Public Safety Committee

City Council - Public Safety Committee Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT When: Oct 23, 2025 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Public Safety Committee Meeting Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://zoom.us/j/93002764737 Phone one-tap: +13126266799,,93002764737# US (Chicago) +16469313860,,93002764737# US Join via audio: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 305 224 1968 US +1 309 205 3325 US +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 689 278 1000 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 669 444 9171 US Webinar ID: 930 0276 4737 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/awAwtBQ7Z 1. Adopt the Agenda 1.1. Motion to amend/adopt agenda 2. Adopt Minutes 2.1. Motion to adopt draft minutes from September 25, 2025 3. Tammy Boudah - Howard Street Team Subject 3.1. Tammy Boudah - Howard Street Team Page 1 of 14  Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 3. Tammy Boudah - Howard Street Team Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 4. State's Attorney - Sarah George Subject 4.1. State's Attorney - Sarah George Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 4. State's Attorney - Sarah George Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 5. Chiefs' Reports Subject 5.1. BPD Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 5. Chiefs' Reports Department Type Recommended Action Subject 5.2. BFD Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 5. Chiefs' Reports Department Type Recommended Action 6. Public Forum Page 2 of 14  Subject 6.1. Verbal Comments Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 6. Public Forum Department Type 7. Councilor Comments Subject 7.1. Councilor Comments Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 7. Councilor Comments Department Council and Board Type 8. Next Meeting Date Subject 8.1. Next Meeting Date Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 8. Next Meeting Date Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 9. Adjournment Subject 9.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 9. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 10.1. 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 Page 3 of 14  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. 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 October 23, 2025 - Public Safety Committee Meeting Agenda - Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 PM, Hybrid via Zoom OR In-Person at City Hall, Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, 149 Church Street, Burlington, VT Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type Page 4 of 14  Public Safety Committee Thursday, September 25, 2025 Remote via Zoom/In-Person in Queen City Room, 3rd Floor, City Hall, Burlington, Vermont DRAFT MINUTES Members Present: Melo Grant (Chair), Buddy Singh Staff Present: Jessica Brown (City Attorney), Michael Curtin (BFD Battalion Chief), Shawn Burke (Police Chief) Public Present: Robin Lloyd, Fawnya Willson Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM by Councilor Grant. 1. Adopt the Agenda 1.01 Adopt the Agenda Motion to Adopt Agenda as written. Motion by Councilor Singh, Seconded by Councilor Grant Final Resolution: Motion Passes Yes: Unanimous 2. Adopt Minutes 2.01 Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from August 28, 2025 Motion to Adopt Agenda as written. Motion by Councilor Singh, Seconded by Councilor Grant Final Resolution: Motion Passes Yes: Unanimous 3. Public Forum 3.01 Verbal Comments Public forum closed at 5:32. Public forum reopened at 6:34. Robin Lloyd, a resident of Ward 8, asked Councilor Singh why he voted against Mayors for Peace. Fawnya Willson expressed gratitude for the Committee’s work and wanted to know more about what transitional housing options are being explored. Page 1 of 2 Page 5 of 14 Public forum closed at 6:38. 4. Chiefs’ Reports 4.01 BPD Chief Burke presented to the Committee on incident and patrolling data, online reporting, and how to fill out the online drug tip form. No action taken. 4.01.01 Online Reporting No action taken. 4.01.02 Online Drug Tip No action taken. 4.02 BFD Chief Curtin presented August incident and department data to the Committee. No action taken. 5. Social Media Concerns 5.01 Social Media Concerns No action was taken. 6. State’s Attorney Data 6.01 State’s Attorney Data Councilor Grant said she is coordinating having State’s Attorney Sarah George attend the October or November meeting. No action was taken. 7. UVM – Community Safety Communications and App 7.01 UVM – Community Safety Communications and App Councilor Grant reviewed UVM’s community safety resources for students. No action was taken. 8. Upcoming Meetings 8.01 Upcoming Meetings The next meeting was set for October 23. 9. Adjournment 9.01 Motion to adjourn The meeting was adjourned with no objection at 6:38 PM. Page 2 of 2 Page 6 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Chief’s Report to the Public Safety Committee: September Data Points October 23, 2025 Call Volume & Activity Summary Total Incidents for the month of September: 1,028 Total Incidents: 8,766 (As of 10/1/25) • Fire Incidents: 172 • EMS: 586 • Hazmat: 21 • Service Call/Public Assist: 82 During the same period in 2024, we responded to 1,004 incidents, a 2.4% increase from last year. Page 7 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 EMS Data: In September 2025, Burlington Fire Department crews responded to 26 confirmed drug-related events or overdoses, down from 38 in May 2025 and below the same month last year (47 in September 2023). While the overall trend remains variable month to month, this represents a notable decrease compared to prior peak periods. Page 8 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Over the past year (Sept 2024–Sept 2025), Burlington Fire was dispatched to an average of 80–100 overdose- related calls per month, though only about 25–35% of those were confirmed as actual overdoses on scene. The remaining 65–75% were found to involve other medical, person sleeping, person left the scene, person denies EMS attention, or behavioral conditions. While the total number of dispatched overdose calls has remained relatively steady since spring, the confirmation rate continues to hover around one-third. Page 9 of 14 BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Page 10 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 CRT Data for September 2025: Staffed 14 days for the month of September Total Contacts Narcan Kits Wound Care Comfort Care Referrals Kits Kit 59 11 1 3 3 Personnel & Staffing Total Department Staff: Uniformed Members 88 / Authorized 95 (Recruit School started for 4 new employees on 10/20) • Minimum Daily Staffing: 22 • Vacancies: 8 • Injuries/LOA/FMLA: 6 • Staff Training Hours: 496 • Company Level Inspections: 6 Overtime Type 2025 Hours 2024 Hours %+- Minimum Staffing 831 695.75 +19 Mandatory 123.75 141.5 -12.5 CRT 279.25 117 +138.6 Emergency 5.5 0 +550 Extra Duty Events 132 96.5 +36.7 Firehouses • Station 1 floor refinishing completed Community Engagement • 9/6 Public Education event at 35 Cambrian Way • 9/17 Ladder 2/Ambulance 2 Firehouse Tour • 9/23 Firehouse tour Station 1 • 9/29 Ride Along with Ladder 2 for day tour Page 11 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Division Updates: Operations Division: • 7 members of BFD participated in the MARSEC USCG drill on August 27th at the USCG station. Drill went well and met the needs of the USCG Northern Sector Command. Beneficial for our members to interact with various agencies at the drill. • Met with USCG 9/25, pursuing viability of a grant for future acquisition of boat for emergency response on the lake and shoreline. • Aerial apparatus along with ground ladders on all apparatus were tested and with the exception of two ground ladders passed. Two ground ladders need minor repairs, which will be done in house. • A team of five members along with DC OPS has been created to evaluate the benefits of Drone use in fire department operations. One meeting has taken place and a second meeting on 10/9 will be had with UVM UAS team for further input/education and operational limitations. • Our desire to evaluate technical rescue capabilities within the department is on-going. BC Aumand will lead our efforts. • We have taken delivery of new SCBA units which will replace every SCBA unit on all of our apparatus. Major upgrade to improved units and safety to our members. Lt. Mathieu is leading the changeout which will include training our members in the month of October. Administrative Division: • Currently revising FROI SOG and related forms with the assistance of Derek Gavelis. • Next recruit academy is scheduled to begin on October 20th, with (4) recruits (3 laterals and 1 entry level). Establishing a list for an anticipated May 2026 Recruit Academy. Note: Received 65 applications for entry-level and 15 lateral firefighter applications. • Station 1: Apparatus floor and stairwell renovation in progress. Floor expected to be finished for Friday, October 10th. Total project completion date TBD. The apparatus floor will be re-organized. Additional details will be forthcoming. • Station 2: In process of obtaining pricing to complete floor apparatus bay floor finish. Stay tuned. • Station 2: One of the basement floor drains has a complete blockage (closest to the A side). Avoid washing vehicles in basement. Working with Kim Bleakley to establish a replacement or repair plan. • Station 2: Farrington Construction will be installing a new cover on the sump pump pit. • Station 2: Pursuing an annual HVAC PM agreement. In progress. • Station 3: Initial stages of engineering for dorm room project and apparatus bay floor. • Station 4: Exterior man doors recently replaced. In the process of replacing furniture. All stations: -Executed contract with vendor to complete PM/service on exhaust capture system. Vendor is expected to be on site next week to conduct service work. -Assessing need for sprinkler system repairs across all stations following recently completed annual inspections. • Reminder to shift commanders and company officers to complete required employee appraisals. Page 12 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 EMS Division: • Inventory and Apparatus Evaluation: We are continuing our comprehensive review of EMS inventory and evaluating each apparatus to identify current and future needs. • Medication Administration Safety: A draft policy regarding medication administration safety is in development to enhance standardization and reduce potential risk. • Fire Rehabilitation Support: The EMS Division is providing Fire Rehabilitation coverage during the Live Burn Training exercises being conducted by the Fire Training Division. • Training and Education: We are preparing to offer a Paramedic Refresher Course, which will serve as an outside training opportunity. Preparations are also underway for our in-house EMT and AEMT Refresher Courses. • Provider Development: Five members have completed their AEMT program as required by contract, and their state licenses are beginning to arrive. Getting these members operationally ready and up to date with the PREVENT Initiative and Controlled Substance policies remains a current priority. • Medical Direction and Training: Dr. Sheeser has returned for the month of October and is providing focused paramedic training sessions. As of October 1st, we also welcome our new District Paramedic Medical Director, Dr. Doug George, who has served on the district board and brings extensive experience through his work with HealthNet’s Critical Care Transport Team, Vermont State Police, USAR, and other tactical units and trainings. We are very excited for the future under his leadership and partnership. • Community Collaboration: The Division recently presented its first case to the Situation Table and is taking the lead in coordinating care and reconnecting the patient with essential services to mitigate future risk. Training Division: • Thanks to an invitation from Warren Fire Department, six members were able to attend Elevator Emergency Management, Presented by Dragon Rescue Management. • T1 and L2 crews completed department training on a new Patient Tie in System for the stokes baskets. • Members completed the Annual Fitness Assessment organized by our Fit4Fire committee. • Three members are beginning Fire Officer 1&2 which will run until November. • B-Shift will be conducting Live Burn Training at the Vermont Fire Academy on October 8th and C-Shift on October 22nd. • Our pack techs, as well as pack techs from three neighboring departments, will receive training from Scott for the new Scott Air Packs on October 10th. • Lt Mathieu is scheduled to conduct department wide training for the rest of our members on the new packs the following week. • Recruit Academy 25-02 is scheduled to begin on October 20th. These Academies are not only challenging for the Recruits. A great deal of support from the membership is required to put on a quality Recruit Academy and adequately prepare new members to serve the community here in Burlington. Page 13 of 14  BURLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 136 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 Phone: (802) 864-4554 Fax: (802) 865-5387 Thank you to all of the members who have already stepped up and those who will over the next few months. • BFD is hosting Managing Disciplinary Challenges in the Fire Service by Curt Varone on October 22-23. Fire Marshal: The Fire Marshal Office had a successful fire prevention day at the Farmers Market down on Pine St. on 10/4/25. We bought a Sparky the Fire Dog costume and we were joined by Champ and Riley from UVM for a short time. A sprinkler head demonstrations attracted multiple people through out the day. Fire extinguisher training was sought after by many people from two years old to sixty plus. We are also giving fire safety presentations to Juniper House, Thayer House, Fern Hill, Three Cathedral Square and Heineberg Senior Housing this year. The fire safety theme this year is lithium-ion battery safety. We purchased two informational towers to place in apartment buildings to stress the importance of lithium-ion battery safety. We are also working on getting into the school system. Social Media: Page 14 of 14