Closing the Gaps
Partnering with Audubon Vermont to Improve Bird Habitat
First Tax Installment Due This Week!
The first tax installment is due tomorrow—September 15, 2020. You can mail your payment (post marked by 9/15) or drop off at City Hall in the drop box or weekdays from 9-Noon and 1 - 4 pm.
Time is running out! Complete the 2020 Census today.
Bumpy No More
A Smooth Ride at Overlook Park
Police Department Policy and Operations
Volunteers Get the Weeds Out at City Hall
Tropical Storm Isaias
Property Tax Bills Delayed
There will be a delay in releasing the new 2020-2021 tax bills. We anticipate that the City Council will establish tax installment due dates at their second meeting in July--July 20.
Property owners will have 30 days from the date tax bills are mailed to pay the first installment.
For the 2020/2021 tax year only interim tax bills will be mailed by August 15, 2020. First installment will be due Sept. 15, 2020 Second installment Dec. 15, 2020 and the final installment will be March 15, 2021.
Summer Camp Update
As you may be aware, there are several issues at play that are impacting our summer camp plans. They include our loss of facility usage, COVID-19 health and safety concerns along with a general hesitation by families to register/invest in half day specialty camp programs to name a few.
Resolution Related to the Murder of George Floyd
Resolution Requires Wearing Masks in Public
City Council passed a resolution regarding the use of personal protective equipment within City-owned buildings and in places of public access within the City of South Burlington.
State of City Operations and 21st Century Policing
21st Century Policing: A Message from Police Chief Shawn Burke
School Budget Re-vote RESULTS
4,537 votes were cast.
Business Occupancy Loads (COVID-19)
Update from City Manager Kevin Dorn
Watch City Manager Kevin Dorn's update on City operations. He shares information on city services, measures we are taking for current and FY21 budget, summer events, and the City's reappraisal project.
School Budget Re-vote: Absentee Ballots
Public Library: Curbside Service Available
As The Spigot Turns
The glass is half full as we see a slow return to play!
This week’s “turn of the spigot“ has allowed for some modest social engagement and slow return to recreational play. During this phase 1 of return to play, we are now able to provide the following updates for services and amenities. While modest, we hope that compliance will allow for further engagement in the coming weeks and will continue to keep you posted on our various social media outlets.
City Meetings This Week: City Council Tonight
Thanks for 25 Years, Sgt. Dubie!
Status Update from City Manager
Recreation & Park Director's Message
As you look forward to the weekend and embrace a beautiful weather day tomorrow, please be aware that there may be some changes to the park system that you should be prepared for. In order to keep our parks open, accessible and safe, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please take a moment and read the below information and updates.
SB Senior Supports
As we continue to stay home and stay safe, we wanted to ensure that our senior population, most vulnerable to the damaging effects of COVID-19, are able to access all the services they need at this time. There are a variety of programs available to support meal, grocery and medication delivery through Age Well and additional supports for other essential service support that you can access calling 211.
Click keep reading below for a full listing of the Age Well services and how to reach them.
Yoga in the Time of Corona
I read a quote recently that said, in essence, the beauty of Yoga is not what happens on the mat, it’s what happens when you’re off the mat facing fear, disappointment, conflict, anger, sadness, etc. - AKA right now. The Corona pandemic is only the second time in my half century of life that I’ve been scared about public health and safety. Nine eleven and the following whacky anthrax scare was the other time. Vermont is nicely insulated from natural disasters like neighborhood erasing tornadoes, mudslides, earthquakes and fires. We’re out of our league here, and what I used to think was restricted to places in Asia I’ve never heard of is now here in our community. “Ten-Hut!!”
NRPA Statement on Playgrounds & Play Structures
Tips to Recreate Locally
SB Dog Park Closed Until Further Notice
Pathways, trails, natural areas and green spaces remain accessible to the public.
Dogs must be leashed at all times on public land!
Maintain appropriate 6 foot physical distance at all times!
Avoid congregating in parks, on trails and in parking lots!
Adhere to all park signage!
Your compliance will allow us to keep the spaces available for public use. Failure to cooperate my lead to additional restrictions.
Please do your part and BE SAFE!!!
Physical Distancing in Parks
Message From the Director
Hello South Burlington!
I hope that you are well, and continue to be well through this next phase of social distancing and sheltering in place. It has been wonderful to keep up with all the creative ways that we are supporting one another as a community, albeit at a distance. From back yard tea-parties six feet apart, to front window scavenger hunts, grocery and pharmacy deliveries to door steps or just random acts of kindness; we are all looking for creative ways to take care of one another through this.
Update from Kevin Dorn, City Manager
Take a Virtual Tour of National Parks
National Park Virtual Tours
Our Drinking Water is Safe
Community Resources
SB Recreation & Parks Operation Update
Tonight's DRB Meeting
Programmatic Updates in Light of Social Distancing
We are reaching out to keep you apprised of the current status of programs and offerings through our department.
All programs that had been scheduled to take place in our schools have been cancelled until April 6. We are working with instructors to reschedule when possible and are providing refunds to programs that have been cancelled.
Tonight's City Council Meeting
COVID-19 & CITY OPERATIONS
Corona Virus Recommendations
Recount Complete - City Councilor Race
Annual Meeting Election Results
A Perfect Day In The Snow
A REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2021 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
Annual City & School Meeting Ballots are In!
Senior Spotlight: Meet Millie and Joan
Each week a group of our own South Burlington Seniors gather together to share in good company, good food and enriching entertainment through our Young At Heart Weekly Wednesday Program. The program is comprised of a hearty and nutritious meal provided through Age Well, as well as a free program of entertainment ranging from bingo to trivia and everything in between.
Accused Murderer Leroy Headley Arrested in Jamaica
The manhunt for one of the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted fugitives ended Sunday, Feb. 2, after the accused murderer was found and arrested in Jamaica. Leroy Headley, 38, is wanted by the South Burlington Police Department in Vermont for the May 2018 murder of Anako Lumumba, the mother of his two children.
Presidential Primary Ballots Are In
SB Friends of the Dog Park to Host Canine Valentine Event Feb. 8!
South Burlington Management Plan Task Force Hosts Kick Off Meeting!
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FY '21 BUDGET
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FY ’21 BUDGET; $54 increase to the average homeowner and $37 for the average condominium.
The City Council has approved the FY ’21 draft budget presented by City management to be presented to the voters for final consideration on March 3.
City staff and the City Council worked very hard and with a sharp pencil to keep the increase in the proposed FY ‘21 budget to a bare minimum. The Council and the administration recognize the impact of rising taxes on residents so we worked hard to hold spending to a barely sustainable level. In the end the Council approved a 2.98% increase in the tax rate which translates into a $54 increase for the average home owner and $37 for the average owner of a condominium.
COMMUNITY CENTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Recreation Department Prepares for 24th Annual Valentine Dance
As the Recreation Team begins to check off the to do lists in preparation for the big dance, we pause to take in the longevity and evolution of this magical event and the memories that it holds for all those who have attended and hope that this tradition continues to provide opportunities for meaningful memories for years, and generations to come.
Bridge Reopens Between SoBu & Williston
BRIDGE REOPENS BETWEEN SOUTH BURLINGTON & WILLISTON
Vital Connection Opens for New Year
Today at noon, the bridge connecting South Burlington and Williston reopened. This vital connector between South Burlington and Williston has been closed for the last two months. During the Halloween storm that delivered four inches of precipitation to the City, thousands of cubic yards of soil was washed away exposing the abutments.
“We appreciate the work of all involved to restore this vital artery in South Burlington,” said City Manager Kevin Dorn. The City collaborated with the town of Williston and the State of Vermont to ensure that this project was a top priority.
The City expresses its appreciation for the strong and swift support of this project from the State of Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Capitol for a Day-SoBu
Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m.
PUBLIC FORUM: White Street Bike Lanes
Climate Solutions
South Burlington Public Forum on
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE
How can Vermont do its part to combat climate change - and why does it matter to you?
Join the Climate Solutions Caucus at a public forum to discuss our priorities and the legislation we’ll work to advance in 2020.
Ask questions, share ideas and learn how we can work together to create a sustainable future for all Vermonters.
6:30 to 8:00 December 9th
Frederick tuttle Middle School
Hosted by John Killacky, Martin LaLonde, Ann Pugh, and Maida Townsend
Co-Sponsored by the South Burlington Energy Committee
Why Reappraisal?
City-wide Appraisal Process Begins
Happy Halloween
Standing up to Domestic Violence
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 5:30 pm
F. H. Tuttle Middle School
The South Burlington City Council will host the second of a two-part series of community forums on domestic violence beginning at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, October 30. The forum will be held in the cafeteria of the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School, 525 Dorset Street, South Burlington and dinner will be served.
Another Successful Soccer Season!
Basketball season is right around the corner, so let's keep the energy going and signup now!
NEW REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP FORMS TO CONSERVE AND MANAGE LAND
Bike Boxes Have Arrived!
Indoor Active Recreation Center - Take the survey and share your thoughts
PUBLIC FORUM: Indoor Recreation Facility
New Police Officers Sworn In
PUBLIC FORUMS: Interim Zoning -- Open Space
All residents are encouraged to attend two public forums hosted by the Interim Zoning Open Space Committee.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019
5:30 - 7 pm
Green Mountain Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019
10 - 11:30 am
Miller Conference Room, SoBu Police Department
19 Gregory Drive
The Committee is tasked with identifying important open spaces in the community and making recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council on priority areas to try to preserve.
SoBu Speaks: Consensus Mobile App Launches
The app launches on Monday with a press conference on Monday, June 3 at 11:30 am at City Hall. Join us in person or watch live on Facebook at facebook.com/SouthBurlington.
City Council Approves FY20 Paving Projects
New South Burlington Bike Routes
In partnership with the Bike and Ped Committee, the Recreation and Parks department has created three new family friendly bike rides around town. These rides can vary in distance and come attached with both a visual map and a write-up to help you navigate the routes.
Dog Park Public Forum
Accepting Applications for City Committees
Fun Filled Family Bingo
The Recreation and Parks department put together a fun filled evening of bingo and laughs on Saturday evening (4/6). The event was well attended with over 100 people in attendance and Marco’s Pizza was kind enough to bring 13 large pizzas to the event! With over 30 unique prizes to give away, the energy in the room was vivacious.
Annual Meeting Results
- Article I - Tim Barritt and Dave Kaufman were elected.
- Article II - City budget passed
- Article III - 1% local option tax was defeated
- Article IV - Short-term car rental tax passed
- Article V - Increase the age to purchase tobacco products passed
- Article I - Minier and Lalonde were elected
- Article II - School budget passed
FY2020 BUDGET
Article III: Charter Amendment 1 - 1% Local Options Tax
There are 5 articles on the Annual City Meeting Ballot (not to include the school ballot items). The articles include elections for City Councilors, municipal budget, local options tax, rental car tax, and raising the age for purchase of tobacco products. You can view the ballot items here.
Today, we'll focus on additional information on Article III.
ARTICLE III - City Charter Amendment 1 : 1% local options tax
Dog Park Public Forum and Survey
- Attend a public forum on Tuesday, February 5 (6:00-7:30pm)
- Take our survey online.
Utility Bill Payment Flexibility Available for Furloughed Federal Employees
Today, SoBu City Manager Kevin Dorn announced flexibility in payment arrangements for city utility bills for federal workers who are furloughed. “We will be waiving late fees and suspending water shut-offs. We will work one-on-one with customers impacted by the shutdown,” he said. Employees will need to provide a copy of their furlough letter. Contact South Burlington Water Department for more information at 802-864-4361.
Proposed Indoor Recreation Center & Creative Arts Center
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget (in Development)
Public Hearing
CORPORAL WILLIAMSON SELECTED TO RUN
Corporal Brianne Williamson of the South Burlington Police Department has been formally selected to represent Vermont Law Enforcement for the Torch Run leading to the Special Olympics World Games in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) scheduled for March, 2019.
Winter Weather
REMINDER: City WInter Parking Ban is in effect beginning December 1. (No street parking from midnight to 8 am.)
Open Space Update
Joint City Council Meeting with Planning Commission
Planning & Zoning Director Paul Conner recently provided the City Council with an update on development trends in the community. This included an analysis of recent and more long-term housing construction and population trends; an assessment of where development has taken place over the past several years, broken out by planning & land use areas in the City’s Comprehensive Plan; historic usage and current capacity of the City’s wastewater treatment facilities; development approved and underway in the City Center area; and a map showing areas that are currently developed, approved or under review for development, conserved or restricted from significant development, or potential future development areas in the southeastern portion of the City.
Police Chief Trevor Whipple Retires
On September 28, 2018 We had a Change of Command in the City of South Burlington
Please welcome Chief Shawn Burke
The City of South Burlington welcomes Chief Shawn Burke.
Shawn comes from a family history of Police Officers. His dad retired from the NYPD after 20 yrs. and retiring as a Detective Sergeant. With his father being a detective Shawn always had policing in the back of his mind but never imagined himself becoming a chief, until later in his career at the Burlington Police Department. Shawn lives in Milton with his wife Stephyne and their two sons, Kayden and Kenyon. He is eager to learn about the community’s expectation of their police force and how we can further refine our operations to meet and exceed those expectations.
One hard thing that Shawn believes he faces in his new role, is recruiting qualified officers to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of tenured officers. However, he is very excited about leading the professional and committed staff of the South Burlington Police Department at a time of uncertainty in American policing. Many communities are at odds with their police force. South Burlington embraces and supports their police, continued community policing efforts in line with the community’s expectations will be crucial in maintaining what South Burlington enjoys today.
Financing the Proposed Community Center
Bike Boxes Have Arrived!
Council Approves Land Conservation Agreement in South East Quadrant
City Paving Schedule
180 Market Street | Library + Senior Center + City Hall
The South Burlington City Council has approved a ballot item for the November 6th General Election that asks voters for permission to incur debt for a new Library, Senior Center, Clerk’s Office, Auditorium and City Hall that is planned to be constructed on Market Street.
PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHT: Library+Senior Center+City Hall
- potential TIF District Financing Plan Substantial Change Request (warned for 7 pm)
- to continue the hearing regarding the placement of a question on the November ballot regarding the Library+Senior Center+City Hall (warned for 7:30 pm)
Lime Kiln Road Temporary Crosswalk Installation
The Public Works Department has installed a temporary crosswalk on Lime Kiln Road to test the location of a crosswalk. Your feedback will help locate a permanent crosswalk. The installation and survey will be available until August 31.
RESCHEDULED to AUG 15: City Center Park Grand Opening
NOTICE: Blasting at Burlington International Airport
The City has been notified by the Burlington International Airport Director Of Aviation Gene Richards that blasting will soon commence as part of the ongoing construction on the Airport grounds. The Airport has worked out a means of alerting both air traffic and the surrounding neighborhoods when blasting is planned and commenced.
Penny for Paths-Close the Gaps
On August 14th, South Burlington residents will have an opportunity to vote for needed funds to fill the gaps in our 24-mile multi-use path, crosswalks, and intersections. On May 7th the City Council voted unanimously to place a “Penny for Paths – Close the Gaps” initiative on the August 14 ballot. South Burlington's multi-use path, a work in progress begun in 1990, is designed to connect neighborhoods, schools, parks and commercial areas to each other and to the paths of our neighboring communities. However the current path has significant gaps, the closing of which will improve safety and functionality by connecting us with where we want to go by foot, bike, roller blades or skateboard!
Vermont Aviation Expo
Municipal Clerks Week
What is one of the oldest positions in local government? The municipal clerk!
The first week in March is nationally recognized as Municipal Clerks week. In recognition of this, our clerks recommitted themselves to the vital work they do by taking the municipal clerk's oath (again).
City Council Resolution on F-35 Basing at Airport
SoBu Spaces - Senior Center
From 12:45 - 2 pm | Green Mountain Conference Room at City Hall
We would like to share with you our vision, as well as gather input regarding things we may have missed, that you would like to see in this space.
Deputy Police Chief Set to Retire, After 27 Years of Service
Deputy Chief Paul A. Edwards has served our community for nearly three decades. Beginning his career as a patrol officer, he rose through the ranks with numerous achievements to his current post as Deputy Chief. DC Edwards has served with the utmost professionalism as a dedicated, loyal leader and mentor. He will retire from the department on May 15, 2018.
City Councilor Patricia Nowak Passes Away
It is with great sadness that we share that Councilor Patricia Nowak has passed away. Councilor Nowak has served the community in an elected or appointed capacity for over 23 years and has served on the City Council for the past five years. Our thoughts are with Pat’s family and friends as we mourn her passing.
Underwood Master Plan Presentation to City Council
City Announces Next Police Chief
Shawn Burke poised to assume the helm of South Burlington Police Department
The City of South Burlington has reached a tentative agreement with Shawn Burke to be the next chief of police. Burke will fill the position upon the retirement of Chief Trevor Whipple in January 2019.
“Shawn Burke has the exact profile that we were looking for in a Chief to follow in Trevor’s footsteps,” said Kevin Dorn, City Manager. “We have one of the premier departments in the state, if not in New England, and we had the opportunity to go out and recruit the very best candidate for this job.”
Significant Invasive Removal at Wheeler
Help Us Name The Park!
Annual Meeting - Ballot Results
Underwood Public Input Meeting
Please join members of the Recreation and Parks Staff and consultants from the SEGroup to review the current status of the Underwood Parcel Master Plan and provide reflective input that will help shape the future of this natural area.
SoBu Life - Winter Issue In Mailboxes
BALLOT ITEM: Bond leads to First Year Savings and Beyond
Absentee ballots are available at City Hall
Learn more.
Community Initiative Addresses Unmet Social Service Needs
Howard Center and the municipalities of South Burlington, Colchester, Williston, Winooski, Essex, and Shelburne are pleased to announce a new community program which will serve adults, children, and families.
Community Outreach Specialists will work in partnership with local and regional law enforcement to respond to individuals with unmet social service needs, often due to mental health or substance use issues. This will allow law enforcement to more effectively use resources to address criminal behaviors.
SOUTH BURLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY GRAND OPENING
SoBu Spaces 2020 - Library and City Hall
We want your input! Designers are beginning the process for a new civic building in South Burlington – to house the City Hall and Library. The first set of workshops will be held at City Hall in the Green Mountain Room.
South Burlington Library Moves to City Center
After 47 years of sharing space with the City's high school, South Burlington's public library finally has a home all its own. The doors opened at the newly refurbished University Mall location on Dorset Street in early December 2017, following the relocation of over 45,000 items in the collection.
Jaycee Dog Park Closed
Veterans Day Ceremony
Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk-or-Treat
12-3 pm
FHTMS
Come join us for some Halloween fun! We will have Trunk-or-Treating outside, while we have carnival games, bingo, and many more activities inside.
Community Pumpkin Carving
6 - 8 pm
FHTMS Cafeteria
Bring a pumpkin to carve and some imagination. We will provide the tools and stencils. Leave the mess to us!
Looking for Volunteers for City Boards and Committees
Drive In Movie
6 - 8 pm
FHTMS Cafeteria
Bring your own cardboard box car or create one when you arrive.
Snacks | Lemonade | Themed Activities | and More!
Bikes & Bites
5 - 8 pm
Veterans Memorial Park
Featuring Josh Panda
Transmission Received. Over.
Behind the Election
Most of us do our best to educate ourselves on the ballot items for each election. We make time to get to the polls and cast our votes. Then, we eagerly wait for the results on the evening news.
But there is more to the process. A lot more.
Colorful Crosswalks Bring Art to the Public
Last Saturday, under the leadership of SBHS Senior Ali Barritt and in collaboration with City Hall, students began painting crosswalks in the City.
Beauty and the Beast Tea Party
Invasive Plant Removal Day
South Burlington Community Chorus Spring Concert
May 20th at 7:30pm
McCarthy Arts Center at St. Michael's College
Dog Park to Move to New Digs
The South Burlington Dog Park located on Kirby Road in South Burlington will close on June 1, 2017. Designated dog parks will be added within Farrell Park and Jaycee Park—both City-owned and managed.
Weeding City Center Park
Summer 2017 Road Construction Projects
News title
Joint City Council Meeting with Planning Commission
Planning & Zoning Director Paul Conner recently provided the City Council with an update on development trends in the community. This included an analysis of recent and more long-term housing construction and population trends; an assessment of where development has taken place over the past several years, broken out by planning & land use areas in the City’s Comprehensive Plan; historic usage and current capacity of the City’s wastewater treatment facilities; development approved and underway in the City Center area; and a map showing areas that are currently developed, approved or under review for development, conserved or restricted from significant development, or potential future development areas in the southeastern portion of the City.
Find both a PDF of the presentation as well as a video of the full presentation here.
It is SNOW Season!
Good time to prepare, as the City winter parking ban goes into effect on December 1.
CORPORAL WILLIAMSON SELECTED TO RUN IN TORCH RUN AT 2019 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES IN DUBAI
Corporal Brianne Williamson of the South Burlington Police Department has been formally selected to represent Vermont Law Enforcement for the Torch Run leading to the Special Olympics World Games in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) scheduled for March, 2019.
Corporal Williamson has been a volunteer for Special Olympics Vermont since her law enforcement career began in 2010. She has participated in over 40 events, while volunteering over 700 hours. She has positively impacted the lives of over 500 athletes all over Vermont, as well as thousands of parents, supporters, and fellow public safety officials. She has participated in fundraising events that have raised over $50,000 for Special Olympics. In addition, she was named the Law Enforcement Torch Run Volunteer of the year in 2011 and inducted into the Special Olympics Torch Run Hall of Fame in 2017.
As part of receiving this esteemed honor, Williamson has initiated a three-month fundraising drive to raise $10,000 to directly support Special Olympics Vermont and the World Games. Williamson will be hosting fundraising events in the local community to include “tip-a-cop” campaigns in some of the local restaurants as well as other fundraising initiatives.
The first “Tip-A-Cop” event will be at Applebees on Friday, December 7. Corporal Williamson will be part of the waitstaff that night and diners can provide tips which will go directly to the fundraising effort.
Corporal Williamson is one of our student resource officers in the school system and has boundless energy when working with others. We recognize the untiring commitment of Corporal Williamson to the men and women who participate in Special Olympics.
Anyone who desires additional information on Corporal Williamson or her fund drive can go to https://www.facebook.com/SouthBurlingtonPolice. In addition, anyone who is interested in donating directly to her Special Olympics fund can visit her Go Fund me site listed below:
https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/fundraiser/1672380
Sixth Annual Teen-Led Martin Luther King, Jr. Day South Burlington Event
Sixth Annual Teen-Led Martin Luther King, Jr. Day South Burlington Event
Tonight's DRB Meeting
Tuesday March 17, 2020: Tonight’s DRB meeting will be held at 7:00 at City Hall as scheduled. In addition to our usual YouTube simulcast of the meeting, a remote option has been made available. The public is strongly encouraged to participate via remote login. Interested persons participating via remote login will be considered as having the same legal standing as interested persons participating in person.