Parks, Arts, and Culture Committee

Regular Meeting

Burlington, VT · January 24, 2024

Minutes

CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov Minutes Parks, Arts & Culture Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 24, 2023, 5:00pm MEETING CONDUCTED IN PERSON AT 645 PINE ST, FRONT CONFERENCE ROOM, AND VIA ZOOM Attendance: Committee Members: Chair Joe Magee, Councilor Ali Dieng, Councilor Mark Barlow City Staff: Cindi Wight – BPRW, Samantha Dunn – CEDO, Erin Moreau – BPRW, Rob Peterson – BPRW, Megan Moir – DPW – Water Resources, Sophie Sauve – BPRW, Doreen Kraft – BCA, Zach Williamson – BCA, Holli Bushnell – BPRW Meeting called to order at 4:58 pm by Mark Barlow at the request of Chair Joe Magee Approval of Agenda Ali Dieng moved to approve the agenda, Barlow seconded, all were in favor. Approval of Draft Minutes from 12/13/2023 Dieng moved to approve the minutes, Barlow seconded, all were in favor Public Forum Public forum was opened at 5pm. As no one present wished to speak public forum was closed at 5pm. Waterfront – Cindi Wight began the presentation by thanking the team of city staff for their hard work on this presentation. She assured the committee that the presentation was extremely thorough and with that turned things over to Samantha Dunn from CEDO to discuss FRAME and public spaces with city leases on the Waterfront. Samantha began by sharing a brief update as part of the original presentation request. She added that CEDO will have more info coming out very soon and that will be presented to the full city council in February. Dunn shared that the organization Friends of FRAME organized a pilot program in 2023 to facilitate the inclusive use of FRAME. The FoF provided bench swings, free Wi-Fi, and seasonal restrooms through the company Wasted. Additionally, summer 2023 saw site specific art installations through BCA funding, movie nights (unfortunately the evenings were rained out 6 times, but the movie nights that were able to happen were very well received), pop ups with Heartsong Aerial Joy Riders and Vermont Skate Society Meetups, and the presence of Betty’s Bikes on site for events. Dunn continued by sharing the plans for the next phase of design. The goas of this phase is to improve accessibility, create opportunities for year round programing activation, strengthen connectivity of the FRAME to rest of Waterfront Park, build on what people are already doing in the space, and introduce CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov new public amenities. CEDO undertook a robust public engagement survey distributed on postcards throughout the city which included a QR code for those who prefer to take the survey online. They held a large public meeting at the Sailing Center, met with the UVM design class and BHS City and Lake Semester as well. All told they have currently received 68 postcards and 502 online responses, and collection of information is still ongoing. The most desired additional aspects and uses for the space include programing concerts and performances, allowing access to the views from up high, making the space fun and usable in all seasons, making space for vendors, adding seating on the waterfront side, and continued use for public art. The team took time to look into responses to identify where in the community responses were coming from and discovered that most respondents were from the Downtown, Old North End, and Waterfront areas. Dunn then showed graphic site plan the next steps in development. She added that CEDO will be having public open house at BCA on the second floor where the design team will unveil the vision for phase 2 of the design. The next steps include phase 1b of construction, continuing to work with Friends of FRAME on programing and activation, and beginning a capital campaign speared by FoF. Phase 1B is a near-term construction phase that is planned for summer 2024. This phase will enhance the sites ability to hold public events/performances as well as enhance vendor infrastructure. There are still funds available for this from ARPA and from the original contingency funds. The Friends of FRAME intend to continue with their current offerings such as movie nights, live performances, public art/placemaking, and providing public restrooms on the site. CEDO will work with FoF while they look towards the feasibility of capital campaign – mainly looking towards grants and some fundraising. The FoF will continue to collaborate with CEDO and other departments in developing and shaping the future of FRAME. Dieng asked of the site is expected to generate any revenue for the Fof or the city and Dunn confirmed that there is no expectation of that this summer – all programing and events will be free to the public. Dunn added that the FoF has committed to begin raising funds for programing through sponsorship and partnerships. Dieng asked about the addition of food vendors for this year and Dunn confirmed that food vendors would be returning during movie nights, however funds from food sales do not generate revenue for the FRAME. Betty’s Bikes does have a lease which requires 5% of revenue to be paid to the city. Dunn shared that CEDO will be moving forward with deliberate care as activity builds on the site, especially in terms of vendors in the space. There will be more opportunities moving forward to provide some sort of revenue. She added that once phase 2 is implemented that will help provide more opportunities for revenue generation. Dieng asked how the public has responded to the space and Dunn confirmed that the response has been overall positive. There is a great core group of early users who love FRAME just the way it is, and they have shared concerns about being pushed out as the space changes. FRAME as it is already resonates CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov with some people, but there are others in the community who just don’t get it. CEDO is trying to maintain the uniqueness of the current space as well as give it an opportunity to evolve and change and make it accessible and enjoyable to larger section of the population. Dieng asked what negative responses people have had at the space. Dunn shared that, with no cameras at the site, there have been some graffiti issues (though not as much as they expected). There have also been some reports of people climbing the structure, however a great deal of signage has been placed to discourage that. While Dunn sees the wisdom of investing in further climbing discouragement, it is something that will likely be ongoing and need to be managed. Barlow shared that he is one of the individuals in the city who thinks FRAME is awesome, but he can see that it could be a bit polarizing. He asked Dunn to breakdown the remaining funding for phase 1b. Dunn explained that about a year ago $2 million was set aside for ARPA infrastructure that supports community engagement and activity. These funds went to a series of BPRW projects and a large chunk of phase 1b funding came from those ARPA funds. The remaining funds are left over from phase 1A, as due to the function of certain grants and rebates the project got some money back right at the end. CEDO has also applied for a CDBG grant for $100,000. The ARPA money has been fluid, but needs to be spent down. Barlow asked about ongoing upkeep costs. Dunn explained that the funds for the infrastructure that was installed last summer came from grant and that CEDO and FoF will continue to work for grant money. That said, FRAME is part of BPRW and is part of BPRW operating budget. As this becomes a higher use space they will have to work towards sustainable operations and create a maintenance plan that goes in hand with construction. Joe Magee (who joined the meeting in person late) shared that he is looking forward to a time when the utilities and amenities are there and FRAME can be a producible space. Dunn continued her presentation by sharing information regarding the privately leased city owned properties on the waterfront. There have been many questions and comments about these leases from public. Dunn explained that the city owns lands along lake that has been redeveloped over time by private entities – specifically ECHO, the Burlington Harbor Marina, and the Lake Champlain Sailing Center. ECHO has public access is built into their lease – it requires that the public have access to the facility at all times and that amenities can be accessed without any payment required. ECHO has a 99 year ground lease started in 1995. The Community Sailing Center (on the north end of waterfront) has been working hard to welcome the public in. Their lease includes language that requires the restroom facilities be available to general public when facility is open, and, as of 2024, requires that the sloped boat launch be available to general public when facility is open. Initially the Sailing Center was nervous about restroom access and management, but they began allowing access in summer 2023 before it was required and there were no serious issues. The Sailing Center has a 30 year ground lease beginning in 2016. Burlington Harbor Marina has public restrooms, a store and chandlery, and water taxi all opened to the CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov public during business hours, and their perimeter dock is open 7am to 10pm for all to access. The space is subject to occupancy limits and priority access given to slip holders during marina events. There have been reports of BHM not allowing public access to their restroom facilities, and that needs to be documented so the city can address it. BHM also has a 30 year ground lease, but there are opportunities to renegotiate. Barlow shared that he wasn’t aware that there was public access at BHM. He has visited the facility but didn’t realize there was actually public access. Dunn shared that this is a common misunderstanding and added that CEDO and BPRW are working on this by adding increased signage to that area. It’s understandable that folks don’t feel invited into that space as there are gates and it can appear closed to the public, so Dunn and her team are hoping to counteract that with signage. Barlow asked if there had been reports of members of the public being denied access and Dunn confirmed that that was the case. Magee shared that he has experienced the space feeling uninviting when gate is closed, and that the gate feels like it’s intended to restrict access. Dunn continued to encourage documentation of these issues. Magee shared that, at some point he would like to hear about the flying A and the urban reserve; how they play into waterfront and what’s coming in those area. Wight reminded the committee that the urban reserve requires significant community input to do any development. She feels it will be up to next mayor if development of that area becomes a high priority. For the time being that space is protected, and development is on the planning schedule for the near future, but it does have to be prioritized with dollars as well as time. Erin Moreau and Rob Peterson provided a deeper dive on the city’s marinas (no pun intended). Essentially the outer harbor is considered the section of lake that stretches from Oakledge park in the south to Leddy park in the north. The inner harbor, on the other hand, stretches from lighthouse to lighthouse. The harbor has a total of 573 seasonal use slips and the city own two marinas, one at Perkins Pier and the other at the bottom of College St. The city operates 178 slips, Lake Champlain Transit has 265 slips, and BHM has 130 slips. Since 2019 both LCT and BHM have added slips. All 4 spaces cater to both transient and seasonal boaters. As a side note, around 75% of the transient boating visitors are French Canadian. Moreau shared that 2018 was one of the best summers the waterfront has ever had in Burlington in terms of revenue. Weather is one of the largest determining factors in terms of revenue, but recent years have seen a loss of funds with Cyanobacteria blooms as well. The expansion of LCT and BHM has been extremely helpful as BPRW were turning away boaters every summer previous to their addition. The waterfront had an 8-10 year long waitlists for moorings and slips, and they were turning transient boaters away. With the additional spaces at LCT and BHM staff the city can welcome more people into our harbor even if the dollars get spread out between different institutions. CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov Moreau informed the committee that the waterfront just passed a rate change for 2024. That said, they are aware that they have an ageing facility at both the Community Boathouse and Perkins Pier, with limited amenities which begs the question of how much the city can raise rates with the oldest facilities in the harbor and fewer amenities than the counterparts. Data shows that the primary seasonal users of the city owned marinas are Burlingtonians, so reinvestment in marinas is a reinvestment in the community. Unfortunately, the perception remains that the marinas are not open to the public, so BPRW has more work to do in terms of making sure those spaces are accessible to all. BPRW is in the middle of creating a dredging design for both Perkins and the Boathouse which they expected to be completed this year. They have an open RFP out and are looking for bids for project with a completion date in the fall. They will also be placing major focus on a Community Boathouse Marina Feasibility study, exploring the future options available for the boathouse marina as the facility nears the end of its engineered lifespan. Essentially, that space is running on borrowed time; it’s rusting from the inside out and needs to be addressed. As he waterfront team moves forward their focus will be on the public, providing greater accessibility and recreational opportunities, and furthering tourism. They will be working on implementing the VT state system for cyanobacteria tracking which will update directly from smartphones to the city website for instant information for example. Barlow shared that he found the presentation helpful for understanding the issues, especially around boat slips. He remarked on the expanded capacity and asked if there is an agreement between the city and the other facilities on the waterfront that BPRW can’t charge higher rates. Moreau confirmed that the agreement is with BHM and was at the request of BPRW staff. BHM has to set their rates 15% higher than BPRW. Staff was aware that BHM is a brand new facility and they didn’t want to have to compete with that. That said BPRW does not have the same agreement with LCT. Moreau explained that BPRW sets their rates where they are comfortable and the BHM adjusts their fees accordingly. This caused a 25% increase in the rates for transient boaters and a 5-6% increase for seasonal boaters. Moreau added that BPRW charges more for the seasonal slip users that aren’t Burlington residents. She confirmed that our marina rates are competitive with LCT, and BHM will adjust once rates are issued. BHM has never asked the city to alter rates. Dieng was very impressed by the work in marina and would like to see the presentation go before the full council at some point. He thanked the team for their great work and encouraged them to keep up their efforts. Magee also thanked the waterfront team. He asked for a brief history on the Community Boathouse. Moreau shared that the barge the space is built on floated up to Burlington in 1987 and the boathouse was built and opened in 1988. It is a wood frame building on top of metal barge and it’s weathering and need of repair or possibly replacement. Magee also asked if the additional slips helped reduce the waitlist and Moreau confirmed that, while there are still people sitting on all the waitlists it has gotten shorter. The waterfront team no longer has to turn away transient boaters, and they are able to work with LCT and BHM on busy days to accommodate what slips fill up at what rate. All slips are different lengths so sometimes things need to move around. CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov Megan Moir shared plans for the expansion of the Waste Water Treatment Facility. The current plant is old, technically past its useful life. Most facilities are upgraded around 20 year mark and ours was last upgraded 1992-1994. Essentially, the upgrade is needed to maintain the water quality in the city. It would improve the city’s ability to treat wastewater, something the city has had issues with due to pir aging infrastructure and issues with flooding and natural disasters. The upgrade will help insure that that sort of thing doesn’t continue to happen. Additionally, the city is starting to approach capacity on organic treatment side of things, and with push for more housing we will also need to upgrade our capacity. Finally the existing work space isn’t safe for everyone and it has an unpleasant aroma. This project will help to resolve all these issues. The WWTF upgrade is a huge project split into 4 phases. Phase 0 is where we are now with current bond money. Phase 1 and 2 are planned, and ideas are in the works for phase 3. It is clear that the upgrade will require a price increase for Burlingtonians, and the team is working on programs to help assist those who might not be able to afford increase. Moir continued by explaining that BPRW has occupied Perkins Pier since the 1980s, and that the WWTF was included in the original purchase of the space by the city. A joint use resolution passed for wastewater to have first rights for expansion. The city has been in talks concerning the expansion over the years, but it looks like this is going to have to happen sooner rather than later. The planned additional aeration tanks (to add in increased capacity) will have the largest impact on Perkins Pier. The proposed expansion will renew the aging infrastructure at the end of its life, increased the city’s capacity for growth, meet or exceed lake phosphorus reduction obligations, and ensure regulatory compliance. While they don’t have an MOU that shows they have rights to northern waterfront, BHM was installed there instead and consequently WWTF can’t use that. Moir continued by explain that the water treatment plant was last upgraded in 1984 and things are starting to fall apart/not functioning the way they need to. There is a need for a modernization study. Unfortunately, the water treatment facility must have have endless backups to ensure UVMMC always has water as the city provides all water for the only level 1 trauma center in area. A modernization study is needed to make sure that when Burlington grows (and as climate change continues) that we are able to produce all necessary water without straining the plant. The water treatment facility may also need expansion space, so that’s something to keep in mind when planning what’s installed in the area to the north. Magee shared that he was somewhat aware of wastewater facility issues, but wasn’t aware of space constraints. Barlow asked if, in terms of footprint for water treatment, it would be possible to build up. Moir felt that could be looked at, but that it may not be logical. Building up would require a tremendous amount of pumping power. Sophie Sauve concluded the waterfront presentation by touching on the plans for a Perkins Pier upgrade. The final plan does take WWTF expansion into consideration. BPRW completed a siting study in 2021-2022. They held 4 stakeholder meetings and 3 public meetings in addition to public surveys, and CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov a winter onsite pop-up to get an idea of what’s missing and what the public wants. The study also considers what other amenities are nearby. Of the 4.1 acres that comprise Perkin’s Pier, 47% is parking, 28% is greenspace, 23% hard surface, 1% building. What the survey made clear is that many people go to Perkins to watch the sunset. The site flooded in 2011 with a high water mark at 103.27’ (the lake is currently at 99.96’). The site elevation needs to be above 104’ and that is included in the planned upgrade. Sauve shared a map of the proposed site that would provide many of the amenities the public is interested in (views, promenade area, sunset law, boardwalk, integrated play area, benches, non- motorized craft launch) as well as necessary upgrades to the BPRW staff space. In addition to the parking space being used for the WWTF upgrade and other changes, the public boat launch would be removed and visitors would be directed to the coast guard ramp. The proposed changes have not started yet. Magee was extremely impressed by the design as was Barlow. Barlow asked if redirecting boaters to the coast guard ramp will be too much traffic for them. Sauve shared that, currently only small boats can launch from the Pier because the ramp is short and steep and requires boaters to make quick turns. It’s limited to crafts 25’ and under. Unfortunately, Sauve did not have raw data on usage. Magee asked about the potential cost for the project and Sauve shared that as of 2022 the cost would be around $25 million. That said, the work can be done in phases and there are opportunities for grants for the floating wetlands and boardwalk expansion. Solar Eclipse 2024 Update – Zach Williamson shared that plans for the eclipse are moving right along. It is going to be a massive event and no one really knows exactly what to expect. It’s also a once in a life-time event, happening all over Vermont (and the world), and more of an unknown in that more and more people are realizing how big a deal this really is. The Burlington event has been branded Obscura BTV. Plans are moving along really well and details are starting to come into focus. There is an RFP out for a Waterfront park production (sound system for live narration, music, and communication). A meeting with GMT to discuss parking and shuttling is in the works and the use of Battery Park and Street will be incorporated into waterfront events. They are planning to use hardscape as well as grass. The team is working on getting flaggers to move people from the interstate to RT-127 for parking and the plan is to close half of Battery St so people can stand on the western half of the street the day of. The Hilton Lake Champlain and Hotel Vermont will be holding events as well. The team is also looking at closing College St from the Waterfront to Church St. They are planning entertainment for Battery and City Hall Parks and are working with legal to look into one weekend pass of food truck ordinance restriction that weekend. Over the weekend ahead of the eclipse the team is looking at doing an Obscura market at the Hilton (offered partnership), an indoor artist market on Sat/Sun, and unique events at Contois Auditorium and the UU Church. Unfortunately the Flynn is not available during this time. CITY OF BURLINGTON Councilor Joe Magee, Chair, Ward 3 PARKS, ARTS & CULTURE COMMITTEE Councilor Ali Dieng, Ward 7 Councilor Mark Barlow, North District Staff: Holli Bushnell, Office Assistant Lakeview Cemetery hbushnell@burlingtonvt.gov In an effort to reduce waste and limit the challenge of logistics needed for thousands of t-shirts, the city will be offering t-shirts printed on demand to be ordered in advance and on the BCA website. The team has ordered 50,000 glasses that should arrive on time, sponsored by the Airport and to be sold at the Airport and the former location of Sox Market on Church St. There will also be stickers, posters, pins, yoyos, and a few other things. The team is looking to hire merch manager. The day of the eclipse, the store will go city wide with sales at parks all over the city. The team has been leaning in to Oakledge’s accessibility. They will not be programing a DJ, just taking advantage of infrastructure. KJ Doyle is working on using Roosevelt Park for family events and the team is about to reach out to NPAs to offer eclipse materials for neighborhood events. Doreen Kraft shared that the event gets bigger every day. Fundraising is ongoing but it’s very difficult in the present moment. Hotels have all committed to giving $10 a room for each night as a contribution towards event – but that doesn’t quite make the financial goals and they are still looking for underwriters. The team will need to take advantage of every great asset we have and package it to those 100,000 visitors. This is a red carpet moment for us, and we’re going to do our best to make it great for our community and visitors. Wight asked if the contractor beginning work on Main Street has been informed that they need to open the roads for the event and Williamson confirmed that no work will be happening on that Monday or the weekend previous per the contract with the city. Kraft continued by saying that communication with public is critical. They need to make sure citizens know what’s going on. Consequenlty, the eclipse team is working with the public safety team to make sure understanding is coordinated. They will be going into emergency management mode, everything coordinated from the center. Williamson added that the team is working on creating a resident focus FAQ page, a visitor focused FAQ page, and postcards mailed to residents. The current administration has stated that remote work for staff is possible on the day of the eclipse and BSD has decided to do a half day. City team is always thinking and at the table together, coordinated. Magee asked to that the team make sure that any materials are translated so that non-english speakers can find the information. Williamson confirmed that they are making all efforts to make that happen. Magee also asked for a fundraising update and Kraft promised one at the next meeting. Magee suggested an update on the eclipse go before the full council in February or March. Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 720pm.

Agenda

City Council - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room MEETING TO BE HELD IN PERSON AT 645 PINE ST FRONT CONFERENCE ROOM AND VIA ZOOM When: Jan 24, 2024 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94790688428 Or One tap mobile : +16469313860,,94790688428# US +19292056099,,94790688428# US (New York) Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): +1 646 931 3860 US 1. Call to Order Subject 1.1. Call to Order Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 1. Call to Order Department Type 2. Procedural Items Subject 2.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 2. Procedural Items Department Type Recommended Action Subject 2.2. Motion to amend/adopt minutes from 12/13/2023 Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 2. Procedural Items Department Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Type Recommended Action 3. Public Forum Subject 3.1. PUBLIC FORUM - Verbal Comments Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 3. Public Forum Department Type 4. Agenda Subject 4.1. Solar Eclipse 2024 Update Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 4. Agenda Department Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Type Recommended Action Subject 4.2. Waterfront Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 4. Agenda Department Type 5. Adjournment 6. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 6.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. Meeting January 24, 2024 - Parks, Arts and Culture Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 5:00 PM, 645 Pine St, Front Conference Room Category 6. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type

Packet

Bike Path Rehab/ Pause Place North Street COTS & 85 North Ave Sailing Center, Moran FRAME, Skatepark, Burlington Harbor Marina Battery Park Pearl Street Waterfront Park Transit S. Union Street Center Cherry Street City Place Church Street New Old YMCA S. Winooski Ave YMCA Battery Street The Nest ECHO City Hall Center Gateway Park Block Amtrak Station Main Street St. Paul Street City West VFW/ Post 194 St. Apts Paul Maple Street Perkins Pier Pine Street Downtown Reinvestment Public Projects Complete Under construction/ in planning Private Projects Bike Path Complete Rehab. Under construction/ in planning Public-Private Projects Potential reinvestment/revitalization concept map from 2013 planBTV: Complete Downtown & Waterfront. July 2023 overlay to reflect areas within the Under construction/ in plan scope where projects have been completed or are underway. Not planning all projects have been implemented in exactly the same manner as envisioned in planBTV, but reflect the spirit/intent of the plan’s goals. The FRAME Update Parks, Arts & Culture Committee January 24, 2024 Friends of The FRAME: 2023 Programming & Activations Phase 2 Vision Next Steps Friends of The FRAME Organized to facilitate the sustained use of The Frame as an inclusive, ever- evolving public space, Friends of The Frame endeavors to present high- quality public programming, support ongoing stewardship, and empower local creativity in all of its forms. Friends of The FRAME PILOT - Friends of The Frame / City of Burlington Contract, 7/11/2022 FRAME Pilot & Better Places grant Free public amenities + Bench swings, including a wheelchair accessible swing + WiFi hotspot + Picnic tables + Public restroom pilot with Burlington-based Wasted* Art & activation + Illuminated “The FRAME” signage + Comprehensive historical information panels + Interactive community chalkboard + “Blue Alchemy” art installation + All-ages lawn games Infrastructural support + Shipping container for secure onsite storage + Packed gravel path network + Custom temporary event fence system FRAME Pilot - Events & Community Movie Nights at The FRAME + 11 scheduled events, 6 rainouts + When weather was nice, the typical crowd was 50-100+ + Food & beverage vendors + BCA team assisted with projection and sound + No security incidents + Learned a lot! Blue Alchemy Opening + ~50-60 people over the course of the evening + Live music (sound was actually pretty good) + First event with no BCA assistance Heartsong Aerial Arts Pop-Ups Joy Riders & Vermont Skate Society Meetups Betty’s Bikes + Lease with BPRW Friends of The FRAME: 2023 Programming & Activations Phase 2 Vision Next Steps Phase 2 Vision - Taking the Frame from ‘Safe’ to Spectacular Goals: + Improve accessibility and enjoyment for all ages and abilities + Create opportunities for year- round activation of the Frame and waterfront + Strengthen connectivity with adjacent destinations and park spaces + Build upon what people are already doing at the Frame + Introduce new public amenities that compliment those in nearby areas Phase 2 Vision – Public Engagement Survey Distribution Public Meeting – September 13, 2023 (50+) UVM Design Innovation Class ONLINE PRINT BHS City & Lake Semester Class Post Card & Online Survey Postcard QR Code Miller Center Front Porch Forum Leddy Arena CEDO Website ONE Community Center MVVA Instagram Fletcher Free Library FoTF Social Media 645 Pine Seven Days Ad King Street Youth Center QR Code On-site Leddy Beach Bites Movie Nights at the Frame The Phase 2 Moran Vision Frame – Public Engagement: Postcards Public Comments Survey Post Card 68 Postcards Returned Phase 2 Vision – Public Engagement: Postcards Phase 2 Vision – Public Engagement: Online Survey https://thj79m9ottl.typeform.com/to/RuOuLpFr 502 (and counting) Online Survey Responses Survey Responses (550+) Concerts & Performances Survey Respondents by Neighborhood Centennial Woods / Riverside Downtown / Old North End / Waterfront 6.37% 3.60% New North End South End 6.37% Hill Section / University Housing Burlington (no neighborhood provided) Note: This information was only available for online survey responses, not the postcards (so about 12% of the total 19.11% respondents are omitted). 43.49% Main Takeaway: The most responses were from Downtown, the Old North End, and the Waterfront. Theseneighborhoods are represented almost 2:1 compared to their population percentage of Burlington. 21.05% Burlington Population by Neighborhood (2020) Centennial Woods / Riverside Downtown / Old North End / Waterfront New North End 14.0% South End Hill Section / University Housing 26.1% Census data showing the % of Burlington’s population in each neighborhood. This is intended as a comparison tool to show how closely our “Burlington-based Survey Respondents by Neighborhood” 23.9% percentages align with the actual population distribution in a certain neighborhood. Note: This information was only available 12.1% for online survey responses, not the postcards (so about 12% of the total respondents are omitted). Main Takeaway: We received a disproportionately high number of responses from the South End. 23.9% Phase 2 Vision JOIN US Public Open House February 8th 3pm – 5pm Burlington City Arts 2nd Floor Friends of The FRAME: 2023 Programming & Activations Phase 2 Vision Next Steps • Phase 1B • Friends of The FRAME Explore feasibility Programming & Activations of Phase 2 vision Phase 2 Capital Campaign Phase 1B Phase 1B is a near-term construction phase. The scope of work is a response to lessons learned over the past two years and public feedback gathered during 2023 and is intended to dovetail with the scope proposed for Phase 2. FOCUS: the ability to host a variety of public events & performances, and vendor infrastructure. Other items that Phase 1B is likely to include: + Connections / anchor points for the large-scale inflatable movie screen + Demolition of the “shelves” on the existing concrete pedestals & other misc. concrete repairs + A seasonal overhead cover system for vendor areas + Water connection(s) at vendor areas + Structural steel modifications @ Level 1 to accommodate portable stage at ground level + Paved connection to the Burlington Greenway + Clean up / Safety at boat hoist and water’s edge Friends of The FRAME: Programming & Activations Contract with Friends of Frame to provide programming & activations for the next two summers, including: + Movie Nights + Live Performances + Public Art & Placemaking + Marketing & Engagement + Public Restrooms in partnership with (Burlington-based startup providing sustainable waste management solutions) Friends of The FRAME: Phase 2 Capital Campaign + Friends of The FRAME, with the support of the City, would hire an experienced fundraising consultant, or team of consultants, to develop and implement a capital campaign strategy. This would include a private fundraising effort and grant writing effort. + Friends of The FRAME would facilitate and host a private “speakeasy-style” experience for potential donors and/or project champions to review conceptual design materials (physical model, renderings, cost estimate, precedent images, diagrams, etc.) + Prioritize finding “project champions” early on. These would generally be influential, well-connected individuals that may or may not be potential donors themselves. Some may be eventual partners (e.g. Higher Ground). This will help further legitimize the campaign and build momentum before any formal asks are made. + We would present the complete vision when courting donors, but we will also be able to communicate the “standalone” value of certain components. Breaking down the project this way, while largely unrealistic in terms of construction phasing, can make the full project value more digestible. + Anticipated timeline of 12-18 months (January 2024 - July 2025) + Goal = raise enough capital to support the construction of, at a minimum, the “Essential Elements” of the Phase 2 concept Long-Term Management Structure City of Burlington (Owner) MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS PARTNERSHIP Local Partnerships KEY COLLABORATORS DRAFT Budget Summary Sources Uses Phase 1A Remaining $500,000 Friends of The FRAME 2024 & 2025 $65,000 ARPA Infrastructure $600,000 Phase 1B $600,000 CDBG $100,000 Phase 2 Capital Campaign Feasibility Study $40,000 Frame Pilot Remaining $4,000 Phase 2 Project $499,000 Total $1,204,000 Total $1,204,000 COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CEDO-Managed Waterfront Ground Leases & Public Access January 24, 2024 Background The City owns lands along the Lake Champlain waterfront that have been redeveloped overtime by private entities under the ECHO mechanisms of Development Agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), and Ground Lease Agreements. In addition to all Burlington Harbor construction plans Marina and associated improvements, providing and maintaining public access to the Lake Champlain waterfront was a key Sailing Center element in the redevelopment of these sites. 2 Photo Credit: Ryan Bent ECHO Science Center Public Access “…at all times public access to the facility and Premises shall be provided to the extent consistent with the primary uses…” 3 ECHO Science Center • Ground Lease Commencement Date – June 1, 1995 with • The purpose of this Lease is to allow Science center to an initial term of 99 years construct, reconstruct, improve, use, and maintain on the Premises, all at the Science Center's sole discretion and • Create a center for research and public and/or private in its exclusive authority, a facility, which may consist of education in, information about, and enjoyment of the one or more buildings or portions of buildings and other natural, historic, social, or cultural environment structures and improvements, for research and public • …at all times public access to the facility and Premises and/or private education in, information about, and shall be provided to the extent consistent with the enjoyment of the natural, historic, social, or cultural primary uses specified herein. environment, and to create, perform, maintain, and provide public and private recreational, cultural, civic, and educational events, facilities, including retail and food service facilities accessory to the primary uses…; 4 Community Sailing Center Public Access 2024 Lease Amendment: Public Sloped Restrooms • Restroom facilities shall be available to Launch the general public when the facility is open. • Access and use of the sloped launch (currently under construction) shall be available to the general public when the facility is open. 5 Community Sailing Center Purpose: to facilitate the development and operation of an educational and recreational community waterfront center Ground Lease Commencement Date - March 21, 2016 January 9, 2024 Amendment to Ground Lease with an initial term of 30 years 1. Increase the Community Service Credit Cap; and Ground Lease was made subject to: 2. Memorialize general public access to portions of the 1.1.3 All rights of way and easements reasonable and facility. necessary to complete the Waterfront Access North Section 20.5 General Public Access Project, which do not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the Sailing Center; a) Restroom facilities shall be available to the general public when the facility is open. No members of the 1.1.4 The Sailing Center’s public access obligations general public will be denied access to restroom for the development and operation of the Sailing Center, facilities. including any conservation easement requirements under any agreement to which the City is a party or b) Upon completion of the expansion project, access required by any local state or federal agencies or and use of the sloped launch shall be available for regulatory bodies with respect to public access, use by the general public when the facility is open. stormwater mitigation, shoreline erosion mitigation or Note: The CSC allowed general public access to the restrooms in similar waterfront issues; the summer of 2023 as a condition of federal funding received for their waterfront improvements that began in the fall of 2023. 6 Burlington Public Restrooms & Harbor Store / Chandlery Marina Public Access • Public restroom facilities (business hours) • Store and chandlery (business hours) • Water Taxi (business hours) • Perimeter dock (7am –10pm) "...the following areas of the Marina that will be open in season, during business hours, to pedestrians and the general public (not solely Marina clientele ), subject to occupancy limits established by all applicable governmental permits, statutes, ordinances and regulations, with the understanding that priority access will be given to slip holders during certain Marina events...." Perimeter Dock 7 Burlington Harbor Marina The Marina Lot is, as a part of the Burlington waterfront lands Public Access to the Marina subject to the public trust doctrine, which dictates that land The parties acknowledge that the Marina shall be accessible to submerged beneath navigable waters, including land that has the public. been filled so that it is no longer submerged, must be held in trust for public uses. Tenant hereby agrees that the following areas of the Marina that will be open in season, during business hours, to pedestrians Ground Lease Commencement Date – October 25, 2017 with and the general public (not solely Marina clientele), subject to an initial term of 30 years occupancy limits established by all applicable governmental permits, statutes, ordinances and regulations, with the Project Public Improvements work as shown on the Site Plan understanding that priority access will be given to slip holders during certain Marina events: • East Parking Lot • the public restroom facilities; store and chandlery; and the • The Public Park (Waterworks) and development of Water water taxi stand. Department Hardscapes The Marina's entire perimeter dock (i.e. the wave attenuation • The Marina Drop Off Plaza system) shall be open to the general public daily from 7am to • Improvements in the area of the South Parking Lot 10pm…with the understanding that priority access will be given to slip holders during certain Marina events 8 2024 PACC -Waterfront Marina Usage Marina Transient Visitors 1000 900 870 796 804 800 768 749 731 720 713 700 664 632 600 500 419 400 300 231 200 182 96 100 0 0 0 0 0 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Slips Moorings BHM Marina Slip & Mooring Revenues 2019 – LCT opened with their first large expansion, BHM opened 2022 – Canadian/US Border fully re-opened (Revenues based on New World FY) Seasonal Slips Across 300 the Harbor 265 250 200 178 150 130 100 50 0 City (All locations) LCT "Ferry" BHM Seasonal Slips & Moorings Total 573 Seasonal Boaters at City Marinas: Breakdown by Home Address Recent Marina Capital Projects & Investments • Upgraded Seasonal Moorings at Perkins Pier: Replaced 23 moorings to a safer and more reliable mooring system (2022) • Security Gates on Boathouse Dock Ramps (2023) • Dredging Design, Engineering and upcoming Dredging at Perkins Pier and Community Boathouse. Bond Project ($700K) started in 2023 and expected completion Spring 2024. • Community Boathouse Marina Feasibility Study: With $200k from municipal bond funding, exploring the future options available for the Boathouse Marina, as the facility nears the end of its engineered lifespan. (2023-2024) Looking Forward: Future Projects & Direction • Community Boathouse Marina Facility: Looking forward to finding solutions pertaining to the viability and future of this facility. We will have robust community engagement addressing the future of this Facility while understanding its past history in Burlington Harbor. • Themes: Public, Accessible, Recreation & Tourism • Water Quality & The Impacts to our Recreational Waters • Perkins Pier: Chart a course forward to how we can bring realistic improvements to the site. Siting study already complete. • Tourism & Downtown vitality –Focus on the Waterfront/Downtown connection and how we can grow our strengths within the tourism field. PERKINS PIER - SITING STUDY Parks, Arts and Culture CommiƩee January 22nd, 2024 PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY Comprehensive Planning Process 2021-2022 • 4 stakeholder meeƟngs TITLE • 3 public meeƟngs • surveys • winter onsite pop up PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY TITLE Lake Level 98.02ft on 01/19 (was 99.07ft on 12/22) PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY Flood Levels in 2011: 103.27’ - included TITLE flooding of the Lyman Building, which includes public restrooms. PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN PERKINS PIER SITE PLAN PERKINS PIER SITING STUDY PrioriƟzaƟons per public input: Waterfront for All *there is enabling work that needs to occur for all projects: permiƫng, review of easements, encumbrances and invisible investments like sheet piling and the need for a BPRW maintenance building, growing private partnerships for a public-facing building, etc. Thank you! QuesƟons? Sophie Sauvé Parks Comprehensive Planner ssauve@burlingtonvt.gov Improve and Modernize WWTFs for Burlington’s Future WASTEWATER PLANT UPGRADE STAGES 0 1 2 3 Headworks Upgrade Main WWTF Conversion of East Plant North and Main WWTFs Main, North and East Primary treatment into a Pump Station & Main CSO pumps WWTFs covers and odor North High Priorities Main Building Replace influent screen control Construct East PS and improvements (inc. and grit removal New secondary FM ventilation and odor equipment treatment tankage Improvements to control) Upgrade North and East Dewatering system Main WWTF Main and North Headworks Buildings upgrade collection system sludge pumps Improved working Tertiary treatment North WWTF conditions (safety) in the Electrical distribution clarifiers, pumps, and areas with equipment system replacement Control Building Engineering Support: improvements Wright Pierce is assisting with WWTF Planning Hoyle Tanner & Assoc. is assisting with Tertiary Treatment and Integrated Planning 1985 Resolution regarding the purchase and use of Perkins Pier “Property is acquired for the expansion of the capacity of the main sewer treatment plant....” “...primary use is for wastewater treatment needs..” “...acquired for present and future wastewater needs and capacity; and that any conflict between the needs of these two Departments will be resolved in favor of wastewater needs” As of January 2024, future possible footprints based on continued preliminary engineering Main WWTF - Stage 1 Replace Aeration tanks in new location including new blower equipment Renews infrastructure at end of life Tertiary treatment equipment Increased capacity for growth New secondary clarifier tank New mechanisms in all clarifiers Meets/exceeds Burlington’s Lake New dewatering equipment Influent pump improvements Champlain phosphorus reduction Building improvements obligation Standby generator and electrical distribution upgrade New odor control on primary clarifiers Ensures regulatory compliance Burlington Water Treatment Plant Last upgrade in 1984 (40 years ago) Source of drinking water for Burlington including Medical Center Infrastructure renewal is necessary, at a minimum Need for Water Treatment Plant Modernization Study Raw and Finish Water Increase redundancy and resiliency Pumping Capacity evaluation Advance planning for potential water quality Treatment and regulatory issues more frequent turbidity (cloudy water) due to frequent storms contaminants of concern (not an issue yet) cyanobacteria toxins PFAS Addition of BHM reduced adjacent expansion space Future planning of the Northern Waterfront needs to ensure there is space for Water treatment and pumping LAST SAVED BY: JAMES.MICHAUD 8/21/2023 1:54 PM APP'D DATE N REVISIONS NO 1 2 3 4 5 SUBMISSION: PRELIMINARY DESIGN PROJECT NO: 20776 CAD COORD: B. JONES NEW FENCELINE, TYP DESIGNED: APPROVED: NEW TREELINE, TYP CHECKED: DATE: DATE: \\WRIGHT-PIERCE.COM\WPMFS\VOL4\ENG\VT\BURLINGTON\20776-WWTFPHASE2UPGRADE\DRAWINGS\20776-WWTF-PHASE2UPGRADES\CIV\20776-CS-MAINPLANT-SITEPLAN-LAYOUT.DWG | MainExConditionsSitePlan | 1:2.5849 | ---- | 8/21/2023 1:56:03 PM | JAMES.MICHAUD CAD: 5TH SECONDARY CLARIFIER Approximate location of 10-ft CSO box culvert TERTIARY TREATMENT SYSTEM OR OL OD NTR CO STORAGESLUDGE FUTURE 100 YEAR EFFLUENT CHANNEL AERATION TANKS FLOODPLAIN SPLITTER STRUCTURES 4 TANKS FUTURE PEAK EQ FUTURE FLOW EQUALIZATION TANK TANK 603.606.4420 | www.wright-pierce.com 250 COMMERCIAL STREET, SUITE 4014, MANCHESTER, NH 03101 20' DRIVEWAY BLOWER BUILDING FUTURE THIRD PRIMARY CLARIFIER BURLINGTON, VERMONT NOTES: MAIN WWTF STAGE 1 IMPROVEMENTS: AERATION SYSTEM, TERTIARY DRAFT TREATMENT SYSTEM, BLOWER BUILDING, 5TH WASTEWATER TREAMENT FACILITY SECONDARY CLARIFIER STAGE 3 IMPROVEMENTS: PEAK FLOW EQUALIZATION DRAFT FIUTURE SITE PLAN TANK, SLUDGE STORAGE TANK (FUTURE THIRD PRIMARY CLARIFIER IS NOT PART OF PHASE II UPGRADES CURRENTLY PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS.) MAIN WWTF SITE PLAN SCALE: 1"=40' DRAWING 0 40 80 C-10-101