Church Street Marketplace Commission

Regular Meeting

Burlington, VT · November 19, 2025

Minutes

CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE DISTRICT COMMISSION November 19, 2025 9:00 AM Location: City Hall, Bushor Conference Room, 149 Church St. Attendance: Commissioners: Mark Bouchett, Becky Holt, Linda Magoon, Kara Tobin (Zoom), Sam Tolstoi (Zoom), Erik Monsen, Chris Haessly, and Romeo von Hermann Staff: Kara Alnasrawi – CEDO Director, Samantha McGinnis – CSM Director, Isa Paredes – Marketing Coordinator (Zoom), Aida Washburn – Project & Event Coordinator, Andrew Bacher – CSM Coordinator, Kimberly Rojas – Community Engagement Coordinator I. COME TO ORDER a. Meeting is brought to order at 9:01am II. APPROVE AGENDA a. Agenda approved unanimously III. APPROVE MINUTES a. Motion to approve minutes – Romeo von Hermann i. Seconded by Linda Magoon b. Minutes approved unanimously IV. PUBLIC FORUM – GENERAL a. No one in attendance for Public Forum V. COMMISSIONER UPDATES a. Linda Magoon: Brought the wife of a “well-known family” and walked her around the Marketplace. Brandy Melville did not greet or ask if they needed anything. Other stores did. Is there anything the Commission can do about that? i. Mark Bouchett: Suggested calling the store to speak to the manager. VI. BANNER PROGRAM UPDATES a. Discussion between commissioners around Banner Program memo introduced by the Church Street Marketplace team. Limited concerns for revenue. Only two for-profits applied in the last three years. b. Motion to discuss the changes in the pricing structure – Becky Holt i. Seconded by Chris Haessly c. VOTE ANTICIPATED i. To enact the changes to the Banner Program as recommended by the Church Street Marketplace team. 1. Vote in favor: Mark Bouchett, Becky Holt, Kara Tobin, Sam Tolstoi, Erik Monsen, Sarah Beal, Chris Haessly, Romeo von Hermann 2. Abstain: Linda Magoon VII. CART VENDOR PROGRAM a. Discussion between Commissioners and Church Street Marketplace team. Do we want to revamp the program so we’re not addressing issues as they come up? Certain areas are getting more challenging to continue to address such as subleasing of spaces, menus, etc. What can we tweak to make the program more efficient and clear for those applying? b. Marketplace team to work on desired changes and then come to the group. VIII. TREASURER’S REPORT a. Just over 40% through fiscal year. Received most of expected annual revenue. b. Received $10,000 grant from the state to help with Downtown revitalization. Will go towards holiday spending and new maintenance tractor. c. No holiday donations or corporate sponsors at this time. Team is still on the lookout. d. Underbudget at this time - most expenses happen over the winter. Currently looking for new snow removal for street team. IX. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Samantha McGinnis reports that: i. Many holiday activations ahead. Tree will be delivered on Friday, November 21. ii. Highlighting programs found on churchstmarketplace.com/holidays iii. Partnering with Burlington City Arts on a winter lights initiative which should provide additional lighting in the Downtown area. iv. State police are patrolling on and around Church Street when they have people able to work an overtime shift. 1. Supplying more DMV traffic patrols 2. Supplying additional liquor compliance v. Community court has launched. City circle is launching mid- November. vi. No plans low-barrier evening shelter in Burlington area at the moment. 1. Emergency shelters will be operated by Fire Department and CVOEO when the temperature hits –10. vii. Some bollards have been stolen. Quote for six additional bollards is $18,000. Price increase due to material cost increases. viii. Lease confirmed for old Whim space. ix. Construction should be done this time next week. x. All vacancies from last month stand. xi. Pascolo moving into old location. Sweetwaters looking to revamp their old space in the spring. X. CHAIR’S REPORT a. A sense amongst visitors and merchants that tides are turning. We need to get folks down here. b. Garages have been peaceful. c. Two multiple offenders are being held on psychiatric evaluation. XI. ADJOURN a. Motion to adjourn i. Moved by Chris Haessly ii. Seconded by Becky Holt b. Meeting is brought to close at 10:11 am Next Meeting: December 17, 2025

Agenda

Packet

Church Street Marketplace Commission Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/7366336595 1. Adopt the Agenda 2. Adopt Minutes Subject 2.1. Adoption of Minutes Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 2. Adopt Minutes Department Church St. Marketplace Type Minutes 3. Public Forum Subject 3.1. Verbal Comments Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 3. Public Forum Department Church St. Marketplace Type Discussion 4. Commissioner Updaters (Marketplace Updates: up to 5 minutes per commissioner) 5. Banner Program Updates Subject 5.1. Vote Anticipated Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Page 1 of 9 Category 5. Banner Program Updates Department Church St. Marketplace Type Action Recommended Action Approve Marketplace Staff Recommendations 6. Cart Vendor Program Subject 6.1. Discussion Only Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 6. Cart Vendor Program Department Church St. Marketplace Type Discussion 7. Reports Subject 7.1. Treasurer's Report Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 7. Reports Department Church St. Marketplace Type Report Subject 7.2. Director's Report Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 7. Reports Department Church St. Marketplace Type Report Subject 7.3. Chair's Report Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 7. Reports Department Church St. Marketplace Type Report Page 2 of 9 8. Adjournment Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 8. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 9.1. 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 November 19, 2025 - Church Street Marketplace Commission - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM, Zoom/Sharon Bushor Conference Room, Ground Floor, City Hall 149 Church Street Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type Page 3 of 9 CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE DISTRICT COMMISSION October 8, 2025 9:00 AM Location: City Hall, Contois Auditorium, 149 Church St. Attendance: Commissioners: Mark Bouchett, Becky Holt (Zoom), Linda Magoon, Cara Tobin, Sam Tolstoi, Sarah Beal (Zoom) Staff: Kara Alnasrawi – CEDO Director, Samantha McGinnis – CSM Director, Jessica Dudley – Marketing Manager, Isa Paredes – Marketing Coordinator, Aida Washburn – Project & Event Coordinator, Kimberly Rojas – Community Engagement Coordinator I. COME TO ORDER a. Meeting is brought to order at 9:08am II. APPROVE AGENDA a. Linda Magoon - motion to approve b. Sam Tolstoi - seconded c. Agenda approved unanimously III. APPROVE MINUTES a. Sarah Beal - Motion to adopt the minutes b. Sam Tolstoi - Seconded c. Minutes approved unanimously IV. PUBLIC FORUM – GENERAL a. No members of the public present V. COMMISSIONER UPDATES a. Sarah Beal: Should we address the recent incident of a car driving on Church St? i. Could there be a tree, signage or chains put up? VI. TREASURER’S REPORT Page 4 of 9 a. Minimal changes since last month. b. Budget error where staff salaries were not on the correct line item. c. Still looking for corporate sponsors. d. Under budget ahead of holiday season VII. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Samantha McGinnis reports that: i. The events of the last three weekends were well-attended 1. Latin American connection event 2. UVM Parent’s Weekend 3. Construction Fest ii. Coming up: 1. Zombie Walk on Saturday, October 11. 2. Several retailers are doing a fashion show a Halverson’s on Sunday, October 12. 3. Dog costume contest – sponsored by Northfield Savings Bank – on Saturday, October 25 iii. Winter market will be indoors this year. One weekend at new BCA Community Room and one weekend in Contois Auditorium. iv. Working in conjunction with BCA to get more lighting throughout downtown v. Continuing to work on next steps of the Marketplace vi. Commission voted to not have holiday parking program previously, so there will not be a holiday parking program this year. vii. Difficult time getting sponsorships this year viii. Received downtown vibrancy grant through the state ix. Sam applied for winter placemaking grant with AARP x. Golden Hour moved recently to the space beside phoenix xi. Something is coming to the old Vermont Eclectic space xii. Pascolo is moving back to their old space xiii. A few vacancies still xiv. Two new public art pieces in the downtown xv. City circle starting up in the next month xvi. Nudity ordinance has been passed by City Council. xvii. 12 out of 53 units have been leased in Burlington Square VIII. CHAIR’S REPORT Page 5 of 9 a. Will be putting together an annual report and will be done by the end of October. b. Folks who have been causing frequent issues are being “held” now. c. How to get visitors to walk the full four blocks of the marketplace, especially City Hall Block d. How to draw in larger community outside of Burlington e. Create a holiday season with positive experiences and enhanced customer service. IX. ADJOURN a. Motion to adjourn i. Moved by Becky Holt ii. Seconded by Mark Bouchett b. Meeting is brought to close at 9:58am Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 19th Page 6 of 9 To: Church Street Marketplace Commission From: Andrew Bacher, Marketplace Coordinator CC: Samantha McGinnis, Director Date: November 13, 2025 Re: Adjusting Banner Program Rules and Fees ______________________________________________________________________________ Background: The Church Street Marketplace attracts approximately two million visitors annually, offering a valuable opportunity for advertisement. To leverage this high visitation rate, the Marketplace currently permits businesses and nonprofit organizations to display over the street banners, light pole banners and street stickers along the Marketplace for a fee. The Marketplace Banner Program currently has a separate pricing structure based on whether an organization is for-profit or nonprofit. Over the past three years, we have received 38 applications for banners or stickers. Two of these applications were for for-profit businesses. We approved one of these applications, the Lake Monsters, to advertise on the Marketplace. For-profit businesses that have applied and been rejected often pose a conflict of interest with the businesses operating on the Marketplace. For example, real estate, construction and national brands. We do not want to pull economic support away from the Marketplace. Given the limited demand from for-profit applicants, and the ongoing conflict of interest concerns, we no longer see a need to maintain two separate pricing structures. In addition, the Marketplace Team is looking to increase rates slightly to adjust for inflation and right size pricing after several years of the program. Pricing currently is: o Horizontal intersection: $300 per Banner (up to 4 banners) o Vertical intersection: $300 total (14 banners) o Light pole: $550 total (30 banners) o Street stickers: $200 total (20 stickers) or $50 for (5 stickers) Page 7 of 9 Recommended Action In order to simplify the banner program and ensure equitable, transparent pricing, Marketplace staff suggests the following changes to the banner program:  Restrict program eligibility to registered nonprofit organizations, Marketplace Events, and Marketplace businesses. For-profit businesses would no longer be eligible to advertise through the Banner Program.  Update and standardize Banner pricing as follows: o Horizontal intersection: $325 per banner (up to 4 banners) o Vertical intersection: $400 total (14 banners) o Light pole: $600 total (30 banners) o Street stickers: $250 total (20 stickers) or $75 for (5 stickers)  Add a requirement for applicants to supply an image of their Banner during the application process for Marketplace approval. Page 8 of 9 To: Church Street Marketplace Commission From: Andrew Bacher, Marketplace Coordinator CC: Samantha McGinnis, Director Date: November 14, 2025 Re: Cart Vendor Program Policy Changes Background: Earlier this year, Church Street staff launched 2025 Church Street cart vendor program application. The application was open Wednesday, January 15, 2025 through Sunday, February 9, 2025. 17 businesses applied for the cart vendor program. Of those 17 applications, 2 were rejected for failing to meet program requirements. Another 2 carts requested rescission of their cart vendor contracts due to not being able to meet the attendance requirements. Another 2 carts were unable to attend most of the season due to family and health reasons. Over the course of the year, there have been a number of concerns and challenges brought up: • Restructuring cart vendor fees: charging late fees, requiring upfront payment • Eligibility for cart vendor contract rescission: reasons to accept or deny, fees associated • Cart vendor attendance requirements: updates to language, how to keep carts accountable, penalties associated with failure to meet attendance requirements • Menu items conflicts: what denotes a conflict of interest between a cart vendor and a Marketplace business? • Subleasing / shared locations policies: clarifying rules, potentially eliminating both policies In order to reinvigorate the program, create more equitable treatment of vendors experiencing hardship and clarify the rules and regulations of the program, the Marketplace staff is proposing the Commission discuss if we should continue to make ad hoc adjustments to the program or take a deeper dive in to restructuring the rules and regulations of the program. 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