[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6214174,"mediaKeyId","3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7","parentId",3671286,"title","Council approves change to cemetery regulations allowing certain additional memorials after committee vote","audioSeconds",2522,"startMs",682000,"endMs",3204000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7&start=682&end=3204","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7/thumbnail_682000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214174/Barre-City/Washington-County/Vermont/Council-approves-change-to-cemetery-regulations-allowing-certain-additional-memorials-after-committee-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214174-2bd979eda21b4ac0fbb7553a7b471814/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157676&Signature=PEKl4cqeWUmvk26MvzfT1-0hAYLp~7KrnNSkMcofPTjg4v82cjnEN59u4RNCoXeyVJR5fC3baL5Cm~3WAFpvf~YsjedgC28gf6WrS4ZlhvVNai~om-ilxAbz4s4iEPk5tFu0EftayMWay~5TK37KSnCj45pAeyHS4PCf9se1ypwJE0-s6JO58gkYUr2rZaY0w50XLj7yT2YQnBMs4-7us0fhiYbTfzh5oPg0vWDYpAi0-lP6ThVZexHRYUsVqFjPQs8qVb8wZztiBJx6YDT4G6Yq-GwWewL2qufn3XJrE8-tgYh26yFPHgtFNNgImd7ITyyRo0BSeqtDDkswt1mTmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Barre City, VT","date","2025-06-04T12:16:15Z","article","The Barre City Council on June 3 approved changes to the city’s cemetery regulations to allow additional memorial features, such as benches or tasteful monuments, within the boundaries of an owned burial lot after review and approval by the cemetery committee and staff.

Council discussion focused on whether the amendment would open a slippery slope of nonconforming objects in Hope Cemetery and other city burial grounds. Proponents said the change responds to requests from family members who want tasteful options — staff described a recent request for an angel statue that would sit wholly inside a single purchased lot — and clarified the committee and staff would retain approval authority.

Councilor Dearing raised procedural concerns about putting approval authority largely with the cemetery director and the cemetery committee, noting turnover in staff and the possibility that a committee could temporarily lack a quorum. Resident speakers, including Sue Kelly, asked for clarity on existing rules (for example, permitted granite color and the size of grass markers) and whether flat plaques for memorialization without interment remain allowed; staff confirmed flat grass markers and standard-size plaques remain permitted and said those specifics would be updated in the materials that accompany the regulation changes.

Nut graf: The ordinance change creates a pathway for families to install memorials that fit inside the lot they control, with a two-step review: cemetery staff review for technical compliance and cemetery-committee review for exceptions. Supporters said it allows tasteful, family-centered memorialization; critics urged clear written standards and robust public notice so decisions are consistent and not subject to director discretion alone.

The council debated enforcement and whether fines or rules should be tightened or relaxed. Councilors and the manager noted the committee endorsed the change by majority vote and staff had reviewed a sample proposed monument and described it as tasteful and within lot boundaries. Councilors also emphasized the regulation can be revisited if enforcement problems arise.

Ending: The council approved the regulation change by majority vote. Staff said they will update the regulation packet to correct typographical errors on the cover page and to remove an outdated staff name; they will also notify the cemetery committee and make guidance about permitted monument dimensions and materials available publicly.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Barre City Council Meeting - 06/03/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved amendments to cemetery regulations that allow additional tasteful memorials, such as benches or monuments, within a purchased lot after committee review; the change drew concerns about consistency, enforcement and committee quorum.","taxTitle","Barre City, Washington County, Vermont","taxId",68795,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214180,"Council hears flood-resiliency update; Berlin Street bridge removal and FEMA buyouts draw attention",3726,7031000,10757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7&start=7031&end=10757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7/thumbnail_7031000.jpg","/articles/6214180/Barre-City/Washington-County/Vermont/Council-hears-flood-resiliency-update-Berlin-Street-bridge-removal-and-FEMA-buyouts-draw-attention","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214180-f1fd8558d61480f8e6bf4c0d94efed71/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157676&Signature=dWzOx82GY1ku3AUu3aLyoyS1Cn0tN2quqXAxOIIikej4dYzqN1xTkcRzjk-f7m4Zxwp3mAuewUPSNsjdCO485Oa29OALJwcwIb2NcEsa2~kmvg-3k-KPCUqL4aGGo4C3b9tBvjvsO8im0cNdzY6CUhfZkfsFbED9twZyTAszZ-fdQ4eWGZOQt03Tqvfx3M-SkOm9Nv29Ed7mzhjyLKToCrhuO8SjBbD6ZQf9ixbRgqV6U2MBFCAt2JvNxIYXbdapdD1U8IQFu6XZNFMZyYtf6HcoGsDRHTEYU7biU6E7ZuekNMAN7Fr1x4VLtTHuKp3MAzwiUejwyrBdvxg7GCs-KQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barre City Councilors on June 3 received a multi-part update on flood-resiliency planning, including progress on the city’s November 2024 plan, a scientific recommendation to pursue removal of the Berlin Street bridge, and a status report on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) buyouts.

Councilor Guston presented a point-by-point status of the flood-resiliency plan’s 21 projects, categorizing nine as completed or substantially completed and seven as substantially underway. He said the city will keep several completed items on a “check-in” list to ensure final steps are finished. Among the completed items he listed were a citywide inundation model (report pending), stormwater-system analysis (report pending), and the removal of a railroad trestle that had been a debris hazard.

Guston said the consultant team and river scientists recommended applying for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) award to remove the Berlin Street bridge because the bridge’s low elevation and geometry catch debris and exacerbate flooding. He and staff stressed the council had only authorized applying for grant funding; the council would hold public hearings and make a policy decision before any removal work proceeds.

Estrella Castro, a city staff presenter, reported on FEMA buyouts: the city had received 67 buyout applications, advanced 27 applications with city approval, and 24 of those had already been approved by FEMA. She said applications are at varying stages — appraisals, offers and closings — and reminded the council that FEMA’s buyout rules require purchased properties remain open space and cannot be redeveloped. Castro said the city prioritized clustered properties where buyouts would create mitigation value rather than buyouts that would remove single houses without measurable downstream benefits.

Nut graf: The update combined near-term technical work — inundation modeling and stormwater analysis — with two politically sensitive topics: possible bridge removal and FEMA buyouts. Staff emphasized that grant applications and scientific recommendations do not substitute for public hearings and council votes; several residents and councilors asked for wider public engagement if bridge removal is pursued.

Discussion and concerns: Residents and some councilors asked about debris-control measures that could provide more immediate mitigation than bridge removal, and about the timeline and options if a bridge removal grant is awarded. Staff said questions about property ownership, potential Army Corps of Engineers involvement and traffic impacts would be answered in later design and permitting steps. Councilor Guston proposed developing a North End master plan and adding green infrastructure and riverbed-maintenance study items to the flood plan.

FEMA buyouts: Castro’s report included maps showing where buyouts were pursued and where the city declined to pursue applications because individual buyouts would not add mitigation value to nearby properties. She said landslide-related buyouts were among the earliest to move, and that several buyout offers had reached appraisal stage. Castro also confirmed that property owners who accept FEMA offers must convey the land to the city or a public entity as open space and cannot redevelop those lots.

Ending: Councilors directed staff to continue public outreach, to present the inundation and stormwater reports when available, and to return with design- and traffic-impact information if and when a hazard-mitigation grant award for the Berlin Street bridge is possible. Councilors also asked city staff to pursue debris-control and other shorter-term mitigation steps while larger design work proceeds.

","Councilors received a status report on the city’s flood-resiliency plan, discussed potential removal of the Berlin Street bridge, and heard a staff report on FEMA buyouts; staff reported 67 applications, 27 approved by the city and 24 approved by FEMA so far.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6214184,"Council approves TIF-backed agreement to support Seminary Street affordable housing project",0,2848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7&start=2848&end=2848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671286-8d1be89fe760d945dcd03abc5e43c2f7/thumbnail_2848000.jpg","/articles/6214184/Barre-City/Washington-County/Vermont/Council-approves-TIF-backed-agreement-to-support-Seminary-Street-affordable-housing-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214184-917e971bc09e37e30173ee0083360591/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157676&Signature=T9870AtDXzeFPJURQeI~XrrSJ821s6ZSDEc2vEOxp7Adq7KAkcCMivSyy5Jcgz3veFNwt3jmTDROygyts5rJxZp-q4ahUOYqDAoNaVlkAgyE-rPK~BzxvO1CLCHCWdjqWjSLKfHuiuVmlm4DQ7jv9CuEhBjsNz7NFnEMsxapycADH4DufS-g-dsoPqLIHYvN820azCdT~Gpdfg5mswI-3urfGXmYlnOUk5oB3gUfo5-Rxu7xSeiKYyCejcllXXjy3UlKoRrzIGRCjSwZndtmlIpPMDAPv8Haw0wnlu587CpnIn03dAN9yFHEyhZi5dNAsR8sVL3Pm8xjnqIjSFGd7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Barre City Council on June 3 approved a development agreement with a Downstreet/EverNorth partnership and authorized city staff to submit a substantial-change application to the Vermont Economic Progress Council to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for infrastructure supporting a Seminary Street affordable-housing project.

Stephanie Clark, a consultant with White and Burke, told the council the request pairs public infrastructure with private development to enable construction of 31 leasable units on a city-owned Seminary Street parcel. \"This is the project. This is the goal,\" Clark said, explaining the TIF package would fund new sidewalks, undergrounded utilities, upgrades to a nearby parking lot and brownfield remediation that the developer said the project needs to be viable.

The council’s action approves three pieces: a development agreement that sets terms and contingencies, an extension of the option on the parcel, and a letter authorizing staff to file the district substantial-change application. Carol Doss, identified in the presentation as the TIF administrator, reviewed the financial model and told the council the packet showed a bond request of $2,400,000 and an upper borrowing limit of $2,600,000 in case contingencies require it. Clark said the plan is to place a bond question on the November ballot, begin construction in spring 2026 and open units for rent in summer 2027.

Nut graf: The measure lets the city use existing TIF district increment — not a property-tax-rate increase — to support infrastructure changes developers say are necessary to build affordable units on a city-owned site. Supporters argued the package unlocks housing that would not otherwise \"pencil,\" while at least one councilor noted the project uses a portion of the TIF district’s remaining capacity.

Council members asked for details about the assumptions behind the revenue model and how the statutory assessment for affordable housing could affect the project’s increment. Clark said the team used the current statutory formula and projected the completed building would be assessed at about 1.3 (the consultants earlier projected 1.3 under the statute), and that the financial workbook includes stress tests showing the district would still cover debt service if the assessed value were lower than expected. Clark told the council the district is mature and already generates increment that helps absorb risk.

The development agreement lists the infrastructure items the city would finance: sidewalk replacement and streetscape work on Seminary Street, undergrounding of power to allow adequate emergency access and fire truck turning clearance, upgrades to an existing parking lot that will be reconfigured, and a city contribution toward remediation of contaminated parcels on and near the site. Clark said the TIF approach retains local and state tax increment to pay debt service so the local tax rate would not rise as a result.

Council action and next steps: Councilors voted to approve the development agreement and the financials and to allow staff to file the substantial-change request to the Vermont Economic Progress Council. If VEPC approves the substantial change, the city expects a public hearing by VEPC in July and a bond question on the November ballot. If voters approve the bond, the developer plans to bid and start construction in spring 2026 with an opening target of summer 2027.

Ending: The council’s vote allows the city to pursue the TIF-financed infrastructure package for the Seminary Street project. The decision moves the proposal to the next step — state review by VEPC and a local bond vote later this year — and the council asked staff and consultants to keep members informed of any material changes to the financials or schedule.

","The Barre City Council approved a development agreement and authorized submission of a substantial-change request to the Vermont Economic Progress Council to use TIF funds for infrastructure and brownfield work supporting a 31-unit affordable housing project on Seminary Street.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves change to cemetery regulations allowing certain additional memorials after committee vote

Council hears flood-resiliency update; Berlin Street bridge removal and FEMA buyouts draw attention

Council approves TIF-backed agreement to support Seminary Street affordable housing project