Transportation, Energy, and Utilities Committee

Regular Meeting

Burlington, VT · March 24, 2026

Minutes

CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY & UTILITIES COMMITTEE c/o Department of Public Works 802.863.9094 VOX 645 Pine Street, Suite A 802.863.0466 FAX Burlington, VT 05402-0849 www.burlingtonvt.gov Councilor Mark Barlow, Chair, North District Inquiries: Councilor Gene Bergman, Ward 2 Rob Goulding Councilor Becca McKnight, Ward 6 802.881-2278 Councilor Marek Broderick, Ward 8 rgoulding@burlingtonvt.gov Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee of the City Council Tuesday, March 24, 2026 – 5:30 PM --DRAFT MINUTES— See video for full meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZWr4Ybiexs Councilors absent: None Councilors present: Chair Barlow, Councilor Bergman, Councilor Broderick, and Councilor McKnight (zoom) Chair Barlow calls the meeting to order at 5:32 pm 1. Agenda Councilor Bergman moves the adoption of the agenda as posted in Civic Clerk. Councilor Broderick seconds. All in favor, Unanimous approval 2. Minutes of 2/19/26 Councilor Bergman moves to adopt the 2/19/26 minutes as posted. Councilor Broderick seconds. All in favor, Unanimous approval 3. Public Forum None 4. Deliberative Agenda 4.1 GMT Visioning, Budget and Service Update Clayton Clark, General Manager for GMT, Chris Damiani Director of Planning for GMT and Andrea Suozzo GMT Vice Chair presented information. Councilor Bergman asked for more info on the thought leader question, where staff is at? What side they would be on? Interested in the State Transit Bill. Chair Barlow GMT is doing this everyday and should be a thought leader. What is the cost to add an extra run to Tilley Dr? Councilor Broderick feels there needs to be a provider for mass transit service to carry a lot of people to the most important places and appreciates GMT for filling that role. UVM is moving a lot of special services to Tilley Dr, and there is currently no shuttle by the hospital. Councilor McKnight asked where does D.O.T. and the Governors responsibility to keep the state running fit in here? AI generated minutes w/ slight staff revisions: The meeting focused on GMT's visioning process and budget updates, with Clayton Clark discussing the agency's transition from a joint urban-rural transit provider to an urban-focused service. Clayton explained that GMT is studying new service models including a combination of ADA paratransit and micro transit, and has augmented its planning capacity with two additional planners supported by CCRPC. The discussion revealed ongoing debates about whether GMT should serve as a thought leader for regional transit or primarily focus on service provision, with Clayton acknowledging staff capacity limitations if the agency were to take on a more leadership role. The conversation also addressed structural challenges in public transit governance, with Clayton noting that transportation committees often prioritize roads over people-focused transit needs. The meeting focused on budget challenges facing GMT, particularly regarding federal and local funding. Clayton explained that while FY27 will have a $500,000 deficit, the more significant challenge will be FY28 when federal carbon reduction and COVID relief funds expire, leaving a $3 million gap in a $20 million budget. The discussion highlighted concerns about the upcoming surface transportation bill, which expires September 30, with potential 15-20% funding reductions and possible restrictions on flexing highway dollars to public transit. The committee discussed several transit service changes, including a potential rerouting of the B11 bus to serve the hospital, which requires legislative approval. They also reviewed upcoming service modifications including changes to the Montpelier link, routing adjustments for the number 5 route to better serve Social Security Administration offices, and potential elimination of the underperforming Essex route. The discussion highlighted a gap in hospital shuttle service to Tilly Drive, where patients face long wait times between limited runs, though any expansion would require hospital funding. The committee also explored opportunities for Transportation Demand Management (TDM) agreements with employers and institutions, noting the potential for innovative solutions like micro transit to serve outlying areas. Councilor Bergman made a motion for the GMT Board members to help the TEUC members to draft a letter to find a way to find the $500,000 shortfall that is currently anticipated and include Members of the Senate Transportation Committee. Councilor Broderick seconds. All in favor, Unanimous approval 4.2 Industrial Pre-Treatment Briefing and Next Steps Megan Moir, Division Director Water Resources presented information. Councilor Bergman wants the ordinance committee to do this. Make sure what is seen is consistent with the entire ordinance, including Article 1 of chapter 26. Chair Barlow asked if this is predicated on S212. AI generated minutes w/ slight staff revisions: The committee discussed implementing an industrial pre-treatment program to manage wastewater from breweries and other industries. The program aims to ensure compliance with federal regulations and prevent overburdening the wastewater treatment plant's capacity. Key points included the need for ordinance changes to delegate authority from the state and the potential for the Ordinance Committee to review the proposed updates. The group agreed to explore decoupling certain elements to meet immediate deadlines while addressing broader regulatory needs. They also discussed the importance of ensuring consistency with existing ordinance language and charter requirements. Regarding regulations, DPW explained they are working on adopting federal changes and discussed the potential for Burlington to take on more regulatory responsibility rather than leaving it entirely to the state. Next steps include reviewing the proposed ordinance changes and preparing for potential council adoption by June 30th. 4.3 Winooski Bridge/COBRI Intersection Condemnation Process Laura Wheelock, City Engineer & Division Director of Technical Services & Maddy Suender, Associate Engineer presented information. Councilor Bergman said you will have to walk us through everything and have pictures. Chair Barlow asked if DPW anticipates this being controversial? Is any of this executive session? Councilor McKnight agrees with laying out who is in charge of what. Curious to hear more about the dialog process. Who is impacted by this? AI generated minutes w/ slight staff revisions: The committee discussed a condemnation process for the Winooski Bridge intersection. For the Winooski Bridge condemnation process, Laura & Maddy provided updates on property negotiations, noting that 7 out of 10 remaining properties need to be signed, with most negotiations proceeding well. The committee discussed the upcoming April 13th City Council meeting where they will request to set hearing dates for May 21st or 28th. 5. Director’s Report Laura shared that DPW is bringing forward a similar condemnation process for Cherry Street, because is shares a similar federal funding deadline. Director Spencer shared that DPW is working on finalizing Clean Sweep dates. 6. Councilor Items Councilor Bergman – Pine St? Chair Barlow reminded everyone that this is the final meeting with the current committee before reorganization on April 1, 2026. Councilor McKnight asked if there was any news on the signal issue from this morning (Main St & S. Willard St)? What happens if it can be fixed? 7. Next Meeting Tentatively April 28, 2026, 5:30 pm at 645 Pine St. 8. Adjournment Chair Barlow adjourns meeting at 7:26pm.

Agenda

Packet

City Council - Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 5:30 PM, Join in Person: Front Conference Room, 645 Pine St. Burlington, VT 05401 Join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/84603122855 To call into the meeting, including to speak during public comment: Phone: 312-626-6799, Webinar ID: 846 0312 2855 1. Agenda 1.1. Motion to adopt/amend 2. Adopt Minutes 2.1. Minutes of 2/19/26 3. Public Forum 4. Deliberative Agenda 4.1. GMT Visioning, Budget and Service Update - 40 min 4.2. Industrial Pre Treatment Briefing & Next Steps - 30 min 4.3. Winooski Bridge/COBRI Intersection condemnation process - 10 min - Information 5. Director's Report 6. Councilor Items 7. Next Meeting 7.1. Tentative - 4/28/26, 5:30PM 8. Agenda 9. Adjournment Page 1 of 4 CITY OF BURLINGTON, VERMONT CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY & UTILITIES COMMITTEE c/o Department of Public Works 802.863.9094 VOX 645 Pine Street, Suite A 802.863.0466 FAX Burlington, VT 05401 www.burlingtonvt.gov Councilor Mark Barlow, Chair, North District Inquiries: Councilor Gene Bergman, Ward 2 Rob Goulding Councilor Becca McKnight, Ward 6 802.881-2278 Councilor Marek Broderick, Ward 8 rgoulding@burlingtonvt.gov Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee of the City Council Tuesday, February 19, 2026 – 12:00 PM DRAFT MINUTES See video for full meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dz4hCFdw1s Councilors absent: Councilor McKnight Councilors present: Chair Barlow, Councilor Bergman & Councilor Broderick (via Zoom) Chair Barlow calls the meeting to order at 12:02 pm. 1. Agenda Councilor Bergman moves to adopt the agenda as posted. Councilor Broderick seconds. All in favor, Unanimous approval 2. Minutes of 1/27/26 Councilor Bergman moves to adopt the 1/27/26 minutes. Councilor Broderick seconds. All in favor, Unanimous approval 3. Public Forum Dan Smith – CEO of YMCA – spoke of parking concerns. Libby Moss (via Zoom) – Senior at UVM – spoke of composting concerns. 4. Deliberative Agenda 4.1 Winooski River Bridge Options & Easements Laura Wheelock, City Engineer/Division Director Technical Services & Madeline Suender, Technical Services Associate Engineer presented information. Councilor Bergman asked to have thoughts about flooding during construction, Chair Barlow asked if offers came from VTRANS or City of Burlington? AI generated minutes w/ slight staff revisions: The meeting discussed the Winooski River Bridge project, focusing on right-of-way procurement and property easements needed for construction. The discussion detailed property acquisitions needed in Burlington, particularly Page 2 of 4 around Mill Street and the Chase Mill building, with careful consideration given to preserving parking spaces. The team plans to seek necessity findings from the City Council on April 13th to advance condemnation proceedings, while still allowing time for property owner negotiations and compensation determinations. The project is in a critical phase with a September 2026 deadline to secure $25 million in federal funding, requiring both temporary and permanent construction easements. 4.2 FY 27 UPWP Public Hearing & Application Approval Phillip Peterson Senior Transportation Engineer presented information. Councilor Bergman asked what ATR (Automatic Traffic Requests) request is? How did you come up with listing? Chair Barlow is pleased to see the Route 127 study is on here. Public hearing - No one was there to give input to the plan. AI generated minutes w/ slight staff revisions: Staff presented projects, including a new road safety audit for Route 127 and ongoing transportation planning efforts. The committee approved the proposed projects unanimously. Councilor Bergman made the motion to support the application as presented to the committee. Councilor Broderick seconded. All in favor, Unanimous approval 4.3 Wastewater Flow Meter Contract Status Ashley Walenty, Water Resources Engineer presented information. Chair Barlow asked if there would be location changes? Councilor Bergman curious about overarching big picture reflections based on the data that you’ve gotten in terms of the hydrology of the city as is relates to our desire to put 7,000 more units here do to a major project down here. AI generated minutes w/ slight staff revisions: Staff reported on the flow metering contract, explaining how the data is used to calibrate hydraulic models and inform infrastructure planning. The committee discussed the benefits of flow metering for future development projects and infrastructure upgrades. 5. Director’s Report None 6. Councilor Items Chair Barlow stated there is interest in having GMT back next month to talk about bus access to hospital facilities & Tilley Dr. 7. Next Meetings March 24, 2026, 5:30 pm at 645 Pine St. & April 28, 2026 at 5:30 pm at 645 Pine St. 8. Adjournment Chair Barlow adjourns meeting at 1:27 pm. Page 3 of 4 3/21/26, 11:33 AM Update from GMT - March 20, 2026 - Robert Goulding - Outlook        Share to Teams  Zoom     Update from GMT - March 20, 2026 CC Clayton Clark<cclark@ridegmt.com>       To: Gene Bergman; Marek Broderick; Mark Barlow; +62 others Fri 3/20/2026 3:17 PM Cc: Board <board@ridegmt.com>; Monica White <mwhite@ridegmt.com>; + [ WARNING ]: This email was sent from someone outside of the City of Burlington. Hello Member Municipal Managers and Legislators in our Urban Service Area, Here is an update from GMT. But first, a very big THANK YOU to our municipal partners who participated in GMT's visioning efforts. We held three focus sessions with super thoughtful input that will help guide our new, urban-focused vision, mission, and values! Federal Surface Transportation Bill - GMT's Biggest Financial Liability As many of you know, approximately two-thirds of GMT's funding comes from the federal government. As we debate state and municipal support for public transit, the reality is that what happens in Washington DC is likely to be far more impactful to our bottom line. I attended a New England Public Transportation Association (NEPTA) meeting this week which included an update on recent Congressional activity. The most important federal legislation for public transit is the multiyear surface transportation bill, with the current one expiring on September 30, 2026. NEPTA reported that the Trump Administration has yet to provide guidance on the new bill, but early indications suggest significant decreases across all provider types will be proposed. NEPTA indicated that Congress is waiting for the Administration to provide guidance; consequently, they haven't started the markup process. This suggests they are significantly behind schedule and will struggle to complete a new bill before the existing one expires. NEPTA believes the best case scenario is a 1 year extension of the current funding levels. VTrans consulted with its Congressional watchers who believe the 1 year extension is likely. I am hopeful they are both right! The worst-case scenario in the short term is the current bill expiring without an extension or replacement. Even a temporary delay in federal funding could be very difficult for providers to manage. Long-term, GMT's service levels will depend on the new legislation. Public Comment for Service Changes At our meeting this week, the GMT Board of Commissioners authorized GMT to receive public comment on five potential service changes. They are highlighted below. about:blank 1/1 Page 4 of 4