Manager reports FEMA buyouts moving; paving and crosswalk work scheduled in August–September

City Manager Nicholas updated the council on flood buyout closings, stormwater planning and the city pavement schedule. Nicholas said the first round of FEMA buyout closings related to the 2023 floods took place Aug. 1 in Burlington and that several more closings are scheduled through August and September. “We have several more dates planned in August and into September,” he said, adding that eight buyouts have been closed or scheduled so far and that the city is clustering closings when possible to simplify the process. On public works, the manager reported the DPW contractor will start grading Allen and Berlin streets this Friday and perform base work the following week, with final paving scheduled for September and additional work on Corey Street. Councilors pressed for confirmation the Allen/Prospect bump‑out and a safer crosswalk landing would be included in road prep work; the manager said staff and DPW are coordinating that element and would confirm with the council. Separately, staff described a proposed $3 million Potash Brook channel and culvert project to expand floodplain and reduce neighborhood risk; that work was included in the city’s CDBG‑DR pre‑applications and staff said locations under consideration include Jefferson Avenue, Nelson Avenue and a debris‑catcher site on Delmont. Councilors and staff also discussed long‑term stormwater upgrades; a proposed $5 million CDBG request would fund priority projects identified in the city’s hydrology and stormwater reports over several years.