The Other Paper - 12-8-22

South Burlington grad makes Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list

the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

SoBu City Council votes down charter change for heating Cota votes no despite call for recusal

South Burlington’s City Council last week voted down a charter change that would have allowed them to regulate thermal energy systems in existing residential and commercial buildings.

After first being introduced at its Nov. 21 meeting by the Climate Action Task Force, council members on Nov. 30 voted 3-2 against the proposal, with council members Thomas Chittenden, Matt Cota and Tim Barritt voting the measure down.

The charter change would have mimicked language passed by Burlington voters in 2021 that was signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott in April and would have allowed

the city to craft policy regulating thermal energy systems in existing residential and commercial housing stock.

The policy came less than a month after the town passed an ordinance regulating heating systems in new buildings permitted after Feb. 15. That law requires that newly constructed residential or commercial buildings utilize a renewable energy source for their primary heating system and domestic water heating system.

City attorney Colin McNeil said that local statute allowed the city the authority to regulate heating systems in new buildings, but said the city had “not studied” the statute “to determine conclusive-

See CHARTER CHANGE on page 18

Cost of temporary classrooms more than triples

has jumped from $1.3 million to more than $6 million.

and Orchard schools linked to population growth in the city.

The projected cost to bring temporary classrooms to the South Burlington school district

The South Burlington School Board has been working for some time to address overcrowding at both the Rick Marcotte Central

Since last fall, an enrollment committee, composed of community members and school personnel, has been working on finding

HOT DOG DECEMBER

Say it ain't so!

solutions for elementary schools currently exceeding the state-recommended 85 percent capacity by more than 100 students.

The original projected cost for the classrooms, or zero energy

modules (ZEMs), jumped to more than $6 million based on several factors not originally budgeted: the increased cost of labor, supply

See IMPACT FEES on page 17

Our delicious hot dogs are back for a limited time. Chicago, Vermont, Kansas City and more.

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY IVY KIRBY Santa and Mrs. Claus greet cars filled with revelers at Jay’s Christmas Party at the Vibrant Church in South Burlington last weekend. See more photos on page 19.

A vibrant Christmas

South Burlington grad featured on Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ list

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

David Biral’s first concert was at Higher Ground to see one of the founding fathers of hip-hop, Slick Rick, who — for the uninitiated — is one of the most prolific artists in hip-hop history. Shortly after that show, 13-year-old Biral was in the front row for KRS-One, another artist with tremendous influence on the genre who shaped much of the sound of the early ‘90s— the golden era of hip-hip; and later, Wu-Tang Clan and Rage Against the Machine. The list goes on.

You can hear the excitement in Biral’s voice talking about those early concerts — as a young fan enamored by hip-hop, Turntablism and music in general — exposed to titans of the genre early on. To be where he is today is nothing short of a dream come true for him.

producing the hit songs “Panini,” “Montero” and “Industry Baby” for the artist who has made an impact not just as a successful musician but for coming out as gay in 2019.

David Biral lives in Los Angeles, but still has roots in Vermont. He visits his family in South Burlington, and also recently bought a farm in Eden.

“It’s a combination of knowing how much time and effort we put into getting to where we are but seeing that time and effort pay off with an artist who’s actually making a difference for how people view other people in society, that’s become like the biggest reward,” he said. “Being able to make an impact, with an artist that’s as important as (Lil Nas X) for everything that not only he represents, but also what he’s changing for the world ... it’s been quite a journey.”

Biral, 29, along with his creative partner, Denzel Baptiste and their production duo, Take A Daytrip, were featured in Forbes’ 30 under 30 for 2023, the publication’s annual list of some of the leading and most successful figures in music, sports, science, media and many other industries.

The duo has worked with some of the top artists in the industry, from Dua Lipa, Kid Cudi, Samantha Ronson, Kanye West, James Blake and Miley Cyrus, among others. But most prominent for Biral is his work with Lil Nas X,

Biral lives in Los Angeles, but still has roots in Vermont. He visits his family in South Burlington during the holidays, but also recently purchased a farm in Eden and hopes to start a cannabis cultivation operation with his two business partners.

His meteoric rise started in the halls of South Burlington High School, when his lifelong interest in music began to blossom — starting his own blog called Two Kids from Vermont with his friend, Josh Decatur, writing about what he was listening to and inviting others to join him on his artistic exploration.

Biral is classically trained on the piano, but after moving to

Vermont in the seventh grade, he began taking lessons in jazz with Tom Cleary, a jazz pianist with the University of Vermont. Later, he began taking DJ lessons at The Lab, a music production school in downtown Burlington that has since closed.

He was eventually accepted into the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU — an ultra-competitive program that accepted only 30 students at the time — where he met his creative partner, Baptiste.

“This really is everything that I’ve hoped for over the past few months and I’m extremely excited to be in (the program) ... so glad this is all becoming true,” he wrote on his blog at the time of his acceptance.

The duo’s first real success came with “Mo Bamba,” a song produced with rapper Sheck Wes that was uploaded to Soundcloud. The song blew up, going viral despite not being released by a professional label and to date has 130 million plays.

Since then, the duo has earned three songs at the number-one spot on the Billboard charts and five Grammy nominations.

“It still gives me goosebumps,” he said. “Kid Cudi specifically, when I was 14 ... I spent so much time in my life idolizing this person and wanting to be like this person and dreaming of the day to make music with this person. To actually realize that in person and experience it with, you know, the man, the myth, the legend in front of you ... it’s a dream come true.”

PHOTO BY ALEX HARPER David Biral.

County’s new communications union district plots next steps

Long-term goal is to get fiber optic to every household

MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Work has begun on the formation of a Chittenden County Communications Union District, approved by voters in five towns in November, with the goal of expanding the county’s fiber network to its participating towns in a county largely dominated by cable.

Voters in Shelburne, South Burlington, Essex, Essex Junction and Williston overwhelmingly approved the creation of a communications union district, the state mechanism to expand and, in some cases, introduce high-speed fiber-optic internet connections while addressing pockets of underserved areas that the private market has so far failed to address.

“There’s an economy of scale of working with many communities together ... in terms of negotiating,” said Robert Fish, the deputy director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board, which has spearheaded the state initiative to expand its broadband network. “(Providers) need a certain number of possible customers to make the case that there’s any business case for them to even participate. It’s like collective bargaining: one

employee has a little bit of say, but 90 percent of the employees have a heck of a lot more.”

The new district, the 10th in the state, is a bit unique in that it is “certainly the CUD with the least number of underserved addresses, because it’s a denser area to start with,” Fish said.

Most of the addresses in the coverage area are currently served by cable. Of the county’s 168,000 people, 75 percent have cable internet and 30 percent have highspeed fiber, according to Charlie Baker, the executive director of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.

But cable is “not the technology that’s going to be future proof,” Fish said. High-speed fiber is the goal.

“This is about really trying to get fiber to as many homes as possible,” Baker said.

“While there are no guarantees of success, forming a communications union district is clearly our best chance to help facilitate expanded broadband connectivity throughout our region,” Shelburne town manager Lee Krohn said.

But pockets of South Burlington and Shelburne still lack basic internet service — “several hundred people in the towns that are part of the CUD now

that are there at the end of the road; they’re at where the cable companies haven’t seen that it was worth it for them to expand service where there wasn’t a business case for them,” Fish said.

“That’s where we’re trying to solve a market failure here,” he added.

“There are few households in South Burlington that do not have access to at least basic broadband (25/3 speed). However, the majority of South Burlington residential users do not have fiber (100/100 speed) access,” said Andrew Bolduc, the city’s assistant town manager. “The CUD will initially focus on leveraging state and federal dollars to bring fiber to those underserved households, with the hope of continuing to expand the overall fiber infrastructure network.”

Next steps

With the communications union district in its infancy, the next steps include having an organizing meeting, either before the holidays or in January.

Each town will appoint a delegate and an alternate to the board. In some cases, the town manager may play that role.

“It is likely that in South

PHOTO BY COREY MCDONALD

Dogs delight in warm fall temps at Wheeler Dog Park in South Burlington.

COREY

Sheriff’s office warns of gift card jury scam

The Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department is warning of a gift card scam about missing jury duty.

The department says it has received multiple reports of scammers masquerading as sheriffs and calling to instruct people to send gift cards for missing jury duty.

So far, sheriffs say no one has reported falling for scam. The caller, who is reported to have a southern accent, is providing both real and fictitious names for

local deputies and is threatening immediate arrest.

Never provide any personal information such as date of birth, Social Security numbers or credit card information. The sheriff’s office never clears arrest warrants or court cases by asking for money. Report any of these incidents to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office at 800-649-2424 or 802-656-3183 or contact the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office at 802-863-4341.

South Burlington Police Blotter

Traffic stop: 27

Agency/public assists: 21

Directed patrol: 18

Alarm: 21

Suspicious event: 14

Trespass: 10

Disturbance: 9

Larceny from motor vehicle: 7

Motor vehicle complaint: 7

Retail theft: 7

Welfare check: 7

Accident: property damage: 6

Total incidents: 245

Arrests:

Sept. 11 at 11:28 a.m., Samantha L. Jarvis, 31, of Burlington was arrested for misdemeanor unlawful mischief on Shelburne Road.

Sept. 11 at 11:28 a.m., Heather

M. Hubbs, 47, of Essex Town, was arrested for misdemeanor unlawful mischief on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 23 at 6:02 a.m., David L. Oleson, 38, of Shelburne, was arrested for identify theft, credit card/ATM fraud, petit larceny from a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor unlawful mischief on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 28 at 11:11 a.m., Christopher Atnip, 33, of South Burlington, was arrested for stalking on Market Street.

Nov. 29 at 12:37 p.m., Cameron, I. Yee, of South Burlington, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Gregory Drive.

Dec. 1 at 2:51 a.m., Tricia A. Guyette, 33, of Burlington,

was arrested for misdemeanor possession of cocaine on Williston Road.

Dec. 1 at 10:58 p.m., Shawn L. West, 51, of St. George, was arrested for driving under the influence, second offense, on Hinesburg Road and Market Street.

Dec. 3 at 1:55 p.m., Latisha R. Manda, 37, of Mansfield, Texas, was arrested for theft of services on Dorset Street.

Dec. 3 at 3:44 p.m., Latisha R. Manda, 37, of Mansfield, Texas, was arrested for theft of services, disorderly conduct and unlawful trespass on Dorset Street.

Dec. 3 at 5:58 p.m., Sarah A. Simmons, 40, of South Burlington, was arrested for cruelty to children and DUI, first offense, on Williston Road.

Nov. 24 at 8:24 a.m., police cited Grady Milo, 21, of Milton, for leaving the scene of an accident after he merged onto Interstate 89 at exit 14 in South Burlington and hit

another vehicle. The driver followed Milo’s car and provided his license plate number and description of his car to police, who located it at his home.

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Dec. 3 at 10:20 p.m., Cody P. Blackmer, 32 of Colchester, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Quarry Hill Road.

Incidents:

Nov. 28 at 10:55 a.m., police conducted a welfare check on White Street.

Nov. 28 at 3:58 p.m., a sex crime was reported Lime Kiln Road. An investigation is pending.

Nov. 28 at 7:06 p.m., police investigated the first of two breakins, the first on Dorset Street. The second took place on Farrell Street at 7:27 p.m.

Nov. 29 at 8:45 a.m., police are investigating a report of fraud on Fairway Drive.

Nov. 29 at 1:26 p.m., police dealt with a report of a problem juvenile on White Street.

Nov. 29 at 2:34 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen on Dorset Street.

Nov. 29 at 4:21 p.m., police investigated a report of suspicious activity on Shelburne Road. The matter is pending.

Nov. 29 at 7:17 p.m., officers were called to two suspicious events on Juniper Drive. The second occurred at 7:46 p.m.

Nov. 30 at 10:48 a.m., police are investigating a larceny from a motor vehicle on Shelburne Road.

Nov. 30 at 12:58 p.m., police were called to a reported violation of a restraining order on Dorset Street.

Dec. 1 at 2:51 a.m., police took a report of drug possession emanating from Williston Road.

Vermont State Police Blotter

South Burlington man arrested on gun charges

MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

A South Burlington man who authorities say has been the focus of an elaborate longterm investigation into illegal trafficking of drugs and money laundering, has pleaded not guilty to being a felon in possession of two loaded firearms.

Andrew Lane, 36, of Hadley Road had both handguns concealed in a hidden compartment beneath the center console in his 2017 BMW parked outside his residence on Oct. 14, U.S. District Court records show.

The blue BMW was used to help in the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana, according to an affidavit by Chittenden County Deputy Sheriff Michael Longevin, who is assigned to the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Task Force in Vermont.

A 40-caliber semi-automatic Smith & Wesson handgun and a .38 caliber Ruger revolver were found in the car, along with various rounds of bullets for both weapons, a gun magazine and marijuana. Police also seized about $36,000 in U.S. currency from inside his home, which is part of a duplex, along with a money counter, marijuana and nine cellphones, the task force said in court papers.

Lane, also known as Joey Green, has two felony convictions for criminal possession of a loaded firearm in both 2003 and 2006 in the Bronx, according to court records. He has a third felony conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance in 2006, also in the Bronx.

Lane owns a company known as Sticky Green Dreaming LLC, which previously operated from Riverside Avenue in Burlington, Longevin said.

Sticky Green Dreaming packaging and

BLOTTER

continued from page 4

Dec. 1 at 11:11 a.m., someone left the scene of an accident at Dorset and Market streets.

Dec. 1 at 8:08 p.m., a disturbance was reported on Shelburne Road.

Dec. 1 at 8:30 p.m., a suspicious event on Stonehenge Drive.

Dec. 2 at 8:34 a.m., police are investigating a drug overdose around Deerfield Drive and Spear Street.

Dec. 2 at 2:24 p.m., someone stole items from a vehicle on Gregory Drive.

Dec. 2 at 4:27 p.m., a simple assault took place on Dorset Street. An investigation is pending.

Dec. 2 at 6:32 p.m., a larceny on Dorset Street is under investigation.

Dec. 3 at 12:45 p.m., police dealt with a mental health issue on Dorset Street.

Dec. 3 at 1:11 p.m., police attended to a no-trespassing matter on Dorset Street.

Dec. 3 at 10:20 p.m., a suspicious event took place on Quarry Hill Road and police responded. An investigation is pending.

Dec. 4 at 8:48 a.m., a missing person was

marijuana products “have been encountered by HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) Burlington investigators noted during multiple unrelated narcotics trafficking investigations and during a controlled purchase of marijuana from Lane,” Longevin wrote in an affidavit.

No physical or online presence for the business could be found, but it was registered with the state in February 2021, officials said.

The task force said Lane sold $200 worth of marijuana to an informant in the parking lot of Shaw’s Supermarket on Shelburne Road in South Burlington in June. The marijuana was in bags with logos for Sticky Green Dreaming.

Lane and Sticky Green were never licensed through the Vermont Cannabis Control Board to distribute marijuana, according to court records.

The informant said while Lane never displayed a firearm during the drug sale, he implied he had one and there was a bulge in his pocket. Lane used the Shaw’s location for at least two other hand-to-hand sales in May that were monitored by special agents, according to court records.

During Lane’s arraignment in U.S. District Court recently, Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford agreed to continue to hold him without bail pending trial. Federal Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle had earlier ordered Lane jailed as a danger to the community following three court-ordered searches.

Since Lane lives in Vermont with his children and partner, his defense team suggested electronic location monitoring could be used.

Lane, who has lived in Vermont for about 10 years, has a conviction for misdemeanor possession of heroin in Vermont in 2015,

See LANE on page 10

reported on Dorset Street.

Dec. 4 at 1:57 p.m., an accident on Dorset Street resulted in injuries.

Dec. 4 at 6:31 p.m., police are investigating threats made on Tilley Drive.

Dec. 4 at 8:16 p.m., more threats, this time on Farrell Street.

Untimely deaths:

Nov. 29 at 5:12 p.m., police responded to Hinesburg Road for the death of Michael Bouchard, 60, of Colchester.

Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., police responded to Bay Crest Drive, for the death of Thomas Sharrow, 52, of South Burlington.

Dec. 4 at 4:43 a.m., police responded to Juniper Drive for the death of Vesba Krpan Lelic, 60, of South Burlington. The medical examiner’s office is determining cause and manner of death for all three deaths.

Note: The incidents above are not a full recount of police activity, rather a highlight of some of the events that occurred.

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Man jailed after gun buy linked to double homicide

MIKE DONOGHUE CORRESPONDENT

A South Burlington man is behind bars after authorities said he illegally bought two handguns — one of which was used less than 24 hours later by a suspected drug dealer in a double homicide shootout in Springfield, Mass.

Cameron Yee, 21, of Dover Street is facing a charge of making false statement during the purchase of a 40-caliber Glock at Dattilio’s Guns & Tackle on Shelburne Road in South Burlington on Oct. 11, officials said.

The 40-caliber Glock was used the next morning by Andre “Jay” Yarns Jr., 32, of Springfield, Mass., in a shootout at an apartment in his hometown.

clerk at Dattilio’s, Yee maintained both verbally and on a written purchase form that the handgun was intended for him, but Yee knew he had been provided $2,000 by a disqualified person to buy two handguns, court records show.

Yee, who attended South Burlington schools, pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Burlington to the single gun charge Nov. 30.

The whereabouts of the second firearm, believed to be a 9mm handgun, remains unknown, officials said. Yee claimed to police the gun was stolen.

The 40-caliber Glock was used the next morning in a shootout at an apartment in Springfield, Mass., authorities said.

Justice Kirkland, 32, also of Springfield, was dead at the scene when city police arrived Oct. 12, officials said. Yarns was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities said early indications show the two men had fired at each other through an apartment door. Springfield Police said the shooting was targeted.

The Springfield case remains open as investigators try to sort out more details of the shooting and who else was present, officials in Massachusetts said Thursday.

While dealing with the store

Magistrate judge Kevin Doyle ruled Yee was a danger to the community and needed to be held pending trial. Doyle cited in his written order the weight of the evidence, Yee’s lack of stable employment and his history of alcohol or substance abuse.

Yee is detained at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans Town.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher’s detention motion reported Yee admitted to police he had been given $2,000 to purchase two handguns by a person he knew as Jay, with the understanding that Jay would receive the .40 caliber handgun. Yee admitted he understood Jay wanted the weapon because he was in a disagreement with another person over the treatment of Jay’s

Operation Fire Cuffs

sister, Drescher wrote.

When questioned by investigators, Yee admitted learning that Jay, later identified as Yarns, had been shot and killed shortly after Yee supplied Jay with the gun, officials said.

The gun was next to Yarns when he was found bleeding from gunshot wounds received during the Springfield shootout, Drescher said.

Telephone records confirm Yee and Yarns had been in regular communication in the days preceding Yee’s acquisition of the Glock. Yarns was not able to legally

purchase a firearm due to his criminal history, including an out-ofstate domestic assault conviction, records show.

Police also found evidence of drug trafficking on Yee’s cellphone, including a text with Yarns on Oct. 10. Yarns advised Yee that Yarns had supplied “the ball i had for u” to another member of Yee’s family, the motion said. It said after Yee expressed dismay he asked Yarns, “Do u have any soft”?

Drescher said the term “ball” commonly refers to an eighth of an ounce quantity of crack cocaine and the term “soft” refers to

powder cocaine.

If convicted, Yee faces up to 10 years in federal prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The arrest was based on an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Vermont and Massachusetts, and the city police in South Burlington and Springfield, Mass.

Winooski Police arrested Yee on Nov. 7 on an aggravated domestic assault charge stemming from a claim by his ex-girlfriend that he had used both hands to choke her, court records show.

Thursday–Sunday through January 1, 2023

5–8 p.m.

$15 for adults | $10 for children (3–17)

Free for children under 3

For tickets visit: shelburnemuseum.org/winterlights

COURTESY PHOTO

The South Burlington Fire Department is participating in Operation Fire Cuffs. The department will be collecting unwrapped toys and gift cards to be donated to the Vermont Children’s Hospital on Dec. 21. Gifts can be dropped off at Fire Station #1 at 575 Dorset St.

Green and Clean

Can an e-bike cut down on the number of car miles I drive each year? That was the question I asked last October when I decided to buy a new, lightweight hybrid e-bike as a Christmas present.

Justifying the purchase likely influenced my decision to track my use, since I am self-employed and work out of my home. In other words, I don’t drive that much.

Still, local destinations five miles away or less make up a big percentage of my trips and most everyone else’s, but not most of my driving. The tally is in, and according to GoVermont, the easyto-use phone app where I’ve tracked my local e-bike non-recreational trips, I’ve been able to reduce my vehicle miles by roughly 5 percent in one year. This is 280 miles out of an average of 5,500 miles per year.

That may not seem like much, but it’s twice the annual reduction in driving needed to meet fossil fuel reduction targets for every driver in South Burlington under South Burlington’s new climate action plan. Since I don’t ride when it’s below 40 degrees, this is based on eight months of use. Anyone who commutes by bike to work even 20 percent of the time would do dramatically better.

Besides being a great gift idea, riding

any type of bike for essential trips is just one way to keep the planet from overheating. Combining local trips, walking instead of driving when possible, carpooling and using the free bus service are a few easy ways we can help by driving less.

And talk about fighting the high cost of gasoline; reduced consumption, other factors unchanged, helps lower fuel costs at the pump.

The $200 incentive from Green Mountain Power also made a dent in the price tag of the e-bike model I wanted, which was one that I could easily carry up steps or lift onto a rack. Most e-bike models are bulky and weigh in at 55 pounds or more, but this sleek looking specialized TurboVado SL5.4 model with a lower-powered motor and a smaller battery is 34 pounds fully equipped with lights, racks, fenders and a computer that tracks useful information like speed, mileage and remaining battery power. It can go up to 60 miles with assist and can be ridden with or without power.

Full disclaimer, I do often ride a bike recreationally that is not power assisted. Wanting a little help getting there faster and easier on the hills between me and the bank, library, grocery shopping or dentist appointments, a model like mine works great. A set of bags that attach

Donna J. Leban

PHOTO BY DONNA J. LEBAN

The TurboVado SL5.4 model weighs only 34 pounds fully equipped with lights, racks, fenders and a computer. It can go up to 60 miles with assist and can be ridden with or without power.

Legislature fails to lay framework for climate fight

Guest Perspective

David Flemming

When I heard that David Hill of the Energy Futures Group was scheduled to present his group’s model to Vermont’s Climate Council two months ago, I was skeptical. The climate council’s plan, released in December 2021, seemed to rely heavily on a social cost of carbon to justify future climate proposals.

Hill’s presentation left me surprised and concerned. First, I was surprised to see that, even with a social cost of carbon estimate triple the scientific consensus, many of the proposals were still so expensive that they could not be justified in terms of an invest money now, see benefits later mentality.

Vermonters, therefore, are free to criticize many of the climate proposals without calling into question the scientific authenticity of the model commissioned by the council.

The social cost of carbon is an estimate of the economic benefits derived from one additional ton of carbon dioxide that Vermont could give up to combat climate change.

To give an example of how the social cost of carbon will be used to analyze climate council proposals this upcoming legislative session: Carbon jet fuel creates financial benefits for Vermonters to the tune of $132 per ton of emissions. Multiplying $132 by Vermont’s 0.66 tons of CO2 emitted from carbon jet fuel, this resource provides an economic benefit of $87 million across a 2022-50 timeframe.

GREEN AND CLEAN

continued from page 8

to the rear rack is essential for quick trips to the store, as is a high-quality bike lock. Both are great gifts to put on your holiday wish list.

As an experienced bicyclist, I go the same speed with an e-bike as I do with my lighter-weight touring bike when riding on shared-use paths. All riders, walkers, runners, strollers and scooter riders need to always be alert to other users of the path network. Having an electric motor does not change this.

Educating newer users to common rules is a continuous process, especially learning to warn walkers when you’re approaching from behind by ringing a bell or a simple call out “on your left.” As any rider of shared paths can attest, a bump caused by a root, valve cover, hole or

Since the council’s social cost of carbon is $146 per ton of emissions on a global scale, we would logically spend the $132 per ton necessary to prevent those emissions by developing and implementing an alternative jet fuel blend of half biodiesel, half carbon diesel.

If instead, we used the Biden administration’s social cost of carbon of $51 per ton, instead of the climate council’s social cost of carbon of $146 per ton, implementing this blend would not make economic sense. After all, taking $132 per ton out of Vermont money to save $51 per ton globally would be irrational.

Among the five other questionable proposals that would fail Biden social cost of carbon justification but pass climate council muster include adding 5 percent more ethanol to gasoline and using biodiesel to heat buildings.

Using social cost of carbon in excess of the scientific consensus does paint a few of the Vermont Climate Council’s programs in a better light. But what is astounding is that many of the council’s recommended programs to the Legislature are predicted to be net losers for the world — not just Vermont — even after its excessive social cost of carbon

value of $146 per ton of emissions is assumed.

While most climate scientists would no doubt prioritize Biden’s social cost of carbon over the Vermont Climate Council’s estimate, this disagreement doesn’t matter much in the context of the costliest proposals.

The council is expected to make six recommendations to the Legislature that have a negative net value to Vermonters, and the world at large, regardless of if its social cost of carbon or the Biden estimate is used.

These proposals (to be accomplished by 2045 or 2050) include replacing 80 percent of natural gas for heat with biogas, mandating that diesel gasoline be composed of 20 percent biodiesel, reducing vehicle miles traveled 10 percent, weatherizing 243,000 Vermont homes, and replacing 20 percent of propane/oil boilers with pellet stoves.

So why on earth would the Legislature seriously consider such proposals, if the Energy Futures Group model shows they will be terrible investments? Certainly not the loosest pretense of scientific merit. Rather, because Vermont’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2020

says so.

As Hill told the climate council’s mitigation committee, “only do(ing) the ones that provide net savings … risks not meeting the (Global Warming Solutions Act) requirements.”

Those requirements stipulate that Vermont must fall 26 percent below 2005 emission levels by 2025, 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80 percent below by 2050.

If Vermont fails to meet those requirements, then anyone can sue the state for not moving fast enough on reducing our lowest in the country emissions.

If the Vermont Climate Council and Legislature tandem was interested in being a national leader on climate, they would only consider the proposals that are justified by the model they paid for. After all, if they were already planning to pass all

proposals anyway, why bother hiring the consultants (with taxpayer money) to build the model?

If they want us to suspend our disbelief in using a social cost of carbon well above the leading climate science, fine. But don’t try to pretend these proposals are “scientific” if they cannot be remotely tied to the commissioned model for the social cost of carbon.

This gives the appearance that the Legislature wants to be seen emotionally involved in combating climate change, without bothering to lay out a framework that other states would consider copying. I really hope that is not the case. There is too much at stake for such grandstanding.

David Flemming is a policy analyst for the Ethan Allen Institute.

slippery leaves are hazards that cannot be ignored, so traveling at a safe speed is common sense.

Where the e-bike really helps save time is when riding in a bike lane or roadway. Sometimes the most efficient route to a destination involves roads, preferably with a 5-foot or wider bike lane. Serious bike commuters know to “take the lane” when there is no other option. This is where an e-bike, being able to keep up with slower urban traffic, makes a big difference. It is important, however, to have lights and good mirrors on your bike or helmet, as awareness of all other road users and safe riding skills are critical.

Creating safer routes for every South Burlington resident to use bikes or other less polluting options for local trips is a part

of the South Burlington Climate Action Plan, and one mission of the city’s bike and pedestrian committee. Visitors are welcome to our monthly meetings (in-person or online). In the meantime, have a safe and happy holiday season.

Donna J. Leban, a licensed architect and lighting design consultant and member of South Burlington Bike and Pedestrian Committee, has owned a home in South Burlington for 30 years. Clean & Green is a regular feature, initiated and managed by the South Burlington Energy Committee, and will feature a variety of perspectives from members of city committees and commissions, city staff and outside organizations on environmental issues facing the city.

If the Vermont Climate Council and Legislature tandem was interested in being a national leader on climate, they would only consider the proposals that are justified by the model they paid for.

Teresa L. Hadd

Obituary

Teresa Lucille (LaBombard) Hadd, 93, of Shelburne, died on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, peacefully at home, as were her wishes.

She was born on the family farm on the east shore of Isle LaMotte on July 17, 1929, to parents Paul LaBombard and Lillie Mae (Dean) LaBombard. She was the youngest of six children. Her siblings Clarice, Hazel, Marcel, Olin, and Orin all predeceased her many years ago.

The family moved from the farm to the village when she started grammar school, then moved to Alburgh when she started high school, which she graduated from in 1948.

She married Donald Cedric Hadd in 1950 and moved to Randolph. In the early 1960s they moved to Bethel, where they restored a beautiful antique home and owned and operated Hadd’s, the Brooks & Washburn clothing and department store.

After about 10 years, they sold both the house and business and moved to Shelburne where she held many miscellaneous clerical and office jobs for several local businesses through the years, the last one being The Arbors from which she retired in 1996.

She helped organize, cook and serve many chicken pie suppers for the local churches and organizations. She was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne, and in later years, All Saints Church in South Burlington.

She is survived by three children, Melonie Rhae (Hadd) Hartwell (Lewis) of Shel-

LANE

continued from page 5

records show. He was also arrested for selling cocaine in 2017 and as part of the case, Burlington Police obtained a search warrant for his home, then in Barre, and seized 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 15 grams of fentanyl, 15 grams of cocaine and $3,000 in cash, according to court records.

Transportation Security Administration agents at the Burlington International Airport found Lane in November 2016 with $10,000 in cash, but he was questioned by Burlington Police and later released, Longevin said.

Various police agencies, including Shelburne police in 2017 and Colchester police in 2018, found Lane to be in possession of marijuana, and a federal search warrant executed on a package destined for Lane’s home in July 2019 contained 567 grams of marijuana, records show.

Lane deposited $66,049 in cash in a TD Bank account between April 1, 2021, and Jan. 24, 2022, despite no discernable source of income, Longevin reported. In a second account at People’s United Bank, Lane deposited $25,618 between February and December 2021.

During surveillance on Lane over the past year, investigators determined he used an apartment on North Avenue in Burlington

burne, James Keith Hadd of Ripton, and Paul Garold Hadd (Mae); grandchildren, Shelly Weeks (Rob) of Ballston Spa, N.Y., Travis Hartwell (Victoria) of Shelburne, Garrett Hartwell (Hillary Hibbard) of Westford, Teresa E. and Westley J. Hadd; great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Katherine, Lucas and Molly Weeks of Ballston Spa, Spencer Hartwell of Fairfax, and Annabella Hartwell of Shelburne; and extended family and friends, Tiffany (Pelkey) (Hartwell) Sharp, Giselle Latreille, Cindy Billings, Logan Hibbard, Kiana Corkum, Declan Wells, Leland (Vaillancourt) Hadd, Frank and MaryEllen Benson of South Royalton, and Karen Leonard of South Burlington. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Lois Hadd of Montpelier, along with her children and their families.

Teresa liked to feed people and had many picnics and holiday dinners for family and friends through the years. She loved life and died content at age 93. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were what she lived so long for because she loved them all very much. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

There will be no visiting hours or funeral as were her wishes. A graveside service will be held at the Missisquoi Cemetery in Enosburg Falls for anyone who wants to attend, at a date and time to be determined later when weather permits.

You can find more interesting facts about her life at gregorycremation.com.

as his base of operations for narcotic distribution before returning to his South Burlington home, according to court records.

As the investigation progressed, Homeland Security said postal officials reported 59 packages had arrived at the North Avenue apartment during 2021 from New York City or the Bronx.

Federal investigators seized both bulk and packaged marijuana from the apartment on the same day in October that other special agents searched Lane’s residence and car in South Burlington.

Several times during the ongoing case, investigators reported that Lane attempted to actively avoid surveillance with unusual and numerous driving moves and a few times he attempted to approach vehicles that he suspected were monitoring him, Longevin said.

If convicted on the gun case, Lane faces up to 15 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

Homeland Security Investigations was assisted by the Vermont Drug Task Force, South Burlington and Burlington police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration.

Teresa L. Hadd

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Community Notes

Voting group launches climate change series

The League of Women Voters of Vermont, in partnership with Kellogg-Hubbard Library presents the second talk in its lecture series, “The Impact of Climate Change on Vermont,” Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.

In the series, the league examines climate change’s effect on the personal, economic and ecological level, and closes with action that has been taken and what else can be done.

The program features a panel discussion on climate change and agriculture and ecology. The panel, moderated by Tom McKone, will focus on the effects of climate change on Vermont landscapes.

The program will be hosted via Zoom and is open to the public. Attendance is free with registration at bit.ly/3UoQxSf.

Church offers ‘Christmas Oratorio’ Dec. 11

First Congregational Church United Church of Christ of Burlington, 38 Winooski Ave., hosts Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas Oratorio” (“Oratorio De Noël”) on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m.

The sanctuary choir will be joined by guest musicians, including soloists from East Carolina University, the University of Vermont and professional musicians from the wider community on harp, organ, violin, viola and cello.

Director of Music Amy

Shortt

will conduct the “Oratorio,” and Rev. Elissa Johnk will deliver the message.

The “Christmas Oratorio” is offered in person and will be livestreamed and available as a recording at youtube.com/firstchurchbtv.

Lions Club hosts community meet and greet at library

The new Lions Club created to serve Shelburne, South Burlington, the University of Vermont and Burlington is looking for new members who want to help others, build community and make friends. If you’re interested, come to an informational meeting at the Pierson Library in Shelburne on Saturday, Dec. 10. Coffee served from 1 to 1:30 p.m. with a presentation at 1:30 p.m. For more information, email andygramer767@ hotmail.com or call 802-989-8520.

Illuminate Vermont Artisan Fair is fast approaching

Enjoy a magical evening in the heart of South Burlington’s downtown as the community shines brightly with the power of artistic expression and celebration, both Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17, 4-7 p.m.

See the winter lights on Market Street. Stroll through the open-air market and find unique handmade products. There will also be local artisan food and drinks and live music.

For more information, visit illuminatevermont.com.

Lions holds Thanksgiving food drive

Knights of Columbus host pancake breakfast

The Knights of Columbus DeGosbriand Council # 279 will host a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 9-11:30 a.m., in the parish center of St. Joseph’s cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington. The feast will feature

bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, French toast and more. Coffee, juice, butter and Vermont maple syrup included.

Admission is $10 and $25 for a family of four.

Upcoming breakfast dates include Sundays on Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 16 and May 14.

Contact davidely1986@gmail. com or call 802-862-5109, for more information.

Greek church hosts take-out food event

Craving some great Greek food, prepared by the local pros? Order souvlaki, gyro or falafel dinners to-go at The Dormition Greek Church fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10, noon to 5 p.m. Pre-order through the online menu or order on the day of the event at the corner of Ledge Road and South Willard Street. Call 802-862-2155 or visit bit. ly/3Vt72Oa

Fiddle orchestra comes to Barree Opera House

The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra directed by Peter Macfarlane will perform its winter concert on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Barre Opera House. Admission is by donation.

The orchestra will present traditional tunes including a mix of tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and Quebec, as well as marches, waltzes and a heart-rending slow air.

COURTESY PHOTO

Liz Fenwick, Jackie Dutil and John Tiholiz helped at the Lions Club Food Drive at the Shelburne Market. The newly formed Lions Club kicked off its first community event with a Thanksgiving food drive on Nov. 19. More than 550 pounds of food, cleaning supplies and personal care items were collected for the food shelf, which reports a high level of need in the area. The community also donated $236.25 in cash along with dozens of eyeglasses and hearing aids. Interested in joining the club? Contact Mark Hanna at lionmark2000@outlook.com.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 12

The orchestra is a community orchestra of fiddlers, violists, cellists and other musicians. For more information visit vermontfiddleorchestra.org.

‘Antiques Roadshow’ episodes in Vermont air this spring

The 2023 Antiques Roadshow segments filmed at Shelburne Museum last summer

run

will air in spring 2023.

Broadcast dates for the three episodes from Shelburne Museum are all on Mondays, April 24, May 1 and May 8, at 8 p.m. on PBS.

Antiques Roadshow visited the Shelburne Museum on July 12 to a crowd of more than 3,000 people. The filming of this sold-out antique appraisal event took place throughout the museum campus.

The Rotary Club of South Burlington Ugly Sweater Fun Run is this weekend, so gather your family and friends Sunday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the club’s ugly sweater fun run and walk at the Fredrick H. Tuttle Middle School. Come out for a day of fun and exercise while proudly wearing your tackiest, craziest and ugliest sweaters. Complimentary food and beverages, photo booth and a commemorative winter hat available to participants. Prizes will be awarded to the ugliest sweaters. Entrance is $35 for adults, $15 for youth, 12-17. Children under 12 are free. Register at bit.ly/3UqBKq3.

COURTESY OF SHELBURNE MUSEUM Lark E. Mason, appraiser of Asian arts on Antiques Roadshow, at Shelburne Museum.

COURTESY PHOTO

Ugly sweater fun

Island Memorial Pet Service

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

Looking for an opportunity to enjoy some live seasonal choral music?

The South Burlington Community Chorus presents its winter concert, “Rejoice & Be Merry,” on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Elley-Long Music Center just off Route 15 in Colchester.

The chorus has dug back into its vast sheet music library and brought back some selections from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as traditional English carols and a Hebrew folk tune.

Tickets are $10, and free for those under 18. Purchase tickets online in advance at sbchorusvt.com.

The South Burlington Community Chorus is an SATB — soprano, alto, tenor and bass — chorus founded in 1976 and is partially funded by the South Burlington Recreation and Parks Department. Its goal is to create a community of singers who are committed to supporting one another to learn more about singing, have fun and provide audiences with quality performances.

Several members of the South Burlington Community Chorus, from left, Robert Spottswood, Sandy Walsh, Allie Stickney and Elisa Beatty at a recent practice in anticipation of the group’s upcoming concert on Dec. 17.

Champlain Valley Junior League holds ‘diaper dumps’ in December

The Junior League of Champlain Valley has set an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 and collecting 50,000 diapers before the end of the year.

The Junior League kicked off its diaper drive Nov. 29, which will be followed by two diaper dumps in December. The first is set for Saturday, Dec. 17, at its South Burlington warehouse and a second will be held Saturday, Dec. 31, at the University of Vermont’s hockey game against Lindenwood.

The drive has collected nearly

1 million diapers since its founding in 2007.

The league distributes diapers and wipes to families struggling to meet basic needs across 13 of Vermont’s 14 counties. In September, the diaper bank distributed more than 90,240 diapers statewide and another 112,750 in October. .

“A steady supply of diapers is critical for every family,” said Amanda Herzberger, diaper bank chair. “It can cost up to $75 per month to diaper a child and no state or federal safety-net program

allocates dollars for the purchase of diapers.”

Donors can donate online or mail a check to the Junior League of Champlain Valley at P.O. Box 4418, Burlington, VT 05406. Diapers can be dropped off at Dee Physical Therapy locations in South Burlington, Hinesburg and Shelburne during regular business hours in December or at one of Junior League of Champlain Valley’s year-round diaper donation bins at Healthy Living Market in South Burlington and Williston and Hula in Burlington.

Dr. Je rey Weintraub • Greg and Sheila Guilmartin,

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Junior League of Champlain Valley needs to raise $10,000 and collect 50,000 diapers before the end of the year.

CUD continued from page 3

Burlington we will recommend that the manager remain engaged through the early formation stages, bylaw creation, regular meeting scheduling,” Bolduc said. Concurrent with that process, Bolduc said, “we will also begin to advertise and seek community members interested in being appointed as the municipal representative to this new district. I’ve received a few inquiries already.”

It’s also “highly likely” that, within the next six months, neighboring towns — which, because of local bylaws, could not put the option to join up on their November ballot — will move to join the district. Colchester, Westford, Underhill and Jericho have expressed interest in joining, Fish said, possibly joining the 213 of Vermont’s 252 towns that are members of such a district.

The county’s southernmost towns, however, seems to be well covered. Charlotte and Hinesburg are both served by Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom and have a significant amount of high-speed fiber optic servicing the towns.

The Charlotte Selectboard felt it would be better to partner with telecom company directly, rather than be part of a communications union district, said Dean Bloch, the town administrator.

“Our strong preference is to work with Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom directly, rather than with a communications union district,” Bloch said in a letter to Christine Hallquist, the executive director of Vermont Community Broadband Board. “Our long relationship with Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom has demonstrated that they have the history, expertise and capability to continue to serve our community.”

In Hinesburg, “broadband has come up a few times, but it hasn’t gained any traction with the selectboard,” town manager Todd Odit said.

Working closely with the towns is the Chittenden Regional Planning Commission, which has provided staff support and other administrative functions, Baker said operating as the “convener and facilitator to make sure all those towns were all on the same page.”

After the district has been fully formed, the next step will likely be issuing a request for proposal, or a request for information, from providers interested in working with the district.

“The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and the Vermont Community Broadband Board will continue to be exceptional resources for the district in continuing to move this forward,” Bolduc said.

Who ultimately makes a bid — be it Burlington Telecom, Comcast, Consolidated Communications, MC Fiber or someone else — is to be determined and could be months away.

But the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work has shown the economic benefits of having a high-speed internet connection for everyone from their homes. While Chittenden County has a solid cable connection, “the rest of the state is moving to fiber,” Fish said.

“Chittenden County has a heck of a lot of cable, that’s great. But they also want a path to develop a path forward, and a business model going forward,” he said. “It’s the economic engine of the state, it should have the best connectivity. They don’t want to be left behind as rural areas catch up.”

“Chittenden County is the economic engine of the state, it should have the best connectivity. They don’t want to be left behind as rural areas catch up.”

— Robert Fish

continued from page 1

chain issues and the inability to get building materials.

The board approved the plan to move forward with the zero energy modules in August. The portable buildings range in size and use — from homes to offices to classrooms to entire school campuses — and school officials have said they can help to provide an immediate, albeit temporary, solution to a longer-term problem.

The eight proposed modules are expected to have a lifespan of 10 or more years and can be moved within the district to meet the changing capacity needs. The district has retained architects and engineers to integrate the modules into the existing school facilities.

DEW Construction in Williston is managing the project and has been working with South Burlington Superintendent Violet Nichols and staff on construction details, design and a timeline.

“We are now faced with a $6 million bill for an unbudgeted project that needed to be done five years ago,” Nichols said at a recent board meeting.

Impact fees

Although the board reappropriated $1.3 million the district had planned to use for a new roof at Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School Middle School for the temporary classrooms, the board has also been examining the use of impact fees to address its pressing capital needs.

Developers would pay impact fees on new development, and those fees would, in turn, pay for capital expenditures.

According to an impact fee analysis by Resource Systems Group, Inc. led by Johnathan Slason, these fees would apply to the construction of new developments, specifically housing units

— with exemptions for affordable housing — and would be based on the number of bedrooms, set in four categories: 0-1 bedrooms, two bedrooms, three bedrooms, and more than four bedrooms.

“The (impact fee) amount that is being tabled is a legally maximum amount,” Slason said at a recent South Burlington City Council meeting. “That is to pay for the amount of new capacity that would be provided by the ZEMs that’s in proportion to the share that the new growth and additional students projected by that growth would impose on the existing new environment.”

According to the report and data from the U.S. Census Bureau, South Burlington is expected to remain one of the fastest growing communities in Vermont. The 2020 Census data indicates the state population grew 2.8 percent between 2010 and 2020, while South Burlington grew 13.34 percent, from 17,904 to 20,292 residents, between the same time frame.

The expectation is that South Burlington is expected to add over 1,000 housing units (up to 1,400 if long-term trends continue) over the next 10 years.

A portion of those households and the residents living in them are likely to, or at some point in the future, house school-age children, adding to the overall demand for educational facilities in the school district.

If impact fees are adopted, they would apply to new or existing homes following a projected

start date of July 1, 2023. Although impact fees are typically levied at the time a building permit is issued, the school district is recommending a six-month phased-in approach to soften the financial blow to developments that have already been planned. This approach calls for 50 percent of the fees on new projects to be paid on or after July 1, 2023. After this initial six-month phasing-in period, new developments would be on the hook for 100 percent of the fee after Jan. 1, 2024.

The district is also wondering whether to pursue a bond in March to expedite the purchase of the new modules — with the hope of having the modules in place by next school year. Impact fees are projected to cover the financing of the bond, and over time, 91 percent of the total costs of the modules.

The board presented an ordinance with draft language on Nov. 21 to the city council for the implementation of impact fees, and members agreed on taking up the matter again on Monday, Dec. 19, with the goal of setting a public hearing date in January. That process would mark phase 1 of an overall approach to remedy over-enrollment throughout the entire district, Nichols said, and “as students age, spacing solutions will continue through middle and high schools. But it’s unclear exactly what the next plans are.

“We have the immediate and overdue need to provide space solutions,” she added.

“We have the immediate and overdue need to provide space solutions.”

— Violet Nichols

CHARTER CHANGE

continued from page 1

ly whether that would allow us to regulate heating systems in existing buildings.”

The charter change, officials said, would have given them that power.

Council members voting no cited several reasons for their disapproval. Chittenden, a state

senator, said that he had “technical, legal and administrative” concerns about implementing potential policies like a carbon tax when, unlike Burlington, the city is without its own municipally owned electric utility and power plant. He added that it was “extremely likely” that state legislators would pass legis-

lation regulating thermal energy systems anyway.

“I definitely support pushing this to the charter committee, and if the Legislature doesn’t do anything I’ll be the first one out there saying that we should pass this as a municipality,” he said. “But I just don’t see tonight being the right time.”

Barritt, meanwhile, reiterated concerns he had when the ordinance was first introduced — that residents should know what policy the town wants to craft before approving the charter change — and that regulating utilities at this scale was not within the bounds of the municipality.

“I don’t want our city to have to be responsible for that at the local level,” he said. “I would love for the state or the public utility commission to administer that because they regulate the utilities in the first place.”

Council members Meaghan Emery and Helen Riehle voted for the proposal.

“If the Legislature sees that towns are wanting to move in this direction, the state might be impelled to act more quickly,” Emery said. “Momentum is

important.”

Speaking at the meeting, Climate Action Task Force vice chair Andrew Chalnick called the proposal a “failsafe” and a “critical guardrail” in case the state legislative process fails. Postponing it, he said, likened to “abdicating our responsibility to our kids and what we agreed to take up when we approved the plan.”

“We have no other levers to attack this major source of carbon emissions, and it’s the one thing we can attack as a town,” he said.

After the vote, Emery publicly asked why Cota didn’t recuse himself from the vote.

Cota is a lobbyist, the former executive director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association, the government affairs director for the Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association, and is the owner of Meadow Hill Consulting, where he works with heating and cooling contractors in the state and “provide(s) management and advocacy assistance to Vermont trade associations in the energy and transportation space.”

“It seems to be his industry, he earns his living in this industry,” Emery said.

Cota, however, did not directly address the issue at the meeting.

Cota says no despite calls for recusal

When asked by The Other Paper why he didn’t recuse himself, Cota said that “this was a charter change — whether or not a tax should be applied to natural gas, how that impacts people that install heating equipment, I don’t see the nexus there,” adding that his work with the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association doesn’t deal in natural gas.

The proposal did not address natural gas, or any other type of fuel source, directly — just the assessment of “carbon impact or alternative compliance payments, for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the City,” according to the charter change language presented to the council.

Nonetheless, Cota said that “there’s very minor sales of heating oil and propane in South Burlington,” and that “you could argue the other way, that if you supported this that would benefit your numbers. No one’s saying that because that’s not the narrative,” he said.

“There is no benefit from supporting it or not supporting it,” he said. “However, there are very real consequences for thousands of homeowners who would face a fee should this go through to provide an essential commodity that they need to provide heat and hot water for their families.”

When asked if that remains a conflict, he said, “I disagree.”

“I think the conflict is we’re creating a system in which people who aren’t directly involved in heating, who don’t have an understanding of heating, are making these decisions, and that’s a problem,” he said. “I have more expertise in heating, and that’s important. I’m probably the only one that’s installed a boiler on that board. I understand what heating systems can and can’t do.”

“If a conflict is having knowledge, then sure,” he said.

Jay’s Christmas Party draws over 1,500 kids

IVY KIRBY

Jay’s Christmas Party has been going on for the past 14 years in South Burlington, but with the emergence of COVID-19, plans had to be changed. To keep everyone safe, they turned the classic house party into a drive-thru festival.

The Christmas party brings in more than 125 volunteers, and this year several high schoolers volunteered in the event for community service school credit. The event is funded by the Pomerleau Family Foundation and took place at the Vibrant Church Dec. 2 and 3.

The event honors Jeannette “Jay” Lefebvre, who worked for the Pomerleau family

for more than 40 years as a housekeeper and nanny. When Lefebvre died in 2006, Antonio Pomerleau, a lifelong friend, asked his two daughters if he could commemorate his friend’s life. Lefebvre loved children and Christmas, and Jay’s Christmas Party brings together her two favorite things.

The event is completely free. Around

1,500 kids ages 2 to 12 signed up to take part, along with parents and older siblings. The event featured folks dressed as multiple characters from TV shows, decorated backdrops, lights, displays and a live Nativity scene. Not to mention Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to end the drive-thru. Kids were given presents by volunteers before meeting the Grinch..

PHOTOS BY IVY KIRBY

Top, Hundreds of lights light up the Christmas party. Volunteers wear costumes of celebrated characters on children TV shows. Mr. Claus and Mrs. Claus wave to drive-thru patrons.

South Burlington School District INVITES YOU TO ATTEND Community Forum for FY24 Budget

6:00 – 7:30 PM

December 12, 2022

Join in person or via Zoom Zoom details: https://www.sbschools.net/Page/1

Start the New Year with a New Career at Rhino Foods!

Rhino is hiring like crazy to meet the summer demand for all our delicious products and we need you to join us!

If you are hired in an hourly role for our Production, Distribution, Manintenance and Sanitation Teams, Rhino will pay YOU $2,000 on your 6-month anniversary!

Check out our website for all our job listings, which include:

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Maintenance Techs 1st shift-DOE

Make your New Year’s Resolution to Earn some “dough” at Rhino Foods!

Please see more on these openings on our career page at rhinofoods.com/about-rhino-foods/jobs-and-careers.

*Rhino Foods does run sex offender checks on all employees

Why not have a job you love?

Positions include a sign on bonus, strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

December

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Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate staffed residential and community supports for an individual in their home. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. $45,900 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Residential Direct Support Professional: Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $20/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Shared Living Provider: Move into someone’s home or have someone live with you to provide residential supports. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements. $1,000 sign on bonus.

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ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Someone thinks you are up to a challenge this week, Aries. Dive right in and prove them correct. There’s much you’ll get done, but leave some time for leisure.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

There’s not much you can’t accomplish these next several days, Taurus. The key will be knowing just where to pull back so that you can do each job well.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Think before committing to a project that is expected to take a long time, Gemini. While you may have a lot of free time right now, that may not be the case in a few weeks.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Cancer, health concerns may come to the forefront this week, whether it pertains you or someone close to you. Empty your schedule so you can devote the utmost attention.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, despite many looming deadlines, you are surprisingly relaxed about all the things you need to accomplish. Maybe that is because you have a lot of help.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Some unexpected time off has dropped into your lap, Virgo. Figure out if a small vacation or weekend getaway might be just what you need right now. Then make it happen.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

A career change could be on the horizon, Libra. Do your research before you take the full plunge into new waters. Maybe test things out before making a rm commitment.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Home improvements could be coming soon, Scorpio. They’ll interfere with your daily schedule for a bit, but the results will be well worth any disruption.

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

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

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Your hospitable nature is a perfect match for the entertaining you will be doing this week, Sagittarius. Expect a houseful of people on one or more days.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Spending certainly is up during the holiday season, but you may need to keep a closer eye on what is going on with your nances, Capricorn. Don’t lose sight of your budget.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

A few interesting possibilities may come across your desk, Aquarius. Look at them with a critical eye and get a second opinion before moving forward.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Too many things seem like a priority right now, Pisces. You need to weed through all of your responsibilities and tackle the most urgent.

CROSSWORD

CLUES ACROSS

1. Chop up

5. Ones who utilize

10. Sings with closed lips

14. South American hummingbird

15. Serves as a coxswain

16. Liquor distilled from coconut or rice

17. Spur

18. Senile

19. Tanzanian people

20. Cruel

22. Boxing’s “GOAT”

23. Yokels

24. London soccer team

27. Chinese chess piece

30. Supervises ying

31. 007’s creator

32. Shaft horsepower (abbr.)

35. A spider makes one

37. Lique ed natural gas

38. Opaque gem

39. Brazilian palm

40. Periodical (slang)

41. You might step on one

42. Marvin and Horsley are two

43. Partner to cheese

44. Unpleasant smell

45. Field force unit (abbr.)

46. Fashion accessory 47. Cool! 48. Time zone

49. Songs to one’s lover

52. German river

55. Go bad

56. Sword

60. Very eager

61. Leaf bug

63. Italian seaport

64. Napoleon Dynamite’s uncle

65. Member of Jamaican religion

66. Large wading bird

67. Carries out

68. Eternal rest

69. It holds up your headwords

CLUES DOWN

1. Not low

2. Small water buffalo

3. A mark left behind

4. Archaic form of have

5. Fiddler crabs

6. Popular Hyundai sedan

7. Deport

8. Making over

9. Midway between south and southeast

10. Arabic masculine name

11. Type of acid

12. Popular 1980s Cher lm

13. Outdoor enthusiasts’ tools

21. Chinese city

23. “Star Wars” character

ANSWERS

Solo

25. The bill in a restaurant

26. Old, ugly witch

27. Burn with a hot liquid

28. To claim or demand

29. “A Doll’s House” playwright

32. Involuntary muscular contraction

33. Pea stems (British)

34. Double or multiple fold

36. No longer is

37. Lakers’ crosstown rivals (abbr.)

38. S. American plant cultivated in Peru 40. Cloth or fabric 41. Flanks 43. Dis gure 44. Angry 46. Baltic coast peninsula 47. Large, ightless birds

Plants of the lily family

Medieval Norwegian language

Polio vaccine developer

Not soft

Exchange rate

Voice (Italian) 57. Baseball’s Ruth

Famed guitarist Clapton

chance

handshake

to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies.The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their nor mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food vendors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and

TRANSITION POINTS Evidence-Based Strategies to Navigate Life Changes

Vermont is facing a public health crisis.

FACT:

There were 210 opioid-related fatal overdoses in 2021.1

FACT: Alcohol is the #1 misused substance in Vermont.2

FACT: Recovery is possible.

In times like this, we all need to work together. Be a part of the solution: JOIN OUR TEAM.

Case Manager – Chittenden Clinic Provide case management and specialized intervention services to clients struggling with opioid use disorders.

Clinical Manager – Harm Reduction

Lead Safe Recovery’s programs and provide supervision to clinical sta .

Case Manager – Harm Reduction

Manage intervention services within the syringe exchange and low barrier buprenorphine program.

Health Home Services Coordinator

Provide health home services to patients receiving medicationassisted treatment.

Senior Clinician – Chittenden Clinic Direct clinical services while providing crisis intervention for assigned populations.

Additional positions available. Visit howardcentercareers. org for more information.

Howard Center is seeking team members to ensure that help is here when it is needed. Our skilled and compassionate sta are committed to providing critical, life-saving services to individuals with substance use disorder. Howard Center is nationally recognized for excellence in addiction treatment and o ers comprehensive supports and services.

Sign-on bonuses available for several positions.

16-17 December 2022

4pm-8pm

A Winter Artisan Festival

On a dark, December night, Illuminate Vermont shines bright with the power of artistic expression and celebration.

Grab a cocktail or some culinary treats. Enjoy the live music from the main stage. Stroll the artists’ market, featuring great holiday gifts from Vermont artisans. Best of all, admission is free.

EXPERIENCE VERMONT’S NEWEST ARTISTIC FESTIVAL. 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont www.illuminatevermont.com

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