FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2015
Contacts:   Jeff Wakefield, University of Vermont, 802.578.8830
                   Mike Kanarick, Burlington Electric Department, 802.735.7962

Mayor Weinberger and President Sullivan Announce UVM-City Solar Partnership, Release RFP
BED to Facilitate Solar on UVM Properties

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger and University of Vermont (UVM) President Tom Sullivan today announced a partnership between UVM and the City of Burlington to develop solar energy projects on UVM campus properties to capitalize on opportunities to make Burlington an even greener community.  UVM and the City released a request for proposals (RFP) from solar generation providers that encourages a wide variety of projects, including roof-top installations and solar canopies over parking areas.  The goal of the partnership is the generation of one megawatt of electricity. Burlington Electric Department (BED) will manage the RFP process, and proposals are due to BED by November 15, 2015.

“Today’s announcement serves as another example of both the City’s ongoing commitment to powering our community with renewable energy and collaborating with UVM to make Burlington stronger,” said Mayor Weinberger.  “Burlington’s future will shine more brightly as we build non-polluting, locally-sourced, renewable power.”

Burlington currently is home to 81 solar photovoltaic projects, generating 1.8 megawatts of power for the City.  The UVM additions to Burlington’s renewable energy sources would help ensure the availability of low-cost, locally-generated power during times of high use, such as hot summer days when demand for energy is greatest.  Consequently, peak energy production and usage will coincide, offsetting costs and reducing reliance on more expensive energy sources. 

UVM President Sullivan stated:  “UVM welcomes this community partnership with the City of Burlington and appreciates BED’s accomplishments as a national leader in energy innovation.  This partnership provides us with the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to Burlington’s renewability, sustainability, and efficiency efforts and to being better stewards of our environment.”

BED General Manager Neale Lunderville stated:  “BED is thrilled to partner with our largest customer to grow our City’s solar portfolio.  Community partnerships like this one present opportunities to carry out the Mayor’s vision of adding solar generation and other renewable, sustainable energy sources to power our City.”

Solar power systems have the advantage of integrating low maintenance, non-moving mechanical parts, which provide quiet operation. Even more important, constant sunlight is not required for solar to be viable; new storage technology allows for power to be generated, stored, and used when needed.

Burlington has had past success using a similar RFP process to grow community solar installations on City-owned facilities.  In December 2012, the City released an RFP that has led to new solar installations, including a 500 kW array on the parking garage rooftop of Burlington International Airport and a 150 kW rooftop array at BED headquarters.  Other projects remain under consideration.

*Please see attached UVM-BED Joint Solar RFP.

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For Immediate Release
September 10, 2015

Contacts:
Beth Parent, Vermont Gas Systems       
802.578.2776
bparent@vermontgas.com                                                                                       

Mike Kanarick, Burlington Electric Department
802.735.7962
mkanarick@burlingtonelectric.com

Burlington Electric, Vermont Gas Announce Major Milestone, New Goal in Energy Champ Challenge
Generous incentive program welcomed by Burlington building owners

Burlington, Vt. – The Burlington Electric Department (BED) and Vermont Gas Systems (Vermont Gas) announced today that their popular Energy Champ Challenge program, aimed at increasing energy efficiency in some of Burlington’s biggest residential rental units, has reached its goal of 50 scheduled energy audits.

BED and Vermont Gas partnered to roll out the Energy Champ Challenge Efficiency Program in June with the ambitious, preliminary goal of scheduling 50 audits by year’s end, and with the ultimate goal of encouraging rental landlords to install the recommended thermal and electric efficiency measures. As of today, 84 energy audits have been scheduled involving 48 different landlords, with even more in the queue. BED and Vermont Gas now are increasing the goal to 100 scheduled energy audits by the end of the year.

“This energy challenge is generating an enthusiastic response. We expected as many as 50 apartment building owners to respond, but the phones started ringing immediately, and we are now over 85 responses,” said Don Rendall, President and CEO of Vermont Gas. “This challenge by BED and Vermont Gas is going to help customers and renters save money, save energy, and prevent carbon emissions. This is a winning combination for Vermont’s clean energy future.”

Vermont Gas will cover 75% of all recommended weatherization upgrades, saving building owners thousands – and in some cases tens of thousands – of dollars in upfront improvement costs. Buildings can see a 20-30% reduction in energy consumption almost immediately after making improvements. In addition to upfront savings for property owners, these upgrades increase building values and lower utility costs for both owners and tenants. BED is offering all Energy Champ owners and renters electric efficiency toolkits, including LED light bulbs and advanced power strips, to further reduce energy consumption.

“Burlington customers continue to set the standard for energy efficiency, as multi-unit, residential building owners have stepped up to the plate and come out swinging,” said Neale Lunderville, General Manager of BED. “Lower bills for our customers, increased property values for property owners, reduced energy usage, and a good time accomplishing all these goals add up to a grand slam for energy efficiency.”

Lunderville’s baseball references pay tribute to the Lake Monsters’ beloved mascot, Champ, who generously has partnered with Vermont Gas and BED to lend his name to the Energy Champ Challenge.

“As a manager of more than 30 properties in and around the Burlington area, I was immediately interested in participating in this challenge,” said Jacob Hinsdale, of Hinsdale properties. “We have been working closely with the folks at Vermont Gas and BED to schedule our audits and upgrades systematically. I look forward to offering my tenants a more efficient home and lower energy bills.”

To learn more about the Energy Champ Challenge and find out how you can become an Energy Champ, visit www.energychampbtv.com or call 802.863.4511.

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About Vermont Gas
Vermont Gas Systems is a leader in energy efficiency and innovation, offering a clean, safe, affordable choice for almost 50,000 homes, businesses, and institutions in Franklin and Chittenden counties. The company plays an important role in Vermont’s clean energy future by displacing higher-emitting fuels and with its award-winning energy efficiency programs. For more information about Vermont Gas visit www.VermontGas.com.

About Burlington Electric Department
Burlington Electric Department (BED) has been serving its customers with safe and reliable power since 1905. BED is a recognized national leader in green energy with the recent milestone achievement of sourcing 100% of its power from renewable generation. With a focus on low and stable rates, and a commitment to energy efficiency, BED’s 20,000 customers use less power today than they did in 1989.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2015
Contact:  Jennifer Kaulius
                 802.324.2505

Mayor Miro Weinberger Celebrates 100+ Successful Penny for Parks Projects
Joined by Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Officials, Children and Neighbors
for Grand Re-Opening of Starr Farm Playground

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger, joined by Burlington’s Parks, Recreation & Waterfront (BPRW) and Starr Farm neighbors and children, today celebrated the official re-opening of the new Starr Farm playground. The $80,000 project was funded by both Penny for Parks (~60%) and Park Impact Fees (~40%). The large community park in the New North End totals more than 14 acres and is surrounded by playing fields, a dog park, and community gardens. A popular spot for neighborhood residents and children, the Starr Farm playground also has become a destination for families from other parts of the City.

“As Mayor, it doesn’t get any better than re-opening a greatly improved park that is loved by kids of all ages,” said Mayor Weinberger. “Because of the wisdom of the voters and the hard work of the Parks, Recreation & Waterfront Department, this kind of revitalization of our parks system has been implemented over 100 times in all corners of our City since the program began in 2008, including 85 projects in the last three years.”

The former Starr Farm playground was constructed with Douglas fir and was built by Parks crews in the early 1990s, but residents were longing for an improved playground. In recent years, multiple community members submitted project request forms specifically for the playground replacement through the City’s Penny for Parks (PFP) program. The former Starr Farm playground was one of the few remaining wood and metal playgrounds in the Burlington parks system, putting it at the top of the list for replacement. The public project requests further emphasized the need for a playground update in this location.

“The new Starr Farm Park is busy all day long, and is exactly the magnet this neighborhood has needed for years,” said Joanna Elliott, Starr Farm neighborhood member. “The open planning process has allowed our neighborhood kids to feel real ownership of the space and its features. It's truly amazing to see how a new play structure brings together the community of families and children of all ages to talk, picnic, and be active together.”

BPRW has completed 104 PFP projects within the City’s park system since the program’s kick-off in 2010. Recent improvements include the expansion of Dewey Park, the Miller Center floor resurfacing including pickleball striping, restroom renovations at the Oakledge Park upper pavilion, and several playing court improvements throughout the City. With a budget of approximately $350,000, a dozen more PFP projects are slated for completion in fiscal year 2016.

“The Starr Farm playground project has received such overwhelming support from the residents, including a group of neighborhood children who raised money with a lemonade stand and personally delivered their earnings to the Department!” said BPRW Director Jesse Bridges. “This playground is a great example of BPRW’s focus on quality, compelling structures in the landscape, and shows our unwavering commitment to the importance of play for all ages and abilities. We take the concept of play very seriously.”

The BPRW project team prioritized the selection of unique playing structures for the Starr Farm PFP project. Working with Ultiplay, the playground equipment distributor and installer, the project team shared conceptual visions for the new equipment at a community meeting at Flynn Elementary School in April 2015. About 25 neighbors participated in the project charrette, including many children, and helped make final equipment selections, including the City’s first tensile climbing structure. Formerly one smaller play area, BPRW designed the new playground as two separate preschool and school-aged playgrounds, dramatically increasing the footprint. The play areas were intentionally sited so that both sections could be watched simultaneously by parents and caregivers. A seating area with trees and benches also is in development. BPRW excavated the site in preparation for the installation of the equipment by Ultiplay, and Parks crews installed impact absorbing fiber before the new playground was opened for use.

Penny for Parks is an annual funding plan for parks capital improvement projects. Established in 2008, it was approved by voters as a parks improvement fund and is supported by a dedicated tax. PFP is a short- and long-range financial planning and project implementation tool developed to address community needs for the ongoing improvement of parks facilities. Through this process, BPRW is better able to realize park improvements over time and identify phased funding strategies.

At the direction of Mayor Weinberger, a full community outreach and ranking process was established in the spring of 2012 to get the stalled program moving again, resulting in an aggressive plan to move projects forward. Since that time, 85 projects have been completed with an investment of $1.85 million of PFP funds during fiscal years 2012-2015. BPRW staff is currently at work implementing fiscal year 2016 PFP projects.

*Please see the attached Penny for Parks completed projects list for fiscal years 2010-2015.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2015
Contact:  Jennifer Kaulius
                 802.324.2505

Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement on City Council Approval of Community Sailing Center Development Agreement

"Congratulations to the Community Sailing Center (CSC) on tonight’s unanimous City Council approval of a development agreement that will allow the CSC to finally build a permanent home on the Burlington waterfront. Tonight would not have happened without the more than two decades of effort CSC leaders have devoted to introducing Vermonters of all ages to Lake Champlain. I look forward to continuing to work with the CSC in the months and years ahead to create this wonderful new community amenity and complete the exciting transformation of the northern waterfront." 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2015
Contacts:  Jennifer Green, 802.865.7532
                  Kesha Ram, 802.865.7172

Mayor Miro Weinberger and Community Participate in “Celebrate Burlington” Event
Herb Bloomenthal, Peter Clavelle, Community Arts, and Ken Schatz Awards Presented

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger, along with other City officials and community partners, today recognized award winners in the Burlington community at the “Celebrate Burlington” event held at Burlington City Arts. The City of Burlington continues its annual tradition of recognizing community members who help us build stronger, safer communities, advance our sustainability goals, and promote the arts in our civic life.

“Tonight we acknowledge and honor the neighbors, community partners, and City stakeholders who make Burlington a great place to live, work, and play,” said Mayor Weinberger. “More than anything else, I think what makes Burlington great is that we are a City of doers. It is that spirit of doing that we celebrate tonight as we Celebrate Burlington. Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and nominees – may your engagement and creation continue to inspire generations of Burlingtonians in the vital work of protecting and ever-improving this wonderful community.”

The “Celebrate Burlington” event featured an evening of food, fun, and awards, as well as recognition of the important work to keep our communities safe, vibrant, and green. The Herb Bloomenthal Award for Community Activism, Peter Clavelle Sustainability Award, Community Arts Award, and Ken Schatz Award for Community Justice were presented this evening.
 

This year’s recipients are:

• Herb Bloomenthal Award: Sandra L. Baird, Burlington Attorney, Burlington College Faculty, Burlington Telecom Advisory Board Member, Former State Representative
• Peter Clavelle Award: Don Wright, Founder and Director, Very Merry Theatre
• Community Arts Award: Bonnie Acker, Burlington Artist, Proclaimed Burlington Community Treasure
• Ken Schatz Award: Richard Kemp, Community Justice Center Founder, Citizen Advisory Committee Chair

The event also included remarks from Mayor Weinberger, City Council President Jane Knodell, award presenters, and award winners.  
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2015
Contacts:  Emma Allen, Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, 802.881.7767
                   Nicole Losch, Department of Public Works, 802.865.5833

City of Burlington Hosts Open Streets BTV and Demonstration of Innovative Walk-Bike Infrastructure
Open Streets BTV to Take Place in the Old North End; 
Infrastructure Demonstration Projects in the Old North End and on Pine Street

Burlington, VT – The City of Burlington is pleased to host the second annual Open Streets BTV, presented by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) and in partnership with Local Motion and the Burlington Walk/Bike Council. Open Streets BTV is a celebration of Burlington's largest—and least appreciated—public spaces: our streets! Open Streets BTV temporarily closes selected streets to cars and opens them to walking, biking, and socializing.

In conjunction with Open Streets BTV, the Burlington Department of Public Works is organizing two “pop-up” demonstration projects that showcase strategies for making streets safer for walking and biking. These demonstrations are part of planBTV Walk Bike, a City-wide planning effort to increase active mobility and enhance walking and biking safety in Burlington. The demonstration projects include several blocks of protected bike lanes and neighborhood bikeways in the Old North End, as well as enhanced crosswalks and an in-street “parklet” on Pine Street.

“My Administration is focused on making Burlington even better and safer for pedestrians and bikers than it is today,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “This year’s Open Streets BTV, along with pop-up protected bike lanes and pedestrian improvements, give us the opportunity to explore how to make the greatest progress towards this goal. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in this weekend’s walk- and bike-friendly activities.”

Open Streets BTV will take place on Sunday, September 13 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Burlington residents and visitors alike are invited to celebrate the vibrant and eclectic Old North End, a neighborhood with community spirit, artists, remodeled parks, tree-lined streets, and successful magnet schools. By temporarily closing selected streets to cars, Open Streets BTV will transform several Old North End streets into vibrant public spaces. The event will create places to mingle, play, and shop, all while promoting healthy living and active transportation. People of all ages will have the chance to travel several miles of neighborhood streets in a safe, car-free environment, enjoying fun and healthy activities such as outdoor yoga, bike skills training, and participatory street art along the way. For more information about Open Streets BTV, please visit http://openstreetsbtv.com/. 

Two planBTV Walk Bike “pop-up” demonstration projects will occur in conjunction with the South End Art Hop and Open Streets BTV events already taking place in Burlington throughout the course of the September 11-13 weekend. The first pop-up is focused on improved pedestrian infrastructure on Pine Street at the Kilburn intersection. This project will swap a parking space for a space to sit and socialize, and curb extensions at the adjacent crosswalk to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and improve pedestrians’ visibility.

The second pop-up will create temporary protected bike lanes on several streets adjacent to the planned Open Streets BTV route. Protected bike lanes create a barrier between bikes and motor vehicle traffic, which is more inviting for a much broader range of people to bike. The pop-up will include Burlington’s first parking-protected bike lane – along one block of North Winooski Avenue, a neighborhood greenway on Grant Street, and a planter-protected bicycle lane on North Union Street. For more information about these two pop-ups, please visit http://www.planbtvwalkbike.org/get-involved/september-demonstration-projects/. 

All are welcome to come enjoy outdoor exercise, street art and crafts, contra dancing, local musicians, hula hooping, helmet decorating, unicycle lessons, face painting, wheelie contests, and travel over two miles of car-free streets at Open Streets BTV, as well as both of the pop-up demonstrations taking place over the weekend. Bring your bike, scooter, skateboard, roller skates, or just yourself – and your family and friends!

For continually updated Open Streets BTV information, please visit the Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/openstreetsbtv.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2015
Contact:  Jennifer Kaulius
                   802.324.2505

Mayor Miro Weinberger Reaction to Burlington School District Announcement
that Incoming Superintendent Yaw Obeng Will Begin Work Soon

“As Mayor and as the parent of a fourth-grader, this is welcome news on the first day of school. I look forward to working with Superintendent Yaw Obeng to support our kids and teachers, keep our schools strong, and improve our community. I also am thankful for the steady and important work of Interim Superintendent Howard Smith over the past nine months.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2015
Contact:  Jennifer Kaulius
                 802.324.2505

Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement in Response to Champlain Parkway Decision

"The City is extremely pleased with the Vermont Supreme Court's decision to affirm the Environmental Division's approval of the Act 250 permit for the Champlain Parkway. The City has worked hard to advance the project by resolving conflicts and concerns with City residents and continues to move ahead with designing the road, bike path, and pedestrian infrastructure that promotes safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility in Burlington. Today's decision is an important milestone, as it resolves the last pending challenge to the project's permits. However, more work and planning remain to be completed before construction begins. Thank you to our project partners, the Federal Highway Administration and the Vermont Agency of Transportation, for their ongoing support." 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2015
Contact:  Jennifer Kaulius
                 802.324.2505

Mayor Miro Weinberger Responds to Burlington Fire Chief Seth Lasker’s Retirement Announcement

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger today responded to the retirement announcement of Burlington Fire Chief Seth Lasker, in which he informed the Mayor of his plans to retire on October 31, 2015. Lasker has served the City of Burlington for 26 years, working his way through all of the ranks of the Department excluding Fire Marshal; Lasker served as Battalion Chief (one year) and Deputy Chief (five years) before serving five years as Chief of the Burlington Fire Department.

“Seth Lasker is an excellent Fire Chief, and it has been an honor to serve with him,” said Mayor Weinberger. “Chief Lasker has overseen successes during his time as Chief of the Burlington Fire Department, including adding an ambulance and other service expansions, and investments in all five of the City’s stations that improved safety and energy efficiency. Chief Lasker has led the City through severe weather events and difficult fires, and he has led the Department through loss and considerable turnover. Chief Lasker is a trusted leader who will be missed, and I wish him much success and happiness in his future endeavors.”

Lasker, a Burlington native, began at the Department in 1989 and worked his way through the differing ranks: probationary firefighter, firefighter, senior firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief Engineer. He has served five years as Fire Chief. Lasker met yesterday with command staff and shared his plans to retire with the full Department. Mayor Weinberger has communicated to the Department his commitment to smooth leadership transition.

*Please see the attached retirement letter from BFD Chief Seth Lasker to Mayor Miro Weinberger.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2015
Contact:  Jennifer Kaulius
                 802.324.2505

Mayor Miro Weinberger Celebrates Inaugural American Airlines Non-Stop Flight from Burlington, VT to Charlotte, NC
 

Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger and Aviation Director Gene Richards, joined by other airport officials and stakeholders, today celebrated the first non-stop air service from Burlington International Airport (BTV) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) serviced by American Airlines. The 80-seat Embraer E-175 aircraft featuring First Class and Main Cabin seating, complete with in-flight Wi-Fi service, took flight at 8:05 am, marking the inaugural flight from Burlington, Vermont to Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Today’s start of non-stop service to Charlotte is another step in the right direction for the Burlington International Airport and our region’s economy,” said Mayor Weinberger. “We welcome American Airlines’ Burlington to Charlotte service to our Airport and encourage the region to use this great new travel option.”

Today’s American flight marks the first time since the summer of 2008 that American has offered non-stop service between BTV and CLT. This flight complements existing American Airlines flights from BTV to both Philadelphia (PHL) and Washington, DC (DCA). 

“We’re pleased to offer this new non-stop service between Burlington and Charlotte, which connects BTV with one of American’s largest hubs,” said Director Richards. “This service is a great connection for both the business and leisure traveler. The opportunities that come with this non-stop service will help bridge Vermonters and the Northeast region to the rest of the world.”

Charlotte offers 159 connection non-stop destinations for its customers; CLT is American Airlines’ second largest hub after Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Charlotte is ranked sixth nationwide in operations conducting 712 daily departures, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) rankings. BTV staff and American representatives welcomed the flight on arrival in Burlington at 10:55 pm yesterday.

“American Airlines is thrilled to extend service from Burlington to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is our second largest hub,” said Irina Pacilio, Station Manager for American Airlines. “We look forward to the opportunities that this will bring for both Burlington and Charlotte. We appreciate your business and thank you for flying American Airlines.”

“This American Airlines direct flight to Charlotte is exactly the type of new service expansion that BTV and the State of Vermont need to continue our economic expansion by increasing the mobility options available to Vermonters and Vermont companies,” said Chris Cole, Deputy Secretary for the Vermont Agency of Transportation. “The Burlington International Airport is a critical piece of transportation infrastructure that not only serves the Chittenden County region but also supports the underlying economy of the entire state, and we are pleased to see new service destinations added to the airline offerings.”

Also attending this morning’s event were: Guy Rouelle, Aeronautics Administrator, Vermont Agency of Transportation; Jeff Munger, BTV Commission Chair; Burlington City Councilors and BTV Commissioners; Nicolas Longo, BTV Director of Planning and Development; Marie Friedman, BTV Chief Financial Officer; Amanda Hanaway-Corrente, BTV Director of Engineering and Environmental Compliance; Kelly Colling, BTV Director of Operations; and Erin Knapp, BTV Marketing Assistant.

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