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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 10/19/2020CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 19 October 2020, at 6:30 p.m., via Go to Meeting remote participation. MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, D. Kaufman ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; L. Bresee, Energy Manager; M. Keene, Planning & Zoning Department; A. Bolduc, City Attorney J. Grossman, S. Swanson, K. Ryder, M. Murray, B. Sirvis, M. Conaghue, L. Kinoch, R. Greco, M. Mittag, S. Dooley, L. Thayer, F. von Turkevich, T. Perrin; A. Dery, C. McNeil, T. Gregory, D. VanDeusen, M. Donoghue 2. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda 3. Comments and Questions from the public not related to the Agenda: Mr. Donoghue expressed concern about the publication of the South Burlington Times by City. He questioned whether the open meeting law had been violated when the City Manager sent an email to all Council members about the South Burlington Times and one Councilor emailed, “Let’s invite the School District.” Mr. Donaghue said that then became an unwarned meeting. He was also concerned because the City Clerk was asked to provide all the emails from early voters and those who register dogs and cats so that those addressed could be used to distribute the South Burlington Times. The City Clerk did provide those emails under protest. Ms. Riehle said these issues will be addressed in Item #7 on the Agenda. 4. Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Council members reported on meetings they had attended (remotely). Mr. Dorn: The city was advised today that it did not get funds for the bike bridge. The city still has one more year of eligibility to apply, and staff will meet to be sure the applications are of the quality they should be. The city will then apply again. The Airport hosted a noise compatibility and a Master Plan meeting. The latter was mostly about improvements inside the fence. However, there is still mention in the Master Plan about a direction connection to the Airport from the Interstate. Mr. Dorn thought that plan is being amended so there is no conflict with the solar field at the landfill. The Airport had originally contested the solar field permit because of the desired Interstate connection. CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 2 5. Consent Agenda: a. Approve and Sign Disbursements b. Approve grant application for the Center for Tech and Civic Life COVID-19 Response Grant Ms. Emery moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously via a roll call vote. 6. Presentation on South Burlington Municipal Investments and improvements in energy efficiency, conservation and generation: Mr. Bresee noted that data collection involves the monitoring of 93 monthly Green Mountain Power (GMP) bills, 16 Vermont Gas monthly bills, 9 other bills and 47 accounts. Electricity is 60% of the total energy cost, a large percentage of which results from water treatment operations. Mr. Bresee noted that peak electricity usage at the Airport Parkway facility was 5% higher than off-peak usage, but the cost was 90% higher. Every month, GMP picks out the highest 15 minutes of usage and the City gets a charge for that. The hope is to find a way to avoid surges and to talk to GMP to try to reduce that cost. Airport Parkway is also a large user (0ver 50% of the total) of natural gas. The thermophilic digester is the biggest user, over 90% in the summer. Mr. Bresee then showed an energy consumption diagram for vehicle fuel, electricity and natural gas. It indicated that vehicle fuel produces the largest amount of greenhouse gases. Mr. Bresee noted that the Energy Revolving Fund is supported by the solar array at the landfill. It, in turn, supports small efficiency projects in the city. This year that is $40,000 from that Fund in the CIP. The City also has relationships with several organizations promoting energy efficiency including Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition (which is federally funded through UVM) and CCRPC which does data gathering and planning. Mr. Bresee showed one of the graphs produced by CCRPC. Some of the energy projects that have already been completed include: the Police Station ($43,292 cost producing an annual savings of $4,734 over the 25-year life of the project), the CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 3 Power Factor Capacitors ($10,500 cost for an annual savings of $5,746 over their 15 year life), Street LED lights ($6000 Efficiency Vermont rebate), Public Works Insulation and ventilation, and studies surveying for potential projects and reaffirm results of previous studies. Mr. Bresee stressed that energy efficiency is best achieved in the design process, not as a retrofit. He said the city has done a good job on 180 Market Street. The next thing to consider will be the Bartlett Bay Treatment Plant which is due for an upgrade. With regard to street lights, Mr. Dorn noted that the city owns some and GMP owns some and leases them back to the city. It was a big project to convert them to LEDs. Mr. Bresee noted that the costs have not dropped dramatically because when you go to LEDs, you go to a different “rate calculation.” The city also keeps adding lights for new developments. Regarding Airport Parkway, Mr. Dorn said the city is operating a small methane generator to provide electricity. They are also looking at solar in certain areas there. The facility could have 3 different types of power generation in the future. A battery option is still on the table as well. Mr. Bresee then outlined where the city hopes to go in the future including the following: 1. Fire Station #2 where utility costs are $20,000 a year. The recommended actions are to replace the roof/siding/windows and to do multiple studies. 2. Electric vehicles and equipment: decisions should consider the fact that department heads don’t want to be the first to use a new technology. Mr. Bresee noted that knowledge is increasing, and there are lots of new vehicles. The city should also look at what grants are available. 3. Thermophilic Digester Gas Reduction which produces gas that runs the electric generator. The constant temperature is 138 degrees and is the city’s largest consumer of natural gas. There is a question as to whether future use will be allowed. It does allow for the most effective and environmentally friendly waste system, but no other plants in Vermont use them. Mr. Barritt asked if there is a way to insulate the tank. Mr. Bresee said the building is covered with feet of insulation, the optimum amount you can put on. One suggestion is to put a greenhouse on top of it. CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 4 In summary, Mr. Bresee said that performance is continually being monitored, and the energy revolving fund supports continued progress. He felt the role of the energy Program Manager should be expanded. Ms. Riehle cited the importance of having the public know the energy savings being accomplished and the money being saved. Mr. Barritt noted areas of waste including idling vehicles, heat leakage at Fire Station #2, etc. Mr. Dorn recognized the work being done by Mr. Bresee. He also said that the City will make 180 Market Street a “show place.” 8. Interim Zoning Application #IZ-20-02 of Eastern Development Corporation for development on an existing 8.66 acre lot developed with a single family home and 7000 sq. ft. storage building. The development consists of one 6.68 acre lot containing 36 dwelling units in three-family buildings, a 1.38 acre lot containing the existing single family home and storage building, and a third lot containing proposed city streets, 600 Spear Street: Ms. Emery moved to open the public hearing. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Keene read the project description. Mr. Von Turkevich then noted that the previous presentation resonates with them in terms of this development. They want to make this a modern-day housing project and are hoping for a net zero project. He then showed an overhead photo of the existing parcel and indicated Spear Street, the existing house and steel building behind it. He also noted the location of the Interstate. The land belongs to the Couillard family who put it on the market. It is zoned R-4. Mr. Von Turkevich said they became interested in the property because of its proximity to UVM lands and to the Medical Center. Both are aware of the plans. The land is buildable but will require special considerations. Mr. Von Turkevich then showed the proposed layout of buildings. He noted that each will have 4 units, that will be connected by a breezeway. Ms. Thayer then explained that they have sited the entire development toward the western end of the property, away from I-89. The existing driveway will become a city road and will be CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 5 built to city standards. It will be maintained privately until it is transferred to the city. There is also a future connection to UVM properties. They are providing a unified streetscape so that it looks like a unified community around a central common green space. There are also porches and accessible outside spaces. They have tried to reduce the amount of impervious surface and will extend the bike path onto the site and will encourage using multiple forms of transit. Mr. Barritt asked about noise reduction and noted the easternmost edges of buildings are about 600 feet from I-89. Mr. Von Turkevich showed the location of a large berm behind the buildings which, together with additional landscaping, will help to attenuate noise from I-89. They will also construct a berm to the east of the houses. The prevailing winds are from the west. The only time noise would be heard from I-89 is when winds are from the east. Mr. Barritt asked if open spaces will be accessible to residents. Mr. Von Turkevich said it will. He added that if warranted, there will be a flashing crossing light installed for safety. Ms. Riehle asked if there is possibly development in the open space. Mr. Von Turkevich said that is not their thinking.. Regarding the net zero concept, Mr. Von Turkevich said the buildings will have an energy efficient building shell. They will generate power on-site (on the roof of the steel building and in the fields). That will take care of all the development’s energy needs. Tenants will not have to pay energy bills. Mr. Von Turkevich then showed a concept of how the buildings would look, including connectors between buildings. He noted that the steel building is in good condition. It would be very expensive to demolish, so they are thinking of converting it to storage space for tenants (e.g. for snow tires, skis, etc.). There could also be a heated shop and other compatible uses for people working from home. Mr. Von Turkevich said they are anxious to move ahead with the project and would like to present it to the DRB. He cited access to financing and low interest rates at present. Ms. Keene said the project seems to be in line with what she is hearing about new PUD regulations. 4-plexes will be allowed in R-4 districts. Because the property is under 10 acres, it would not meet the threshold for a PUD under the new regulations. CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 6 Public comment was solicited. Ms. Greco felt they should wait till the new regulations were done. After a brief discussion, members agreed to wait 2 weeks to get possible input from the Director of Planning & Zoning who is on vacation this week. Ms. Emery moved to continue IZ-20-02 to 2 November 2020. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Council discussion regarding publication of a bi-weekly Municipal government e- newsletter called the South Burlington Times: Ms. Riehle noted that she spoke with the Editor of The Other Paper who has agreed to reinstate the Councilors’ Corner and some local sports. Ms. Riehle also suggested that the Editor get in touch with the School Board regarding their column. Mr. Chittenden said the intention of the South Burlington Times was honorable, but it could have been rolled out in a different way. Mr. Kaufman said it was sad that The Other Paper thought it was competition; the Council felt it was plugging a gap. He noted the public concern that The Other Paper was not publishing items of local concern. Ms. Emery said she personally reads The Other Paper less than she used to. She also agreed that it was rolled out poorly. Ms. Riehle said she looked at the most recent version of the South Burlington Times and felt it was not “journalism” but a synopsis of information the public wants. She noted how shocked she had been when The Other Paper said it was no longer going to have the Councilor’s Corner. Mr. Dorn said the content of the South Burlington Times is what is on the city’s website, some of which would never have been covered by The Other Paper under any circumstances. Mr. Dorn specifically referred to the presentation on energy and said the powerpoint used in that presentation will be posted. There will be no “comments” about it, and the public can draw its own conclusions. It is an effort to get information to the public. Ms. Sirvis noted the saying that “no good deed goes unpunished” and said she was pleased that things are going to be back in The Other Paper that had been missing. She will read it again. She also hoped they would bring back pieces from Legislators. She was also glad to see the city’s “e-newsletter” and felt The Other Paper could get information from that as well. CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 7 Mr. Donoghue said that the legislative columns being withdrawn is typical in a major election year. He understood it will be restored after the election. Ms. Greco said she used to rely on The Other Paper for a synopsis of meetings she couldn’t attend, and she hoped that would come back. Ms. Dooley said she didn’t think people see a newsletter as journalism. She cited what was lost to the public when The Other Paper stopped reporting on meetings, etc. Mr. Barritt suggested changing the name of The South Burlington Times. Mr. Dorn stressed the Council’s concern with getting information out to the taxpayers. He said every member of leadership has an obligation to tell the public what is going on. He hoped The Other Paper would remain a vital part of the community. He also stressed that the City will do its best to get information out to the public. 9. Council review and discussion regarding the Burlington International Airport Noise Compatibility Program Implementation Plan: Mr. Dorn said the intent is to move forward with the noise insulation program. The $5,000,000.00 a year will do about 50 homes. There are about 2600 homes in the neighborhood, and there is a question as to which ones are eligible. Some of the newer homes may already be at the limit of what can be done. Mr. Dorn added that South Burlington and Winooski will work together on this. He asked for Council feedback. Ms. Riehle said one concern is whether homes will be selected fairly. She noted a large number of the homes are in the new Ireland development in Burlington. She felt the ones to be addressed first should be the older homes that have borne the brunt of the noise for a long time. She also felt that the new houses should have been built with the insulation standard in mind. Mr. Barritt agreed that the older homes should be done first. He asked whether every home has to be tested for qualification. Mr. Dorn said priority has to be addressed. The lingering question is the local match. He said his sense is that the $5,000,000.00 relates to the available local match. He asked the Council CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 8 members to send any more comments to him or to Mr. Conner so they can present them at future meetings. 10. FY20 Unaudited Draft Financials: Mr. Hubbard said there will be something to put back into the balance sheet, approximately $33,784. Of this amount, $8000 will go to the Energy Fund, leaving about $25,784 to go to the balance sheet. On the positive side, the year ended $39,000 beyond the projected income for the year. Property taxes are in at 99.42%. Planning and Zoning are above the projection. There was a savings on supplies through UVM. The costs for HVAC and electricity were up due to the increased air flow to buildings to address COVID concerns. The major challenges of the year centered around the pandemic, specifically unexpected medical equipment expenses, the budget freeze and the furlough program. It was also a tough winter storm season. Fire Department overtime is still problematic. Mr. Hubbard said the city will continue to be prudent and cautious. The budget freeze will continue, and some expenditures will be put on hold. Ten positions remain unfilled. When the city receives the first quarter of local option taxes that will determine what can be done. Mr. Chittenden asked how much of the overtime issue is due to the pandemic. Mr. Hubbard said about $200,000 is related to the pandemic, and the city has applied to FEMA to get much of that back. He also noted that there would have been an overtime issue regardless of the pandemic. Mr. Dorn said one question is whether to transfer funds to the Affordable Housing Fund. The usual amount is $50,000, and the question is whether that should be subject to the freeze. He noted that FY21 will be harder than FY20, and he suggested holding that money. Ms. Emery said she hoped there would be some grant money that would allow for the transfer. Mr. Barritt asked if they could do a smaller amount. He wanted to be sure there were funds for a future project. Mr. Dorn said he will take it to the Affordably Housing Trust Fund Committee and go through the process. Members were OK with that. CITY COUNCIL 19 OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 9 11. Review and Possibly Approve Budget Schedule for FY22 and preliminary Council FY22 budget discussion: Mr. Hubbard said the schedule is pretty standard. It allows for 3 budget meetings on 4 and 11 January and 14 January, if needed. A budget overview will be provided to the Council before the holidays. The potential Steering Committee meeting would be on 20 January. Ms. Riehle said noted the need for communication with the School Board. Members were OK with the schedule, and Mr. Hubbard said he will send a copy to the Superintendent of Schools. 12. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments: No reports were presented. 13. Other Business: Mr. Barritt noted that PJ’s Auto Village is gone from its Williston Road location. The autobody shop before the bridge will be taken over by the Burlington Tech Center. 14. Step III Grievance Hearing – Public Works/City Hall AFSCME Local 1343 possibly held in Executive Session: Mr. Barritt moved that the Council make a specific finding that premature general public knowledge of the grievance hearing and the information presented therein would clearly place the city and the grievant at a substantial disadvantage. Ms. Emery seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Barritt then moved that having so found, the Council enter into executive session for the purpose of hearing a grievance, inviting Colin McNeil, Andrew Bolduc, Kevin Dorn, David Van Deusen, Joanna Grossman and Too Gregory to the session. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously Following the Executive Session, as there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.