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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 02/18/2020CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 18 February 2020, at 6:30 pm, in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, D. Kaufman Also Present: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; D. Crawford, C. Baker, M. Mittag, R. Greco, B. Stock, P. Taylor, J. Dinklage, B. Britt 1. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency: Mr. Dorn provided instructions on emergency evacuation of the building. 2. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: Mr. Dorn asked to add some scheduling items to “Other Business” 3. Comments and Questions from the public not related to the agenda: Mr. Mittag: Cited the letter from Jeff Nick to the City Council relating to the report of the IZ Open Space Committee and enumerated some statements which he said were false. He was concerned that people would not volunteer for committees if they were subject to these kinds of accusations. Ms. Greco: Suggested the possibility of a city committee to address the climate emergency and urged the Council to put their good intentions into action. Ms. Riehle recognized Madeline Clark, reporter for The Other Paper, for her recently received journalism awards. Ms. Riehle also commented on statements made at the last City Council meeting relating to an ad hoc group of citizens who are looking at the same 25 parcels identified by the Open Space IZ Committee for conservation. She said she listened to the tape and was astounded to hear this was happening and that nothing was said about the rest of the 189 parcels the Open Space Committee had not identified. Ms. Riehle added that it was important to finish the IZ work so there isn’t a “scramble for development.” Mr. Chittenden didn’t see a “scramble for development” in what had been said, only a desire for a balanced approach. Mr. Kaufman also didn’t see a “scramble,” but felt the statements made at the last meeting “muddied the waters.” He felt the Planning Commission presentation was excellent and convinced him to extend IZ. 4. Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended in recent weeks. CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 2 Mr. Dorn: There will be a joint meeting with the Planning Commission regarding the Arrowwood Report on 25 February at 7 p.m. (at the beginning of the Commission’s regular meeting. Noted that the Liquor License request on the agenda relates to a change of location. There will be another one of these at the next meeting. This is now required. Thanked City Council member who attended the SBBA meeting last week. There are 3 applications for the Natural Resources Committee and 1 for the Affordable Housing Committee. 5. Consent Agenda: A. Approve and Sign Disbursement B. Approve certification of no appeals or suits pending from actions of the listers nor suits pending to recover taxes paid under protest relating to the 1 April 2019 grand list. C. Approve UVM Horticulture Farm Stormwater and Irrigation Pond License and Stormwater Agreement and authorize City Manager to execute D. Approve Stormwater System Design Agreement with Burlington Country Club and authorize city staff to execute same and to apply for grant funding for construction phase costs E. Authorize City Manager to negotiate and execute lease for office space located at 1 Kennedy Drive F. Authorize City Manager to Negotiate and Contract for Materials Inspection and Testing Services for 180 Market Street Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Presentation of the 2020 US Census: Mr. Stock explained that the US Census is the largest statistical agency in the US. They do about 130 surveys and programs. They conduct the US Census every 10 years to count every US resident. This census determines the number of seats each state has in the US House of Representatives and how more than $675,000,000,000 in federal funding is spent on CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 3 infrastructure each year. $2,500,000,000 goes to Vermont each year. The census also determines funding for Medicaid, school lunches, special education grants, and Section 8 Housing. Mr. Stock stressed that census private information is never published and is stored off-line. They do not provide information to anyone and collect information only to provide statistics. There are 4 ways for citizens to respond to the census: online, phone, paper, personal visit by a census employee. The census form is available in 59 languages. Counting for this year’s census will begin on 12 March. From 15 May to 31 July people will be sent out to collect data. Mr. Stock showed how to access the South Burlington Census Tracks. He noted that some people are “hard to count,” including those over 65, renters, those who have moved within the past year, foreign=born, and those under 18 below the poverty line. Mr. Stock stressed the need for census workers and noted that the city can host events and help with recruiting. Mr. Dorn identified the South Burlington residents who will be involved in overseeing the census effort. 7. Presentation by Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission regarding their I-89 2050 Study: Mr. Baker said they are seeking public input on the study. He gave members a handout with the Vision Statement and Draft Goal & Objectives. He also noted that South Burlington is the “epicenter” of traffic in the County. The plan is rooted in CCRPC’s transportation plan and the VTrans plan. Mr. Baker then reviewed some population numbers and noted that the rate of population increase has slowed. It is expected to be 14% between 2020 and 2050. Household size is also decreasing and is closer to 2% now; however, the need for housing is the same. It is just that more housing is needed for the same number of people. This has resulted in people commuting into Chittenden County because they can’t find housing here. CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 4 Mr. Baker then outlined CCRPC MTP Priorities as follows: 1. Approximately 70% of funding toward system preservation (e.g., paving) 2. Reducing energy consumption 3. Safety improvements 4. Assuring that 90% of growth occurs in areas planned for growth 5. Increases in biking, walking, transit 6. Capacity expansion when needed Mr. Baker showed a map of roadway capacity and showed what would happen if nothing is done. Another map showed what it would look like with investments including an additional interchange in South Burlington. These are big decisions to be made and millions in investment. Mr. Baker then reviewed the project overview and timeline. They will be taking feedback through the end of March and will then begin an “interchange evaluation.” He said more time on the Council agenda would be required for that as it has huge implications for South Burlington. The hope is to have a final report by November, 2021. Mr. Dorn asked how the City Council and Planning Commission can weigh in officially. Mr. Baker said South Burlington needs to be an integral part in deciding what happens. Ms. Emery asked whether employment and student travel to this area would be tracked. Mr. Baker said it will. Ms. Emery said that for mixed use development, it is important to know where jobs are and provide housing there. It is also important to know if cars are traveling north. Mr. Baker said the largest number of cars are coming from Franklin County to Chittenden County. Mr. Baker noted that the Interstate is now 50 years old and was not design with sidewalks, bike paths, etc. He showed a map indicating safety concern areas where there have been accidents and fatal crashes. There will be a visioning meeting on the evening of 11 March at Winooski City hall. Ms. Riehle suggested the study look at noise barriers as this has become an issue in the city. CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 5 Mr. Kaufman felt there should be more in the study about alternative transportation, not just adding lanes. The goal should be to reduce vehicles. He said if roads are built, people will use them. Mr. Baker replied that the answer to that is “densification,” increasing density in urbanized areas, and that is not always popular. He stressed that there are “trade-offs.” Ms. Emery suggested that developing Franklin County is something to discuss. Mr. Dinklage noted that over the years the City Council has given “mixed messages” to CCRPC about projects, specifically a northbound entrance to I-89 behind City Hall and Exit 12B. He urged active support to the 12B project to take significant traffic off Williston Road. Mr. Taylor echoed Mr. Dinklage’s comments. Ms. Greco urged people to think about neighborhoods. She felt 12B would destroy neighborhoods. She asked that the lives of people in those neighborhoods be considered. 8. Consider and approve Social Service Funding allocation: Ms. Riehle noted that the total amount is set at $15,000. After discussion, members agreed to increase this amount to $15,500 and to contribute the additional $500 to the “Annette Fund.” Mr. Barritt moved to designate $15,500 as the total contribution to Social Services funding for FY2020. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Council discussion about the status of the Natural Resources Committee and review and possibly amend its charge: Members reviewed the mission and duties of the Natural Resources Committee. Mr. Kaufman moved to adopt the new charge to the Natural Resources Committee as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 6 10. Interview candidates for City Committees, Boards, and Commissions: The Council interviewed Jessica Grillo for appointment to the Natural Resources and Conservation Committee. 11. Possible Council Appointment of members to City Committees, Boards and Commissions: Ms. Emery moved to appoint Jessica Grillo to the Natural Resources and Conservation Committee. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 12. City Council discussion about the speed limit on Hinesburg Road and possible direction to staff: Mr. Dorn noted that Hinesburg Road is a state highway and any change in speed limits would have to be a VTrans decision. Council members noted that the current speed limit is 50 mph but people are traveling at 60 or 70 mph. Mr. Barritt noted the very busy intersection with Van Sicklen Drive. Ms. Riehle added that Cider Mill 2 will have a bike lane that will enter Hinesburg Road. Mr. Dorn said a traffic study would be required before any action is taken. He also noted there is a lot of discussion now regarding Kennedy Drive to the bridge, crosswalks, etc. Ms. Riehle said her preference would be for 35 mph all the way on Hinesburg Road. Mr. Britt cited problems of people trying to cross the road between Kennedy Drive and Williston Road which is now a City Center area. He suggested possibly a speed limit below 35 mph. Mr. Dorn said he and Mr. Rabidoux will get to VTrans and let them know the Council’s concerns and also find out what costs would be involved to the city. 13. January Financials: Mr. Hubbard reported there has not been much change since the last report. They are now 58% through the budget year, and expenses are at 58%. Revenues are at 61%. The Enterprise CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 7 Funds are in good shape. The city is also ahead of last year in receipts from the local option taxes. Mr. Kaufman urged asking legislators to let the city manage the local option taxes itself as Burlington does. 14. Reports from Councilors on Committee Assignments: Mr. Barritt: Green Mountain Transit’s budget looks better. There will be a public hearing on cutting some services. New accounting software is needed. Ms. Emery suggested an event to thank the IZ Committees. Mr. Barritt suggested something at “Bikes and Bites.” 15. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Kaufman moved the Council convene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Members considered the following application: Pulcinella’s LLC – request to move location of liquor license from 100 Dorset Street to 1710 Shelburne Road Mr. Kaufman moved to approve the relocation of Pulcinella’s liquor license to 1710 Shelburne Road. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chittenden moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 16. Other Business: Ms. Riehle noted that John Simson has asked to appoint 2 people to fill vacancies on the Affordable Housing Committee (Vince Bolduc and Patrick O’Brien). Members agreed the openings should be warned and applications reviewed. Mr. Dorn noted the following schedule items: CITY COUNCIL 18 FEBRUARY 2020 PAGE 8 Joint meeting with the Planning Commission of 25 February, 7 p.m. Pre-election briefing of the public, 2 March, 7 p.m. City Council re-organization meeting, 5 March, 6:30 p.m. Mr. Dorn also suggested a meeting early in March to get the economics analysis and begin a discussion regarding what to do with the results of the IZ studies. He felt that 2 or 3 meetings in March and April should be dedicated to this. Members agreed to meet on 9 March, 6:30-8:30 p.m. to hear the economics analysis. Mr. Barritt thanked Public Works for working on the potholes on Dorset Street today. He said Spear Street should be next. He also cited the signalization need on Dorset Street. Mr. Dorn noted the system “tumbles” when someone pushes the pedestrian crossing button. Mr. Dorn cited Eli Lesser’s willingness to work with the city on traffic issues. Mr. Barritt said the left turn signal into the Mall stays green long after the last car has turned. Ms. Emery noted two resident issues with plowing on Helen Avenue and the Laurel Hill area. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Kaufman moved to adjourn. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.