HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 05/25/2021SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL 25 MAY 2021
The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, 25 May 2021, at 6:30
p.m., via Go to Meeting remote participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, M. Cota
ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; J. Rabidoux, Director
of Public Works; A. Parker; M. Rugar, B. Britt, B Sirvis, S. Goddard, S. & D. Mowat
1. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
2. Comments and Questions from the public not related to the Agenda:
No issues were raised.
3. Council discussion and possible action related to approving a bid award for Allen
Road Shared Use Path and authorize City Manager to negotiate and execute a
contract for construction services with winning bidder, Courtland Construction:
Ms. Riehle noted receipt of a memo from the Bike/Ped Committee. She also noted that Sen.
Chittenden and Mr. Barritt had been concerned with the elimination of the designated right
turn lane.
Sen Chittenden asked if what is proposed would have a negative impact on proposed housing in
the area and whether that is a concern.
Mr. Rabidoux said it is a concern, but in general, the intersection has enough capacity to handle
additional development. He added that the existence of a right turn lane usually has no impact
on a development review; however, if at a future time it becomes an issue, the right turn lane
could be added back in.
Mr. Cota noted that the DRB had ruled that there wasn’t enough traffic to warrant a left turn
lane for a project just south of that intersection. He agreed with Justin about the intersection in
question. He was OK with going forward as presented.
Mr. Barritt said he would drop his objection.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
25 MAY 2021
PAGE 2
Ms. Emery then moved to approve the bid award for the Allen Road Shared Use Path and to
authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract for construction service with
Courtland Construction. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Council discussion and possible action related to a prior resolution “Regarding the
use of personal protection equipment within City-owned buildings and in places of
public access within the City of South Burlington” approved by the Council on 8
June 2020:
Mr. Barritt said he was ready to approve rescinding the Resolution for commercial entities. He
asked about city-owned buildings.
Mr. Dorn said the City is ready to do the same and remove the requirement in all City buildings.
Owners of non-City buildings can still require masks.
Sen. Chittenden moved to rescind the Resolution Regarding the use of personal protection
equipment approved on 8 June 202. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Emery noted there are still children under age 12 who have not been vaccinated, and they
are still vulnerable. She urged people to remain responsible and considerate. She also noted
that others who have not been vaccinated will not be protected and stressed that being sick
with COVID is worse than a possible reaction to the vaccine.
Mr. Barritt urged people to “play defense” till the end of the pandemic and to wear a mask if it
makes them feel comfortable.
5. Consider and sign disbursements:
Ms. Emery moved to approve and sign disbursements presented. Sen. Chittenden seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
6. Authorize City Manager to Execute the SFY2021 VTrans Transportation Alternatives
Program Grant Agreement to fund the design and construction of the Phase 1
Spear Street Bike/Ped Improvement project:
Ms. Riehle noted that this is a matching grant.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
25 MAY 2021
PAGE 3
Ms. Parker said the agreement is for design and construction at a maximum cost of $300,000.
Mr. Barritt asked how many trees have to come down. Ms. Parker said they don’t know yet.
Mr. Barritt then moved to authorize the City Manager to execute the SY2021 VTrans
Transportation Alternatives Program Grant Agreement as presented. Ms. Emery seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
7. Other Business:
Sen. Chittenden noted that it is likely the Governor will eliminate all restrictions on Memorial
Day. He asked whether the Council might begin meeting “in person” in June. Mr. Dorn noted
staff is working to make it possible to have both “live” and “remote” public participation. Mr.
Cota noted the DRB had done this for a Board member, but he wasn’t sure how it would work
with an audience.
Ms. Riehle reminded members to let her know any vacation plans that might conflict with
meeting schedules.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn.
Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk