The Other Paper - 5-11-23

New water tower queued up for SoBu

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

With plenty of residential and commercial growth forecasted in South Burlington in the coming years, city officials are preparing to bid out for a second water tower on Dorset Street to increase the city’s water storage capacity to meet demand.

The city’s east storage tank, located off Dorset Street, is currently at capacity, with 98 percent of the water stored in the tank either used daily, or allocated for specific needs, such as fire flow demand or water reserved for usage during a fire.

While the city gets its water pumped from Lake Champlain by the Champlain Water District, state regulations require that the city begin planning for expanded storage after hitting 90 percent of its capacity.

“The concern here is we don’t want to over allocate the city and have to stop all of the great development you guys have been working on,” Jeff Lewis, a project engineer with Aldrich and Elliot, said during a city council meeting. “We’d hate to have water get in the way of all the great things you are trying to do.”

The project, in the works since at least 2019, would require the city bond for the project to the tune of $5.7 million, and

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would thus require voter approval during the city’s 2024 town meeting day.

If approved, current water users would see an annual increase if about $19.38.

First built in 1971, the city’s Dorset Street tower serves the city’s high-service area — one of two water service areas encompassing the city. The main service area covers the Route 7 corridor, while the high-service area covers the rest of the city — including the City Center, the U-Mall, and the Williston Road corridor — which is at a higher elevation and harder to pump water to.

The city’s water is sourced from Lake Champlain and then treated by the Champlain Water District, which pumps water throughout Chittenden County.

With the storage tank available, the city doesn’t have to constantly pump water from the source, giving some flexibility to provide for immediate needs like drinking water and more emergency uses like fire hydrant outflow.

But new development and future growth is expected to increase the demand for drinking water and other uses.

“Certainly, we want to be able to serve the city as it is, and as it’s being developed. We need to make sure that we have that capacity,” Tom DiPietro, the city’s public works director, said. “So that’s what this additional tank will do — it’ll set us up to serve that future demand and cover requirements for fire flow from a public safety standpoint.”

The high-service area currently uses 70 percent of the water in the tank on a

PHOTO BY COREY MCDONALD

South Burlington’s east storage tank looms over a home in Nicklaus Circle. The city’s aging water system may need a $5.7 million bond to secure needed updates.

Towns should establish ash borer strategies, says extension system

GINGER NICKERSON UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT EXTENSION

The week of May 22-28 has been designated National Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week to help increase public awareness of this tree-killing beetle and the damage it can cause to all species of native ash trees within the Fraxinus genus.

The emerald ash borer, a native of southeast Asia, was first detected in Michigan in 2002. It was initially confirmed in Vermont in 2018 in Orange County and has now been confirmed in all counties except Essex County.

We have learned from municipalities in the Midwest that have been dealing with the emerald ash borer for two decades, that the more time a town or city has to plan for the removal or treatment of ash trees on municipally managed lands, the better they are able to manage the impact of the borer.

Towns may choose to treat some public ash trees with pesticides, which is costly, but may be the only viable option to save a tree. However, this must be done before the beetle is well-established in the tree. If not treated, ash trees will die and potentially create a hazard along roads and other public areas.

Once an adult beetle starts laying eggs in an ash tree, it can take 3-5 years for enough larvae to build up under the bark for the tree to start showing symptoms.

Because of this, the emerald ash borer can be hidden in plain sight and ash trees in an area with confirmed infestations may still look fine.

It can take up to 10 years from when the borer first arrives in an area before ash trees begin dying off at a large or landscape scale. That is why communities throughout Vermont should start planning now for how they will deal with ash trees on municipal lands.

The first step for any municipality to establish an ash management strategy is to inventory the ash trees on municipal lands. This includes shade trees on streets, parking lots and green spaces, town forests and municipal rights-of-way. Inventories can range from simple paper-based tally sheets to using GIS software to create digitized maps.

The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program provides resources and direct technical assistance to design and conduct ash inventories. Its website, bit. ly/44m5o6b, has many resources including templates for writing ash management plans, tools to calculate the costs of different management scenarios, case studies from other municipalities and examples of documents, such as letters to residents and contracts with tree removal companies.

Airport plans

Council on Rural Development holds community get together

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is inviting community leaders, volunteers and partners in Vermont to a community social on Tuesday, June 13, at the Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom.

The event will include a short speaking program with updates on council initiatives and issues vital to towns across Vermont.

Rutland County community leader Melinda Humphrey will give the keynote address. Humphrey currently serves on the NeighborWorks of Western Vermont Board of Directors, executive committee and assistant treasurer for NAACP and a foster and respite provider with the Vermont Department of Children & Families. In prior roles, Humphrey was on the Rutland City Board of Alderman and a founding member of Rutland Young Professionals. In her full-

time role, Humphrey is the manager of tariffs and rates for Green Mountain Power.

Other speakers for the program include:

• Lyle Jepson, executive director of chamber and economic development of the Rutland region.

• Lisa Ryan, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Vermont Law and Graduate School and Vermont Council on Rural Development board member.

• Brian Lowe, executive director of Vermont Council on Rural Development.

• Julie Moore, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and Vermont Council on Rural Development board chair. Register at bit.ly/417TMk2. Cost is $25 per person. Registration helps cover event expenses but should not be a barrier for anyone.

PHOTOS BY ANTHONY ALICHWER

South Burlington Business Association members and guests met for their annual meeting on May 4 at the Burlington International Airport. Keynote speaker was airport director Nic Longo who gave an update on the airport terminal and upcoming projects. Representatives from Women in Aviation, Ella Brisson and Kyra Becker, gave

members an overview of their organization. The business association, now more than 100 members, holds regular educational meetings, communications and deliberations on issues affecting the business community. The group welcomes new members. For more information, contact Julie Beatty at sbbabiz@gmail.com or visit sbbabiz.com.

Legislators talk generational politics

Vermont lawmakers launched the cross-party Future Caucus with the Millennial Action Project, a group focused on encouraging younger people to pursue politics, in 2015 to unify lawmakers under 45 years old and encourage younger individuals to run for office. In June of last year, only 24 of the 150 state legislators were under 45.

To figure out what this kind of age disparity looks like in the day-to-day of state politics in Vermont, the Community News Service interviewed four state legislators about generational politics and perspective: Rep. Lucy Boyden, D-Cambridge, 22; Rep. Jay Hooper, D-Randolph, 29; Sen. Virginia Lyons, D-Chittenden, 78; and Sen. Dick Mazza, D-Grand Isle, 83.

Some of the contrasts between their life experiences are extreme: Boyden, the youngest legislator in the Statehouse, graduated high school in 2018 and is in her first session. Mazza graduated high school in 1957 — his hometown of Colchester “didn’t have a high school back then, so we had to go to Winooski, five to six miles a day and with no transportation” — and has been in the Legislature longer than almost anybody.

He was elected first to the House in 1973 and served until his election to the Senate in 1985, where he has served ever since.

Some of them fall along similar lines of policy. Hooper and Lyons both said climate change is a legislative priority. Mazza said the legislature hasn’t tackled “a lot of big ones this year” but pointed to S.5, the clean heat bill, as one of the most significant pieces of legislation he’s seen in years.

“S.5, that was the biggest one that we experienced in many years since back with gay marriage, but I think that’s been a giant one, these last three, four weeks and because there were just thousands and thousands of phone calls and letters and everything you can think of voicing their concerns.”

Here’s what they said about age and generations in politics.

What are some difficulties you have noticed working with legislators of different generations?

“I have some really great relationships with those who are on the very much older spectrum and sometimes we joke around,” Boyden said. “I think we both find each other and our generations very

valuable for the different perspectives. You know, a lot of them have a little more life experience than I do, and I find that really valuable, but then myself and others who are younger bring kind of a fresh perspective of kind of questioning the status quo.”

She said, some people in the Legislature “still haven’t made the transition to efficiently working with the new technology.”

“Wow, where do I start? Basically, we’ve got these old heads living in an old world and trying to apply sort of old thinking to a landscape that is changing faster,” Hooper said. “The problems that we’re facing in government are outpacing our capacity to understand those issues.”

“If you have a chair of a committee who’s been there for 18 years, and they had a hand in creating the policy that we’ve learned is not as effective as it could be and should undergo some major changes, those lawmakers are not always the most helpful.”

Lyons said that there are “a number of folks who don’t understand that making policy and producing legislation is maybe a more gradual process than they

would like. I think people and this is true — and doesn’t matter how old you are — there are some people who really would like to see change happen very rapidly. And my experience has been that change can happen rapidly but not if you try to bully it the way through.”

Relating that to her experience with people raised in the digital age, Lyons said that there was “a tendency toward wanting to have instant gratification and wanting to know that the information that you get right away is the information you’re going to use — and to make very instant decisions. And that, in some ways, is in direct conflict with being human.”

Mazza raised concerns about younger legislators’ views on government spending.

“The younger folks that are coming — which is great, it’s good to see young people get involved — but they’re far more progressive in many instances. And one of the things they just have to think about is every time you do something, how are you going to pay for it?

Rep. Lucy Boyden

Sen. Virginia Lyons

The girls’ Ultimate photo last week was taken by Sandra Flemer.

ASH BORER

continued from page 2

Program staff Ginger Nickerson and Joanne Garton are available to give presentations on the emerald ash borer and provide technical assistance to municipalities, including assistance with ash tree inventories.

Community members can do their part to scout for this pest and report any trees suspected of being infested with the emerald ash borer by uploading photographs via the “Report It!” button at vtinvasives.org. You can learn how to identify ash trees and the signs and symptoms of the pest at bit.ly/3NdFBXA.

This website also links to a map of borer infestations, created by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, which shows

a 10-mile radius around each confirmed infestation. Areas marked in yellow indicate a high likelihood of other ash trees being infested. The areas in orange and red have a more established beetle infestation level.

Over time, the emerald ash borer infestation in Vermont will continue to spread. State agencies and conservation organizations are helping manage this pest, but more needs to be done to avoid accelerating its spread and unnecessary management costs. Recommendations can be found at bit.ly/446CBST.

Ginger Nickerson is the forest pest education coordinator for the University of Vermont Extension.

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South Burlington

Police Blotter: May 1-7

Agency / public assists: 23

Suspicious event: 18

Directed patrol: 17

Traffic stop: 12

Welfare check: 12

Alarm: 7

Retail theft: 9

Accident: property damage: 7

Larceny from a motor vehicle: 7

Disturbance: 8

Trespass: 7

Juvenile problem: 6

Total incidents: 212

Arrests:

April 11 at 10:07 a.m., Zachariah R. Parker, 45, of Swanton, was arrested for felony possession of stolen property and operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent on Dorset Street.

April 19 at 1:08 p.m., Justin Eric Lachance, 34, of South Burlington, was arrested as a fugitive from justice on Hawthorne Circle.

April 22 at 8:55 a.m., Robbie L. Laforce, 40, of Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release on Dorset Street.

May 2 at 12:36 a.m., Jean M. Duga, 35, of Underhill, was arrested for domestic assault and violating conditions of release on Farrell Street.

May 2 at 9:24 a.m., Jason P. Robinson, 44, of South Burlington, was arrested for violating conditions of release on

South Burlington Police Blotter

Farrell Street.

May 2 at 3:42 p.m., Jason P. Robinson, 44, of South Burlington, was arrested for simple assault and violating conditions of release on Farrell Street.

May 2 at 5:23 p.m. Brandon E. Scarfone, 32, of Burlington, was arrested on an in-state arrest warrant on Interstate 89 at Shelburne Road.

May 4 at 4:51 a.m., Jamie T. Jennings, 45 of Middlebury, was arrested on an in-state arrest warrant on Shelburne Road.

May 4 at 12:05 p.m., Amanda L. Bean, 39, of South Burlington, was arrested for simple assault on Dorset Street.

May 4 at 11:46 p.m., Donna A. Basile, 56, of Garden City, N.Y., was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, on Williston Road.

May 5 at 8:06 a.m., Eric A. Smith, 39, of Fairfax, was arrested for violating an abuse prevention order on Dorset Street.

May 5 at 2:43 p.m., Clifton H. Bevins III, 60, of Colchester, was arrested on an in-state warrant and for felony posses-

sion of stolen property on Dorset Street.

May 5 at 2:43 p.m., Julie L. Coolidge, 37, of Burlington, was arrested for illegal possession of a credit card on Dorset Street.

May 5 at 9:19 p.m., Lyubov Valentine, 36, of South Burlington, was arrested for driving under the influence, first offense, on Interstate 89 at Shelburne Road.

May 6 at 1:54 p.m., Julie L. Coolidge, 37, of Burlington, was arrested for operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent and driving with a criminally suspended license on Williston Road.

May 6 at 5:02 p.m., Jack A. Hurlburt, 27, of St. Albans, was arrested on an in-state warrant on Dorset Street.

May 7 at 9:22 p.m., Robert W. Harris, 63, of South Burlington, was arrested for violating an abuse prevention order on Shelburne Road.

May 7 at 9:22 p.m., Monique L. Lafountaine, 38, of Williston, was arrested for violating an abuse prevention order on Shelburne Road.

Vermont State Police Blotter

May 4 at 8:02 a.m., John Kolley, 55, of South Burlington, was uninjured after police say he strayed from his lane on Interstate 89,

left the road and crashed into a guardrail. His 2008 Volvo XC9 sustained front-end damage and was towed.

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residents and businesses, and rack

Group

PHOTO BY STEPHEN AUSMUS

The emerald ash borer, which has been confirmed in 13 Vermont counties, is an invasive pest that infests and kills trees of several native ash tree species.

House starts impeachment of two officials, S.5 moves

From the House Rep. Kate Nugent

By the time you read this, the 2023 session will likely have adjourned. In my last session editorial, I will try to touch on a few topics of interest and importance, including S.5 and the beginning of an impeachment process for two county-level elected officials in Franklin County that my committee will be starting to address. As always, please reach out with questions and concerns.

Senate Bill 5 arrived in the House in March. Even before it arrived, misinformation was being promoted on radio and social media, as well as other venues. I will share what I understand about the bill’s impact, including the information provided by the many witnesses who provided testimony, as well as the work of the Senate and House committees. First, one of the central goals of S.5 is to move away from the current and growing volatility inherent in the home heating fuel market, starting by gathering more data to help us do so in a

way that leaves no Vermonter behind. Specifically, S.5 directs the Public Utility Commission to determine exactly how a clean heat standard could be designed for Vermont, including its effects on heating costs and workforce. The commission will work with a technical and an equity advisory group over the next two years to compile a report for the Legislature by 2025. At that time, the Legislature will vote on implementing a clean heat standard by accepting the proposed clean heat standard rules offered by the commission, to change the rules before implementing or repeal.

Vermonters who can afford to are already moving away from the unpredictable, increasing cost of home heating, and this bill should ensure that low- and moderate-income Vermonters will not be left behind. Renting and manufactured home ownership inclusion in S.5 is significant.

The thermal sector (heating) is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont. Transportation is the first. It is generally accepted that energy transition is a question of when and how,

Three myths drive discussion of housing, jobs, environment

John Bossange

History is replete with myths and distortions that have driven unwise practices and policies often resulting in tragic consequences.

Wars in America were launched with lies about the USS Maine, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and, of course, who can ever forget the lies about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Over time, those lies have been exposed and become historic myths.

Today in Vermont we are being fed three myths all playing out at once. If turned into practice and law, the combination of the three would be devastating to the iconic character and unique position of our state as a leader in protecting the environment.

Myth number one centers on the recklessly trumpeted need to construct 40,000 new homes by the year 2030. Many have already debunked this inflated number by calling into question the new home estimates built with false assumptions categorized as expected growth (10,231 homes) and pre-pandemic growth (11,454 homes), totaling 21,685 new homes.

All the current population forecasts indicate a very slow and modest population growth. Using state occupancy formulas, 21,685 new households translate to

well over 50,000 new residents moving here within seven years. Under the best of circumstances, no demographer would support such a projection or myth.

Do we need more housing? Absolutely. But we need housing to return to our normalized home vacancy rates (11,023) to address our homeless rates (2,780) and to replace destroyed homes (2,570), making them habitable. By most projections, these three critical housing needs total 16,373 new homes, again not even close to the casually bantered myth of 40,000 new homes needed.

Myth number two centers on the recent outcry of 24,000 job vacancies in Vermont. A close examination of that number reveals some important data. By reviewing the three largest employers in Vermont — the state, University of Vermont Medical Center and affiliated hospitals, and the University of Vermont and other colleges — one can find many vacancies that require some educational background, experience or a specific high-level skill. For sure, we need these professional workers. They would be welcomed to our state. However, nowhere is there a need for 24,000.

For every high-skill job listed, there are at least as many vacancies for caregivers, receptionists, carpenters, laborers, building

not if, and we are at the point where delays have and will continue to only increase our future costs. This bill provides for a gradual and thoughtful transition, which should help all Vermonters. In addition, this bill does not require Vermonters make these changes; it should create a system that makes changing easier and more affordable.

Now, turning to the second major recent issue that arose and required our committee’s attention, which is the result of an ongoing problem: the beginning of impeachment proceedings for two elected officials in Franklin County. Both sheriff John Grismore and state’s attorney John LaVoie have been accused of egregious behaviors unfitting of their offices.

The reason we must spend time on this issue is that, as of this editorial, both officials have been unwilling to step down on

their own. It has become apparent that to restore faith in these specific offices and to protect the public and those who work with and around them, the Legislature will need to utilize the only remedy available to it, which is impeachment. To learn more about the process in our committee, you may find relevant documents on the website of the House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. This process is outlined in the Vermont Constitution. Many thanks to community members for keeping me informed as to the challenges they are facing, as well as hopes they have for the future. Continue to reach out and let me know how I can help you or share your thoughts about legislation.

Kate Nugent, a Democrat, represents South Burlington in the Chittenden-10 House district.

Guest Perspective

Rep. Kate Nugent

Lawmaker votes on gun safety from the pediatrician’s office

From the Senate

On April 13, my husband and I were overjoyed to welcome a baby girl into the world. She is our first child, and this is the first time a legislator has been pregnant or given birth during the legislative session in nearly 20 years. With every piece of legislation I vote on as the session nears adjournment, I am looking at it through a new lens as a new mother. (See related sidebar)

Perhaps no issue causes me greater concern for the future of our children, and now my child, than that of gun safety. Gun violence has now become the primary killer of children and teens in the U.S., as gun deaths among children have risen 50 percent from 2019 to 2021. Homicide was the largest single category of gun deaths among children in 2021, accounting for 60 percent of the total, followed by suicide at 32 percent and accidents at 5 percent.

So, it was with a deep sense of both gravity and privilege that I cast my vote remotely on H.230, our major gun safety and suicide prevention bill this session, from my daughter’s second pediatrician appointment. Hanging on the wall in the office as I voted was a Dr. Seuss quote from Horton Hears a Who: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” While it may seem obvious and simple, children —

BOSSANGE

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and grounds maintenance, prep and line cooks, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, TSA airport positions, intake coordinators, night security officers, office assistants — all important service industry positions central to an effective economy. Surely, these vacancies make up a substantial portion of the 24,000 figure.

It follows then that we should not be building homes in anticipation of a great migration of out-of-staters to fill these lowerskill positions when those who seek these positions can likely find this work in their own states. So in reality the job vacancies that would attract people to move to Vermont are considerably lower than 24,000.

and the parents of young children — are highly underrepresented in the policymaking process, and it’s important we put our children’s personhood and safety at the forefront in this contentious debate.

H.230 includes three common sense provisions that will reduce gun violence and gun-related suicide if enacted into law: implementation of safe storage liability, enactment of firearm purchase waiting periods and strengthening extreme risk protection orders.

The one I have heard the most about is safe storage, as people wonder if someone will be inspecting their homes or preemptively enforcing this language. The answer is no, this will create liability if a weapon is negligently or improperly stored and subsequently used in a crime, death or serious injury.

We are a gun-owning household, as my husband is an avid hunter and firearm enthusiast. His first project to prepare for the birth of our daughter was to move his guns from a key-locked display cabinet to a hidden, heavily protected safe. A majority of responsible gun owners understand the danger of leaving weapons in places that are visible and accessible, especially those who are parents or are likely to have young visitors present in their home.

Though Vermont’s greatest statistical danger is suicide by gun, especially among teens, we

are not immune from the gun homicides sweeping the nation. Recent tragedies, from a boy who went to the wrong house to pick up a sibling to a young woman who turned around in the wrong driveway to a family that asked the wrong person to stop shooting guns while their baby was sleeping, weigh heavily on our psyches where the only crime committed by the victims was being in the wrong place at the wrong time in the vicinity of someone with unimpeded access to guns and the belief that they could use them with impunity.

For my newborn child’s safety and for all our children, let’s build a world where gun violence is a thing of the past. It may seem too hard or too low of an impact to do this, especially in our small state. But again, I would turn to the wisdom of my pediatrician’s office and the full quote from Dr. Seuss that there is no action or person too small to matter when it comes to saving lives.

Should I put this speck down? Horton thought with alarm. If I do, these small persons may come to great harm. I can’t put it down. And I won’t! After all a person’s a person. No matter how small.

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.

Starting in the Vermont Assembly in my early twenties, I have always sought to put families first in my policy agenda, but it has been a challenge to start a family of my own. A citizens’ legislature can make it challenging for a young, elected official to ensure the time and resources to have a child.

On April 13, my husband and I welcomed our baby, Mira, into the world. She decided to make an early entrance, for which we received world-class care from the staff and providers at University of Vermont Medical Center and we are all doing fine.

As I reengage with the Legislature while also thinking about our financial and professional

realities as new parents, I feel fortunate to be able to help steward meaningful steps forward on affordable early childhood education and access to paid family leave. These are issues I have worked on for over a decade, but they take on new meaning as I think about Mira’s generation and our children’s collective future. As the first pregnant legislator in two decades, I lament that the perspective of young parents is underrepresented in the Legislature, though that is changing. I hope to be able to continue bringing in the voices of families struggling to make it all work and to help advance our most precious resource of all, our children.

The real danger here is that the 24,000-job vacancy myth feeds the 40,000 new homes needed myth, creating a false sense of urgency. We’ll be fine for now if we recruit qualified candidates for highly skilled jobs, focus on improving the normalized vacancies and replacement homes in our housing stock, and at the same time improve the wages and benefits offered to those who apply for jobs in our critical service industries.

Myth number three continues to be advanced by advocates representing affordable housing needs and related building industries. Smart growth principles should govern wherever we build, and nowhere is that more essen-

tial than when creating housing for those with modest resources. Without a car, these individuals and families need to be near public transportation and municipal services. This, in turn, means not building housing miles from city and village centers, isolating people from their workplace and daily needs.

Those who support the construction of new housing for everyone in city and village core locations and at the same time support conserving as much of the natural environment to deal with the climate crisis are not only being called elitist by some but have also been accused of discriminating against those in need of housing. Nothing could

be further from the truth.

Promoting smart growth is not elitist or discriminatory. Smart growth is an environmental imperative given our climate crisis and it’s fair and equitable to those who need affordable housing.

Saving the environment is obviously to everyone’s benefit.

Taking the bold steps needed to mitigate the climate crisis belongs in the forefront of all policy and should be our top priority. That’s a necessity. We are all environmentalists now, no matter where we live. Nor is it discriminatory to build housing of all types away from those open fields, meadows and forests in need of immediate protection. That’s a necessity as

well. It’s time for the name calling and labeling to stop.

I remain hopeful that we can put these three myths behind us. There is no time to waste. Together we need to address Vermont’s housing concerns and job vacancies using responsible practices, accurate projections and at the same time protect our fragile and failing environment, which if developed any further, will make increasing our housing stock and filing job vacancies a dream lost in a very short space of time. Vermont’s iconic character and quality of life will be gone forever if we continue to promote these three myths and not expose them as distortions with tragic consequences.

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Birth of a child makes importance of putting family first even clearer

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale with Mira.

Dorset Street traffic needs creative solution

To the Editor:

I write as a South Burlington resident concerned about the traffic on Dorset Street and a proposal recently aired to create an additional exit from Route 89, possibly at this venue or at Patchen Road.

I’m not aware of the considerations of placing this exit near Patchen Road but am very familiar with Dorset Street considerations as I live on Aspen Drive, which exits onto Dorset.

You may already be aware that there is quite a long line of traffic at the Williston Road end of the street. With the new construction of the Holiday Inn, we’ve heard there is a plan to reconfigure that intersection.

My concern about Dorset Street is multifaceted.

There is a traffic light at Garden Street, another at the Blue Mall, one at Market Street, a fourth at Barnes & Noble and then the one at Williston Road. The traffic gets very heavy around 2:30 p.m. and, later, around 4 p.m. Folks exiting the mall have one left-turning lane at Garden Street and two across from Market Street.

Oftentimes, the left lane is filled all the way north, and folks seem to want to turn anyway, blocking through traffic from Dorset Street as well as right-turning traffic from Garden or Market streets. Additionally, there are times when the north bound traffic blocks traffic exiting from the Blue Mall.

If one is fortunate to have as one’s destination something eastbound on Williston Road, the right lane on Dorset is usually clear with a right-hand arrow at the Williston Road end.

At the south end of Dorset, near Kennedy we have both a school and a firehouse. If there should be an emergency at the mall or farther north on Dorset Street or even on Interstate 89, I’m not sure how emergency vehicles could reach the scene in a timely manner.

Although there has been no recent publicity about the proposed exit from Interstate 89, I bring these issues to the attention of the planning board, city engineers and traffic engineers so this matter can receive serious attention before final plans are on the drawing board and decisions already made.

I recognize I have not provided solutions to these problems. However, I wonder if an adjustment in the lights might be effective, such as a blinking yellow light prior to the light turning red to indicate that one should not enter the intersection unless there is sufficient room for your car. If we can go to the moon,

surely some engineer can create a method of counting how many cars can be accommodated in the stretch between lights and generate a computer activation for such a light?

I also realize there are cut outs and left-hand turn arrows at some intersections that are very helpful, but these alone are not enough to solve the congestion, especially in the center lane near Williston Road.

The cutout near the corner with Williston Road is helpful but often not accessible for those turning left and headed into the left lane on Williston Road due to the backup of traffic in the center lane.

I do hope wiser minds than mine can create a solution.

Jacqueline Rhind South Burlington

SoBu committee weighs changes to city charter

To the Editor:

Should South Burlington have more than five city councilors and or school board members?

Should South Burlington have a mayor or city manager?

Should South Burlington City Council and or school board members be elected at large or from legislative districts?

The South Burlington City Council has directed the city charter committee to consider the current and possible governance structures for the city.

In that process, the charter committee has embarked on a one-year project to compare various forms of city government, to seek public input and respond with recommendations to the council in September.

The charter committee will host a community forum on Thursday, May 25, at city hall from 7 to 9 p.m. to obtain feedback from city residents.

On the city’s website, residents can find a chart outlining possible advantages and disadvantages of various governance structures. There is also a brief survey to express opinions to the committee.

Current city structure:

• South Burlington is a city of 20,000 residents and is the second-largest city in the state.

• The city has a five-person council, each is elected at large by all registered voters.

• The city consists of five legislative districts or wards, each comprising approximately 3,500 to 4,000 residents. Currently four of the five councilors are from the CHI-8 legislative district.

Of course, one option is to make no changes to the current city governance structure.

After receiving community

feedback, the charter committee will present a report to the council, including recommendations for the future structure of city government. If the council then determines that changes to the charter should be made, they will be presented to the residents for a formal vote. If adopted by city voters, the changes must then be approved by the Legislature.

This is your opportunity to participate in this process. We look forward to hearing your opinion and please review our possible advantages and disadvantages and let us know if you can add to our list.

Peter Taylor Chair South Burlington City Charter Committee

State, city don’t take housing crisis seriously

To the Editor:

Amid the controversy over recent housing legislation, we keep hearing the situation referred to as a crisis. It doesn’t get treated like a crisis, though. In a crisis, you do whatever you have to do to remedy the situation.

What we’re seeing are some steps toward mitigation, but no more. For example, several hundred housing units have been sacrificed in South Burlington to the noisy, polluting, useless, expensive F35s. Why are we not taking measures to get rid of the warplanes, which are not needed on anything like a crisis basis — in fact, are not needed at all — and reclaim the housing we’ve lost to them?

Why are we not taking measures to discourage affluent people from consuming housing stock for second homes so long as less affluent people must live on the street? Why are we allowing colleges and universities to farm out their transient student populations to be lodged in the community, rather than on campus? If this is a crisis, why is housing treated as a commodity rather than as a right?

Seth Steinzor

South

Burlington

School board member says Childs is mistaken

To the Editor: Regarding Travia Childs’ comments about me in her letter to the editor, I would like to respectfully say that I believe she is incorrect. (“Former board member vows to fight for students of color,” April 27, 2023)

Alex McHenry South Burlington School Board

Community Bankers – Chittenden County

Temporary Positions Available

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

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. Consider joining our team as a Temporary Community Banker!

Relevant Skills:

• Customer Service • Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Emergency animal sheltering training

Have you ever been interested in becoming an emergency responder for animals when natural or man-made disasters strike?

The Chittenden County Disaster Animal Response Team will be holding a free training on Sunday, May 21, for interested volunteers on emergency animal sheltering at the South Burlington Police Department. Email info@ vermontdart.org to register or for more information or go to bit. ly/44jJiBa to register.

Knights of Columbus host pancake breakfast

Join the Knights of Columbus DeGosbriand Council # 279 on

Community Notes

Sunday, May 14, for a Mother’s Day breakfast, 9-11:30 a.m., in the parish center of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 29 Allen St., Burlington.

The cost is $10. More at stjosephcathedralvt.org.

Aurora Chamber Singers offer spring concert

Aurora Chamber Singers presents their spring concert, “All Generations Will Call Me Blessed,” music composed in honor of Mary, mother of Jesus, on Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., at the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington.

The program includes ancient, mediaeval and modern chant, works by Brahms, Bruckner, Vaughn Williams, Górecki and

Rachmaninoff, and a new cantata by music director David Neiweem. Ticketing and other information is at aurorachambersingers. org.

Science Fun Day explores out of this world topics

Are you a student in grades three to five with an interest in exploring how things work?

If so, “Science Fun Day: Out of this World” may be just the event for you. It takes place at the Barre Civic Center in Barre on Sunday, May 21, from 2-4 p.m, and there’s only space for 25 participants.

The afternoon session will focus on science, technology,

See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 11

COURTESY PHOTO

Earlier this week, the memorial bench for late Frederick H. Tuttle Middle School principal Karsten Schlenter was dedicated. Schlenter’s daughter, Alyssa Schlenter, former superintendent David Young and Margaret Pasqual, who headed the memorial bench committee, all spoke lovingly about the late principal. The bench will be a permanent fixture on the grounds of the middle school.

Memorial bench

Repertory theater group puts on Shakespeare in Williston

Get on down to the Isham Barn Theatre over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, and enjoy live Shakespeare.

Vermont Repertory Theatre and the Isham Family Farm in Williston have joined forces to celebrate the 400-year anniversary of the publication of the “First Folio,” and with it, humanity’s first encounter with Shakespeare’s first, shortest and funniest play, “The Comedy of Errors.”

“We didn’t want to just produce it in a regular theatre,” director Michael Fidler said. “We’re in Vermont, and it seems entirely appropriate for it to be played in a barn, especially one of the oldest in the state.”

In fact, the barn itself dates to the late 1700s, and has been converted into a theatrical space by fifth-generation farmer, Mike Isham and his wife, Helen Weston.

“The play has about 150 years on the barn, but it’s lasted just as well,” Weston said. “

Vermont Repertory Theatre was founded by actor, Connor Kendall, and Fidler,

LEGISLATORS

continued from page 3

That’s a big thing. I mean, we all love to do a lot of things for a lot of people. Especially now with all this federal money that came in. And now once that federal money is gone, how are you going to pay for some of these things that you spent it on?”

On ageism in politics:

“I think we have to reinforce there’s a need for respect that has to be in place at both sides,” Lyons said. “I see a lot of implicit bias against the folks who are older, and I think that’s really unfortunate.”

Boyden discussed her experience during her House campaign last year against Republican candidate Rebecca Pitre.

“She published ads in the newspaper that targeted my age … (one said I was going) ‘from her parents’ house to the Statehouse.’” Boyden said she’s living with her parents “one, because I just recently graduated from college and two, we’re in a housing crisis.”

Should there be age minimums and maximums to hold public office?

“I’ve actually talked to Jay Hooper a little bit about this because we had an elections bill in our committee,” Boyden said. “You may have heard something similar from him, but I think there should be some type of minimum whether that’s 18 or even, like lower just to create legitimacy around our campaigns and, you know, establishing yourself and setting yourself up to be involved.”

When asked about age maximums for public office, she said she didn’t support something like that.

“I think everybody has something to bring to the table, whether you’re old or young.”

Though, Boyden said, as a middle school legislative page she would notice some older legislators not performing at

to bring some Shakespeare back into the local Burlington scene.

“We want young people to be able to see these plays and discover for themselves why they’ve lasted 400 years,” Kendall said. “They are relevant and totally understandable to everyone, as well as absolutely hilarious.”

“Comedy of Errors” tells the simple story of a single day in the fantastical Mediterranean town of Ephesus along the Turkish coast. A cast of crazy characters fall into a farcical plot that has more in common with an episode of TV comedy than anyone’s idea of an Elizabethan drama. As the day continues, identity and self-worth twist and warp with horrifying hilarity.

Shows are at from May 25-27 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 27 at the Isham Barn Theatre, 3515 Oak Hill Rd, Williston. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students and free for anyone under 16.

Contact halpinkylie@gmail.com or call 802-310-1124 for more information.

•

their best.

“One thing that I was frustrated with was that there were some older members who would fall asleep on the floor or in committee. And then it’s like, okay, you’re here to represent your community and make decisions for your community, but you’re missing out on all this quality content.”

Hooper agreed with Boyden in opposing any age caps on legislators.

“There are old people who are still really sharp. I think it’s really up to voters to understand when it’s time. I think the democratic process ought to dictate the tail-end of that question.”

Lyons had one of the more open responses to the idea of age minimums.

“If someone is mature enough to understand the policies and to communicate effectively and have a thoughtful approach to ideas, you know, I don’t think there is a lower limit.”

On the question of the age ceiling, she said, “democracy is an open space, and we should allow people to communicate and to be part of the system. As long as we believe that they’re capable. Just because someone walks around and who’s a little bit older doesn’t disqualify them.”

Mazza too thought the voters should be left to decide whether a candidate or legislator is too old to serve at their best.

“I’ve always believed in this, the voters’ choice. I mean, they make a decision whether anyone stays or not. If they feel the person is too old and not capable of doing it … the voters will make that decision.”

Aubrey Weaver 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.

Young

wildlife belong in

Watching wildlife is enjoyable, especially when young animals appear in the spring. However, it is best to keep your distance. Picking up young wildlife can do more harm than good, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department — and it is also against the law.

When people see young animals alone, they often mistakenly assume these animals are helpless or lost, in trouble or needing to be rescued. Bringing young wildlife into a human environment often results in permanent separation from their mothers and a sad ending for the animal.

Handling wildlife could also pose a threat to the people involved. Wild animals can transmit disease and angry wildlife mothers can pose significant dangers. Here are some helpful tips:

• Deer and moose nurse their young at different times during the day, and often leave young alone for long periods of time. These animals are not lost. Their mother knows where they are and will return.

the wild

• Young birds on the ground may have left their nest, but their parents still feed them.

• Young animals such as foxes and raccoons will often follow their mother. The mother of a wild youngster is usually nearby but just out of sight to a person happening upon it.

• Many wildlife species will not feed or care for their young when people are close by. Obey signs that restrict access to wildlife nesting areas, including hiking trails that may be temporarily closed.

• Keep domestic pets indoors, leashed or fenced in.

• Avoid projects that remove trees, shrubs and dead snags that contain nests during the spring and summer.

For information about rabies and wildlife conflicts, call the Vermont Rabies Hotline at 800-472-2437.

For the safety of all wildlife, taking a wild animal into captivity is illegal, even one you suspect is sick, injured or has been abandoned.

Student artists

South Burlington School Notes

South Burlington science teacher receives innovation award

Matthew Dransfield, an environmental science teacher at South Burlington High School, received a Presidential Innovation Environmental Educators Award, honorable mention.

“The PIAEE award was established by the 1990 National Environmental Education Act and seeks to recognize, support and bring public attention to the outstanding environmental projects performed by teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate methods and materials that utilize creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education.”

In reference to Dransfield’s accomplishments, they wrote, “Using field-based learning, he takes students on trips to a dairy farm, composting and recycling facility and local museums. Each is tied to a specific unit in his courses. These trips also show firsthand how, through science in action, society can address today’s toughest sustainability challenges.”

Mental health run

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, South Burlington High School and Rice Memorial High are cohosting a mental yealth awareness run on Saturday, May 13.

Sign up at bit.ly/3HJGvYk or at the door the day of the race.

Matthew Dransfield

COURTESY PHOTO

Artwork from students throughout the district was selected to be hung in the superintedent’s conference room at the admnistrative offices at 577 Dorset Street. Everyone is welcome to stop by the offices and see the gallery.

Patricia D. Wilcke

Obituary

Patricia Diane (Adsit) Wilcke, 76, of South Burlington, died on Saturday, April 29, 2023, surrounded by family, and taken too soon by a rare form of cancer.

Born Aug. 11, 1946, in Fort Monmouth, N.J., to John and Dorothy Adsit, she lived in Meudon, France for two years while her father served in the U.S. Army. Pat grew up in Shokan, N.Y., the oldest of five children.

On Aug. 30, 1969, Pat married Burton Wilcke, and they began a journey around the country for Burt’s different professional opportunities. Pat worked in various administrative roles within different hospitals and health care organizations wherever they lived. She retired as corporate assistant within Fletcher-Allen Healthcare (now University of Vermont Health Network) in 2013. After retirement, she was engaged in senior exercise and tai chi programs, and very much enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Wherever her family lived, she created a loving home. Throughout their adventures, they raised their daughters, Sarah and Rebecca. She taught her daughters about life in ways both simple and profound.

When they were children, she taught them to shell peas from her extensive vegetable gardens. As they got older, she taught them to bake, especially during holidays. Later, she showed them that you’re never too old to learn something new. Throughout her life, she taught them that you should always treat people kindly, since you never know what they are going through.

She was known by many names, including Pat, Patti, Mom, Grandma, Nana, and “Trish” — the latter at various workplaces with others named Patricia, since she was always willing to make life easier for others.

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 8

engineering and mathematics activities. Learn what it takes to fly a helicopter on Mars, investigate alien genetics and build an egg-drop lander to protect the “eggstronaut” you create.

The event is free, but registration is required. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until Monday, May 15 or when the event fills up. To register go to uvm.edu/extension.

Howard Center presents talk on racial trauma, healing

“Racial Trauma & Generational Healing,” a talk led by Catarina Campbell, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Howard Center, takes place via Zoom on Thursday, May 18, 7-8 p.m.

The event will focus on the impact of racism on mental and emotional well-being and examine how social justice can help individuals heal from past traumas and

Pat had many interests, including gardening, both vegetables and flowers. During most of the growing season, there were beautiful bouquets from her garden throughout the house, and she even grew all of the flowers for Sarah’s wedding reception. She was a voracious reader, and enjoyed cross stitch, crocheting, sewing, and UVM basketball.

She loved baking, particularly during the holidays, and making huge meals (with extensive planning and preparation) for her family and friends. She loved creating and sharing traditions during holidays, always making such special memories for her family. But above all, she loved her family, and she made sure that her whole family knew that. Nothing was more important to her than family gatherings.

Pat is survived by her husband, Burt; daughters, Sarah (Michael) and Rebecca (David); grandsons, Charlie, Matthew and Liam; brothers, John (Molly), Roger (Sharon) and Jim (Kim); sister, Kathy (Mike); and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many wonderful family members who helped her throughout her battle with cancer, and especially made her final days as comfortable as they could be and filled with love. We also thank the incredible staff at the McClure Miller Respite House for their kind and compassionate care. Finally, the doctors at the University of Vermont Cancer Center and Dana Farber.

A private gathering will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions in Pat’s name may be made to the McClure Miller Respite House.

Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.

CHARTER COMMITTEE

• Should South Burlington have a Mayor?

• Should South Burlington expand its City Council and/or School Board?

• Should South Burlington elect City Councilors and/or School Directors by District?

• Or should they run City-Wide/at-Large?

The Charter Committee would like your feedback!

Learn more about the Charter Committee’s efforts to date: tinyurl.com/sbgov

Complete a survey on possible governance structures for South Burlington: tinyurl.com/sbgovsurvey

And participate in the upcoming community forum!

• May 25, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Auditorium at 180 Market Street

create a better future for all. Campbell will lead a presentation, followed by a discussion questions. Participants will be invited to explore personal experiences, ancestral wisdom and consider techniques such as meditation and self-reflection.

Campbell’s talk is part of the center’s community education series to provide a space for community members to learn and engage with others, offering opportunities to educate, expand understanding and reduce stigma in the community.

Registration for this event is free but required. Visit howardcenter.org.

Real estate firm welcomes new agent

Reilly Simoneau has joined Geri Reilly Real Estate as a licensed real estate agent.

After joining the firm as marketing coordinator, Simoneau started the process to get her real estate license.

Patricia D. Wilcke

Boys’ Ultimate remains undefeated with win

LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT

Girls’ lacrosse

South Burlington 12, Essex

7: After trailing entering halftime, the South Burlington girls’ lacrosse team outscored Essex 9-2 in the second half to pull away for the win Friday, May 5.

Rachel Kelley led all scorers with six goals for the Wolves, who move to 7-2 with the win.

Sabrina Brunet added three goals and an assist, while Mia Kazmarek, Ava Goyette and Miranda Hayes each chipped in a goal.

Victoria Bohlmann stopped 12 shots in goal.

Softball

Missisquoi 7, South Burlington 2: The softball team surrendered two runs in the second inning and three runs in the fifth to fall behind Missisquoi in a loss Friday.

Emily Borrazzo took the loss despite striking out 10 batters in seven innings. She also went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and a double.

The Wolves fell to 4-3.

North Country 4, South Burlington 3: South Burlington lost to North Country 4-3 on

Thursday. Devon Cherry, Miah Lafayette and Annika Erickson each had two hits for the Wolves.

Boys’ Ultimate

South Burlington 13, Burlington 10: The boys remained undefeated after a win over Burlington on Friday.

The Wolves topped Burlington after beating Essex 15-7 on Thursday.

Simon Cafiero had three goals and an assist, while Jacob Russell (five assists) and Max Fontana (three assists) each added two scores.

The Wolves are now 6-0.

Girls’ Ultimate Burlington 10, South Burlington 8: The girls’ Ultimate team fell to Burlington Thursday.

Moriya Gelfenbein had two scores and two assists for the Wolves, who fall to 2-3 with the loss. Clara Margulius and Lucy Flemer each added two goals, while Liz Toupin and Lily Hankes chipped in a goal each.

Boys’ tennis

Stowe 7, South Burlington

0: The South Burlington boys’ tennis team was swept by Stowe on Friday.

The loss comes on the heels of the Wolves first win of the season,

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE SOUTH BURLINGTON LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

Public Hearing Monday, June 5, 2023 at 7:30 pm

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 5, 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 Zoom. Participation options:

• In-Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street

• Interactive Online: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/citycouncil-06-05-2023

• Telephone: (646) 749-3122; Access Code: 484-482-333

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following:

A. LDR-23-01: Required installation of solar photovoltaic system for new buildings subject to Vermont Commercial Building Energy Standards

B. LDR-23-02: Minor and Technical Amendments

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 May 11, 2023

which came against Essex the day before.

Mateo Duracak won in three sets and Jules Butler beat his opponent in straight sets to get South Burlington two singles wins.

Jay Eagle and Nicolas Charlebois teamed up for a doubles win and Robin Hokenmaier and Tate Nightingdale grabbed another to seal Thursday’s win for the Wolves.

Girls’ tennis

Stowe 6, South Burlington

1: South Burlington won one in doubles but fell to Stowe in high school girls’ tennis on Friday.

Bridget Simone and Taylor Larose teamed up for a win in doubles to earn the Wolves one point, but Stowe swept the rest of the field. South Burlington fell to 3-3.

The Wolves beat the Essex Hornets Thursday, 4-3.

Ella Maynard and Tenzin Choekyi each got straight set wins in singles, while Larose and Simone teamed up for one doubles win and Ayowunmi Adewuyi and Stella O’Brien teamed up for another.

Baseball

Mount Anthony 4, South Burlington 3: South Burlington

dropped just its second game of the season on Thursday, falling to Mount Anthony 4-3. Nick Kelly lost on the mound, giving up three earned runs and striking out eight.

Boys’ lacrosse

South Burlington 16, Rice

7: A six-goal outburst from Rex Jewell helped South Burlington beat Rice on Thursday.

Ryan Sweet added four goals and two assists for the Wolves, who move to 7-1.

Will Hershberg and Brady Sweet each tallied twice, while Will Anderson and Taysean Metz each added a goal.

LaBerge appears on local podcast

Rene LaBerge, the founder of the South Burlington Dolphins, recently sat down for an interview on the “Just a Couple of Old Guys” podcast.

LaBerge, who started the program in 1967, spoke about the early days of the Dolphins, the current state of football safety and where some of his former players are now.

LaBerge’s motivation to start the Dolphins was to give children in South Burlington the opportunity to play football. With just a few kids, the Dolphins started their journey, and the program has grown significantly over the years, with over 3,000 players having played for the program.

LaBerge also discussed how touched he was by the stories shared by many of his former players in “101 Reasons Why,” a collection of 101 stories reflecting on their years with the program and how it changed their lives.

COURTESY PHOTO

Rene LaBerge chats about the Dolphins during an episode of “Just a Couple of Old Guys.”

PHOTO BY SANDRA FLEMER

South Burlington girls’ Ultimate fell to Burlington on Thursday.

WATER TOWER

continued from page 1

daily basis, DiPietro said, leaving more than 500,000 gallons of the tank’s 2.1-million-gallon capacity remaining.

Four percent of the water is given to Shelburne, which pays the city for the 81,000-gallon allocation.

“We’ve got over half a million gallons of water capacity that is allocated,” DiPietro said. “I think there’s confusion where people think that this tower is getting drained down every day, and that’s not the case.”

But officials anticipate the high-service area’s daily water usage to increase to around 3 million gallons per day by 2070.

Aldrich and Elliot provided the city with two options: a new 1-million-gallon tank which would account for 93 percent of the anticipated water storage by 2070 and would cost $3,340,000; or a new 2.1-million-gallon tank that would cost $4,320,000 but would account for 70 percent of the city’s projected needs by 2070.

“In 2070 you’ll need about 3 million gallons a day, up from the 1.4 million you’re at today. The proposal is to put 4.2 million gallons of storage there, basically doubling the storage you have now,” Joe Duncan, the general manager with the Champlain Water District, said. “If you’re going to build a small tank now, there’s a good chance you’ll be kicking yourself in the future.”

Most critically for the city

EARLY ADVERTISING DEADLINES

Honoring Heroes

Memorial Day

ISSUE DATE: Thursday, June 1 All Display Ads, BANG/Combo Ads and Classified Ads

AD DEADLINE:

Friday, May 26, Noon

We’re closed Monday, May 29, to observe the holiday.

is ensuring fire flow demands are met, which are determined by building construction, occupancy, adjacent exposed buildings and other factors. State requirements currently mandate that the city provide 3,500 gallons per minute for a three-hour duration, which comes out to 630,000, officials said.

In an emergency — if, say, water flow from the source was stopped and use of the tank was necessary — the water tower would be drained within 36 hours, officials said.

“What happens if the line from CWD is down, what happens if power is down, what happens if there is no water coming from the source from the treatment plant?” Duncan said. “Water supply rules require you to have 24 hours of storage available to you in the event that the source is not available to fill that tank.”

Several locations were considered for the new tank, but officials ultimately decided to keep the project on the existing property next to the current tank.

“The only site that remains available to us, right now is the one on Dorset Street next to the existing tower, which is good site, elevation wise,” DiPietro said. “It also has the benefit of a lot of the other pipes being in place already the some of the other sites didn’t have.”

If approved by voters in March, construction is expected to be completed by December 2024.

Communications and Outr each Coor dinator

City of South Burlington, Vermont

OUR MUNICIPALITY

South Burlington is home to over 20,000 residents and lies at the heart of Chittenden County, Vermont. The second largest city in the state, South Burlington is comprised of five districts rich with residential, economic, and recreation vitality. More than 170 employees of the municipality serve the community to make it one of the best places to live, work, and visit. Governed by a City Council of five citizens and operated under the direction of a City Manager, the FY23 operating budget is $52.5 M. South Burlington is a growing community with a commitment to building a vibrant downtown – City Center –and providing exceptional municipal services.

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications and Outreach Coordinator plays a vital role in delivering timely and strategic messaging to the residents and businesses of South Burlington. Listening, engaging, and receiving information and feedback from our community is also imperative to the success of this position. This position is a member of the City Manager’s team. Key duties include collaborating with City Departments to develop and implement communication strategies, development of informational materials, engagement of residents to understand the interest of the community, and clear and effective delivery of city-wide messaging. The Communications and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the city’s website, brand, and brand management, as well as, the training and coaching of all staff to best communicate with our constituents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience in communications, marketing, and outreach. A minimum of three years of experience in public messaging and marketing with some personal or professional experience in local government preferred.

TO APPLY

Review of applications will begin April 24, 2023.

To learn more detail about these positions, see a detailed job description and apply, please visit our job opportunities website: https://southburlingtonvt.gov/jobopportunities

Apply Today – To apply today, please send a City employment application form, confidential cover letter, resume, and three references to:

US MAIL: Daisy Brayton, HR Director, 180 Market St., South Burlington, VT 05403

EMAIL: sbcityjobs@southburlingtonvt.gov with “Communications and Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Job includes photography, research and customer service. Both in-office and local driving to appointments/tasks. Must be enthusiastic, efficient, enjoy meeting and working with the public and have a good driving record. Friendly work environment. Company vehicle provided. Please send your resume to info@nancyjenkins.com.

140 Kennedy Dr, Suite 102 South Burlington, VT 05403 802.846.4888 info@nancyjenkins.com NancyJenkins.com

Community Bankers - Chittenden County BUILDERS I MAKERS I 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!

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

This frontline position is crucial in creating a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience for NSB customers. The successful candidate 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!

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

“What happens if the line from CWD is down, what happens if power is down, what happens if there is no water coming from the source from the treatment plant?”

— Joe Duncan

to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

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

Nutrition + Mindfulness + Hula Hooping = Parties and Events at UMall for Kids, Teens & Adults

Eat and Be Hoopy!

Learn about nutrition while participating in arts, craftivities and hula hooping in a fun, supportive atmosphere! Learn more and sign up at eatandbehoopy.com

continued from page 2

The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.

have those animals mal an it. animals

a have

Spring Cleanup & Mulch

Lawn Maintenance

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

Landscape Design

Stonework & Planting

Mini Excavation

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Bob & Jessica Trautwine Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681

Build / Remodel

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Funeral / Cremation

CORBIN & PALMER

FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES

SHELBURNE FUNERAL CHAPEL

Family owned and operated since 1921

Pre-planning services available 209 Falls Road, Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3370

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Aries, pay attention to the smaller details, as those are the ones most often ignored. You’ll be highly regarded if you pinpoint any errors in a timely manner.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

Work to the best of your ability, Taurus. Focus on your own work and serve as a source of encouragement to those around you who may be experiencing some dif culties.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

A loved one may be hinting at a few things he or she wants to do with you, Gemini. Find the time to make these things happen. Let loose and have fun.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

It could be tempting to hole up in a bookstore or a coffee shop for hours in the days ahead, Cancer. However, avoiding certain issues is not the way to go. Confront them head on.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Leo, if you are going to leap, do so with both eyes open; otherwise, you may miss some of the dangers along the way. Always take the bigger picture into consideration.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Virgo, accept that you may be different from most of the people with whom you associate, and that is perfectly ne. What makes you unique is what others like about you.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Libra, explore all possibilities at work rather than pigeonholing yourself into one role. How will you know what things are like if you don’t try stuff out?

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

You may need to roll with the punches this week, Scorpio. Things are coming at you at a record pace and it could take a lot of effort to keep up. Learn and adapt as you go.

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, even though you have been faced with a number of challenges lately, you have managed to come through with your head held high. Keep up the progress.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

There’s not much that will bother you this week, Capricorn. It seems you have all of your ducks in a row. Enjoy this good fortune while it lasts.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Remarkable opportunities are coming your way, Aquarius. All you need to do is sit back and wait for them to start. There is no need to do much legwork in this situation.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

Big changes can sometimes be scary, Pisces. But change is just what you need to do right now to spice things up.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Midway between south and southeast

4. Fathers

9. Wine grape

14. Al Bundy’s wife

15. Organic compound

16. Venezuelan state

17. Interest term

18. Experts

20. Central cores of stems

22. Smooth and glossy

23. One-time S. Korean city

24. One from Damascus

28. Short message at the end of an email

29. It cools your home

30. Oh, God!

31. Intestinal pouches

33. Men

37. Popular English soccer team (abbr.)

38. Former CIA

39. Arrange in steps

41. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

42. The Great Lake State

43. Dog-__: to mark a page

44. Stop moving

46. Ancient Dead Sea region

49. Of I

50. Clerical vestment

51. Songs sung to a lover

55. Charges

58. Popular design program manufacturer

59. Where to park a boat

60. One who values reason

64. Slang for cigarette

65. Sailboats

66. Actress Zellweger

67. Screen material

68. Country music legend Haggard

69. Puts together in time

70. When you hope to arrive

CLUES DOWN

1. An involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction

2. Philly’s rail service

3. Leaves a place

4. No longer be a part in

5. Guitar players use them

6. Cease to exist

7. General’s assistant (abbr.)

8. Shaking of the earth

9. Strong winds

10. For each one

11. A bog

12. The creation of beautiful or signi cant things

ANSWERS

13. Af rmative

19. Pie _ __ mode

21. Nonclerical

24. Inspirational football player Hamlin

25. Learning environment

26. Khoikhoi peoples

27. Bring out or develop

31. Shows up

32. Theatrical device

34. Loads

35. Popular Hollywood alien

36. Distinguishes

40. College dorm worker

41. Secondary or explanatory title

45. Resembling wings

47. One who delivers a speech

48. In the middle

52. Loop with a running knot

53. Airborne (abbr.)