Board of Finance approves grants, capital projects and pay adjustments; officials address cemetery access for stormwater work

The Burlington City Board of Finance on April 14 approved a package of grants, capital projects and personnel pay adjustments, and addressed public concerns about cemetery access tied to a stormwater offset agreement for the Cambrian Rise development.

The board voted on eight deliberative items after a public comment period that included calls for clearer communication about cemetery impacts during nearby construction and praise for community mural and graffiti‑removal efforts.

Why it matters: The votes advance early‑childhood capacity, neighborhood street and stormwater work, ongoing sidewalk reconstruction, municipal cemetery funding and hazard‑mitigation planning, and they enact market adjustments intended to keep high‑level public‑works managers competitive in a tight labor market.

Key votes and outcomes

- Early Learning Initiative capacity grant to Robins Nest Children’s Center: The board approved a $30,000 capacity/capital grant to Robins Nest to fund restroom upgrades, drainage fixes and installation of a plumbed sink and dishwasher that will allow the program to add up to four toddler enrollment slots initially. Director Omidwori said, “This grant is for $30,000. It’s going to Robins Nest Children’s Center,” and staff noted Champlain Housing Trust is contributing to the renovations. Motion carried unanimously.

- DPW market‑factor pay adjustment, Water Resources division director: The board approved a market‑factor adjustment and placement change for the Water Resources division director, including a retroactive pay component dated back to the item’s original planned council date. DPW Director Spencer said the proposed salary increase for the position is approximately $16,001.62 and that the amount is included in the FY25 budget. The vote carried 3–1. Several councilors questioned the timing and optics of retroactive pay and urged the administration to minimize retroactive actions in future cycles.

- DPW market‑factor pay adjustment, Technical Services / city engineer (division director): The board approved a market adjustment for the division director who also serves as city engineer. DPW staff said the position has struggled to attract candidates and that the recommended increase is about $22,432; staff also noted this division performs billable work that offsets some payroll cost. The vote carried 4–1.

- Sidewalk reconstruction program: The board authorized the project budget and construction contract for annual sidewalk reconstruction, covering about half a mile on three streets (including Howard and North avenues) and coordinated hardscaping on the Old North End Greenway. Staff said the work comes from the 2019 sidewalk inventory and an activity/equity index. Motion carried unanimously.

- Cedar Street / Rose Street Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant: The board approved acceptance of an $750,000 grant with a $150,000 local match split among transportation, stormwater capital and paving budgets. The project will remove a raised epoxy intersection, add curb extensions and a rain garden, install stormwater infiltration chambers and repave the affected block. Motion carried unanimously.

- Cambrian Rise stormwater offset memorandum of understanding (MOU): The board authorized an MOU under which the Cambrian Rise developer will install stormwater infiltration tanks on park property; after a warranty period the city’s Water Resources division will assume long‑term maintenance. The Park and Cemetery staff told the board the cemetery commission has approved the concept and that work would take place in the gatehouse/driveway area rather than within burial plots. In public comment, former councilor Sharon Bushure asked, “Will people have access to the gravesites at Lakeview Cemetery during that project?” City staff said they will coordinate notifications and ensure access; the motion carried unanimously.

- Cemetery reserve fund and fee adjustment for full burials: The board authorized creation of a cemetery reserve fund to save for equipment replacement and approved adding a small fee to full burials (the new amount referenced in the discussion was $50.91 as an additional charge). Cemetery and grounds manager Steve Bachand explained current full‑burial charges (residents $1,020 weekdays; Saturdays/holidays $1,700) and staff described checks and balances for the new reserve. Motion carried unanimously.

- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant application for 505 Riverside Avenue: The board authorized the city to apply for (and, if awarded, administer) a hazard‑mitigation grant to remove a small parking lot structure at 505 Riverside Avenue and convert the parcel to green space to mitigate slope‑failure risk. Staff said the Vermont Geological Survey identified an imminent slide risk at the site; remediation of petroleum contamination would involve the state Petroleum Cleanup Fund as appropriate. Motion carried unanimously.

Public comment and board discussion

Public comment included Bruce Wilson describing a planned mural and graffiti‑removal community event and Sharon Bushure’s request for clear advance notice to families about any grave‑site impacts during the Cambrian Rise work. Park and DPW staff told the board that installations for the MOU will be on the gatehouse/office side of Lakeview Cemetery, that cemetery commissioners have reviewed and approved the approach, and that the city will coordinate outreach and confirm site conditions before and after work.

Board members pressed DPW about the process and timing for market‑factor pay adjustments and the use of retroactive pay. Several councilors said they want the administration and human resources to tighten timelines so compensation items do not appear as retroactive increases after work has been performed.

What’s next

Approved capital projects will proceed to procurement or construction as specified in their project memos and budgets; DPW and Parks staff said they will return with implementation details as needed. The city will apply for the FEMA hazard mitigation grant and, if awarded, follow state and federal grant administration and cleanup protocols.