The Other Paper - 2-16-23

Dog park

Voters will decide upgrades to Farrell park

Page 3

Councilor Corner City outlines ballot items for March Town Meeting

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the South Burlington’s Community Newspaper Since 1977

March Town Meeting

South Burlington seeks $15 million in TIF financing

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

With a deadline looming, South Burlington will ask voters on town meeting day to approve more than $15 million in tax increment financing district debt which officials say will allow them to build out several public infrastructure projects by 2026.

The tax increment financing, or TIF, district is an area

Gone to the Lions

encompassing City Center, an area rezoned in the 1980s to spur private investment that has since become a hub for new residential and commercial development in the city, including the new city hall, library and senior center.

First created by the city and state in 2012, the TIF district allows the municipality to keep most of the property tax revenue

See TIF FINANCING on page 14

South Burlington residents form club to service local needs

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

With more than 48,000 clubs around the world, the Lions Club — the largest service organization in the world — is making its way to Shelburne and South Burlington thanks to the efforts of a few neighboring residents.

Specializing in hunger relief, helping the environment, diabetes awareness, pediatric cancer, vision — including screening tens of thousands of Vermont school children for vision impairments

— and other local needs, the Lions Club already held a prominent place in the Green Mountains, but hadn’t put down roots in the Shelburne area just yet.

Mark Hanna moved to Shelburne last summer after nearly 29 years in Whitingham where he was an active member of the Deerfield Valley Lions Club, participating as president for a couple of those years.

“I was really disappointed that there’s no Lions Club (in Shel-

See LIONS CLUB on page 15

PHOTO BY AL FREY Lee Armani represents South Burlington in a non-binary category and wins the 55-meter sprint during the state track-and-field championships at University of Vermont Feb. 4

Lisa Hickey announces candidacy for South Burlington School Board

Political Notebook

Lisa Hickey

My name is Lisa Hickey, and I am announcing my candidacy for a three-year term on the South Burlington School Board.

I am running for the school board because I believe in building a school community centered on good governance and clear communication.

As a mother of three students in the South Burlington School District, a special education advocate and former nonprofit management professional, I know that the next three years are critical to the success of the school system. I look forward to applying my skills and experience to create a solid foundation of policies, practices and communication procedures to ensure the long-term success of South Burlington schools and the students they serve.

I grew up in Danville, and after living all over the world and pursuing a career in wildlife conservation and nonprofit project management, my husband and I decided to return to Vermont to raise our three children.

We chose to settle in South Burlington specifically because of the excellent reputation of the schools. Two of my three children have learning disabilities, and I have been exceptionally grate-

ful for the quality of the support that they have received in South Burlington public schools. I feel fortunate to have landed in such a dynamic place and I see an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

I am running for school board because I want to secure a solid educational future for all students in South Burlington. After observing the challenges and successes the school board has experienced over the past two years, I see urgent needs that must be addressed before future progress can be made. These needs include improved communication with the community and the establishment of good governance policies and practices.

I will leverage my project management experience to help the school board define and communicate clear goals and objectives. To properly address community concerns, we must articulate policies and procedures for the tasks that we are charged with undertaking, such as creating an overall strategic plan for facilities, ensuring fiscal oversight by securing competitive bids on capi-

Education & Enrichment lectures at Faith Methodist

tal projects, employing inclusive hiring practices and then ensure adherence to these policies.

Finally, we must commit to total transparency to foster a culture of trust and engagement.

Like so many of you, I am committed to ensuring that South Burlington schools remain the centerpiece of the community, bringing together families and educators to prepare students to lead fulfilling lives in whatever pursuits they choose. I ask you to give me the opportunity to work with you to create the strongest and most effective school board we can, for the benefit of all children and for the community.

I am impressed by how many graduates have returned to South Burlington to raise their children here. I hope that this will continue. I look forward to learning about your vision for the future of South Burlington schools. Reach out to me to share your thoughts at lisahickeyforschoolboard@gmail.com or at bit. ly/3JV9p9N.

Paul Engels for South Burlington

Good Neighbor

I have lived on Orchard Road in the Eastwoods neighborhood for 35 years. Some of us have been neighbors for decades. Other young families with children move in and keep the neighborhood vibrant and alive. Our neighborhoods are the soul of our city.

Priorities for City Council

» Develop affordable housing in city center and along the main transit lines of Williston and Shelburne Roads.

» Implement the findings of the Climate Action Task Force as adopted by the City Council last year.

» Approve a Comprehensive Plan that protects our parks, meadows, woodlands, streams and wetlands

» Expand the City Council and elect City Councilors from each of the five Legislative districts in the city.

Active Volunteer

» Years of service to South Burlington

» City Councilor, 2011-2013

» Chair of the Form Based Code Committee

» Member of the Pension Advisory Committee

» City Charter Committee, 2014 to present

» Planning Commissioner, 2020 to present

Career of Service

I have a BA in English and a Master of Science in Television, Radio and Film at Syracuse University. I used my training in communications to help organize the disability rights movement. While serving on a Presidential Committee, I was involved the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. My work is in the special collection library on social change movements at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

paulengelsforsouthburlington.wordpress.com

Education & Enrichment for Everyone, a lifelong learning organization, hosts weekly lectures on diverse topics on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington, and on Zoom.

For information visit eeevermont.org, email info@eeevermont.org or call 802-3435177.

Membership grants access to 10 lectures. Non-members can attend by paying $8, check or cash, at the door. To enroll in this speaker series, mail a check for $55 per person payable to Education & Enrichment for Everyone, c/o Cathy Chamberlain, 2504 Brand Farm Rd, South Burlington VT 05403. Memberships will also be accepted at the church.

Friday, Feb. 17

“The United States Supreme Court, the Constitution and Democracy” — Jared Carter, JD, assistant professor, Vermont Law and Graduate School.

Friday, Feb. 24

“Climate Change and Climate Justice in Vermont” —Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, professor, Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Vermont, and Vermont climatologist.

Friday, March 3

“Vermont Legislative Update” — Calvin Cutler, WCAX political reporter.

Friday, March 10

“U.S. Immigration—A Primer on Border, Visas, Pathways and Politics” — Dr. Pablo Bose, professor, Geography and Geosciences Department, UVM, and director, Global and Regional Studies Program.

Friday, March 17

“The Lost Legacy of Women in Ornithology” — Bridget Butler, The Bird Diva.

Friday, March 24

“Cybersecurity 101: A Pragmatic Overview of the Dark Side of Technology” —Sergion Tenreiro de Magalhaes, associated professor and chair of cybersecurity programs, Champlain College

Friday, March 31

“When the Bicycle Arrived in Vermont” — Luis Vivanco, professor and chair of anthropology department, UVM.

Friday, April 14

“The Ethan Allen Homestead: Preserving Burlington’s History and Community” — Angela Grove, executive director of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum.

Friday, April 21

“The New Transatlantic Relationship: Impacts of Brexit, Inflation and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine” — Kristina Sargent, professor of economics, Middlebury College.

Friday, April 28

“The Holy Presence of Julius Eastman” — James Stewart, Vermont Public classical host.

I am impressed by how many graduates have returned to South Burlington to raise their children here. I hope that this will continue.

Voters will decide proposed improvements for Farrell Dog Park

KAYLYN BILLS  COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

More than a dozen people and dogs had bundled up in jackets and vests to brave a cold and windy February afternoon at the newly opened, snow-glazed Wheeler Dog Park. One and a half miles west, one lone dog and his owner roamed the city’s other park for pooches, the Farrell Dog Park.

Louie, a 2-year-old energetic mixed breed, dashed around Wheeler in his puffy, green vest with a bouncy Bernese Mountain dog. Louie loves to play with other dogs, said his owner, Georgie Rubens, who lives with him in Burlington. They used to visit Farrell Dog Park, off Swift Street, every morning but switched to Wheeler after its soft opening in October.

The Farrell Dog Park “was not great in the summer,” Rubens said. “It’s pretty exposed, and it gets very muddy.”

For a while, Louie played with a “dog crew” that went to Farrell with their owners every morning at 8 a.m. Few dogs still go to Farrell, particularly after Wheeler opened. In the corner of Veterans Memorial Park, Wheeler has roughly an acre of space to accommodate many dogs and people. Eventually,

Louie’s dog crew migrated to the new park.

“You’re more likely to find a dog here,” Rubens said while watching Louie race across the Wheeler pasture with his new friends.

Farrell Dog Park has slowly lost its popularity among many dog owners, mostly because of its potholes, mud and ice that result from a mixture of site conditions. At a quarter-acre, it also lacks adequate space for a large number of active dogs.

“The parcel of land experiences weather-related water issues,” Holly Rees, South Burlington’s recreation and parks director, said. “There’s lots of mud in the spring and a lot of ice and freezing in the winter, and because of that, it’s an unstable surface for the humans that are visiting the dog park, as well as the current gate structure.”

Now, the city is trying to figure out what to do with the site to improve its terrain and usability. South Burlington voters will decide on Town Meeting Day whether to approve a $60,000 capital improvement plan, including renovations to Farrell Dog Park, as part of the city’s fiscal 2024 budget.

The plan would fund improvements on various South Burl-

ington projects, not only Farrell Dog Park. The city has proposed upgrades there to create a safer, more enjoyable environment for dogs and their owners, Rees said. The Recreation and Parks Department and the Committee on Common Areas for Dogs are working with the city’s stormwa-

ter services to reconfigure Farrell Park and devise a long-term plan. Possible changes are currently in the design phase as the parks and stormwater departments communicate with the state and review land development regulations, said Monika Ingalls, a stormwater project manager for the city.

The city would like to prevent ponding that results from the park’s flat surface, which doesn’t allow water runoff, and its proximity to a wetland, Ingalls said. Despite Farrell’s condition, some dogs and their owners still

PHOTO BY AYLIN KURSAT Canine playmates romp at Wheeler Dog Park.

See DOG PARK on page 24

South Burlington Police Blotter

Directed patrol: 21

Alarm: 16

Traffic stop: 15

Welfare check: 11

Retail theft: 9

Disturbance: 9

Suspicious event: 8

Trespass: 8

Accident: property damage: 7

Suicidal person: 6

Total incidents: 195

Arrests:

Rebecca L. Irving, 38, of Stoughton, Mass., was arrested for unlawful mischief on Swift Street.

Chapman Y. Smith, 40, of Colchester, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street.

Mikkel J. Bjerregaard, 25, of Burlington, was arrested for failure to return a rented or leased motor vehicle on Shelburne Road.

Heath A. Furtado, 41, of Burlington, was arrested for retail theft on Dorset Street.

Laurie A. Slingerland, 54, of Burlington, was arrested for retail theft on Garden Street.

Sean M. Durkin, 52, of Burlington, was arrested for driving with a criminally suspended license on N. Willard and Pearl streets.

Joselyn E. Chambers, 41, of Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Main Street.

Top incidents:

Feb. 6 at 10:46 a.m., lost — or

Do think twice, it’s alright

found — property on Ruth Street.

Feb. 6 at 4:07 p.m., a vehicle was reportedly stolen on Williston Road.

Feb. 7 at 1:48 a.m., police are investigating an noise ordinance violation on Farrell Street.

Feb. 7 at 8:18 a.m., on Gregory Drive, police took an accident report for insurance purposes.

Feb. 8 at 4 a.m., police are investigating an aggravated assault on Shelburne Road.

Feb. 8 at 1:44 p.m., police dealt with a juvenile problem on Baldwin Avenue. They were called back eight minutes later for a similar report.

Feb. 9 at 5:46 p.m., two sex trafficking reports were made from Gregory Drive. The second was at 6:01 p.m., Police closed both cases.

Feb. 10 at 12:56 a.m., a burglary was reported on Woodthrush Circle.

Feb. 10 at 1:51 p.m., someone left the scene of an accident at Shelburne and Fayette roads.

Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m., police performed a vacant house check on Fairway Drive.

Feb. 10 at 10:17 p.m., a suspicious event is being investigating on Hayes Avenue.

Feb. 11 at 12:45 p.m., a simple assault was reported from Central Avenue.

Feb. 12 at 8:20 a.m., police helped a suicidal person on Lime Kiln Road.

In Musing Carole Vasta Folley

We humans can’t help but judge. It’s as if our eyes themselves have opinions. Much of the time, we unconsciously categorize what we see, feel or experience by labeling it as good or bad, right or wrong, like it or don’t like it, and so on. These evaluative thoughts are instantaneous, flowing whether we like it or not. But what if our first thoughts aren’t accurate, helpful, or even what we truly believe?

I see these automatic thoughts as my internal radio station, always tuned in, even if I don’t recognize it at the moment. Its broadcast covers all topics from the weather, dinner, politics, my hair, the ending of “The White Lotus,” news headlines, what my sister said, what your sister said, an upcoming deadline, a recent event, how my pants — or your pants — fit to the book I’m reading. These opinions are unbidden and endless. Uncontrollable, really. But that’s OK because there’s something even better waiting in the wings. The power of our second thought. That’s what matters. What we think next.

Let’s face it, often our first thought is negative. Probably tracks back to our origins where we were constantly having to think what life-threatening danger awaits, like an attacking tiger. Or a Smilodon, a saber-tooth cat. You see, my first thought was tiger,

but then my second thought was, “Were there even tigers in prehistoric times?”

So, I Googled it and learned about Smilodons. Isn’t that the entire point? Question your first thought. Consider your second thought as Googling your own self as an investigation into what you actually believe. And, even better, being willing at times to reach for bigger understandings or deeper truths.

If the first thought is primal and reflexive, the second thought is chosen and created. That’s where mind-blowing potential exists. A second thought can bring accuracy, understanding, growth, kindness and, at the very least, self-awareness. All in one remarkable second thought. After all, getting to what we genuinely think is much better than letting a first thought lie.

I notice many of my first thoughts are judgments born of worry, fear and anxiety. I realize that’s human. But if I want to be a human being, second thoughts are the ticket. Listening to them often guides me to a more caring way to see something, including myself.

In these days of (hopefully) rising consciousness of injustice and hate in all forms, the ability to have second thoughts is a skill worthy of encouragement. Ultimately, we are all conditioned to think about things the way we’ve always thought about them. For example, if someone was never taught about implicit bias and privilege, their first thoughts

would not only be antiquated, but unfortunately hurtful to their community and detrimental to their own growth.

For me, being willing to question my first thoughts has been life changing. I remember, in my ignorance, thinking, don’t all lives matter? Or using phrases that I didn’t know were hurtful to various groups of people for their historical and cultural context.

I am profoundly grateful for the many second thoughts I’ve had about all of these. Being able to see beyond a first thought has been one of the most expansive, empathetic and constructive practices of my life. There is always something new and vitally important to learn. About ourselves. And each other.

Inevitably, this brings us to what’s next: third thoughts. Author Terry Pratchett describes them as ones “that watch the world and think all by themselves.”

My first thought to that quote was, “Huh?” Thank goodness for my second thought: Perhaps Pratchett is speaking to the possibility of melding life’s contradictions into heightened knowingness and humanity. A grand second thought, isn’t it?

And my third thought? Wouldn’t that be nice.

Carole Vasta Folley’s In Musing column has won awards from the Vermont Press Association, The New England Newspaper & Press Association and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

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Senator offers love letter to Vermont

Senate Update

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Vermont, I love you.

I came to you as a teenager with a suitcase and a heart full of hope, and you embraced me for who

I am — the daughter of an Indian immigrant father and Jewish American mother who grew up in an Irish pub and wasn’t afraid to stir up necessary trouble.

You helped me find my calling with a deep sense of community, where we don’t care how many cars you have, but how many cars you have pulled out of a ditch. Where I could join the Legislature at 22 years old and help pass the Marriage Equality Act, honoring the fact that I’m the product of an interracial marriage myself and helping Vermont lead the nation in celebrating love.

You introduced me to the love of my life, who grew up on a dairy farm and just finished tapping the family sugarbush in this unseasonably warm weather. And now we are growing our family, welcoming a new Vermonter to the world in May.

We do have our work to do, Vermont. On our coldest day thus far this year, we were still reckoning with nearly 3,000 homeless Vermonters. We had the highest rate of growth in homelessness of any state in the country during the pandemic, but we also had the lowest number of people without shelter. Our compassion and generous spirit is being tested, and it’s important we remember to

Council needs fresh voice, and Barnes will bring one

To the Editor: Please help me by voting for Tyler Barnes in this election for city council. This council needs a fresh voice and Barnes will certainly bring that.

As a local business owner, having someone who owns a small business in this community

No Vermonters in Heaven

I dreamed that I went to the city of gold, To Heaven resplendent and fair; And, after I entered that beautiful fold, By one in authority there I was told That not a Vermonter was there!

“Impossible,” said I. “A host from my town Have sought this delectable place, And each must be here with a harp and a crown, A conqueror’s palm and clean linen gown Received through merited grace.”

The angel replied, “All Vermonters come here When first they depart from the earth, But after a day or a month or a year They restless and lonesome and homesick appear And sigh for the land of their birth.

“They tell of its many and beautiful hills Where forest majestic appear; Its rivers and lakes and its streams and its rills Where nature the purest of water distills, And they soon get dissatisfied here.”

“They tell of ravines, wild, secluded and deep, Of clover-decked landscapes serene, Of towering mountains, imposing and steep Adown which the torrents exulting leap Through forests perennially green.”

“We give them the best that the Kingdom provides, They have everything here that they want; But not a Vermonter in Heaven abides, A very short time period here he resides, Then hikes his way back to Vermont!”

— E. F. Johnstone

choose love and humanity.

In a time of great turmoil in our country, our motto of Freedom and Unity matters even more. We must continue to welcome all comers and ensure that people of all walks of life find a place to call home here. I know we are up for the challenge, and we will face it as we always do — together.

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Letters to the Editor

means that the voices of business owners and residents alike will be heard.

Barnes is that someone who will bring that to the table. By voting for him, you’d help elect someone who will not only listen to your concerns but do something about it.

Tony Carpenter South Burlington

Bryan Companion For School Board

Vote For Leadership That...

• Ensures an environment

• where everyone is respected,

• safe and included

• Attains the best outcome for

• all students by maintaining

• and raising our standards

• Values transparency and •

• open communication to the

• entire community

• Provides a quality education

• at a cost the community

• will support and acts as a

• responsible steward of public

• funds

• Addresses school overcrowding

• and develops a strategic

• plan to address our aging

• infrastructure companionforschoolboard.com

JIMMY LEAS FOR CITY COUNCIL

WE CAN RESTORE PEACE AND QUIET AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHILE PRESERVING OPEN FIELDS AND CUTTING AIRPORT CARBON EMISSIONS!

Vermont. Let us always choose love.

Kesha Ram Hinsdale, a Democrat from Shelburne, serves the towns of South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Milton, Burlington, St. George, Westford, Underhill, Jericho, Richmond, Winooski, Williston, Essex and Bolton in the Legislature.

Childs is valuable advocate for schools

To the Editor: I have known Dr. Travia Childs through the local South Burlington Rotary Club and her work running the Infinite Teen Center at the University Mall. As a parent of a child in the See LETTERS on page 6

 I support the city using its authority to prohibit F-35 training in the  Chamberlin neighborhood. Once the intolerable 115-decibel noise  stops, the FAA requires the airport to sell the vacant 44 acres in  Chamberlin for housing. Rebuilding in this cherished community is  good for the neighborhood and for the whole city.

 The resulting quiet will also make 3,000 existing homes and yards  more livable and enjoyable and protect the hearing and learning of  1,300 children.

 Opening the 44 acres for housing, and making thousands of  homes and land near the airport safe, enables preserving our  pristine open elds in other parts of the city. It also boosts revenue  for our city and our schools.

In addition, I support city action for the economy and jobs, livable wages, affordable housing, tenant rights, no airport expansion, a healthy/safe environment—including for Chamberlin, conservation, climate preservation, union organizing, and racial and class justice.

VOTE FOR JIMMY LEAS

For more information, visit jimmyleas.com or write to me at jimmy@jimmyleas.com.

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

View from the airport parking garage of land where 200 homes were demolished in 2015.

It

beets • bananas • apples carrots • kale • wheat grass

•

LETTERS

continued from page 5

local school district and as a resident of South Burlington, I am confident of Child’s interests and abilities serving the local school board and the students, teachers and staff in the district.

She is a selfless, strong and invested leader with genuine interest in the welfare, progress and success of our students. I have the good fortune of knowing her personally, and welcome anyone who hasn’t gotten to know her to reach out and learn more. From a look at her LinkedIn bio to a visit to the Infinite Teen Center, it’s hard to ignore what a resource Childs is for our community.

We are all fortunate to have Dr. Childs advocating for students and teachers, and I strongly encourage the vote for her school board election.

Elise Brunelle South Burlington

Barnes understands needs of South Burlington

To the Editor:

I am a South Burlington resident looking for new voices on the city council. There are strong voices that represent ideas and plans that I disagree with and don’t feel are best for our community.

Tyler Barnes is a voice new to politics and so has the advantage of understanding needs in the community without a political bent to his ideas. I have known him for several years, and he is not someone who parrots someone else’s thoughts, regardless of politics.

I may not agree with everything Barnes may take an opinion on, but I have always respected his ability to be well informed and well-spoken about his reasoning. I will always vote for someone who can do that.

He is a voice and a leader that will be a benefit for the community. He has earned my respect and vote. Please consider joining me in voting for Tyler Barnes for city council on March 7.

Ian Doig

South Burlington

Candidates Chalnick, Engels the right team to lead city

To the Editor:

We are very lucky in South Burlington this year to have two highly qualified candidates running for the city council — Paul Engels and Andrew Chalnick.

They both have a tradition of participation in civic life. Engels has served on the city council, the city charter committee, the form-

based code committee (as chair) and currently serves on the planning commission. His professional career was devoted to advocacy for the disability community and in passing supportive legislation at the national level.

He is a 35-year resident of one of South Burlington’s distinctive neighborhoods, Eastwoods. Chalnick is a more recent resident of South Burlington, but he has utterly committed himself to its betterment since his arrival. His service to the city has included the energy committee, transferable development rights committee, interim zoning committee and Climate Action Task Force and he currently serves on the planning commission. He held leadership positions on several of these and was also a key participant in the successful citizen acquisition of a precious open space targeted for development.

His professional career brings several key skill sets, global finance, team building and law. Both men are thoughtful, bright, hardworking and non-confrontational. Best of all, from my way of thinking, they are both committed to conservation and protection of the natural environment, both for its intrinsic value, but more especially as an imperative for sustaining the planet.

They see the necessity of reversing climate change and conserving energy, beginning at the local level. They will use their ideas and their energy to move South Burlington forward in a responsible manner that respects the land and nature, the carrying capacity of public services, the ability of taxpayers to continue to increase their own tax burdens, while directing growth of new affordable housing toward our urban core.

Please vote for Paul Engels and Andrew Chalnick during early voting (contact the city clerk’s office) or on Town Meeting Day March 7.

Sarah L. Dopp

South Burlington

Barnes will balance city’s disparate needs

To the Editor:

Please join me in voting for Tyler Barnes for South Burlington City Council on March 7.

He understands the need to respect and incorporate multiple perspectives to develop sound and sustainable policies that are necessary for the long-term health of our community. Barnes’s track record as a successful small-business owner and dedicated community leader is exactly what we need to address housing issues, cost-of-living increases and new

job opportunities.

I sincerely hope you’ll consider voting for him this March on Town Meeting Day.

Sara Collins

South Burlington

Barnes possesses South Burlington values

To the Editor:

I’m writing to express support for Tyler Barnes for South Burlington City Council.

As someone who grew up in South Burlington and owns a small business here, he cares deeply for this community. I know him to be engaged and passionate about community issues.

Please join me in voting for Tyler Barnes on March 7.

Hadley Bunting

South Burlington

Vote Engels, Chalnick for city council

To the Editor:

Paul Engels and Andrew Chalnick are the clear choices for the open two- and three-year seats on the city council.

Much is at stake in the upcoming election for two new South Burlington city councilors. The community is precariously balancing competing challenges: affordable housing, natural resource protection, high taxes and population growth, which increases pressure on the schools and local infrastructure, further driving up taxes.

Competence, experience, care, dedication and time will be demanded of city councilors in the coming years, as well as a cool temperament, respect for opposing viewpoints and, of paramount importance, complete independence from those who stand to profit from indiscriminate development.

Chalnick has an authentic and deep appreciation of South Burlington both our community and precious natural resources. He has an exemplary record of local service through which he has shown a talent for intelligent, even-tempered, thoughtful discourse and a deep understanding of the complexity of the city’s challenges.

Soon to be retired from a long and successful career in leadership, he will have ample time to devote to this important volunteer position.

Engels, a 35-year resident of South Burlington, also cherishes our community and has a

Michael & Andrea Peden Derby Line Vermont

long history of service. He has a master’s degree in TV, radio and film, which he leveraged to help organize the disability rights movement. He was a previous city councilor and has served on multiple city committees, currently a planning commissioner.

He Engels has a great capacity for listening to others and considering multiple viewpoints. He is acutely aware of the nuanced issues the city faces and would bring valuable experience to the council.

South Burlington would be incredibly fortunate to add Engels and Chalnick to our wonderful incumbent council. I hope you’ll join me and vote for them on March 7.

Beth Zigmund South Burlington

Chalnick’s track record a proven success

To the Editor:

I have known Andrew Chalnick since his family moved to South Burlington in 2017. Since then, I have witnessed him achieve many accomplishments that benefit our community. He is extremely focused and driven and has endless energy to fight for issues most important to him and the community.

One such issue is environmental conservation. A small group of us experienced Chalnick’s leadership style firsthand while opposing massive development proposed on 80 acres of grassland adjacent to Nowland Farm Drive. He was one of the driving forces in the group that ultimately prevailed in preventing the development.

His determination and hard work formulating our argument and creating overlay maps that clearly showed the development was in a riparian area was nothing short of impressive. Equally impressive was Chalnick’s acquisition of a 10-acre portion of the developer’s property that he intends to conserve.

Additionally, Chalnick has been active on the planning commission and prior to that with re-writing zoning regulations during interim zoning. He also served on the energy committee as well as the transferable development rights committee. In each of these roles his leadership resulted in progress toward a sustainable future for the city. Certainly, he has demonstrated an exceptional level of civic engagement and clearly is passionate about South Burlington.

Chalnick’s professional experience in finance and taxation will be an asset to the city as we navigate a multitude of budgetary issues in the years ahead. He

understands the importance of balancing the community’s needs with fiscal responsibility. We would be fortunate to have such a talented individual serving our city.

Chalnick is the kind of guy you want on your team. I hope you will join me in voting for him

Steven R. Partilo MD South Burlington

Vote for Chalnick, Engels for city council

To the Editor: We will be voting for both Andrew Chalnick and Paul Engels to serve on the South Burlington City Council. Each has the experience, the knowledge and the wisdom needed to lead our city.

Both candidates now serve on the planning commission, key positions that provide valuable experience to the city council. Engels has previously served as a city councilor. Chalnick has served on the interim zoning committee that dealt with transferable development rights, and he is the vice-chair of the Climate Task Force.

Both candidates understand the critical need to address the climate crisis now and they support the recommendations of our own Climate Action Task Force Report.

Chalnick and Engels would like to redevelop and revitalize underutilized commercial space and empty parking lots near our city center creating vibrant,

diverse and pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods. They understand how to create the balance between the conservation of land and the need to build more housing inside the core of the city, using principles of smart growth to achieve that balance.

We encourage readers to vote for Andrew Chalnick and Paul Engels.

John Bossange

Lynne Poteau

South Burlington

Companion will balance educational needs, costs

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of Bryan Companion for election to the school board on Tuesday, March 7. Companion has been a resident of South Burlington for 40 years and is committed to representing all citizens. Our daughters grew up together and remain lifelong friends. Companion was their youth basketball coach and devoted to the team. He was fair, inclusive and positive to his team.

Any interactions with him have always been open and honest. His experience at PC Construction for 30 years would be so valuable in developing a strategic plan to address the city’s aging infrastructure and overcrowding.

Companion would work to ensure that our students learn in an environment of respect, safety and inclusion. He is committed to

providing a quality education at a reasonable cost to the taxpayers.

Please vote Bryan Companion for the school board March 7.

Liz Robitaille South Burlington

City councilor supports Chalnick in election bid

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the candidacy of Andrew Chalnick for South Burlington City Council. He has been an active participant in important city discussions as a member of the energy committee and the Climate Action Task Force, and now as a commissioner on the planning commission.

His service record alone has shown that he is eminently qualified to take on the work of a city councilor. He has a solid understanding of the workings of city government, South Burlington’s place in the region and the ways in which city policy supports and is supported by state and federal policy.

Chalnick has established himself as a respected voice and leader in the various roles he has played.

I respect his opponent and honor all who are willing to commit to this important leadership role. Given the acute housing, climate and fiscal challenges we are facing today, Chalnick’s experience on city committees is a sure asset.

He does his homework and

seeks to understand the long-term consequences of policy decisions. He will be an advocate for the city, able to discern between short-sighted goals and those that will position the city to meet the needs of future generations of residents. In short, he is ready to serve.

Have a look at his platform and record, and then join me in voting for Andrew Chalnick for the three-year seat on city council. Voting day is March 7.

Meaghan Emery South Burlington

A vote for Companion is a positive step forward

To the Editor:

Despite growing up just around the corner from one another in Winooski, Bryan and I have only re-connected more recently over shared interests in the challenges and opportunities of our schools in South Burlington. I got to know him through his volunteer efforts on the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee in 2020 during the latter part of my years of service on the South Burlington School Board. What I have discovered about his passion for our public schools is the following:

Companion is grateful. Bryan’s two daughters graduated from South Burlington’s schools. He is proud of them and consistent-

See LETTERS on page 9

A balanced voice for the Council, Tyler Barnes brings the perspective of a:

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER.

Tyler understands the challenges local residents and businesses face and will represent those voices on the council.

SOUTH BURLINGTON PARENT.

With 3 children in our schools, Tyler will work to keep our chools competitive while keeping our community affordable.

LIFE-LONG COMMUNITY MEMBER.

TYLER BARNES FOR CITY COUNCIL

A fresh new voice in the effort to keep South Burlington affordable

A 29-year resident, Tyler appreciates the South Burlington community, and will work to ensure it remains accessible to current and future generations.

City council outlines what’s on the ballot March 7

Councilor Corner

Meaghan Emery

Town Meeting Day is right around the corner, and this is your chance to vote on matters important to you and your city. On the ballot voters will be asked to choose who will represent them on the city council and school board. You’ll also be asked to approve city and school budgets.

We are not yet out of COVID19, and the city budget reflects inflation pressures in addition to the need to restore full staffing to police and fire departments. Because of recruitment challenges and resulting understaffing, emergency personnel have been working overtime to maintain service 24/7. This level of output is simply not sustainable for police officers and firefighters and EMTs.

University of Vermont campus and beyond, and the commercial district on Dorset Street. The cost of these projects adds up to $15 million and will not require an increase in the property tax rate.

Another long-awaited transportation infrastructure improvement, equally key to the city’s economic development and already approved, is currently being implemented as I write this, and so I have the pleasure of passing along news of the traffic and pedestrian crossing signals that are being installed on Dorset Street to improve the traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Meaghan Emery Vice-chair, South Burlington City Council

We have also relied on neighboring municipalities to cover 22 percent of residents’ medical calls, which we have not been able to reciprocate. We ask that you approve a 5.75 percent increase to improve recruitment efforts and restore a balance to our mutual assistance agreements, in addition to maintaining roads and parks, covering capital improvement costs, including a new ambulance, and hiring a new geographic information systems analyst to support data-driven decision making.

We will also be asking you to pass a bond vote on important upgrades at the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility, which serves a quarter of our residents and area businesses along the Shelburne Road corridor. The replacement of four pump stations will further protect local streams and the lake. We have long had the lowest wastewater rates in the state and need to increase them to cover these necessary upgrades, which add up to roughly $34 million. For this purpose, we are asking you to approve a rate increase of 6.75 percent (total of 8.34 percent), knowing that these expenses are critical to the public health.

In addition to these improvements, we are asking you to approve a bond vote tied to four important transportation infrastructure projects in the city center, likely the last tax increment financing (TIF) bond vote to come before you.

If passed, you will be authorizing the city to use 75 percent of incremental taxes received from new construction in the special taxing district along with federal grants and reserve funds to connect Garden Street with Williston Road; redo the White and Midas street and Williston and Hinesburg road intersections; undertake the creation of a streetscape on the south side of Williston Road, and build a new northsouth lighted path in City Center Park, which will connect to Garden and Market streets; and construct a bike-pedestrian bridge over the interstate highway.

This bridge, which was awarded a federal grant, will increase safety for people travelling by bike and on foot between the Quarry Hill apartments, East Terrace and Spear Street, in addition to the

If you wish to learn more about the proposed budget and infrastructure upgrades, there are more public meetings for you to attend. The first is a Town Meeting Day informational meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6-7 p.m., room 301 at city hall. The second is the annual meeting presentation on the eve of Town Meeting Day, Monday, March 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the auditorium at city hall. Finally, if you don’t intend to vote by

absentee ballot, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, Town Meeting Day. Please come out and vote!

Comprehensive plan

In addition to voting on the budget and infrastructure improvements, we hope that you will actively participate in ongoing community discussions about the city plan, called the comprehensive plan. As the city’s foundational planning document, it makes it possible for city staff to apply for grants and establish regulations governing population and economic growth.

I had the pleasure last year of reviewing and approving new regulations recommended by the South Burlington Planning Commission for the establishment of rules upholding sustainable, smart-growth patterns of development and conservation, integrating affordability, walkability, recreational and mixed-use goals. Commissioners, working with an excellent planning and zoning staff and joined by citizen committees, are now actively seeking your input to update the city plan through a number of public meetings focusing on public safety, public works, economic development, energy and climate change,

recreation, culture and art, the environment and agriculture, transportation and bike-ped infrastructure and housing, in addition to separate meetings dedicated to five different geographical locations in the city.

This is a real chance for you to weigh in and inform future policy decisions in the city. Here are the remaining meeting dates: Thursday, Feb. 16, central neighborhoods; Wednesday, March 1, ecology, environment and agriculture; Wednesday, March 8, transportation and mobility; Thursday, March 9, southeast neighborhoods; Wednesday, March 15, housing and shelter; and Thursday, March 16, southwest neighborhoods. Look on the city website or The Other Paper for more information about these meetings, which are being held at city hall with an online option. If you missed past meetings, there is an opportunity to submit comments online.

As you can see from this information-packed column, many important discussions have been taking place, and the city council has done its best to provide to you what we believe is a responsible budget, built on staff recommendations and designed for our city’s prosperity and longterm sustainability.

Education committee explores school construction options, student mental health

Legislative Update

Rep. Brian Minier

Our life as legislators in the Statehouse is divided between acting on bills as a body and hearing testimony and debating in committee. So far, our time on the floor has been relatively limited by the fact that not many bills have gotten to the point where they are ready for a vote.

Most of our time has been spent in small rooms with the 10 or so colleagues on our committees. Given that fact, I will start this article with an update on two of the biggest issues facing my committee — the House Committee on Education.

First is the question of how to address the statewide backlog in necessary repair or replacement of school facilities. Until the financial downturn of 2007-2008, Vermont had a policy whereby the state kicked in 30 percent of the cost of any school construction project. A moratorium was placed on this program in 2007, and it has been moribund ever since.

We are now the only New England state without an active program. A statewide assessment of school facilities is currently underway, with a deadline of October. A summative report is due in January.

To understand how such a system might work, the committee recently heard testimony from Mario Carreño, chief operating officer of the Rhode Island Department of Education school construction program. Rhode Island’s program was itself modeled

on the Massachusetts program.

The Rhode Island rubric provides a minimum state match of 35 percent, with certain projects being eligible for far greater state-level support. Incentives are provided for projects that right-size a community’s school facilities, and less wealthy communities receive greater assistance based on a wealth ratio that compares a community’s aggregate property wealth to the size of its student population. Every district gets something. Once projects are completed, districts are required to spend 3 percent of their budget annually on maintenance.

So far Rhode Island has not encountered funding issues, with the budget growing faster than the demand for construction assistance. This is in part because the program is self-limiting based on communities’ bonding capacity. It is also important to emphasize that while there is state-level funding, as well as expertise in the form of project managers, decisions on project scope are local, based on the recommendations of local school construction committees comprised of teachers, administrators, parents and community members.

Given that Vermont’s financial situation is the most highly rated in New England — just one notch off the highest rating of AAA — financing options should be promising.

The second major issue we have been

studying recently is mental health, particularly that of students, and how this is complicated by workforce shortages. We have heard a great deal of testimony from school staff and administrators on the current state of students’ mental health and districts’ abilities to address these problems and the picture is, frankly, discouraging.

Residential care that had been provided primarily in Vermont before the pandemic is now occurring mostly out of state. Schools face choices between providing a student on an individualized education program (IEP) with their legally required, one-on-one aide, or staffing a classroom teacher. Because local mental health agencies are also short-staffed, some districts have been attempting to provide mental health in-house even though they would prefer these services be provided by outside agencies.

For example, one district is spending $60,000 per year on TalkSpace, a program that offers mental health counseling by telephone. Unfortunately, many schools have been using federal dollars for these programs, and federal aid is coming to an end. Increased funding to mental health agencies, incentives to enter the mental health field and decreased barriers to licensure will all have their place in addressing this issue, but this looks to be a thorny and

Rep. Brian Minier

First is the question of how to address the statewide backlog in necessary repair or replacement of school facilities.

MINIER continued from page 8

LETTERS

continued from page 7 long-term problem.

Shifting now to the House’s work as a body, I would like to highlight another pair of issues. The first is the House passage of H.89, a so-called shield law, meant to protect providers and recipients of abortion care and gender-affirming care. This bill was shepherded by South Burlington Rep. Martin Lalonde and is a response to other states introducing measures to criminalize these procedures. This bill cleared the House by a count of 130 for to 13 against and now moves on to the Senate.

The second issue is the governor’s proposal to switch retired state employees to a Medicare Advantage plan. He claims that doing so will save money. Representatives have heard from many members of the Vermont Retired

State Employees Association, who are concerned that any savings will be short-lived, and will come at the expense of patient choice. We share these concerns and have made this clear to the governor. For the time being this appears to be a contractual dispute not subject to legislative action, but we will continue to monitor the issue.

If you have a question or an issue, big or small, we want to know. We are always available by e-mail or telephone, and if you wish to see us in person or by Zoom, our next legislative forum is this coming Monday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. in the South Burlington Library.

Brian Minier, a Democrat, represents South Burlington in the Chittenden-11 House district.

ly grateful for the excellent education they received and for the guidance and mentoring from teachers, administrators and staff within the schools. He understands the value of an excellent public education system in a community and continues to be engaged through his grandchildren’s activities at Orchard. Forty years ago, he chose South Burlington to live and raise his family. Now, he is choosing South Burlington again as he seeks to pay it forward. Companion seeks first to understand. He is doing his homework. Even before he made the decision to run for a board seat, he was actively

WARNING

ANNUAL MEETING

The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are hereby notified and warned to meet at their respective polling places at the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on 500 Dorset Street, the Orchard School on 2 Baldwin Avenue, the Gertrude Chamberlin School on 262 White Street, and South Burlington City Hall Senior Center on 180 Market Street on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 7:00 o’clock in the morning, at which time the polls will open, until 7:00 o’clock in the evening, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian ballot on the following articles:

ARTICLE I ELECTION OF OFFICERS

To elect three (3) Directors to the South Burlington School District Board of School Directors, one (1) Director for a three (3) year term, one (1) Director for a two (2) year term, and one (1) Director for the remaining two (2) years of a three (3) year term as required by law.

ARTICLE II BUDGET

Shall the voters of the City of South Burlington School District approve the School Board to expend Sixty-Two Million Five Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand TwentyNine and 00/100 Dollars ($62,528,029.00), which is the amount the School Board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year?

POLLING PLACES ARE THE AT THE FREDERICK H. TUTTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL ON 500 DORSET STREET, THE ORCHARD SCHOOL ON 2 BALDWIN AVENUE, THE GERTRUDE CHAMBERLIN SCHOOL ON 262 WHITE STREET, AND THE SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY HALL SENIOR CENTER ON 180 MARKET STREET. VOTERS ARE TO GO TO THE POLLING PLACE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT.

The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are further warned and notified that a virtual public information meeting will be held to discuss Articles I, II, and III on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at 180 Market Street.

The legal voters of the City of South Burlington School District are further notified that voter qualification, registration, and absentee voting relative to said annual meeting shall be as provided in Chapters 43, 51 and 55 of Title 17, Vermont Statutes Annotated.

Dated at South Burlington, Vermont this 27th day of January 2023.

participating in board meetings. He asks important questions and actively seeks clarification from a variety of sources. This means going to experts in Montpelier and in the business community and talking to neighborhood families and to former school board members and touring facilities with administrators. He is doing the work and is prepared to take on the role of representing all stakeholders in the community in the role of school director. Companion brings relevant experience. His work experience in the building industry positions him well to represent the community as we address our aging infrastructure and

capital improvement needs. He retired from PC Construction heading up risk management. I can’t think of a way to describe the needs of our schools over the next few years better than minimizing and managing risk, to the quality of educational programming, to the security of staff and students and to the safety of our facilities.

Along with his family’s legacy of experiencing the positive outcomes of an South Burlington education, he brings a unique perspective to his service on the school board at the right time.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald South Burlington

ARTICLE III

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BOND ISSUE

The City of South Burlington School District Board of School Directors has determined that public interest or necessity demand incurring bonded indebtedness to finance capital improvements, renovations and additions to the schools and facilities of the District at an estimated total project cost of Fourteen Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand ($14,550,000) Dollars. It is expected that 0% of the project costs will be eligible for state school construction aid because there is presently a moratorium on state school construction aid funding. Therefore, the District will be responsible for 100% of such project costs ($14,550,000) which the Board recommends be funded through the issuance of up to Fourteen Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand ($14,550,000) Dollars of general obligation bonds or notes. So:

Shall the issuance of general obligation bonds or notes of the South Burlington School District be authorized in an amount not to exceed Fourteen Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand ($14,550,000) Dollars for the purposes of financing the final design, permitting, site work and the construction of renovations, capital improvements and additions to several District school buildings and facilities, together with related eligible project expenses, such improvements to include the addition of zero energy modules (ZEMS) as well as capital improvements pursuant to the District’s Facilities Stewardship Plan? State funds are not available at this time, or this project is not eligible to receive state school construction aid. The South Burlington School District will be responsible for all costs and any borrowing and the costs of the planned improvements and additions.

South Burlington School District Board of School Directors

WARNING CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON

ANNUAL CITY MEETING

MARCH 7, 2023

The legal voters of the City of South Burlington are hereby notified and warned to meet at their respective polling places at the Chamberlin School on White Street, the Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School on Dorset Street, the Orchard School on Baldwin Avenue, and Kevin Dorn Senior Center in City Hall on Market Street on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7 o’clock in the forenoon, at which time the polls will open until 7 o’clock in the evening, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian Ballot on the following Articles:

ARTICLE IELECTION OF CITY OFFICERS AND CITY COUNCILORS

To elect all City Officers and City Councilors required by law.

ARTICLE IIANNUAL CITY BUDGET

Shall the City adopt the City Council’s proposed budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 totaling Fifty Five Million Two Hundred Eighty Six Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty One and Eighty Nine Cents ($55,286,721.89) of which, excluding previously voter-approved levies, it is estimated Nineteen Million Three Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Two Hundred Ninety Eight and Ninety Two Cents ($19,388,298.92) will be raised by local property taxes?

ARTICLE IIIBARTLETT BAY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND

Shall the City of South Burlington make capital improvements to the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility, install a clarifier at the Airport Parkway wastewater treatment facility and refurbish or replace four wastewater pump stations and issue general obligation bonds or notes in an amount not to exceed Thirty-Three Million Eight Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($33,833,000.00), after application of other funds and resources available for these purposes, to finance these capital improvements and to pay expenses related to the issuance of the bonds?

ARTICLE IVCITY CENTER TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT BOND

Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the City of South Burlington be issued, the full faith and credit of the City pledged, direct payments of TIF increment be made, or any combination thereof, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, after taking into account state or federal grants-in-aid and other funds currently available to the City, Fifteen Million Eighty-Six Thousand Four Hundred Thirty and 00/100 Dollars ($15,086,430) to fund public infrastructure or capital improvements and related costs of projects in or having a nexus to the City Center Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, specifically:

(a) City Center Park (boardwalk connection): being the construction of new paved pathways and an elevated boardwalk between Barrett Street, Market Street and Garden Street and related amenities;

(b) Garden Street (Williston Road intersection realignment and intersection improvements): being realignment of the Williston Road-White Street-Midas Drive intersection and improvements to the Hinesburg Road-Patchen Road- Williston Road intersection, and related transportation and utility upgrades;

(c) Williston Road Streetscape: being the installation of a shared-use path on the south side of Williston Road between Dorset Street and Midas Drive and related utility and transportation upgrades; and

(d) East-West Crossing: being a walk-bike bridge over I-89 at Exit 14, recognizing that tax increment revenue from taxable properties within the TIF District shall be pledged to and appropriated for payment of TIF District debt? To date, City voters have approved TIF District debt totaling $29,402,000, of which $14,430,062 has been or is eligible to be repaid in whole or in part using TIF District incremental revenue.

•••

The legal voters of the City of South Burlington are further warned and notified that a public information meeting/public hearing will be held to provide information and answer questions on Articles I, II, III, and IV on Monday, March 6, 2023, commencing at six-thirty o’clock in the evening (6:30 p.m.) in person, online and by phone.

In-Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street

GoToMeeting Online Meeting Link (computer, tablet or smartphone): https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/citycouncilmeeting03-06-2023

Dial in by Telephone: +1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 645-719-013

POLLING PLACES FOR VOTING ON THESE ARTICLES ARE THE CHAMBERLIN SCHOOL ON WHITE STREET, THE FREDERICK H. TUTTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL ON DORSET STREET, THE ORCHARD SCHOOL ON BALDWIN AVENUE, AND THE KEVIN DORN SENIOR CENTER IN CITY HALL ON MARKET STREET. VOTERS ARE TO GO TO THE POLLING PLACE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT.

The legal voters of the City of South Burlington are further notified that voter qualification, registration and absentee voting relative to said annual meeting shall be in accordance with the Vermont Statutes Annotated.

Free tax help from AARP

Community Notes

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation assistance with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low-to-moderate income. On Friday, Feb. 17, trained and IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers will provide secure and confidential Federal and Vermont tax preparation at the South Burlington Senior Center in the City Hall at 180 Market Street. This service continues every Tuesday and Friday until April 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To take advantage of this service, call Rebecca Isham at 802-923-5545 to schedule an appointment. Plan on arriving fifteen minutes early to fill out paperwork.

You will also need to bring the following items:

• Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse

• Social Security or ITIN numbers for all persons on the tax return

• Last year’s tax return

• All forms W2, 1099 R, SSA1099, Other 1099 forms, self-employment records

• Brokerage and Bank statements

• Mortgage interest, medical expenses, charitable donations

• Educational expenses Form 1098 T

• Your current Property Tax Bill (or a copy)

• Voided check for direct deposit of refund or debit of balance due

• Any correspondence from the IRS

U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts school hate crime presentations

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has launched a series of presentations in Vermont high schools aimed at educating students on identifying, reporting and preventing hate crimes and other civil rights violations.

“Civil rights enforcement is a priority of the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “We are reaching out to Vermont youth – tomorrow’s adults – to give them the tools to recognize hate crimes or discrimination when it happens.”

“Hate crimes have a devastating impact not just on the victims, but their families and communities as well,” said Janeen DiGuiseppi, special Agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany field office.

Schools interested in hosting a United Against Hate presentation should go to bit. ly/3HnSI3Q.

Asylum network seeks April artists for fundraising

Are you an artist or “creative” who is interested in leveraging your talents to support asylum seekers?

The Chittenden Asylum Seekers Assistance Network is looking for artists, poets, writers, sculptors, musicians and photographers for an April fundraising event, Arts for Asylum Seekers. Participants produce and virtually share their creative work, pref-

erably daily, throughout the month. Funds raised will be used to help asylum seekers with housing, basic living expenses, transportation, legal fees and other necessary support.

The signup deadline is Wednesday, March 8. For more information and to sign up, write to artsforasylumseekers@gmail. com.

Cochran’s Nordic Cross Race

On Sunday, April 2, Cochran’s Ski Area will hold its annual Nordic Ski Cross Race. This fun and challenging competition is for all ages and includes uphill, downhill, slalom gates, jumps and obstacles — all on one pair of skis.

Bring the whole family to watch. The race also includes a free pancake feast with hot slopeside syrup for all competitors and a shorter course for kids. Prizes awarded for top three in all age categories.

The fastest eight men and fastest eight women compete head-to-head in an all-out chaotic gun for the finish. Tickets are $25 per person at cochranskiarea.com. Start time is 11 a.m. for kids and 12:30 p.m. for adults.

For more information contact mrand@ gmavt.net or call 802-373-7204.

Homestead explores nature’s role in 18th century

On Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Ethan Allen Homestead and on Zoom, professor Zachary Bennett of Norwich University will explore the key role nature played in the 18th century — rather than decisions of the people — for society’s transition to capitalism in its February enrichment lecture, “Why We Should Blame New England’s Fish for Capitalism.”

Winona Smith Scholarship opportunities now open

The League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund is now accepting applications for its Winona Smith Scholarship program.

Created in 1998 to honor the legacy of League leader Winona Smith, the scholarship is awarded annually to local high school seniors who embody the characteristics and qualities Smith displayed of civic participation and community service.

Four $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to students based on financial need, scholastic achievement and teacher recommendations.

Applications, due on May 1, are available at bit.ly/lwvscholarshipdetails. Students need to submit two essays, one on issues concerning voting rights and the other on the impact of a recent civic, national or world event. A letter of recommendation from a teacher is also required.

Direct questions to lwvofvt.edfund@ gmail.com.

Scholarship winners

South Burlington Boys Youth

the Vermont National Guard. Recipients are selected by a volunteer committee based on academic achievement, leadership activities and service to the community.

South Burlington library program seeks to awaken our better angels

On Saturday, Feb. 18, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the South Burlington Public Library is hosting a workshop created and moderated by Braver Angels, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping people engage with others across political lines.

“Depolarizing Within” workshops teach participants to develop strategies for engaging in conversations about politics without demonizing others who see issues from a different perspective. Moderators create a safe environment where all perspectives can be heard. Registration is required for this free event through the library website or email at sbplinfo@southburlingtonvt.gov.

With passions still high following the 2016 election, a few friends in Ohio assembled 10 Trump supporters and 11 Clinton supporters to see if Americans could still disagree respectfully and find common ground.

Republican and Democrat, native born and immigrant, these Americans liked each other, but they first had to hear one another’s stories. They could listen to each other’s points of view once they saw one another, not as stereotypes, but as neighbors in a coun-

try they shared. The first gathering was successful and was the beginning of Braver Angels.

Today, Braver Angels offers workshops in person and online that foster skills to talking over political divides in many states.

Locally, a group of people with different political leanings

is creating a Chittenden County Alliance. If you would like to get on that mailing list or become involved as an organizer, contact Lincoln Earle-Centers at learle-centers@braverangels.org.

The library is ADA accessible. Call 802-846-4140 to request additional services.

•

COURTESY PHOTO

Vermont Federal Credit Union in South Burlington, in partnership with the National Guard Association of Vermont, has awarded $1,000 scholarships to two Vermont students, Hannah Smith and Abigail Rice. This year’s recipients were chosen from a pool of students who themselves or a family member serve in

Proposed tax rate is lower than South Burlington's 5, 10 and 15 year averages

Bond Issue: Address deferred maintenance and construction of Zero Energy Modulars (ZEMs), facilities that will alleviate over enrollment

South Burlington is ranked 11th out of 54 districts in the state for greatest facilities needs

FY2024 South Burlington Proposed School Budget

TOTAL BUDGET: $62,528,029

Capital Improvement Bond: $14,550,000

Residential Education Tax Rates 19 Year Trend

What will this budget mean for my taxes next year?

If you own an average-valued condo (assessed at $293,152), you will pay $149 more in school tax in FY24 than this year.*

If you own an average-valued primary home ($437,384), you will pay $222 more in school tax in FY24 than this year *

*before income sensitivity, which provides property tax relief for homeowners who meet the state's eligibility requirements

www.sbschools.net/budget

www.sbschools.com/masterplanningandvisioning

We inspire all learners to make a difference in the world

ZERO ENERGY MODULARS (ZEMs)

Due to growth within South Burlington, Orchard Elementary and Rick Marcotte Central School are significantly over enrolled. To provide critical learning space, we are proposing the installation of ZEMs. With impact fees, an estimated 91% of the principal costs will be recouped by the District as revenue beginning in July.

Visit sbschools net/masterplanningandvisioning for pictures of the proposed plans

Current Enrollment 2023: 2,515 students

Projected Enrollments:

2024: 2,564 students

2025: 2,570 students

2026: 2,602 students

2027: 2,664 students

Capital Improvements

Roofing

HVAC and Plumbing

Replacing windows

Updating bathrooms, kitchens, parking lots, sidewalks

South Burlington currently ranks 43rd out of 54 districts for lowest facilities quality in the state. We cannot let our facilities impact instructional delivery

ITEMS THAT APPEAR ON YOUR BALLOT

Total Budget Expenses: $62,528,029

(resulting in a Homestead Tax Rate of $1.3462)

Capital Improvement Bond Issue including ZEMs* ($14,550,000)

*estimated 91% of ZEMs principal costs to be recouped as revenue through impact fees

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE! TUESDAY MARCH 7, 2023

If you have not yet registered, visit https://olvr vermont gov

TIF FINANCING

continued from page 1

collected from the designated area that otherwise would have gone to the state’s education fund. It can then borrow against that “future” revenue, issuing debt to pay for projects and then using the extra revenue it would have paid to the state education fund to pay down that debt.

It’s a joint effort by the city and the state to invest in downtown infrastructure — to make a more connected, walkable downtown center.

The $15 million debt, if approved by voters, will finance several bike and pedestrian paths and traffic improvements in the TIF district that the city hopes to complete by 2026.

“All those projects combined really create that infrastructure that allows everyone to get around, or gives people choices for how to get around,”

Ilona Blanchard, the city’s community development director, said. “This is next to the busiest intersection in the state, so we need to make sure that this development is viable and that we can build a downtown here because … we have all the right infrastructure, but we do not have that walking and biking infrastructure.”

If approved, residents may see a much more pedestrian-friendly area, particularly along Williston Road.

Of the $15 million, $8.3 would go to the Garden Street Phase 2 project, which would realign the roadway at Al’s French Frys on Williston Road to make a

four-corner intersection with crosswalks, and improvements for walking and biking extended east along Williston Road to the corner of Gracy’s, on Hinesburg and Patchen roads.

Another $1.3 million would replace the sidewalk on the south side of Williston Road extending west, from Al’s French Frys to Dorset Street, and buildout a shared use, walk and bicycle path.

About $4.3 million would go toward the city’s East-West Crossing bridge — approved by the council in November — that would extend from Quarry Hill and the Staples Plaza over I-89 into the University Mall property. The city was awarded a $9.7 million federal transportation grant in November 2021 but will need voter approval to cover the remaining cost of $14.5 million.

Last, $1.1 million would go toward the City Center Park Phase 2 recreation path, connecting Market and Garden streets to the City Center Park.

“We’ve been a suburban market for a long time, (but) the South Burlington community vision, that’s been in our comprehensive plan for a long time, has been to build a downtown,” Blanchard said. “So, what we’ve been investing in is creating that environment, which has a higher level of investment in public infrastructure than is in a typical suburban commercial area.”

The debt needs voter approv-

Police cite man in cyclist’s death

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

The South Burlington Police Department has cited a Hinesburg man in connection with a fatal October collision that killed a cyclist.

Richard Lewis, 69, of Hinesburg faces a charge of grossly negligent operation stemming from an incident on Oct. 15 when Lewis, driving near 1410 Hinesburg Road, struck Gerard Malavenda, 65, of Williston, with his car.

Malavenda was given medical care at the scene by the

al this March to meet a March 2024 deadline, set by the Vermont Economic Progress Council, which oversees TIF districts in the state. There are no federal elections this year, and the city wants to avoid holding a special election.

Voters have, since the TIF district’s inception 10 years ago, authorized more than $10 million in debt for various projects.

But in that time, more than $30 million has been added to the city center’s tax base — more than doubling the taxable property value in the area since 2012, Blanchard said.

And, with more development on the way — including large residential projects planned by the University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Medical Center, among others — the city estimates that, by 2037, it will see a tenfold increase in the property values in the TIF district.

“I have skepticism on that,” city councilor Thomas Chitten-

South Burlington Fire Department, which transported him to University of Vermont Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

“An accomplished and seasoned bicyclist, Gerry had set out on a glorious Vermont day for a ride that would unfortunately be his last,” Malavenda’s obituary reads.

Lewis has been cited by the South Burlington police to appear in Chittenden County Superior Court on April 6.

He could not be reached for comment, and a message for his attorney, Brooks G. McArthur,

den said during a presentation on the TIF bond vote in November.

“(But) it gives me a lot of peace knowing that UVM and the medical center are interested, because they are the most reliable partners I can think of in this region.”

The city in fiscal year 2022 saw more than $400,000 in additional revenue that, without the TIF district mechanism, would have been directed to the state’s education fund. This year, it estimates it will be more than $450K — and the city expects that to increase year after year.

“Obviously 400,000 is a lot of money, but it’s not $15 million, which is really what we need over the next two years to fund these improvements,” Blanchard said.

South Burlington joined several municipalities in the state in 2012 in creating a TIF district. Burlington, Winooski, Milton, St. Albans and six other Vermont municipalities all have either active or retired TIF districts.

Concerns have arisen recent-

was not immediately returned by press deadline.

South Burlington police worked with the Vermont State Police crash reconstruction process team at the scene, who shared their findings with the Chittenden County State’s Attorney.

After “extensive investigation and careful review,” police decided to charge Lewis, said South Burlington police Chief Shawn Burke.

“No further information will be released prior to Lewis’ arraignment,” Burke said.

ly following a state audit that found Burlington’s Waterfront TIF District, formed by the city in 1996, owed the state’s education fund nearly $200,000 after years of financial mistakes.

“Managing the complexities of this TIF district proved challenging even for the largest municipality in Vermont,” state Auditor Doug Hoffer said in a press release last month, pointing to poor record keeping and administrative complexities of the district that led to many errors.

South Burlington’s district is currently being audited by the state as well, Blanchard said — the first audit the city’s district is undergoing. TIF districts are required to undergo state audits after their first 10 years, and every five years following that.

“The South Burlington TIF district was developed under a newer authorization, which comes with much more stringent legislative authorization and has always operated with a set of rules that has been given out by the state and is monitored by the Vermont Economic Progress Council,” Blanchard said in response to questions about Burlington’s audit. “From the beginning, we’ve been preparing to be audited... and we’re not seeing any red flags.”

The city estimates that all the debt it has incurred so far, including the $15 million up for a vote, will be paid off by 2038, at which time the TIF district will retire, and regular tax collection will resume.

Be sure to visit our advertisers and tell them:

“I saw your name in The Other Paper.”

“From the beginning, we’ve been preparing to be audited... and we’re not seeing any red flags.”

— Ilona Blanchard, SB community development director

burne) because it’s a big part of my life,” he said.

Coincidentally, Hanna’s neighbor, Andy Gramer, who moved in across the street about the same time, came from Illinois where he was also active in the Lions Club.

“He looked at my license plate that has a Lions logo on it and said, ‘I know what that is. Let’s form a club,’” said Hanna.

“I was like, ‘Hey, I have something in common with one of my neighbors. I may not know anyone but I know what the Lions Club is!’” said Gramer, who had moved to Shelburne about a year and a half ago. “From there, he told me that there wasn’t a Lions Club in the Shelburne area, and we talked about how we could go about forming one.”

Although the fun found in the club adds another level of camaraderie to his life, Gramer said the aspect that makes it all worthwhile is being able to participate in the activities with his daughter. “She still talks about it and when we can do the next food drive, so for me, it’s the community involvement, but it’s also giving,” he said.

South Burlington resident Jackie Dutil overheard Hanna discussing the new Lions Club at a leadership training. “I asked him if he would like help, because I had tried starting the club back in 2018 myself, I didn’t have help at the time, and I had just moved to South Burlington,” she said.

Dutil has been helping the Lions since 1979, before women were even allowed to be a part of the club.

“They had their business meetings at my house. They had pancake breakfasts and I helped them cook and everybody chipped in — a lot of the wives helped,” she said.

She officially joined the Lions as a member in 1997 and she hasn’t looked back since.

“It allows you to expand and help others in different areas and, bit by bit, you can learn leadership skills,” she said. “Being a stay-at-home mom on a farm doesn’t make you very worldly, but this helped give me a sense of purpose away from the home and in my community, and actually, in the world.”

Dutil now sits as chair of memberships for the newly formed club and is the first point of contact for those considering a membership.

The club has had one informational meeting and one organizational meeting to determine the key issues that residents would like to see addressed, “we’re trying to find out what the local needs are and homelessness has come up. That’s definitely a big fight,” said Hanna.

All three residents expressed excitement about the support that they have experienced thus far, with nearly 15 people committed already and only five more needed to be chartered.

“If you can fit in one activity with the Lions Club a year, we want you,” said Hanna. “Whatever you can give, we’ll take it. It is really more about the love of helping your neighbor.”

Although the club is just getting started, members and volunteers are wasting no time in hitting the ground running with the first service volunteer event that happened in November — just in time for the holiday season.

The community food drive, which was held just outside of the Shelburne Market, collected more than 550 pounds of donated non-perishable food items for the Shelburne food shelf and $262.50 in donations, which Hanna says, shows that residents are eager for an avenue to give back.

Not only does the Lions Club serve those in need, but it also

Meetings typically begin at 6:30 p.m. with a 30-minute social that flows into the formal discussion portion that lasts until 8 p.m. There is also a Zoom option for those unable to meet in person.

“When you turn on the news, you’ll find that what’s going on in the world can be depressing,” said Hanna. “What you’ll find out when you become a lion it’ll heightened your awareness that there are more solutions than there are problems in this world and that is really powerful.

“It really gives you a positive outlook on life and the positivity that we get from giving back to the community is really powerful,” he added.

The next meeting will be

Charter members Jacqueline Jones, South Burlington, and Jean Hayden, Shelburne, at a Vermont Lions Club event

“It really gives you a positive outlook on life and the positivity that we get from giving back.”

— Mark Hanna

FISCAL YEAR 2024 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, voters will be asked to consider the proposed FY 2024 City of South Burlington budget, which achieves the following important goals for the City:

• Supports our ability to appropriately respond to the public safety needs of the community by restoring a Police Officer, Deputy Police Chief, and Firefighter/EMT position. Starting January 1, 2024, a second ambulance would be put into service.

• Improves our ability to maintain our parks and open spaces.

• Restores a GIS/Data Analyst position to ensure data-driven decision making.

• Incrementally invests in our Capital Improvement Plan.

• Invests American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars into one-time capital projects to ease the burden on local property taxpayers.

The total budget is $55,286,721.89 with $19,388,298.92 to be raised from property taxes.

GENERAL FUND

The General Fund receives revenue from a variety of sources including grants, fees, and property taxes. Approximately 38% of the revenue comes from sources other than property taxes. As approved by the City Council, the proposed budget includes an increase of 5.75% in the tax rate over last year.

What is the average annual cost increase for a property owner?

Condominium $78.49 (average value of $293,152)

Detached primary residence $117.11 (average value of $437,383)

The General Fund pays for services including police, fire, emergency medical services, public works, planning and zoning, recreation and parks, library, city clerk, and administration.

UTILITIES

Stormwater Fund // Budget: $4,195,947.10

Rate Increase: 1.64% or $1.44 average annually

Water Fund // Budget: $3,726,515.99

Rate Increase: 8.51% or $22.78 average annually

Wastewater Fund // Budget: $5,974,084.79

Rate Increase: 8.34% or $29.76 average annually

EARLY VOTING IS AVAILABLE

Vote or pick up a ballot at City Hall or call (802) 846-4105 to request one by mail. Ballots must be received by noon on March 6 or brought with you to the polls on March 7.

BARTLETT BAY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY BOND VOTE

On Tuesday March 7, 2023, voters will be asked to consider a $33,833,000 bond vote to support the upgrade of the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility (BBWWTF) and related wastewater infrastructure. This bond includes funding for the following projects:

• Reconstruction of the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility.

• Improvement of the infrastructure needed to handle the solids generated through the wastewater treatment process.

• Refurbishment of four pump stations that collect wastewater and convey it to the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Wastewater treatment plants have a design life of ~50 years and upgrades are necessary every 20-30 years. The BBWWTF was constructed in 1970 and last upgraded in 1999. The aging wastewater facility must be upgraded to ensure we can safely convey and treat wastewater generated in South Burlington. Maintaining this infrastructure is critical to protecting our water quality in local streams and Lake Champlain.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

South Burlington currently has the lowest wastewater rates in Vermont. The work required to upgrade our system, covered by this bond vote, would result in a 6.75% annual rate increase for the next four years. For the average homeowner, this means your annual wastewater bill would be $71.00 higher in four years than it is today.

LEARN MORE!

JOIN US AT A TOWN MEETING DAY INFORMATIONAL MEETING:

Tuesday, February 14 • 6–7 PM | #LoveyourCity | Room 301

Wednesday, February 22 • 12–1 PM | Facebook Q&A | Online only

Tuesday, February 28 • 6–7 PM | Town Meeting Day Info Session | Room 301

Monday, March 6 • 6:30 PM

Annual Pre-Town Meeting Day Info Session/Public Hearing | Auditorium

TOWN MEETING DAY

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 • POLLS OPEN 7 AM–7 PM

CHI-8: Kevin Dorn Senior Center in City Hall at 180 Market Street

CHI-9: Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School at 500 Dorset Street

CHI-10: Chamberlin School at 262 White Street

CHI-11: Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School at 500 Dorset Street

CHI-12: Orchard School at 2 Baldwin Avenue

All meetings will be held at City Hall, 180 Market Street ; see www.southburlingtonvt.gov for virtual options. For more information, including Budget Books, visit www.southburlingtonvt.gov or call (802) 846-4107.

CITY CENTER TIF DISTRICT BOND VOTE

On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, voters will be asked to consider authorizing the Council to issue up to $15,086,430 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) debt. This debt would be used to build the last four TIF District projects. TIF Bond debt payments for Article IV on the ballot will be funded with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District revenues and will not raise property owners’ tax rates.

WHY THESE PROJECTS?

The three Williston Road projects improve east-west vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian access to City Center. The fourth project, the City Center Park recreation path, links our growing downtown to park resources and provides a walk-bike route to the middle and high schools.

WILL THIS BOND FUND ALL COSTS?

No. The public is only being asked to consider the TIF funded portion of project costs. These projects have over $10.5 million dollars in secured federal grants, and the City is contributing (from other funds) $0.72 million.

WHAT

IS A TIF DISTRICT?

A tax increment financing district is an economic development area that uses 75% of new property tax revenues generated by the growth in property value. Revenues are held aside annually until tax year 2036-2037 to finance TIF public projects that benefit the district.

EAST-WEST CROSSING – WALK-BIKE BRIDGE OVER I-89

A new walk-bike bridge over the interstate will be connected by recreation paths to Staples Plaza and Williston Road at the CVS. A spur recreation path will link the University Mall.

GARDEN STREET (WILLISTON RD INTERSECTIONS)

A roadway realignment at Al’s French Frys on Williston Road will make a four-corner intersection with crosswalks. Improvements for walking and biking will extend along Williston Road to the corner by Gracy’s (Hinesburg Road/Patchen Road) for a continuously improved bike path and sidewalks.

WILLISTON ROAD STREETSCAPE

A walk-bike shared use path will replace the south-side sidewalk from Dorset Street to Al’s French Frys. This project will expand the green buffer between the path and the street curb for snow storage and path lighting. No changes will be made to the roadway.

CITY CENTER PARK PHASE II

A recreation path will connect Market Street, Garden Street, and City Center Park and include paving, lighting, and benches. The current path through City Center Park to Barrett Street will be improved. The path will be on a boardwalk over the Potash Brook’s Tributary 3 wetlands.

Artist’s illustration of the project in the evening and approaching the bridge from the east path.

Proposed walk-bike path highlighted.

Before diagram on left, proposed after diagram on right.

Proposed recreation path route on left, visualization of boardwalk on right.

EAST WEST CROSSING ESTIMATED TIF BOND $4.3M

CITY CENTER PARK II ESTIMATED TIF BOND $1.1M

GARDEN STREET ESTIMATED TIF BOND $8.3M

WILLISTON ROAD STREETSCAPE ESTIMATED TIF BOND $1.3M

SoBu boys basketball wins in OT

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Boys’ basketball

South Burlington 48, Mount Mansfield (OT): The South Burlington boys needed double overtime to squeak out a win over Mount Mansfield on Thursday, Feb. 9.

Tyler Bergmans hit two free throws to seal the win for the Wolves, who also got a layup from Ryan Sweet to keep the team ahead in the back-and-forth game.

Bergmans paced the Wolves with 16 points, while Ethan Sandberg chipped in with 10. Sweet added eight points for

South Burlington, which moved to 11-4 with the win.

Boys’ hockey

South Burlington 3, Spaulding 3: Spaulding scored with under a minute remaining to forge a tie with South Burlington on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Jules Butle had two goals for the Wolves, who are now 8-5-2 with the tie.

Nick Kelly added a goal and two assists, while James Chagnon stopped 17 shots in goal.

Girls’ hockey

Spaulding 6, South Burlington 0: South Burlington was

shut out for the second time in as many games as it lost to Spaulding on Wednesday.

Oli Roy stopped 35 shots in goal for the Wolves, who fall to 5-12.

Girls’ basketball

Burlington 50, South Burlington 43: South Burlington suffered a loss on Wednesday after Burlington outscored the Wolves 17-8 in the third quarter to win.

Tori Griffin was the top scorer for South Burlington with 13 points, while Aleah Staley and Elaina Ross each added eight. The Wolves fall to 5-12 with the loss.

PHOTO BY AL FREY

Two South Burlington runners at the state track-and-field championships at University of Vermont Feb. 4

Vermont observes national invasive species week

GINGER NICKERSON UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT EXTENSION

Feb. 20-26 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Each year, organizations around the country use this week to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose and how to prevent their spread.

Most invasive insect infestations are first discovered by alert community members with early detection being the key to slowing the spread, if not eradicating these pests. In Vermont three invasive forest pests of concern to watch for are the hemlock woolly adelgid, beech leaf disease and spotted lanternfly.

Hemlock woolly adelgid

Hemlock trees are a keystone species in northern forests, providing food, shelter and shade to wildlife across the region. The hemlock woolly adelgid, a small, aphid-like insect that feeds on sap at the base of hemlock needles, threatens this important tree. It is currently present in Windham, Windsor and Bennington counties but has the potential to

Stay Warm in Soya & Kyo

move north.

Winter is the perfect time to look for signs of this pest. Check the underside of hemlock branches for small, white, cottony masses lined up along the twigs.

Birds spread this tiny insect on their feet and feathers. To help prevent the spread, don’t put bird feeders near hemlock trees and take bird feeders down during spring and summer. If visiting an infested area, clean off your footwear, backpacks and any outdoor gear before leaving to avoid introducing the pest to non-infested areas.

Beech leaf disease

Beech trees are an important species for Vermont’s wildlife. Beech nuts are a food source for many animals. Cavities provide nesting spaces and dens for both birds and mammals.

Beech leaf disease was first discovered in North America in Ohio in 2012. Although not yet detected in Vermont, it has been found in 12 states including New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.

The disease is caused by a nematode

introduced from Japan. It affects both American and European beech trees, causing leaf deformation, dieback and mortality of infested hosts.

You can check for beech leaf disease once the leaves unfurl in the spring. Infested leaves may have a dark striping pattern parallel to the leaf veins. The darkened area is slightly raised and thicker than the rest of the leaf tissue. It is most apparent when viewing from below.

You may see aborted buds, which appear as crispy empty buds on an infested branch. Lighter colored striping may occur. Leaves may become curled or shriveled, discolored and deformed.

Spotted lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding insect that has caused considerable damage to vineyards, orchards and other agricultural commodities in states where it has become established. This pest harms grapevines, hops and more than 100 other host plants. In addition, it has had a significant impact on outdoor recreation when populations are high and adult lanternflies are swarming in large numbers, coating surfaces with sticky honeydew.

This pest was first discovered in Penn-

See INVASIVE SPECIES on page 20

INVASIVE SPECIES

continued from page 19

sylvania in 2014, and infestation has since spread to 14 states. While no established populations have been found in Vermont, it’s important to be on the lookout for this invasive insect to prevent it from becoming established here.

All phases of this insect are strong hitchhikers and can easily be moved long distances on vehicles and other items. The adults will lay eggs on any surface. These egg masses are the primary way the pest is spread.

If you are traveling through an infested area or ordering plants or outdoor items from states with infestations, look for irregular egg masses that look like dried mud on your vehicle and other items. Scrape off egg masses and squash any nymphs or adults you find to avoid spread.

Finally, remember that firewood is one of the primary ways that invasive insects and diseases are transported. Buy firewood near where you will burn it, buy certified, heat-treated firewood ahead of time or gather on site where permitted.

For help in identifying these pests, visit vtinvasives.org. If you spot signs of any of these, take photos and click on the “Report It!” link on the website to report your findings.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS to the SOUTH BURLINGTON LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Public Hearing

Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:30 pm

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM to consider amendments to the Land Development Regulations. The amendments affect all parts of the City unless otherwise specified below. The hearing will be held in person and remotely via GoToMeeting. Participation options:

• In Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street

• Interactive Online: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/citycouncilmeeting03-20-2023

• Telephone: (224) 501-3412; Access Code: 645-781-045

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following:

A. LDR-22-09: Updates to Article 12 Environmental Standards, including, but not limited to:

1) Modification of the Class II wetlands buffer boundary in some residential areas

2) Streamline administrative permitting process

3) Remove permitted, human-made steep slopes from regulation as steep slopes

Copies of the proposed amendments are available for inspection at the Department of Planning & Zoning, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 180 Market Street, and on the city website at www.sbvt.gov.

Helen Riehle, City Council Chair February 16, 2023

PUBLIC HEARING

SOUTH BURLINGTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD

The South Burlington Development Review Board will hold a public hearing in the South Burlington City Hall auditorium, 180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont, or online or by phone, on Tuesday March 7, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. to consider the following:

1. Final plat application #SD-23-03 of Civil Engineering Associates to amend a previously approved plan for a 10 unit planned unit development. The amendment consists of reducing the front setback for Lot 8 (80 Long Drive) from 30 feet to 20 feet, 0 Long Drive.

2. Preliminary and final plat application #SD-23-05 of Gary Bourne to create a General Planned Unit Development by re-subdividing three existing lots into three new lots of 0.18 acres (Lot 1), 0.14 acres (Lot 2), and 1.06 acres (Lot 3), and constructing a 3,350 sf financial institution on Lot 1, a 6,480 sf 2-story mixed commercial and residential building on Lot 2, and a 3-story 27-unit multifamily building on Lot 3, 760 Shelburne Road.

Board members will be participating in person. Applicants and members of the public may participate in person or remotely either by interactive online meeting or by telephone:

• Interactive Online Meeting (audio & video): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89746205812

• Telephone (audio only): (929) 205 6099, Meeting ID: 897 4620 5812

A copy of the application is available for public inspection by emailing Marla Keene, Development Review Planner, mkeene@southburlingtonvt.gov.

February 16, 2023

Ginger Nickerson is the UVM Extension forest pest education coordinator.

PHOTO BY CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTAL STATION

Small, white, cottony balls lined up along the twigs on the underside of hemlock branches are an indication of hemlock woolly adelgid.

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

You might feel caught up in a daze this week, Aries. Your mind continues to wander, but your thoughts will settle down soon enough.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Make an effort to bring more people onto your side, Taurus. You can’t possibly win everyone over, but others might be receptive to your ideas with the right approach.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

A sit down with a higherup could be in order soon, Gemini. Explain your attributes and what you have been doing for the company and make an effort to compromise, if necessary.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Cancer, you are still following through with resolutions to be more organized. Start slowly and build up to bigger projects when you gain con dence in your abilities.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Celestial energy has you temporarily doubting your abilities, Leo. Normally you are quite con dent in your creativity. Give things a little time to settle down.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, excitement could be on the horizon. Caution is needed, but don’t hesitate to embrace the renewed vigor this development inspires.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Libra, this week you may start micromanaging other people without even realizing it. You certainly want things to be in order, but sometimes you have to let others be.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Retail therapy has its allure this week, Scorpio. If you must buy, direct your purchasing dollars toward a sweetheart for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion.

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 Sagittarius, ground yourself with the small luxuries in your life that bring you joy. This could be the company of friends or cherished mementos.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20 Misinformation seems to circulate with ease, but don’t believe everything you hear this week, Capricorn. You may need to do some factchecking of your own.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18 Aquarius, you could be tempted to indulge in a little gossip as the rumors start ying this week. Take the high road and resist the urge to join in.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Pisces, if you feel a little off your game this week, nd a friend who can offer you a pep talk. That’s all you need to bounce back.

CLUES ACROSS

1. River in Tuscany

5. A way to represent

8. Rocker’s guitar

12. Civil Rights group

14. Brew

15. Scratch

16. W. Asian country

18. The Eye Network

19. Clari ed butter

20. Part of the Cascade Range

21. Downwind

22. A way to steer

23. Loop 26. Not ingested 30. Swampy coniferous forest

31. Musician 32. Signing 33. Containing iron 34. Part of a theorem or proof 39. Veterans battleground (slang) 42. Of enormous proportions 44. Italian city 46. Come before

47. Balm

49. Undergarments

50. Male parent

51. Ropes

56. Ear part

57. Investment vehicle

58. Dictator

59. Cain and __

60. A type of code

61. Border river along India and Nepal

62. It’s what’s for dinner

63. Consume

64. Christian __, designer

CLUES DOWN

1. Cuckoos

2. Skin issue

3. City in central Japan

4. Sorrels

5. Twinned diamond

6. Canadian province

7. Monetary units

8. Head honcho

9. Goddess of wisdom

10. Part of a play

11. Get rid of

13. Applicant

ANSWERS

17. Bowling alleys have many

24. Explosive

25. “The Say Hey Kid”

26. Ultrahigh frequency

27. No (Scottish)

28. Make a mistake

29. Credit card term

35. Keyboard key 36. Woman (French)

In the middle of

Score perfectly

Coat a metal with an oxide coat

Deadly disease 42. A place to dock a boat (abbr.)

Belch 44. Member of U.S. Navy

“In __”: separate from others

Examine extensively

Adjust

Tattle 52. Actor Pitt 53. Gulls 54. Within 55. Exceptionally talented performer

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

those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal 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.

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

TRANSITION POINTS Evidence-Based Strategies to Navigate Life Changes Life, Career, Retirement, Moving, or End-of-Life Support Judy F. Carr, Ed.D. 802.487.8077 - jcarrvt@gmail.com Winooski, Vermont & Virtually www.TransitionDoula.org Conversation – Education - Advocacy

www.pleasantvalleyvt.com Remote and In-Person Lessons

Bear Ridge Home Improvement • Remodeling • Bath renovations • General handy man services • Exterior siding • Painting • Rot replacement • Decking • Construction services • Remodeling • Interior painting services • Tile and hardwood flooring 802-343-2708 tfortin1007@gmail.com

28 years experience

CAMPBELL ’ S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE SEASONAL RATES STILL AVAILABLE — CALL FOR A QUOTE Nick Campbell 802.522.5369

SNOW PLOWING & SANDING | RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL — FULLY INSURED — vermont Rug cleaning vermontrugcleaning.com | 802.985.1178 A • D • V • E • R • T • I • S • I • N • G an idea that SELLS. CALL 864-6670

HY P ER RE L IC

HY P ER RE L IC

Buying Sports and Collectible Cards Hyper Relic Sports Cards

A Taste of Abyssinia Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Weekly Menu | Friends & Family Dinners CATERING | CLASSES | HOLIDAYS Visit the website for Menu and Specials Order by email for pick up at Mill Market & Deli/Dorset St. sereke@yahoo.com | 802 578 6850 atasteofabyssinia.com Bob Trautwine Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681 Hyperreliccards@gmail.com • hyperrelic.com

head the Golf depending land. Rotary’s Piano and Composition Lessons Give the gift of music-making Basic, intermediate - children, teens, adults National Keyboard Arts Curriculum References, scholarships available Edward Darling, So. Burlington edwardjohndarling@gmail.com • 802-318-7030

Full and part-time front desk positions

for 2nd shift, 3pm-11pm, available immediately

Apply in person: 1016 Shelburne Road • South Burlington, VT 05403 or email travelodgeburlingtonvt@gmail.com

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”.

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.

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

SUBSTITUTES NEEDED

• Daily substitute teachers and support staff at all subject levels

• Long-term substitute teachers in 2nd and 5th grade classrooms at Orchard

• Long-term substitute in a Science classroom at SBHS

Qualified candidates will have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, demonstrate an ability to effectively relate to students and manage a classroom. A four-year college degree and knowledge of subject matter is preferred. Long-term substitutes will need licensure or to be eligible for licensure. Anyone interested in getting in the classroom is encouraged to apply!

To apply, visit www.schoolspring.com

Keyword: South Burlington School District or email SBSD Human Resources at HREmployment@sbschools.net

Say you saw

Community Bankers

Chittenden County

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS

There is no better time to join our Team!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Are you looking to start or continue a career in the finance industry? Consider joining our team as a Community Banker! To see all our available positions, please visit www.NSBVT.com/careers/open-positions.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

This frontline position is crucial in creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for NSB customers. The successful candidate will have exceptional customer service and communication skills. The Community Banker will be responsible for receiving and processing customers’ financial transactions as well as opening and maintaining customer accounts and services. We are looking for someone who can develop and maintain relationships with our valued customers, protect bank and customer information, and uphold customer confidentiality. A high school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent is required.

If you have customer service, previous cash handling, or banking experience we encourage you to apply!

Opportunity for Growth

NSB has training opportunities to engage employees and assist with professional development within our company. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking for a career in an environment that promotes growth, join our team!

What NSB Can Offer You

Competitive compensation based on experience. Well-rounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. Excellent 401(k) matching retirement program. Commitment to professional development. Opportunities to volunteer and support our communities. Work-Life balance!

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

South Burlington School District Shop

We understand the importance of having evenings and weekends with our friends, families, and the communities we serve!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com or Northfield Savings Bank Human Resources | PO Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

DOG PARK

continued from page 3

enjoy the older park. Farrell tends to get bigger dog crowds at certain times, especially before and after typical work hours and on the weekends, Rees said.

“Farrell is regularly used,” she added.

Kyle Minckler, who lives in Sheldon, has taken his black Lab-pitbull mix, Cass, to Farrell Dog Park every day for the past two months. Cass prefers Farrell to Wheeler, according to his owner. Cass is a rescue who doesn’t always feel comfortable in a big canine group, so the smaller park with fewer dogs is more his style, Minckler said.

“Not a lot of people come here, so it’s a nice place for him to run around,” he said. Minckler doesn’t mind Farrell’s condition, he added. “For the location and accessibility, it’s a good dog park.”

The Farrell and Wheeler dog parks each fill different needs in South Burlington, said Betty Milizia, chair of the Committee on Common Areas for Dogs. Wheeler is a “regional” dog park, while Farrell serves as a “community-based” spot, she said. Each park also suits different dog temperaments and play styles, she added.

The city council renamed the dog park committee to the Committee on Common Areas for Dogs in July 2021. Its mission is

to maintain, organize and create spaces for interaction between dogs and citizens in the city. The move emphasized that dogs are important members of the community and deserve a healthy and safe social and physical environment.

The committee put much effort into the design of Wheeler Dog Park, Milizia said. Its location on a hill with a large, rounded fence structure makes it more stimulating for dogs, she added.

“When you see holes in dog parks, it’s because they have nothing better to do,” Milizia said, adding that Farrell Park’s small size and square shape are not ideal for dog play. “There’s not necessarily anything stimulating for them.”

“Wheeler looks beautiful because it isn’t all these corners. It isn’t square. It looks like a pasture,” Milizia said. “It’s the volunteer committee members who are responsible for that. Hopefully, we can have the same level of input into the design of Farrell.”

Kaylyn Bills is a reporter with the Community News Service, a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide content for local news outlets at no cost.

PHOTOS BY AYLIN KURSAT

Above, Farrell Dog Park stands empty on a recent February afternoon. Below, mixed-breed Louie wears a coat on a cold day to play with friends at Wheeler Dog Park.