City Council

Member of the Conservation Board

Position Description for Member of Conservation Board

The Conservation Board is comprised of nine (9) members and is created by Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance Section 2.5.2 (under the authority granted by 24 V.S.A. §4501) with the following duties and authority:

  • Review of site plans and storm water designs as requested by the administrative officer or the Development Review Board for conformance with applicable city regulations with regard to issues such as preserving the natural landscape, providing open space, control of storm water runoff, and overall environmental design quality.
  • Participate in the review of all projects proposed in within the Urban Reserve District.
  • Conduct site visits, either as a Board or individually, to view property that may be proposed for development to better understand the relationship of the proposed development with nearby land uses and natural surroundings.
  • Identify and map existing designated natural areas and make recommendations to the Planning Commission of additional areas that may require ordinances and other land protection tools that will ensure protection of these valuable areas from potential damage by development.
  • Collaborate with Parks and Recreation in the implementation of the Burlington Open Space Protection Plan and operations of the Burlington Conservation Legacy Program.
  • Prepare annual work plans and budgets (if money is allotted to the Board).

Members of this board must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a resident of the City of Burlington;
  • Have a demonstrated commitment to environmental conservation;
  • Individuals with training and experience in the following areas will be represented if at all possible: environmental law, environmental science, civil engineering, and natural resource planning.

Members of this board will be appointed for four (4) year terms

Historically, this board regularly meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 2 hours.

In addition, members of this board will be expected to:

  • Attend all scheduled meetings, or if a meeting must be missed, let the chairperson know ahead of the meeting if they will not be able to attend;
  • Review any materials provided to the board ahead of time;
  • Notify the chairperson and/or the city staff person assigned to the board of any accommodation for a disability that may be required in order for the person to serve;
  • Act from a spirit of cooperation and with respect towards other board members, staff members, and members of the public appearing before the board;
  • Avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest or bias;
  • When deciding a controversy or responding to a request, conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner;
  • Comply with all aspects of the Vermont Open Meeting and Access to Public Records laws;
  • Consider fairly the interests of all individuals and organizations whose interests may be affected by their actions as a city official;
  • Read and interpret maps, site plans, aerial photographs, building elevations and other related plans and drawings.