Small‑church leader and outreach pastor urge relief and city help on wastewater fees and homelessness services

BURLINGTON — Two members of the community used the Feb. 17 public‑comment period to press the city on separate but related community supports: one asked for relief from rising wastewater/runoff charges for a small church, and another outlined nonprofit efforts to feed and house residents experiencing homelessness and requested city help securing property.

Jack Brewer, representing Fellowship Baptist Church on Maple Avenue, said the congregation received billing notices showing a projected five‑year escalation in wastewater/runoff charges. "Presently, we're paying a flat rate of $7 ... over a five year period, it is escalating from $7 now to ... $2,688 per month," Brewer said while describing per‑parcel projections the church received and called the increases "prohibitive for a small church," asking the council for mercy or a reduction.

Pastor Jim Cakes described the West Side Project's services — nightly meals, rescued surplus food distributed through a grocery‑style operation, clothing and essentials distribution, and plans to launch a "rolling grocery store" using a donated Coca‑Cola truck. He said the program provides transitional support with expectations of volunteer work and GED/job training for residents in short‑term housing pilots. Cakes asked to meet with city staff and council to identify property options that meet city requirements so the project can expand.

Council follow‑up and context

Council members thanked both speakers and asked staff to follow up with Fellowship Baptist about the wastewater concerns. The transcript indicates staff will set up a meeting with the West Side Project leaders to discuss property options and next steps. No formal policy action or ordinance change was taken at the meeting; both items were requests for staff follow‑up and community engagement.