Act 127 update
For the birds
School Board offers primer on complicated law
Managing forests requires resiliency
Page 6
Page 20
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #217 CONCORD, NH ECRWSSEDDM
South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977
the FEBRUARY 15, 2024
otherpapersbvt.com
VOLUME 48, NO. 7
School district budgets in limbo State tries to rework education spending formula LIBERTY DARR AND COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITERS
With less than three weeks until Town Meeting Day, legislators are proposing new changes to the state’s education funding formula that’s brought headaches for school officials this year, leaving South Burlington and Champlain Valley school districts’ budgets in limbo. Budget season in Vermont has quickly become even more
complicated — especially for districts that have already passed and warned budgets for the annual vote — with the effects of Act 127, a law passed in 2022 that changed the state’s education funding formula. “It’s extremely unprecedented,” said South Burlington superintendent Violet Nichols, who added that boards and educators are having “extremely taxing See ACT 127 on page 18
Residents question use of open space fund City remains in negotiations on Long Property COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
As the city’s negotiations to purchase the Long Property for conservation and some affordable housing continue, some have raised concerns about the potential use of the city’s open space fund to purchase the property. Located at 1720 and 1730 Spear Street in the city’s southeast quadrant, the property is directly adjacent to the Great Swamp, a top conservation priority for the city. Officials during a December meeting disclosed that they were in active negotiations with the current landowners, Tom and Janet Bellavance, to buy the property and conserve a majority of the acreage.
The Long family, former owners of the land, had previously consulted with engineers about developing the land, which now borders the Churchill Street townhouses to the south and housing lots on South Pointe Drive to the north, but later dropped those plans as the city worked to craft new land development regulations for the area. They then put the properties on the market in September 2022, and, in November of the same year, sold them to the Northeast Agricultural Trust, a limited liability company owned by Bellavance, for nearly $1.4 million. The city held an executive See OPEN SPACE on page 17
Valentine’s Day dance Memories were made and dances enjoyed at the South Burlington Recreation Department’s 27th annual Valentine Dance on Feb. 10 at the Delta Hotel. Children and a special adult enjoyed an evening of dancing, prizes, snacks, photo station, craft table, and the Big Bear Raffle.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Page 2 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
VOTE FOR
EXPERIENCED, COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP
Laurie Smith
South Burlington City Council ENDORSED BY
www.SmithForSBCouncil.com
Helen Riehle, City Council Chair Meaghan Emery, City Council Tim Barritt, City Council Andrew Chalnick, City Council Larry Kupferman, City Council Paul Engels, Planning Commission Francis MacDonald, Planning Comm. Michael Mittag, Planning Commission Frank Kochman, DRB
Paid for by Smith For Council, 50 Central Ave, S Burlington, VT 05403 Laurie@SmithForSBCouncil.com
5.20 9-MONTH CERTIFICATE
% * apy
Limited time offer
Make your heart go boom Now’s your chance to earn 5.20% apy* with a 9-month certificate. It’s easy to fall in love with a minimum balance of $250. Also available as an HSA or IRA. *APY = Annual percentage yield. 5.20% apy for 9 months is accurate as of 2/1/2024. Minimum balance of $250. Several other rates and terms are available. Rate subject to change without notice. Penalty incurred by early withdrawal of funds may affect your actual APY.
1 802 657-6847 1 800 660-3258 69 Swift Street, South Burlington www.northcountry.org Insured by NCUA
Candidate forum set for Thursday night Diamond wants to be first person of color elected to SB City Council COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
South Burlington’s City Council race is front and center with Town Meeting Day less than three weeks away. Candidates will discuss their issues and ideas during an evening forum, hosted by the South Burlington High School debate team, tonight, Thursday, Feb. 15, giving each candidate the opportunity to answer questions about why their running. (See community notes, page 13) Six candidates are running for three open seats on the council. No incumbents running are seeking reelection. City council chair and vice chair, Helen Riehle and Meaghan Emery, both announced their retirement last month, while former councilor Tyler Barnes stepped down in October. Planning commissioner Laurie Smith and former 2022 council candidate Linda Bailey will be vying for the 3-year term vacated by Riehle, while Michael Scanlan, Julian Keenan and Lydia Diamond are running for Emery’s 2-year seat. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, meanwhile, is running unopposed for Barnes’ 2-year seat and, barring a write-in campaign, will likely take over the remaining year of that term. Whoever wins will join councilors Andrew Chalnick and Tim Barritt on the council of five. The Other Paper has interviewed several candidates in the race thus far — including Smith, Fitzgerald, Bailey and Keenan — and will interview all the candidates on the ballot. Scanlan’s interview will be published in next week’s edition. Diamond, a South Burlington resident of more than 16 years, ran for the council in last year’s election and said she has been motivated to run after discovering that no people of color had ever run for council in the city. She has a history of community engagement — she’s on a volunteer committee with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and the Peace and Justice Center, and works with People’s Kitchen, a Burlington anti-hunger, mutual aid organization where she works to prevent food insecurity in the area. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Can you tell me why you’re running, and what priorities would you have if elected to the council? What’s an issue that you think isn’t being addressed? Lydia Diamond: I’m running because no person of color in South Burlington has ever stepped up to run, so I want to be
Lydia Diamond
first, and I think that cracking the ceiling of oppression is as essential today as it was any other time in this country. Women of color are rising to take the lead, and I want to be a part of that. You’ve spoken previously about housing in the city, specifically affordable housing and renters’ rights. The city is about to pass into law a rental registry, but do you think there should be more done for renters, and if so, what other protections should be put into law? Diamond: The renters in the city — I mean, people use the term affordable housing all the time, but what’s affordable for poor people? Nothing. I would love to see a tenants union stand stands up for tenants’ rights — not landlords, but tenants — because too many people, BIPOC people — are unseen and unheard. The city has made an effort to tackle climate change, and they’re using ARPA money for next fiscal year, but if elected would you support tax increases in future years to support these initiatives? Diamond: Nobody can get away from the weather and climate wherever you live. There’s been so much flooding. Some parts of climate change we can manage, but there are other parts that need different details in order for our children to be safe. Climate change is not new. It’s actually almost as old as I am. But we have to be better and do more to protect this one planet that we get. We need to come together and do better. So, yes I would support those items. The city has been thinking of ways to restructure its government — adding more members to the council and possiSee DIAMOND on page 3
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 3
DIAMOND
COMPASSIONATE GROOMING
continued from page 2 bly switching to a ward-based election are the two most prominent moves they’re considering. Do you support those or not? Diamond: I don’t think everything’s working in South Burlington. BIPOC people haven’t been embraced in South Burlington and they are definitely just as essential as everybody else. They feel invisible and unheard. If adding more city council members or school board members gets BIPOC people the strength to step up, I’ll support it. Vermont has the second highest per capita homeless rate in the country. There’s been a lot of talk about opioid addiction and how that is influencing homelessness and crime like retail theft. What do you make of the dialogue around all this, and if elected what do you think you would to do address these issues in the city? Diamond: That’s a good question. First, let me say that substance abuse is out of
control and people are dying. Whatever has been done thus far hasn’t worked. We’re losing too many people — old people, Black people, white people. Something new needs to be done to save lives, because what’s been done in the past hasn’t worked, and I would love to be a part of helping to create that new policy. If retail theft is really as high as is reported, then the substance abuse is even worse than we think. Because that’s poor people trying to maintain a drug habit and locking them up doesn’t help anything. It doesn’t help families, it doesn’t help the community, and it doesn’t help the state to just lock them up and throw away the key. People really need substance abuse treatment, and I’m thinking in terms of intense substance abuse treatment to help people not only get sober, but stay sober, and change their minds. We want people to be aware of the assistance that is available to help them not just to get by, but to live a fruitful life. I’m looking forward to raising awareness in that area.
Elaine Cissi announces bid for term on SB School Board impact of Act 127 on our community. I believe in the value of education and extracurricular activities for all students — Elaine Cissi those who are college-bound and those who My name is Elaine Cissi — pronounced are not college-bound. Our world needs SIS-eye, which is how the folks at Ellis students who are prepared and critical thinkers in multiple arenas. I recognize Island decided to pronounce it the importance of continuing to when my grandparents came here challenge all students. from Italy — and I’m pleased to I also believe that it is importannounce my candidacy for the ant that we listen to each other South Burlington School Board and exercise compromise. Good for the two-year seat. governance comes from both of Our daughter is a 7th-grade these. In these challenging times, student at Frederick M. Tuttle we must also remember that the Middle School, and for the past students in our schools—whether eleven years, we’ve lived on biologically ours or otherwise— Woodcrest Drive in South BurlElaine Cissi are our students. ington. We speak for them. We are I am currently president of the Discover the beautytheir ofvoice. They have none withmiddle school’s Parent Teacher out us. We them the very best we can Organization, am a former editor, and am results natural looking at owe Pêche! very interested in all things having to do give them and owe them, as we so often teach them, that listening respectfully and COME SEE SARAH! COME SEE JASMINE! COME SEE KELLIE! with public education in this city. What has finally mobilized my decision compromising are the keys to everyone to run for the school board has been the moving ahead.
Political Notebook
for Dogs & Cats of all sizes
FULL SERVICE ALL INCLUSIVE SPA TREATMENT PACKAGES Walk-in Tub with Hydro Massage A La Carte Personalized Services tailored to your pet’s needs and temperament NDGAA and IPG Certified Master Cat Groomer • Poodle, Doodle & Mix Specialist PET SUPPLIES Treats • Toys • Organic Pet Care Products
Dirty Paws Pet Spa
4050 Williston Rd, South Burlington 8:30 to 5:00 Tuesday thru Saturday dirtypawspetspavt.com
To Schedule a spa treatment please call us at 802-264-7076
Discover the beauty of natural looking results at Pêche!
COMEthe SEE SARAH! SEE JASMINE! SEE KELLIE! Discover beauty ofCOME natural lookingCOME results at Peche!
• Proactive and Strategic budget planning to control our budgets for the long term.
Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP, Kellie Malaney, PA-C and Jasmine Fuller, LT specialize in laser treatements and injectables including laser hair JASMINE and vein removal, laser collagen stimulation, neuromodulators, fillers and biostimulators.
SARAH KELLIE Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP, Kellie Malaney, PA-C and Jasmine Fuller, LT specialize Ask us about our newest treatments with the AMAZING in • laser treatements • injectables • laser hair & vein removal • laser collagen stimulation Matrix Pro and Platelet Rich Fibrin! So many minimally • neuromodulators • fillers • biostimulators. Ask and us about newest treatments with the invasive treatments with natural gorgeousour results! AMAZING Matrix Pro and Platelet Rich Fibrin! Minimally invasive treatments with natural, Visit Pêche for a rejuvenating experience. gorgeous results!Find Visitus Pêche for a rejuvenating experience. at pechemedical.com or call 802-304-9570 to book! Find us at pechemedical.com or call 802-304-9570 to book!
Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP, Kellie Malaney, PA-C and Jasmine Fuller, LT specialize in laser treatements and injectables including laser hair and vein removal, laser collagen stimulation, 47neuromodulators, Maple Street • Burlingtonfi•llers pechemedical.com • @ pechemedical and biostimulators.
Ask us about our newest treatments with the AMAZING Matrix Pro and Platelet Rich Fibrin! So many minimally 3v-pechemedicalspa011724.indd 1
1/5/24 2:02 PM
• Green Tech for our City and beyond. Our area has the opportunity for up to $75 million in grants! • Inclusive representation for every part of our City. I will work to grow and sustain interest in City Council activities.
Page 4 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
South Burlington Police Blotter: Feb. 5-11 Total reported incidents: 213 Foot patrols: 21 Directed patrols: 7 Public assists: 7 Field contact: 2 Animal problem: 1 Restraining order violation: 3 Agency assists: 11 Traffic stop: 10 Motor vehicle complaint: 4 DUI: 1 Stolen vehicle: 4 Larceny from a vehicle: 3 Suspicious events: 12 Juvenile problems: 2 Domestic incidents: 6 Mental health issue: 1 Welfare check: 8 Property damage: 12 Trespass notice: 13 Larceny: 2 Unlawful mischief: 2 Retail theft: 5 Aggravated assault: 2 Simple assault: 2 Fraud: 2 Threats: 2 Sex crime: 1 Alarm: 12 911 hang up: 7 Deaths: Feb. 8 at 11:56 a.m., Gloria Iafrate, 91, of South Burlington, was found dead on Cranwell Avenue. The cause and manner of death is being determined by the medical examiner. Police say the death is not considered suspicious.
Feb. 10 at 1:48 p.m., Brian Bing, 61, of Burlington, was found dead on Shelburne Road. The cause and manner of death is being determined by the medical examiner. Police say the death is not considered suspicious. Arrests: Feb. 5 at 7:36 p.m., Brian L. McGrath II, 24, of Burlington, was pulled over on Shelburne Road and arrested and cited for reckless endangerment, aggravated assault and driving with a criminally suspended license. Feb. 6 at 1:12 a.m., Michael Arroyo, 33, of Springfield, Mass., was arrested on Dorset Street for driving under the influence. Feb. 6 at 12:46 p.m., Devin F. Legassie, 32, no address given, was arrested on an in-state warrant at Farrell Street and Shelburne Road. Feb. 7 at 8:59 a.m., Joshua C. Carmichael, 42, of Milton, was arrested on Dorset Street for domestic assault and unlawful restraint. Feb. 8 at 11:10 a.m., Jacob L. Spencer, 36, of Sutton, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Shelburne and Allen roads. Feb. 8 at 2:35 p.m., Corey D. Duclos, 30, of South BurlingSee BLOTTER on page 18
the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977 A publication of Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC otherpapersbvt.com Advertising Director Judy Kearns judy@otherpapersbvt.com (802) 864-6670 x21
Billing inquiries Leslie Lafountain leslie@stowereporter.com (802) 253-2101
Advertising Wendy Ewing wendy@shelburnenews.com (802) 985-3091 x12
Advertising submission deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. advertising@otherpapersbvt.com classifieds@otherpapersbvt.com
News Editor Tommy Gardner
Editorial submission deadline: Friday at 5 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com
Staff Writers Aaron Calvin Corey McDonald Liberty Darr Production Manager Stephanie Manning stephanie@shelburnenews.com
Calendar submission deadline: Friday at 12 p.m. news@otherpapersbvt.com Contact: 1340 Williston Road South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 864-6670
Editor/Publisher Gregory Popa gpopa@stowereporter.com
The Other Paper is published weekly and mailed free to South Burlington residents and businesses, and rack distributed in select high-traffic areas. The Vermont Community Newspaper Group LLC assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements and reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial copy.
Officer resigns after disparaging migrant worker during criminal justice meeting AUDITI GUHA VTDIGGER
discussion. I was having a discussion with my daughter. I apologize … extremely,” he said. “And A police officer resigned from it should not be reflected on the the Vermont Criminal Justice person that was talking at the time.” After council members spoke Council and the Bristol Police Department on Wednesday, Feb. 7, up to criticize the comments — after saying “you’re fucking here and question his explanation illegally” as a migrant worker testi- — Major apologized again and fied before the council that morn- announced his resignation from the council. Later that ing. day, he resigned from his Michael Major, who part-time patrol officer represented the Vermont position with the BrisPolice Association on tol Police Department, the 24-member council, according to Police Chief interrupted the migrant Bruce Nason. worker, who was speak“Mike called me ing in support of a earlier today, I have revised fair and impartial accepted his resignapolicing policy. tion,” Nason said in an The worker, who Michael Major email. identified himself as “Major’s comments Eduardo, spoke about the urgency of approving the policy, do not reflect the views of the Briswhich immigrant rights advocates tol Police Department or the offihave long pushed for. The council cers that seek to make the Bristol had planned to vote on it Wednes- Community safe and welcoming to day but postponed the decision all.” Major was hired by the Bristol due to new concerns raised by the Vermont Association of Chiefs of department in March 2020. He remains employed as a partPolice. “To many of you, waiting a long time deputy with the Chittenden time might feel normal, but for us County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff it’s very different. You know this Daniel Gamelin told VTDigger by plays into our everyday lives, the email Wednesday evening. Major, reality of dealing with the police who previously worked in the is different (for us),” Eduardo said department but left in 2018 after through a translator. He added that making an unsuccessful bid for migrant workers, many of whom sheriff, was re-hired by Gamelin in are undocumented, are often reluc- February 2023. Later Wednesday, the criminal tant to go to the doctor when they are sick, for instance, because they justice council issued a written fear being reported to immigration statement condemning Major’s remarks, saying “the impact of his authorities. A speaker appearing at the words was devastating.” “The Council wishes to reitermeeting remotely with their camera turned off then interrupted, saying, ate that Mr. Major’s words are not “You’re fucking here illegally, and representative of the Council nor you’re worried about being safe. of law enforcement in the State of Vermont,” it said in the statement. Oh yeah.” After Major made his remarks Bill Sorrell, the governor-appointed chair of the council, inter- and before he announced his resigvened to say, “Who’s ever stating nation, several council members that opinion, it’s not welcome, and interjected to express their dismay. wait your turn and don’t interrupt Erin Jacobsen, who represents the Office of the Attorney General on please.” After participants asked for the council, was the first to do so. “I feel just really discourthe person to be identified, Major named himself and apologized for aged, disturbed, saddened by that his remark. He also claimed that he comment, Mike Major,” Jacobsen said, calling herself “outraged” and had not been addressing Eduardo. “It wasn’t directed towards the saying she did not find his explanation credible. “Those kinds of comments have no place in this kind of forum. It’s especially damaging Vermont State when we are here discussing a fair Police Blotter and impartial policing policy. The point of view that you just raised Feb. 10 at 9:54 p.m., police arrest- calls into question community trust ed Michael Ulrich, 32, of Burl- of law enforcement.” Another council member, ington, for negligent operation while conducting speed Karim Chapman from the Life enforcement on Interstate 89 Intervention Team, said, “This feels in South Burlington. Police say like racial profiling.” Identifying they clocked Ulrich going 96 himself as “a Black man in America feeling the fear of being pulled mph in a 55-mph zone.
over,” Chapman continued, “this really hits home for me.” Tim Lueders-Dumont, who represents the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs on the council, jumped into the conversation to say that his department believed that Major should consider resigning from the council. He said that if he were serving as a prosecutor and heard an officer utter such a remark, he would consider issuing a “Brady” or “Giglio” letter, often considered the scarlet letter of policing. Later in the meeting, Kelly Price, a vice president of the Vermont Police Association, said the organization’s president had asked him to “express our extreme disapproval of the statement that was made earlier.” Price said the VPA planned to address the matter internally. Shortly thereafter, Major spoke up again. “I just wanted to apologize again to the council,” he said. “And I’ve heard everything the council has said, and I will be resigning my position with the council effective immediately. I cannot apologize enough that it was not directed at the speaker or any member on the council, and I just wanted to apologize again. And sorry.” To that, Sorrell responded, “All right. Well, perhaps this has all been a teaching moment for any number of council members and others.” Major’s remarks continued to hang over the council’s gathering. Heather Simons, executive director of the Criminal Justice Council, responded later to apologize to the community and to tell Major he was no longer welcome at the Vermont Police Academy. “I would imagine that you are mortified and if you’re not then you have even more work to do,” she said. “But the extent of the damage you have caused today I’m certain that you don’t understand.” She said that all of Major’s colleagues in law enforcement would have to help repair the harm that he had caused, adding, “This is a really kind of a tragic day for process and for showcasing the progress we are making.” Cassandra Burdyshaw, who represents the Vermont Human Rights Commission on the council, denounced the “derogatory” comment as “wholly inappropriate” and said it underscores the urgency of revisiting the fair and impartial policing policy, which the commission is committed to advance. “No person is illegal; each deserves respect, whether voicing their opinion at a meeting or interacting with law enforcement in Vermont’s communities,” she said in an emailed statement.
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 5
OPINION
Island Memorial Pet Service
Judiciary committee tackles criminal justice matters From the House Rep. Martin LaLonde This session, the House Judiciary Committee has focused on addressing Vermonters’ concerns about public safety and access to justice.
Increasing resources for the criminal justice system Most of the witnesses testifying before the committee on criminal justice — representatives from Vermont courts, state’s attorneys, the Defender General, as well as victim advocates and others — have emphasized that the two most effective ways to deter crime are a high probability of being caught and certain and Rep. Martin LaLonde quick consequences for criminal activity. The probability of being caught depends on the presence and availability of law enforcement. This factor is not under the judiciary committee’s jurisdiction, so we focus on the certainty and immediacy of consequences. These outcomes depend on a well-functioning, well-resourced criminal justice system. One of the biggest challenges our court system currently faces is a backlog of cases, which pre-dated the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, fewer cases were filed, but those that were filed were not being processed. After the courts fully reopened, a surge in filings left the courts falling further behind. The Legislature’s primary lever to address this issue is the budget. The judiciary committee has been working with the appropriations committee to ensure that all elements of the justice system have sufficient resources. Unfortunately, although Gov. Phil Scott in his budget address explained that public safety is one of the administration’s priorities, his proposed budget does not align with this priority. For example, to meet the administration’s budget, state’s attorneys will need to cut up to eight deputy state’s attorney positions. To properly address the deluge of criminal cases, we should instead be adding up to 10 additional positions as well as additional victim advocates and administrative staff. The Office of the Defender General needs over $1 million more than the administration’s budget just to maintain the office’s status quo. Although the administration’s budget does include funding for two additional judges, it does not provide funding for the necessary court staff. The committee believes that the gover-
nor’s proposed budget fails to provide the resources the criminal justice system needs to ensure the public is safe. Accordingly, the judiciary committee will continue to work with appropriations to ensure that the budget will include the resources necessary to enable cases to be heard in a timely fashion. Only by doing so will individuals be held accountable for their actions as soon as possible after offending — a key to ensuring public safety. The House Committee on Judiciary has been working on other public safety bills as it continues to advocate for proper criminal justice resources.
Filling court vacancies When vacancies occur, it is critical that new judges are expeditiously appointed. When a judicial vacancy occurs in Vermont state court, a governor reviews and appoints judges from a list of candidates provided by a nonpartisan Judicial Nominating Board. The House judiciary committee passed H.780, which will help expand and diversify the applicant pool for judicial vacancies so a governor will have more quality potential jurists from which to choose. The bill will also expedite the process by limiting the number of times that a governor can ask for additional candidates from the nominating board.
Expanding offenses related to automobiles The committee passed H.563, which deals with motor vehicle theft, unlawful operation and trespass. This bill closes a few gaps in statute, including the fact that current law does not prohibit a person from entering another person’s car without consent unless they are told to stay out or the car is posted with a no trespassing sign. This expansion of the law is designed to encompass incidences of rummaging through someone’s car. Accidental entry into a vehicle (“I thought that was my green Subaru”) will not be criminalized.
Codifying pre-charge diversion House judiciary has been working on H.645, which would create and codify a statewide pre-charge diversion program. Pre-charge diversion occurs when individuals who commit low-level crimes are referred to community providers of restorative justice, such as community justice centers, instead of to court. The bill would allow law enforcement or prosecutors to divert more offenders from the criminal justice system before they are charged with a crime. If an individual does not complete the restorative justice program, they would be referred to the traditional court system. See LALONDE on page 6
Premium Compassionate Care for Your Pets Because Gomer & Gunther
“LOYALTY DESERVES DIGNITY”
We understand the love you have for your pets and the importance they hold in your life. Our compassionate staff is devoted to easing the difficulties at this challenging time.
Our staff is here for you 24/7
Tiger & Buster
• The Island Memorial Difference: • Pet Funerals • Cremation Services • Your Pet is Always in Our Care • Dignified Pet Transportation from Your Home or Vet • Immediate & Witness Cremation Available • Full Line of Pet Loss Products 1176 Main St. • Fairfax, VT 57 Main St. • Essex Jct., VT www.islandmemorials.com Northwestern Vermont’s Only Pet Crematory A Member of the A.W. Rich Funeral Home Family • www.awrfh.com
802-316-2284
Mike Scanlan for City Council
Smart growth Fiscal responsibility Safe community Vibrant city center Climate change Affordable housing Excellent schools
toghr w Sud! My last diplomatic posting was as an administrator of an ethnically-diverse city, Brcko. I listened to and worked with citizens, non-governmental organizations, business and city leaders, emphasizing their common humanity and the shared benets that come through cooperation. We negotiated, built coalitions, and worked out sustainable solutions. For me, this is the American recipe for good governance, security, and prosperity. I am running for the two-year City Council seat because I know we can work together to tackle the tough challenges facing South Burlington. I appreciate your support and hope I earn your vote for South Burlington City Council!
te
www.scanlanforcitycouncil.com Paid for by Mike Scanlan for South Burlington scanlanforcitycouncil@gmail.com 1 Lupine Ln, South Burlington, VT 05403
Page 6 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
School board offers update on ramifications of Act 27 when you consider the budget increased by much less. Once the South Burlington Alex McHenry School Board fully understood the Ready, set, wait! School admin- 5 percent tax rate increase limit, we decided to add a $1.9 million istrators have spent the last month contribution to the or so explaining next construction reserve fund year’s school budget to in the proposed budget the public and have put because it would not together good exhibits have increased burden that explain the needs for to taxpayers. In other our schools and the tax words, the addition to implications for resithe budget would have dents. But recent develresulted in the same tax opments have caused the rate as a budget without Legislature to consider it. repealing the funding Alex McHenry, Other districts have law and replacing it with South Burlington been doing the same, something else. School Board adding to their budgets Here is a quick because it would not summary of the situhave negatively affected ation. Vermont’s Act 127 law taxpayers. This would have been changed the formula for funding the first time in history that a local schools, and South Burlington will budget would have been disconreceive less funding under the new nected from the tax rate that voters formula. To lessen the impact of would pay. this reduced funding on districts Now that you’ve read the above that are negatively affected by the change, any tax rate increase would summary, or perhaps watched a budget presentation, you can forget be limited to 5 percent. what’s been discussed about tax That 5 percent is before rates. The problem is that those application of what’s known as extra budget items from South the common level of appraisal Burlington and other districts (CLA), which considers real estate created an unacceptable increase in inflation before calculating the statewide education expenditures, final tax rate. In South Burlington, and the Legislature is now crafting a strong real estate market means revisions to the funding formula that home values are increasing, so for the upcoming school year that when the CLA is applied, the tax would reconnect expenditures with rate increase goes from 5 percent tax rates. to 18.3 percent, which is shocking
From the School Board
Certificate of Deposit
SPECIAL
% 5.00 APY*
7 Month CD
This is the first time in recent history that the Legislature has passed such an impactful funding law this late in the annual budget process. These changes are usually made at least a year in advance. Because the Legislature and governor have not yet passed and signed the Act 127 fix, it is impossible to guess what the revised formula will look like, but there are discussions in Montpelier right now that can give us hints of what to expect. One proposal taking shape is to replace the 5 percent rate increase cap with a discount that phases out over 5 years, but we don’t yet know how it will affect South Burlington. This proposal also lets school districts to go back to the drawing board and revise the budgets that they will propose to voters. This proposal will also give districts the option to delay school budget votes from Town Meeting Day to as late as April 15. In the next several weeks we will learn more about how school budgets will be funded, how it will impact South Burlington and when voters will be able to vote on a budget. We don’t know much now, but what we do know is that changes will happen fast, and the school board and school district administrators will follow developments very closely. Alex McHenry is a member of the South Burlington School Board.
Visit your local branch to open a CD.
*APY= Annual Percentage Yield. Funds must qualify as new money, which implies that these funds are not currently held in any account with 802 Credit Union. Early termination fees will apply. Fees may reduce earnings. Minimum deposit $500. Maximum deposit $50,000 per individual. Limited time offer - may end at any time. Share account required. CD will automatically renew at maturity into a standard 6 month CD at the current rate in effect at the time of renewal unless you instruct us otherwise. Visit 802cu.com Federally Insured by NCUA.
South Burlington Youth Baseball and 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
Sign up today at www.sbybs.com • Scholarships available for all league ages • Your child will improve their game and learn important life skills
LALONDE continued from page 5 Some Vermont counties, including Chittenden County, already offer such a program. H.645 would add stability to those existing programs by placing administrative oversight in and funding through the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. Expanding pre-charge diversion statewide will allow for more timely justice interventions and reduced pressure on the courts. The committee will likely vote out this bill by mid-February.
Addressing repeat offenders of retail theft There’s no question that retail theft is a major issue in several towns throughout Vermont, including South Burlington, and retailers are clear in their request for legislative action. The House Committee on Judiciary has been working on H.534 to address this concern. The bill includes a provision that would allow aggregation
of the value of more than one retail theft. Currently, retail theft offenses can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the value of goods stolen. Anything up to $900 is a misdemeanor; over $900 is a felony. H.534 would enable prosecutors to charge individuals with a felony if the total value of goods stolen within a 14-day period exceeds $900. The bill also would reinstitute community restitution (also known as work crew) as a sentencing option. Last year, the Department of Corrections ended this program, but we have heard from prosecutors, defenders and the court that work crew is an important tool for providing certain and swift consequences for persons charged with retail theft. The community restitution program allowed courts to sentence low-risk offenders to pre-determined employment or community service for a maxi-
mum of 15 workdays within 60 days. So long as the offender fulfilled the work obligations, they would avoid serving prison time. In the House Committee on Judiciary, we deal with public safety issues through the criminal justice system. It is equally important, if not more so, to address such issues before they land in the criminal justice system. Thus, the work that other committees in the Statehouse are undertaking is critical to help address root causes of crime, including substance use, homelessness and limited access to mental health services. If you have any questions or input on these issues or others before the legislature, contact me at mlalonde@leg.state.vt.us or 802-863-3086. Martin LaLonde, a Democrat, represents South Burlington in the Chittenden-12 House district.
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 7
State, communities face unremitting challenges Related to this work, I sponthat abortion access and gender sored, and we passed legislation affirming, and other reproductive in 2023 to improve competency care, is available in our state. Sen. Ginny Lyons evaluation and treatment proceI have proposed legislation dures for criminally involved that expands protection and keeps Some Vermonters think legispersonal consumer health care lative work begins and ends when folks with mental health issues. This session, the Senate data from being collected, shared we are paid between Committee on Health or sold. This protects patients January and May. The and Welfare is completfrom unwanted intrusion into reality is that legislators ing work on another one very personal parts of their lives. remain fully engaged in of my bills to clarify I developed this legislation after constituent and policy judicial process for meeting with legislators from work throughout the folks with an intellectuConnecticut, Washington, New year. al disability who have Mexico, Pennsylvania and other Out-of-session committed a significant states. work contributes to my crime. My bill was introduced on understanding of issues Each of these bills Jan. 3. Members of the House critical to all of us. This resulted from questions incorporated this proposal into a includes meetings about Sen. Ginny Lyons about how those with broader consumer protection bill. needed housing, health mental I look forward care, mental health, illness or intellecto working with substance use, education funding I have proposed tual disabilities members of the and others. During the last out of House and Senate session (unpaid months), I worked should be treated legislation that when they commit to pass legislawith local, state and national a serious crime or experts to develop legislation. expands protection tion that protects might be incompepeople from what Some of this off session work tent to stand trial. is described below. and keeps personal has happened in Sending those with other states — to As a member of the Vermont consumer health mental illness or prevent harmJudiciary and Mental Health intellectual disabilful intrusion or Council I attended a meeting care data from harassment when ity to a safe place convened by Vermont Supreme personal reproCourt Chief Justice Paul Reiber in with treatment being collected, ductive health services is the right May. Judges, public safety, legal care becomes thing to do. The and mental health representatives shared or sold. public. alternative might met with national leaders to learn In June 2023 be sending them to how to reduce wait times within I convened a meeting of the jail without support services. the courts and about challenges Senate, administration and local In June I was invited to the facing people with mental illness and visiting national leaders to and other disorders when they are White House to meet with legisdetermine how Vermont can better lators from across the country involved with public safety or the support opioid addicted patients to share legislative policies that courts. in community recovery centers. I protect health care professionA September summit on als and patients involved with mental health and the judiciary allowed council members to share reproductive health care. Our See LYONS on page 11 work gives comfort to Vermonters work done during 2022-23.
From the Senate
New Products!
Lamps • Bowls • Pillows Vermont’s Newest Destination for Home Fabrics, Decor and Custom Fabric Work
Thoughtfully Sourced Products Focused on Sustainability 1140 WILLISTON ROAD, SOUTH BURLINGTON • 802-488-9037 • XX TUESDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-5:30PM • SATURDAY, 10AM-4PM
JOYOFHOMEVT.COM
Linda Bailey
For South Burlington City Council on March 5 The South Burlington Business Association Supports:
A balanced approach that promotes sustainable growth while protecting our natural resources A safe, diverse and welcoming community A city with housing options for all A growing and vibrant economy Vote at your polling location on A transparent city government Tuesday, March 5 or early at City Hall Paid for by the SBBA PAC, 150 Dorset Street, #203, South Burlington, VT 05403
Page 8 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
Making affordable housing investments that last Guest Perspective Helen Head Vermont families are facing a housing crisis. Sky-high rents, high interest rates, and home prices that resemble a lottery winning are not affordable for most Vermont families. There is little, if any, housing stock available, further driving up costs and competition when units or homes do come on the market. Today’s successful buyers are paying cash, waiving inspections, and forgoing contingencies, making it even harder for low-and moderate-income Vermonters to stand a chance. Something must change, and fast. If we want to improve the economy of our state and the potential for our neighbors and friends to access a safe, affordable home and the opportunity homeownership provides to create modest personal wealth, there is no better way than to continue to invest in permanently affordable housing. This approach has been a cornerstone of Vermont’s housing policy for over 35 years because of the benefits a forever investment brings to families, communities, and taxpayers. With this approach, rental units and owned units are both offered at prices that are affordable to lower-income Vermonters and always well below market value, in perpetuity. This means Vermonters can access housing that is affordable, and they
will never be displaced by gentrification. The taxpayer’s investment is a lasting one, ensuring that future generations have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing for every investment of public dollars. Here’s how it works. With homeownership programs, community land trusts like Champlain Housing Trust and others across the state hold subsidy covenants or ground leases with resale restrictions. Homeowners take all of their mortgage equity, but only can take 25 percent of the market appreciation with them when they sell their homes. The homes remain in the portfolio of permanently affordable units in the state, and the homeowners benefit from the wealth-building opportunities of home ownership. They move into a new home, perhaps a larger one for their growing family, or a smaller one as they look to retire or move to single story living. This makes room for those Vermonters seeking to own, often for the first time, their very own home. The public dollars we invest benefit multiple generations of homeowners, and resale prices remain well below market value. In rental programs, units are accessible at prices below market value, shielding them from skyrocketing rental rates and low or no inventory in the highly competitive statewide housing market. As renters move and as homeowners sell, their homes remain in the permanently affordable housing portfolio for the benefit
HIMALAYAN D'LITE BY SHERPA FOODS - NOW OPEN!
Authentic Nepalese & Sherpa Cuisine
HEALTHY · FRESH · DELICIOUS | FAST CASUAL DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT
Celebrate Lhosar (Sherpa New Year) with 20% OFF Bring this ad or mention "The Other Paper"— Valid 2/1 - 2/29
MOMO Nepalese Dumplings steamed or pan fried Nepalese Chicken Curry and Rice Shykpa Sherpa Stew Thukpa Sherpa Noodle Soup Himalayan Chowmein Fried Noodles Himalayan Fried Rice Alu Dam Nepalese Potato Salad Sherpita Our original signature dish MOMO Sauce And more!
To - Go Packaged Products also available
Order Online sherpafoodsusa.com | 1303 Williston Rd | 802 373 0478
of the next individual or family. The bottom line is that, as the price of renting, purchasing, or building single family homes and condominiums rises, Vermonters are finding themselves locked out of every aspect of the housing market. This is having a devastating impact on individuals, families, and employers. Investing in permanent affordability is a cornerstone of the solution. And more Vermonters than you may think qualify for these excellent programs. Income eligi-
bility for the home ownership program goes up to $79,600 for a single applicant and $113,600 for a family of four. It’s time to recommit to this investment policy. We need the policy and the public funding necessary to make it possible. The outcome will be healthier families and stronger communities across Vermont. Helen Head is a South Burlington resident and member of Champlain Housing Trust’s board.
Letters to the Editor Bailey will bring pragmatism, efficient approach to council To the Editor: Linda Bailey’s pragmatic and informed approach makes her the standout candidate for South Burlington City Council. With her background and dedication, she’s ready to hit the ground running. Her willingness to address complex issues with practical solutions ensures that our city’s government remains efficient and effective. John Wilking South Burlington
Fitzgerald offers thoughtful approach to governing To the Editor: I am writing in support of Elizabeth Fitzgerald for city council. Fitzgerald and I have been good friends for many years, and I feel our longstanding friendship has allowed me to have insight into her firm commitment to public service. She has always impressed me with her desire to make a positive difference in her community. Her approach to issues is thoughtful and she has an ability to listen to others and work collaboratively. These qualities are essential for a smooth functioning city government and that is how my friend will approach her duties as a city councilor. Please join me in casting a vote for Elizabeth Fitzgerald on Town Meeting Day. Anne Yawney South Burlington
City will benefit from Smith’s leadership To the Editor: I am writing in support of the candidacy of Laurie Smith for South Burlington City Council. Smith has been an active participant in important city discussions as a commissioner on the planning commission. His past municipal experience includes service in Shelburne’s city government and as an auditor for South Burlington Fire District #1 (Queen City Park). He is thoughtful, seeks understanding and consensus through dialogue, and brings a wealth of experience working
with local and state policy as a longtime professional in construction. He is driven by his goal to see South Burlington successfully tackle the pressing challenge of managing sustainable growth in ways that support our public school system and housing needs, uphold the city’s longtime record of fiscal responsibility, and invest in infrastructure to withstand and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Because he is a good listener, he will be sensitive to residents’ needs and an advocate for sound city policy, based on the expertise of professional city staff and administrators. I believe that today’s — and future generations — of residents will benefit from his and the council’s leadership. Please join me in voting for Laurie Smith for the three-year seat on city council on March 5. Meaghan Emery South Burlington
Scanlan promotes collaboration between schools, city To the Editor: I write this letter in support of Mike Scanlan for South Burlington City Council. My most compelling interest in our city right now is quality education and being mindful of education costs. When I spoke with Scanlan about his city council race, I was so impressed by his comprehensive understanding of the need for cooperation between the council and the school board. He realizes that each are separate entities, and yet recognizes that each should not be running in a vacuum from the other. His interest in supporting good communication from one to the other and gaining better results is spot on. And, seeing that the coordinated development of potential future city services and infrastructure can enhance our children’s safety and well-being is a positive. Our schools have been the pride of our community. Spending approaches need to be studied and understood, both with the city and schools. We need to do everything we can to protect our school’s academic quality and uphold our responsibility for See LETTERS on page 9
PRICES SLASHED! STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD! EUREKA! EUREKA! ONCE IN A LIFETIME PRICING! EUREKA! The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 9
EUREKA!
COURTESY PHOTO
Travis Sienicki and Dave Grippo. See letter below.
LETTERS
FLASH SALE!
continued from page 8 the integrity of how we finance this goal. Scanlan gets it. He is a listener and has the background and knowledge to get the job done. Join me in voting for Mike Scanlan. Erin Sutherland South Burlington
Smith’s leadership led to climate change focus To the Editor: Laurie Smith and I are both planning commissioners in the city of South Burlington. We have worked together for the past year on the 2024 city plan, which the city council has just approved. Smith’s leadership was integral to the development of the plan. It was Smith who inspired us all to ensure that climate change would be the guiding principle for city policy during the next eight years. As winters become more and more a series of rainstorms and summers extend from April to November we will be seen as visionaries for the work we have done. Please join me in voting for Laurie Smith. Paul Engels South Burlington
Grippo gives thumbs up to freshman drummer To the Editor: It is truly a pleasure to write a story of an amazing student who set a goal so high for himself and in the process succeed by January. I am writing to you about a South Burlington High School freshman, Truman Sienicki. (See photo above) Truman has been studying jazz music with me for about three and a half years. He has also studied drumming privately with Caleb Bronz. This year, he has volunteered to help mentor the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School jazz band, for which he played with during his stay there. He plays and tutors the group on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m.
Truman is an outstanding student in all his subjects, as his teachers will attest to. This school year he and I discussed the possibility of auditioning for the Vermont All-State Jazz Band. As leader of the South Burlington High School jazz ensemble for the past 30 years, I have seen many great musicians go to the all-state band, but only a few have made it as a freshman. Truman set his sights on the audition on Jan. 13 at CVU high school. Last week, as the results came in, Truman scored well enough to be selected to the jazz ensemble with a score of 102 out of 140. I am very proud of and grateful for a wonderful young person like Truman to know and teach. A bright future lies ahead. Dave Grippo South Burlington
Elizabeth Fitzgerald will bring leadership to city council To the Editor: I am pleased to recommend Elizabeth Fitzgerald for South Burlington City Council. She is committed to the city as demonstrated by her many years of service as a member of the South Burlington School Board. Fitzgerald’s thorough preparation provided the school and the city with many positive outcomes. She has outstanding planning skills, leadership skills and listens to all that offer input. As a resident of South Burlington, I know there are several opportunities ahead of us: growth, budgets, bonds, development, etc. We need Fitzgerald on the city council as she understands how the city government works and would be an asset to the city. I encourage you to vote for Elizabeth Fitzgerald for South Burlington City Council. Eileen O’Rourke South Burlington
Sale on all handmade 100% wool area rugs ! DESIGN’S NEWSIZES RUG GALLERY OVERMODERN 400 RUGS-ALL & STYLES 400FLASH IMPORTED HANDMADE ASK US ABOUT FREESALE! IN 100% HOMEWOOL TRIALRUGS
40% OFF HURRY,SALE ENDS NOV. 26th! FLASH SALE! HURRY, SALE ENDS DEC 2! ALL LEE VERMONT’S LARGEST AREA RUG SHOWROOM UPHOLSTERY •
•
40% OFF * 40% OFF 60% OFF ALL LEE ALL LEE UPHOLSTERY UPHOLSTERY LIMITED TIME ONLY!
AREA RUGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
LIMITED TIME ONLY! 40% off 30-50% off LIMITED TIME ONLY!
all sofas, loveseats, chairs, sectionals, sleepers (special orders included)
our entire selection of bedrooms and dining rooms (including Vermont made!)
S I M P LY A M A Z I N G F U R N I T U R E
JOIN US FOR ANNIVERSARY CAKE every day! KILIM • SERAPI GABBEH •10am-5pm; TRIBAL www.townandcountryvt.com | 1515 Shelburne Road•Burlington, VT 05403 | Mon-Sat. CLOSED Sunday
The coolest, most affordable modern furniture in Vermont.
S I M P LY A M A Z I N G F U R N I T U R E
PLEASE NOTE….gallery located off site! 2915 Shelburne Road 802.985.8487 Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 www.moderndesignvt.com Showroom located at 1515 Shelburne Road *Excludes Items Price& Controlled By Manufacturer. (former Town Country location) www.townandcountryvt.com | 1515 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT 05403 | Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm; CLOSED Sunday
Untitled-2 1
11/4/19 1:29 PM
11AM-4PM S I MOpen P LYFriday, Saturday & Monday FU RNITURE
AMAZING
Untitled-40 1 1 MODERNDESIGNVT.COM 11/17/17 11/22/19 5:13 PM ticket value 3:39 See LETTERS on page 10 2V-moderndesign112719.indd www.townandcountryvt.com | 1515 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT 05403 Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm; CLOSED *Initial|price on handmade rugs Sunday 2V-moderndesign020724.indd 1
*
off initial
2/2/24 1:24 PM
Page 10 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
LETTERS continued from page 9
A vote for Linda Bailey is a vote for better things To the Editor: I am pleased to endorse Linda Bailey for South Burlington City Council. Last election, only about 20 percent of the registered voters in South Burlington voted. Do you wonder why it seems like no one is listening? Please take a moment and recognize that change starts with us. Want a safer community? Want to address climate change at the same time as improving housing affordability? Want good or even great schools? Want to talk with one another and listen? Want to care more? Bailey will be a big step in the right direction. Please vote for Linda Bailey to make things better. Michael Simoneau South Burlington
A vote for Smith for council is a vote for fiscal responsibility To the Editor: South Burlington has been fortunate to have a history of well-informed, passionate and community-centered city councilors. Laurie Smith brings all of that, plus his creativity, practicality to decision-making, collaborative skills, experience from serving on the planning commission and a high level of ethical leadership.
Smith is invested in our city. His parents, children and grandchildren are a part of the community. He has demonstrated his commitment to community by taking on important and challenging work by serving on development review boards, planning and zoning and Act 250 commissions. He is committed to the city’s municipal plan, which is focused on the core concerns of housing, education, budget, infrastructure and sustainable growth. He believes in the importance of addressing the challenges of climate change and supporting environmentally sound principles for economic growth. Smith understands the need for fiscal responsibility and how taxes and spending impact our personal finances, community budgets, schools and municipal services. I’ve worked with Smith and am most impressed with his ability to collaborate with others, build consensus and develop mutual respect with city leaders and citizens of South Burlington. We will all benefit by having Laurie Smith as one of our three new city councilors. Please vote for him on election day. John Bossange South Burlington
Scanlan will bring wisdom, maturity to council To the Editor: I had never taken the time to write
a letter of support in the past, but I’m making an exception because I think we have a unique candidate for South Burlington City Council. I came to this impression chatting with Mike Scanlan every morning this past year as we waited with our boys for the school bus. He is one of the most civic-minded people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in my travels throughout our community. Mike Scanlan will bring so much life experience, wisdom and maturity to the council, and I’m excited to support him and encourage South Burlington residents to consider the same. Angus Robertson South Burlington
Laurie Smith will work hard to bring consensus to council To the Editor: South Burlington will be the winner if we elect Laurie Smith to our city council. Smith brings a wide range of talents and expertise, a creative and collaborative approach to problem solving and the highest level of integrity to any endeavor he works on. He is that rare human being: a practical idealist. He is also a kind, caring, generous and fair person. Smith’s decision making is informed by decades of experience in building homes while working within the rules and regulation of development, his current position on the city’s planning commis-
Get 75% off
weatherization projects, up to $9,500* Stay warmer all winter and stop wasting the heat you’ve paid for! Efficiency Vermont has incentives for comprehensive home air sealing and insulation projects: • 75% off weatherization project costs, up to $4,000 • Moderate income Vermonters get up to $9,500 • Financing starting at 0% interest, or add the monthly payment to your utility bill. It’s possible to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient for around $50 a month. Income-eligible Vermonters may qualify for free weatherization services. Subject to availability and eligibility.
*
sion, as well as a strong knowledge and commitment to sustainability, environmentalism and climate change mitigation. These perspectives give him the broad lens of understanding needed to tackle the major challenges facing the city’s budget, short- and long-term development, infrastructure planning, schools and environmental protections. I know he will work hard to reach consensus on the council while holding on to his core values. Please join me and vote Laurie Smith onto the South Burlington City Council. Susan Saferstein South Burlington
Throughout career, Scanlan listened, found solutions To the Editor: Mike Scanlan has had a 30-year career as a U.S. diplomat. He knows how to listen and find solutions, especially where there are competing interests. In his words, he has championed participatory government and knows the importance of citizens working together and compromising for the common good. His diplomatic challenge was to “achieve compromise and balanced policies, addressing common and disparate needs” in some of the most politically fraught See LETTERS on page 11
efficiencyvermont.com/wx (888) 921-5990
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 11
LETTERS continued from page 10 places like Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has served South Burlington on several committees, including economic development, the school board’s fifthgrade transition to the Middle School Committee and as the city’s representative on the Green Mountain Transit Board. He recognizes the need to find smart new ways to generate revenue to maintain the services we already enjoy. Please join me in supporting Mike Scanlan for city council, two-year term. John Dinklage South Burlington
Don’t close state’s fish hatchery To the Editor: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is considering closing its Salisbury hatchery to meet fiscal goals for 2025. This decision would have a significant impact on the fishing community, as it would result in a halt to statewide fish stocking until new brood stock mature and can produce eggs. This means no catchable brook trout stocking for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, and no brown or rainbow trout stocking from 2027 through the end of 2029 season. Fishing is not just a sport in Vermont, it’s part of the culture, contributing significantly to the economy and tourism industry. I urge the department to reconsider this decision, find alternative ways to meet its fiscal goals without compromising our fishing heritage. The hatchery in question is not just a piece of our nation-
al history, but also a vital part of Vermont’s ecosystem. As a National Historic Site, it requires proper maintenance and curation to preserve its historical significance. Furthermore, it serves as Vermont’s brood-stock station, producing approximately nine million trout eggs annually. This function is crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of our waters. We don’t want to outsource eggs. Why are we getting rid of our “seeds,” if you will. I believe most Vermont citizens do not want genetically engineered seeds and they definitely don’t want eggs from out of state when we have a rich tradition of seeds that will grow into our shared bounty at our tables. The hatchery also raises and spawns five different trout species for Vermont’s lakes and streams, contributing significantly to the local aquatic life. Moreover, it rears and maintains the oldest and largest fish of the hatchery program, which is an essential part of our state’s natural heritage. We must ensure that this important institution continues to operate effectively while preserving its historical value. It’s not just about protecting our past, it’s about safeguarding our future too. We call on relevant authorities to allocate sufficient resources toward maintaining this historic site while ensuring its continued operation as an essential brood-stock station. The economic impact of fishing in Vermont is significant and growing. In 2018, fishing contributed approximately $141 million to the state’s annual economic activity, a notable increase from $131.2 million in
2012. A substantial portion of this contribution is attributed to stocking — $35.4 million in 2018, assuming a stable percentage from its $31.6 million contribution in 2012. Moreover, participation has seen further growth and should be promoted as a reason to visit Vermont. These figures underscore the importance of decisions related to fishing and their impact on local economies across the state. It is crucial that we recognize and protect this valuable industry for the sake of the economy and local livelihoods. We urge decision-makers to consider these facts when making policies affecting fishing activities within state boundaries. Call your local representative, senator and governor if you stand for protecting and promoting Vermont’s economically significant fishing industry. Jeremy Ayotte Fletcher
Smith has vision to serve on city’s council To the Editor: I’m endorsing Laurie Smith for the South Burlington City Council election. We need the kind of balance a person with a small business ownership background brings to the table. Smith combines this with experience in building and renovating highly efficient homes that entails an ability to negotiate between competing interests and an understanding of budgets and economics as well as an appreciation for the environment. As a fellow member of the South Burlington Planning
Commission for the last year, I share many of Smith’s practical and forward-thinking views for the future of our city. Let’s not be penny wise and pound foolish but seek to tackle the city’s issues
802.482.5777
Donna Leban South Burlington
LYONS continued from page 7 met through summer and fall with national leaders from Kentucky. They presented how community-based wraparound recovery programs are evaluated in other states. A pilot program by Jenna’s Promise in Johnson, and work with local and national leaders will determine benchmarks to ensure success for Vermont patients and programs. Our goal is to identify best practice and outcome measures, and to help those in recovery avoid relapse and return to productive lives. I introduced and look forward to passing legislation that supports substance use recovery. Recovery is prevention and is critical within Vermont’s continuum of care. My work between sessions is ongoing. Some of it is related to mental health, privacy of health
care information and substance use as described. However, the combination of unremitting challenges confronting our communities drives a very challenging legislative session. The combination of mental health, substance use disorders, access to housing, public safety, climate-driven debilitating weather events, inflationary pressures on food costs or school funding cannot be understated. There is a lot to be done and always too little time. Please stay connected as we work through legislation. Ginny Lyons, a Democrat from Williston, represents South Burlington, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne and several other towns in the Chittenden-Southeast Senate district.
Dr. Jeanne Kellner, founder and owner of Shelburne Pediatrics, is retiring after 35 years in practice. The office is closing as of March 16, 2024. Dr. Jeanne, Paula, FNP Leah, and nurses Nancy and Martha wish you all the best. It has been an honor and a pleasure caring for you and your families. Please check the website, shelburnepediatrics.com to request medical records after the closing date.
rotdoctorsvt.com
polliconstruction.com
ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!
with wisdom and understanding that pays dividends into the future.
Window Cleaning Power Washing Roof & Gutter Cleaning
SPARKLESVT.COM (802) 497-3961
WE STOP ROT IN ITS TRACKS 802.497.0187
Page 12 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
COMMUNITY Community Notes South Burlington ArtMix features Dwight + Nicole The South Burlington Friends of the Arts ArtMix will again be hosted by Vermont Public’s Mitch Wertlieb and feature the talented team of Dwight + Nicole. The 2024 ArtMix will be held Friday, Feb. 16, at Higher Ground in South Burlington. South Burlington Friends of the Arts is focused on supporting students in their pursuit of the arts, celebrating the work of professional and student performers and artists, and leveraging the arts as an additional tool for community gathering to explore the richness of our distinct cultures and experiences and our similarities and differences. “Each year this event seems to get bigger with more and more professionals joining our program that offers an incredible show and allows for connection with our up-and-coming artists and their professional peers, sharing the stage and the gallery and bringing
the community together for a great night,” chair Patrick Leduc said. Besides Dwight + Nicole, performers will include Troy Millette, A2VT, Andriana, Holly Painter, Nadia Comba, Gretchen Wertlieb and Ms. Lee Fan Club. In the gallery, artists will include Laurel Waters, Daryl Storrs, Jayan Greeff, Lili Epstein, David Mui, Tess Fontana and Anja Eriksson. The annual event showcases a range of professionals in both the visual and performing arts, along with several talented high school students. “It’ll be a super fun night for people of all ages, with lots of art to enjoy. Come celebrate the arts and have an awesome night with family or friends,” Lili Epstein, one of two student representatives on the 2024 ArtMix planning group, said. Tess Fontana, another student involved in this year’s event, added: “I’ve been going to the COURTESY PHOTO
See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 13
Dwight + Nicole
It’s Summer Summer Camp Camps Sign-Up 2024 GUIDE Time! Promote your program in our Summer Camps guide for targeted exposure to a local audience of kids and parents as they make plans for the upcoming summer season. This advertising section is a go-to guide for summer camp and recreation seekers, making it the ideal place to outline your offerings and secure more early enrollments. Publication Dates: February 8, March 7, April 4 Deadlines: February 1, February 29, March 28 Contact: Stowe Reporter/News & Citizen at 802-253-2101, Shelburne News/The Citizen at 802-985-3091 or The Other Paper at 802-864-6670 for information or to advertise your camp (ask about multi-paper, half-price color and Burlington Area Newspaper Group deals).
To learn more or reserve your space, talk to us today!
STOWE REPORTER NEWS&CITIZEN
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 13
COMMUNITY NOTES continued from page 12
Va-et-Vient
ArtMix for many years. The music is great, the art is great, it’s always such a blast.” Since 2017, the South Burlington Friends of the Arts has provided thousands of dollars in educational scholarships to students pursuing the arts. Tickets are $25 for adults or $30 the day of show; and for students, $15/$20. More at highergroundmusic.com.
Students host city council, school board candidate forum The South Burlington High School debate team is hosting a forum with candidates for the school board and city council, Thursday, Feb. 15. Students will ask questions to school board candidates from 6-7 p.m., and candidates for city council from 7-9 p.m. Candidates for city council are Linda Bailey, Lydia Diamond, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Julian Keenan, Mike Scanlan and Laurie Smith. The candidates for school board are Elaine Cissi, Chelsea Tillinghast and Tim Warren. The event will be held in the City Auditorium, and it will also be available electronically. Residents Vince Bolduc and Anne LaLonde are coordinating the effort. Join the meeting at meet.goto.com/ SBCity/sbforum2024.
Love tested in Players’ ‘Long Live Love’ Essex Community Players offers the world premiere of “Long Live Love,” opening Friday, Feb. 23, for eight performances. The comedy cast includes local performers from six Chittenden County towns, including Margaret Allen and Ben Certa of South Burlington In this romantic farce, it’s opening night for playwrights Harold and Bright’s “Long Live Love,” and the cast is struggling through one last rehearsal, trying to strike a balance between its misguided letters, misplaced infants, saber duels and mistaken identities. They’ve almost gotten it just right when one of the playwrights arrives and declares, due to an argument with his wife, that he’s lost all faith in love and has written a new, devastatingly artistic ending. Gone is the happy ending with three couples kissing at the same time; now it’s a cauldron of misery and suffering. The cast has two hours to put
COURTESY PHOTO
Community Concerts at First, 39 Main St., Essex Junction, presents Va-et-Vient, an all-female Addison County trio that celebrates the many colors found in music from several French cultures on Sunday, March 10, 3-5 p.m. These musicians will take you through the centuries from France to Québec and New Orleans with lively dance numbers, touching love songs, kickin’ Cajun and Créole tunes, and rollicking Québecois favorites. The group includes Carol Reed (voice, guitar and mandolin), Suzanne Germain (voice and percussion), and Lausanne Allen (voice, fiddles, flute, penny whistles, harmonica and mandolins). Suggested donation is $20. More at fccej.org
it together. They try, until playwright Marjorie Bright, Harold’s writing partner and estranged wife, arrives with her own new ending for the play. Chaos ensues. Performance dates are Friday to Sunday, Feb. 23-25 and March 1-3, and Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10. More at essexplayers. com.
Landscape designer talks spring beauty in the garden Go beyond forsythia and look at other plants that can bring added color and beauty to your garden at winter’s end — shadbush, redbud, magnolia, lilac, woodland phlox, wildflowers and a rainbow of bulbs suitable for the Northeast. Join speaker Charlotte Albers for “Spring Beauty” and take a virtual tour through lush gardens, learn how to use more natives and spring blooming shrubs beneficial to pollinators and consider layering certain key perennials to create a glorious opening perfor-
REVERSE NERVE DAMAGE THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS ARE REVERSING THEIR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND GETTING THEIR LIFE BACK. YOU CAN TOO
Join us for a FREE seminar to see if you qualify.
Call for more information 802-878-8330
205 Cornerstone Dr Williston, VT
mance in this talk by landscape designer. For more information about this Burlington Garden Club event on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m., at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., in South Burlington, go to bgcvt.org.
Energy committee offers workshop on electric vehicles on Feb. 20 For many communities in Vermont, the electrification of what we drive holds both great interest and fears of the unknown. Electric vehicles offer many benefits over traditional fossil-fuel-based transportation and have been proposed as one of the solutions for reducing carbon emissions. Yet, they have other facets that seem to challenge their appeal or feasibility to the average Vermonter. An upcoming hands-on workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. will shed some light on the topic and help answer your electric vehicle questions. Electric vehicle owners will be present to share their experiences, and experts from
Vermont Energy Education Program and Vermont Energy Investment Corporation’s Drive Electric program will be available to answer questions. Join the South Burlington Energy Committee at the Allard Square Community Room if you are considering an electric vehicle or are still weighing if this is the right choice for your next vehicle. Allard Square is located immediately to the left of the South Burlington City Hall and parking is available both on the street and at city hall.
Commons School student named finalist for Cooke Scholarship Analia Cannon, a senior at the Vermont Commons School in South Burlington, was recently chosen from a record number of applicants as a semi-finalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. The scholarship provides last-dollar See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 14
Page 14 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
Thank your sweethearts for perfect imperfections ior — celebrate it now. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge their ridiculousness Carole Vasta Folley and how empty your life would be without it. To help, here are As another Valentine’s Day some examples you can write in approaches, let’s ignore the your Valentine’s Day card. commercialism of the holiday Thank you for snoring and and instead tell our sweetheart keeping me up all night that we love them. In even though I kicked writing. There’s no you at 3 a.m. repeatedly better way to let them because the buzz-sawknow they matter. ing was interminable as Let’s face it, some I imagined moving to days it’s more chalanother room, house or lenging to write a love continent for my sanity. letter than others. But I love you. I submit that even our Thank you for grievances toward dismantling every our partner are worth Carole Vasta Folley storyline of the murder appreciating. I’ve mysteries we watch, long believed that our wringing out all the joy significant other’s of the show as you cleverly point bothersome behaviors might be what we’d miss most if they were out character deficiencies and gone. It’d be their idiosyncrasies, implausible plots. I love you. Thank you for watering our peccadillos and annoying habits plants relentlessly and stalwartly we’d long for, reminisce about, believing you have a green thumb and deeply miss. even though the ficus wilts at the So, don’t wait to appreciate very sight of you. I love you. your beloved’s irksome behav-
In Musing
COMMUNITY NOTES
Thank you for taking outrageously long showers that make our bathroom a rainforest as you strip all natural oils from your body so your skin is dry and itchy. An extra hug for not using the bath mat so all the water puddles on the floor. I love you. Thank you for always opening the new milk, never-minding there’s a three-quarters-full carton right next to it. I love you. Thank you for making dinner once every six months. Watching you cook in such delightful slow motion, the speed of which would make a sloth look sprightly, brightens my world. I’m sure if I stayed up ‘til midnight, it’d be delicious. I love you. Thank you for getting the last teeny-tiny morsel of peanut butter out of the jar. The way your knife clangs away incessantly, scraping the glass like fingernails on a chalkboard, no words can describe such joy. I love you. Thank you for storing your clean laundry in the dryer. And for not replacing toilet paper rolls because they magically reappear themselves. I love you. Thank you for thinking Pres-
ident Joe Biden is texting you. it went in the bathroom. I love Directly. I love you. you. Thank you for managing to hit Thank you for never walking my bike every time you park in the dog and letting me have all the garage even though I put that the fresh air and exercise, espeblock of wood cially on those on the floor that frigid mornings Thank you for storing tells you when when I’m wearto stop. I love ing two coats your clean laundry in you. while I pick up Thank you dog poop. I love the dryer. And for not for continuing you. to buy clothes Thank you for replacing toilet paper that will in no playing a million way fit in your games on your rolls because they closet, while phone while we you wake up spend quality magically reappear every morning time together. I themselves. I love you. love you. thinking you have nothing I hope these to wear. I love you. Thank you sentiments have been helpful. for spending the entire evening I’m sure you have some of your cuddling with the dog while I sit own. A final tip? Make sure to on the couch alone. I love you. also write about the things you Thank you for always hiding truly admire and appreciate about a box of Cap’n Crunch in the your sweetheart. If not, I recomcupboard even though you never mend you get your credit card out eat it — thank goodness or else to pay for some flowers, candy, you wouldn’t have the roof of or maybe a legal retainer. your mouth. Let me know when we can throw away the three Carole Vasta Folley is an unopened cartons of eggnog in award-winning columnist and the fridge. I love you. playwright. Visit carolevf.com for Thank you for telling me how more info.
continued from page 13 funding to supplement institutional aid, and allows recipients to graduate from college with as little debt as possible. More than 5,600 students from more than 3,800 different high schools in every state and many U.S. territories applied this year. Cannon was the only student from Vermont selected as a semi-finalist. Cooke College Scholars are selected based on exceptional academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, service to others and leadership. Finalists will be chosen in April. Cannon is a founding member of the Vermont Commons School Social Justice Club. After graduation, she hopes to continue her studies in biology and mathematics. She lives in Burlington with her mother.
Help keep Vermont’s woodlands healthy If you love your woodlands, enjoy seeing wildlife and want to learn how a healthy forest can enhance wildlife habitat, provide recreational and timber benefits come to a Spring Vermont Coverts cooperator training on an upcoming weekend in 2024. Learn about managing your
60 years of Bread & Puppet
Analia Cannon
woodlands and reaching out to others in the community by attending. This program connects participants with resource professionals, landowners and others while learning how to improve woodlands for forest health, resilience and wildlife. Trainings will be held May 17-19 at the Shutesville Hill Wildlife Corridor in Waterbury and Stowe, and Sept. 13-15 at the Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton. To learn more, see a sample agenda or download an application visit vtcoverts.org or contact Lisa Sausvilleat lisa@vtcoverts.org.
Say you saw it in The Other Paper!
PHOTO BY JUNO STEWART
Join Farmers Night 2023 for a free celebration of Bread & Puppet on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. at the Vermont Statehouse. Peter Schumann’s acclaimed Bread & Puppet Theater is known for drawing attention to the urgent issues of the day with its iconic puppets and paper mâché creatures of all sizes. This year for the 60th anniversary Bread Puppet will perform a Paper Mache Mas and fill the House chamber with colorful protest and pageantry for all to experience. For information, contact David Schutz, Vermont state curator, at david.schutz@vermont.gov or 802-279-5558.
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 15
‘My Vermont Eyes’ Explore Vermont migration, lived experiences with spoken-word artist The South Burlington Public Library presents a series of seven free community-building events with artist-in-residence Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning beginning Friday, Feb. 16, with an opening reception, meet and greet and a short performance, “Poetry and Stories About Black American Migrations: Rural to Urban and South to North,” 6-7 p.m. in the library auditorium, 180 Market St. Jolivette is an African-American spoken word and poetry theater artist and an instructor in the St. Michael’s College history department. In this series of events, members of the community are invited to come listen and watch, create and collaborate with the artist, and get to know yourself and your community on a joyful and meaningful level. The events are a mix of open studios with Jolivette and hands-on workshops exploring the expression of stories, communities and experiences of Vermont as home through words, poetry and art. The culminating work, “My Vermont Eyes,” will be a curated display of stories and artwork from participants in the library’s art gallery. The “My Vermont Eyes” migration project is led by Jolivette, a theatrically-trained performer who uses literary arts to teach history and African American culture. “Her performance is always amazing and a delicious dish for the soul. Dr. Jolly filled us with renewed hope and love for our family, community, and futures. Black excellence matters,” said South Burlington resident Lydia Diamond. Jolivette blends academic knowledge with her theater acting and directing skills to create spaces for people to express their own stories. She previously facilitated the “My Mississippi Eyes” project. A native of Shreveport, La., she lived in Mississippi and Indiana before relocating to Vermont. She brings the narrative of her migration experiences as an example for others who may find inspiration for developing and sharing their own stories through their Vermont Eyes. Jolivette is a member of the Vermont African-American/African Diaspora Artists Network. The program is developed in partnership with Clemmons Family Farm and supported in part by a Vermont Community Fund Arts & Social Cohesion grant.
Shop local and please remember our advertisers!
WARNING
CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2024 ANNUAL MEETING
The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are hereby notified and warned to meet at their respective polling places at the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on 500 Dorset Street, the Orchard School on 2 Baldwin Avenue, the Gertrude Chamberlin School on 262 White Street, and South Burlington City Hall Senior Center on 180 Market Street on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 7:00 o'clock in the morning, at which time the polls will open, until 7:00 o'clock in the evening, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian ballot on the following articles:
ARTICLE I ELECTION OF OFFICERS
To elect three (3) Directors to the South Burlington School District Board of School Directors, one (1) Director for a three (3) year term, one (1) Director for a two (2) year term, and one (1) Director for the remaining one (1) year of a two (2) year term as required by law.
ARTICLE II BUDGET
Shall the voters of the City of South Burlington School District approve the School Board to expend Seventy-One Million One Hundred Ninety-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-One and 00/100 Dollars ($71,192,891.00), which is the amount the School Board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year?
ARTICLE III ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION TO DISTRICT’S CAPITAL RESERVE FUND AUTHORIZED
Shall the South Burlington School District’s Board of Directors (Board) be authorized to allocate the audited surplus funds from the 2022 fiscal year in the amount of $2,266,362 to the District’s Capital Reserve Fund which, in combination with funds previously allocated or allocated in the future, may be expended for future capital improvements as determined by such Board and detailed in the District’s Facilities Stewardship Plan as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the requirements of 24 V.S.A. 2804? Polling places are at the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on 500 Dorset Street, the Orchard School on 2 Baldwin Avenue, the Gertrude Chamberlin School on 262 White Street, and South Burlington City Hall Senior Center on 180 Market Street. Voters are to go to the polling place in their respective District. COURTESY PHOTOS
Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Douoning
‘My Vermont Eyes’ migration project Schedule of events Friday, Feb. 16, 6-7 p.m. Opening reception, City Hall lobby, auditorium. Meet and greet our artist-in-residence and enjoy a short performance, “Poetry and Stories About Black American Migrations: Rural to Urban and South to North.” Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6-7 p.m. “We Wear the Mask: Black American Experiences in History, Where the Arts Meet Education” Thursday, Feb. 29, 3:30-5 p.m. “Discover Yourself: Explore Your Worldview Through Poetry and Spoken Word” Saturday, March 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. “Five Black Birds in an Ivorian Sky” Tuesday, March 19, 6-7:30 p.m. “My Vermont Eyes: My Experiences” Thursday, March 28, 6-7:30 p.m. “Birds, Butterflies, and the Human Spirit Can Fly: Finding Home and Community with My Vermont Eyes” Saturday, April 6, 5-6 p.m. Part of South Burlington’s community event, Illuminate Vermont!
The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are further warned and notified that a public information meeting will be held to discuss Articles I, II, and III on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at 180 Market Street. The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are further notified that voter qualification, registration, and absentee voting relative to said annual meeting shall be as provided in Chapters 43, 51 and 55 of Title 17, Vermont Statutes Annotated. Dated at South Burlington, Vermont this ___10th___ day of January 2024. South Burlington School District Board of School Directors
Received for record and recorded this _16th___ day of January 2024, in the records of the City of South Burlington.
Page 16 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
Legislature eyes funding future school construction ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDIGGER
Vermont’s school facilities assessment, which estimated Vermont’s schools will need more than $6.3 billion just to fund A long-awaited report on how Vermont in-kind replacements in the next 21 years, should address its billions of dollars in a number widely considered a significant school construction needs arrived in the underestimate. The task force proposed creating an Legislature Feb. 1. In short, the report suggests the state independent governing board that would should consider incentivizing districts to oversee school construction project proposbuild in ways that align with the state’s als, deciding what percentage of each projgoals. That could mean a “newer and ect the state should subsidize, a model used fewer” approach, building healthier in Massachusetts. And though the task force’s report did schools (perhaps by remediating PCBs), and considering equity, such as supporting not solidify criteria the governing board districts with more impoverished students should consider, it did make suggestions. Among the prioritization criteria or a smaller tax base. Informed by guidance from the Agency proposed, the report suggested the state of Education and the Office of the State give consideration to a district’s poverty Treasurer, the report also suggested that level and taxing capacity, and that the state Vermont use its bonding capacity to support should consider providing some money the construction, at least partially, and to districts that have engaged in construction projects in the years recommended directing the immediately preceding state’s economists to study “We also know that the yet-to-be-created separate, perpetual revenue school construction aid streams. many, many bonds program. Vermont ended its Prioritization could school construction aid fail. So, we know that also provide “bonuses” program in 2007. Since the local capacity … for projects that “align then, officials say, deferred with Vermont’s educamaintenance has grown is not there.” tion priorities,” such as significantly, with an estia “newer and fewer” mated $300 million in construction needed each — Jill Briggs Campbell approach to school construction. year for the next 21 years “We also know that if schools were only to many, many bonds fail,” Briggs Campbell replace buildings as they already are. Jill Briggs Campbell, the education said. “So, we know that the local capacity agency’s director of operations, and Ashlynn … is not there.” The task force also recommended Doyon, the director of policy in the treasurer’s office, presented the recommendations school districts be required to complete and findings of the report to lawmakers to master plans and have some requirements the House Committee on Education and the in place to help guarantee that they don’t put off maintenance of new buildings. House Committee on Ways and Means. “If we’re going to do a state construction Briggs Campbell called the findings “step one” of what will likely become a aid program, we want to ensure that those dollars are going to be invested wisely,” multi-year process. “We’re hoping to lay out the road map Briggs Campbell said. The House Education Committee later for all of you,” she said. Vermont’s schools are the second oldest met to digest the morning’s report and drum in the nation, according to the agency, and up its immediate action items. Its goal: face declining enrollment. Yet increasingly, continue the momentum toward creating a schools have become hubs for more than school construction aid program. The list includes directing the Legislajust learning, functioning as community tive Joint Fiscal Office to begin researching social service centers, leaders say. “We need these robust, resilient school possible perpetual revenue sources, thinkbuildings to be able to serve those needs. ing about the future composition of the Many, many of our school buildings serve program’s governing board, pausing PCB as emergency shelters,” Briggs Campbell testing when the funds allocated to support said, illustrating the need for construction. it near zero, and creating a working group She also pointed to “mounting evidence” to nail down the specifics of any future aid indicating that healthier school buildings program. If all goes according to plan, a worklead to better student outcomes. Legislation last year created the school ing group could present its findings at the construction aid task force with the goal of beginning of the 2025 legislative session, considering funding options for a statewide and the construction aid program could be school construction program, how such a created in the next biennium. “We’re building the car,” said Rep. program would be governed, and how to Tesha Buss, D-Woodstock, pausing. “And prioritize funding, among other charges. Informing the task force’s work was the road.”
OtherPaperSBVT.com Get the News of South Burlington 24/7
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 17
OPEN SPACE continued from page 1 session at its Feb. 5 council meeting to continue negotiations. City manager Jessie Baker said that no vote has been taken, and no vote is planned in February. “The city continues to be open to partnership with the Long Property owners on a future joint project,” she said, and noted that “no conclusions have been reached on future funding sources or the outlines of an agreement.” The debate over development plans for the property, as well as potential use of open space funds to purchase the property, has stirred some controversy. Several editorials in The Other Paper both criticized and defended the efficacy of purchasing the property for conservation. Critics point to zoning regulations that already mandate conservation in that area of the city, while proponents of the purchase say it would conserve the land in perpetuity if those zoning regulations ever changed. Linda Bailey, a resident of the Chamberlin neighborhood and a current council candidate, said that if someone theoretically wanted to develop the land, 70 percent must be conserved per the city’s land regulations, “so I don’t think that we need to use our open space tax dollars to buy that property.” “I think we need to look at other areas of the city and make sure that there’s open space for people living near the corridors that are planned to be densely populated,” she said. “They need open space as well.” Michael Mittag, a resident, and member of the city’s planning commission, noted that city zoning regulations are “subject to change by a planning commission or a selectboard or a council — or as we’ve learned recently with S.100 and H.47, can be overwritten by the state.” “The only sure way to conserve land is to own it and use a conservation easement to protect it,” he said. Much of the debate centers around the use of the open space fund, which draws one cent from the tax rate for the acquisition of open spaces in the city. The fund was originally established by voters in 2000 and, at the time, was strictly focused on conservation efforts. But over the years, city voters have passed amendments to the fund. In 2008, a vote allowed for the purchase of land for recreational use. The city did just that in 2013 when it purchased property on Spear Street now called the Hubbard Recreation and Natural Area and formerly known as the Underwood property. Additional modifications allowed for 5 percent of the annual levy, for a 10-year period, to be used for the maintenance of three existing open spaces: Red Rocks Park, Hubbard Park and the Wheeler Nature Park. Since its inception, seven parcels of land have been purchased with the funds, including the Scott, Leduc, Goodrich and Auclair properties, among others. Of the seven parcels, six are in the city’s southeast quadrant, a wealthy enclave in the southernmost portion of the city bordering Hinesburg and Williston, which constitutes the largest undeveloped part of South Burlington. The seventh parcel purchased is in the Chittenden-9 district of the city but is directly adjacent to the southeast quadrant.
The area features some of the most expensive real estate in Vermont. Six of the last eight city councilors to be elected or appointed have lived here. The city in 2022 adopted land development regulations preventing housing and prioritizing conservation on about 1,000 acres in the area. “It seems logical that this major change, dramatically reducing the risk of development in the southeast quadrant, should be the basis for examination of how these new regulations should affect where in the city open space fund resources are used to purchase property for conservation,” said Sandy Dooley, a former city councilor and former board of director with the Champlain Housing Trust. Allan Strong, the former chair of the city’s interim zoning open space committee, said that he doesn’t disagree with the argument “that we should be thinking about conservation across all of the city. But I think this is just a unique opportunity with a willing seller, a critical piece of natural resources in South Burlington, and an opportunity to conserve it in perpetuity.” Strong and others as part of their work on that committee tried to identify remaining open space in the city. They identified parcels that were greater than 4 acres and had less than 10 percent impervious surfaces as a starting criterion. Ultimately, the committee evaluated 190 parcels of land in the city. There’s “no question” that much of the remaining open land is concentrated in the southeast quadrant; their final report lists eight parcels in that area that are listed as the highest priority for conservation. But other areas were identified as well, including space on Lake Champlain off Shelburne Road, and areas adjacent to Centennial Woods. They also highlighted six properties that were north of I-89, including parcels along Muddy Brook, and others along the Winooski River near the Williston border. “One of the challenges in putting together the interim zoning open space report was essentially that challenge: how do you work to conserve the best of what’s left,” Strong said. “It’s obvious that we didn’t plan for open space when South Burlington was created, so to speak.” As the city is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with development in City Center and elsewhere, Paul Connor, the city’s planning and zoning director, said that the city has several tools it can use to create open space, including recreation impact fees levied on developers and others. The city, in its fiscal year 2025 budget, allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds to authorize a parks master plan for the city, which would analyze best uses of property for open space and recreation. “These are tools that really help us guide and prioritize where we want to be meeting the needs of the community,” he said, “and then using that we then apply the different tools in the toolbox for funding.” Several residents, including Lisa Senecal, have asked that the city have more discussion about what the open space fund could be used for. “It would benefit from having more public discussion” on the use of those funds, she said.
Invest in affordable, carbon-free
COMFORT
Don’t w a Secure it! yo spot on ur calenda our r be the coo fore l season ing starts!
Page 18 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
ACT 127 continued from page 1 conversations” and are “looking at decimating schools and programs that we’ve dedicated our lives to developing for the benefits of students in our community.” A new law being fast-tracked through Statehouse committees would not only nix a major facet of Act 127, but also allow time for districts to adjust spending by postponing Town Meeting Day school budget votes until April 15. The proposed law offers $500,000 to offset election costs resulting from the delay. Act 127, which adjusted the state’s previous equalized pupil weighting system, allowed districts a 5 percent tax cap to soften the blow for districts that saw pupil weights drop dramatically as a result. The law also allowed districts a 10 percent per-pupil spending limit — meaning that whether the Champlain Valley school district, for example, approved an $88.5 million budget or a $105.8 million budget would have no difference in its $1.37 tax rate increase. Similarly, the South Burlington school district could have spent anywhere from $63 to $71.5 million with the same exact effect on tax bills. But legislators took issue with that aspect of the law early in the legislative session, arguing that districts throughout the state were taking advantage of the spending mechanism. The new bill proposed by legislators in the House Committee on Ways and Means would replace the 5 percent cap with a one-cent
tax rate discount for every percent decrease loss in the district’s taxing capacity since Act 127’s implementation. Although the 5 percent cap was available for every district, this new discount would only be available to districts negatively affected by the new funding formula. Tim Jarvis, senior director of operations and finance for the South Burlington School District, said that of the 122 school districts and supervisory unions in the state, nearly 38 of them were deemed to be disadvantaged by Act 127, including just about every school in Chittenden County aside from Winooski and Burlington. The Champlain Valley School District saw a 17 percent decrease in its taxing capacity because of Act 127. Under the new law being moved through the Statehouse, the district, instead of utilizing the 5 percent cap, would see a 17-cent discount on its tax rate. Gary Marckres, the Champlain Valley district’s chief operations officer, said the district would ultimately be worse off than it was under the current law, and the new calculations would likely leave tax rates higher than what was projected in the last couple weeks. South Burlington, meanwhile, would receive only about a 5-cent discount under the proposed law. Under the new methodology, its $71 million budget would now generate a tax rate increase of 24.15 percent, Jarvis said. “I feel a responsibility to the community who has live ballots out there to understand what’s
happening and to understand that the just over $71 million (budget), that was once an 18.26 percent tax rate could very well not be that in a very short time,” Nichols said. The Champlain Valley district’s board approved its $105 million budget in January and had tacked on an 18 percent school tax increase to residents in Hinesburg, Charlotte, Shelburne, St. George and Williston. South Burlington approved a $71 million budget — a 14 spending percent increase over last year — including an extra $2 million set aside in a capital reserve fund that produced the 18.26 percent tax rate increase. Regardless of Act 127’s provisions, both districts would have seen their tax rates increase by 13 percent resulting entirely from the recent common level of appraisal figures. Simply put, the common level of appraisal compares the assessed value of properties on a town or city’s grand list to actual property sale prices considered to represent their fair market value. The 5 percent cap made it difficult for school districts to find tax relief with budget cuts since any spending up to a certain point would still reap the 5 percent increase, but the new methodology would allow districts to “actually get tax relief with virtually any cut that we make from the adopted budget,” Jarvis said. Both districts have yet to decide on whether they will postpone their budgets or how they will revise them. There is already little wiggle room in the budgets that are balancing various budgetary
pressures — inflation, negotiated contracts with built-in increases, and double-digit percentage increase in health insurance and other employee benefits. “The problem for South Burlington is that once we push past this March 5 date, we’re still having to communicate information and pass a school budget to staff our school,” Nichols said. “It benefits the district to have a passed budget on March 5, so that operationally we can staff our schools. When there isn’t a finalized budget, that impacts hiring and our ability to staff.” The Champlain Valley district is set to hold a finance committee meeting Tuesday night, after press deadline, where it will discuss budget and tax rate figures based on the draft law and try to come up with an agreement on the best course of action for students, staff and taxpayers to “try and make some sense out of all this,” Marckres said. The options for the district, he said, is to delay and rework the budget and start the communication cycle with constituents again. The other option is — since there’s no change in the law yet — to stay the course with the budget currently built for fiscal year 2025 and see if voters support it. “Even with all the unknowns, both situations are challenging for various reasons,” he said. He noted, however, that “the big unknown” in all this is the state’s yield, the number generated by the Agency of Education and approved by the Legislature,
POST-HOLIDAY CREDIT CARD DEBT? Vermont Federal Credit Union can help!
0% APR* FOR
12 MONTHS
Transfer exisiting credit card debt and VERMONTFEDERAL.ORG (888) 252-0202 pay it down faster while saving money!
APPLY TODAY!
VERMONTFEDERAL.ORG • (802)658-0225
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 0% APR for 12 months applies only to the balance transfer. New purchases will receive normal interest rates based on creditworthiness. Offer available on NEW Platinum Credit Cards only. Balance transfers to existing cards or other card types are not eligible for the promotion. Balance Transfer promotional rate is valid on NEW Platinum credit card transfers made between January 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024. A 2% balance transfer fee is assessed and charged at the time the balance transfer is initiated by VTFCU. Promotional rate on balance transfers will revert to existing APR after the twelve month period. As of 11/1/23, the rate is as low as 12.20% APR, but may change prior to the end of the promotional period. APR is variable and can change based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin as low as 3.70% for Visa Platinum cards. Rates are quoted as “as low as” and may vary based on your individual credit. Must be a member of the Credit Union to obtain a credit card. $5 share deposit required for membership. All loans subject to approval. Offer subject to change or end without notice.
which represents the overall draw on the education fund and is how districts determine per-pupil costs. That usually isn’t set until sometime in May or the end of the legislative session. “That’s super hard to predict, and it all depends on how many districts statewide decide, because of the potential law change, to delay and potentially reduce the budget,” he said. “That can have a big impact on the yield if you get $10 or $12 million statewide in reduction, that has a major impact on final tax rates for towns.” Some South Burlington School Board members, during their recent meeting last week, expressed frustration with the process the Legislature is taking with this new methodology since it has yet to become law and some voters have already received absentee ballots. “I’m just thinking a lot about the integrity of this process, which feels pretty troubling to me,” board Chair Kate Bailey said. “It’s not my practice to listen to testimony given in one House committee and then treat it as law and that’s sort of what they’re asking us to do in order to make decisions from a local budget standpoint. Never mind the integrity of just us having enough information that we can communicate with the community about making informed choices on voting day.” The Champlain Valley and South Burlington school boards are expected to make more definite decisions at their board meetings next week on Feb. 20 and 21.
BLOTTER continued from page 4 ton, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Hannaford Drive. Feb. 8 at 9:51 p.m., Eric J. Gokey, 35, of Burlington, was arrested on Dorset Street for driving with a criminally suspended license. Feb. 10 at 10:57 a.m., Victoria Juliette Sherman, 33, no address given, was arrested for simple assault at Shelburne Road and Farrell Street. Feb. 11 at 6:02 a.m., Dylan P. Hughes, 32, of South Burlington, was arrested on an in-state warrant and domestic assault on Larkin Way. Feb. 11 at 10:13 a.m., Neeraj Bharati, 34, of South Burlington, was arrested on Farrell Street for burglary, unlawful mischief and violation of an abuse prevention order. Note: Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 19
SPORTS Boys’ hockey moves to 15-2 on the season LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Boys’ hockey South Burlington 4, Middlebury 0: South Burlington struck for two goals in the third period to beat Middlebury Friday. Will Bradley tallied twice to pace the Wolves, while Jack Kelly and Lucas Van Mullen each added a goal. Nick Kelly, Miles Van Mullen and Drew Dougherty each had an assist. James Bradley stopped 18 shots in goal as South Burlington moved to 15-2. South Burlington also got a win on Wednesday, beating Rutland 9-1. Nick Kelly had two goals and three assists, and Hayden Nelson scored two goals.
Gymnastics South Burlington 120.65, St. Johnsbury 97.3: The South Burlington gymnastics team captured a win over St. Johnsbury in a head-to-head match on Saturday, Jan. 10. Ella Maynard led the way for the Wolves with a second-place finish in vault and floor exercise. Kelsey Adams came in third place in vault. Maynard’s third-place finish in the all-around competition helped put South Burlington in the last regular season match before the state championship tournament next weekend.
Girls’ hockey South Burlington 3, Middlebury 1: The South Burlington girls’ hockey team continued its unbeaten streak to six games as it beat Middlebury Friday. Sabrina Brunet had a hat trick to pace the Wolves offensively, while Annika Erickson and Ava Hershberg each added two assists. Taylor Tobrocke made 26 saves. South Burlington moved to 12-4-1. The Wolves also took on Woodstock on Wednesday, settling for a 1-1 tie with the Wasps.
PHOTO BY AL FREY
South Burlington’s Caitlin Bartlett circles behind the net during the Wolves’ recent 2-1 overtime win over the Northeast Kingdom Blades at Cairns Arena.
Hadia Ahmed had the lone goal and Tobrocke stopped 19 shots.
Girls’ basketball Burlington 54, South Burlington 19: The girls fell to Burlington Thursday, Feb. 8. Peyton Borick led the Wolves with seven points as South Burlington dropped to 1-13.
Boys’ basketball South Burlington 65, St. Johnsbury 60: The team snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday, Jan. 9, beating St. Johnsbury 65-60. Tyler Bergmans led all Wolves’ scorers with 23 points and eight rebounds. Paul Comba added 13, while Andre Bouffard and Khalil Quebec-Hill each chipped in with 10 points. South Burlington moved to 11-7 with the win.
Winter Clearance 50% up to
OFF SALE
Maple Sugar Bowl announces rosters The stage is set for the 71st Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl. The two Shrine teams representing the finest high school football talent of New Hampshire and Vermont have been announced and include several players from Champlain Valley Union High School. This summer’s classic is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, in Dave Wolk Stadium at Vermont State University in Castleton, with kickoff at 11:30 a.m. More than 200 graduating high school seniors from both states were nominated by their head coaches. In each state, screening committees led by the Shrine head coaches selected their respective teams. Twenty-five schools are represented on the New Hampshire team and 21 on the Vermont team. Players from Cham-
plain Valley include Oliver Cheer, 6 foot, 175 pounds, quarterback, Williston; Jacob Bose, 6 foot, 185 pounds, running back/linebacker, Williston; Connor Simons, 6 foot, 290 pounds, offensive line/defensive back, Shelburne; Brian Rutherford, 6 foot, 185 pounds, wide receiver, Williston; and William Kearney, 6-foot, 1 inch, 245 pounds, defensive lineman/offensive line, Shelburne. The two teams will meet with coaches in March to review game plans. Both teams will report to Castleton University July 28 to begin formal practice. The Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl is played for the benefit of the Shriners Children’s facilities and has raised millions of dollars. This twin-state game is sponsored by the two Shrine Centers of Vermont, Cairo (Rutland) and Mt. Sinai (Montpelier).
Savings for the whole family!
Save on Winter Footwear & Outerwear
HUGE Saving s!
Barre, Williston, St. Albans, Plattsburgh Open: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-5 Shop Online @ LennyShoe.com Save on select winter gear while supplies last
Page 20 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
Managing forests for birds requires resiliency Into the Woods Ethan Tapper What does it mean to manage forests for birds? While this may seem like a simple question, it’s actually almost impossible to answer. What we call birds includes everything from ducks and gulls to hawks and herons, from woodpeckers to hummingbirds, from turkeys to turkey vultures. Vermont is home to more than 80 species of breeding birds — one of the most diverse breeding bird populations in the United States. Birds are an immensely diverse group of animals with incredibly variable habitat requirements. For this article, let’s narrow our scope to songbirds. What we call songbirds, known by ornithologists as passerines, or “perching” birds includes birds as big as a raven and as small as a chickadee, as common as a robin and as uncommon as a golden-winged warbler. Our songbirds include both year-round occupants and neo-tropical migrants — birds that overwinter in the tropics and migrate to Vermont to breed in the summer. The first thing that songbirds need is food. Most songbirds are heavily dependent on insects and other arthropods, especially when feeding chicks in the spring and early summer. Our tens of thousands of species of native insects have complex relationships with many species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, as well as being associated with forests of different ages and structural conditions. Managing for insects in the woods means encouraging forests with tree species diversity and structural diversity, big, old trees, a gap-filled forest canopy, dead wood, dead-standing trees (“snags”), cavity trees and areas of young forest. Also key to promoting insect habitat, and thus songbird habitat, is controlling threats to forest diversity — especially non-native invasive plants and deer overpopulations. While insects are a staple of most songbirds’ diets throughout the year, another important food source is mast — seeds, nuts, fruits and berries. Neo-tropical songbirds will feed heavily on mast, especially soft mast like berries, as they prepare for migration, as will year-round occupants as they prepare for winter. Birds that spent the summer north of us will also snack on soft mast in our forests as they stop-over in mid-migration, fueling up for another long night of flying south. Another important component of songbird habitat is breeding habitat. Just as different species of
songbirds utilize different canopy layers — understory, midstory, overstory — for foraging, they also do so for nesting. A forest with a diverse, multi-layered canopy may have rose-breasted grosbeaks nesting in the overstory, red-eyed vireos nesting in the midstory, black-throated blue warblers nesting in the understory and hermit thrushes nesting on the ground. Managing for structural diversity is key to providing breeding habitat for all our songbirds. Other important and often under-appreciated habitats for songbirds are big old trees, snags, cavity trees and dead wood. Old trees feature complex bark and canopy structure, providing unique foraging habitat for many birds, especially bark-foragers like nuthatches. Both old trees and snags are important food sources for woodpeckers, which forage for the insects and insect larva that colonize rotten wood. As they forage, woodpeckers create the tree cavities that are nesting habitat for birds from owls to chickadees to wood ducks. As old trees, snags and cavity trees fall over, they create nesting and foraging habitat for birds like winter wrens, drumming logs for grouse and seedbeds for future generations of trees. So, what does it mean to manage forests for birds? We can’t answer this question without also answering a larger question: How do we manage for healthy, diverse forests that are functional and vibrant and rich with habitat for all of our native species? All the habitat features mentioned here — species diversity, structural diversity, old trees, dead wood, snags and cavity trees — are key to improving habitat for all wildlife, and as we manage for them we simultaneously manage for forests that are resilient and adaptable in a changing climate, for old-growth characteristics, for water quality, for carbon and much more. One of the joys of managing forests for songbirds is how by doing so we also create and sustain so many other vital things. To learn more about managing forests for birds, check out Audubon Vermont’s “Foresters for the Birds” program. Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation — and one of Vermont’s Audubon-endorsed foresters. See what he’s been up to, check out his YouTube channel, sign up for his eNews and read articles he’s written at linktr.ee/ chittendencountyforester.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above: A yellow-throated warbler lives up to its nickname. Below: A black-capped chickadee likes to say its own name.
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 21
Horoscope February 15, 2024
ANSWERS FROM THIS ISSUE
Weekly Puzzles © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Page 22 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
SERVICE DIRECTORY To advertise in the service directory email judy@otherpapersbvt.com or call 802-864-6670
COMPASSIONATE GROOMING for Dogs & Cats of all sizes Full Service Spa Treatment or A La Carte Services NDGAA and IPG Certified Master Cat Groomer • Poodle, Doodle and Mix Specialist
Dirty Paws Pet Spa 4050 Williston Rd 8:30 to 5:00 Tuesday thru Saturday To Schedule a spa treatment please call us at 802-264-7076 dirtypawspetspavt.com
David Cone Owner/Builder
Custom Built Decks, Porches & Small Additions
802-343-2102
Free Estimates Design Assistance
davidcone23@comcast.net PO Box 5478, Burlington, VT 05402 www.builtbydc.com
FLOORING
H
Buying & Consigning
Flooring Inventory
R E LIC
IN STOCK
HARDWOOD • LUXURY VINYL LAMINATES • CARPET • CARPET TILE TILE • FLOORING SUPPLIES
FAIR • DEPENDABLE • RELIABLE Free Estimates BIG SAVINGS on February painting!
Sports Cards
Hyper Relic Sports Cards Bob & Jessica Trautwine
Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681 Hyperreliccards@gmail.com • hyperrelic.com
96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080
TONY BRICE PAINTING, LLC
R
Y PE
Piano Lessons
• Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Egress Windows
Piano and Composition Lessons Give the gift of music-making Remote and In-Person Lessons Basic, intermediate - children, teens, adults National Keyboard Arts Curriculum References, scholarships available
Edward Darling
South Burlington Edward802-318-7030 Darling, So. Burlington edwardjohndarling@gmail.com • 802-318-7030
Schedule NOW for Spring Exterior Painting
802.777.8771
Residential • Commercial • Industrial
1111-855-DRY-TIME • www.northernbasements.com
ANTIQUES WANTED
Check out our large inventory in Wolcott.
Decluttering? Downsizing?
GEORGE GARDNER CPL, RST, CPS, CHI
We will custom build, too!
We can help you discover, learn about and sell: WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK
Storage Sheds - Gazebos Garages - Woodsheds Horse Barns - Run Ins Kennels - Chicken Coops
884 Old Hollow Road North Ferrisburg, VT 05473 (802) 425-3060 Certified Locksmith & Safe Technician Professional Security Consultant E-mail: georgessafes@gmavt.net www.georgeslocks.com • www.georges-safes.com
Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Fri, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com
Home • Auto • Motorcycle • Watercraft Business • Contractor 802-862-1600 • info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane • Suite 1 • Williston, VT 05495
(802) 888-7012
ADVERTISING •
Covering Your Life’s Journey
2083 N Wolcott Rd, Wolcott, VT
•
•
•
•
• •
• •
an idea that SELLS.
CALL 864-6670
•
The Other Paper • February 15, 2024 • Page 23
South Burlington Business Association hosts annual city hall update
DATA AND GIS ANALYST JOB SUMMARY The City of South Burlington is looking for an innovative, strategic, and dynamic team member to be our next Data and GIS Analyst. Perform office and field work related to the gathering, input, updating, and development of City’s data resources to inform operational and policy decision making. The Analyst works across departments and leads efforts to build and maintain strategic systems and structures to allow for open government and to inform decision making aligned to our community goals. Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus a minimum of three years’ experience with creating, managing, analyzing, and visualizing data in a geographic information system, equivalency considered. APPLY NOW Review of applications will begin on February 26, 2024, and will remain open until filled. To learn more about the position, see a detailed job description and to apply, please visit government jobs.com/careers/southburlington. The City of South Burlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
COURTESY PHOTO
South Burlington city manager Jessie Baker gave the annual city update to the South Burlington Business Association on Jan. 31, providing a platform for discussion on the city’s current affairs and future endeavors. Baker, alongside her team, presented the fiscal year 2025 budget, outlining key allocations and initiatives aimed at furthering the city’s growth and development. Police chief Shawn Burke also addressed the group, highlighting the concerning rise in retail theft and other criminal activity in the region. Burke emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between law enforcement, businesses and the community to combat this challenge. The event served as a forum for stakeholders to exchange ideas, address concerns and reaffirm their commitment to the well-being and prosperity of South Burlington. For more information, contact Julie Beatty at sbbabiz@gmail.com.
PUBLIC HEARING SOUTH BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD The South Burlington Development Review Board will hold a public hearing in the South Burlington City Hall room 301, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont, or online or by phone, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. to consider the following: Site plan application #SP-24-04 and conditional use application #CU-24-02 of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington to amend a previously approved plan for a 126,875 sq. ft. educational facility (Rice Memorial High School). The amendment consists of reconfiguring and installing turf on the existing athletic fields, removing the existing track and bleachers, constructing new pervious walkways, and other minor site improvements, 99 Proctor Avenue.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Board members will be participating in person. Applicants and members of the public may participate in person or remotely either by interactive online meeting or by telephone: Interactive Online Meeting (audio & video): https://zoom.us/join By Telephone (audio only): (646) 931-3860 Meeting ID: 897 1918 6752 A copy of the application is available for public inspection by emailing Marty Gillies, Development Review Planner, mgillies@southburlingtonvt.gov. February 15, 2024
NEWSPAPER CARRIER Interested in a gig that takes just four to five hours a week? Deliver The Other Paper of South Burlington, Shelburne News and The Citizen to vendors around Chittenden County. Thursday afternoons and/or Friday mornings. Hourly wage plus mileage. Send a letter of interest to bryan@newsandcitizen.com or call (802) 253-2101.
Page 24 • February 15, 2024 • The Other Paper
3 New Destinations in Florida!
Service to Tampa (TPA) began January 31 and flights to Orlando (MCO) will begin February 14. NEW Breeze-Thru service through Raleigh, NC to Jacksonville (JAX) will start this May on Breeze Airways. learn more at
flybtv.com