone 33. Take from with force 34. Baroque musical instrument 36. Zodiac sign 38. Hebrew alphabet letter 40. Independent member of a clone 41. Type of garment 43. Satisfy 44. One point south of due east 45. A way to wipe out 47. Moved quickly on foot 48. Bar bill 51. An idiot 53. Performed with the

voice silent 55. Body fluids 56. Rhythmic patterns 58. “__ my i’s” 59. Type of wrap 60. It shows who you are 61. Carousel 64. Type of college degree 65. Molding 67. Closes again 69. Verses 70. Surface CLUES DOWN 1. Short, thick stick 2. Rhode Island 3. Animals of the horse family 4. Very important persons 5. Folk singer Di Franco 6. Boredom 7. Long speech 8. Footballer Newton 9. Expression of sorrow or pity 10. Linear accelerator 11. One quintillion bytes 12. Smallest interval in Western music 13. Box 15. Cheese dish 18. Make a mistake 21. Done by all people or things

ANSWERS

24. Circumference 26. Chum 27. Electrocardiogram 30. Sandwich chain Jimmy __ 32. Showed old movie 35. Important event on Wall St. 37. Where wrestlers work 38. Free from contamination 39. Eastern Canada coastal region 42. Slang for gun 43. High schoolers’ test 46. Fathers 47. Call it a career 49. Productive 50. Musical groups 52. Yellowish-brown 54. Lowest point of a ridge 55. Beloved late sportscaster Craig 57. Fill up 59. Cardinal number that’s the sum of 5 and 1 62. Frost 63. Jewel 66. Atomic #45 68. Top lawyer

Page 16 • March 3, 2022 • The Other Paper

E.O. Wilson: Bright light in conservation goes out Into the Woods Ethan Tapper On Dec. 26, 2021, Edward O. Wilson, known by most as E.O. Wilson, died. A two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, as well as an array of other awards and honors, Wilson was the author of more than 20 books, a professor and a bright light in the conservation movement. His work has been a profound influence on me personally, and on many who love and work to protect ecosystems. The thread that runs through Wilson’s work is the celebration of biodiversity. Biological diversity, or “biodiversity,” is defined by Wilson as “the variation of living organisms at all levels.” Biodiversity exists at many scales, from the genetic variation within an individual species to the diversity of different species within an ecosystem, to the variation between ecosystems across the globe. In his writing and his speaking, Wilson was the kind of genius who makes the complex, nuanced concept of biodiversity understandable and even beautiful. Wilson was a myrmecologist

— a scientist who studies ants — by training, and wrote extensively about invertebrates, which he called “the little things that run the world.” He revels in the vastness and the mystery of biodiversity: the millions of species in existence — there are about 2 million known species on earth — and the species yet to be discovered, perhaps 10 to 30 million. Each of these species occupies a niche and fulfills a nuanced ecological role, and Wilson describes the megafauna of the African savannah and the more than 500 species of bacteria endemic to the human mouth with nearly equal reverence. Wilson’s words are timely and critical amid a global biodiversity crisis, a mass extinction event directly attributable to human activity. Wilson abbreviated the primary causes of biodiversity loss into the acronym HIPPO: Habitat loss, invasives (non-native invasive plants, animals, pests and pathogens), pollution, population and overexploitation (over harvesting of organisms and resources). Taken along with climate change, these factors comprise global change: the true sum of the threat to our ecosystems and to the species that occupy them. Wilson advocated for protecting

COURTESY PHOTO

Edward O. Wilson

biodiversity both for its intrinsic value — its right to exist — and as an act of self-preservation. Biodiversity is also critical to ecosystem resilience. As forests

and other ecosystems respond to global change, they face an incredible array of challenges and stressors — to individual species, to the interactions between species and

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to the interaction between species and their environment — that fundamentally threaten their ability to exist. Maintaining a diversity of different ecosystems, different species, and genetic variability within species provides more pathways for species and ecosystems to adapt to these unpredictable and profound changes. In his work, Wilson balanced idealism with pragmatism, recognizing the importance of protecting lands and species for their own sake as well as the importance of taking action. As insulated as Vermonters seem to be, we are still experiencing global change and biodiversity loss. Vermont is losing about 1,500 acres of forest a year, with a far greater amount being fragmented with roads and residential and commercial development. Among other factors, non-native invasive plants, pests and pathogens, climatic changes and shifts in our natural disturbance regimes actively threaten and undermine the health of our remaining forests. We all actively contribute to global change through the resources we consume, which are produced at a cost to ecosystems across the world and our global climate. As with forests, our lives are built on complex legacies — the foundations laid by those who came before. Above all, E.O. Wilson inspired countless people to love and to safeguard life on behalf of everyone and everything. Whether or not we will honor his legacy depends on what we do next. Ethan Tapper is Chittenden County forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. More at linktr.ee/chittendencountyforester.