Steven A. Locke

This workplan outlines strategic initiatives for the South Burlington Cemetery Sexton Committee for Fiscal Year 2027. Key priorities include lifting the plot sale moratorium, developing and approving cemetery grounds plats, procuring and setting plot markers, and evaluating water table properties for traditional burials. The plan also focuses on administrative enhancements such as finalizing rules and regulations, supporting the new Cemetery Administrator, and improving accounting practices. Operational tasks encompass beautification, signage installation, memorial repair, invasive removal, and coordinating tree maintenance. Additionally, the plan investigates new access roads, explores community garden club interest, and assesses funding for fence replacement, along with potential changes to the committee's name and type.

The FY 2027 Work Plan for the South Burlington Cemetery Sexton Committee outlines key initiatives for the fiscal year. It focuses on developing plot layouts and ground plats, finalizing rules and regulations, and managing plot sales. Significant attention is given to cemetery beautification, ongoing maintenance activities such as memorial repair and invasive plant removal, and exploring infrastructure improvements. The plan also covers financial coordination, evaluation of management software, record keeping, community engagement, and reviewing committee structure and roles, all aimed at effective cemetery management and development.

Key discussions included the review of the agenda, updates from the Chair regarding a documentary on green burial and upcoming Ash tree removal at Eldredge Cemetery, and a presentation on Phase 2 landscape design for Eldredge Cemetery, including detailed budget estimates for plantings excluding labor. The committee discussed the long-term goal of installing both a cremation memorial garden and a columbarium to offer lower-cost burial options. An update was provided on the Work Plan for FY-2027 and tracking for longer-term projects. Other business involved inquiring about potential water access from BETA Technology for new plantings and resolving an issue with the initial payment to UVM for the cemetery designs.

Key discussions included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and instructions regarding emergency exits and technology options. The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which involved signing disbursements, applying for Federal BUILD grant funding and Northern Borders Regional Commission Catalyst Program grant funding, accepting the Certification of Increment and Presentation of the FY2025 Annual Report for the South Burlington City Center TIF District, authorizing vehicle/equipment lending agreements with neighboring municipalities, accepting a corrected warranty deed for the Dorset Street shared use path, and awarding the engineering design contract for the Spear Meadows Shared Use Path project. The Council received a recommended "reset" of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan process, discussing the balance between active recreation and open space protection, and setting a target deadline of January 2027 with a potential need for additional funding. The Annual Climate Action Plan Report was reviewed, detailing progress across Buildings and Thermal, Transportation, Municipal Operations, and Other Sectors (natural areas, waste, food systems, resilience, and renewable energy). The Council also reviewed the FY26 Policy Priorities and Strategies Report and unanimously approved the summary of the annual evaluation of the City Manager. Finally, the Commission convened to approve several liquor license applications before entering an executive session to discuss probable civil litigation and real estate negotiations.

This memo details the proposed contract for the South Burlington Parks & Open Space Master Plan. The plan aims to establish a unified vision for the community's active and passive open spaces, integrating with City Plan 2024's principles. It will focus on strategic management of natural areas, ensuring accessible recreation, and optimizing resource allocation based on data analysis and public input. The overall objective is to provide data-driven guidance for future investments to meet community needs equitably.