HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - City Charter Committee - 06/22/2023AGENDA
SOUTH BURLINGTON CHARTER COMMITTEE South Burlington City Hall 180 Market Street SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Participation Options In Person: 180 Market Street – Library Board Room – 2nd Floor – Room #201 Assistive Listening Service Devices Available upon request Electronically: https://meet.goto.com/SouthBurlingtonVT/city-charter-06-22-2023 You can also dial in using your phone. +1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 953-199-573
Thursday June 22, 2023 4:00 P.M.
1. Welcome and Introductions
2.Agenda Review and Approval
3.Public comment on items not on the agenda
4. ***Approve minutes from the April 12, 2023 Charter Committee meeting, and the community
forums on May 10, 2023 and May 25, 2023
5.*** Receive, review and discuss the data received through the community forums, meetings
with stakeholders, and the survey data
6.*** Receive a memorandum from the City Attorney on legal processes if a recommendation
moves forward
7.Potentially provide direction to the City Attorney on charter language to draft
8.Next meeting: July 12, 2023 at 4:00 PM
9.Other Business
10. Adjourn
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE 12 APRIL 2023
The South Burlington City Charter Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, at
4:00 p.m., in Conference Room 201, City Hall, 180 Market Street.
MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Taylor, Chair; A. Lalonde, D. Kinville, P. Engels, C. Higgins, K. Bailey, C.
Hafter,
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager, C. McNeil, City Attorney; M. Emery, D. Albrecht
1. Welcome and Introductions:
Mr. Taylor welcomed members who introduced themselves.
2. Agenda Review
No changes were made to the agenda.
3. Comments & Questions from the public not related to the Agenda:
No issues were raised.
4. Approve Minutes from the 8 March 2023 meeting:
Ms. Lalonde moved to approve the Minutes of 8 March 2023 as written. Ms. Kinville seconded.
Motion passed with all present voting in favor.
5. Discuss one possible item to consider for addition to advantages and
disadvantages:
Mr. Engels said the option would be to have City Councilors elected by legislative districts,
regardless of the number of members on the Council. He noted in the most recent election,
both Councilors were elected from the Southeast Quadrant, and they were the ones who spent
the most money.
Another possible option would be to elect one or 2 from each district (5 or 10‐member
Council). The negative would be having voters confused by having some members “at large.”
Members were OK with adding those 2 options.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE
12 APRIL 2023
PAGE 2
6. Discuss and finalize the Committee’s community outreach and engagement
process:
a. Events between 12 April and 10 May (or beyond)
b. Key stakeholder groups
c. Forums with a facilitator and a note taker April 24 and 27
d. Approve website and survey
Mr. Taylor noted that the Rotary gave him a date of 18 May, which moves the events further
out.
Mr. Taylor noted that the Committee will be presenting its findings to the City Council in
September after a City Charter Committee public hearing. The Council will then hold its own
public hearing leading to a public vote in March, 2024. If a Charter amendment is approve by
the voters, it will then go to the State Legislature. If they approve, it goes to the Governor for
signature. If the Legislature does not take up the change, it could languish there.
Mr. Higgins said he had met with the Chairs of school departments as to how to encourage
student feedback. Teachers felt the first week in May would be best to coordinate with what
they are teaching.
Ms. Bailey said the Orchard School PTO is meeting tonight, and the Principal will be presenting
the Committee’s request. She added it would be good to have a few Charter Committee
members there. The Marcotte PTO will meet on 9 May. Ms. Bailey said he will attend that
meeting. She had not yet heard back from Chamberlin School. Ms. Baker said it would be good
to have 2 Charter Committee members at each of the stakeholder meetings.
Ms. Lalonde said she had spoken with Julie Beatty of SBBA about speaking at their quarterly
meeting. Ms. Lalonde will write something up for Ms. Beatty to send out via email.
Ms. Kinville noted that City Hall Auditorium is available on 24 April. Ms. Baker suggested using
10 May for both a forum and the next Charter Committee meeting date.
Forums will be held in the Auditorium from 7 to 9 on May 10th and May 25th.
Mr. Albrecht suggested using more than the usual postings to make the public aware of this
process. One of his suggestions was sandwich boards and signs in front of apartment buildings.
Members agreed to 7‐9 p.m. for the events.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE
12 APRIL 2023
PAGE 3
Ms. Baker said she will put out information to all City committees. Ms. Albrecht asked about
reaching disadvantaged residents. Ms. Baker said she would be happy to reach out to groups.
Mr. Hafter suggested senior housing groups. Mr. Taylor said there will be a notice in The Other
Paper and on the City’s Newsletter. He added that he would like to see the Committee’s “pros
and cons” printed in The Other Paper which most residents get to see.
Ms. Lalonde asked how much the Committee is bound by what it hears from the community
Mr. Taylor said they would need to tell the City Council what they heard from the community.
Regarding the survey, Mr. Taylor suggested that questions 9‐12 of the proposed survey be at
the beginning. He also wanted to have some way of knowing where responders live and also
possibly their age bracket.
Members were concerned that voters would not understand the alignment with “voting
districts” and suggested putting the word “wards” in parenthesis after “voting districts.”
Members expressed concern that responders would not understand the reason for the survey
and suggested a paragraph at the top indicating that the Committee has been reviewing the
structure of city government and has prepared a “pros and cons” statement for various
versions of government. People could be encouraged to read the pros and cons before
responding.
Ms. Baker indicated that she had prepared something around a question and answer structure,
similar to a “frequently asked questions” format.
Mr. Hafter suggested adding that the City Manager reports to the City Council and is in charge
of the day‐to‐day operations of the city.
Ms. Emery suggested asking if respondents have a child in school or are still attending school.
7. Other Business:
Mr. Taylor said he cannot be present at the scheduled Committee meeting on 14 June. Ms.
Baker said she will send out a doodle poll to see what dates will work for members who may be
planning vacations.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE
12 APRIL 2023
PAGE 4
As there was no further business to come before the Committee, Ms. Lalonde moved to
adjourn. Mr. Engels seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:29
p.m.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION 10 MAY 2023
The South Burlington City Charter Committee held a public input session on Thursday, 10 May
2023, at 7:00 p.m., in Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Taylor, Chair; A. Lalonde, D. Kinville, P. Engels, C. Higgins,
K. Bailey, C. Hafter,
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager, M. Emery, D. Albrecht, C. Trombly, E. Fitzgerald, L.
Bailey, C. Shaw, T. Barritt, other members of the public
Mr. Taylor welcomed members of the public. City Charter Committee members introduced
themselves.
Mr. Taylor then reviewed the history of the Committee’s charge from the City Council. He said
the Committee has come up with an outline of advantages and disadvantages of various
options that have been considered. These include possibly voting by wards/districts, a possible
increase to the number of City Councilors and/or School Board members, and various forms of
city government (e.g., strong or weak mayor, city manager, etc.)
The Committee is now looking for input from the public at 2 public sessions and/or a survey
posted on the city’s website.
Mr. Albrecht asked how long the survey will be posted. Mr. Taylor said probably until the end
of June. The Committee has to make its recommendations to the City Council in September.
Mr. Albrecht said it would be great to have clear simple visuals such as where elections districts
are, where census districts are, a clear map showing all dwelling units in the city. He added that
one thing that concerns him is the using of election districts for city elections because there
could be another 1000 people living in the city than when those districts were conceived.
Mr. Kinville said the reason the Committee used the legislative districts was so it would not be
confusing to voters. Mr. Albrecht said he thinks people trust they will get the right ballot. He
said that where City Councilors and Planning Commission members come from is not
representative of the city’s population. He also suggested possibly electing all or some of the
Planning Commission members. Ms. Kinville said that is not part of the Committee’s charge.
Another members of the public questioned whether legislative voting districts represent a
geographic or populations basis. She also felt that the Planning Commission, which makes the
most critical decisions, should have at least one elected member. She also asked if they were
looking for an even number of City Councilors. Mr. Taylor said that is open. Mr. Hafter said one
option is to have 7 members, one elected from each district and 2 elected at large.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
10 MAY 2023
PAGE 2
A member of the public asked about having people run by political parties. Mr. Taylor said a
“strong mayor” tends to be a political position which can be good or bad, depending on how
you look at it.
A member of the public felt that having more people at the table could result in more ideas.
She noted that sometimes people get bogged down in their own ideas and are locked into their
own way of thinking.
Mr. Taylor said it is his understanding that legislative districts are done by population. Ms.
LaLonde said legislative districts are redone every 10 years. She noted that at this time, one
legislative district is shared with another community, which could be a concern, but that could
change in a few years.
A member of the public asked when any changes would be voted on. Ms. Kate Bailey said
probably in the March 2024 election. The State Legislature would then have to approve any
charter change(s), so it could be 2026 before any change(s) are in place. A member of the
public noted there would then by 6 year old census data, and the legislative districts would
change again in 4 years.
Mr. Albrecht said the city should be “smart and use real data.” He stressed that the number of
dwelling units in the city could change dramatically by 2026. Ms. Kinville said it is more
complicated than people think.
Ms. Kate Bailey cautioned people not to think of the “practical” but to consider the
“philosophical” question of whether it is appropriate to use legislative districts for a local
election. Ms. LaLonde added that the city could create 7 or 8 election districts.
In a “straw vote” half of the people present favored voting by districts, half favored voting at
large.
Ms. Allen noted that when she lived in Virginia having voting districts resulted in fewer people
voting because they didn’t understand the system. When there were 2 voting districts in one
polling place, the wrong ballots were handed out which resulted in a flipped seat and a court
challenge.
Ms. Linda Bailey said having districts would make it possible for more people to participate.
Having to campaign city-wide is very daunting and very expensive. She felt 5 districts and 2 at
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
10 MAY 2023
PAGE 3
large would be OK. She preferred just 5 Councilors and a City Manager. She also was opposed
to people running by political party.
Mr. Shaw agreed with Ms. Bailey regarding political parties and noted that the City of
Burlington becomes “fractionalized” because of politics. Mr. Shaw, who chairs the Board of
Civil Authority (BCA), felt that from the BCA point of view, he hoped the city ends up with a
hybrid system. He suggested 4 districts and 3 at large for the City Council and possibly the
same for the School Board. Mr. Shaw also said he was not ready for a mayor, weak or strong.
He didn’t think that would serve the city as well as a City Manager.
Ms. Fitzgerald, former School Board Chair, said she was trying to understand what is driving
these concerns. She felt the two major issues in the city are housing and land use. She did not
understand the consequences of not having representatives from every part of the city. She
noted that most School Board candidates run unopposed and spend very little. She also noted
that 70% of the city’s residents don’t have children in the school system, so they have less
interest in School Board elections. She felt having 5 districts would lead to issues with the
schools, and she didn’t see the need for it. She added that there seems to be an anticipation
that there are problems to be remedied. She personally would like to see more diversity on the
Council and School Board, but she didn’t think having districts would achieve that. She also
wasn’t sure that voting by district would get more people to vote.
A member of the public asked if there is a sense of how wards work in Burlington. Mr. Taylor
said they can look at that. He thought changing wards appears to cause confusion.
Mr. Engels said it would be interesting to analyze where City Council members have come from.
His guess is that none have come from the Shelburne Road corridor. He felt that since he
served on the City Council, it has become politicized and very expensive. This year the
candidates who spent the most money won, and they came from the area of the city (Southeast
Quadrant – SEQ) that has the most affluent population. The same is true of most appointments
to the Planning Commission. He felt the problem is unequal representation which could be
addressed by having 5 districts. He also saw a problem with having the City Council vote on this
because it could mean some of them giving up their positions.
Mr. Taylor noted that Mr. Engels’ letter to the editor was his personal opinion and not that of
the City Charter Committee.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
10 MAY 2023
PAGE 4
Mr. Taylor asked members of the public to respond to the survey. He also noted that
Committee members would be willing to attend meetings of any local groups or organizations
that would be interested in having these discussions.
As there was no further public or committee input, the session ended at 8:05 p.m.
___________________________
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION 25 MAY 2023
The South Burlington City Charter Committee held a public input session on Thursday, 25 May
2023, at 7:00 p.m., in Conference Room 301, City Hall, 180 Market Street.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Taylor, Chair; A. Lalonde, D. Kinville, P. Engels, C. Higgins,
K. Bailey, C. Hafter,
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager, M. Emery, D. Albrecht, C. Trombly, E. Fitzgerald, L.
Bailey, T. Bailey, L. Vera, A. Pugh, J. Dinklage, B. Britt, B. Milizia, E. Krasnow, L. Kupferman, M.
Simoneau, D. Philibert, V. S. Wylder, S. Dooley, D. Boyle, J. Wagner, H. Riehle other members of
the public
Mr. Taylor welcomed members of the public. City Charter Committee members introduced
themselves.
Mr. Taylor then reviewed the history of the Committee’s charge from the City Council which
included looking at different forms of local government, options for voting, and the size of the
City Council and School Board. He referred to an outline of advantages and disadvantages of
various options that have been considered. These include voting at large or by wards/districts,
a possible increase to the number of City Councilors and/or School Board members, and the
various forms of city government (e.g., strong or weak mayor, city manager, etc.)
Mr. Taylor stressed that the Committee has tried not to take a direction but to encourage the
public to look at all the options. He reminded residents of the survey on the city’s website and
encouraged people to complete it. Ms. Baker noted there are now 94 responses. Mr. Taylor
said the survey will be available through mid-June. He also noted that members of the City
Charter Committee are available to speak to any local groups that would like to have a
presentation.
The Committee will present its report and recommendations to the City Council in September.
If the Council chooses to make any changes to the City Charter, those changes would be voted
by the public in the March 2024 local election. If the vote passes, the changes would go to the
State Legislature whose action could take time so that any changes would probably not happen
until 2026.
The floor was then opened for public comment.
Mr. Bailey: He asked whether the Committee had discussed that any transition process
would happen. Mr. Taylor responded that the Legislature usually provides an implementation
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
25 MAY 2023
PAGE 2
date, so any changes would come back to the city to implement. Mr. Hafter said he would not
want to see the City Council and School Board make changes at the same time. Mr. Bailey said
he did not think that “at large” voting was representative of the whole city, and he favored a
representative system, possibly 5 districts with 2 representatives from each district. He also
favored having the Planning Commission elected on the same basis as they are a very important
body which drafts regulations.
Mr. Taylor noted that if the city went to legislative districts, 3 or 4 of the current City Councilors
could not run. Ms. Vera suggested a possible grandfathering to allow for some transition. She
expressed concern that it takes only 3 School Board members to dismiss a Superintendent. She
also noted that it is very easy to “get stuck where we are.”
Mr. Engels noted that there are 2 Legislative districts in the Southeast Quadrant, so they would
still be represented by 2 of the 5 voting districts.
Mr. Wylder: Spoke in favor of a proportional representation system (i.e., ranked voting) with
at least 3 people elected at large. He did not want to see voting districts.
Ms. Pugh: cautioned against using legislative districts if the intention to vote by district as
the legislative districts change every 10 years when there is a census.
Mr. Britt: asked whether going from 5 to 7 City Councilors would decrease the burden on
Councilors or whether it would be mostly the same. Ms. Emery said she didn’t think it would
because the Council doesn’t do a lot of committee work now. She stressed that anyone who
does the job should have a lot of energy.
Mr. Kupferman: He noted that he didn’t see anything about party affiliations. Mr. Hafter
said the Committee is assuming that the City Manager would continue to be non-partisan. A
mayor would probably be a partisan position. Ms. Kinville noted that this was not one of the
Committee’s charges.
Ms. Dooley: Noted that South Burlington has 20,000 residents in neighborhoods that have
different needs (e.g., the effect of student housing, the Airport, traffic, etc.). She felt people
can pay attention to both districts and the whole city. She supported a non-partisan system.
She also felt that having 6 councilors would require 4 votes instead of 3 to pass an item, and
she supported that. She favored no “at large” Councilors because of the cost of running.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
25 MAY 2023
PAGE 3
Ms. L. Bailey: Supported voting by districts with no “at large.” She also opposed partisan
voting.
Mr. Albrecht: gave Committee members a handout regarding population by legislative districts
and types of residences in those districts. He noted the city is growing, but mainly in certain
parts of the city. He also noted that by the time any changes occur, the legislative districts
would be 5 years out of date. He felt there are basically 4 districts in the city. Ms. Kinville
noted the confusion that can occur on election day with voters wondering why someone is not
on their ballot because of different legislative districts. She said there could be 2 or 3 voting
districts in one polling location which could be confusing. Mr. Bailey suggested that each
district could have its own polling location.
Mr. Trombly: Preferred non-poliitical (partisan) voting. He said what he likes about the City of
Burlington voting is having people elected from a particular area where they can advocate for a
little local issue. He did not like at large voting because it can dilute minority perspectives. He
suggested possibly having 5 City Councilors elected by district and 2 at large. He suggested
looking at the South Portland, Maine, system which he felt was excellent.
Ms. Vera: Did not want to see a Mayor.
Ms. Riehle: Also opposed an elected Mayor. She said the city has had very excellent City
Managers, people with experience managing a municipality. She felt it would be hard to keep a
good City Manager if there were a politically elected Mayor.
Mr. Dinklage: Agreed with Ms. Riehle and cited conflicts in the City of Burlington between the
Mayor and City Council. He didn’t favor either a weak or strong mayor. Ms. Dooley noted the
Burlington Mayor has no vote but can veto a City Council action.
Ms. Philibert: Supported a non-partisan approach.
Mr. Simoneau: Also favored a non-partisan system. He noted that fewer than 25% of
registered voters voted in the last local election. He favored an approach that encourages more
engagement, more representation. He said the city has the ability to try to be equitable, and
there are a lot of untapped resources. He added that the community would be more vital with
more public participation. Mr. Engels suggested possibly having the City Council elected in
November when there is more voter participation.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBIC INPUT SESSION
25 MAY 2023
PAGE 4
Mr. Kupferman: He observed that the people speaking at this meeting were single-family
home dwellers who have lived in the city for a long time.
Mr. Bailey: Agreed with Mr. Simoneau on the need for a more representative system for the
City Council, the School Board and the Planning Commission. He was also curious as to what
Burlington May Weinberger would have to say.
Ms. Dooley: Said it would be easier for voters to “study” people running in their district than
people running at large. She asked when the highest March voter participation occurred. Ms.
Kinville said it was when ballots were mailed to every voter in the last Presidential Primary.
Caitlin: Would like to see more members on the School Board for more representation.
She said the Board members are volunteers, most of whom work full time. She also noted that
only 20% of the South Burlington voters have children in the school system.
Mr. Wylder: Favored a ranked voting system for the School Board as well as the City Council.
He offered to provide information on this type of system. He added that South Burlington has a
great City Manager system.
Ms. Emery: Noted she has served on the City Council for 14 years and felt the current system
works though she thought districts were worth pursuing. She was concerned that finding
candidates might be harder with districts. Regarding a Mayor, she said City Managers are
wonderful, not political, and South Burlington has a stellar one now. She also noted there have
been some challenged positions on recent ballots, and she felt people were looking for diversity
of opinions.
Ms. Kate Bailey: Reminded people that the City Charter was established in the 1970’s, and
that people then could not anticipate the future. She felt the School Board could mirror or be
different from the City Council. She stressed that the School Board piece of this is different.
Ms. Milizia: Asked whether there is a 25% voter turnout in all areas of the city. Ms. Kinville
said it is relatively close with one area a little behind. These results are on the city’s website.
Ms. Krasnow: Urged people to fill out the survey. She felt she learned a lot from this
discussion.
CITY CHARTER COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
25 MAY 2023
PAGTE 5
Mr. Bailey: Asked Kate Bailey if she would like to see more School Board members. Ms.
Bailey noted that there are now 5, most of whom are new. She works full time, and there is a
lot of School Board work to do. She added that it is challenging with a small board and when a
quorum is only 3 members. With more members, there could be more committee work,
especially with negotiations which took up her entire year last year. She noted the City Council
handles negotiations differently.
Ms. Vera: Still wants to encourage having a way to get more representation on the City
Council so it feels more neighborhood related. She noted that she lives in the Queen City Park
area, and it took a long time to get the Council to become involved in the current Burton
situation. Residents had to raise money on their own before the Council acted. She also noted
that there are so many people who have no idea what is going on in the City Council, the
Planning Commission, etc. She stressed that City Councilors should represent neighborhoods.
Mr. Albrecht: Agreed with Ms. Vera but said the city did not have to use legislative districts.
Ms. Kate Bailey: Said the reason there are no new schools in the city is because of who is
voting. She also noted that the difference among the three elementary schools is dramatic, 2 of
which are overcrowded by more than 100 students. She felt the Middle School and High School
are great equalizing pieces of the city with the whole city in one school. She cautioned against
throwing all the eggs into a geographic basket when the problem they are trying to solve is an
income issue.
Mr. Taylor reminded residents to complete the survey which appears on the city’s website.
As there was no further public or committee input, the session ended at 8:24 p.m.
___________________________
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
1 / 41
98.29%172
1.71%3
Q1 Do you live in South Burlington?
Answered: 175 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 175
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes
No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
2 / 41
1.72%3
24.14%42
16.67%29
14.37%25
16.09%28
27.01%47
Q2 The Charter Committee is trying to get input from across the city. To
that end, please share the voting district you live in. You can find a map of
the voting districts here.
Answered: 174 Skipped: 1
TOTAL 174
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
None of the
above
CHI-8 – Voting
at City Hall...
CHI-9 – Voting
at the Middl...
CHI-10 –
Voting at...
CHI-11 –
Voting at th...
CHI-12 –
Voting at...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None of the above
CHI-8 – Voting at City Hall and the Senior Center
CHI-9 – Voting at the Middle School
CHI-10 – Voting at Chamberlain School
CHI-11 – Voting at the Middle School
CHI-12 – Voting at Orchard School
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
3 / 41
76.57%134
5.14%9
4.57%8
4.57%8
9.14%16
7.43%13
Q3 Do you currently have children in the South Burlington schools or
attend the South Burlington public schools? Click all that apply.
Answered: 175 Skipped: 0
Total Respondents: 175
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
No
Gertrude
Chamberlin...
Orchard School
Rick Marcotte
Central School
Tuttle Middle
School
High School
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
No
Gertrude Chamberlin School
Orchard School
Rick Marcotte Central School
Tuttle Middle School
High School
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
4 / 41
18.29%32
81.71%143
Q4 Did you attend a community meeting on this topic?
Answered: 175 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 175
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes
No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
5 / 41
84.57%148
15.43%27
Q5 Have you reviewed the Charter Committee’s spreadsheet of
advantages and disadvantages, linked above?
Answered: 175 Skipped: 0
TOTAL 175
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Yes
No
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes
No
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
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63.98%103
18.63%30
17.39%28
Q6 Executive Leadership - Do you prefer:
Answered: 161 Skipped: 14
TOTAL 161
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
A City Manager
appointed by...
An elected
Administrati...
An elected
Policy Mayor...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
A City Manager appointed by the City Council (current structure)
An elected Administrative or Executive Mayor such as in the City of Burlington (CEO of the City)
An elected Policy Mayor such as in the City of Montpelier or Winooski (serves as Chair of City Council), along with an
appointed City Manager
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
7 / 41
Q7 Executive Leadership – Why did you make this selection?
Answered: 131 Skipped: 44
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Less politics, more simple management responsibilities 6/13/2023 3:13 PM
2 i believe elected mayor best represents constituents.6/13/2023 1:48 PM
3 I do not see my preference among the choices. I would like to see a city manager with a
clearly administrative job description, qualifications and annual review process for nominations
and election. The current structure comes the closest to this.
6/13/2023 10:40 AM
4 I want the professional skill set of a manager, and the public accountability of an at large
mayor.
6/12/2023 10:52 PM
5 Experienced and has relevant expertise 6/12/2023 10:06 PM
6 A City Manager will give us greater competence in running the city. The City Council can fire
them if not competent. The City Council can direct policy.
6/12/2023 7:52 PM
7 I do not want our city governance more politicized than it already is. Though Mayors are
generally not drawn into polarizing political fights, the City Manager structure avoids the whole
problem, as they serve at the behest of the council.
6/12/2023 7:41 PM
8 I have not been made aware that the current system is broken. It seems to work well enough. I
am opposed to "reform" and "improvement" merely for the sake of "reform" and
"improvement." If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
6/12/2023 6:14 PM
9 Tired of current politics 6/12/2023 4:59 PM
10 I no longer have any faith in local government. They have lost the trust of many. Hopefully we
could vote them out if need be under the policy mayor model
6/12/2023 4:11 PM
11 combines advantages of city manager system with elected mayor who provides policy
leadership
6/12/2023 2:52 PM
12 We need a new structure. A business leader 6/12/2023 2:37 PM
13 Important to have someone driving a vision for the City, independent of the City Council.6/12/2023 2:31 PM
14 I've lived in cities with Mayors in the past, it is HIGHLY political, and a money game. People
with means give to the elections instead of supporting nonprofits and services. Once a mayor
is in, they buffer themselves with their own staff and are difficult to unseat, even when
ineffective. The amount of money spent on city council and school board elections is already
questionable for the size of our city.
6/12/2023 2:18 PM
15 I would support this option because of fewer politics & more consistency in managing the city,
but ONLY IF the City Manager quickly implements the Council’s policies (Kevin didn’t, e.g., he
didn’t have departments consider climate crisis effects in their daily spending & operational
decision-making).
6/12/2023 2:11 PM
16 Works for me 6/12/2023 2:01 PM
17 South Burlington has become a large enough city to need an elected leader rather than an
appointed on by the council
6/12/2023 1:29 PM
18 To be in synch w/Montpelier 6/12/2023 1:21 PM
19 if we have a mayor it will just create more red tape/ the current structure works just fine 6/12/2023 12:53 PM
20 Seems to be the most non-partisan option 6/12/2023 12:37 PM
21 Diffusion of power.6/12/2023 12:12 PM
22 Takes politics out of the decision.6/12/2023 12:05 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
8 / 41
23 Management of the city should be by a professionally trained person, not the result of politics
that may influence city decisions.
6/12/2023 11:54 AM
24 As the second largest city and growing, it is time to consider a mayor, however much of
SOBU’s growth has come from qualified and knowledge city managers and the that structure -
success of city center growth while Burlington which can be more ‘mercurial’ in long term
decisions and has a giant hole in the ground are stark examples that come to mind
6/12/2023 11:02 AM
25 Likely more representative.6/12/2023 10:57 AM
26 Balance 6/12/2023 10:54 AM
27 Current process is working well 6/12/2023 10:51 AM
28 Non partisan 6/12/2023 10:38 AM
29 Keep p;o0litice out of the mis!!!6/12/2023 10:29 AM
30 We're quite a bit smaller than Burlington in terms of population. A City Manager seems to work
for now.
6/12/2023 10:25 AM
31 the current system seems to work.6/12/2023 10:22 AM
32 More accountability to voters 6/12/2023 10:18 AM
33 seemed the least of evils 6/12/2023 10:11 AM
34 I like not having conflict (partisan or otherwise) between the Chief Executive and the City
Council.
6/12/2023 9:16 AM
35 An elected official is important to counterbalance the uniparty, such as Governor Scott
balances the uniparty in Montpelier.
6/12/2023 7:39 AM
36 Because I believe we need a better representative of the residents of the town.6/11/2023 7:29 PM
37 better representation of townsfolk, elected by people vs council 6/11/2023 7:22 PM
38 Accountability 6/11/2023 7:20 PM
39 South Burlington does not need to have a large bureaucracy. We do not need more taxes to
pay more salaries. We do not need more layers, more rules, etc. we do not need to be a
shining part of Chittenden county and not such separatists. We need more community not
more government.
6/11/2023 6:47 PM
40 Given the types of decisions an executive needs to make regarding personnel, planning, policy
(affordable housing, policing, etc.), I think it helps to have a professional as an executive.
6/11/2023 5:56 PM
41 We are large enough to need a CEO level leader 6/11/2023 3:06 PM
42 I think that political power needs to be split up. A single body tends to become too group
oriented
6/11/2023 7:00 AM
43 I like having an elected point person for policy. South Burlington is large enough, we really
need an appointed City Manager with professional qualifications.
6/10/2023 4:02 PM
44 To carry out projects and programs take time and stability is needed at the top to see through
projects and programs to completion.
6/10/2023 9:13 AM
45 Given the growth that SoBu is experiencing, and that we are the 2nd largest municipality in the
State (I think), I believe we should have an elected Executive to oversee all of our City
operations.
6/10/2023 8:58 AM
46 Has the least political overtones 6/9/2023 10:17 PM
47 It clearly divides policy from administrative functions.6/9/2023 9:18 PM
48 Having an appointed person means they will be more qualified. They will not be politically
motivated.
6/9/2023 8:26 PM
49 Less political. Like current system.6/9/2023 8:16 PM
50 Although South Burlington is large by Vermont standards it is small compared to cities in most
New England states. I believe that the current City Manager structure has served us well and
6/9/2023 6:45 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
9 / 41
should continue to do so. A mayoral system would result in a loss of continuity in overseeing
the growth of the community and politicize the position.
51 It currently working just fine 6/9/2023 5:58 PM
52 It is eficient and the City can find the best candidate which is not always the case with an
elected official.
6/9/2023 5:42 PM
53 They would have a broader idea of what is going on in the community 6/9/2023 5:40 PM
54 Non-partisan professionalism (hopefully)6/9/2023 5:35 PM
55 Has generally worked well for SB currently and in the past; alternatives have the potential to
become too partisan
6/9/2023 5:24 PM
56 It would promote a better synergy when setting policy and its practical execution. The city
manager is hired based on relevant skill sets and experience and provides continuity during
election cycles. While a Policy Mayor is helpful in driving policy, the presence of a city
manager is a stabilizing force, perhaps less tempted by “politics” than a sitting mayor.
6/9/2023 5:13 PM
57 We do not need more politics in our system. The City Council are elected officials and should
be trusted to hire a capable operator to run the city -- not a politician who may or may not have
real-world work experience running a business.
6/5/2023 10:45 AM
58 Allows voter personal choice 6/1/2023 7:40 PM
59 Not political. No apparent advantage for having a mayor over current system.6/1/2023 2:34 PM
60 I simply like our current structure, and I believe in neither a strong nor weak mayor. It’s an
additional “layer” of governance that could lead to gridlock.
6/1/2023 7:42 AM
61 Existing system works here. And, concerned that electing the executive will weaken Council
and eventually erode performance of Council.
5/30/2023 11:37 AM
62 I have no strong opinion about this question but the City Manager has for the most part worked
well for SB.
5/30/2023 9:35 AM
63 While the City certainly needs leadership, I am doubtful, especially based on the quality of out
current City Council, that we would be lucky enough to find a mayor who (1) is a good leader,
and (2) be representative of, and have the confidence of, the whole City.
5/28/2023 1:44 PM
64 Having previously lived in Burlington, I find its administrative mayor has consolidated too much
power. Better for the balance of power to reside in the council.
5/27/2023 10:22 PM
65 Testing 5/26/2023 12:33 PM
66 Having both best serves the needs of a growing city the mayor can represent the city in
Montpelier and DC while the CM can run the day to day operations.
5/25/2023 7:12 PM
67 I like how things are run now. I don't think a mayor would be an efficient change.5/25/2023 5:37 PM
68 I'm satisfied with the current Administrative City Manager / City Council structure.5/25/2023 10:12 AM
69 Good middle ground.5/25/2023 6:01 AM
70 I think the current system works well and do not see the need for a change 5/24/2023 10:05 PM
71 I believe that this form of leadership offers South Burlington the focused expertise of a
professional in public administration, which is vital in a growing and complex city like ours. I
am also concerned that a Policy Mayor and professional City Manager would have a tendency
to clash.
5/24/2023 9:31 PM
72 I am between Policy Mayor and City Manager. Elected mayor does not appeal. I support any
option that promotes communication and collaboration between leaders and staff who run
South Burlington
5/24/2023 5:33 PM
73 I like our current City Manager.5/24/2023 2:54 PM
74 I felt the pros outweighed the cons for our current system. I have not liked what I have seen
happening in either Burlington or Winooski in past years.
5/23/2023 8:46 PM
75 neutral, non-political decision maker with expertise in city governance.5/23/2023 7:51 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
10 / 41
76 Nothing wrong with current system. I’d rather have someone competent than local. I’d rather
have a neutral party running day to day operations than someone who owes political favors.
5/23/2023 7:03 PM
77 The elected mayor is directly responsible to the citizens 5/23/2023 5:46 PM
78 It seems to be a more straightforward way to run the city, compared to having a council.5/23/2023 4:59 PM
79 We do not need any more politicians in our community rubber stamping all the building! The
schools are over populated and the city continues to cause more problems than helping to find
a solution!
5/23/2023 4:22 PM
80 It is currently working well 5/23/2023 2:32 PM
81 I believe that this role will be less politicized than an elected mayor. I feel our history with
managers has been satisfactory.
5/23/2023 9:18 AM
82 Keep the politics out of leadership.5/23/2023 5:35 AM
83 Because it works well. More democratic and more competent governance. Having a mayor
would make the process pf governing more political and less collaborative. My experience
living in town with mayor: high probability of mayor having no relevant experience (or worse, no
experience and lazy, just seeking title), high probability of making elections even uglier. Why
fix what is not broken? If people want more districts to have representation, then people from
those districts need to run for office. If no one from a particular district runs, of course no one
from that district will get elected.
5/22/2023 8:56 PM
84 I trust the council and like then choosing their leader.5/22/2023 7:09 PM
85 More accountability and better visibility 5/22/2023 4:51 PM
86 Past city managers have been blind to the schools needs. Our schools are at over capacity
and yet these past City Managers supported a rubber stamp to developers. A politically
inclined Mayor will cow tow to developers and make our schools worse off then they are now
by saddling tax payers with the school problems. All this while non resident developers enjoy
the spoils of taking advantage of South Burlington.
5/22/2023 1:12 PM
87 Prefer professional expertise & objectivity over political posturing & influence/infusion of
money into decisions.
5/19/2023 9:20 AM
88 City has many services which require professional staff that is competatively hired by a city
manager.
5/18/2023 1:48 PM
89 Saw the system work very effectively in Falls Church City, VA (pop 14,658), which has a very
high quality of living environment, excellent school system (International Baccalaureate
program), and good services.
5/17/2023 9:29 PM
90 I don't think we should be adding more veto points. We need to get things done and adding yet
another layer of administration seems to get in the way of that.
5/17/2023 2:32 PM
91 I believe it strikes an effective compromise between the current system and a Burlington-style
system (in that it will be easier to avoid a situation where the mayor ends up at war with the
council), will give the city a stronger sense of identity as an actual city, and will allow voters to
have more direct control over the city's policy direction rather than having an unelected
manager.
5/17/2023 2:28 PM
92 There should be more accountability for decisions made that effect the city 5/16/2023 7:53 PM
93 Professional, skilled, consistent leader over time 5/16/2023 10:41 AM
94 Gut feeling.5/11/2023 7:50 PM
95 It seems to be a good mix of the 2 options 5/11/2023 5:20 PM
96 I think the current system is working very well. I get the sense that the City Manager is
professional rather than political, which is how it should be.
5/9/2023 5:39 PM
97 Less opportunity for politics to get in the way of the actually managing the town. Elected
officials will not result in people with the necessary background and training and will make it
easier for ideologues to take over.
5/9/2023 5:30 PM
98 “Selected based on qualifications”5/9/2023 10:23 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
11 / 41
99 It seems to be working well. I would worry that adding an elected mayor would bring the
political battles of Burlington to South Burlington.
5/9/2023 8:32 AM
100 You need balance of thought. That’s what a council provides.5/9/2023 7:58 AM
101 The advantage of having a council and a manager is that you have a governance structure that
is run by a concern us of volunteers - not by a career politician who is only concerned with
keeping their job. Why change that?
5/9/2023 7:41 AM
102 Not partisan political. Could live with Montpelier/Winooski model 5/9/2023 7:33 AM
103 I look at Burlington and the issues they're having with city politics, and I look at South
Burlington and don't see that. I see no need to add a mayor and complicate leadership. The
current structure works just fine. Don't try to fix what isn't broken.
5/9/2023 7:30 AM
104 Prefer professional City Manager rather than accepting whatever skills, or lack thereof the
elected Mayor may bring. Don't think SB is large enough to warrant separately elected Mayor. I
think an elected full-time "strong" Mayor would be a terrible idea. Current City Council
President could adopt title of Mayor for ceremonial purposes, if that was desired, while keeping
current selection process (this process was used in previous community I lived in in NJ and
worked well.)
5/8/2023 7:58 PM
105 Too much potential for politics and conflict with Mayoral structure 5/8/2023 1:40 PM
106 It works 5/8/2023 8:59 AM
107 Brings career professionalism to the role 5/5/2023 7:14 PM
108 A good executive leader is not necessarily a good campaigner. The city councilors have done
a great job over the years hiring and firing city managers, and I would like to let them continue
that. Let the executive focus on running the city, not on campaigning. It gives them job
stability, and helps the city run smoothly. Teams can build trust with a leader they know will
stick around for a while.
5/5/2023 2:08 PM
109 Provides ability to hire the best possible person and eliminates politics 5/5/2023 10:02 AM
110 Having a Policy mayor to help rally public support for the goals of the city council while having
a qualified city manager would make the possibility of goals being met greater.
5/4/2023 8:40 PM
111 The city seems to run very well from my perspective.5/4/2023 8:07 PM
112 I think this has worked well for the city and I dont see the benefits of changing the structure 5/4/2023 7:00 PM
113 I think it has worked well in the towns you reference. It seems a traditional Mayor brings more
politics to the table.
5/4/2023 3:20 PM
114 SB is big enough, it needs an accountable executive 5/4/2023 12:42 PM
115 It makes sense to have an election and have that person run the city. Of they people don't like
it they don't get reelected.
5/3/2023 10:09 PM
116 Electing a mayor creates better checks and balances in the government system.5/3/2023 6:13 PM
117 None of the above 5/3/2023 5:29 PM
118 The City Manager was not approved by the electorate and should not be making policy 5/3/2023 5:25 PM
119 I find that elected folks do not manage very well and are too invested in reelection. Burlington
structure is a disaster.
5/3/2023 5:12 PM
120 I think the current structure works well and is balanced 5/3/2023 4:30 PM
121 I prefer not to have excessive power in a position held by one individual.5/1/2023 12:19 PM
122 More accountability and more qualified.4/29/2023 12:33 PM
123 Representation from my area of the city.4/28/2023 12:06 PM
124 You have a greater chance of hiring a more qualified person to lead the city than electing just
anyone as the Mayor. Also, the unfair and unbalance campaign financing that occurs in So.
Burlington would not come into play if a city manager is hired. Our city should look into publicly
4/28/2023 10:29 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
12 / 41
financing city council elections so that wealthy residents and business leaders don't continue
to have an unfair influence on our city elections.
125 Accountable to residents. Determined by voters.4/28/2023 9:32 AM
126 We need leadership that is elected by the taxpayers for accountability 4/27/2023 4:55 PM
127 We need solid clear knowledge based leadership right now and not an institutional change at
the top.
4/27/2023 3:59 PM
128 Less political 4/27/2023 3:55 PM
129 larger pool with credentials to select a City Manager from. No politics involved 4/27/2023 3:21 PM
130 All councilors and the council elected chair is "at-large", I fail to see how a Policy Mayor would
provide more impactful representation than a council chair
4/27/2023 3:14 PM
131 While our city is large and growing, I do not know that it warrants a change in governance
structure. The current structure of a city council provides collaborative representation and that
council provides oversight/supervision to the City Manager. I believe this to be a sufficient
structure and do not see a compelling reason to change it.
4/27/2023 3:09 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
13 / 41
54.09%86
45.91%73
Q8 City Council Composition – Do you prefer:
Answered: 159 Skipped: 16
TOTAL 159
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
A Council with
five members...
A Council with
more than fi...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
A Council with five members (current structure)
A Council with more than five members
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
14 / 41
Q9 If more than five, how many City Councilors do you recommend?
Answered: 76 Skipped: 99
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Two members per district.6/13/2023 10:45 AM
2 6 or 8 if there is an elected mayor. 7 or 9 if the mayor or council chair is elected by the
councilors each year.
6/12/2023 10:56 PM
3 9 6/12/2023 10:06 PM
4 7 6/12/2023 4:59 PM
5 7 6/12/2023 4:13 PM
6 10. 2 from each ward 6/12/2023 2:55 PM
7 8 6/12/2023 2:38 PM
8 Seven 6/12/2023 2:19 PM
9 Seven 6/12/2023 1:22 PM
10 10 6/12/2023 12:13 PM
11 Odd number preferred, no more than 7. But would be happy with remaining at 5 as well.6/12/2023 11:58 AM
12 7 6/12/2023 11:05 AM
13 I think slightly more representation is needed but growth to 7 only to move into the change 6/12/2023 11:04 AM
14 7 6/12/2023 10:58 AM
15 7 6/12/2023 10:38 AM
16 7 6/12/2023 10:30 AM
17 maybe 7 6/12/2023 10:12 AM
18 While I indicated more than five, I do not feel strongly about the size of the City Council. I do
not find major objections with the current size of five.
6/12/2023 9:21 AM
19 9 6/12/2023 7:40 AM
20 7 6/11/2023 8:23 PM
21 9 6/11/2023 7:32 PM
22 7-8 6/11/2023 7:24 PM
23 Need to ensure the council is open and more representative of diversity but not of it means
higher payroll. How about community reps that rotate on an annual basis?
6/11/2023 6:51 PM
24 Seven.6/11/2023 6:01 PM
25 10, 2 from each ward, plus admin (mayor and other) are needed in order to run a city this size 6/11/2023 3:17 PM
26 8. Most people think and odd number is necessary, but this is not true. Whatever the number,
it takes a majority of those precent to pass a motion. 8 members works much better with the
open meeting law. It still protects the necessity of not letting decisions be made in secret
"meeting" out of the public eye, but at the same time allows up to 4 members discuss an issue
and not have to go into board meetings stone cold. Humans are social animals an need
contact to work well.
6/11/2023 7:13 AM
27 na 6/10/2023 4:04 PM
28 7 6/10/2023 9:14 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
15 / 41
29 8 6/10/2023 8:51 AM
30 7 6/9/2023 5:40 PM
31 Seven: 5 in a ward system and 2 at large.6/9/2023 5:37 PM
32 7 6/9/2023 5:27 PM
33 5 is enough. Boards are challenging enough as they are, more than 5 invites more room for
"taking up air time" and avoiding consensus.
6/5/2023 10:47 AM
34 I do not perceive any reduction for the workload of a councilor just because more seats are
added. A councilor still needs to do just as much work if they wish to represent the entire
community and if the what to understand all issues.
6/1/2023 2:47 PM
35 7 6/1/2023 7:44 AM
36 seven 5/30/2023 9:36 AM
37 7 5/30/2023 12:32 AM
38 7-10. A larger council would allow for ad hoc subcommittees concerning important topics.5/28/2023 1:53 PM
39 Ten. Allows more of a diversity of opinions and more people to do the work.5/27/2023 10:25 PM
40 9 5/25/2023 7:14 PM
41 Not a strong preference. Would consider 5 from each district plus 2 or 4 at large members.
Would like to keep it to an odd number.
5/24/2023 5:35 PM
42 10 5/24/2023 2:56 PM
43 7 5/23/2023 8:56 PM
44 7; 5 wards and 2 at large 5/23/2023 7:53 PM
45 One representative for each legislative district 5/23/2023 5:48 PM
46 We need more voices on the city council looking out for the school district. If you keep up the
reckless building we will have the worst schools in the state and NO ONE will want to move
here! Is that what you all want?
5/23/2023 4:24 PM
47 7 5/23/2023 2:40 PM
48 Unsure.5/23/2023 9:19 AM
49 7 5/21/2023 11:53 AM
50 Prefer to have an odd number to prevent deadlocks. Research on maximum size for effective
committees is 5-7; however such small numbers result in work overload & time constraints. I
would suggest 2 per current district and 1 (or 3) city wide to insure a balance of perspectives &
reduce the potential of deadlocks and/or political alliances to sway decisions.
5/19/2023 9:41 AM
51 Seven. Two at large and 5 by Leg. District 5/18/2023 1:51 PM
52 Seven (7)5/18/2023 11:07 AM
53 Seven members. Maintain an odd number for voting purposes, but hopefully broaden the tent a
bit.
5/17/2023 9:41 PM
54 not more than 7 5/16/2023 10:44 AM
55 Not sure yet. Would have to do an evaluation of possible districts. 5 and maybe a couple
more. The current at large system is Not working for many parts of our City.
5/11/2023 7:57 PM
56 7?5/11/2023 7:30 PM
57 5 seems to be about right 5/9/2023 5:43 PM
58 I would increase to 7 members. I think increasing the number of members would give the
council more capacity and flexibility. However, the 5 member council seems to be working
fairly well now, so this isn’t a strong opinion.
5/9/2023 8:37 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
16 / 41
59 No more than five. How would they ever get anything done?5/9/2023 7:44 AM
60 Seven 5/9/2023 7:43 AM
61 5 seems perfectly reasonable for the size of the community.5/8/2023 7:58 PM
62 7 5/8/2023 11:18 AM
63 8 5/5/2023 8:15 PM
64 7 5/5/2023 2:13 PM
65 7-9 5/5/2023 10:04 AM
66 7 5/4/2023 7:01 PM
67 Seven feels good to me. As we have grown this will get it back to where we had been in terms
of councilors per voter.
5/4/2023 3:21 PM
68 7 5/3/2023 10:10 PM
69 Five is fine if they represent the districts; would support a couple at large members also.5/3/2023 6:17 PM
70 At least 9 5/3/2023 5:14 PM
71 Seven, five for each ward, two elected at-large.5/1/2023 7:25 PM
72 5 4/28/2023 12:10 PM
73 One for each ward. If more than 5 wards are needed, then the council should have more than 5
members (total number of members always been an odd number).
4/28/2023 10:35 AM
74 8 4/28/2023 9:34 AM
75 7 4/27/2023 5:53 PM
76 7 the City is growing and with only 5 I do think all are represented 4/27/2023 3:23 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
17 / 41
37.34%59
32.91%52
29.75%47
Q10 City Council Districts – Do you prefer:
Answered: 158 Skipped: 17
TOTAL 158
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
A Council with
members elec...
A Council with
members elec...
A Council with
members elec...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
A Council with members elected at large (current structure)
A Council with members elected only from the 5 legislative districts (wards)
A Council with members elected from the 5 legislative districts (wards) and the remainder elected at large
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
18 / 41
Q11 City Council - Why did you make these selections?
Answered: 132 Skipped: 43
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Most qualified from the whole city 6/13/2023 3:14 PM
2 fair representation with less cost to tax payers 6/13/2023 1:49 PM
3 To expand representation across the city and create a more diverse city council.6/13/2023 10:45 AM
4 I would prefer either 2 per ward, with fewer wards, with only a mayor elected at large. Or more
wards with one from each.
6/12/2023 10:56 PM
5 Better diversity of opinions 6/12/2023 10:06 PM
6 Each council person can bring the perspective of their constituents, one rich area of the city
doesn't dominate. I don't mind that SEQ will have a smaller population as it is a voting district
shared with the neighboring city, therefore a larger voice on City Council.
6/12/2023 7:55 PM
7 This will confine highly polarizing political city enclaves to one representative, assuring a
diversity of viewpoints on the council. It also allows for political party politics to get involved in
the city council races (in an official capacity in the sense of going through the primary process,
presumably). Political party endorsements and funding will become more important as South
Burlington grows, and it will inevitably grow.
6/12/2023 7:44 PM
8 Same rationale as regards the Executive. Is it broken? Doesn't seem to be. Then there's no
need to fix it.
6/12/2023 6:16 PM
9 The current makeup represents a small group of citizens.6/12/2023 4:13 PM
10 No section of the city should be unrepresented while another section has double or triple
representation.
6/12/2023 2:55 PM
11 Need a more diverse input 6/12/2023 2:38 PM
12 Creates closer ties with the wards and its issues.6/12/2023 2:32 PM
13 may be hard to have candidates from all 5 districts 6/12/2023 2:19 PM
14 I don’t know if we have a large enough population to have district voting. However, if we stay
with the current structure, it’s very important that funds be available for people with low
incomes so they can effectively compete in running for office.
6/12/2023 2:19 PM
15 Works for me 6/12/2023 2:02 PM
16 Council elected by wards. But ward quantity based on best representation, so if more wards
than 5 needed, add wards.
6/12/2023 1:53 PM
17 I think with the expansion of the city areas like the Airport area are being forgotten and left
behind. Having an elected official from the ward will help to focuses on the needs of that area
and incorporate that focus into the greater city plan.
6/12/2023 1:32 PM
18 i THINK EVERY AREA OF THE CITY SHOULD BE SPECIFICALLY REPRESENTED 6/12/2023 1:07 PM
19 does it really atter where in sb they live we all live in sb wouldnt we all want whats best for sb
therefore keep as is
6/12/2023 12:54 PM
20 most fair way to have individuals compete 6/12/2023 12:38 PM
21 More representative as economic classes diverge, which seems to be the trend.6/12/2023 12:14 PM
22 Prefer just 5. But if we are to go to 10, a mixed Council maintains the benefits of local input,
complimented with a city-wide perspective.
6/12/2023 12:13 PM
23 Would like to see more direct representation tied to various areas of the city, not all officials 6/12/2023 11:58 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
19 / 41
from just one or two areas.
24 I don’t have a strong opinion on this issue to want overall changes made 6/12/2023 11:04 AM
25 Feels like better representation would be the result.6/12/2023 10:58 AM
26 Representation 6/12/2023 10:55 AM
27 Would like all districts to be represented 6/12/2023 10:38 AM
28 distribution of votes 6/12/2023 10:30 AM
29 While the idea of City Council coming from various districts seems like a good idea, for
whatever reason (such as education, energy, money, time), the City Council currently has
difficulty fielding candidates from more than 1-2 districts. Also, a City Councilor coming from
the SEQ shouldn't necessarily be disqualified for helping citizens in the Chamberlain School
area.
6/12/2023 10:28 AM
30 Seems the fairest with districts giving voice to location within the system but the view of a
majority of voters as well.
6/12/2023 10:25 AM
31 Better representation of geographical diversity in SB 6/12/2023 10:19 AM
32 seems fair 6/12/2023 10:12 AM
33 I do not believe the results of the current at-large system are producing a one-person, one-vote
fair representation. The folks that live in the SEQ, effectively, have a one-person, three or four
votes representation, depending on the issue.
6/12/2023 9:21 AM
34 Representation for the 5 legislative districts is the better balance.6/12/2023 7:40 AM
35 We need more diverse representation 6/11/2023 7:32 PM
36 Same as above-better represenation 6/11/2023 7:24 PM
37 Accountability 6/11/2023 7:22 PM
38 We need to think differently about city leadership and not just mimic others 6/11/2023 6:51 PM
39 I think five can be too small a number if there are absences or recusals that affect the ability
to meet quorum requirements. I support have representatives for geographical areas as the
needs may be different in each district and to ensure a potentially broader discussion. If there
are disparities in the population of each district, efforts can be made for an additional
representative from the district or a combined two districts (see the Burlington model).
6/11/2023 6:01 PM
40 Ward specific elections will help with decision making. More councilors will help get things
done
6/11/2023 3:17 PM
41 This option gives all areas of the city equal representation. I think it should be 2 councilors
from each ward. That will bring more ideas to the table and works even better than 8 with the
open meeting law. Also, there should be little difficulty in getting a quorum the vast majority of
the time.
6/11/2023 7:13 AM
42 We don't have broad representation in City Councl currently, it seems like a ward system could
improve this. This doesn't help with the cost of running for council, this could be a barrier for
many candidates who are otherwise well qualified.
6/10/2023 4:04 PM
43 Better representation, and more representation from different socioeconomic backgrounds.6/10/2023 9:14 AM
44 Each ward has it's on challenges/issues, some very unique. Having councilors elected on a
Ward basis would allow residents to elect someone who understands these challenges unique
to their ward.
6/10/2023 9:01 AM
45 Residents of the legislative districts should have a voice on the Council 6/9/2023 10:18 PM
46 Because it gives more equitable representation to each area of the city and decreases cost of
running for office.
6/9/2023 9:19 PM
47 Having too many cooks in the kitchen make it difficult to get things done. South Burlington is
not that large, and I think our counselors do a good job representing all parts of the city.
6/9/2023 8:28 PM
48 More focused.6/9/2023 8:17 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
20 / 41
49 I can't comment on the workload of the Council and whether having more Council members
would be beneficial. However, I am opposed to a ward structure that would inevitably politicize
the community, pitting one ward against another.
6/9/2023 6:46 PM
50 We currently have 5 talented members and don’t need to change what is currently working well 6/9/2023 6:16 PM
51 Councilors should serve the entire city and be elected based on their merits and their ability to
do what is good for the entire City, not just for a district/ward.
6/9/2023 5:44 PM
52 Right-size workload, and represent a more diverse, representative cross-section of SB 6/9/2023 5:37 PM
53 There are some issues which may be more fairly represented by ward representatives and this
structure doesn't throw out everything which has worked well but leans toward more inclusive
representation.
6/9/2023 5:27 PM
54 The current structure works well.6/9/2023 5:14 PM
55 Better representation, but also allows for election at large should the ward positions not be able
to be filled.
6/5/2023 10:47 AM
56 better community representation 6/1/2023 7:41 PM
57 I am concerned that the City may not find competent, interested and dedicated councilors from
each district. I know that some folks do not believe they are well represented with only having
at large councilors and they blame the cost of running for the City Council as the reason that
candidates in some districts do not have the funds to run for office. Based on personal
experience, any candidate that wants to serve should be able to go house to house and
request citizens to contribute to their campaign even if it is $25 from households in their
districts or at large. If a candidate is already involved in the community and committees, etc.,
then they should have the network and reputation to raise funds. I do not want a councilor
whose only reason to be on the Council is that they were to only one to run in their district.
6/1/2023 2:47 PM
58 I don’t at all like dividing us into “wards” beyond for voting. We are all South Burlington
citizens. There is far too much division in the world today.
6/1/2023 7:44 AM
59 The difficulty recruiting strong candidates from each district may erode quality of Council.
Electing council by district may fragment South Burlington, pitting one legislative district
against another.
5/30/2023 11:40 AM
60 I don't think at large members work for the city any more given the very distinct parts of the
city that need representation.
5/30/2023 9:36 AM
61 The City currently suffers from income inequality which is reflected in the composition of the
City Council and, more importantly, in City policy. Any “at large” members would likely result
the continuation in the policy arena with, as now, one area of the City dominating the rest.
Therefore, perhaps five districts with two members elected from each district would be my first
preference, or 7-10 districts designed around neighborhoods each with its own representative.
5/28/2023 1:53 PM
62 Our City is diverse, and the wealthiest residents are currently the best represented on council.
We need to make sure each part of the city is properly represented.
5/27/2023 10:25 PM
63 Testing 5/26/2023 12:33 PM
64 Each area of the city should have representation with the at large members expanding the pool
of potential candidates
5/25/2023 7:14 PM
65 I think it keeps things efficient with five members. But I would not be opposed to more than
five if more councillors are needed to get work done.
5/25/2023 5:41 PM
66 I'm satisfied with the current structure.5/25/2023 10:13 AM
67 City is Not big enough for more wards to make sense.5/25/2023 6:02 AM
68 I think it will be difficult to get, from each district, committed, informed candidates who
understand the whole city's challenges, if that were the structure.
5/24/2023 10:10 PM
69 Legislative districts are the most reflective division of city neighborhoods interests and needs.
Those interests and needs are not accounted for when a disproportionate number of Councilors
are elected from only one or two districts.
5/24/2023 9:33 PM
70 I like the appeal of ensuring broad neighborhood representation, although given how small 5/24/2023 5:35 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
21 / 41
South Burlington is, I don't know it will make a difference. Maybe it will make for an easier
avenue for someone to get involved. I support the choice that offers the most opportunity for
collaboration and communication.
71 Want councilors elected by districts. There are five districts so must have five or ten. Prefer
ten but five is ok.
5/24/2023 2:56 PM
72 I think distrcts should be represented equally at the very least. There will be meetings when
not all will be in attendance.
5/23/2023 8:56 PM
73 equal representation from across all 5 legislative districts and a few extras for greater mix of
discussion.
5/23/2023 7:53 PM
74 At large candidates are not beholden to represent the citizens in the ward 5/23/2023 5:48 PM
75 I think a larger council would create more difficulty coming to a consensus and electing
members at large seems to have been fine so far.
5/23/2023 5:00 PM
76 I think it is good for councilors' interest to be for all South Burlington residents and not just
their districts.
5/23/2023 2:40 PM
77 All districts may not have candidates or qualified candidates 5/23/2023 1:33 PM
78 I do not think the current structure properly represents all areas of the city, especially the
Chamberlin neighborhood where I reside.
5/23/2023 9:19 AM
79 It works well now. Please don't change this.5/23/2023 5:36 AM
80 Because we have a highly educated, highly dedicated, exceptionally competent council as it
is, and 5 is a number that is neither too large nor too small for the group to function smoothly.
More than 5 would probably delay decision making and potentially create more division. 5 is
the sweet spot.
5/22/2023 8:58 PM
81 I think balanced representation from our districts would better represent our community and
don't feel the need for more than 5 councilors.
5/22/2023 7:10 PM
82 May result in more qualified individuals 5/22/2023 4:52 PM
83 More members equals more disagreements and nothing gets done. Just look at congress 5/22/2023 1:12 PM
84 We do not need to follow the legislative districts. Fewer representative councilors or at-large
all. Just to get at least a few from an area other than SEQ! We do need representation from
those who live in "less-privileged" areas.
5/21/2023 11:53 AM
85 Prefer to have an odd number to prevent deadlocks. Research on maximum size for effective
committees is 5-7; however such small numbers result in work overload & time constraints. I
would suggest 2 per current district and 1 (or 3) city wide to insure a balance of perspectives &
reduce the potential of deadlocks and/or political alliances to sway decisions.
5/19/2023 9:41 AM
86 Best combination using existing Leg. boundries to elect 5 and 2 at large to provide 7. 7 will
better cover Council tasks.
5/18/2023 1:51 PM
87 It makes sense to have more members to share the vast responsibilities for outside meetings 5/18/2023 11:07 AM
88 Again, I saw a seven member city council work very effectively in Falls Church, which
reasonably well reflected the diversity in the community and its different neighborhoods.
The seven Council Members are elected at-large for four-year terms and are not affiliated with
any national political party and are elected on odd-numbered years for staggered terns. The
Council members elect from among themselves a Mayor and Vice Mayor for a two-year term.
5/17/2023 9:41 PM
89 Prefer 4 ward elections with a mayor elected at large 5/17/2023 2:37 PM
90 Wards are a terrible idea and would only make our city's NIMBY problem worse. The bigger the
political districts, the broader the perspective of each council member.
5/17/2023 2:33 PM
91 I will note that since Chittenden-8 contains part of Williston, the ward boundaries would
probably have to be slightly different than the legislative boundaries if all of the wards are to
have approximately the same population in the interest of one person, one vote.
5/17/2023 2:29 PM
92 It would be good to have a representative from your own ward 5/16/2023 7:55 PM
93 Problem: the 5 districts are really 4 1/2; so that 1/2 gets half the residents per its councilor.5/16/2023 10:44 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
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However: I would have one councilor who would connect more closely with our district and its
neighborhoods; plus the at-large who would reflect all of us.
94 No at large is fair to much of our city at this time.5/11/2023 7:57 PM
95 I think it’s important to have a diverse group of councilors serving our city. However, I don’t
want them to lose sight of the whole city, so I also would like to see councilors elected at
large. I also feel there are a few councilors who are doing a great job, and I wouldn’t want to
see them excluded because they live in the same area.
5/11/2023 5:22 PM
96 City council is not an easy job, with almost no compensation, so I wonder if you would even
find candidates willing to serve from different districts.
5/9/2023 5:43 PM
97 Going to the wards system results in councilors having to only appeal to a much smaller part
of the electorate. Narrowing the constituency like that results in decisions that only benefit
fewer and fewer members of the community.
5/9/2023 5:32 PM
98 Splitting into wards is unnecessary 5/9/2023 10:25 AM
99 If the city council remains 5 members, I think having those members represent their
geographical areas is good. Closer ties to constituents is a positive. If the council increases
above 5 members I think having some elected at large also makes sense as I appreciate the
benefits of members with a city wide perspective to help balance and compromise among the
needs of different geographical areas of the city.
5/9/2023 8:37 AM
100 A ward system won’t change the composition of the council. It will only get the richest people
from those wards. If you want to get more people to run, change what’s asked of the council. It
takes 10 hours a week minimum to be a hood councilor. Name a single parent with that kind of
time.
5/9/2023 8:01 AM
101 I want more diversity on the council. But a ward system will NOT accomplish this. We have a
homogenous body because what we ask of the council cannot be done by people with jobs, or
who are struggling to make ends meet. A ward system doesn’t solve that problem - it only
makes it easier for individuals like Paul Engles - retired people who live in a ward with a lot of
working class people - to get elected.
5/9/2023 7:44 AM
102 South Burlington already is too divided. Lack of councilors from certain area has as much to
do with voter turnout & individuals not being willing to run. This last election was so expensive
because two issue “camps” (not geographical) were vying to have their perspective on the
council.
5/9/2023 7:43 AM
103 It seems to me every part of the city should have equal representation 5/9/2023 7:31 AM
104 SB doesn't seem large enough to warrant wards; especially given typical voter turnout. I see
little advantage to going this route and think it would divide the City rather than make things
better.
5/8/2023 7:58 PM
105 Broader perspectives 5/8/2023 11:18 AM
106 It works 5/8/2023 9:00 AM
107 Assurance of qualified people from across the City vs. maybe having to settle for a less
qualified candidate(s) just to satisfy the district allocations
5/5/2023 7:16 PM
108 It will help ensure the council has representatives from across the city, while not restricting
every representative to a small area of the city. Wards can help councilors build relationships
with their constituents and reduce the barrier to entry, while at-large is an opportunity for people
who have the means and desire to campaign to and represent a larger group. It seems like a
good balance between the options.
5/5/2023 2:13 PM
109 I feel a greater number would provide more diverse voices and share work load.5/5/2023 10:04 AM
110 I think we should only change one thing at a time. Move to a policy mayor/city manager
system first and add more council members later if needed.
5/4/2023 8:41 PM
111 The city council seems to work well with the current structure 5/4/2023 8:09 PM
112 I would like yo see broader representation of the board to help divide work and keep fresh
perspectives
5/4/2023 7:01 PM
113 I think councilors fro the legislative districts will know more about the hyper-local issues but 5/4/2023 3:21 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
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the at large can also add some more city-wide perspectives.
114 Too many councilors is a mess, just look to Burlington. And having geographic representation
is important as our community grows more diverse. I don't think being almost solely
represented by the McMansion elite is good for anyone.
5/4/2023 12:43 PM
115 Better to represent the town 5/3/2023 10:10 PM
116 It’s important that are councilors represent their respective districts. I see the makeup and
needs of the districts changing in the future.
5/3/2023 6:17 PM
117 Each ward or district may have needs not shared by the others.5/3/2023 5:30 PM
118 More diversity.5/3/2023 5:14 PM
119 I feel that the council needs to be balanced and representative of all areas of the city. Electing
members from the 5 legislative districts allows opportunity for that.
5/3/2023 4:31 PM
120 Four of the five current councilors, and two former councilors, all reside in one ward that
makes up less than 25% of the city's population.
5/1/2023 7:25 PM
121 I would like to see ward-specific councilors as I feel the current citywide setup diminishes the
perspectives of parts of the city.
5/1/2023 12:21 PM
122 Have seen no indication that the present structure is not working effectively.4/29/2023 12:33 PM
123 To have a representative from my part of my the city.4/28/2023 12:10 PM
124 Better representation for each district, and a more balanced Council.4/28/2023 10:35 AM
125 A City Council member can represent the wishes of his neighbors.4/28/2023 9:34 AM
126 Unbalanced representation with current city council 4/27/2023 5:53 PM
127 Leadership needs to be elected by the taxpayers 4/27/2023 4:56 PM
128 Stability and equality and fairness.4/27/2023 4:00 PM
129 Better representation 4/27/2023 3:56 PM
130 council members need to look at what is best for the whole city, not what is best for their
section of town so they may get re-elected
4/27/2023 3:23 PM
131 While I don't love how the council can swing to be more representative of one area of the City,
as has occurred in recent years, I feel the elected obligation to serve to all districts as a whole
is important for South Burlington. Also, in the current process, the opinion of the electorate
should balance out any district over-representation, if in the end it fails to address the
concerns of all residents.
4/27/2023 3:18 PM
132 First, I do not believe that a larger council or municipal board necessarily equates to better
representation. It is the role of elected officials to "do the work" of engaging with their entire
constituency, and then make the best decisions they can with the entirety of the information
they receive. A bigger council does not mean better work. In regards to representation at large
or from wards: In general, I believe that a municipal board that is functioning well does not
have members who are there solely to make decisions based on their ward. I believe each
member of the council should represent the entire city. That would imply an at-large structure
is appropriate. That said: I know that our current council is largely representative of only a
small portion of our city that represents a certain demographic. I do think that it may instill
more trust in the council to make that membership more fully representative of the city. I still
believe, though, that once a council member is on the council, their collective job is to
represent ALL of us.
4/27/2023 3:14 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
24 / 41
60.39%93
39.61%61
Q12 School Board Composition – Do you prefer:
Answered: 154 Skipped: 21
TOTAL 154
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
A School Board
with five...
A School Board
with more th...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
A School Board with five members (current structure)
A School Board with more than five members
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
25 / 41
Q13 If more than five, how many School Board members do you
recommend?
Answered: 66 Skipped: 109
#RESPONSES DATE
1 6 - 9 6/12/2023 10:59 PM
2 7 6/12/2023 4:15 PM
3 10 6/12/2023 2:56 PM
4 10 6/12/2023 2:39 PM
5 seven 6/12/2023 2:20 PM
6 Seven 6/12/2023 1:23 PM
7 7 6/12/2023 12:15 PM
8 10 6/12/2023 12:13 PM
9 Maximum 7 6/12/2023 11:59 AM
10 It has been difficult to find 5 people who stay on the board it seems for the last few years,
more board members would make that more difficult
6/12/2023 11:05 AM
11 7 6/12/2023 10:58 AM
12 Hard to find even 5 to serve 6/12/2023 10:31 AM
13 With the rapid turnover of School Board members, often with less than one term or just one
term, not sure that having more Members is manageable. Sounds like a good idea.
6/12/2023 10:29 AM
14 7 6/12/2023 10:19 AM
15 7 6/12/2023 10:12 AM
16 Seven 6/12/2023 9:26 AM
17 9 6/12/2023 7:41 AM
18 8 6/11/2023 7:23 PM
19 7 but they must have to dedicate a minimum of 25 hours within the schools and with teachers 6/11/2023 6:54 PM
20 Seven. Given the issues facing school districts, I think having additional members would help
with the work load.
6/11/2023 6:03 PM
21 At least eight, for the open meeting law advantages explained above. If from wards, ten, again
as explained above.
6/11/2023 7:20 AM
22 seven 6/9/2023 9:21 PM
23 Seven.6/9/2023 6:54 PM
24 7 6/9/2023 6:03 PM
25 Seven: five in a ward system and two at-large.6/9/2023 5:37 PM
26 7 6/9/2023 5:28 PM
27 I would recommend nine members to help share the workload.6/1/2023 2:52 PM
28 7 6/1/2023 7:50 AM
29 seven 5/30/2023 9:37 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
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30 Same as City Council and for the same reasons.5/28/2023 2:01 PM
31 Ten. I like more opinions, more diversity & more people to share the work.5/27/2023 10:27 PM
32 Testing 5/26/2023 12:34 PM
33 7 5/25/2023 7:14 PM
34 n/a 5/25/2023 10:14 AM
35 Consider 7 members.5/24/2023 5:36 PM
36 10 5/24/2023 2:58 PM
37 7 5/23/2023 8:56 PM
38 7 5/23/2023 7:54 PM
39 We need the city and schools to get on the same page!!! The schools age the draw to our
community but it will not continue if we do it slow down the building and concentrate on the
infrastructure of schools, police and fire!!!! Our school budget is at a minimum and we cannot
meet the needs of our students and families without more of a focus on the schools. The
schools are our heartbeat and that heartbeat is getting softer and softer!!!!!!
5/23/2023 4:27 PM
40 7 5/23/2023 2:42 PM
41 I prefer 5. Many school board members run unopposed currently 5/23/2023 1:35 PM
42 Unsure.5/23/2023 9:20 AM
43 7 5/23/2023 5:36 AM
44 7 5/21/2023 11:54 AM
45 10-13 members per above commentary 5/19/2023 9:42 AM
46 7. Same configuation as CC 5/18/2023 1:53 PM
47 Seven (7)5/18/2023 12:43 PM
48 Seven to broaden the tent.5/17/2023 9:47 PM
49 Not sure. But there needs to be more diversity of thought in the school board so it is not a
monopoly
5/16/2023 7:56 PM
50 At least 7 5/11/2023 7:30 PM
51 I would like to keep the 5 current school board members, but add at least 3 more who are
knowledgeable about and able to make good decisions to serve only in matters related to
facilities.
5/9/2023 5:47 PM
52 I would match it to the city council to keep consistency and reduce confusion,5/9/2023 8:38 AM
53 Why more? What’s the problem we’re trying to solve?!?5/9/2023 7:48 AM
54 Seven 5/9/2023 7:46 AM
55 7 5/8/2023 11:19 AM
56 7-9 5/5/2023 10:05 AM
57 7 5/4/2023 8:44 PM
58 9 5/4/2023 7:03 PM
59 7 5/3/2023 10:10 PM
60 7 5/3/2023 6:22 PM
61 Ten (10); two from each ward 5/3/2023 5:34 PM
62 As many as are interested 5/3/2023 5:17 PM
63 Seven, same composition as council (wards + two at-large).5/1/2023 7:25 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
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64 7 4/27/2023 6:23 PM
65 7 4/27/2023 5:54 PM
66 7 the City is growing and needs more diversity on boards 4/27/2023 3:24 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
28 / 41
52.56%82
23.72%37
23.72%37
Q14 School Board – Do you prefer:
Answered: 156 Skipped: 19
TOTAL 156
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
A School Board
with members...
A School Board
with members...
A School Board
with members...
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
A School Board with members elected at large (current structure)
A School Board with members elected only from the 5 legislative districts (wards)
A School Board with members elected from the 5 legislative districts (wards) and the remainder elected at large
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
29 / 41
Q15 School Board – Why did you make these selections?
Answered: 113 Skipped: 62
#RESPONSES DATE
1 most qualified from the whole city 6/13/2023 3:14 PM
2 fair representation 6/13/2023 1:49 PM
3 Honestly, I'd prefer 2 members from each elementary school district, and any more being at
large.
6/12/2023 10:59 PM
4 During the time my three children attended middle school and high school, I saw it was difficult
to find quality people willing to serve as School Board Directors.
6/12/2023 7:56 PM
5 My biggest concern with the School Board seats is *filling them.* We have a very hard time
fielding qualified candidates. It may be easier if we use the party primary process to help filter
here too.
6/12/2023 7:47 PM
6 Same as previous.6/12/2023 6:16 PM
7 The schools are a mess. They represent a small number of citizens but have control because
of the current system
6/12/2023 4:15 PM
8 every section of the city should have equal representation 6/12/2023 2:56 PM
9 Our schools are suffering. I am an SB and was proud to move back to SB to raise my kids.
Unfortunately, our experience has been horrendous to the point that my youngest will be
finishing at a different school.
6/12/2023 2:39 PM
10 Creates tighter relationship with the wards and their issues.6/12/2023 2:34 PM
11 If the legislative districts coincide with individual elementary schools, then having one
representative per district could help represent/address local issues.
6/12/2023 2:21 PM
12 same concern as city council 6/12/2023 2:20 PM
13 Each ward has it's own needs and wants.6/12/2023 1:33 PM
14 because no matter where they live they would hopefully want whats best for sb so does it
really matter where in sb.
6/12/2023 12:55 PM
15 Most fair way for competition 6/12/2023 12:38 PM
16 Balance between better neighborhood representation and city-wide view; also, more members
= easier quorum.
6/12/2023 12:15 PM
17 Prefer just 5. But if we are to go to 10, a mixed Board maintains the benefits of local input,
complimented with a city-wide perspective.
6/12/2023 12:13 PM
18 Better representation from different parts of the city.6/12/2023 11:59 AM
19 It feels like it would be better representation.6/12/2023 10:58 AM
20 The city has one school system.6/12/2023 10:56 AM
21 Representative 6/12/2023 10:39 AM
22 Same reasons as with City Councilors 6/12/2023 10:29 AM
23 It is hard to find people willing to run and then serve. The current system seems to get the
best results.
6/12/2023 10:27 AM
24 Need more people on schoolboard 6/12/2023 10:19 AM
25 fair 6/12/2023 10:12 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
30 / 41
26 The board has so many meetings, in addition to the regular board meetings, makes the time
commitment required with a five-member board more burdensome that that required of a City
Councilor. I believe there should be more School Board members to make the time
commitment less and want the members to represent districts to produce a one-person, one-
vote representation of residents on all parts of the city.
6/12/2023 9:26 AM
27 Elected representatives from our legislative districts are the better balance.6/12/2023 7:41 AM
28 Accountability 6/11/2023 7:23 PM
29 School board representation should require members to participate within the school and listen
to the teachers and have a minimum investment in the school of 25 hours within the first six
months of serving. School boards are not, especially effective because they take political
views and views of parents and do not fully represent what is best for the children which they
must also listen to teachers and observe and celebrate the accomplishments not just criticize.
6/11/2023 6:54 PM
30 I think the third model would help create a more diverse school board. Doing so would help
focus on the needs of special needs students and minority population students.
6/11/2023 6:03 PM
31 Local representation 6/11/2023 3:18 PM
32 As explained above, I think this should give all areas of the city representation, and two from
each ward gives a council that can very effectively work within the open meeting law.
6/11/2023 7:20 AM
33 I think we need broader representation in the school board.6/10/2023 4:04 PM
34 Better representation 6/10/2023 9:15 AM
35 I think our schools share most of the same challenges/issues, so an at-large election seems
appropriate.
6/10/2023 9:02 AM
36 See response to prior question.6/9/2023 10:19 PM
37 Again each district would get better representation on the board.6/9/2023 9:21 PM
38 Same reason as counselors.6/9/2023 8:29 PM
39 School issues are not particularly localized.6/9/2023 8:19 PM
40 I am a former School Board member and appreciate the work that goes with the position.
Inevitably, some board members contribute more than others. Expanding the board would allow
for a more reasonable distribution of the workload than currently exists. On the other hand I
don't think that electing board members from 5 wards would yield a sufficient number of
qualified candidates. I believe that the needs of the various districts are well-served by
considering the school system as a whole.
6/9/2023 6:54 PM
41 All the districts would have a voice in decisions etc..6/9/2023 6:03 PM
42 This structure seems to work well.6/9/2023 5:45 PM
43 Right-size workload, and represent a more diverse, representative cross-section of SB 6/9/2023 5:37 PM
44 Agree with past Board members recommendations.6/9/2023 5:28 PM
45 This is a structure I trust and have had the most experience with in various towns. I’m happy
with what we have.
6/9/2023 5:17 PM
46 *The school board is a tough board to fill...it's thankless, payless work and they are dealing
with really big issues now. Let's not limit their ability to serve.
6/5/2023 10:48 AM
47 Abstain 6/1/2023 7:42 PM
48 Getting qualified candidates to run for the school board at large already is hard enough.
Furthermore, having five from the legislative districts does not link them to the location of the
schools.
6/1/2023 2:52 PM
49 Once again, I truly believe all of the citizens in South Burlington should be able to vote for all
school board members. The number of board members should be increased as a function of
work load and institutional knowledge. A larger board allows its tasks (e.g, negotiations,
addressing aging buildings and overcrowding) to be dealt with far more easily and efficiently. It
would also allow for greater institutional knowledge and far more members to not so often be
subject to frequent voting.
6/1/2023 7:50 AM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
31 / 41
50 Some Board seats have been filled in election with no competitor. This suggests expanding
number is would make worse the problem of recruiting candidates. The same reason applies to
preferring at large district where there is larger pool to draw from.
5/30/2023 11:44 AM
51 At large for school board makes sense to me since their focus is entirely on school issues 5/30/2023 9:37 AM
52 Asterisk- Consider more districts from different neighborhoods with likely different needs, each
with its own member. SBHS has long had a culture where attitudes towards students depended
on “whether you turned right or turned left when driving out of the parking lot onto Dorset
Street. A more representative school board might, over time, work to ameliorate that culture.
More study would be helpful to ascertain whether, and to what extent, this is still a problem.
5/28/2023 2:01 PM
53 Need better representation of every ward.5/27/2023 10:27 PM
54 Testing 5/26/2023 12:34 PM
55 Same as city council reasoning.5/25/2023 7:14 PM
56 It seems that five member is more efficient to get things done. Would like to know more if
electing from different wards would be good to get more diverse perspectives.
5/25/2023 5:44 PM
57 My preference is a city-wide pool of candidates.5/25/2023 10:14 AM
58 See no issues at this time 5/25/2023 6:03 AM
59 Same concerns as with councilors elected by district.5/24/2023 10:12 PM
60 I am not knowledgeable enough to recommend a change in the current structure. I will point out
that current elementary school districting in South Burlington does not correspond with
legislative districts and I question whether that kind of geographic distribution is possible.
5/24/2023 9:34 PM
61 I like the appeal of ensuring broad neighborhood representation, although given how small
South Burlington is, I don't know it will make a difference. Maybe it will make for an easier
avenue for someone to get involved. I support the choice that offers the most opportunity for
collaboration and communication.
5/24/2023 5:36 PM
62 Mirrors the City Council.5/24/2023 2:58 PM
63 There will be times when not all members will be at important meetings. Extra at large
members help that situation.
5/23/2023 8:56 PM
64 same reason as city council.5/23/2023 7:54 PM
65 I prefer representation from each ward 5/23/2023 5:49 PM
66 Honestly, I don't really pay attention to the school board because I don't have children.5/23/2023 5:01 PM
67 Again, I think it is good for the school board members to represent all South Burlington
residents and not just their districts.
5/23/2023 2:42 PM
68 Currently board members run unopposed. We may not have anyone running for seats if done
by district
5/23/2023 1:35 PM
69 Same as my reasoning for City Council.5/23/2023 9:20 AM
70 More perspectives, spread out the work load.5/23/2023 5:36 AM
71 If people from certain districts are under-represented, is it because no one from those districts
ran for office? People must be engaged in the process and be willing to run if they want to be
represented.
5/22/2023 9:00 PM
72 Indifferent 5/22/2023 4:53 PM
73 As per above commentary.5/19/2023 9:42 AM
74 Keep uniformity of election configuration to avoid confusion 5/18/2023 1:53 PM
75 Better representation 5/18/2023 12:43 PM
76 Adding additional voices will broaden the perspective on education and different needs and
expectations. Also a student representative, if it is not now the case, should join the Board at
all public meetings and participates in discussions but not vote.
5/17/2023 9:47 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
32 / 41
77 Same as before. Localism can go too far. Wards are localism too far.5/17/2023 2:34 PM
78 Same problem as before with the ward boundaries needing to be different than the legislative
districts to ensure that the wards are approximately equal in population.
5/17/2023 2:31 PM
79 At least each ward should have representatives as well as more opinions so the opinion of the
group is not monolithic
5/16/2023 7:56 PM
80 Closer connection to voters and to particular needs of the local schools 5/16/2023 10:45 AM
81 Again, I think it’s important to have all neighborhoods represented. At the same time, I want
members to be engaged with the whole city, so I like the idea of a mix of the 2 ideas.
5/11/2023 5:23 PM
82 School board members often seem to represent a narrow set of interests that almost never
seem to deal with facilities. This is why our facilities are suffering from lack of budget and
attention.
5/9/2023 5:47 PM
83 Enlarging the school board will make it too unwieldy and not able to respond to community
needs quickly enough.
5/9/2023 5:33 PM
84 Again, unnecessary 5/9/2023 10:25 AM
85 Same reasons as the city council. I think matching them up makes sense from a consistency
perspective.
5/9/2023 8:38 AM
86 Same reason. A ward structure or more board members won’t make the board more diverse.5/9/2023 8:01 AM
87 A ward structure Will not change the composition of the board, or increase diversity. If you
want fiversity of thought, make it easier (or possible) for lower income people to participate on
the board - the time commitment alone prevents almost anyone from applying, let alone a
single parent.
5/9/2023 7:48 AM
88 To be consistent with city council & the work is too much for 5. Wards don’t conform to
elementary school locations
5/9/2023 7:46 AM
89 See previous comments about equal representation 5/9/2023 7:31 AM
90 Same comments as above for Council 5/8/2023 7:58 PM
91 Broader perspectives 5/8/2023 11:19 AM
92 School decisions and policy are community-wide issues, not tied to districts 5/5/2023 7:17 PM
93 I think the school issues are less local than the city issues, so the school board should remain
all at-large. We have one high school and one middle school, so all kids, no matter where they
live, attend the same school. If we have multiple schools (besides elementary) in the future, I
could see this question being raised again.
5/5/2023 2:15 PM
94 Same reasons as council- sharing work load, especially the contract negotiations and greater
diversity of views
5/5/2023 10:05 AM
95 This would ensure each voting district has a voice and hopefully increase the diversity of the
school board. 7 members would lessen workload for each school board member.
5/4/2023 8:44 PM
96 I would like to see more members on the board to help spread out the work the board takes on.
I would also like to allow more community represented on the board.
5/4/2023 7:03 PM
97 It is more difficult to get candidates for school board so I think leaving it as it is works best.5/4/2023 3:22 PM
98 There's no hope for public education, I don't give the School Board much thought. The Unions
dominate everything with no regard to the taxpayer.
5/4/2023 12:44 PM
99 Brings greater diversity and representation to the board.5/3/2023 6:22 PM
100 Board members need to meet the educational needs of the parents and students without
getting involved and bogged down in political correctness and politics.
5/3/2023 5:34 PM
101 Diversity to include, seniors, people with disabilities, people of many colors and opinions 5/3/2023 5:17 PM
102 Similar to City Council, this would allow for a wider span of representation throughout the
geography of the community
5/3/2023 4:32 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
33 / 41
103 Same reasoning as city council -- more representative.5/1/2023 12:21 PM
104 No compelling evidence that districts are necessary.4/29/2023 12:34 PM
105 More balance representation.4/28/2023 10:36 AM
106 Acceptable as it exists.4/28/2023 9:35 AM
107 To represent all community members 4/27/2023 5:54 PM
108 Accountability 4/27/2023 4:56 PM
109 Mirrors the new Council configuration.4/27/2023 4:01 PM
110 Better representation 4/27/2023 3:56 PM
111 School Board members need to think district wide, not just about one school 4/27/2023 3:24 PM
112 I am not sure how to balance it. But, it would be nice to have an equal distribution of school
board members representing the three elementary school districts. If the elementary school
districts merge, as they inevitably should, than this is much less important.
4/27/2023 3:20 PM
113 Exact same answer as earlier: Larger boards do not equate to better representation and in fact
can become bogged down and unwieldy. I also know that if we required school board members
to be elected from each ward, we risk having vacancies go unfilled. Unlike city council, school
boards are notoriously hard to fill, and requiring representation from each ward may only make
that harder. Once the board is elected its job is to gather input from all of the city, regardless of
where they reside.
4/27/2023 3:15 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
34 / 41
Q16 Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Charter
Committee?
Answered: 73 Skipped: 102
#RESPONSES DATE
1 Less regulations and more freedom to build and prosper will help all citizens 6/13/2023 3:15 PM
2 While I think wards can help diversify representation. I'm not convinced the legislative
boundaries are the best ones for our city. Four wards: a south east and south west ward, along
with either a city center and center periphery ward, or an old neighorhoods and transitional
ward, could achieve a better diversity of members and constituent concerns.
6/12/2023 11:08 PM
3 Thank you for asking!6/12/2023 7:47 PM
4 Shopping on Market Street!!!!6/12/2023 6:44 PM
5 It is unclear to me what is motivating this discussion. If there are genuine structural problems
with South Burlington city government, we need to have a full public process of defining them
and proposing solutions specific to them. Otherwise, it's mere undirected tinkering, and nothing
good will come of it. Why are we talking about a mayor? Expanding the Council? Expanding
the School Board? Etc. Why does anyone think any of these steps may be needed? No idea.
The resolution on the Charter Committee is totally vague, considering change merely for the
sake of considering change Tinkering with a functional government structure without clear
motivation, that is to say in a vacuum, is worse than dangerous.
6/12/2023 6:24 PM
6 I do not feel the current government is up front with folks. They are constantly looking for ways
to spend money on projects that are not needed. Every year a tax increase is absurd. The
unions own the management team
6/12/2023 4:18 PM
7 Invite the mayors of Winooski, Montpelier, and Burlington to attend and provide
recommendations about value of city manager and an elected mayor.
6/12/2023 2:59 PM
8 Need more student involvement including students who serve different pop groups (technical
education)
6/12/2023 2:40 PM
9 Thanks for your hard work!6/12/2023 2:34 PM
10 Thank you for all the thought and work you have put into this issue.6/12/2023 2:22 PM
11 The city manager / council chair relationship is interesting. I've seen a lot of success with co-
directors lately.
6/12/2023 2:21 PM
12 Disappointed with lack of shops/restaurants/pubs on Market St. Also, might need a traffic light
at the intersection of Market and Rte 116
6/12/2023 1:25 PM
13 dont fix things that aren't broken.6/12/2023 12:56 PM
14 This change should not be taken lightly and I hope you continue to ask for resident feedback
as this proceeds through the various steps to a decision.
6/12/2023 12:01 PM
15 Eliminate the Local Option Sales Tax. With the state keeping 30%, it's a bad deal for city
residents.
6/12/2023 10:58 AM
16 In general, the City (City and Schools) seems less accessible than in the past. Maybe this is
due to Covid, security issues, etc. Thanks to Sandy Dooley for sending out an email reminder
to fill out the survey.
6/12/2023 10:30 AM
17 DRB committee. Should hey be appointed or elected?6/12/2023 10:29 AM
18 I don't want to see our city become so twisted in its governance as has Burlington 6/12/2023 10:13 AM
19 I suggest that you extend the deadline for participation in this survey to June 30.6/12/2023 9:27 AM
20 No 6/11/2023 7:23 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
35 / 41
21 Please do not be duplicative of other structures. This is an opportunity to be creative and
imaginative and think of the future.
6/11/2023 6:54 PM
22 Running the ad in the zither Paper was a good idea!6/11/2023 3:19 PM
23 I would like to again emphasize that the common idea that boards or councils need to have an
odd number of members does not stand up to scrutiny, and an even number is more
advantageous when considering the open meeting law. Vermont has a great open meeting law,
and municipalities should organize themselves to take full advantage all of its parts.
6/11/2023 7:29 AM
24 I value diversity of voices on city councel, changing the structure may help this. I think the
economics behind running for council is also an important factor that is not being addressed
with these changes.
6/10/2023 4:06 PM
25 Thank you for your work.6/9/2023 8:30 PM
26 Not in favor of larger councils or school boards. More members makes it harder to make
decisions and reach consensus.
6/9/2023 8:20 PM
27 No.6/9/2023 6:54 PM
28 I'd like the Charter Committee to keep the status quo which has served the residents of South
Burlington well. Councilors serving the community "at large" provide what is best for the entire
community.
6/9/2023 5:49 PM
29 The SEQ is over-represented in SB, and it shows in the decisions being made.6/9/2023 5:40 PM
30 No 6/1/2023 7:42 PM
31 I do not agree with moving Councilor elections to November as I believe their election may get
lost in the mix with all the Statewide and Federal elections. I'm open to rank choice voting if no
candidate is elected with at least 50.1% of the votes. Thank you for all the work performed by
the Committee and the helpful public meetings.
6/1/2023 2:59 PM
32 I so appreciate that South Burlington runs fairly smoothly at present. I also LOVE that a City
Clerk is elected. Donna Kinville is a true representative of us residents and is relatively
independent.
6/1/2023 7:53 AM
33 There is no mention of whether residents and voters would prefer partisan elected officials or
not. At least give folks the choice and ask the question if partisan or party oriented candidates
are preferable or not.
5/30/2023 9:39 AM
34 The City governance needs to be more representative for the reasons stated above. Since the
Planning Commission is also a major policy making body, responsible for creating the
Comprehensive Plan and the LDRs, it should also be elected on the same basis as the City
Council and the School Board. Currently the membership on the Planning Commission is
carefully curated by the City Council majority resulting in the rejecting from membership of
great talent and skills as well as a greater diversity (beyond merely race).
5/28/2023 2:11 PM
35 I would like all elections to be conducted using Instant Runoff Voting or the equivalent.5/27/2023 10:28 PM
36 Testing 5/26/2023 12:34 PM
37 Great job. Thank you 5/25/2023 7:15 PM
38 Need to understand tax implications of different options. At the end of the day for most the
vote will come down to cost / taxes.
5/25/2023 6:04 AM
39 Thank you for reaching out for citizen input and considering these changes.5/24/2023 9:35 PM
40 If it is within the Charter Committee's juristiction, I would support moving to rank-choice voting
for any election the City has control over.
5/24/2023 5:36 PM
41 Please make the City Council representative of all sections of the city.5/24/2023 2:59 PM
42 appreciate the work and for asking good questions 5/23/2023 7:54 PM
43 The message I want you to hear is that the schools are struggling due to population increases
as a result of the careless rubber stamping of all building in south Burlington! I moved here for
the schools but I would not at this point I my life! I also moved here for the open space and
farm land but you all keep building and building! It is irresponsible and your need to take a
5/23/2023 4:30 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
36 / 41
stand to stop it so that we can be out thriving community again! Also SoBu is a stupid name!!
We are south Burlington, not some midwestern honky tonk!
44 I do not think that the city's structure and the school's should be linked 5/23/2023 1:35 PM
45 Thank you for doing this important work.5/23/2023 9:20 AM
46 I believe we should keep things as they are. Our city government functions extremely well. I
strongly disagree with the proposals to change the system. If people feel under-represented,
the solution is to become involved by running for office or volunteering in some other capacity
(committees, etc). Creating a system where each district has to be represented by a councilor,
for example, is no guarantee that people from each district will run.
5/22/2023 9:03 PM
47 Thank you for doing this important work 5/22/2023 7:12 PM
48 Past city managers have been blind to the schools needs. Our schools are at over capacity
and yet these past City Managers supported a rubber stamp to developers. A politically
inclined Mayor will cow tow to developers and make our schools worse off then they are now
by saddling tax payers with the school problems. All this while non resident developers enjoy
the spoils of taking advantage of South Burlington.
5/22/2023 1:13 PM
49 Thank you for your work.5/21/2023 11:54 AM
50 I would encourage the consideration of term limits and limiting campaign contributions so
decisions are based on values & policies, not political or personal agendas.
5/19/2023 9:45 AM
51 I am not sure change is really demanded by circumstances. However if change we must, my
recommendations are stated above.
5/18/2023 1:55 PM
52 The information provided for this discussion was well outlined and thorough.5/18/2023 12:45 PM
53 With only 20% of the SB population voting and only approximately 200 plus residents attending
the comprehensive plan discussion sessions for City Plan 2024, it may be constructive for SB
to emulate the efforts of Arlington, VA to cultivate a more diverse and representative group at
the table. https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Projects/Arlington-Neighborhoods-
Program/College
5/17/2023 10:05 PM
54 I think that elected leaders should have the power to make policy effectively and then be held
accountable by voters at the next election. We don't want to make it impossible to govern.
5/17/2023 2:35 PM
55 I'm extremely glad to see this conversation taking place!5/17/2023 2:32 PM
56 In addition to structure, it would be worth exploring the kinds of events or opportunities for
leaders to connect with residents. Town meetings, neighborhood gatherings, etc.
5/16/2023 10:47 AM
57 I appreciate that someone is thinking about this, but with so many more pressing concerns, I'd
leave well enough alone.
5/9/2023 5:48 PM
58 Please consider going to a public funding system for local campaigns. Seattle has a system
called democracy vouchers that South Burlington should consider.
5/9/2023 5:35 PM
59 Thank you for soliciting feedback like this! It’s much easier to work into a schedule than
attending a forum.
5/9/2023 8:39 AM
60 Please don’t move to a ward system. It only benefits those who didn’t win the last election.5/9/2023 7:49 AM
61 Only how strongly I feel that the city does not need a mayor!5/9/2023 7:32 AM
62 Not everyone is as progressive as council 5/8/2023 9:00 AM
63 Thanks for taking the time to look at these options!5/5/2023 2:15 PM
64 Thank you for your thoughtful efforts 5/5/2023 10:06 AM
65 Thanks for taking this on. It is good to keep our eyes on not only where the city is right now
but where it will be in the next few years as it continues to grow.
5/4/2023 3:23 PM
66 This is important and a big deal but just keep it moving and make a decision is a timely
manner
5/3/2023 10:11 PM
67 It is imperative that the City Manager does not have unlimited authority and law enforcement
abilities and decision making.
5/3/2023 7:25 PM
Governance Structures - South Burlington Charter Committee
37 / 41
68 I think it’s important that as our community grows and changes that we have representation
from all the districts and those of varying economic backgrounds.
5/3/2023 6:24 PM
69 No, except thank you for your work.4/29/2023 12:35 PM
70 Outlaw political campaign signs on public property in the city, which would force candidates to
hold more public forms and go out and meet and engage with residents more often (more
money = more campaign signs = unfair advantage for candidates with less campaign
financing). This would also get residents to learn more about what candidates believe in, and
reduce the amount of votes candidates get based on who has the most signs up. It would also
reduce the unsightly visual pollution that all these signs cause on public property. This new
sign policy could be coupled with public financing of City campaigns. There's no reason why
each candidate needs more than $1000 to run a campaign, if they hold more public forums,
and go door to door more often.
4/28/2023 10:50 AM
71 Market Street is a Housing Street! Where are the stores, or places to bring people to our City
Center? Aside from the City Hall/Library building, the new buildings are huge, ugly, and housing
units. Once again, residents were sold a “Bill of Goods” when funding was approved.
4/28/2023 9:39 AM
72 Yes you neglected to mention the possible configuration of 10 Councilors from five wards. I
think we should take these changes one at a time and the most important is equality through a
ward system that will end the SEQ oligarchy.
4/27/2023 4:05 PM
73 the city needs to figure out how to get a wider range of diversity on council and school board
so all feel they are being represented
4/27/2023 3:26 PM
MEMORANDUM
TO: South Burlington Charter Committee
FROM: City Attorney’s Office
RE: Charter Change Process
DATE: June 22, 2023 meeting
We have been asked to outline the process this Committee and the City Council must take
if the Committee recommends a change to the City of South Burlington Charter. This
memorandum provides an overview of the relevant legal requirements and that process.
Background
The process to amend the City of South Burlington Charter is laid out in Vermont
Statutes. Title 17 V.S.A. §2645 sets forth the requirements. It provides:
1) A proposal to adopt, repeal, or amend a municipal charter (“Proposal”) may be made by
the City Council.
2) The Proposal shall be voted on by the legal voters of the municipality at the next annual
meeting, primary, or general election.
3) Prior to the vote, the City Council must hold at least two public hearings.
4) The first public hearing must be held at least 30 days before the vote.
Notice for this first public hearing must be made in accordance with 17 V.S.A.
§2641 which requires:
Notice must be posted in at least two public places in the municipality and
in or at the Clerk’s office not less than 30 nor more than 40 days prior to
the hearing.
Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the
municipality at least five days prior to the hearing.
5) The second public hearing must take place after the first and before the vote.
Notice for the second public hearing must also be made in accordance with 17
V.S.A. §2641.
6) Ten (10) days prior to the first public hearing, an official copy of the Proposal must be
filed as a public record in the office of the clerk.
7) If all these requirements are met, the City Clerk shall certify the Proposal to the Vermont
Secretary of State who shall file copies of the Proposal with the Attorney General, the
Clerk of the House, the Secretary of the Senate, and the chairs of the committees
concerned with municipal charters of both houses of the General Assembly.
8) The Proposal shall become effective upon affirmative enactment of the proposal by the
General Assembly, either as proposed or as amended by the General Assembly.
The process by which any recommendation from this Charter Committee is brought to
the City Council is as stated in the Resolution adopted by the City Council on February 22, 2022.
Relevant to this process, this Resolution states:
1) WHEREAS, this City Council from time to time convenes a Charter Committee to
consider and review charter changes and solicit input from the community
2) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council charges the Charter Committee with
conducting a comprehensive public process to solicit feedback from South Burlington
residents on governance models.
Analysis
Vermont Statutes and the City Council’s Resolution include no specific requirements for
the Charter Committee other than it conduct a “comprehensive public process”. Accordingly, if
the Charter Committee intends to recommend to the City Council that the Charter be amended,
the only requirement, beyond conducting a comprehensive public process, is that it must make its
recommendation in time for the City Council to abide by the required statutory process.
As we understand it, the goal of this Committee and the City Council is that any proposed
Charter amendment be voted on by the City’s legal voters on Town Meeting day 2024. Town
Meeting day 2024 will take place on March 5, 2024.
Counting backwards from there:
The first public hearing must take place prior to or on February 4, 2024.
First hearing notice must be issued approximately early January 2024 / late December
2023 (specific dates are dependent on when the first hearing is scheduled).
City Council Proposal to adopt, repeal, or amend the Charter must be made
approximately December 2023 / November 2023 (Council’s proposal must be made and
approved prior to notice for the first public hearing).
With those dates in mind, the Charter Committee must make its recommendation to the
Council in the fall of 2023. Providing the recommendation in September or October 2023 would
likely allow the City Council sufficient time to initiate its statutory process.
We trust that the forgoing is adequately responsive to your request. Should you require
any further response or analysis, please do not hesitate to request it of us.