HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnual Report July 01, 2007 - June 30, 2008CITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT
INCORPORATED IN 1972
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2007--JUNE 30, 2008
Future Gateway to City Center
Public and Private Art Project
A RESOLUTION OF HONOR
FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICE OF
MICHAEL FLAHERTY
WHEREAS, Michael (Mike) Flaherty served as a City Councilor for the City of South Burlington from
1971 until 1996, an astounding service of 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Mike Flaherty served as Council Chair from 1991 until 1994; and
WHEREAS, Mike Flaherty continued his dedication to his community by serving as a Representative to
the Vermont State House for his South Burlington District from 1996 until 1999; and
WHEREAS, Mike Flaherty served as South Burlington's representative on the Burlington International
Airport Board of Directors from 1987 and continues to serve in that capacity and has also served as Chair
of the Board; and
WHEREAS, Mike and Paula Flaherty have been true civic-minded community leaders and their children
continue to carry on the tradition of their parents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COlTNCIL OF SOUTH BURLINGTON, that
the City Council expresses its highest regard and recognition to Mike Flaherty for his true dedication and
commitment to his community and state. The Council attests that Mike Flaherty represents the best
qualities of a citizen of a community and that all South Burlington is a better place due to Mike's
leadership. The Council further expresses appreciation to Paula Flaherty, their children and grandchildren
for their willingness to give up Mike's time at home to serve South Burlington. The Council directs that a
copy of this Resolution be presented to Mike Flaherty and a copy prominently published in the next
Annual Report of the City.
Adopted, this the 5th day ofJanuary, 2009.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
City Officials and COlTllTlittees 1-4
City Clerk Vital Statistics & Election Results 5
Board of Civil Authority Report.......................................... 6
Statement of Taxes Raised................................. 7
City Manager's Report... 8-9
Planning & Zoning Dept. 10
Zoning Administrative OfFicer's Report 11-12
Planning Comnlission Report.......................................................... 13-14
Development Review Board Report.................................................. 15
Recreation Department Report......... ... ...... ......... ......... .. .... ... . 16
Recreation Path Committee Report............ ........................ ... .. 17
Community Library Report............................................................. 18-19
Police Department Report...... ... .. ....... .. ....... .. .... ......... .............. 20-21
Fire Department Report...... .. . ........................ ............ .. 22-23
Public Works Department Report..................... ... 24-25
Water Quality Department Report ,. .. . . 26
Water Department Report '" '" 27
Chittenden Solid Waste District..................... 28
CCTA Report... ...... .. ................... ... ............ .................. ... .... 29-31
Howard Center............................................................................ 32-33
Chittenden County Regional Planning Conlmission............................. 34-35
Budget Summary &Comparison Summary of Budget and Tax
Rate.......................................................................................... 36-37
Board of School Director's Report................................................... 38-40
School Superintendent's Report...................................................... 41
City of South Burlington
Elected Officials July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008
Term Expire
City Council
Christopher Smlth,Chair 4 Oak Creek Dr. 864-3723 2 year 2009
Stephen Magowan, Vice 149 Holbrook Rd. 660-2017 3 year 2009
Mark L. Boucher 20 Knoll Circle 863-2588 3 year 2011
Sandra Dooley 44 East Terr 862-7019 3 year 2010
Meaghan Emery 27 Myers Court 264-9636 2 year 2010
City Clerk
Donna Kinville 11 So. Henry Ct 862-5238 3 year 2011
School Directors
Richard Cassidy, Chair 5 Lyons Ave Ext 864-8144 3 year 2009
Janine Alia 69 Joy Dr. B1 865-3892 3 year 2011
Agnes Cliff 34 Victory Dr 658-0690 2 year 2009
Elizabeth Fitzgerald 95 Holbrook Rd 865-4554 2 year 2010
Theodore Manazir 9 Berkley St 862-2258 3 year 2010
Champlain Water Districk Commissioner
P~ter Jacob 79 Suburban Sq 862-8718 3 year
City Representatives
Albert Audette 62 Airport Pkwy 862-4236 District 3-9
Frank Geier 3 Stonehedge Dr. 862-0395 District 3-7
.. Helen Head 65 East Terrace 862-2267 District 3-10
Ann Pugh 67 Bayberry Ln 863-6705 District 3-8
Chittenden County State Senators
Tim Ashe 62 Ward St. Burlington 05401 862-7233
Ed Flanagan 131 Main St #702, Burlington 05401 862-3203
Viginia Lyons 241 White Birch Ln, Williston 05495 863-6129
Hinda Miller 84 DeForest Heights, Burlington 05401 862-7008
Doug Racine 909 Wes White Hill Rd. Richmond 05477 434-2013
Diane Snelling 304 Piette Rd., Hinesburg 05461 482-4382
Congress Representative
Peter Welch 1404 Longworth House Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20515
Patrick Leahy 433 Russell Senate Building, Washington,DC 20510-4503
Bernard Sanders 332 Dirksen Senate Bldg, Washington, DC 20510-4503
Justice of the Peace Feb 2007-Feb 2009
Albert "Sonny" Audette 62 Airport Pkwy 862-4236
Patrick Benner 3 Woodside Dr 865-0954
Chuck Bolton 5 Prouty Pkwy 865-4478
Joan Britt 3 Adams Court 863-9176
William Burgess 58 Simpson Court 658-0214
Bill Cimonetti 1393 Spea r St 863-4905
Pat Nowak 98 Logwood St 863-5315
Margaret Picard 33 Peterson Terrace 864-7396
Ann Pugh 67 Bayberry Lane 863-6705
Chris Shaw 57 Moss Glen Ln 864-1515
Robert Skiff 31 Imperial Dr 864-6558
Celine Teeson 9 Pheasant Way 864-0737
Lynn Vera 28 Cortland Ave 658-2711
2011
City of South Burlington
City Council Appointments July 1, 2007-June 30,2008
Term Expire
City Manager
Charles Hafter 44 Barrett St 860-7287
City Treasurer
Donna Kinville 11 So. Henry Ct 862-5238 3 year 2011
Planning Commission
David Boyle 69 Joy Dr. A6 864-4737 4 year 2011
Marcel Beaudin 102 South Beach Rd 658-4023 3 year 2011
Tim Duff 9 Brownell Way 864-1546 4 year 2011
Lynn Fife 333 Van Sicklin Rd 658-0743 3 year 2010
Randy Kay 28 Old Cross Rd 658-1866 4 year 2011
Bob McDonald 12 Knoll Circle 3 year 2009
Chris Shaw 57 Moss Glen 864-1515 3 year 2009
Zoning Administrative
Raymond Belair 575 Dorset St 846-4106
Assoc. Planner & Assistant Zoning Administrator
Cathyann LaRose 575 Dorset St 846-4106
Betsy Brown 575 Dorset St 846-4106
Developmen:t'Review Board
John Dinklage 16 Mayfair St 658-2172 4 year 2011
Roger Farley 1416 Hinesburg Rd 864-6949 4 year 2009
Gayle QUimby 64 Ba rrett St 864-8553 3 year 2011
Matt Brimingham 41 Moss Glen Lane 658-6462 3 year 2009
Mark Behr 38 Moss Glen Lane 865-9245 3 year 2011
Peter Plumeau 33 Knoll Circle 865-0270 3 year 2009
Eric Knudsen 33 Bower St 862-6060 4 year 2010
City Center Design Review Committee
Robin Lawson 59 Floral Street 233-6783 3 year 2011
John Zwick 911 Dorset St #21 865-2717 2 year 2010
Mike Tarricone 4 Worchester St 863-5388 3 year 2009
Bill Stuono
Metropolitan Planning Organization
Denis Gravelin 575 Dorset Street 846-4112 2 year 2009
Assist. City Manager
Regional Planning Organization
Marcel Beaudin 102 South Beach Rd 658-4023 2 year 2009
Chittenden CountvTransportation (CCTA)
Steve Magowan 149 Holbrook Rd 660-2017 2 year 2010
William Wessel 70 Highland Terr 862-4092 3 year 2011
Burlington International Airport Commission
Michael Flaherty 159 Economou Farm 864-5251
2
City of South Burlington
City Council Appointments July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008
Recreation Committee & leisure Arts
Marjorie Brown 107 Fieldstone Dr 864-3343 3 year 2010
John "Jay" Delucca 25 Butler Dr 863-4296 3 year 2010
laura DeMaroney 1520 Dorset St 863-3234 3 year 2011
Joseph Hameline 3 Quail Run 863-7831 3 year 2011
Betsy Jackson 51 Butler Dr 863-2866 3 year 2009
Jennifer Kochman 75 Hadley Rd 862-8281 3 year 2010
Ernie Lamay 1379 Airport Dr 863-2265 3 year 2010
Ken Mahl M-l0 Stonehedge Dr 865-0687 3 year 2011
Elizabeth Robitaille 12 Hopkins St 658-6695 3 year 2010
Rosemary Perkett 501 Brand Farm De 658-1850 3 year 2011
Ethel Schuele 33 Clover St 863-5980 3 year 2009
Red Rocks
larry Kupferman 47 Central Ave 863-6299 3 year 2010
Jed lowy 4 Shaw Ave 3 year 2008
Mary Jo Reale 110 Central Ave 864;3175 3 year 2008
Ethel Schuele 33 Clover St 863-5980 3 year 2008
Usa Yankowski 35 Central Ave 862-6081 3 year 2010
Michael Sirotkin 80 Bartlett Bay Rd 860-6428 3 year 2010
Yiota Ahladas 3 Pavillion Ave 658-5126 3 year 2011
Recreation Path Committee
louis Bresee 21 Cranwell Ave 658-0597 3 year 2010
Bill Comonetti 1393 Spear St 863-4905 2 year i008
Barry Carris 596 Gold Course Rd 863-4295 3 year 2010
Edward Da rling 26 Barrett St 863-4139 3 year 2009
David Jacobowitz 9 Andrews Ave 658-6536 3 year 2008
Rick Hubbard 1317 Spear St 864-3330 3 year 2010
Donna LebCln 7 Iris lane 965-2839 3 year "2009
Gregg Goyette 30 Bower St 860-0380 3 year 2010
Leslie Carew 22 Barrett St 865-2805 3 year 2010
Library Board of Trustees
Tim Barrett 71 Meadow Rd 658-6490 3 year 2008
Betsy Gardner 7 Aspen Dr 846-5132 3 year 2010
Helen Head 65 East Terrace 862-2267 3 year 2010
Sandra Lindberg 52 Pinnacle Dr 865-9242 3 year 2008
Maureen Tremblay 99 Country Club 862-1896 3 year 2010
David Wilber 2009
Chittenden Solid Waste District
Paul Stabler 1 Woodbine St 862-9283 2 year 2009
Winooski Valley Park District
Chris Cavin 69 Brewer Pkwy 658-1520
3
City of South Burlington
City Council Appointments July 1, 2007-June 3D, 2008
Natural Resource Committee
Russell Agne 110 Country Club East 863-5304 3 year 2011
Peter Jones 8 Sebring Rd 3 year 2010
Jonathan Miller 95 Suburban Sq 660-8833 2 year 2010
William Schuele 33 Clover St 863-5980 3 year 2009
Marie Amusk 119 Fairway Dr 864-8566 3 year 2010
Steven Dates 145 South Pointe Dr 658-4061 3 year 2011
Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility liaison Comm.
Tim Barritt 71 Meadow Rd 862-1336 3 year 2008
Maurice Cloutier 11 Lindenwood Dr 862-8947 3 year 2008
Clarence Meunier 70 South Crest Dr. Burl. 864-6009 3 year 2009
Daryl Meunier 28 Pinnacle Dr 864-0793 3 year 2010
Susan Wheeler 145 Cumberland Rd. Burl. 3 year 2009
City Charter Committee
William Cimonetti 1393 Spear St 863-4905 3 year 2008
Terry Sheahan 24 Knoll Circle 864-6447 3 year 2008
Peter Taylor 4 Mayfair St 862-9455 3 year 2009
Cemetery Committee
William Szymanski 4017 Williston Rd 862-9880
Albert Audette 62 Airport Pkwy 862-4236
City Clerk Appointments
Laura Kimball-Deputy City Clerk Ha rriet Ladd-Assista nt City CI erk
Amy Murray-Assista"nt City Clerk
Denis Gravelin
Trevor Whipple
Douglas Brent
Bruce Hoar
Steve Cros by
Paul Conner
Thomas Hubbard
Louise Murphy
William Szymanski
Carpi. Andy Chaulk
Sgt. Paul Edwards
Edlridge Cemetery
Shelburne Rd. Cemetery
Resurrection Park
Anavath Gerlm
Hebrew Holy Society
City Manager Appointments
Assistant City Manager
Police Chief
Fire Chief
Superintendent of Public Works
Superintendent of Water Quality
Director Planning & Zoning
Recreation Director
Director Community Library
City Engineer
First Constable
Second Constable
Sexton at City Cemeteries
W. Szymanski/A. Audette
W. Szymanski/A. Audette
Catholic Diocese of Burlington, Alan Yergeau
Louis Lisman
4
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
The city clerk's office has had a very busy but interesting year. The city council allowed the clerk's office to enter into a
contract with ACS, a land record computerized recording system. As we all know the financial landscape is changing all
around us and the pressure is on to find cost effective solutions to the changing climate. With this computerized system,
which is funded by a reallocation of personnel and recording supply costs, will allow the clerks office to eventually provide
land record information to title searchers, attorneys and banks without the need to come into city hall. This saves them
money on travel time fOl" their employees and the appropriate mileage while saving money for the city in terms of salary
(less personnel is needed), less office supplies such as paper, less space is needed in the vault which extends the capacity of
the vault to a few more years, ACS is microfilming and storing our data offsite for preservation and lastly the information is
available 24/7. By the end of the fiscal year we will have 7 years of information on the database and hope to increase the
number of years as the oppoliunity arises. This is a big step for the city clerk's office as we start to enter the computer age
in terms ofland records.
The clerk's office oversaw 2 elections in the fiscal year 2008, the Presidential primary (March) and the annual City and
School election in May. The March Presidential Primary was very busy and exciting with the Democratic Candidate for
President still undecided. The clerk's office was asked to by several senior centers to come in and register new seniors to
the city and allow all the seniors to cast their early ballot. This is a program that the city clerk's office is very excited about
and can't wait to visit them again in the fall for the November Presidential election. For election results please see the City
Clerk's Depaliment Goals and Objectives section of this annual report.
Please visit our website at www.sburl..com and click on city offices to visit the clerk's office web-site. It contains
information on how to obtain a marriage license, election data, justice of the peace listing, how to renew your vehicle
registration along with the fonTIs for registering your dog or cat.
Please remember that our office is open late on Tuesday evenings until 5:30. Please stop in and visit us.
Vital Statistics
During the period from July 1,2007 to June 30, 2008, there were 168 bilihs, 147 deaths, 126 marriages and 6 civil unions
were recorded in the City Clerk's Office.
115
.12
3,128
2,040
Recording & copy fees: deposited to general fund
Marriage Licenses:
136 licenses issued @ $23
Paid to state treasurer
Transferred to general fund
Civil Union Licenses:
5 licenses issued @ $23
Paid to state treasurer
Transferred to general fund
Animal Licenses:
903 dogs
113 cats
Deposited to genera) fund
Dog Control Kennel Fees: deposited to general fund
183,708
1,088
40
7,250
1,705
Motor Vehicle Renewals: deposited t~ general fund 3,684
Green Mountain Passport: deposited to general fund 150
Beverage Licenses: deposited to general fund
1st, 2nd class, tobacco licenses, entertainment
Fish and Game Licenses:
Transferred to general fund 141
Thank you for allowing me to be your city clerk.
Respectfully submitted, Donna K.inville, City Clerk/Treasurer
5
South Burlington Board of Civil Authority (BCA)
2008 Annual Report
Decelnber 7, 2008
The South Burlington Board of Civil Authority (BCA) is responsible for hearing appeals
of city tax appraisals and together with the City Clerks Office is responsible for fedenil,
state and local elections. The BCA also serves as the South Burlington Board of
Abatement. The BCA is composed of the elected Justices ofthe Peace, the City Clerk
and the members of the South Burlington City Council.
From Janu~ry 1; 2008 to December 31,2008 the Board held 7 meetings including the
consideration of 1 appeal of city tax appraisals. Together with the City Clerk's Office the
BCA also conducted four elections and held 1 meeting as the Board of Abatement to
consider a request for abatement of taxes.
We wish to also acknowledge and thank South Burlington City Clerk DOlma Kinville and
the staff of the City Clerks office for their .excellent support for the four elections this past
year including management of the voter check list, registering voters, mailing and
processing returned absentee ballots and polling location set up and support. The City
Clerk has been aggressive in the past year to insure the accuracy of the voter checklist.
The Board would like to relnind city residents that in the coming year that the city will
hold our City and School District annual n1eeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2009, Vermont
town meeting day.
We encourage city residents to register to vote and look forward to seeing you at the
polls. We would remind voters that they may also cast their votes using the absentee
ballot process.
The following served as members of the South Burlington Board of Civil Authority
during 2008: Albert IIS onny" Audette, Patrick Bem1er, Bill Burgess, Joan Britt, Agnes
Clift, Joseph Cousino, Jolm Dinklage, Michael Flal1erty, Pat Nowak, Peg Picard, Ann
Pugh, John Rock, Peter Taylor, Lynn Vera, Chris Smith, Steve Magowan, Dan O'Rourke,
Mark L. Bo~cher, Sandra Dooley, Meaghan Emery, and Donna K.inville.
Respectfully Submitted,
Peter Taylor, Chair
John Rock, Vice Chair
6
City of South Burli.ngton
Statement of Taxes Raised
July 1, 2007 -June 30, 2008
Property taxes levied for' the year ended June 30, 2008, were accounted for as follows:
Grand List Value @ 1%
City Tax Rate 2007/2008
25,839,674
0.4052 $ 10,470,236
Grand List Value @ 1% Residential
Grand List Value @ 1% Non-Residential
School Tax Rate 2007/2008:
Residential
Non-residential
13,673,817
12,157,151
25,830,968
1.2850
1.2775
17,570,855
15,530,760
33,101,615
Total Taxes Assessed 43,571,851
Rounding Difference
Total Taxes Billed 43,571,851
Adjustments
Adjusted Taxes Billed: $
(82,497)
43,489,354
Total Taxes and Interest Collected
Less Delinqe,nt and Prepaid Taxes & Int. Collected
Current Taxes Collected
Current Taxes Delinquent (
Adjustment!Abatem ents
Total Taxes Accounted For:
$
$
43,345,327
304,787
43,040,540
454,868
(6,054)
43,489,354
7
City Manager Annual Report
2008
Although all years seen1 to be active, the last year has been even busier and more
complex than ever before. Citizens have become n10re involved in their local
government and that is a good trend. Hopefully,.public participation through attendance
at Council meetings, use of informational teclmology for communications and the soon to
be neighborhood forums will continue this process. In an effort to increase voter
participation, City Council changed the long-standing City voting (Town Meeting) date
from the third Tuesday in May to the traditional Vermont Town Meeting date ofthe first
Tuesday in March. The vote in 2009 will be on March 3,2009.
The main controversy this year was the location of a site for a new Police Station. The
voters spoke decisively in November 2008 that they did not want open space park land to
be used as a site for public buildings. The City Council and residents will now begin a
search for a new site. A hopeful sign is that almost every voter expressed support for a
new Station at an appropriate site. It is important that this proj ect move forward as soon
as possible and that residents reach SOlne agreelnent on the best way to do so.
Fire Deparunent and Ambulance service moved a great way forward this last year with
the awarding of a federal SAFER grant which permitted the Fire Department to hire six
additional firefighters. This addition greatly increased the safety of residents, their
property and the safety of our firefighters. In fall, the City Council approved the purchase
oftwo new Fire Engines to replace equipn1entthat was 20 years old.
Several critical road projects were finished in 2008 including the Kennedy Drive
widening project and the Lime Kiln Bridge replacement. Unlike many Vermont towns,
our bridges are now all in Class A condition and set for many years. New projects, such
as the Airport Drive extension and the third-lane at Staples Plaza are on our to-do list for
2009. Dorset Street was repaved between Williston Road and Kennedy Drive.
The City Charter Review Committee finished its comprehensive review of the Charter;
their recommendations, mostly minor and technical in nature, will be on the ballot in
tv1arch 2009. The Dog Park Comrnittee forrned to study a replacernent for the current
Park on Patchen Road which will not have its lease renewed by DVM when it expires in
2010. The City Manager appointed an energy committee for the City, to work with the
EPA Region 1 on the 10% Energy Challenge. The Natural Resources Committee
recommended, and City Council approved, a Tree Ordinance which will let the City
apply for Tree City USA designation in the future.
City Departments had very busy years, especially Public Works with the heavy snowfall
last year and the scarcity of road salt. Calls for service for Police and Fire continue to
rise dramatically as our population grows and ages. Planning and Zoning reviews have
slowed some based on current economic conditions. The City Clerk's office. was kept
hopping with numerous elections including the huge turnout in November, 2008 for the
8
Presidential election. Recreation contiRues to meet increased needs for programs and
services, but is facing a serious shortage of playing fields.
On a very serious note, the Police Department has had to investigate two very serious
incidents involving driving and substance abuse by young adults. It is depressing that
with all the resources put into the education process, by both the school system and the
City, the message does not seem to be getting through. The whole community needs to
get work to solve this problem-no one agency, such as schools or non-profit
organizations can be effective· alone. On a hopeful note, a new community group appears
to be organizing to address this situation.
As we approach 2009, you are well aware of the econon1ic realities of the country and the
global eCOnOlTIY. As City government we are not immtme to rising costs and lower
revenues. The City Council will have hard choices to make as they formulate the next
budget. Citizens and Council will have to work together to formulate priorities for
budget cuts and service reductions if taxes are to be held down. There is no other way
but to retrench with "core" or "essential services" as the focus of our budget.
I appreciate the support of the Council and our residents for your public employees. I
also express my thanks to the many volunteers on City Boards and Committees, in the
Community Library, in the Recreation area, and all others who give ofthelTIselves and
their time to help fellow residents. It would be impossible to operate the City of South
Burlington without their help.
9
South Burlington Department of Planning & Zoning
2008 Annual Report
Big projects, little projects, a new citizen's committee, and new director were the themes of2008
in the Department ofPlanning & Zoning. Administration and enforcement ofthe City's land use
and development regulations remains one ofthe Department's primary responsibilities. Despite
the economic slowdown in the fall, the stream ofboth commercial and residential projects
coming in fot subdivision and site plan review remained fairly consistent. We did see a bit of a
slow-down in new construction permits, new single family homes in particular. . ....
Raymond J. Belair, the City's Zoning Administrative Officer, provides a good overview ofthese
activities in his annual report. A total of*** pennits were issued by Raymond, assisted by
Planning Assistant Elizabeth Brown (fonnerly McDonough) and Associate Planner CathY8llll
Larose, in what is at the heart of the Department's functions. The annual report provided by the
Development Review Board expands on their work in this field.
Cathyann took on additional duties over the summer as we made a transition in the Director's
position. Juli-Beth Hinds moved on last May, after seven years of dedicated service to the City.
We were excited to learn that she was named Planner ofthe Year by the Vermont Planners
Association in late 2008: Paul Conner joined the Department at the 'start of August.
Throughout this transition, the Department continued to work on a cornucopia of long-range
planning projects. These included making progress on City Center by completing the Federal
Enviromnental Assessment of impacts, working with the Burlington International Airport to
develop future plans that are attentive to our residents' needs, preparing a series ofupdates to the
land development regulations and the sign ordinance, and working with partners within the City
and outside on overall growth planning and natural resource conservation. A tree ordinance was
also developed and passed by City Council late in the year. Finally, the Department spearheaded
the overhaul of the City's website, www.sburl.com.
The Department now provides staff support to a total of five citizens' committees. In addition to
the Planning Commission, the Development Review Board, the Natural Resources Committee,
and the Design Review Committee, a new City Energy Committee was established in December
to explore the many opportunities we have as a community to reduce energy consumption.
Next year should prove to be an exciting and challenging year. We have a nUIIlber of projects on
the burner, so to speak, including completing the Comprehensive Plan, continuing to move
forward on City Center, working with the Airport, administering the City's land development,
sign, and peddlers ordinances, and exploring ways in which the City's land development
regulations can promote more green, pedestrian-friendly, and affordable development while
continuing to conserve our important natural resources.
At the heart of all ofthe Department's work, though, is you. We welcome input, feedback, and
guidance from residents at all times, and will be working to make sure that we provide the .
infonnation and ,avenues for this.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Conner, Director ofPlanning & Zoning.
10
ZONING ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S REPORT
Permits Construction Cost
38 Residential (117 units) $18,842,904
189 Residential Additions & Alterations $ 5,137,994
5 Residential Garages $72,000
6 Commercial Buildings $13,107,000
113 Commercial Additions & Alterations $ 6,837,737
59 Other $195,944
16 Non-Taxable $ 2,275,982
426 Total $46,469,561
PREVIOUS YEAR COMPARISON
Permits Construction Cost
45 Residential (92 units) $13,423,210
179 Residential Additions & Alterations $ 4,107,282
3 Residential Garages $ 44,OQO
7 Commercial Buildings $17,209,000
106 Commercial Additions & Alterations $16,730,023
67 Other $ 453,429
1.Q Non-Taxable $ 738,095
417 Total $52,705,039
The pace of residential construction continued at a steady rate during the past year. The
number of units constructed this year is higher than the previous year by 25 unit.s (a 210/0
increase) reflecting the high demand for housing in Chittenden.County despite an
economic downturn. The value of new residential construction as a percentage of the
overall permit value (excluding the non-taxable amount) increased from 260/0 to 43%
over the past year.
There are currently over 700 residential units approved and not built or currently under
review by the City. This level of development activity reflects the fact that the City of
South Burlington continues to be an attractive community to live in.
The value of new commercial construction was down 240/0 over the previous year. The
new buildings approved and constructed include five (5) office buildings totaling 113,784
sq. ft. and a reconstructed fast food restaurant.
Each year we remind residents the need to obtain a zoning permit when making repairs
or renovations which exceed $5,000 OR if you are changing the footprint of your home
(deck, porch, sunroom, etc.) regardless of cost, as well as any accessory structure
(shed, detached garage, etc.) also regardless of cost. If you have any questions about
whether your project requires C1 permit, please call the Planning and Zoning office at
846-4106.
11
Residents can find a wealth of information from the City's website: www.sburl.com
including forms, regulations, and Planning Commission & Development Review Board
meeting agendas, meetings, and tentative schedules.
Respectfully Submitted,
Raymond J. Belair
Administrative Officer
12
South Burlington Planning Commission
2008 Annual Report
The South Burlington Planning Comlnission had another busy and productive year, assisted by
our excellent staff. The City has won Water, Sports, and Smart Growth Awards, and recently
was awarded the Top Best Town For Families by Family Circle Magazine in August 2008. In no
particular order, the following highlights what the Commission worked on in 2008.
The Comnussion:
1. Coordinated with the Burlington International Airport on its planning efforts, including
participating in a j oint meeting with City Council to discuss initial concepts for the re-use
of properties being acquired by the Airport within the 65 dnl noise perimeter. Notably, the
Comn1ission is ensuring that the Airport considers traffic, taxation, housing affordability,
noise, and future land use.
2. Updated the Official Map, including moving b01.mdaries to reflect conditions on the
ground, delineating future streets and recreation paths. This incorporates input from the
Recreation Path cOlnlnittee and our consultant.
3. Continued to update to the City's Comprehensive Plan, with input from our consultants.
4. Continued to implement of the Southeast Quadrant plan, including exploring opportunities
for improving coordination of local and state agricultural conservation requirements.
5. Continued to discuss ways to receive a Growth Center designation fron1 the State and
presented initial concepts to the State review board. The review board's designation is
designed for traditional Vennont towns, with a discrete center. South Burlington's
development has luultiple centers.
6. Developed a series of amendments to the City's Land Developluent Regulations related to
watershed protection, public and roads, temporary food stands, child care, and others.
These were completed with the assistance of a consultant and, following public hearing,
were sent to the City Council for their consideration.
7. Prepared its annual priority list and a list ofkey projects for the new director ofplalming to
begin with.
8. Reviewed a draft of the Tree Ordinance developed by the Natural Resources Committee
and recommended forwarding it to the City Council for a hearing.
9. Worked in conjunction with our ,consultants, on City Center, including status, Design
Guidelines, and Environmental Assessment. Hosted a public hearing on the Market
Street/City Center Environmental Assessluent.
10. Examined the structure ofthe design review committee to ensure its continued
effectiveness.
11. Explored potential State New Town Center, TIF District, and Vermont Neighborhoods
designation.
12. Continued to implement South Burlington's ongoing public outreach, which includes, but
is not limited to improved web site, City logo, font, and colors.
13. Said, "goodbye" to Juli-Beth Hinds, who ran the Departluent of Planning and Zoning with
energy, enthusiasm and expertise for over seven (7) years. Ms. Hinds continues to live in
South Burlington and as a resident has informally provided input to the City. Thank you.
14. Welcomed Paul Conner, who joined South Burlington as Director of Planning and Zoning
in August 2008. Paul brings competence, compassion, and Canadian can-do via worldng at
13
the Rutland (VT) Regional Planning Commission and in private practice in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Conner lives in South Burlington. Welcome'Paul!
We have some major goals for 2009 and will continue working on other issues as the need
arises.
1. We intend to finish updating the Comprehensive Plan and send it on to City Council by the
end of the year, working with our staffap.d consultants.
2. The Commission will continue to work on growth center planning.
3. Vie will continue to work on the design standards and public realm specifications for City
Center, and on guiding the project through the Act 250 process. The public is strongly
encouraged to make their preferences and hopes for our new downtown known to the
Planning Comlnission!
4. We will be exploring ways to l11ake the land development regulations "greener" and more
pedestrian-oriented through landscaping standards, continued work on infill development,
open space conservation, and incentives for use of green materials.
5. We will continue to work with the Airport on their Re-Use and Master Plans.
6. We will continue to pursue infrastructure and road improvements throughout the City.
7. We will continue to support efforts ofthe City Council, staff, and public on community
facilities planning, with the first priority being the Police Department's needs.
Planning commission meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at
7:30 PM in the City Hall Conference Room. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Respectfully submitted,
Randall Kay, Chairperson
The South Burlington Planning Commission
Timothy Duff, Vice-Chairman
Marcel Beaudin, Clerk
David Boyle
Lynn Fife
Robert McDonald
Christopher Shaw
14
Development Review Board Report
South Burlington's Development Review Board (DRB) reviews new and changing
development projects in the City. The DRB is a ·quasi-judicial board that deals .
with site plan reviews, subdivision requests, conditional us~ and variance
requests, and some other administrative matters. The Board's responsibil~ty is to
interpret the City's Land Development Regulations and apply them to proposals
brought to the DRB for its review. The Land Development Regulations are the
responsibility ofthe Planning ~9mmissionwith approval by the City Council.
A large amount of residential and comn1ercial development continues in South
Burlington keeping the staff a.nd Board very busy. The Board reviewed 54 site
plan and 77 subdivision applications during the past fiscal year. Although these
numbers are down from the previous year, the complexity and size of many
projects has been increasing. The Board's members and staffwork extremely
hard to achieve an efficient process, to provide information to the public and to
encourage public involvement. The Board and the development community
continue to be very well served by the competent and dedicated City Planning
and Zoning Staff.
The DRB members are: Mark Behr, Matt Birmingham, John Dinklage, Roger
Farley, Eric Knudsen, Peter Plumeau, and Gayle Quimby. The Board thanks Ray
Belair, Administrative Officer, Cathyann LaRose, Associate Planner, and Betsy
McDonough Brown, Planning & Zoning Assistant, for their exceptional assistance
to the Board, and also thanks Sue Alenick for her fine board minutes.
The DRB meets on the first and third Tuesdays ofthe month at 7:30 PM in the
City Hall Conference Room. All DRB-:m~etings are open to the public, and all are
welcome to attend. The DRB agenda and tentative schedule for future meetings
are posted op. the South Burlington web site Cwww.sburl.com). The DRB
information on the web is updated on Friday evening. The agenda is also posted
at City Hall and at other places in the city.
Respectfully submitted,
John Dinklage, Chairman
15
16
2008 ANNUAL REPORT
RECREATION PATH COMMITTEE
The Recreation Path Committee continued nlany ongoing activities and started several new
initiatives. We continue to review development projects for sites for future recreation paths. Several
citizens outside the committee have assist~d with walking trails and are taking responsibility for various
sections by reporting any conditions which require attention. The committee also appreciates the many
citizens and the Police Department's Path Patrol whoreport conditions on the recreation path which
deserve attention. The C01nInittee continues to meet quarterly with Public Works Director, Bruce Hoar,
to discuss projects of Inutual interest.
The State of Vermont repaving project on Hinesburg Rd this year provided an opportunity to
improve bicycling along its shoulders. With strong support of the Public Works Department it was.
requested that, as a part of the project, the travel lanes be reduced from the previous 12 feet to 11 feet
and that wherever possible the shoulder should be paved wide enough to generate a 4 foot bicycle lane.
This was accomplished providing a great improvement from Williston Rd. south to St. George. The
same approach was taken on the City project that repaved Spear St. from Swift 8t. north. The
reconstruction of the intersection of Spear St. and Allen Rd. has resulted in reducing the risk to
bicyclists from motor vehicles making a right-hand turn onto Allen Rd. The overall condition·ofthe path
was improved significantly as a result of many small repairs that eliminated rough conditions and
l~cations of potential spills.
Progress continues on the Enhancenlent Grant received by the City for the construction of a path
from Tilley Dr. across Potash Brook to Community Dr. In addition to reducing the distance between
Butler Farms and Williston by two Iniles, this path would provide access to the extensive trail system
which Teclmology Park makes available to the public. The permitting process is underway and the
major issues of the wetlands and archeological sensitivity have been resolved. We are hopeful that
construction will be completed in 2009. A new paved path has already been constnlcted west of
Conl1uunity Drive in Technology Park to connect Kimball Ave. with the proposed Tilley Drive project. .
The committee completed a review the City's officiallnap in the fall of2007. It recommended
that bicycle facilities be provided on all major streets within the City. These recommendations were
reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to being presented to the City Co~cil as a part of the City
comprehensive plan which was approved. A significant result ofthat process is that the on-and-off road
bicycle facilities, both planned and already constructed, now are a part of the City official map. We are
also adding City walking trails to the ll1ap. The resulting map is also planned to be the center-piece of
new signs that are being designed to replace the original ones at Dorset and Farrell Parks. The .
committee continues to meet the first Monday of every month at 7 pm in the upstairs conference room of
the Municipal Office Building. All meetings are open to the public.
Respectfully SUbmitted,
Lou Bresee, Chair Leslie Carew Barry Carris
Bill Cimonetti Ed Darling, Clerk Gregory Goyette
Rick Hubbard Tom Hubbard, Recreation Director
David Jacobowitz, Vice Chair Donna Leban
17
July 1, 2007 -June 30, 2008 Annual Report
South Burlington Community Library
Circulation, Programs and Services
The Rotary Club of South Burlington is currently retrofitting a mini _bus to be used a
Children's Bookmobile and upon conlpletion will be donating it to the library. TIle
bookmobile is expected to be launched in Summer 2009. The library continued its long
standing compliance with the State's minimum standards for Vermont Public Libraries.
The library collection has grown to 53,765 volumes, 1,918 video recordings, 2,848 audio
books, and 92 journal subscriptions. There are 19 public access computers, four ofwhich
are located in the Adult Reading Room and are cOlmected to Comcast, courtesy of
Comcast. Wireless access is available in the library. The library now has three electronic
databases Vermont Online Libraries, Heritage Quest, and Music Online for Public
Libraries, four of which are available from home computers using password or library
barcode access. The library currently has 8,342 registered borrowers. The total annual
circulation was 115,057. The library held 173 youth programs, 157 adult programs, and
made 128 outreach visits to daycare centers, pre-schools, and retirement housing with a
goal to promote literacy, support lifelong leanling, foster an informed citizenry, and to
build community. Library programs were attended by 10,874 people. The library was
open 58 hours a week throughout the year and currently employs 5.22 FTE city
employees.
Facility Use
The Governance Committee, charged with the task of creating a Library Governance
Agreement between the City and the School District, by the South Burlington Steering
Committee and City Council failed to reach an equitable agreement. The Committee
charge has been transferred to the South Burlington School District Superintendent and
the South Burlington City Manager to complete. An agreelnent for shared governance of
the combined library has not been accomplished, to date.
Library Board of Trustees (LBOT)
The LBOT focused its attention on creating an Advocacy Plan for a new library building
.to accommodate the growth ofthe library collection and services. Goals identified in the
2006-2011 Strategic Plan are: 1. Continue to pursue avenues for expansion of SBCL to
meet clearly evidenced need for nlore space 2. Develop identified service responses 3.
Re-evaluate collection Inanagement policies to maximize patron satisfaction within
budget and space parameters 4. Build existing partnerships and create new partnerships
to support SBCL in fulfilling its mission.
Funding support
The Friends of the Library contributed over $4,000 from their annuallnembership drive
and earnings from quarterly book sales, for library programs, program refreshments,
18
holiday decorations, and library supplies. Other additional funding came through grant
awards fron1 the American Library Association for a Jewish Literature Book Discussion
Series.
Volunteer Services·
Library volunteers donated an average of 32 hours per week. The library is grateful to
the many volunteers who assist each week with Knitting Classes, Homebound Delivery
Services, l'\fursing Home book deliveries, Circulation Desk, book shelving, story hours at
daycare centers, computer mentoring, booJ( processing and in general making the ..
Community Library a better place.
Respectfully sUbrriitted,
Louise Murphy, Con1IDunity Library Director
19
South Burlington Police Department
2008 Annual Report
I am once again honored to present the South Burlington Police Department Annual Report to
our citizens. '0,1e are fortunate to continue to hold the prestige ofbeing one ofVennonI's premier
law enforcement agencies: This is the direct result the women and men who serve the
clepartment with integrity and distinction.
We have again seen some staffing changes. Our long serving Lieutenant Peter Lavallee made
the decision to retire. Pete left with a great send off where we all had the opportunity to share
memories and stories of his many years of service. The entire department wishes him well on his
next adventure in life. Jim Goslin was promoted to Prevention Services Lieutenant. This led to
Jamie Mills being promoted to the position of Preventions Services Sergeant. Corporal Ed
Soychak returned from as special assignment to CUSI (Chittenden Unit for Special
Investigations) and Officer Gregg Jager was assigned to CUSI. The City also hired Sara
Couture, Jonathan Namdar and Karen Chevalier as new officers in the police department.
Officers Couture and Namdar began in January and Officer Chevalier began in July.
This year was marked with some successes and some difficult and tragic events. We saw two
very significant traffic crashes involving young people who had been consuming alcohol. These
were major incidents and involved a great deal of time and investigative ability by department
members. Substantial criminal charges were filed in both instances. We were faced with one
bank robbery, a serious stabbing / attempted murder case, several child pornography cases, the
use of the computer site, Facebook, to perpetrate a crime via the Internet, just to mention a few.
We did see several positive initiatives take place in the community and the department. We took
part in two very successful presentations by Ken Wooden of Child Lures. Each brought helpful
child safety messages to students and their parents. \Ve continued our offering of the Rape
Aggression Defense (RAD) program helping dozens ofwomen learn tedmiques to keep
themselves safe. I was extremely pleased to see the renewal of a police K9 program in the
department. Sandy McCleary ofNew Hampshire offered a German Shepard to the department
for use as a police K9. Kaiser had been a member ofher family until she realized that he needed
more activity in his life in order to be content. Kaiser underwent 16 weeks on intensive training
with his handler, Officer Mark Redmond.
During the past year our call volume again increased. We anticipate total calls for service at just
over 20,000 and as of December 8th incidents have increased by more than 3% from 2007 to
9,552. Officers again wrote more traffic tickets than the year before .and continued our emphasis
on apprehending intoxicated drivers. Officer Matt Plunkett was recognized by the Governor's
Highway Safety Program when they presented him with the Mike Johnson award for his efforts
in apprehending drunk drivers. The department received an $81,000 grant that will enable us to
575 DORSET STREET, SUITE 2· SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT 05403-6295
Dispatch: 846-4111 • Administration: 846-4165 • Fax: 846-4102
Trevor S. Whipple, Chief
20
SOUTH BURLINGTON POLICE DEPARTlYIENT
put mobile data computers in our marked cruisers. This will help to speed up the process of
getting information to officers and take a bit of the burden ofrecords requests away from our
communications center.
Project Good Morning (PGM) continues to offer da:!y contact with seniors who live alone and
don't have someone local to check on them each day. Our dispatch center communicates with
PGM members everymorning. If concerns develop, an officer will check on the member to
make sure that all is in order. This is a wonderful way for us to make sure our seniors remain
safe in their homes.
Thanks to the efforts of the South Burlington Rotary Club the police department was honored
with an awards ceremony held at the Vermont National Country Club. The Rotary sponsored
this event where the department was addressed by Governor Jim Douglas, City Council Chair
Chris Smith and City Manager Chuck Hafter. After a wonderful dinner members ofthe
department were presented with awards for actions above and beyond the call of duty.
The Police Facility Committee concluded their work as directed by the City Council.
UnfOliunately the vote request to utilize the Calkins property was turned down. The City has
since moved forward with rehabilitation work at the current location and continues the quest to
find a suitable location for a new police facility. The members of the police department are
anxiously awaiting a more efficient working environment.
I again encourage citizens to stop by, phone, write or email with any questions, comments or
concerns. I end with our new mission statement. This was developed through input from many
members of the department during planning .and engagement meetings this year.
It's the mission of the South Burlington PD to foster a safe environment which promotes a high
quality of life within our community. By reducing the level and fear of crime facilitating safe
highways addressing community concerns by actively seeking input and responding to issues
brought to our attention. Managing our organization responsibly utilizing effective, efficient,
and rationalplanning. Recruiting, retaining, and nurturing the development of the most qualified
personnel to meet the needs of the community and the police department. The core values of our
agency are integrity, loyalty, dedication to duty, professionalism, teamwork, fairness, and
respect.
Respectfully submitted,
Trevor S. Whipple
Chief of Police
twhipple@sbpdvi.org 846-4111
575 DORSET STREET, SUITE 2 • SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT 05403-6295
Dispatch: 846-4111 • Administration: 846-4165 • Fa.x: 846-4102
Trevor S. Whipple, Chief
21
SOUTH BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Once again Fiscal Year 2008 has been a busy year for the South Burlington Fire
Department. Emergency responses or calls for service to the fire department and am btl lance
service are still on the increase. The total number of responses for FY 2008 was 2737, 1738 of
those were medical responses and auto accidents and 999 were fire related responses. This is a
total increase of214 responses over last year which translates to an increase of 8.4%. This is the
largest increase in service in seven years. Most of this is to be expected· due to the continued
grmvth of our city.
As rnost of you are aware, in August of 2007 we applied for a federal grant to increase
our fulltime staff by 6 personnel. The grant is called a SAFER grant which is an acronym for
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. The SAFER grant is a cost sharing
program that pays a decreasing portion of a firefighters salary and benefits over a 5 year period.
As the federal share decreases, the local share increases, until the 5th year when the community
assumes the full cost. It is designed to assist a ~ommunity to increase tbe nUl11 ber of on-duty
firefighters while easing the financial impact to the city budget.
We were notified during the first week of April that we had been selected to receive a
grant to hire six new Firefighter/EMT's. A funding strategy was developed by the City Manager
and the City Council made the decision to put this plan before the voters on voting day. On May
20, 2008 73% of the city voters said yes to supporting this plan. Once the hiring process is
completed we are planning on having the new Firefighter/EMT's on board by mid September.
One of the most, important aspects of our job is training for medical and fire emergencies.
Our personnel train continuously, each day they are on duty they 'are going through different
training evolutions and practicing with emergency equipment. These training sessions keep us up
to date with current trends in all areas ofemergency services.
It is getting harder and harder to find good qualified people to become members of our
call firefighting staff. While the number of perspective members is down we have focused on
maintaining a higher level of training for our core call firefighting staff. Members of the call
force train a minimum of 3 times per 1110nth 01 Thursday evenings.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
As of July 1st we began our fifth year providing ambulance service to our community.
Each and every day our members and the patients that we serve are reminded what an essential
and vital service we provide. On a daily basis we receive positive comments from our patients.
We get many letters, thank you cards, visits and once in a while a batch of cookies from our
patients which means a lot to the crews.
Our emergency medical technicians pride themselves on the level of care that they are
able to offer to our citizens. The scope of practice for our EIVIT's' has broadened thus requiring
additional training to elevate our capabilities to deal with medical emergencies. Through, a grant
from the FABC BeartFund we received a new heart monitor defibrillator which allows our
EMT's to do 12 lead EKG's in the field. Through modern technology these electronic readings
are sent by dataphone (cellphone) directly to the doctors in the emergency room. This capability
allows doctors to save precioLls minutes in the treatment of heart conditions.
22
Page-2
I wish to thank the citizens of our community for their continued support of their fire and
emergency services. Thanks to the City Manager, the City Council as well as the other city
departments. As always, my special thailks' to the officers and fireflghters of the South
Burlington Fire Department.
Should yOll have any questions or problems that I or this department can assist you with,
please feel free to stop by or call.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas S. Brent
Fire Chief
23
24
(New England Water Environment Association) Utility of the year award. The ceremony is
scheduled for January 2009.
Respectfully Submitted,
8rC{(}~ t: !loaF Ora{! PI'Wf(b {;/f( Otj/~tFtJ
Bruce K. Hoar Craig Plumb Tom Dipietro
Public Works Director Highway Superintendent Stormwater Superintendent
25
Water Quality Department
The Airport parkway wastewater treatment facility is over 20 years old and has been showing its age. Our goal for last year was to
keep cost for repairs and replacement of equipment at a minimum in anticipation of construction of the new facility. With the
efforts of a dedicated staff of technicians we were able to operate the facility efficiently and stay in compliance with our state
permits and requirements. The Airport Parkway facility serves 75 percent of the city's residents. Together with the Colchester (which
shares 28 percent of the system's permitted capacity) Airport Parkway treats approximately 1.6 million gallons of wastewater per
day. Airport parkway has a permitted capacity of 2.3 M0D (1.65 MGD is allocated to South Burlington) leaving less than 4 percent of
available capacity. In March of last year the citizens of South Burlington overwhelmingly approved a $15 million state-revolving-loan
for 20 years at 2% to expand and upgrade the aging facility. The loan will be repaid by sewer user fees. The new facility wili have a
design capacity of 3.3 MGD, allocating 2.2 to South Burlington and I MGD to the town of Colchester which South Burlington treats on
a contract basis. The new facility will 'be state of the art with cloth filtration and UV disinfection thus eliminating several bulk
chemicals currently used in the process. The new facility will also utilize biological nutrient removal (BNR) a process that removes
phosphorus and ammonia prior to discharge to the Winooski River. The new facility will feature several energy saving components
including a micro-turbine that will generate power for the plant using methane gas, a byproduct of the treatment process. We hope
to break ground for the new facility in the spring or summer of 2009.
The Bartlett Bay Facility is currently treating a daily average flow of approximately 650,000 gallons per day and has a design capacity
of 1.25 MGD. This flow constitutes approximately 26% of South Burlington wastewater stream. The Bartlett Bay operation is
considered a tertiary wastewater treatment process with biological nutrient removal (BN R), cloth disk filters and ultraviolet
disinfection of the final effluent prior to discharge to Lake Champlain. The Bartlett Bay operation has been the recipient of several
operations awards including a regional EPA Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award last year. Bartlett Bay continues to be
one of the best operating facilities in Vermont with more than 99% removal of BOD (Biochernical Oxygen Demand),{99.7% removal
ofTSS (Total Suspended Solids) and a phosphorous removal of less than .200mg/1 which is far below the State permitted allowance
of .800 mg/1. Last summer a new roof was put on the control building at Bartlett Bay. The roof was constru cted with more insulation
(higher Rvalue) and should prove to be an energy savings addition. A UV lifting system was designed and installed in the disinfection
building,
The past year was a year of new and renewed compliance regulations.
• Submitted a SpIll Prevention Plan (Act 154) with the DEC
• Submitted an updated Emergency Power Failure Plan.
• Renewed a 5 yea r contract with the Chittenden Solids Waste District for Biosolids disposal.
The Water Quality Department is responsible for the operations and maintenance of more than 28 pump stations within South
Burlington. The pump stations have become a maintenance challenge and we have expended a considerable amount oftime and
resources on pump station repair and rehab this past year. The Indian creek pump station rehab was completed with the installation
of new pumps, plumbing, electrical panel and an upgraded alarm system. Lane press received a new electrical panel and an
upgraded alarm system. An access road was put in at Dorset Park pump station. We installed a new electrical panel and shut off at
CSWD pump station.
Revenue to operate the two facilities is generated through user fees. We also process septage brought in by private haulers, treat
high strength waste from Magic hat Brewery and treat wastewaterfrom parts of Colchester. With the help of this supplemental
revenue source, South Burlington will once again have one of the lowest sewer rates in Chittenden County.
I would like to thank the City Cou ncil, the City Managers and other city departments for their continued support of the Water Quality
Department and staff. I would especially like to thank the citizens of South Burlington for the positive vote for construction of the
Airport Parkway Facility upgrade and expansion. The citizens of South Burlington continue run ahead of the pack with a responsible
approach to environmental and water quality protection in Vermont.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steven T. Crosby
Water Quality Superintendent
26
WATER DEPARTMENT
In 1977 the Champlain Water District (CWD) began a management contract agreement with the
City of South Burlington whereby the CWD would be responsible for the complete management
and operation of the South Burlington water system; an arrangement that has continued to date.
Emphasis in 2007-200S has been on the maintenance and repair of oLir aging water distribution
infrastructure to ensure delivery ofthe highest quality water produced by the CWD.
The SBWD is proud of its tradition of providing quality service in the most effective and efficient
manner, and we continue to take a proactive approach to preventative maintenance on the water
distribution system. Some of the work performed this past year includes:
• Annual maintena1~ce of over 1,100 main line gate valves.
• The maintenance of over-SaO fire hydrants incillding lubricating, flushing and testing.
• Repair of several water main breaks occurring as a result -of aging infrastructure or
contractor damage. ---
• Replacement of several main: line gate valves in conjunction with the Hinesburg Road
paving project, and the prioritizing and replacement of several old and leaking gate
valves throughout the City.
(; Replacement of eight fIre hydrants that have been discontinued by the manufacturer due
to age.
e Mapping and gate valve/curb stop tie page updates.
• Plan review and inspections ofnew development water mains and services
• Hydrant flow testing in various areas ofthe City.
• The installation of new water meters, replacement of older meters, and quarterly reading
of the 5,725 meters within the system.
• Cross connection control surveys and backflow device testing.
• Update of the "Water Department Specifications and Details for the Installation of Water
Lines and Appurtenances."
In the coming year we plan to continue surveying commercial properties for potential cross
connections with the City water distribution system that could require backflow devices, to ensure
that the citizens of the City continue to obtain safe, high quality water for their many uses. We
also plan to complete a thorough inventory of the City's entire water infrastructure and begin
developing a long-term capital improvement plan. We hope to complete the Old Cross Road
water line tie-in between the Dorset Street water distribution system and Butler Farms, thus
supplying a redundant supply of water -to the Southeast Quadrant. In the mean time we continue
to maintain and repair our aging water system infrastructure components through our routine
maintenance and repair program that includes aging fire hydrant and main line gate valve
replacement.
The SBWD looks forward to working with the citizens of South Burlington, the City Manager
and City Council as well as all of the other departments and Boards that serve this community.
We encourage you to call the SBWD at S64-4361 with your comments, concerns, and
suggestions.
Respectfully,
Jay Nadeau
SBWD Superintendent
27
29
Annual Report Submission -FY08
4/16/2009
Page 2 of 3
Express routes also saw significant ridership growth. In FY08 the Middlebury Link
ridership was up over 41 % and the S1. Albans Link ridership was up over 33%.
Other routes also saw large ridership increases in FY08, including the Shelburne Road
(up 170/0), the Umall/Airport (up 10% ), and the Riverside/Winooski (up 100/0).
Improved An1enities and Service
In FY08, CCTA continued to advance several projects to make the transit system more
convenient and user-friendly.
o CCTA completed an addition to the bus storage facility to house more buses inside
and thus extend their useful life. CCTA also designed a paint booth to more
efFiciently maintain the fleet of buses
o In February 2007, CCTA launched 15-minute service on the Essex Junction route
during peak commuting times
o Also in FY08, CCTA continued to make minor repairs to the Cherry Street transfer
station
Environmental Commitment
In 2007, CCTA received 12 new buses, which drastically reduce the emissions output of
the fleet. The Authority is committed to operating with the cleanest technology available,
and has been working to receive the funding necessary to replace all outdated buses
with new, low emission clean diesel buses. In FY08, CCTA ordered an additional 13 new
buses, and will receive them in FY09.
CCTA continued to offer member communities a variety of alternative, environmentally
responsible commuting alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle. The LINK routes
and Vermont Rideshare services for carpooling and vanpooling were another way in
which CCTA was able to reduce local congestion and improve air quality. CCTA staff
worked with local businesses and communities in FY08 to promote these services and
encourage participation. .
Unlimited Access Program
CCTA is pleased to announce that the Unlimited Access program continued to grow in
FY08. This progranl allows those with a valid UVM or Champlain College 10 card to
board any CCTA bus by simply swiping their 10, continued to grow in FY08 with.
increased ridership from UVM and Champlain students, faculty and staff. In addition,
CCTA welcomed Saint Michael's College to the Unlimited Access program as a full
participant in Fall 2007. The UA program continues to be well received by staff and
students and will be continuing to expand in next fiscal year.
30
Annual Report Submission -FY08
4/16/2009
Page 3 of 3
The mission of CCTA is to promote and operate safe, convenient accessible, innovative.
and sustainable public transportation services in the Chittenden County region that
reduce congestion and pollution, encoUrage transit oriented development and ·enhance
the quality of life for all
Contact CCTA for Route and Schedule Information
802-864-CCTA (Phone)
info@cctaride.org (E-mail)
www.cctaride.org (Web)
31
Executive Director
-. t lJr-jts,j W8Y at Chittenden Countyrv1em~)er Agcll:"'Y 0 I. ,
33
Chittenden County
'TEL 802.846.4490 FAX 802.846.4494 Regiona! Planning Commission
£MAIL info@ccrpcvt.org w£e www.ccrpcvt.org
30 Kimball ,1venue ' Suite 206 ,Sollth BUffington. Vermont 05403
SERVING7H£
MUNICIPAUTIES OF CHITTENDEN COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION Bolton TOWN REPORT 2.008Buel's Gare
Burlingtan Created in 1966 by Chittenden County municipalities, the.Chittenden County RegionalCllarlotle
Colchester Planning Commission (CCRPC) is a 24-member board consisting of one delegate from
Essex Junction eachef t~e County's 19 municipalities and five at-large members representing the
Essex Town interests of agriculture, environmental conservation, business, housing, and
Hinesburg transportation. CCRPC proVides planning leadership through policy guidance and
Huntington technical analysis. Member comml.lnities benefit from the expertise of staff through the
Jericho Commission's professional and technical assistance services.'
Milton
RiclllnDnd In 2008 the following CCRPC projects benefited all member communities:
St. George
Shelburne IE The Chittenden County Brownfields Assessment Program facilitates analysis
South Burlington of petroleum and hazardous contaminatiori of land so that it can return to
Underhill productive use vl/estford
II Facilitated negotiations of legislation leading to Act 176, Vermont Neighborhoods Williston
Winooski Program
II Updated County-wide 'parcel-based land use data including employment ·. Developed County-wide dataset ofpedestrian and bicycle paths -on-road,
shared-use, and sidewalks
Adopted a new definition of IIsubstantial regional impact" as an amendment to "
the 2006 Chittenden County Regional Plan
• Supported LocalEmergency Planning Committee #1 to improve .emergency
preparedness planning
• Convened the Chittenden County Planning Conference in January
CCRPC regularly reviewed development applications governed by Act 250 for'"
compliance with the 2006 Chittenden County Regional Plan
In addition, South BurJington also has benefited from the following specific CCRPC
services:
• Provided ZOrling, Southeast Quadrant Zoning and Official Maps
II . Completed installation of four Byway outdoor interpretive panels to educate
residents and visitors'. Working with city staff to develop and implement visitor information and amenity
projects funded with new Byway grants secLired by CCRPC
• Implementing Byway Cqunci! grant in cooperation with Grand Isle and Addison
County partners to develop French and English trave.! information (maps,
website, outdoor information panels) about Byway member communities
• Staffed Chittenden County Regional siormwater Education Program of which
South Burlington is a member
MISSION
To serve Chittendell COl/nty and its communiries t!lrough an effecUve regional planning prQcess
characterized by communication. facilitation, education, collabora.tion and technicai assistance.
34
Maintaining a balanced built and natura'I,environ.ment involves continuous
collaboration and coordination. CCRPC appreciates the opportunity to work with its
municipal members to'plan appr9priately'for the region's future to prot~ct the special
quality of life that is shared throughout Chittenden County.
35
SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
John Stewart
Business Manager
550 DORSET STREET
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT 05403~6296
OFFICE: South Burlington High School
Tel. 802/652-7055 FAX 802/652.;7013
Email: sstewart@sbschools.net
SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2008
The Independent Auditors' Report for the year ended June 30, 2008 is reprinted in
its entirety, as a separate report, which is available at the South Burlington City Clerk's
office at 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont and the School District Business
office at 550 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont, during nOffilal business hours.
137
Annual Report
South Burlington Board of School Directors
2007-2008
During the past school year, the students and teachers in South Burlington continued to
make improvements in learning opportunities and achievements. The mathematics
program at the elementary schools implemented a new program -Bridges Math. vyhile
the math skills and concepts to be learned did not change much, the learning methods
did. Students, now more than ever, are required to make meaning of the math skills
and concepts by applying them to experiences and by explaining their thinking to their
classmates. Understanding, as well as doing math, is the focus.
In the middle and high schools, the theme of deeper understanding was also a focus.
Teachers and students worked to increase the clarity of learning expectations. Along
with that clarity came improvements in assessing students' learning progress. This
work continues as the basis of life-long learning all our children need for their futures in
an ever-changing 21 st Century. .
The South Burlington School Board has itself undergone some changes'. Member Carol
Caldwell-Edmonds left the board and Janine Alia was elected to that three-year spot.
Elizabeth Fitzgerald was reelected to a two-year term.
The Board explored the adoption of a policy governance model for its work. Such a
model would focus the Board on providing direction for the District and regularly
monitoring progress towards district goals and adjusting them in light of experience. A
, final decision on the adoption of this model should be made within a few months.
The work of the board included policy updating, strategic plan approval, and goal
development, including a pilot evaluation for the superintendent, clarity and
sustainability in budget development, and increased collaboration with city government.
The board also joined the city's Real Estate Committee to better understand the impact
of South Burlington City Center on the futu're of the school district.
Implementation of the long-term stewardship p'lan for school resources began this past
year. Projects included parking lot improvements, technology upgrades, bus
purchases, and improvement of the general cleanliness and tidiness of the exterior
grounds. In addition, a project was started with Energy Education, Inc. to reduce the
energy consumption of the schools. This project met with initial success and gives hope
for dramatic savings into the future.
The school directors urge citizens to participate in school board meetings .and"other
school events. They are committed to making decisions that are responsive to student
needs and sensitive to taxpayer burden.
138
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION -2007~2008
• Tuition for FY2008 was $12,145 for K-6, $11,350 for grades.7-8, and $11,150 for grades 9-12.
• 39 high school students attended technical programs at the regional' technical centers.
• The secondary drop out rate was 0.37%. The elementary and middle school drop out rates were 0%.
• 72% of the students at South Burlington High School participated in athletics and other activities.
• Special education and section 504"services were provided to more than 309 students.
• The South Burlington School District affirms the right of all children with dis"abilities t6 a free, appropriate
-public education. Children living in South Burlington who are learning disabled, learning impaired, visually
impaired, hearing impaired, emotionally disturbed, speech impaired, health impaired, or orthopedically
impaired are entitled to special education services. If you are aware of any children in need of special
education, please contact Joanne Godek, Director of Educational Support Systems, South BurHngton
School District, South Burlington, Vermont 05403-6274. Telephone: 652-7253.
• In the spring of 2008, all second graders in the State of Vermont were assessed with the Developmental
Reading Assessment. Our local results fell slightly below state average. In tile Fall of 2007 in grades three
through eight and in grade eleven, all Vermont students were administered the New England Common
Assessment (N ECAP) in Reading and Mathematics. Local results indicate that our student's performed
significantly higher than the state ·average. Writing is a component of the NECAP and administered in
grades five, eight and eleven. South Burlington results in writing are also signi'flcantly higher than the state
average. For the first time in the spring of 2008\ a Science assessment was added to the state
assessment system also part of the NECAP administered to students in grades four, ~ight and eleven.
South Burlington results placed us among the top seven highest performing schools in Vermont. Additional
information about our local and state assessment system and results will be pUblished in the spring of
2009.
• In 2007-2008 the SAT scores for South Burlington High School students were 540 Reading, 555
Mathematics, and 515 Writing, exceeding the national average of 502 Reading, 515 Mathematics, and 494
Writing and exceeding the state average of 519 Reading, 523 Mathematics, and 507 Writing.
• Additional information about the South Burlington School District may be viewed on our web site at
www.sbschools.net.
. 139
ANNUAL REPORT
Superintendent of Schools
2007-2008
I am pleased to submit the following information for your review:
ENROLLMENT
September 2007
Elementary...................... 959
Middle School...................................................... 544
High School -.W.
Total 2,414
STAFF
(FTE'S)
Administrators...................................................... 14.00
Elementary Teachers. 98.15
Middle School Teachers 51.90
High School Teachers 79.33
District Teachers ,................... 8.05
Curriculum Area Supervisors............................... 2.8
Support Staff 201.13
TEACHER PROFILE
Average Education Master's Degree +30.00 Credit Hours
Average Years Experience 19.00
Average Teacher's Salary $60,536
EXPENDITURE BUDGET OVERVIEW 2007-2008
Instruction 45.61 % $16,745,762
Special Education 19.42% 7,137,127
Co-Curricular Activities 2.34% 863,362
District Board and Administration 2.93% 1,079,784
School Building Administration 4,90% 1,800,116
Support Services (guidance/health, etc.) 9.48% 3,486,589
Operations 12.62% 4,638,208
(Transportation, Data Processing, Operation/Maintenance of Plant, and Food Service)
Community Service.................... .48% 176,900
Debt Service 2.220/0 814,829
Total 100.00% $36,742,377
140
MUNICIPAL OFFICES
575 DORSET STREET
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT 05403
OFFICE HOURS: MONDA Y-FRIDA Y, 8 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
HIGHWA Y DEPARTMENT OPEN 7 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
WEB SITE: www.sburl.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
Located in Chittenden County
Date of incorporation as City February 19, 1972
Total area 16.8 square miles
Population 18,800
Registered voters 14,000
CITY OFFICES TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Assessor... 846-4103
Bookkeeper... 846-4104
City Clerk '" ,. ... ... ... ... ... .. 846-4105
Planning/Zoning.................................................................. 846-4106
City Manager... 846-4107
Recreation......................................................................... 846-41 08
Tax 846-4109
Engineer (Thursday, 8 a.m. -12 p.m)........ 846-4106
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Office... ... ... ... 846-4110
Emergency... 911
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Dispatch/Non Emergency..................................................... 846-4111
Emergency......... 911
DEPARTMENTS AT OTHER LOCATIONS:
Highway Departnlent/Landfill: 104 Landfill Road . 658-7961
Water Pollution Control: 1015 Airport Parkway . 658-7964
Bartlett Bay . 658-7965
Water Department: 403 Queen City Park Road . 864-4361