Recommended Police Cap Increase + 4 Years Of 'Milk With Dignity'

Burlington VT

03 October, 2021

6:53 AM

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Rise and shine, Burlington! Let's get this day started. These are the most important things going on around town today. First, today's weather: Periods of rain. High: 61 Low: 54. Here are the top stories today in Burlington: After analysis of the Burlington Police Department, the city's Joint Committee on Public Safety Transformation has released the report from the consulting firm CNA. The report confirms Mayor Miro Weinberger's argument that the cap on sworn officers should be raised. It found that traffic stop data indicate more frequent racial disparities than would be expected based on the city's demographics, police outreach/community engagement programs are under-resourced, and there is declining morale in the police department. CNA further recommended that the number of sworn officers increase from a city council-mandated cap of 74 to between 77 and 80; current staffing is at 65. (WAMC)It's the four-year anniversary of the "Milk with Dignity" program, a campaign that demands safe and humane working conditions for Vermont dairy farmers. The rally in Leddy Park on Saturday was hosted by Migrant Justice, a farm workers advocacy group. In 2017, Ben and Jerry's signed an agreement that established labor standards, like sick time and adequate housing. The group is now calling on Hannaford Supermarkets to join the campaign. (WCAX)In a press release, the Burlington School District updated families on the development of their strategic plan, developed in collaboration between the district and community members. A coalition of 35 members has been meeting regularly to enact this plan, with coalition members and volunteers conducting "empathy interviews" with individuals connected to the district. Superintendent Tom Flanagan stated in the release, "I am confident that by coming together, communicating, and modeling kindness towards one another, we can co-create a community that reflects values of equity and inclusion." (Press Release Desk)Friday marked the final day of a two-month experiment in Burlington to use a private security firm to help police in patrolling City Hall Park. The Burlington City Council approved the $110,000 contract with Chocolate Thunder during the summer to help control a growing number of incidents. Chocolate Thunder employees have been a regular presence in the park during normal working hours; they are unarmed but can also call the police or the Howard Center if necessary. (WCAX) Did you know you can feature your local business in this spot for just $79 a month? Click here to learn more. You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Danielle Fallon About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.