HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - City Council - 09/07/2021AGENDA
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL South Burlington City Hall 180 Market Street – Auditorium SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT
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Regular Session 6:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 7, 2021
1.Pledge of Allegiance (6:30 PM)
2.Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of technology options –Jessie Baker, City Manager (6:31 – 6:32 PM)
3.Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (6:32 – 6:33 PM)
4.Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda (6:34 – 6:44 PM)
5.Announcements and City Manager’s Report (6:45 – 6:55 PM)
6.Consent Agenda: (6:55 – 7:00 PM)
A.*** Consider and Sign DisbursementsB.*** Approve minutes from the September 21, 2020, November 16, 2020, June 7,2021, June 21, 2021, July 19, 2021, July 23, 2021, August 3, 2021, August 17, 2021C.***Authorization to Negotiate and Contract for Design of Spear Street Bicycle &Pedestrian Improvements (Phase 1)D.***Approval of the Policy Priorities and Strategies ProcessE.***Approve National Library of Medicine grant for Veteran's Telehealth projectapplication
7.Interviews with applicants for appointment to South Burlington, Sexton Committee (7:00 –7:20 PM)
8.***Project update on the Auclair multi-parcel conservation initiative – Paul Connor, Directorof Planning & Zoning (7:20 – 7:50 PM)
9.***Receive a request for proposed updates to the City's Official Map and consider warning apublic hearing for October 4th at 7:00 pm on these amendments – Paul Connor, Director ofPlanning & Zoning (7:50 – 8:00 PM)
10. ***Receive an update from Public Works on the City's Emerald Ash Borer Plans and provide
direction to staff – Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works (8:00 – 8:20 PM) 11. ***Discussion on on-street parking around the Airport per a request for no parking on
Peterson Terrace – Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works (8:20 – 8:35 PM) 12. Continued discussion on the South Burlington Land Trust's request for a short-term tax increase to be used by the city for the future perseveration of open space – Helen Riehle, Council Chair (8:35 – 8:50 PM) 13. ***Consider submitting nominations for the Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award – Helen Riehle, Council Chair (8:50 – 9:05 PM) 14. ***Discussion and approval for the FY23 Budget Schedule – Martha Machar, Finance Officer and Jessie Baker, City Manager (9:05 – 9:15 PM) 15. ***Approve a Voting Delegate for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns Town Fair – Jessie Baker, City Manager (9:15 - 9:20 PM)
16. ***Appoint Colin K. McNeil, Esq. as the City Attorney – Jessie Baker, City Manager (9:20 PM – 9:30 PM) 17. Reports from Councilors on Committee assignments (9:30 – 9:40 PM)
18. Consider entering executive session for the purposes of: (9:40 PM – 10:20 PM) A. Discussing the Washburn Conditional Use approval/Myers Court appeal to which the City is a party and received confidential attorney/client communications regarding the same. B. Discussing the Burton Corporation/Higher Ground application under Act 250 review to which the city is a party and receive confidential attorney/client communications regarding the same. 19. Adjourn (10:20 PM)
Respectfully Submitted:
Jessie Baker City Manager *** Attachments Included
Champlain Water District
Check/Voucher Register - Check Report by Fund
From 9/8/2021 Through 9/8/2021
Check Date Check Number Vendor Name Invoice Description Check Amount Invoice Number
9/8/2021 4295 Continental Utility Solutions, Inc.SBWD Portion of Annual Maintenance 4,859.80 M18663-SBWD
9/8/2021 4296 FirstLight Fiber Account 101167 21.38 9731678
9/8/2021 4297 Office Essentials of Vermont Labels 23.97 38092
9/8/2021 4298 Christine O'Neill Refund Overpymt on Account 2437 97.64 REFUNDONEILL
9/8/2021 4299 Michelle Rosowsky Refund Overpymt on Account 6432 170.20 REFUNDROSOWSKY
Total 70 - South Burlington Water
Department
5,172.99
Report Total 5,172.99
70 - South Burlington Water Department
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
Page: 1
CITY COUNCIL 7 JUNE 2021
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 7 June 2021, at 6:30
p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street, and by Go to Meeting remote
participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, M. Cota
ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; J. Baker, City Manager Designee; T. Hubbard, Deputy City
Manager; M. Lyons, City Assessor; L. King, IT; T. DiPietro, D. Wheeler, Stormwater Department; L.
Bresee, Project Energy Manager; S. Reeves, CSWD; S. Baker, P. Taylor, S. Dooley, D. Long,
Baniqued, Adbrien, N. Trinidad, M. Murray, N. Omelda, S. Dopp, R. Greco, P. Stabler, M. Mittag,
E. Goldman, C. Santarello, B. Sirvis, B. Cheng Tolmie, J. Pence, L. Dahglien, C. Hafter, J. Burton
1. Welcome and introduction of incoming City Manager, Jessie Baker:
Ms. Riehle welcomed incoming City Manager, Jessie Baker, and noted that she will be working
this month with retiring City Manager, Kevin Dorn. Ms. Riehle also explained the selection
process which included a committee to review applicants and interviews with the top 3
candidates. Ms. Riehle said Ms. Baker outshown everyone.
Ms. Baker said she was honored to be present, especially back in a “live” session. She thanked
Messrs. Dorn and Hubbard and the entire city team. In recent days, she has been focused on
the move to 180 Market Street and on reviewing candidates for the Deputy City Manager
position. Ms. Baker also noted her parents were present remotely and thanked them for the
love of public service they instilled in her.
2. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
Ms. Emery asked to add to other business a discussion of the dog park.
3. Comments and Questions from the public not related to the Agenda:
Ms. Cheng Tolmie urged continued dialog on keeping the open environment in the city. She
applauded the city for balancing the need for housing with the preservation of the
environment. She also asked that climate change be a part of all decisions.
Ms. Sirvis expressed concern that there is still no city dog park and no decisions regarding
implementation, amenities (e.g. water, shade), maintenance, etc. She asked that a date in 2021
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7 JUNE 2021
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be set for the opening of the dog park, even if it is not perfect at the time. She also felt that
oversight of the dog park be transferred from Public Works to the Recreation Department and
that the Rec Department schedule a gala opening event. Finally, she asked that staff support be
provided to the Dog Park Committee.
Mr. Omelda, Minister of the Church of Christ, noted the Church’s support of many activities in
the State and asked how/when to coordinate activities with the City. Congregation members
want to help in the community (e.g., cleaning parks, planting trees, etc.). Ms. Riehle suggested
checking the City’s bi-monthly newsletter on-line for volunteer opportunities and encouraging
Church members to consider volunteer committees as advertised in The Other Paper.
4. Announcement and City Manager’s Report:
Mr. Barritt noted that people who received their new property appraisals have 2 weeks from
last Friday to grieve their assessments.
Sen. Chittenden attended the Open House at the Ethan Allen Homestead and cited the City’s
contribution to the open areas protected by the Winooski Valley Park District.
Ms. Emery noted that yesterday was D-Day, a very important date for Europeans which she felt
should be more acknowledged in this country which suffered the greatest losses.
Ms. Emery also noted that UVM people are interested in speaking to the City Council regarding
their status as a “land grant institution.”
Ms. Emery said she will be introducing a resolution regarding fair and impartial policing.
Mr. Cota noted the 90% vaccination rate in South Burlington and almost 80% in the State. He
also noted that today open enrollment began for grants to businesses affected by COVID. There
is also available funding for renters who are behind in utility bills due to COVID.
Mr. Barritt noted that his wife is ready to start up the painting of utility boxes again.
Mr. Dorn: Ms. Lyons and Mr. Hubbard completed applications for entitlement funding, and
the receipt of the applications has been acknowledged.
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Move-in at 180 Market Street is proceeding. The Library is moving on 18 June,
followed by Planning & Zoning, the Recreation Department, City Manager’s offices, and the City
Clerk’s office. Ms. Baker will be leading the move-in efforts.
There will be a tour of 180 Market Street for the Council, committees, and others
on 14 June.
Lisa Bettinger will be moving on to another position. She has done a
phenomenal job for the City.
Mr. Dorn and Ms. Holm will be participating in a health care program with 23
other organizations that are interested in a similar program to that which is now in effect in
South Burlington.
The State is winding down the COVID-related housing programs and residents
will be moved to other facilities. Mr. Dorn commended the State and others involved for
facilitating the challenging residential effort. For the vast majority of people, this effort
provided a safe place to be during COVID. Mr. Dorn especially recognized Chiefs Burke and
Francis.
5. Chittenden Solid Waste District Annual Budget Presentation:
Ms. Reeves explained the function and mission of CSWD and noted that all of its Commissioners
are volunteers. She then explained CSWD’s funding sources: from tipping fees, management
fees, and material/product sales (recyclables). They receive no money from taxes.
The proposed FY22 budget is $12,900,000. No increase in fees is anticipated.
There has been a high demand for recyclables since 2020 with a particularly high demand for
paper products. Compost products have also sold well with a lot of people staying at home
during COVID. Ms. Reeves noted that CSWD invested heavily in their compost facility.
Sen. Chittenden questioned whether in years to come the City would have to pay for bonding,
etc. Ms. Reeves said she felt CSWD can cover bond payments from their operating budget and
from the sale of materials. It would have to be a very dire situation for that not to happen. Mr.
Stabler noted that communities were assessed in the 1980’s but not since then.
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7 JUNE 2021
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Mr. Barritt asked if the new facility will be owned by CSWD. Ms. Reeves said it will. She was
uncertain whether it will be operated by Casella as a lot of companies have that expertise and
CSWD may go to bid. She also noted there are many possibilities being considered for the old
facility.
Mr. Barritt asked whether they will open the Burlington DOC for uses other than composting.
Ms. Reeves said they are waiting for Burlington to make a decision regarding trash/recycling
collection. Following that, CSWD will have more conversations with them. CSWD still owns the
property, and it is a good location.
Ms. Emery expressed appreciation for the reduced tipping fees.
Mr. Stabler thanked Ms. Reeves for her leadership during COVID.
6. Consider and possibly appoint representative to the CSWD Board:
Ms. Riehle noted that Mr. Stabler is willing to continue to serve.
Ms. Emery moved to appoint Paul Stabler as representative to the CSWD Board of Directors.
Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursement
Ms. Emery moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
8. Consider and possibly endorse solar installation concept at Airport Parkway Water
Treatment Plant:
Mr. Bresee said this concept has been in the CIP for a year and a half while the city has been
tracking the cost of the Market St. installation. The question is how to pay for it. The benefits
flow mostly to the School District, which raises the question of why the City should invest
money to benefit the School District. This has been discussed with school officials.
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Mr. Bresee noted that the array at the landfill pays for all the water treatment in the city, but
there is very little benefit in the winter time. The agreement for that array has been very
beneficial, and shouldn’t be “messed with.”
The feeling is that the School District should pay for this. There would be no additional cost to
the School District as they would be paying the City instead of Green Mountain Power.
Mr. Mittag asked whether wind turbine have been considered at the same property. Mr. Dorn
said it is too close to the Airport, and the FAA will never allow it.
Mr. Bresee said he will be coming back to the Council with a specific arrangement with a
reasonable rate charged to the School District.
Mr. Barritt asked whether there is confidence that this is not in conflict with any regulations.
Mr. Bresee said he hasn’t seen anything to suggest a conflict.
Mr. Cota asked what would happen if the School District decided not to participate. Mr. Bresee
said this is too good a project to kill. Mr. Cota then asked what will happen in 2027 when the
10-year window for net metering runs out. Mr. Bresee said he did not know.
Members agreed this should be pursued.
9. Update on City-wide Reappraisal:
Ms. Lyons said that residential and condo notices hit mailboxes today, and appeal hearings will
begin next week. The deadline to request a hearing is 18 June at 4:30 p.m. The anticipation is
that hearings will be finished by 2 July.
Commercial notices will go out on 16 June, and hearings can begin when they are received.
Tentatively, tax bills will go out on 16 July, depending on the number of appeals.
Ms. Lyons said she spoke with the State last week and was told the education tax rate should be
available by 23 July. Following that, Ms. Lyons said she will have everything done with the
Grand List and tax bills will be mailed by 30 July.
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Mr. Dorn recognized Ms. Lyons for the incredible job she has done. He noted that the delay in
commercial notices is not due to anything happening in South Burlington.
Mr. Mittag asked if there is a possibility to extend the appeal period. Ms. Lyons said there is not
as it is determined by the State.
Ms. Emery noted the number of people who are willing to pay more than the asking price for
properties and expressed concern that “the cliff” will be reached more quickly.
Ms. Dopp asked if there is a set time for reappraisals and felt 15 years seemed like a long
interval since the last appraisal. Ms. Lyons said reappraisal depends on the common level of
appraisal (CLA).
10. Council consideration and possible action on a Resolution for Policymaking to
Reduce Carbon Emissions and Counteract Climate Change:
Ms. Emery cited research that related higher rates of COVID and deaths from COVID to air
pollution. She also cited pressure on housing in South Burlington from the destruction of
homes in the Airport noise area. The city is meeting its housing goals but not its affordable
housing goals, and the gap between “wages and homes” is growing. Ms. Emery disagreed that
the answer is more housing in South Burlington. She noted that carbon emissions are up to pre-
pandemic rates. She stressed that climate change is real and is resulting in a mental health and
anxiety crisis.
Ms. Emery said that the resolution she is proposing is endorsed by the Energy Committee. She
felt that the alternate resolution proposed by Mr. Cota changes nothing, and that the City
Council needs to be leaders.
Mr. Cota said it is important for the public to know the Council understands that greenhouse
gases are a cause of global warming. However, he opposes Ms. Emery’s resolution for several
reasons. It targets reduction to 2021 goals, and there are no 2021 goals. The target is for 2030.
The resolution would have the Council view addressing climate change as its “primary goal.”
Mr. Cota felt the Council can’t look through a single lens. It has to look at fiduciary concerns and
providing services as well. Mr. Cota also noted there is a climate task force of experts
developing a 2022 plan, and he questioned whether staff time and South Burlington taxpayer
money should be used in a parallel effort. Mr. Cota said climate change is real, but it should be
addressed by a collective effort, not town by town.
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Mr. Barritt said he liked the resolution as “a reference document.” He felt the public should
acknowledge the reality of climate change, but he felt the resolution would instill fear, and he
did not want people to be afraid. He said he could not support a 4-page document and wanted
something simple and compact.
Ms. Riehle said she has a proposal which reduces the “whereases.” She felt the “resolves” in
Ms. Emery’s resolution are important and that there are things the city can do without waiting
for the State. She would change “principal guiding mission” to “one of the guiding missions.”
Sen. Chittenden said he liked where Mr. Barritt and Ms. Riehle are heading and suggested
bringing this back to the next meeting. He added that his main concern is overcommitting city
resources. He also did not want to duplicate what the state is doing.
Ms. Emery said the city could look at the cost of an electric mower instead of a gas mower, just
a little step so the city is planning to be resilient in the future.
Ms. Dooley said she would not want climate change to overwhelm efforts toward social justice.
Mr. Goldman questioned whether Mr. Cota has a “conflict of interest” as he is employed by a
fuel dealer who could be affected by the proposed resolution. Ms. Riehle said her understand is
that the conflict of interest policy is “self-enforced,” and it would be up to Mr. Cota to step down
from the discussion if he felt the need to do so.
Ms. Riehle said she didn’t feel there is yet a document that the Council can agree on. She
suggested the research be in an appendix and that there be clarification that that climate
change is one of many lenses for the Council to use.
Mr. Barritt said he cannot accept the sentence on equity. He also did not want to form a new
task force. Ms. Riehle suggested tasking the Energy Committee.
Mr. Barritt suggested said #1 should be a commitment to reduce South Burlington’s carbon
footprint. Ms. Riehle felt #2 was OK, and #3 should task the Energy Committee. In #4, Mr.
Barritt said he would change “factor” to “factors.”
Sen. Chittenden asked whether there is staff capacity to handle this. Mr. Dorn said it depends
on the scope of the project. He had thought Mr. Conner was already working on this. He felt
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7 JUNE 2021
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the Council should hear from Mr. Conner as to where the CCRPC is on this. Mr. Dorn said he
didn’t think there should be two parallel things going at the same time. Sen. Chittenden said he
didn’t want to overtax Mr. Conner.
Mr. Cota said the city needs to get involved with the Vermont Climate Change Plan which will be
the guiding force for the next 30 years.
Ms. Riehle said she would try to put together language that works. She will also read the public
comments in the “chat box.”
11. Interviews with applicants for appointment to South Burlington Boards,
Commissions and Committees:
The Council interviewed the following people:
a. Corey Santorello …………………………….Natural Resources committee
b. Libby Daghlien ……………………………….Recreation & Parks Committee
c. Jon Pence ………………………………………Recreation & Parks Committee
d. Sidney Palmer ……………………………….Dog Park Committee
e. Peter Taylor ………………………………….City Charter Committee
f. Charles Hafter ……………………………….City Charter Committee
g. John Burton …………………………………..Economic Development Committee
Ms. Riehle explained the selection process and noted the Council might make appointments at
this meeting.
12. Briefing on the so-called “3-Acre Rule” and updates and possible action on the
South Burlington Stormwater Ordinances:
Mr. Wheeler noted that as of December, 2020, action is now required on expired stormwater
permits. He showed on a map the places which need to put in stormwater management in
order to address impaired watersheds. The city had been working proactively with these
property owners, but a new bar has now been set with standards and deadlines.
Mr. DiPietro noted South Burlington updated its stormwater standards in 2016 but now needs
to get in line with the new State standards. In addition, the prior cost-sharing practice has been
amended so that grants will first be applied to the city’s share and the remainder to the other
party’s share.
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7 JUNE 2021
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Ms. Emery asked if the city can say “no pesticides.” Mr. DiPietro said that could be an
enforcement issue.
Ms. Riehle said the Council needs to set a date for a public hearing.
Ms. Emery moved that the amendments to the Ordinance Regulating the use of Pubic & Private
Sanitary Sewerage and Stormwater Systems and the Stormwater Upgrade Feasibility Analysis be
duly warned for a second reading at Council’s first regular meeting in July at 7:30 p.m. Sen.
Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
13. Consider and possibly allocate FY21 social services funding:
Ms. Emery said that Lisa Bettinger had noted the lack of resources she struggled under for many
years. She suggested giving them all the funding as they support a lot of services.
Mr. Hubbard said that could affect the grant money they receive through the State. Mr. Dorn
added he wasn’t sure what the next step will be for the Community Justice Center, and this may
not be the right thing to do now.
Mr. Barritt noted how appreciative organizations are of the funding the city gives them and
suggests spending the money this year with the same formula.
Members agreed to find $15,500 (which includes $500 previously spent).
14. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments:
Mr. Barritt: He and Ms. Riehle visited Beta Technologies and found it very fascinating.
15. Liquor Control Board:
Ms. Emery moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Board. Sen. Chittenden seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Emery moved to approve the annual license permit for Higher Ground. Mr. Barritt
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
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7 JUNE 2021
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Sen. Chittenden moved to reconvene as City Council. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
16. Other Business:
Ms. Emery asked that the dog part be put on a future agenda.
17. Possible executive session to consider applications for appointment to South
Burlington Boards, Commissions and Committees and deliberative session:
Ms. Emery moved the Council meet in executive session to consider appointments to Boards,
Commissions and Committees and to invite into the session Messrs. Dorn, Hubbard and conner,
and Ms. Baker. Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Council entered
executive session at 10:18 p.m. and resumed open session at 11:20 p.m.
18. Possible appointment of applicants to South Burlington Boards, Commissions and
Committees:
Following the executive session, Mr. Barritt moved to make the following appointments:
Affordable Housing Committee: Ariel Jensen-Vargas, Leslie Black-Plumeau, Minelle Sarfo-Adu,
Darilyn Peters, Janet Bellevance
Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee: Bob Britt, Havaleh Gagne, Matty Christine Larkspur, Amanda
Holland
City Charter Committee: Peter Taylor, Charles Hafter
Development Review Board: Stephanie Wyman, Mark Behr, Frank Kochman
Dog Park Committee: Sidney Justin Palmer
Economic Development Committee: Linda Johnson Norris, John Burton, Thomas Bailey, Siram
Srinlvasan, Emily Krasnow
Energy Committee: Tim Perrin, Andrew Chalnick, Mary Jo Real, Stephen Crowley, Kate Bailey
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Library Board of Trustees: Donna Swarthout, Ted Linski, Margaret Ann Cross, Rebecca Stazi
Natural Resources Committee: William Wargo, John Bossange, Lisa Yankowski, Katherine Boyk
Planning Commission: Bernie Gagnon
Public Art Committee: Amanda Holland, Denise Townsend
Recreation & Parks Committee: Jon Pence, Michael Simoneau, Elizabeth McGuire Daghlian
Ms. Emery seconded the motion which then passed unanimously.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn.
Sen Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:25
p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 21 JUNE 2021
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 21 June 2021, at 6:30
p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street, and by 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. Baker, City Manager
Designate; A. Bolduc, Deputy City Manager Designate; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning;
I. Blanchard, Project Manager; Chief S. Burke, Police Department; Chief T. Francis. Fire
Department; Cable, J. Chin, S. & J. Dooley, M. Murray, Rep. H. Head, M. Simoneau, P. Taylor, B.
Sirvis, E. Krasnow, Paul R., D. Bugbee, Wayne, R. Greco, S. Dopp, A. C. Staub, D. Shiman, A.
O’Brien, J. Stevens, J. Dinklage
1. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
Ms. Riehle suggested a break following Item #13 for some “celebratory snacks.”
2. Council Resolution in honor and memory of community member Jennifer
Kochman:
Ms. Riehle read the Resolution (a full copy of which is attached hereto).
Mr. Barritt then moved to adopt the Resolution recognizing and honoring the service of Jennifer
Kochman. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Emery described Ms. Kochman as a “force of nature” and noted how she and the
community benefited from her commitment to the city.
Ms. Kochman’s daughter, Janice Cable, described her mother as “the most devoted person” and
thanked the city for making her feel she was doing something of value and for giving her an
outlet for her passion.
3. Possible executive session to consider pending or probable litigation to which the
city is a party and confidential attorney/client communication for the purpose of
providing professional legal services regarding same:
Mr. Barritt moved that the Council make a specific finding that premature general public
knowledge of the Council’s consideration of pending or probable civil litigation to which the City
is a party and confidential attorney-client communications made for the purpose of
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21 JUNE 2021
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providing professional legal services to the Council regarding same and would clearly place the
City at a substantial disadvantage. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Barritt then moved that the Council, having so found, enter into executive session to
consider pending or probable civil litigation to which the City is a party and confidential
attorney-client communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to
the Council regarding same. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered executive session at 6:44 p.m. and resumed open session at 7:08 p.m.
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
A recent high school graduate addressed the Council regarding her concerns about global
warming. She said the more she learns, the more she is concerned for the future.
5. Announcements and City Manager’s Report:
Sen. Chittenden: Took part with his children in the “book parade” from the temporary
Library to the new Library at 180 Market Street. He said over 100 people were there to help.
Had coffee with a new Town Manager who suggested a system to track all
communications.
Ms. Emery: Met with a School Board member and other regarding the possibility of
opening a youth site at University Mall through September. She hoped the Council would take
this up in July to take advantage of open space at the Mall.
Mr. Cota: Attended his first Green Mountain Transit meeting. COVID had a large
impact on GMT. Federal funds have insured continued services.
Has been appointed to the Weatherization Workforce Group which is
working with Efficiency Vermont to develop plans for a science curriculum geared to providing
weatherization for half of the homes in Vermont. The money is available; they just need to train
workforce members.
Addressed “conflict of interest” charges leveled against him at the last
meeting. Mr. Cota stressed that he has never held a financial interest in any company that
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21 JUNE 2021
PAGE 3
distributes energy in Vermont. He is not related to the owners of the Cota trucks and was never
a business owner of any kind. He operates a non-profit, and most of his work consists of
interpreting codes for plumbers. He also operates a school which trains future plumbers. Mr.
Cota noted he was recognized by former Governor Shumlin for his work in energy in retraining
workforce to clean fuels.
Mr. Barritt: Helped with “deconstruction” when the Library moved from the Mall to
180 Market Street.
Ms. Riehle: Participated with others in an excellent Vermont League of Cities and
Towns meeting. She noted that South Burlington had the most people there and provided the
most comments.
Toured 180 Market Street just before the “finishing touches” go on.
Mr. Dorn: The city will wait until the fall round for the approved additional bonding
for Garden/Market Streets. The money isn’t needed now, and the rates should remain low in
the fall.
Ms. Baker: Reminded the public of the Grand Opening of 180 Market Street on 23
July at 4:30 p.m.
Because of the challenges related to meeting space, both July meetings
will primarily be held remotely. Ms. Baker will be the “live” person present at the Police
Department meeting site which will also be open to members of the public who wish to be
there.
The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 6 July, because of the 5
July Independence Day holiday celebration.
Ms. Emery: Has been in touch with a number of other people regarding land use and
equity issues. They are seeking a date to hold a meeting on that issue, ideally in July. Ms. Baker
said she will poll members to come up with an agreed upon date.
6. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursements
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PAGE 4
Ms. Emery moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Sen. Chittenden seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
7. Introduction of New Deputy City Manager and appointment of City Treasurer
effective COB 25 June 2021:
Ms. Baker announced the appointment of Andrew Bolduc as Deputy City Manager. She then
reviewed the process and noted Mr. Bolduc was chosen from among 26 applicants, half of
whom were from Vermont. Ms. Baker cited Mr. Bolduc’s service as City Attorney for 5 years and
said he is deeply knowledgeable about operations in South Burlington and is trusted by staff.
Ms. Baker asked the Council to appoint Mr. Bolduc as City Treasurer effective close of business
on 25 June 2021.
Ms. Emery moved to appoint Andrew Bolduc to be City Treasurer effective with close of
business on 25 June 2021. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Baker noted that Mr. Bolduc will step down as City Attorney. That position has now been
posted.
Mr. Bolduc said that in no way could he replace Tom Hubbard and the career he has had with
the city, especially in managing the budget through the pandemic. He said serving as City
Attorney had been the fulfillment of a dream, and he looks forward to the continuation of the
dream.
8. Presentation from Fire Chief Francis on major repairs needed for Fire Apparatus
and possible Council action related to funding repairs:
Chief Francis reported that in August, a required inspection of apparatus revealed that the aerial
truck had significant rust and could not pass inspection. The manufacturer has advised that
that $152,000 worth of work is required to bring the truck back to standard. The Chief said that
some of the products used on the road stick to metal and have been corroding the mainframe
of the truck. Pierce will use a new type of material that will prevent that corrosion in the future.
This work will extend the life of the truck about 5 to 7 more years beyond the original estimate
of 2023-24. Pierce would pick up the truck here, drive it to Wisconsin for repair and bring it
back in a few months probably in February.
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Sen. Chittenden asked what the city would use for a ladder truck in the meantime. Chief Francis
said there are mutual aid agreements, and the city would rely on them (Burlington has 3 such
trucks, and Williston and Shelburne, Essex Junction and Malletts Bay have one as well. One
could get to a South Burlington incident from Burlington in about 4 minutes. The Chief noted
that the Airport would also rely on that response.
Mr. Dorn said the Council would have to designate where the money for this repair would come
from. Mr. Hubbard said it might make sense to accrue some money from the savings that are
not going to be spent so this doesn’t impact the FY2022 budget. He felt that can be done, and
that is his recommendation.
Council members agreed to this and to place the order as soon as possible.
9. Council (sitting as Cemetery Commission) discussion and possible action related to
request from the Sextons requesting funding for the repair of fences at City
Cemeteries:
Sen. Chittenden said the money for these repairs is available in the Cemetery Account. There
are 2-1/2 segments of fencing that need repair, and there are fencing segments available from a
previous project.
Members gave their agreement to do the repairs.
10. Council consideration and possible action on a Resolution related to the City’s Fair
and Impartial Policing Policy:
Ms. Emery noted that the Resolution had been read by Chief Burke who made some final
amendments. She added that this Resolution just makes law of what is already being practiced.
Chief Burke said this has been a collaborative process, and he feels the policy is exactly where it
needs to be. He said the committee working on this was great.
Mr. Shiman and Ms. O’Brien, who served on the committee, both said the process went very
well and they were glad to see this happening.
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PAGE 6
Mr. Barritt noted the word “following” which has nothing following it and said he would like to
see the entire document before voting on it. Sen. Chittenden agreed. Members agreed to put
this on the next agenda and to have the entire Policy attached to the Resolution.
11. Update on steps taken to work with the Chittenden County Regional Planning
Commission (CCRPC) on a Climate Action Plan:
Mr. Conner reviewed the history and noted that the original plan is to take actions in phases,
depending on finances. Step one: to establish existing greenhouse gases and establish targets
and pathways. The plan calls for establishing a steering committee to evaluate and select
projects based on the impact they would have. There are different models that can be adjusted
over time. There are city funds of $21,000 available for this work.
The implementation plan involves looking at this by sector. Some things that may be involved
are providing more charging stations for electric vehicles and finding locations for park-and-
rides. Funding for this is available through the transportation sector at $30,000 with a 20% local
match.
Regarding staff, Mr. Conner said that Planning & Zoning staff is still focused on Interim Zoning.
They are working with CCRPC and a consultant regarding a transportation plan. The hope is to
complete this work in the coming fiscal year.
Mr. Conner said that the things to consider could include having the steering committee come
back with a goal and adhering to State goals. As for governance, the suggestion is to have a
cross-section of people with different perspectives.
Mr. Conner also noted that the Comprehensive Plan is due for review in 2024.
Recommendations from the climate action plan can be inserted into the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Emery said that in addition to CO2 emissions, the environmental part needs to be
addressed so the city is a sustainable community. She would like to see that included in the
Climate Action Plan.
Sen. Chittenden cited the need to look at the commercial sector in addition to the residential.
Mr. Cota said the goal should be the State mandate. Ms. Riehle suggested having language in
case the State changes its goals.
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Mr. Barritt said what is important for him is not the goals but having the steering committee
identify the “dials” that can be turned in South Burlington. He noted the city does not have
building codes. He also asked if the “stretch code” still exists. Mr. Conner said that
understanding where the city wants to put its efforts is important. He added that there are
tools that have not yet been considered and things that the city can lobby the state and others
to change.
Mr. Cota noted he is on a committee to update building energy codes. He was sure the CCRPC
would be “up” on that effort. There is also a question as to whether Act 250 has to address
higher energy standards.
Ms. Emery not there is also a concern with reduced food and increased food costs. She cited
the need to have space to grow food.
Sen. Chittenden said he liked the approach of working with CCRPC and with the State. He said
South Burlington is not an island and won’t achieve goals in isolation.
Ms. Riehle noted the work the Airport is doing with homes and noise issues in partnership with
Vermont Gas and Efficiency Vermont.
Mr. Cota stressed that the State no longer has goals. It has mandates that must be met.
Mr. Conner said this is a major city-wide issue, and people should underestimate its scale.
Ms. Emery said the work can be done incrementally as there is a 10-year window to plan and to
make a difference.
Ms. Greco was concerned that she didn’t feel protection of the natural environment was being
included in the planning.
Mr. Dorn said this is an enormous project. He asked the Council to consider the impact on staff
and the need to pull other committees back from the work they are doing. Ms. Riehle
suggested getting committee chairs together to share goals, then see if the Council wants them
to change their directions.
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12. Council consideration and possible approval to submit a federal RAISE grant
application to fund a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over I-89 at Exit 14, and letter
of support:
Ms. Blanchard reviewed the history.
The RAISE grant is a current iteration of transportation grants. The city has applied before with
increasingly better reviews and has now made it to the Secretary’s desk. The request is for just
under $12,000,000. There is a 20% match, but the city could request a zero match. Ms.
Blanchard recommended the city commit to a 20% match.
Ms. Blanchard noted that the project is TIF eligible up to 30% of the cost. “Proprietary” things
such as special lighting are not eligible for grant money.
The city is working with a grant writer (there is a 30-page narrative). Equity will be a priority
this year. Ms. Blanchard said it is anticipated that if the city gets a grant there would be a
competition for the design of the bridge.
Mr. Cota asked about the possibility of expanding the TIF district. Mr. Dorn said the current
sentiment in the Legislature is against that, but if the project is outside the TIF district but
serves the TIF district, it is eligible.
Mr. Barritt moved to submit the application for a federal RAISE grant as presented. Ms. Emery
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
13. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments:
Ms. Riehle: The Airport Commission met on 16 June. The sound insulation plan will be sent
out this week or next. It includes monitoring that will be set up at Chamberlin School and at
sites in Colchester, Winooski and Williston. There will also be a public “portal” where members
of the public can see which planes are generating what noise, etc.
Ms. Riehle also noted that the Planning Commission has agreed to form a
subcommittee to look at Airport-requested zoning changes. They would like a Council member
on that committee. Ms. Emery volunteered to do this. Ms. Emery also asked if the Air Guard
can be requested not to do “rollovers” over neighborhoods. She said that mechanics have told
her these are unnecessary. Members agreed to invite the Guard to a meeting in August.
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14. May Financials:
Mr. Hubbard reported that the city has received 93% of anticipated revenues and made 79% of
anticipated expenses. He reminded the Council that the city was in a budget freeze, and that
the expectation is that expenses will be underspent. This should help contribute to the work on
the fire truck.
The city has collected all but 1% of property taxes. The local option meals and rooms taxes are
anticipated to be down as much as $600,000. Fire inspections, ambulance billings, and road
permits are also down. The city will have enough revenue to cover these as there will not have
to be a payment to the pension fund, and there are COVID funds and FEMA funds anticipated.
Clerk recording fees are good, and the city will, for the first time, get a Workers Compensation
reimbursement ($107,000).
The city is in excellent shape regarding health insurance with an estimated $300,000-$400,000
to the good at the end of the fiscal year. Mr. Hubbard suggested creating a special fund for
health insurance now that the city is self-insured in case there is a rough year. This will be
considered when the FY21 books are closed. Mr. Barritt said that was an excellent idea. Sen.
Chittenden added that the way the city had been going in the past with major carriers was not
sustainable.
Mr. Hubbard said this was the most challenging year for the budget. The city had never started
a fiscal year with a budget freeze. He commended department heads for their handling of this
and noted that now they will be able to see some expenditures that had been put off.
15. Recommendations to Council related to staffing and possible action involving
investing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act:
Ms. Baker said the city is looking to “unfreeze” positions. She noted that the city should receive
about $5,000,000 of which only a third was allocated directly to South Burlington. The rest
goes to “county government” and it will likely be the Legislature that makes the final decision.
The hope is that money will all go to the municipalities. The refunding of positions is one of the
allowable uses for those funds, and the city will do an analysis of which positions to “unfreeze.”
Mr. Dorn noted there is nobody waiting to come back The open positions were unfilled and
were left that way. There are about 8 of these positions including a City Planner.
Ms. Riehle said it makes sense to come back with a plan.
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PAGE 10
16. Council recognition of outgoing City Management:
Ms. Riehle recalled that when she first came on the Council, the city had almost lost a lot of
good people because of the poor management skills of the previous City Manager. She noted
that Deputy City Manager Tom Hubbard was one of those people, and she was thankful he
didn’t take that step. She also noted that he and City Manager Kevin Dorn made the rest of the
staff willing to stick it out, and the new City Manager will be inheriting a wonderful staff to work
with. Ms. Riehle also cited the dark days the country has just endured and the skill of the city
management that continued to provide needed services.
In speaking particularly about Mr. Hubbard, Ms. Riehle noted his 42 years of service to the city
and his “way with numbers.” She personally thanked him from the “bottom of my heart.”
Senator Chittenden said Mr. Hubbard’s reputation in the community is impeccable. Ms. Emery
cited his communication skills and how they have been used to resolve issues. Mr. Barritt said
in the city, it is the taxpayers who are the “customers,” and they want someone who is
competent and can be trusted. He said he appreciated those qualities in Mr. Hubbard. Mr. Cota
cited Mr. Hubbard’s responsiveness to any question he was asked. He added that staff cares
about what volunteers care about, and he respects that.
Mr. Hubbard then addressed the Council and the community as follows:
As I sit here with you for the last time tonight, it seems a bit surreal that 42 years with the City
of South Burlington is coming to a close. It’s certainly been an incredible journey, and one I
sincerely appreciate and am truly grateful for. When I first came on board in my early 20’s, then
City Clerk, Peg Picard, used to refer to me as the “baby” of city hall, being the youngest and
newest employee at the time. Well, things have changed just a bit, and while I’m not the oldest
here, I’m certainly the longest tenured – and others will follow and surpass that as well!
South Burlington is a place that I’ve been able to call home for many years, no only with my
work, be also where my wife and I were able to raise our family, develop countless friendships,
and enjoy life-long bonds with many of our neighbors.
I’ve been honored to serve the City as a long-term employee, with roles as both the Assistant
Director and Director of Recreation & Parks, with Bruce O’Neill as a great mentor, and under Bill
Szymanski’s and Chuck Hafter’s leadership as City Manager much of my career. I’ve been part of
the leadership team as a Department Manager, and must recently as the Deputy City
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Manager – and fortunate to have been able to develop relationships, enhance partnerships, and
help build a level of trust & respect – with residents, employees, departments, you as members
of the City Council, and the community at large.
I’ve been blessed with the various roles and opportunities that have been offered to me, and I
want to take this opportunity to say Thank You! Thank you to all the residents I’ve served over
these many years, this interaction with the public has been one of the most gratifying aspects of
my different roles. It is this interaction that has allowed me to develop relationships with so
many people – with individuals, families, the business community, community partners, local
organizations and service groups throughout the community.
I’m grateful that I’ve had the privilege to work alongside an amazing group of leaders and
dedicated employees, representing the various departments throughout the city. The degree of
experience and expertise that sits around the table at our bi-weekly dept. manager meetings is
unparalleled. This talented group of leaders represents the best the city has to offer. To each of
you, thank you for the honor of working with you – it’s a huge part of what I’ll miss the most.
Thank you to all the City employees for doing what you do day in and day out – this special
team of 170 employees is what makes city government function. The roles are varied, but the
significance of each and every person performing their work diligently on a daily basis on behalf
of the community, together with everyone taking pride in what they do, is what makes South
Burlington such a special place to work.
And thanks to all of you on the City Council for whom I’ve served – for entrusting me with the
responsibilities of my role, and the support & confidence you’ve had in me to perform my work
here for the City of South Burlington – and thank you all for your untiring commitment and
leadership, I’ve witnessed first-hand the amount of time, dedication, and passion you’ve
invested in making South Burlington a wonderful place to live, work, and enjoy!
On a personal level, I want to express my utmost thanks to my wife, Ann – and to all our adult
children and their families – to Tim, Jeff, and Em. Family has always been the center of my life,
and will continue to be, and has provided the balance and perspective with everything I do.
Being out at the many recreation programs in my younger years (as evidenced in the recent
picture in The Other Paper), led me away from the house many a night when my wife, I’m sure,
could have used a break from the kids – but she never complained and has always been
supportive of my work. As for the kids, - they were with me at many of the programs and
events – providing memories and experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything! They were rec
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PAGE 12
program troopers for sure, and for all you’ve each become, and the many accomplishments in
your own careers, I could not be a more proud Dad!
Ann – thank you for all your love and support throughout these many years, you’ve been the
rock at home, the most incredible Mom, and the most supportive wife throughout my career.
Thank you for all you’ve done for me and for them! I love you, and look forward to our new
chapter together!
And thank you to Kevin – thank you for the opportunity to serve South Burlington as part of
your City Management Team. Working with you has been one of the most rewarding aspects
of my career – we ascribe to many of the same ideals – empowering leadership, setting the
example, encouraging and inspiring others, and letting them do what they’ve been hired to do,
while supporting and recognizing their efforts – It’s always been a team approach, and one
you’ve fully embraced. Thank you for your steadfast leadership, your sense of humor, your
intuitive word of the day, your ability to think outside the box and bring the right people
together, and your consistency in representing the community with professionalism and
integrity. There’s nobody who’s witnessed this more closely than I have, day in and day out- and
it’s been an absolute pleasure to work alongside you – the Resolution tonight really highlights
many of your accomplishments throughout your term as City Manager, and is most deserving –
and I appreciate your confidence in me to carry out the Deputy role with your unwavering
support!
And finally, to Jessie and Andrew transitioning as the new Management Team for the City – I
look forward to my continued work and transition with you in the days ahead, and I know the
city will be well-served and in good hands, and I wish you both all the best!!
Ms. Riehle then addressed Mr. Dorn. She noted that when you are Council Chair, you have a
different relationship with the City Manager. She said she loved working with Mr. Dorn and how
his professionalism brought some of her ideas to reality. She cited him as a steadfast leader to
the community and noted there wouldn’t have been a TIF district without his knowing how to
get that done.
Sen. Chittenden said that when he was elected, he didn’t know much about being on a City
Council, and his best resource was Mr. Dorn. He asked him to “keep in touch.” Ms. Emery
spoke to Mr. Dorn’s integrity and the 120% trust she has in him. Mr. Cota cited Mr. Dorn’s
devotion to public service and said Mr. Dorn is an example of what he wants to be. Mr. Barritt
cited Mr. Dorn’s good reviews from Department Heads, which, he said, speak volumes. He
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PAGE 13
also spoke of Mr. Dorn’s “cutting edge” concepts which have helped not only South Burlington
but other communities as well.
Ms. Riehle and Council members then read a Resolution (See Attached) honoring the service of
Kevin Dorn to the City of South Burlington and concluding with the naming of the new Kevin
Dorn Senior Center.
Mr. Dorn said he was overwhelmed by the Senior Center recognition and noted that seniors will
now have their own great place. Ms. Emery responded, “You made it work.”
Mr. Dorn said he appreciated the trust the city put in him 8 years ago. He had been concerned
that the team would break up, but with Tom Hubbard at his side, they kept everyone together.
Mr. Dorn cited many things that have been accomplished for the people of the community and
more that will continue to happen with Ms. Baker and Mr. Bolduc.
Mr. Dorn said, “Tom Hubbard ran South Burlington. I did the fun stuff.” He said they shared
decision-making, victories and defeats. He stressed that city staff works “with us, no for us.” He
particularly cited Larry King who, after a full day of work, was still present to make remote
meeting participation possible for the community. Mr. Dorn said he never worked with a finer
group of people.
Mr. Dorn thanked his wife and children and noted there is a level of things you take home, that
they have to deal with. He said their patience and endurance have been critical for him.
Mr. Dorn thanked the Council and said he so admires people who will tell the voters what they
stand for. He appreciated the pressure the Council works under and wished the public would let
them know how important they are to the community. Without them, he said, there would be
no democracy.
Finally, Mr. Dorn thanked the community who supported budgets and TIF. He was deeply
honored to have served them.
17. Other Business:
No other business was presented.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Sen. Chittenden moved to
adjourn. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at
10:05 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 19 JULY 2021
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 19 July 2021, at 6:30
p.m., in the Police Station Conference Room, 19 Gregory Drive, and by Go to Meeting remote
participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Emery, Acting Chair; T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, M. Cota
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; A. Bolduc, Deputy City Manager; B. Sirvis, N. Scott, S.
Dopp, Dr. T. Childs, T. Getz, Wayne, R. Greco, E. Goldman, J. Bellevance, M. Murray, L. Marriott,
M. J. Reale, K. Ryder, S. Dooley, M. Mittag, L. Smith, A. Landauer, S. O’Neill, R. Gonda, Z.
Davisson, E. Langfeldt
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:
Ms. Scott spoke of her concern for the environment for herself and future generations. She said
the biggest obstacle was hopelessness and said to “start small to make big changes.”
3. Announcements and City Manager’s Report:
Mr. Cota: Green Mountain Transit Board will be meeting tomorrow.
Sen. Chittenden: Attended SOBU Night Out.
Ms. Emery: Attended the “sneak peek” opener at the Library which included very moving
speeches about the “long journey.”
Ms. Baker: Today was very exciting as city staff moved into 180 Market Street. Staff is still
working to get the Internet up to speed. There is still optimism that that the 2 August Council
meeting can be held in the new Auditorium.
There will be a Special City Council meeting at 4 p.m., prior to the Grand Opening
of 180 Market Street, to set the tax rate. Ms. Baker asked members to come a bit early to sign
the Resolution for Jennifer Kochman.
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19 JULY 2021
PAGE 2
Replacement of the Muddy Brook culvert is moving forward. That part of the
road will be closed beginning 2 August. The hope is to get that work done in this construction
season.
On Friday, the UVM Health Network submitted a Certificate of Need for an
outpatient surgery center at Tilley Drive.
Mr. Bolduc is interviewing for the City Attorney position. The hope is to make an
offer by 6 August.
4. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve minutes from the 29 March, 5 April, and 25 May 2021 City Council
Meetings
Mr. Cota moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion
passed 4-0.
5. Council consideration and possible action on a resolution for Policymaking to
Reduce Carbon Emissions and Counteract Climate Change:
Ms. Emery reviewed the history. She noted the Energy Committee would like to be one of the
committees involved. Mr. Conner has noted that more than one staff member will need to be
involved in this effort. The committee will be asked to report annually.
Sen. Chittenden said this version is moving in the right direction. He felt there needs to be more
clarity as to who reports to whom. He suggested having the Sustainability Officer report to the
City Council.
Sen. Chittenden was also concerned with the wording “all members of the community” as he
felt this could never happen. Mr. Cota suggested the wording “invite all member of the
community.” Sen. Chittenden said that would address his concern.
Mr. Barritt noted that with regard to reducing electricity use, there will be times when it is
necessary to increase electricity use, at least for a while.
Ms. Emery noted that a citizen suggested adding to the measuring of accomplishments to add
the words” “…by using standard tools and metrics to account for emissions.”
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PAGE 3
Ms. Greco noted there are 2 paths to address the carbon crisis: stop putting carbon into the air
and stop destroying parts of the environment that absorb carbons. Ms. Emery noted that the
Paris Agreement includes that.
Ms. Murrary asked that the second resolve have the added wording “within one year of this
date.” She felt the city shouldn’t wait for the State. Ms. Emery said that would be in the
committee’s charge. Mr. Cota added that there will be a State Climate Action Plan by 1
December 2021. It is required by law.
Mr. Cota then moved to approve the Resolution for Policymaking to Reduce Carbon Emissions
and Counteract Climate Change as amended. Mr. Barritt seconded.
Ms. Baker suggested the Council vote on this on Friday at the special meeting so that Ms.
Riehle’s signature can be on the document as well.
Members agreed to table the motion.
6. Council consideration of a grant agreement and funding source to support the
Trinity Education Center’s proposal to start the INFINITE Center – a daily youth
drop-in center:
Ms. Baker said staff had figured out how to fund the seed money for this venture and
recommended the grant agreement. The city would allocate a one-time payment of $11,000
(this includes $500 more in the insurance quote than previously noted), with the money to
come from the city’s fund balance. Ms. Baker also noted that the Council will be invited to
participate with the city’s youth.
Ms. Emery recognized Dr. Childs’ generosity in undertaking this venture.
Mr. Barritt then moved to allocate $11,000 from the General Fund Balance and enter into an
agreement with the Trinity Education Center as proposed. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed
4-0.
7. Council Consideration and possible approval to use American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) lost revenue funds to reinstate the position of City Planner, Parks Laborer,
and Deputy Finance Officer/Benefits Administrator:
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PAGE 4
Mr. Bolduc suggested the possible use of some of the ARPA $1,800,000 funds to reinstate
positions not funded during the COVID crisis. He recommended using $257,000 to refund the
City Planner, Parks Laborer, and a combined Deputy Finance Officer/Benefits Administrator
positions. Mr. Bolduc noted that the city has 5 years to use the ARPA funds. To refund the
above positions, there would be no hit to the General Fund in the first year, then 20% increment
increases (about $61,000-62,000 a year) up to full funding.
Mr. Cota said he agreed wholeheartedly with the need to bolster the Planning staff. Other
members agreed.
Sen. Chittenden moved to approve the use of ARPA lost revenue funds to reinstate the City
Planner, Parks Laborer and Deputy Finance Officer/Benefits Administrator positions as
presented. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed 4-0.
8. Council Consideration and Possible Approval of an amendment to The Old Post’s
Approved Entertainment License to allow for outdoor music:
Ms. Baker reminded the Council of its right to put conditions on an Entertainment Permit (e.g.
limiting days or hours).
Ms. Emery questioned whether there was a violation of city ordinances. Ms. Baker said the
Police visited the site and found not formal enforcement action to be taken.
Mr. Barritt asked whether this is a brand new use. Ms. Baker said there was a permit to serve
alcohol on the deck. The request for live music is new.
Ms. Emery said her concern was 7 days a week from Noon to 10 p.m. She felt this could be
unwelcome noise for people in surrounding areas. She felt there needed to be more reasonable
terms in times of days and hours. The club’s owner said the only reason she put those times
was the possibility of a Sunday wedding. She said they basically have music on Friday and
Saturday nights, 7-10 p.m. with a “few events” in between. She noted they had had an even
before she realized they needed a permit for the music.
Mr. Cota noted he went by on Saturday night an noted there were residents out on their
balconies listening to recorded music. He added that other people need assurance there won’t
be music 10 hours a day, 7 days a week. The owner said she doesn’t want to disturb people but
noted that the people she spoke with were eager to sit outside and listen to the music.
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19 JULY 2021
PAGE 5
Sen. Chittenden suggested allowing music 3 days between Sunday and Thursday until 9 p.m and
Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m.
Ms. Waters asked what sanctions there would be if there were violations. Ms. Baker said there
are fines outlined in the Ordinance.
Ms. Landauer said she was somewhat reassured but still has concerns and felt the limits should
be in the permit. She questioned the possibility of decibel limits. Ms. Baker said there could be
conditions in the permit, but said there are no provisions for decibel limits. Sen. Chittenden felt
the Police Dept. should be equipped to monitor decibel limits.
Ms. O’Neill asked if there are no parameters in place, could the permit be revised if things don’t
work for the neighborhood. Ms. Baker said the Ordinance does allow for revocation of a permit
if there are issues. Ms. O’Neill said she moved to this area because it is the quietest place in
Burlington.
Mr. Bolduc said the approval motion could reference the performance standards in the Land
Development Regulations. Ms. Emery said she favored putting conditions in the permit.
The owner indicated she is always willing and present to listen to any neighborhood concerns.
Mr. Cota then moved to grant the Entertainment Permit to The Old Post for music Sunday to
Thursday until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion
passed 4-0.
9. Council consideration and possible approval of a letter of support to the Vermont
Housing and Conservation Board for the affordable housing financing applications
submitted to Summit Properties for their development at Hillside at O’Brien Farm:
Ms. Baker explained that the applicant is looking for low-income tax credit and is asking for a
letter of support from the Council. Ms. Baker noted that the Affordable Housing Committee has
passed a resolution in support of this.
Mr. Getz of Summit Properties noted the company develops affordable housing and is managing
1400 apartments in 3 states. The current project involves 2 new buildings for mixed income
housing on lots 10 and 11 of the Hillside project. He showed a site plan and indicated the
location of the buildings. Each would have 47 units with underground parking. There
CITY COUNCIL
19 JULY 2021
PAGE 6
would be a mix of affordable and market rate units. 33 of the affordable units would be for very
low-income residents and 18 of those units would involve services for the homeless and those
at risk. Affordability would be perpetual. The final plat for these units will be submitted this
week, and they hope to have permits in a month and break ground next April.
Mr. Barritt asked about energy efficiency. Mr. Getz said heating would be all electric and all
appliances would be energy star rated. He noted that energy efficiency is part of the review
process. Mr. Barritt asked about solar. Mr. Langfeldt said they are facilitating and encouraging
solar and are assessing solar on larger buildings to see if it is viable. Mr. Getz said solar wasn’t
efficient on buildings they just did, but they do have it on other buildings and have even built a
solar array for some buildings.
Mr. Cota said he was happy to hear the 2022 start date as the DRB was concerned that these
would be the last units to be built.
Mr. Langfeldt noted a stormwater management area adjacent to Lot 10 which has become
something of a park for residents. He also showed the location of a pocket park and playground
adjacent to Lot 11.
Ms. Greco felt the Council’s letter should include the expectation for clean energy. Members
considered language to that effect. Ms. Baker suggested “The Council supports the developer’s
goal to build as energy efficient buildings as possible.” Members supported that language.
Mr. Cota then moved to approve the letter of support to the Vermont Housing and Conservation
Board for Summit Properties amended to include the language recommended by the City
Manager. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed 4-0.
10. Possible Executive session to consider pending or probable litigation to which the
City is a party and confidential attorney-client communication for the purpose of
providing professional legal services regarding same:
Mr. Barritt moved that the Council make a finding that premature public knowledge of the
pending or probable litigation and confidential attorney-client communication could put the city
at a substantial disadvantage. Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed 4-0.
Mr. Barritt then moved that having so found, the Council meet in executive session to discuss
pending or probable litigation to which the City is a party and confidential attorney-client
CITY COUNCIL
19 JULY 2021
PAGE 7
communication and to invite into the session Ms. Baker, Ms. Lafferty, and Mr. Bolduc. Sen.
Chittenden seconded. Motion passed 4-0.
The Council entered into executive session at 9:11 p.m. and resumed open session at 9:22 p.m.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn.
Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 23 JULY 2021
The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Thursday, 23 July 2021, at 4:00
p.m., in front of City Hall, 180 Market Street.
MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, Sen. T. Chittenden, M. Cota
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; A. Bolduc, Deputy City Manager; M. Lyons Assessor;
many members of the public gathered for the Grand Opening of 180 Market Street.
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:
There were no public comments or questions.
3. Consent Agenda:
a. Consider and Sign Disbursements
Ms. Emery moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
4. Council approval of a resolution for Policymaking to Reduce Carbon Emissions and
Counteract Climate Change:
Ms. Riehle noted that a motion to approve the resolution had been tabled to allow her to be
present to participate in the vote and to sign the Resolution.
Members then voted on the motion that had been made by Mr. Cota and seconded by Mr.
Barritt, and approved the motion unanimously.
5. Set FY 22 property tax rate and tax installment due dates:
Ms. Lyons said the property tax due dates will be:
30 August 2021
15 November 2021
15 March 2022
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
23 JULY 2021
PAGE 2
The tax rates were then outlined as follows:
Municipal Tax Rate ………………. 0.4350
Homestead Tax Rate ……………. 1.3249
Non-homestead Tax Rate…….. 1.4389
It was noted that the re-appraisal resulted in a 31% increase in the city’s Grand List and a
reduction of the originally proposed tax rate. Ms. Baker explained that the tax rate is based on
a mathematic equation and approval by the voters.
Ms. Emery then moved to approve the property tax rates and the tax installment due dates as
presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
6. Other Business:
Mr. Barritt thanked member of the public for their attendance and noted the grand opening
event coincides with his and his wife’s 27th anniversary.
As there was no further business to come before the Council, Senator Chittenden
moved to adjourn. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was
adjourned at 4:11 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION 3 AUGUST 2021
The South Burlington City Council and Planning Commission held a joint meeting on Tuesday,
3 August 2021 in the Senior Center, 180 Market Street.
City Council Members Present: H. Riehle, Chair, M. Emery, T. Barritt, Sen. T. Chittenden
Planning Commission Members Present: J. Louisos, Chair; B. Gagnon,T. Riehle, P. Engels
Also Present: Dr. P. Bose, Dr. L.-A. Dupigny-Giroux, E. Mackin, Chief R. Menard, Chief D. Stevens;
R. Greco, S. Dooley, L. Black-Plumeau
1. Agenda Review:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
2. Comments & Questions form the public not related to the Agenda:
Ms. Greco spoke to the need to address climate change as an emergency.
3. Panel discussion on Land Use and Equity:
Ms. Riehle welcomed guests and the public. She noted that the meeting is for the purpose of
gathering information, and no action would be taken. She then introduced members of the
panel as follows:
Dr. Pablo Bose of the University of Vermont, an urban geographer, political ecologist, and
migration studies scholar who works on refugee resettlement and agriculture/food security,
members of Burlington Public Works and Burlington Reparations Task Force.
Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux of the University of Vermont, specializing in hydrology, remote
sensing, climate change and variability, extreme weather, and climate literacy, President of the
American Association of State Climatologists, and member of the Vermont Climate Council.
Elizabeth Mackin, UVM Class of 2021, BS in Environmental Studies and BA in Political Science.
Chief Richard “Dick” Menard of the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of the Missisquoi-Abenaki Nation,
woodcarver, and leader working to decrease gaps in service and treatment across spectrums of
health, human and social services for the Abenaki people.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
3 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 2
Chief Don Stevens of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk-Abenaki Nation, award-winning
businessman, writer, and lecturer, past Chair of the Vermont Commission on Native American
Affairs who led the effort to attain legal recognition for the Abenaki People in Vermont.
Each panel member was then invited to make a 10-minute presentation to be followed by a
question and answer period.
Dr. Bose noted that he is currently in Vancouver working of questions of what makes a “livable
environment?” He said he has done similar studies in his native Calcutta and for 13 years at
UVM. He is particularly interested in the role of immigrants and why people go to one place or
another. He then outlined the 3 things that particularly interest him with regard to growth and
equity and how people are denied access to land:
1. Transportation: Dr. Bose said that to have a welcoming, livable community,
people have to be able to access all opportunities; barriers to mobility and
the outcomes of that. He cited Tilley Drive in South Burlington where
medical facilities are accessible only by car. He noted that walking and biking
make sense, but do not take into account aged and/or disabled persons,
weather conditions, and financing.
2. Affordability: Dr. Bose said this is a conundrum, a barrier to growth. He
questioned where young families can settle and noted that the greater
Burlington area is moving toward unaffordability. He said the Midwest has an
abundance of housing, but that is not the case in the Northeast. He felt that
Section 8 does little to make the market accessible.
3. Climate Crisis: Dr. Bose said it is here with a vengeance, and we are at the
tipping point. We cannot make short-term decisions and take “short cuts.”
He cited smoke from wildfires and the hottest temperatures on record in the
Northwest.
Dr. Dupigny-Giroux said she looks at climate as a full system. Climate change involves all of the
things that make up the earth’s atmosphere. She cited human vulnerability and the need to
take care of people. Dr. Dupigny-Giroux directed people to the Climate Explorer website which
shows past and projected climate change including the Burlington area on a local scale. She
noted the inherently vulnerable – the elderly, children, minorities, the unhoused, and cited the
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
3 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 3
need for “cooling centers.” Vermont is not as acclimated to high temperatures, and we now
warn for 87 degrees and above. Emergency room visits go up then. There are also changes in
lyme disease, ozone levels, and the ability of people to move from one place to another. Dr.
Dupigny-Giroux said that the communities in the Champlain Valley should take a multi-
jurisdictional approach so that everyone thrives. She, too, cited the Tilley Drive medical
facilities on the outskirts of South Burlington and the lack of mass transit to get people there.
She also noted the issue of who pays for things and how to ensure that people are not
overstrapped. She suggested the possibility of using some ARPA funds to address these needs.
Dr. Dupigny-Giroux the addressed greenhouse gases and the effort to make cities more walkable
in order to decrease ozone which created smog. She noted that during COVID, when people
were staying home more, the ozone levels decreased, but now they are on the rise again. She
cited the Chicago Climate Action Plan which can be made available to the Council and to the
public.
Ms. Mackin spoke from the student perspective and cited issues of trying to find a place to live
following graduation. This has resulted in some young people having to move back in with their
parents or leaving the area. When people do manage to find housing, there are often
weatherization issues which increase heating costs for people living from paycheck to paycheck.
Ms. Mackin said the high cost of heating affected her budget for food, rent, and transportation.
Chief Menard said that during COVID they have been feeding 200-300 people at food shelves
and delivering food to more rural families. The Chief said much of his work is focused on
addressing the gaps in service. They have issues with keeping food fresh with refrigeration at
the food shelves, and later they will have to deal with heating bills. One of the major needs is
for housing with larger rooms.
Chief Stevens said they try to take care of their people as best they can. They have 68 acres of
land for the entire population. He, too, spoke of the food shelf and of distribution to the
community. He noted they rely heavily on donations and grants as well as volunteers. He
challenged those in government to ask what they would want for their children, for their
grandparents….what is common sense. The Chief also spoke to the need for perspective in how
we view the world and of adhering to the “natural cycles” of the environment. He said we have
made that go “haywire.” He cited a decrease in species and urged the city not to cut down all
the ash trees to address the ash bore situation. Save some seeds and seedlings. He also
encouraged the building of gardens in schools.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
3 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 4
Chief Stevens then outlined a 3-prong approach to food security for his people:
1. Because they do not have any land, give them access to land for food and
medicine.
2. Work with colleges to create seed banks to provide food for food banks. He
noted they had 15 growers helping grow food for them in the past, and this
year they tripled production with 40 growers. The Chief said any surplus will
be given to others in need.
3. The bison which roam on land in Shelburne belong to Chief Stevens’ people
and are slaughtered to provide food for the community.
He asked that Burlington and South Burlington provide access so his people can grow food.
Following the presentations, Ms. Emery noted that South Burlington has signed onto the Paris
Climate Agreement, but she cited the need to get back to basics: food, shelter, mobility. She
said home prices are skyrocketing, and the questions are how to provide affordable housing and
how to serve people who see a 300% increase in fuel bills in winter.
Sen. Chittenden cited issues of land use equity. He noted the So. Burlington Land Trust is
lobbying for the city to buy and conserve a large portion of the Southeast Quadrant to address
climate change, but he noted there are lands along Dorset Street already served by utilities that
are appropriate for housing. He was concerned that by conserving land in So. Burlington, it is
pushing development into rural areas like Hinesburg and Milton. He felt it might be a better
strategy to conserve land in those places.
Dr. Bose noted an interesting contradiction: some of the land that is conserved today was
conserved because rich people wanted it for enjoyment. He cited a park in Vancouver built for
that reason. He then asked what are the unintended consequences of conserving land. He said
he loves the “decentralized nature” of Vermont, but it often does not make sense. He added
that in dealing with finding land for resettlement for people, he has had to look outside
Chittenden County, but that leaves you with a transportation issue. He felt it makes sense to
build on what you have already rather than push out to other places.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
3 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 5
Ms. Emery questioned whether inner cities are to be developed again or whether they are a
thing of the past. Dr. Dupigny-Giroux said she wasn’t sure we are set up to make inner cities
livable. Chief Stevens said if you have 10 parcels and have to build 100 houses, build them on 5
parcels, build up. He noted the Burlington and South Burlington are college towns, and the
housing goes to students. He felt the colleges should build more housing for students.
Ms. Emery said that as long as you provide parking, people will drive. Chief Menard said if you
want people to ride the bus, you have to provide an incentive. Ms. Mackin said students need
to use cars to get to jobs which are helping to pay for their education. It’s also quicker to drive
than to wait for a bus.
Ms. Greco said it is a question of what people are willing to sacrifice.
Chief Stevens said why sacrifice anything. Why not do both? You don’t have to give up one for
the other. He cited a farm in Massachusetts that couldn’t make a go of it, so they built a solar
display above it with the farm underneath. He stressed that it is hard to live in a city with no
green space.
Dr. Bose said he has attended regional summits to address issues of what to do to make housing
affordable, who will build new housing (what developer will build out of the goodness of his
heart at market rate or below?). He noted that when he served on the Transportation
Committee, members from outlying areas asked why they should pay for transportation in
Burlington. He said that everyone says the right things, but sometimes you have to make
choices that will “result in pain.” He questioned whether the people promoting the good things
are willing to sacrifice.
Ms. Emery presented a question from Planning Commission member Ostby who could not be
present. She asked whether any South Burlington land or UVM land had been confiscated from
the Abenaki. Chief Stevens said UVM is a land grant college, and most of the land is outside his
people’s territory. He did note that his people were willing to share the lands while Europeans
took it. He did note that his people have access to Middlebury College lands but not UVM land.
Ms. Riehle asked what the Chief means by “access.” Chief Stevens said that on their website
you can see 20-30 partnerships and access to land agreements. He stressed that his people still
practice their way of life and if they had access to land, they could gather nuts from trees and
berries. There are many things on the land they could use.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
3 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 6
Ms. Emery said she has heard it is hard for the Abenaki to reclaim land that was theirs because
the taking pre-dated the establishment of an American country. It is easier to reclaim Midwest
land because that taking happened later.
The Chief said the Abenaki never gave up their rights to the land or their fishing rights. He
added that they think differently about land than Europeans do, and the Abenaki now have to
learn to use European ways.
Ms. Black-Plumeau said 56% of the land in South Burlington is not available for housing. It
remains in private ownership, is not conserved, and could be used for housing.
Ms. Dooley asked whether the Abenaki have applied to the U.S. government for recognition.
Both Chiefs said that takes money they don’t have. They also noted that when the Missisquoi
applied in Vermont, Attorney General William Sorrell spent a lot of money to go against them.
The State of Vermont put their “knuckles” to the native peoples.
The Chiefs stressed their need to have access to grants so they can take care of their own
people. They need the federal delegation to lobby for them, but the State of Vermont does not
want that to happen and does not want money coming to them. They added that their people
shouldn’t have to prove who they are. That is a form of systemic racism, and no other race has
to do that.
Ms. Greco asked if there is anything South Burlington can do to bring about justice. The Chiefs
said the city could give them access to traditional lands and work with them to uplift their
people. They noted they practice their religion on those lands. The school system could also
build education into the system so people aren’t afraid of them. They stressed it takes
conversations.
Ms. Emery thanked all the participants and said she felt relationships can be developed.
As there was no further business to come before the boards, the meeting was adjourned by
common consent at 9:06 p.m.
____________________________, Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 17 AUGUST 2021
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday,17 August 2021, at 6:30
p.m., in the Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street, and by Go to Meeting remote
participation.
MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, M. Cota
ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; A. Bolduc, Deputy City Manager; M. Lyons, City Assessor;
J. Rabidoux, Public Works Director; H. Rees, Recreation Director; I. Blanchard, Community
Development Director; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; A. Parker; N. Wright, L.
Marriott, Dr. T. Childs, K. Ryder, B. Sirvis, R. Greco, L. Bailey, S. Dopp, Wayne, J. Bellevance, R.
Gonda, D. Peters, C. Trombly, S. Howe, Beth, D. Gill, P. Tompkins, M. Mittag, D. Leban, M.
Murray, J. Necrason, L. Kupferman, H. Gagne, S. Barbuto, D. Albrecht, B. Milizia, A. Berkowitz
1. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes ere made to the Agenda.
2. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
Ms. Berkowitz spoke to the need for climate change action and the need to use resources
wisely.
Ms. Wright, Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, spoke of caring for the natural world and the
need to address climate change within 10 years before there is a catastrophe.
3. Announcements and City Manager’s Report:
Sen. Chittenden: Attended SoBu Night Out and was asked by many people why the city
doesn’t have a pool.
Ms. Emery: Attended the joint meeting with the Planning Commission.
Mr. Cota: Attended the BCA meeting regarding assessments and was impressed
with members of the BCA doing this very difficult task.
Mr. Barritt: Attended the BCA meetings and the joint meeting. Did home inspections
on Saturday afternoon in conjunction with assessment appeals.
CITY COUNCIL
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 2
Ms. Riehle: Did a house visit and found it very challenging. She praised the City Clerk
for keeping the BCA appeals process organized.
Ms. Baker: Masking continues to be encouraged in City Hall. The city is continuing to
track COVID data.
Regarding the Dorset Street Rec Path, design was submitted on 2 July, and
VTrans provided feedback. That feedback is being incorporated into the right-of-way process,
which could take 6-12 months.
Thanked the South Burlington Congressional delegation for spending a lot
of time with the administration.
A new City Attorney has been selected and will be announced next week.
The anticipated start is mid-September.
In making annual appointments, the city did not appoint Sextons. This
will be on the next agenda.
All the charging stations at 180 Market St. are fully functional.
The State has released the COVID relief program, and it has been
reviewed. There are 557 accounts past due, 87 of which qualify for the assistance program for
renters, homeowners and/or commercial.
There will be a special warrant on 27 August (as there are 3 weeks
between Council meetings).
4. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursements
b. Approve Resolution and Certificate to accept Vermont State Revolving Fund
(Loan RFI-289-2.0) for City Clean Water Projects for stormwater improvements
in the City
c. Approve Poon Property Lease for City Hall staff parking
d. Approve settlement agreement with BlackRock Construction, LLC, JAM Golf,LLC
e. Approve Council Rules & Procedures
CITY COUNCIL
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 3
f. Review and resolve that there are no inquiries or comments to file with the
applicant regarding prior notice of an application for A Certificate of Public
Good under 30 VSA Sect. 8010 for installation of an approximate 500 kw group
net-metered solar panel array at 600 Spear Street.
Ms. Emery asked that items “d” and “f” be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Ms. Emery then moved to approve items “a”, “b,” “c,” and “e” of the Consent Agenda. Mr.
Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Regarding Item “d,” Ms. Emery noted that the city agreed to payment in lieu of planting when
she wanted all the trees to be replaced by Blackrock.
Ms. Lafferty said the inches of caliper that they are planting is about 34% of what was removed.
The city’s understanding was that it would be a trade-off. They would plant a certain number of
trees and pay the city to reimburse staff time and use that money to plant trees where the city
wants them, not necessarily on the golf course.
Ms. Riehle said that was also her recollection. One thought was the city could replace some of
the emerald ash trees that the city has had to cut down.
Mr. Cota said the trees will be better outside of that property. They should absolutely pay the
fee as they can’t plant elsewhere where the city can be sure they will thrive.
Ms. Emery said she wanted the agreement wording to state the money was for planting trees so
the message goes out that you don’t cut down trees.
Sen. Chittenden said he is comfortable with the agreement. Mr. Cota said the money can be
used to plant trees where the City Arborist says they are needed to increase the canopy.
Mr. Barritt said he supports the agreement.
Ms. Greco and Mr. Mittag felt the fine wasn’t enough.
Mr. Cota moved to approve Consent Agenda Item ”d.” Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
CITY COUNCIL
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 4
Regarding item “f,” Ms. Emery recalled the discussion with Chief Stevens abut planting under
solar panels. Mr. Barritt said that was for a “ brown” field, and probably not suitable for
planting. He recalled Mr. Von Turkevich suggesting the solar panels on the commercial building
in the development. He wondered where that stood. Ms. Riehle said that was to provide
power for the development.
Mr. Barritt moved to approve Consent Agenda item “f.” Sen Chittenden seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
5. Receive a report on the recent City-wide reappraisal:
Ms. Lyons showed a graph of historic values. Sen. Chittenden noted the number represent
when new housing comes into the city. Ms. Riehle added that it also includes new businesses.
Ms. Lyons said it further shows additions and upgrades.
Ms. Lyons noted that the previous City-wise appraisal was in 2006. In 2017, the City Assessor
noted an issue and recommended a commercial reappraisal. There were no responses to an
RFP to do that appraisal. Then in 2019, the CLA dropped below the state limit. Tyler was the
only bidder on that RFP. The reappraisal began in 2019. At that time, they were going to do
interior and exterior inspections, but then COVID hit, and they were to do only external.
Mr. Bolduc noted the City had set aside $400,000 for the reappraisal. Tyler's contract was much
less than that. Ms. Lyons explained that the state sends money to the communities every year
to be used toward a reappraisal when it is needed.
Sen. Chittenden stressed that the reappraisal is revenue neutral. Mr. Bolduc said that the tax
rate prior to the reappraisal numbers was 0.5567. Following the reappraisal, the rate dropped
to 0.4350. Sen. Chittenden noted that the 1 cent for parks did come off the new value.
Ms. Lyons said there were 34 new residential parcels and 44 new commercial parcels, but with
COVID the commercial property values declined significantly (by revenue).
233 parcels were appealed to Tyler, and with commercial parcels the income approach can be
used, and that is what lowered the values. Ms. Riehle said that is not done for homeowners.
Ms. Lyons said the city will look at business recovery, and those owners can then choose to be
taxed on just building and land.
CITY COUNCIL
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 5
Ms. Lyons noted a lot of people are coming into Vermont and buying property. This created a
significant increase in the Grand List (31%) of which 1% was new development. Sen.
Chittenden noted that the 1% is about 60 new units. He also noted that only the first $400,000
value of a home is eligible for income sensitivity, and the State property tax credit for eligible
homeowners is not keeping up with assessed values.
Ms. Lyons then showed a slide of the comparison: share of budget through taxation by property
type. It shows that residential property is paying more than commercial/non-homestead
property (which can be an owned property that is rented out).
Ms. Riehle asked whether commercial businesses have to report PPP and other COVID benefits
they receive. Ms. Lyons said she will have to check on that. Mr. Cota noted that PPP is to pay
people so they are not laid off.
Ms. Lyons then provided the following figures:
Grand List …………… up 31%
Average home……. Up 27.31%
Average condo……. Up 17.66%
Median home value: $388,800.
Median condo value: $289,865.
Average commercial value: $2,036,488.
The average property tax change for residential is -16.49, for a condo is -55.58, and for
commercial $5,825.
Sen. Chittenden said he would like to see that calculation for the school tax.
Ms. Lyons noted that Tyler got 400 residential/condo appeals and 203 commercial grievances.
100 of those appeals/grievances did not get a response from Tyler, but those appellants are
being given a chance to appeal to the Board of Civil Authority. At present, there are 85 appeals
to the BCA. Mr. Cota noted that number could grow with the additional 100. Ms. Lyons said
some have until 30 August to appeal.
Mr. Barritt asked whether this grievance rate is higher than in 2006. Ms. Lyons said it is lower.
She believed there were more in the City of Burlington.
CITY COUNCI
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 6
Mr. Barritt said there are numbers that don’t make sense. He added that the goal is to have as
few grievances as possible.
Sen. Chittenden asked whether commercial properties pay the 1cent for parks. Mr. Bolduc said
they do.
8. Receive a recommendation on a Policy Priorities and Strategies process and provide
direction to staff:
Ms. Baker said she has used this process before to make clear and intentional decisions. She
recommended the use of the city’s budget and Comprehensive Plan as a basis for accurately
prioritizing. The leadership team will work with objectives in the Comprehensive Plan and
feedback from the committee structure to bring to a Council retreat in October. She thanked
the Department Heads for thinking through this process with her.
Ms. Riehle said she liked the structured process and thought it would be a good tool for
developing the CIP and when staff needs to be appointed. Sen. Chittenden said it codifies what
the Council already does.
Ms. Riehle asked how things being worked on in committees get to the leadership team so they
get melded together. Ms. Baker said staff would do that in August/September this year, collect
all feedback. Committee members can join the retreat as well.
The policy will be put on the Consent Agenda for the next meeting. The Council will also have
to set a date for the retreat.
9. Approve the Charter to Create the Climate Action Plan Task Force:
Mr. Conner said the Charter takes advantage of abilities in the community. The task force would
consist of about 7 members including representatives from all relevant committees. They
would be empowered to ask other committees to help with their work. Ms. Baker said the task
force will be supported by a staff liaison. They will be charged with recommending adoption of
a Climate Action Plan with a year.
Ms. Greco was concerned with the delay of a year and felt it has already been “studied to
death.” Ms. Leban noted there will be legislation. She didn’t feel the timeline was bad but felt
CITY COUNCIL
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 7
the city needs to pressure the State Legislature. Sen. Chittenden said they are already making a
lot of strides. He felt the timeline was good.
Ms. Emery moved to approve the Chart to Create the Climate Action Plan Task Force. Mr. Barritt
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
10. Receive report on a proposed Recreation Center at Veterans Park and provide
guidance to staff:
Ms. Blanchard noted the conceptual phase was almost complete and the city had gotten an
opinion of cost when COVID hit. Now things are moving forward again. The city will need to
hire a construction manager to do a cost estimate. There also needs to be a schematic for the
project, what services the building will provide. The aim is to have a question on the March
2022 ballot. The facilities that have been identified for the center include: 3 hard courts, indoor
turf court, offices for the Recreation Department, movement studio, walking/running track,
aquatic center, changing facility.
Sen. Chittenden felt an outdoor pool would have a relatively smaller cost and said he would like
to know the cost difference. Ms. Emery said she would favor an outdoor pool. Ms. Blanchard
said she didn’t think it would add that much to the project overall cost.
Mr. Cota asked why are they looking at a Veterans Park location. Ms. Rees said it is land the city
owns and is the hub of a lot of activity, so it was a logical fit. The original plan had been to time
the construction with the hockey rink updates, but they got ahead of that. Ms. Blanchard said
this is a much larger project than 180 Market Street, and there can be a lot of synergy between
the outdoor and indoor uses. Mr. Cota said he would support that and a outdoor pool.
Ms. Riehle questioned what the High School and Middle School need for recreation. She noted
the city used to be able to use the school, but can’t anymore. She did not want to see a
Recreation Center that the school gets to use all the time and the rest of the city doesn’t.
Ms. Blanchard said there have been several meetings with the school district, but things have
changed since then. She noted that the school district had a very clear vision of their needs,
which were significantly “grander” than the city’s. She added that the proposed building meets
the more immediate needs and some league use.
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17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 8
Ms. Rees said the city currently shares the park inventory with the school district. She noted
that schools function differently now than in the ‘70s and ‘80s. There is a lot of enrichment
through the schools, but the rest of the city does not have access to their facilities. She felt the
city could assist the school district with access to a Recreation Center as a secondary user.
Ms. Riehle said the school board may be willing to think more creatively since their bond issue
was voted down. She felt it would be a good topic for a Steering Committee meeting.
Ms. Leban said the city does not have safe streets for walkers, bikers, and ebikes and felt that
should precede a Rec Center.
Mr. Mittag was concerned with paving over 50,000 sq. ft., which he felt doesn’t go along with
the climate plan. He said the city should look at areas already paved over.
Mr. Albrecht cited the empty Hannaford building which could address the fact that there are no
recreation opportunities for people living in the Shelburne Road area. He also asked about
outreach so people can participate in the process.
Ms. Blanchard said there was a follow-up meeting regarding the schematic design, and one or 2
more workshops are envisioned to get feedback.
Mr. Riehle asked if it is conceivable to use other buildings. Ms. Blanchard said that is up to the
Council. She noted it was originally thought the Rec Center could be in City Center. Other
options would involve costs to purchase land, as much as $1,000,000 an acre, and there would
be additional delays as well as additional costs. Sen. Chittenden said he felt Veterans Park
needs to be evaluated. He suggested looking at the Sears building, if the Mall is interested.
Ms. Greco felt it should be somewhere people don’t need cars to get to.
Ms. Gagne liked the idea of Sears or another building or just having a pool. Sen. Chittenden
suggested Jaycee Park as a site for a pool.
Ms. Baker said she and Ms. Blanchard will have to do some thinking regarding options and
costs. Ms. Blanchard said if it is moved off the Veterans Park site, the vote will not be in March.
They have already done borings where power would come from and have had structural and
mechanical work all related to the Park site. The city would also have to negotiate for a site.
CITY COUNCIL
17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 9
Sen. Chittenden said he would like to see a pool first then defer the Rec building for a year. Ms.
Baker noted that even with just a pool, you would need changing rooms. Ms. Baker also noted
that if the existing schematic is no longer the concept, it would be “back to the drawing board”
to see how to move forward. She noted the city had already spent $164,000 on the plans.
Ms. Emery asked if there are modular concepts to go with a pool. She recalled the original plan
was modular.
Sen. Chittenden questioned whether ARPA funds could help move this forward since it was
COVID that derailed the project.
Ms. Riehle said she didn’t think this could get done by March.
Sen. Chittenden moved to direct staff to explore phasing for a pool to be put in first for a
possible future vote. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed 4-1 with Ms. Riehle voting against.
Mr. Barritt said there are pluses and minuses to buying commercial space, and the city won’t get
what it wants. He noted that a lot of work went into the design. He also noted that bonding is
very low cost now and that won’t last.
10. Follow-up discussion on the South Burlington Land Trust’s request to warn a
special city meeting to vote on a short-term tax increase to be used by the city for the future
preservation of open space:
Ms. Riehle noted a number of letters received supporting the vote and a letter from the Natural
Resources and Conservation Committee unanimously supporting it.
Ms. Dopp said they had hoped for a special election in October and have been accused
regarding their intent of being racist, elitist, and undemocratic.
Mr. Bolduc showed charts including what 1 cent will raise now compared to a year ago. Sen.
Chittenden noted that even if they did nothing the city already has $95,000 more because of
the reappraisal. Ms. Emery said doing nothing is not an option as time is running out, and there
is only a short window of opportunity.
Mr. Barritt said he would not support an October vote. He would support less than 4 cents in
March, possibly 1 or 2 cents. He said there are a lot of “colliding” things here: climate, housing,
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17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 10
etc. Sen. Chittenden agreed. He said he would not support 4 cents but would support 1 cent.
Ms. Emery said people need to be ready to give. She sees this as preparing for the next 10
years, for health, life, biodiversity, an to show the city’s commitment.
Mr. Barritt moved that there be no vote in October. Sen. Chittenden seconded.
Mr. Albrecht addressed his concerns that there is no accountability for the money already spent
to acquire land. He said some parcels were acquired in secret, and now there is talk of
acquiring more land in secret. He was concerned that there are no dedicated funds for planning
for the acquired parcels. He asked who will make that decision. He said the city needs more
than acquisition and maintenance. It needs facilities. He also said the city has no ward system
so that all parts of the city are represented. Ms. Riehle agreed those are good issues.
Ms. Ryder was concerned that land will be developed if they wait to vote in March.
Ms. Bailey agreed with not voting in October. She said South Burlington does not act in a
vacuum. It is in the center of the densest area of the state, and if you move people out of the
city, you are doing something worse than putting people on a piece of land. People can’t find
housing in South Burlington, and they don’t want to have to commute for an hour.
Ms. Emery said the parcels being discussed do not represent all the parcels that can be
developed. She felt there is an opportunity to do both.
Mr. Mittag said voting in October is important because it will tell people there are options. He
added that surviving the future will cost money.
Ms. Riehle said the city still has the 1 cent, which it has had for 20 years.
Mr. Barritt then reworded his motion: to hold a special election in October for the “4 for 4”
proposal. Mr. Cota seconded. The vote on the motion was 2-3 with Messrs. Barritt and Cota
and Sen. Chittenden voting against. The motion failed
11. Staff update regarding Wheeler Nature Park conservation; possible feedback from
Council regarding draft Memorandum of Understanding:
Mr. Bolduc reviewed the history regarding a permanent conservation easement. The city
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17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 11
Received information from the Vermont Land Trust which did a site visit. There is an MOU to
finish some of the closing work by June, 2022. The cost is $41,200 which includes $25,000 for
stewardship. There are still some legal things to do. The Land Trust will do the title search.
They would exclude the Homestead area from the easement.
Mr. Barritt noted that Chief Stevens asked about the Abenaki tribes' ability to harvest foods and
use properties for religious activities. Would that be included in the easement? Mr. Bolduc said
VLT does have those connections with both tribes.
Mr. Cota asked about the dog park. Mr. Bolduc said that would not be affected by this
easement.
12. Provide direction to staff on a VTrans recommendation on speed changes along
Route 116 that will be taken up by the Traffic Committee:
Mr. Rabidoux said they are looking for feedback as to what the city should say at the hearing.
Mr. Cota asked why there are 5-mile increments. Mr. Rabidoux said a gradual decrease slows
you down in a metered way as you get closer to town. Mr. Cota also asked if they would have to
coordinate with the state for crosswalks at Butler Farms. Mr. Rabidoux said they would.
Ms. Riehle said she is concerned that with the new access from Cider Mill 2, traffic will be
entering Rt. 116 where traffic is going at 50 mph. Why not have 40 mph from Van Sicklen south.
Sen. Chittenden agreed and noted that Van Sicklen is a very dangerous area, and 50 mph is not
a good speed there. He suggested extending the 30 and 35 mph longer. Ms. Riehle suggested
40 mph to where the new road from Citer Mill comes in, then 45 to Cheese Factory Road, then
to 50 mph. Sen. Chittenden agreed with that.
A member of the public noted that there is a proposal for 3 new crossroads and a greenway for
kids to walk to school. She would prefer a 25 mph speed limit between Kennedy Drive and
Route 2/Williston Road.
13. Appointments to the Committee on Common Areas for Dogs from NRCC and
Recreation & Parks:
Ms. Baker said the recommendation is for the 5 current members plus Lisa from the Natural
Resources Committee. Recreation/Parks has not met yet to name a member.
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17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 12
Ms. Emery moved to approve staff’s recommendation for appointments to the Committee on
Common Areas for Dogs. Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
14. Receive request from a resident to review the City’s policies around management
of Emerald Ash trees and Emerald Ash Borers and provide direction to staff:
Ms. Greco noted the city was going to cut down all the ash trees because of the ash borers
because it was the cheapest way to deal with the problem. Chief Stevens questioned this, and a
botanist has said some trees can survive. Montpelier also decided not to cut down the ash
trees. Ms. Greco said her street has 31 ash trees, and if they are cut down there would only be
a few trees left. She asked if there is a contract for the work.
Mr. Barritt moved to stop the cutting of ash trees until there is further discussion unless there is
a contract. Sen. Chittenden seconded.
Mr. Rabidoux said to say only a few trees will be left is false. All trees cut down are being
replaced. He noted this was voted on “with eyes open.” He said if they wait, they will lose the
planting season. He stressed that no street will become deforested.
Ms. Riehle asked if the city can find out what Montpelier is doing. Ms. Baker said they can.
Mr. Rabidoux stressed that the disease is here, and the trees will be affected.
The motion was then voted on and passed unanimously.
6. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments:
Mr. Chittenden: He will decline reappointment as Sexton.
Mr. Cota: The Green Mountain Transit Commission is still mediating with Union members.
There is a strike authorization which would not happen until September.
7. Other Business:
Ms. Riehle noted The Other Paper is looking for a “Councilor’s Corner.” Mr. Cota agreed to do
the next one followed by Sen. Chittenden in September, Mr. Barritt in October, Ms. Emery in
November, and Ms. Riehle in December.
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17 AUGUST 2021
PAGE 13
Mr. Barritt asked about paving progress. Ms. Baker said she will ask Mr. Rabidoux to send the
schedule.
Mr. Barritt asked how the new City Hall is performing. Ms. Baker said “beautiful.” There is still
more on the “punch list.” People love working here.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Cota moved to adjourn. Ms.
Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:56 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 21 SEPTEMBER 2020
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 21 September 2020, at
6:00 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; A. Lafferty, City
Attorney; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; J. Rabidoux, Public Works Director; T.
Lablanc, Assessor; B. Sirvis, J. Bellevance, B. Bowlin, J. Simson, A. Chalnick, C. Baker, M. Murray,
M. Mittag, K. Epstein, T. Perrin, S. Dopp, A. Strong, D. Hernberg, D. Seff
1. Possible Executive Session to discuss pending or probable civil litigation to which
the public body may be a party and confidential attorney-client communications
made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to Council and to
discuss matters related to personnel:
Mr. Barritt moved the Council meet in executive session to discuss pending or probably civil
litigation to which the public body may be a party and discuss matters related to personnel and
to include Messrs. Dorn and Hubbard. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Council entered executive session at 6:02 p.m. and resumed open session at 6:46 p.m.
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:
Ms. Sirvis expressed concern that The Other Paper’s reporting has changed and no longer
seems to be a “community newspaper” as information about the city is not there. She asked
the Council to approach the editor and ask for more relevance.
4. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve Disbursements
b. Award I-89 Waterline Replacement Project site work to JA McDonald at a price
of $125,502.50 and authorize the City Manager to sign all associated contracts
and agreements
Mr. Barritt asked about Library courier charges. Mr. Hubbard said this relates to the Interlibrary
Service. Mr. Barritt also asked about the Shelburne “restitution” to the Shelburne Athletic
CITY COUNCIL
21 September 2020
Page 2
Center. Mr. Hubbard explained this was State funded, and South Burlington is the “pass-
through.” Mr. Barritt also questioned the Consolidated Communications charge for a
communications system. Mr. Rabidoux said this is a byproduct of the Water Tower Project
linking to the Fire Station.
Ms. Emery moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion
passed unanimously via a rollcall vote.
5. Update and Council discussion on the City-wide reappraisal project:
Mr. Leblanc said the aim is to get the balance of residences done. The commercial properties
are completed. He then introduced Blaine Bowlin the Appraisal Project Supervisor from Tyler
Technologies.
Mr. Bowlin said there are 7400 parcel in the city. 80% have been reappraised. There are still
1400 residences to be visited. They are also done with about 51% of the data entry. The
question is whether the Council will allow them back into the field to do the remaining
residences. Mr. Bowlin said he will have people available in October to do this work. They will
forego an interior inspection and will ask questions of the homeowners at the door. They will
also send a data mailer for those who won’t let them in. Mr. Leblanc added that with all the
COVID concerns, they don’t want to make people uncomfortable by entering their properties.
Measurements and pictures can be done from outside. Mr. Leblanc said they had no issues or
complaints with going into the commercial properties.
Mr. Bowlin said they have talked with people through a door in the past. Their aim is to do this
as comfortably as possible for the homeowner.
Mr. Barritt asked about quarantining the workers who will be coming from Ohio. Mr. Bowlin
said they can quarantine at home before coming to Vermont.
Ms. Riehle suggested Mr. Leblanc work with Ms. Holm to get word out to the public.
Mr. Chittenden said he would yield to the Governor’s guidance. Mr. Leblanc said the Governor
opened it up for appraisers to work in the field again.
Mr. Barritt asked if there is any danger of data being skewed by the current situation. Mr.
Leblanc said there is a very strong residential/condo market. There are questions regarding
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21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 3
the commercial properties. There has to be data that values have declined. He hasn’t seen that
with residential property and will know more about commercial property in January.
Mr. Barritt was concerned that residential property will take the brunt again. Mr. Leblanc said
“the market is the market,” and they can’t change the values. Everyone in the world is in the
same situation.
6. Announcements and City Manager’s Report:
Mr. Chittenden noted that the annual Firefighters Dinner has been put off until next year.
Mr. Dorn: Significant work on the Kimball Avenue Bridge will begin on 29 September. The
bridge will be closed from then until 1 October. The hope is to have the bridge replaced at the
beginning of next year.
The city is bringing in a learning management system regarding: diversity
training, harassment, etc. Some of this will be mandatory, some voluntary.
The Airport Parkway Plant has been evaluated for presence of COVID 19 and got
a “non-detect” rating for the system. The City of Burlington and Middlebury got a positive
finding.
The VLCT Town Meeting will be held next week. Council members are invited to
attend.
Committees are being told they return to a meeting schedule. Mr. Conner
hosted a meeting telling members how to meet remotely.
Construction has begun on the sidewalk at the Jug Handle. Work is being done
by the City.
Ashley is working on getting work done on the Airport Parkway, Allen Road, and
Dorset Street rec paths for next year.
Mr. Conner and Mr. Rabidoux are working on a transportation impact fee
structure with the help of a CCRPC consultant made available to the city.
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21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 4
7. Authorize Council or staff member to vote on behalf of South Burlington municipal
government at the VLCT annual meeting:
Mr. Kaufman moved to appoint Tom Hubbard to vote on behalf of South Burlington municipal
government at the VLCT annual meeting. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
8. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments:
Ms. Riehle: Airport Commission: The Kirby Cottages were bought by a corporation. The Airport
Director believes they are being refurbished and will be used as part of a “subsidy” to people
coming in to work for the company for varying amounts of time.
The Airport received $8,700,000, $2,300,000 of which was drawn down in 2020, to help
with salaries, maintenance, etc. About $400,000 a month is being drawn down to cover
expenses. On the good side, there have been a number of FAA awards including 100% of the
request for work at Chamberlin School.
Work is being finished on phase 2 of the taxiway.
Revenues are down significantly, but no airlines have been lost. Gene Richards is
optimistic.
Ms. Emery: Attended the CCRPC as alternate. There was a presentation regarding racism as a
public health emergency and an update on the Building Homes Together campaign. Some goals
were achieved or beaten including the 80% goal for new housing in certain growth areas. South
Burlington is leading in suburban development.
9. Public Hearing and possible Council action on the extension of the Interim Zoning
Bylaw:
Mr. Barrett moved to open the public hearing. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
Ms. Riehle said the intent is to extend Interim Zoning for a few months so the Planning
Commission can complete its work. Mr. Conner said tonight’s action would extend Interim
Zoning to 13 November, the end of the 2-year process.
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21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 5
Mr. Mittag said it is a “no-brainer.” He estimated the Planning Commission’s work would take
them to the end of the first quarter of next year at least.
Mr. Kaufman moved to close the public hearing. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Kaufman then moved to extend the Interim Zoning Bylaw until 13 November 2020. Mr.
Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously via a rollcall vote.
10. Discussion and possible action related to whether to hold a Public Hearing on
November 2, 2020 to consider extending the Interim Bylaws for an additional time
period beyond November 13, 2020:
Mr. Chittenden moved to warn a public hearing on November 2, 2020 regarding the possibility
of extending Interim Zoning beyond that point. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed
unanimously via a rollcall vote.
11. Update on the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission I-89 Corridor
Study:
Mr. Baker showed the agenda for the upcoming Advisory Committee. The big item is
“Secondary Growth Analysis.”
The focus of the I-89 Corridor Study is now on roadway/traffic, but Mr. Baker said that is not the
main intention. They are trying to narrow down interchanges to look at and will then put
together multi-modal “bundles” and then establish implementation triggers for roadway
projects. The Advisory Committee voted to include the Bolton and Milton Interchanges in the
FY22 UPWP for consideration. They are also planning for outreach to under-represented
populations.
Ms. Riehle asked if conversations include parking areas for car pooling. Mr. Baker said he felt
they will get into that, especially if they involve transit services.
Mr. Baker then showed a page of visions, goals and objectives which has been updated to make
it more multi-modal.
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21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 6
Regarding secondary growth evaluations, Mr. Baker noted that a panel (which included Paul
Conner and developers) was held to get feedback regarding the real estate market as it affected
three projects: a modified Exit 14, inv3estment at Exit 13 or just 14 or widening between 14 and
15, and Exit 12B, which is mostly in the Southeast Quadrant. Secondary growth is relocated
growth within the county or new to the county (e.g., housing that might move to Exit 12B that
would otherwise have been in someplace like Jericho). It also indicates potential new jobs
coming to that area that might have gone elsewhere.
Ms. Emery cautioned about thinking carefully about relocating jobs. She also felt it would take
a miracle to get people to use other means of transportation. She noted that Vermont is
becoming more and more attractive, and there should be careful thinking about what to plan
for. 900 new jobs sound great, but the future has to be considered.
Mr. Chittenden said 900 new jobs will be great, close to population centers, not far out. He said
it is a trade-off. There are a lot of companies that want a presence in Vermont, and that has to
happen in a smart way.
Mr. Mittag was concerned that no one represented the public on that panel, and people are
concerned with overcrowding, more cars, and overdevelopment. Mr. Baker said that was not
the intention of the panel. It was very specific. It was just to inform on how much secondary
growth would happen if the interchange projects happened, to be sure about the implications
before decisions are made.
Ms. Sirvis said it is important to look at retraining the people we have so they can have those
900 new jobs. She didn’t want to be inundated with cars.
Mr. Baker then showed a concept for Exit 12B with an entrance off Tilley Drive. It would involve
a new light at Hinesburg Road and other potential connecting streets.
At Exit 13, there is the possibility of a u-turn with new ramps for northbound traffic. There are,
however, issues, and VTrans is very concerned with weaving traffic that would happen. With a
single point Interchange, every movement would happen at one intersection. This would
reduce the footprint of I-189. It might possibly turn I-189 into an arterial road.
At Exit 14, there is a possibility of having a ramp go into City Center with possible improvement
to the northbound on-ramp. There would also be bike/ped safety measures.
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21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 7
The next steps of the study include finalizing the secondary round interchange evaluation, a
Tech Committee meeting in November, a public meeting in December and an Advisory
Committee meeting in January. In early 2021, there would be outreach to under-represented
populations.
Mr. Barritt said he would love to see more roundabouts. Mr. Baker said that is something
Chittenden County is not very progressive about. Ms. Emery said it is a matter of space, and
land values are very high. Mr. Baker added that the roundabout in Winooski hasn’t helped the
reputation of roundabouts. A roundabout was voted down in Williston.
12. Presentation by the South Burlington Energy Committee:
Mr. Chalnick said the climate crisis is deepening and becoming more urgent. Without significant
reduction in greenhouse gas emission and regional efforts, there will be far-reaching negative
consequences. In Vermont, rainfall is up 71% since 1958, and the snow season is shorter.
Vermont is kind of behind neighboring states with emissions up and the highest per capital
emissions. This is due to the need to use fossil fuels to heat homes and the “spread out” nature
of the state.
Mr. Epstein then reviewed the city’s climate change commitments including strategies and goals
to reduce energy use. The Energy Committee hasn’t been able to collect enough data to see if
the city is meeting those goals. Mr. Epstein did cite what has been accomplished to date
regarding electricity, thermal and transportation. He specifically noted the solar landfill
covering which has cut annual use of elect4ricity and gas.
Mr. Chalnick said there is more the city can do, specifically to have a real plan which would
include: installing solar on City Center and the Wastewater Plant, using electric for new heating
equipment, encouraging schools to improve HVAC, electrifying mowers and city equipment,
requiring commercial buildings to be solar ready, developing an award program for businesses,
electrifying commercial vehicles, adopting a program to incentivize disclosure of residential
energy efficiency, targeting weatherization in low-income and multi-unit housing, developing
more frequent transportation routes, and holding events to highlight energy.
Mr. Chalnick said the city needs a Climate Action Plan to define goals, identify and prioritize
actions, and facilitate coordination across city departments. Montpelier and the City of
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21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 8
Burlington have such plans with a goal to achieve net zero energy use by 2030. The first step in
such a plan would be to get a leader, then form an advisory committee, and set a time-line.
Ms. Emery cited the need to think globally and noted that pollution from building batteries for
electric cars is a problem in China. There is also a question of how much solar energy the city
can capture.
Ms. Riehle suggested that the Economic Development Committee could engage the commercial
members of the community.
Mr. Dorn said the city hasn’t dropped the ball. There have been electric savings, innovations at
the Treatment Plan, a lot of actions to increase thermal efficiency. Lou Bresee is tracking the
numbers. There is a methane turbine at the Airport Plant and one is being designed for the
Bartlett Bay Plant. Mr. Bresee said energy bills have been tracked since June 2019, and that
data is available on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, they can’t go back to 2005 to measure data.
Ms. Riehle said that would be a good presentation to make to the Council. She stressed the
need to engage the commercial sector.
Ms. Emery cited the number of people now working from home which has taken cars off the
road. She suggested thinking about how to organize society so people don’t have to go to
offices.
Mr. Barritt disagreed and cited the loss of interaction of people. He applauded increased
efficiencies but said there is a great need to interact with people. He said this Council meeting
is not the future he wanted. He wanted to sit down with people and greet each other.
Mr. Mittag said there is a need to publicize what the city has and is doing. People don’t know
about the savings being made.
13. Presentation by South Burlington Land Trust of a proposal to amend the Ordinance
Regulating Public and Private Sanitary Sewerage and Stormwater Systems to direct
sewer allocation to certain areas of the city:
Ms. Dopp reviewed the goals of Interim Zoning and said the Land Trust found that sewer
allocation might be a tool that could be used to achieve those goals.
CITY COUNCIL
21 SEPTEMBER 2020
PAGE 9
Ms. Bellevance cited what they believe are shortfalls in the Ordinance such as the lack of
differentiation between residential and commercial allocation, the lack of a purpose statement,
allocating capacity on a first come basis, etc. Their proposal would be to create a 5-year plan
that would establish limits, define where capacity can be allocated, and create a method to
reserve and assign capacity where it is needed. They recommend amending the ordinance to
align with Interim Zoning goals.
Ms. Lafferty said it is an avenue the Council could explore, but there would need to be
additional work done. There is a question of people turning to on-site or a “community” sewer
system. There is also a question of whether soils are adequate for on-site systems so there can
be use of people’s properties.
Ms. Emery felt it makes sense to allocate capacity to growth center.
Mr. Chittenden said he would like a refresher regarding “takings” and the legal exposure. Mr.
Kaufman agreed that would have to be resolved before going any further. Mr. Barritt did not
want to inject another element into Interim Zoning. He was also concerned with the legal
questions. Ms. Riehle cited the need to be concerned with the growth of the grand list and
stabilizing the economy. The Council needs to be sure there is sewer capacity to serve the
whole city.
Ms. Lafferty said there might be need for input from an engineer and other expertise.
14. Other Business:
There was no other business.
15. Continuation of Executive Session:
Mr. Chittenden moved to continue the executive session held earlier in the event and to invite
Mr. Dorn and Mr. Hubbard to the session. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Following the executive session, Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion
passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at p.m.
_________________________________, Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 16 NOVEMBER 2020
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 16 November 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; A. Bolduc, City
Attorney; Chief S. Burke, Police Department; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; J.
Rabidoux, Public Works Director; I. Blanchard, Project Manager; H. Reed, Recreation and Parks
Director; A. Parker, M. Murray, B. Sirvis, L. Kupferman, K. Langrock, B. Britt, C. Baker, D.
Crawford, S. Swanson, J. Moore, N. Warner, L. Chicote, D. Shiman, S. Shonfeld, B. Milizia
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:
A member of the public noted activity behind her house near Red Rocks Park. She said a group
of organized runners has been having scavenger hunts, jumping a chain link fence, blowing
whistles, flashing lights on residences. The group was identified and contacted by Holly Reed.
There have also been a number of beach fires happening almost every night. With the drought
situation, that is very scary to see. Ms. Reed said she has notified both the Fire Chief and Police
Chief. She also reminded the public that campfires are never permitted. The Park is a difficult
place to patrol, but Chief Burke is going to meet with us to see what can be done.
Mr. Barritt said he heard there had been vandalism at Farrell Park. Ms. Reed said she was made
aware of this. It happened again this past weekend. A Police Report has been made. She did
note that the vandalism was not of a permanent nature.
3. Announcements and City Manager’s Report:
Mr. Kaufman noted that some of his UVM students were in attendance at this meeting.
Mr. Dorn: For precautionary reasons, City Hall has been shut down to the public. Records
can still be accessed at the Clerk’s office by appointment. The Library is also closed again, but
there will be curbside service. Many employees will be working from home. None of the
precautionary measures affect Police, Fire or Water Quality employees. The hope is that this is
not of a long duration, and no furloughs are anticipated at this time.
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 2
4. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve Disbursements
b. Approve Minutes of 8 September, 5, 7 and 19 October and 2 November
c. Consider and possibly approve the VTrans Fall 2020 Transportation Alternatives
Grant and letter of support for Phase 1: Spear Street Bike/Ped improvements
d. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a 20-year lease for dark
fiber with First Light based on results of a competitive bid
Mr. Barritt asked about the bike path on Spear Street. Ms. Parker said it was on the Bike/Ped
Committee priority list. The scoping study was completed. Part of that study looks at the entire
Spear Street length to the Shelburne town line. The first part is to be done now. Mr. Rabidoux
added that the project is in the FY21 CIP and has been for several years. Mr. Barritt asked
whether some old growth trees will have to come down. Ms. Parker said they haven’t looked at
that part of the path yet. Ms. Riehle said it would be appreciated if those trees weren’t cut
down. Mr. Britt said neighbors really wanted that part of the path. There were reports of
serious accidents with bikers hit by cars. It is also a heavy commuter path. Mr. Barritt said he
felt there should be an on-road bike lane. Mr. Kaufman noted that in “good times” he is back
and forth on that path several times a day.
Mr. Barritt moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Kaufman seconded.
Motion passed unanimously via a rollcall vote.
5. Discuss and possibly approve Common Roots Lease Agreements for the Wheeler &
Underwood Property:
Ms. Reed noted there was a public session followed by a small working group involved in this
agreement. She believed all public comments were addressed.
Mr. Bolduc said he reviewed the document, corrected some formatting, and updated insurance
requirements.
Ms. Riehle asked about the 60-40 split of income, but noted that for the first 5 or 6 years all the
income goes to Common Roots to cover their costs for the building. Mr. Bolduc said that is true.
Once the building costs are paid down, there is a 60-40 split with the city getting 40%. Ms.
Riehle asked why it isn’t 50-50. Ms. Reed said Common Roots will be doing the marketing.
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 3
Mr. Hubbard added that Common Roots will also have to staff events and pay people to be
there.
Mr. Barritt asked if the contract meets all city requirements and protections and is for 25 years.
Mr. Bolduc said the indemnification language was updated and there is a favorable “no cause”
termination clause. There is also a minimum revenue amount to the city of $10,000.
Ms. Riehle asked whether the city breaks even on plowing and other maintenance costs. Mr.
Hubbard said right now the city puts 100% into that. This agreement is a way to begin to
recoup some of the costs. That money could go to Wheeler or other parks. He added that the
city is pleased with what Common Roots has done with the inside of the building at a cost of
tens of thousands of dollars.
Mr. Dorn noted that at some time the boiler and roof will need to be replaced. This will provide
a revenue stream to address that. Mr. Hubbard said the city will also be able to host events
there.
Ms. Sirvis said the document did not clearly delineate the dog park and asked that it be made
clearer on the map before it is signed. She also felt a 50-50 split would be better because in 25
years $10,000 will not be a very big number.
Mr. Dorn noted that when he came to the city, National Gardening had just left, and the
building was not in good shape. It just sat there, and the property was deteriorating. Common
Roots has sunk a lot of money into restoring the building. The city has no risk in the agreement.
He felt 60-40 was more than fair for the city.
Mr. Barritt then moved to approve the Lease Agreement with Common Roots as presented with
the amendment to add a more accurate map depicting the site of the dog park. Mr. Chittenden
seconded. Motion passed unanimously via a rollcall vote.
6. Annual update from Green Mountain Transit:
Mr. Moore, the General Manager of Green Mountain Transit (GMT) noted that Charlie Baker
represents South Burlington on their Board with Mr. Barritt as alternate. He then reviewed
GMT’s history, noting that it is the only transit authority in Vermont. They provide service to 6
counties and have 180 employees and 160 buses. Their operating budget is $21,000,000 of
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 4
which $14,000,000 is in urban areas. They have not been charging fares since the start of the
COVID pandemic. They are down about 50% from normal due to COVID.
Mr. Moore then outlined the multiple types of services they provide including general,
commuter, demand-response (via contract with SSTA), non-emergency medical transportation,
grocery trips, etc. He also reviewed the types of assessments including the fixed route
assessment, ADA component, and the E & D contribution (takes seniors from 3 residences
grocery shopping once a week and is 80% state funded, 20% locally funded).
Mr. Moore reviewed South Burlington’s fixed route services including lines to Williston,
circulator routes, routes to Shelburne, and commuter routes to Montpelier, Middlebury and
Hinesburg.
GMT has two initiatives in the works. The first will be a technology upgrade including improved
on-time performance via tracing apps. The second is a Montpelier “micro-transit” pilot project
for on-demand transit using app-based technology for places where there is not enough use for
a 40-passenger bus.
GMT’s strategic plan includes fleet replacement (Mr. Moore noted it is cheaper to replace buses
than to repair them), fleet electrification, and a public transit safety plan (this includes the
COVID response including hand-sanitizers, available masks, rear-door boarding, and additional
back-up buses when needed). The electric buses cost about 40% more, but the cost of
ownership is less. They will be used throughout the system. There have been some
maintenance issues, and they are doing maintenance training. They are satisfied with the
mileage range.
7. Annual Update from Winooski Valley Park District:
Mr. Warner said it has been a challenging year. The parks were inundated with people, and the
priority has been to be a good host and protect the safety of people while in the parks. They
made the decision not to hire seasonals, but this is not sustainable. They also changed their
model a bit and converted a space into a pre-school. They received grants to pay for the
upgrades. Normal priorities are still going forward and bringing in revenue.
The Ethan Allen Museum continues to operate during COVID. The Governor’s new guidance will
increase the use of parks again. They have found people to be using the parks very respectfully.
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 5
Colchester Pond Park has been expanded by 10,000 acres, and they are working with Williston
on the transfer of a 29-acre park. There is also another park in Colchester that they are looking
to acquire.
The FY22 budget shows a decrease, but they are asking towns to provide more money. The
budget assumes full seasonal workers and some used vehicles to replace the aging fleet. They
are still finding outside resources through grants, etc.
Mr. Crawford thanked the Council for allowing him to serve on the Park District Board.
8. Briefing on matters related to School Resource Officers, bias and other training and
policy at the Police Department:
Chief Burke said he met with the School Board last week regarding the Police Department’s
function in the schools. The Department finds a tremendous value in it. There are now 2
officers in the schools and it is working well. They will wait to see if a third officer is needed.
Ms. Riehle asked if this generates enough of the outcomes that are looked for. The Chief said
they don’t look for “measurable outcomes.” Ms. Murray said one key benefit is that a lot of kids
grow up knowing “I can trust these folks.” She added that her kids found them to be “great
people” and would be willing to reach out to them when needed.
Mr. Barritt suggested a review to see the value other than intangibles. He questioned whether
the City should be paying for it.
Chief Burke said he is open to whatever the community wants. There is no data to show acts of
violence happen only when there are no police.
Mr. Barritt said other departments don’t have people serving as resource officers; why the
Police? Ms. Riehle said there is a value to the Police Department to have a better understanding
of this part of the city’s population. She added that policing is a lot different from firefighting or
public works.
Regarding bias training, Chief Burke said that this year they did the State-mandated training and
also worked with the State Police. In July, the Department said a documentary on the history of
implicit bias and had good discussions afterward. He said that even as a 25 year cop, he didn’t
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 6
have a good grasp on that history. He acknowledged there are reasons people don’t trust the
police, and training in implicit bias is very helpful in correcting that. He also noted that the
Department is partnering with UVM regarding traffic stops and are seeing improvements
regarding racial issues.
The Chief noted that they have received a generous offer from a South Burlington resident to
conduct racial equity workshops in 2021. He has been to one of her workshops and felt it was
very good to heal the history of why people live in a certain neighborhood, and why police
“over-police” certain neighborhoods, etc. He stressed the need to give a voice to marginalized
neighbors. The Chief noted that Lt. Jaeger is serving on the Fair and Impartial Policing
Committee which is producing materials so departments don’t have to do it on their own.
Ms. Emery asked about the Winooski model. Chief Burke said it is similar to South Burlington’s.
He noted South Burlington has had a policy in place not to inquire into immigration status. Mr.
Shiman said there is a policy that will be brought to the City Council regarding the city’s position
with reference to ICE. Chief Burke said it is a federal law with which has fiscal implications. The
city is in compliance with the minimal standards.
Ms. Riehle asked about follow-up if an officer doesn’t follow the bias training. Chief Burke said
the incident would be investigated, and depending on the conduct, there could be a host of
outcomes including training and punitive measures. If someone is “implicitly biased,” it would
involve deeper discussions. He added that the problem in the past has been not giving officers
the training and history. Officers aren’t “bad.” They are part of a “bad system.”
Ms. Schoenfeld noted that the federal ICE guideline has been challenged across the country, and
legal action has resulted in a judgment that funds can’t be withheld.
9. Receive proposed amendments to Land Development Regulations #LDR-17-13A,
LDR-17-13B, LDR-19-06 and LDR-20-18A from Planning Commission; consider
warning public hearing on same:
Mr. Conner said the amendments have been unanimously approved by the Planning
Commission. Two of the amendments address the concern brought by Bill Shearer to the City
Council, one is a City Center issue, and one brings the Planning Department closer to being
“paperless.”
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 7
Ms. Riehle noted that the public can’t easily follow the legal language and suggested that when
it’s published to the public there be a “what this means” addition beside the legal language. Mr.
Conner said that is possible.
Ms. Emery asked where the Urban Overlay District is. Mr. Conner said it is the length of
Shelburne Road and a portion of Williston Road near Kinney’s.
Mr. Barritt asked how the TDR unit is to be calculated. Mr. Conner said a TDR is one building
unit, .83 acres. Today, to move one house to a receiving area, you must conserve .83 acres. The
same would be true in this case. A quarter acre of additional lot coverage on Shelburne Road
would require conserving .83 acres in the sending area. He noted that building coverage does
not go up, only lot coverage. He felt this open up an opportunity for those who haven’t been
able to sell TDRs.
Mr. Kaufman then moved to schedule a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the
Land Development Regulations for 7 December 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Chittenden seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
10. Update on State of Kimball/Marshall Avenue Bridge:
Mr. Rabidoux said they are on track to bid over the winter and construct in the spring/summer.
A new box culvert will be installed under the bridge. This is a joint effort between South
Burlington and Williston who will share the cost 50-50. Williston has bonded for its full share.
Because of the nature of the temporary bridge, the effort to repave resulted in paving not
staying in place. The State does not pave these bridged. Mr. Rabidoux said he felt there will be
a recommendation to remove the asphalt. In order to mitigate speed, there will be STOP signs
at either side of the bridge. There will be a formal request for this. A blinking light will be
installed to draw attention to the STOP signs, and there will be message boards on both sides of
the bridge.
11. Update on the status of construction of a Dog Park:
Mr. Rabidoux said they will finalize the application to Planning & Zoning this week and will bring
it first to the Dog Park Committee. Construction is planned for the spring.
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 8
12. Update on Dorset Street Traffic Signals:
Mr. Rabidoux cited changes at Healthy Living and Williston Rd/Dorset St. A traffic counter has
been installed at Market Street to help update traffic control plans. A signal will be able to
adjust on the fly to real life conditions. This is similar to what has been done in Williston and
Essex.
Mr. Barritt noted the work the State did on 2A has traffic flowing much better and safely now.
13. Discuss and Possibly Approve Position Posting for City Manager:
Mr. Hubbard said the posting used the last time will be sent to Council members. A small group
will be set up to sort applications and pick the top ones for the Council to interview.
Members agreed to discuss this at the next Council meeting.
14. Award Audio-Visual bid for 180 Market Street:
Ms. Blanchard said four bids were received and have been analyzed. The recommendation is to
award the contract to Fuzz Buzz. It is a South Burlington company, and their equipment has a
high level of program integration. Their response was also very detailed, and they paid
attention to specific requirements. It will also be good to have them nearby in case of
problems. The company also has local employees. They are located behind the Airport and also
have branches in California and Florida. They did work for the Saranac Hotel and various federal
jobs (control rooms, auditoriums, etc.).
Mr. Kaufman moved to award the audio-visual bid for 180 Market Street to Fuzz Buzz in the
amount of $342,168.00. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously via a rollcall
vote.
15. October Financials:
Mr. Hubbard reported that one-third of the way through the fiscal year they are at 25.5% of
expenses and 31% of revenues. The city still has not received the local option tax money from
the State.
CITY COUNCIL
16 NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 9
Ms. Emery asked about reduced ambulance expenses. Mr. Hubbard said they spent 12% on
medical supplies. This is now being done via bulk purchase in coordination with UVM.
Mr. Hubbard noted that meetings with Department Heads have begun, and there will be an
overview for the council at the next meeting.
16. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments:
Mr. Barritt: He noted that as of today, pension value is up again.
17. Other Business:
Ms. Riehle noted receipt of a phone call and email from Mr. Donaghue regarding the “offline
discussion” about the Other Paper and the city’s newsletter. She said she apologized for using
“reply all.” Ms. Riehle also noted there is an on-line training regarding open meeting rules. She
stressed that no policy decisions were made in that discussion.
Members agreed that Mr. Kaufman will do the next Councilors’ Corner, Mr. Barritt will do
January and Mr. Chittenden will do February.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Chittenden moved to
adjourn. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at
9:36 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
To: Jessie Baker, City Manager
From: Ashley Parker, Project Manager
Subject: Authorization to Negotiate and Contract for Design of Spear Street Bicycle &
Pedestrian Improvements (Phase 1) (TAP TA21(4))
Cc: Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works
Date: September 7, 2021
Background:
At the May 25, 2021, regular City Council meeting, the Council approved
receipt of a grant for federal funding of $300,000 through the VTrans
Transportation Alternatives Program to design and construct a shared use path
connection along a 3,500-foot long gap on Spear Street, between the UVM
Forestry Building and Swift Street (Phase 1: Spear Street Bike/Ped
Improvements). This project was evaluated in a scoping study completed by a
team composed of City staff, the Chittenden County Regional Planning
Commission, Local Motion, and Toole Design Group in 2019. The project
will provide a 10-foot wide paved path, and would improve a section of Spear
Street that is in need of a safe, off-road path for users. The project’s 20%
match and additional funding to complete the design and construction is
approximately $120,845.80, and will come from a combination of funds from
the Penny for Path fund and Rec Impact Fees. The total estimated cost of the
project is about $604,229.78, and the CIP currently shows a total allocation of
$350,000 from the two funds, which will assist the City in ensuring this project
reaches completion.
In June 2021, City staff formed a project team to work with VTrans at securing
a design consultant through the VTrans At-the-Ready (ATR) consultant
process. This project team consisted of: Ashley Parker, City Project Manager,
and Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works. They selected the following
three firms from the VTrans ATR list to review: Hoyle, Tanner & Associates;
DuBois & King; and Fuss & O’Neill.
The project team reviewed each consultant and evaluated them based on the
following characteristics:
• Qualifications of firm & personnel assigned to the project (20 pts)
• History of success on similar projects (40 pts)
• Experience of team working on similar projects (15 pts)
• Quality of representative work sample (10 pts)
• Experience with Fed/State regulations and permitting (15 pts)
Evaluation Summary for Spear Street Phase 1 ATR Consultant
Hoyle Tanner DuBois & King Fuss & O’Neill
86 71 76
92 72 79
178 143 155
All three firms were very similar in ability and successful navigation of
projects like the City’s Spear Street project. City staff has had a good
experience with the listed staff from Hoyle Tanner, and felt like they would be
the best suited to move this project forward. They are responsive, detail
oriented, have served the City well on numerous projects in recent years, and
have a team that will be able to respond to complexities that might arise within
the project, including environmental impacts/assessments.
As part of the VTrans ATR process, the City team then issued an RFP to
Hoyle Tanner on July 9, 2021, requesting a proposal and scope of work by
July 23, 2021. This deadline was extended to July 30, 2021. After revising the
proposal based on staff and VTrans feedback, Hoyle Tanner submitted a
proposal on August 12, 2021, that was within the project’s overall budget and
met the needs of the project.
The Project Team is recommending Hoyle Tanner for the design and
engineering contract for this project. The recommendation is that the City
Council authorizes the City Manager to enter into negotiations and sign an
agreement with the recommended consultant for a contract to design and
engineer the Spear Street Bicycle & Pedestrian Improvements (Phase 1)
project (TAP TA21(4)).
Recommendation: Approve by motion consent agenda item that states – Authorize City Manager
to negotiate and sign an agreement with the recommended consultant, Hoyle
Tanner, to design and engineer the Spear Street Bicycle & Pedestrian
Improvements (Phase 1) project (TAP TA21(4)).
Enclosures: Project Location & Context Map; Project CIP Sheet
0 0.4 0.80.2 Miles
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i
!i MILLSAVENowl a n d Far
mR
d
Harbo r ViewRd SPEAR STDorset Hei
ghtsBow e rS tBraeburnStMarcy StVeteransMemorial Park
Wheeler Nature Park
OverlookPark DORSET STButler Dr
C i d erM il l Dr
U n d e r w o o d
P r o p e r t y
CityCenter Park
Farrell Park
SzymanskiPark
East Woods Natural Areas
Four Sist
ers RdDeerfield RdLaurel Hill DrCityHall
Middle & HighSchool
Tilly Drive Medical Offices
Proctor Ave
Farrell St
PreK -Grade 5School
Williston Road Commercial Area
Shelburne Road Commercial AreaLegend
Shared-Use Path
Trail
Application Segment
Currently In Design Phase
!i Public Parking
Parks
Stream
Context of Proposed Spear Street Shared-Use PathCity of South Burlington
.
1 3
2
45
University Mall
Proposed Segment
2 Childcare Centers on Joy Drive
Application segment would connect 5 existing facilities: 1. Path from Spear St. to Shelburne Rd. along Farrell St. 2. Path leading to UVM and UVMMC. 3. Path on Songbird Rd. connects to City Center, Schools & Parks.4. Path along Swift St. to connect to Dorset St. & Parks. 5. Path at Swift St. heading west towards Shelburne Rd, Szymanski Park & the Orchard neighborhood.
Market St State Designated New Town Center
Map Created by Amanda Holland, Nov 2020For Planning Purposes Only
City of Burlington
UVM & UVMMC 1000ft to North
GENERAL FUND - BIKE/PED IMPROVEMENTS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXPENDITURE
PROJECT:Spear Street Bike/Ped Improvements (Phase 1)
N/A
N/A
DEPARTMENT/STAFF CONTACT:
FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY 22 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY 30 FY 31 Total:
Estimated Costs:
Studies, Design, Engineering, Inspection, GC, Legal 100 100
Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition 50 50
Construction 50 250 200 500
Furniture & Equipment -
TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS:- 200 250 200 - - - - - - 650
Funding Sources:
General Fund -
Grant/Donation/Developer Contribution 100 100 100 300
Secured Debt Proceeds (Penny for Path Projects Fund)50 100 50 200
Anticipated Bond -
Roads Improvement Impact Fee -
Recreation Impact Fee 50 50 50 150
Trade-In Generated Revenues -
Other -
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES:- 200 250 200 - - - - - - 650
STATUS: Part of FY'19 UPWP CCRPC scoping study.
Review by Bike/Ped Committee delayed due to
COVID-19. An application for the Vtrans
Transportation Alternatives grant is being prepared
and will be submitted November 2020. If this project
is awarded funding, the timeline will shift up.
DESCRIPTION: Design and construct a shared use path from the US Forest Service building on Spear
Street to the intersection of Swift Street.
OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT: Will be part of sidewalk
maintanance operations.
JUSTIFICATION: There are pieces of infrastructure along Spear Street, but nothing that proivdes a
through connection for bike or pedestrian users. In many spots, bikes and pedestrians have to travel on
the road with vehicles to get from one end to the other.AVG ESTIMATED SAVINGS PER YEAR:
FINANCIALS COMMENT: Is eligible for Vtrans funding, Penny for Paths funding, and impact fees as
appropriate.
AVE ESTIMATED REVENUES PER YEAR:
Ashley Parker
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
To: South Burlington City Council
From: Jessie Baker, City Manager
Leadership Team
Date: August 10, 2021 – Updated September 2, 2021
Re: Policy Priorities and Strategies Process Planning
In a council-manager form of government, staff must implement the City Council’s policies and priorities. I
recommend that annually staff and Council spend time together ensuring that we are all making clear and
intentional decisions about the policy priorities of the City and the implementation strategies we will use to
achieve this vision. This should include engagement of the City’s professional staff (“Leadership Team”), the
City’s policy boards and commissions, and the Council. My understanding is that the commissions are familiar
with annual workplans and in previous years the Council has done its own workplan. The goal is to build upon
these past models in order to produce a city-wide workplan for the Council, staff, and commissions.
In this document, I will review some concepts, review the resources already in place, and outline a process we
could use to come to a shared workplan over the next few months. Over time, I recommend we undertake
this process annually (in June) to ensure that the Council, staff, and commissions’ work is best aligned to meet
community goals.
Roles and Responsibilities
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Current Policy Direction
The Council has already approved a series of policy documents for the City. Primarily, those include the
annual budget and the City’s Comprehensive Plan as well as ongoing resolutions and active votes. This
process is not meant to rehash past policy positions but organize and prioritize them with other positions and
articulate concrete steps towards implementation.
As an organizing principle, I recommend we start with ensuring we maintain our core government services and
look to the principles outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. The City's 2016 Comprehensive Plan lays out four
guiding principles (or policy statements) for the community. It states:
Here and into the Future, South Burlington is...
• Affordable and Community Strong - Creating a robust sense of place and opportunity for our
residents and visitors.
• Walkable - Bicycle and pedestrian friendly with safe transportation infrastructure.
• Green & Clean - Emphasizing sustainability for long-term viability of a clean and green South
Burlington
• Opportunity Oriented - Being a supportive and engaged member of the larger regional and
statewide community.
As the Leadership Team puts together a set of recommendations for the Council to consider, we will also take
into consideration:
• Policy directions provided through past Council Resolutions
• The objectives and strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan
• Regulatory requirements we know are on the horizon for specific service areas
• The Annual Workplans developed by the committees and commissions. As we get up to speed this
year, this will be reviewed during committee meetings in August and September.
Prioritization Process and Timeline
There are almost unlimited ways municipal government (elected official and professional staff) can positively
impact community. Therefore, with these policy priorities in place, it’s imperative that we think strategically
about how best to implement these and how we allocate our finite resources to those ends. I recommend we
work together to build out a shared workplan that follows this model:
Role of Council
"This is the vision for our community"
Policy Area Description Related Policy Statement Source
Role of City Manager and Leadership Team
"This is how we are accomplishing this vision."
Implementation Strategy Description Responsible Teams Timeline
Role of City Committee
"This is how our resident committees can inform policy and help implement policy."
Committee Action
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
The full workplan will be organized horizontally. See the attached pdf for a full spreadsheet in an easier to
view format.
Once built-out and approved by the Council, staff would provide monthly updates to the Council and use this
as a foundation for the annual budget process. Each year, Commission’s workplans would be aligned to these
priorities and, annually, the Council and Leadership Team would come back together to check-in and update
these shared expectations. To start this process, I recommend the following timeline:
Date Task Responsible Party
August 4, 2021 Leadership Team reviews process Jessie & Leadership Team
August 17, 2021 Council reviews process and provides
feedback to the City Manager
Council & Jessie
August 18 –
September, 2021
Leadership Team builds out FY22 Policy
Priorities & Strategies Recommendations
Jessie & Leadership Team
September 7, 2021 Council approves process and requests
Commissions provide feedback
Council & Jessie
August, September
and early October
2021
Commissions discuss past and future work
and provide summaries to the Council – This
will also serve as Annual Report submittals
and CIP requests.
Staff Liaisons &
Commissions
Mid October 2021 Proposed Policy Priorities and Strategies
Recommendations finalized
Jessie & Leadership Team
End of October 2021
(10/23? 10/30?)
Council & Leadership Team Retreat to review
and prioritize policy priorities and strategies
for FY22.
Agenda for the day to include:
• Welcome and overview – Jessie
• Representation of the community we serve
– Jessie
• Area review by policy – Leadership Team
• Brainstorming exercise – All
• Prioritization exercise – Council
• Wrap up and Gratitude – Jessie
Council & Leadership Team
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Date Task Responsible Party
November 15, 2021 FY22 Policy Priorities and Strategies approved
by Council
Jessie & Council
Starting in January Monthly updates on Priorities to Council Jessie & Leadership Team
April 2022 Process starts again
June 2022 FY23 Policy Priorities and Strategies are
approved by Council
City Of South Burlington, Grant Request Form
Prior to applying for a grant please complete this form and submit to Deputy City Manager. Please submit at least two weeks prior to City Council approval meeting. Extenuating circumstances which do not permit two weeks notice should be brought to the attention of the Deputy City Manager as soon as possible. Please attach actual grant application form – either blank or completed. Jennifer Murray, Library Name and title of person completing this form (Project Manager) Date 8/30/21
Name/title of grant and submittal deadline date: National Library of Medicine grant for Veteran’s Telehealth project due 9/9/21 disbural remainder of FY22
1. What specifically is the grant’s purpose? To reimburse the Library for purchases made to enhance the
capability of Veterans to connect with VA telehealth. 2. What does the grant fund and not fund (be specific)? The grant funds computers and other purchases in
support of using telehealth in the Library. 3. Total Project Cost: a. Amount of grant: $3260.00 b. Is there a City match required, how much and in what fiscal year(s)? None c. Are there other grants “tied into” or being used as a match for this grant of which are matching funds for this grant? No 4. From what budget line will match be paid, and is there unencumbered money to pay it? Up front costs will be paid from the Library’s 603 account. 5. Is there a cost to the city upon grant conclusion, and if yes, please describe? No
6. Is grant for stand alone project, and if no, how does grant fit into another project (describe in some detail)?
One time grant for a program that we hope will start this Fall and possibly grow in the future. 7. Length of grant – will the grant cross fiscal year(s)? FY22 8. Who will apply for grant (name/title)? Jennifer Murray, Library Director and Loretta Grikis, Librarian VA Medical Center 9. How much time will it take to complete grant application form? A few days
10. How likely is it that we will receive grant? Very likely.
11. Who will manage (project manager) grant and grant paperwork if approved (if different person than who is
filling out this form), what are any grant compliance requirements, how much time will this take and how is that time available? Are there funds available in the grant to pay for our administrative costs? Can in-kind service be used as part of the City match? Jennifer Murray will manage the grant and report as needed to
the National Library of Medicine.
12. Describe grant payment process – method of cash flow: Reimbursement with invoices
13. Should a Council-appointed Committee, Board , or Commission review this request? Not required If yes, please update status:
14. In terms of priority, with 5 being highest and 1 being lowest, please rate this grant in terms of how it fits into your primary mission as approved by City Council and current projects to complete that mission: 4
___________________________________ _______________________________
Reviewed by Deputy City Manager, Date If approved, grant money will be in this fund
____________________________________ _______________________________
Approved by City Manager, Date Not Approved By City Manager, Date
___________________________________________ ______________________________________
Approved By City Council, Date Not Approved By City Council, Date
2/17/11 *What does the grant fund addendum
This application follows several months of planning between the Library Director, the VA Medical Center and VT Veteran’s Outreach to make a public place in South Burlington where Veterans without computers can come for
telehealth appointments. As planned, the Veteran will make their telehealth appointment and contact the library for use of a small meeting room. A volunteer from Veteran’s Outreach will contact the Veteran and meet them at the Library to assist them with the process. Library staff will package laptops, a sound machine, a ring light, pen and
paper, wipes and tissue in a Telehealth box. They will help the Veteran and volunteer if needed to set up the system. After the appointment, staff will sanitize the materials and be ready for the next visitor. Library staff will also be part of an online training about working with Veterans, provided by the VA.
Project Proposal: A Collaborative Effort Between the White River Junction (VT) VA Medical Center and
the South Burlington Library to Incorporate a Veterans’ Telehealth Space in The New South Burlington
Library
The South Burlington (VT) Public Library is scheduled to open a new facility shortly. Library Director
Jennifer Murray has been meeting periodically with representatives of the White River Junction (VT) VA
Medical Center in order to explore the inclusion of a space that would be used for Veteran Telehealth.
The workgroup members are:
Jennifer Murray, Library Director of the South Burlington Library
Loretta Grikis, Clinical Librarian, White River Junction VA
Tina Kebalka, Telehealth Coordinator, White River Junction VA
Greg Hartford, Chief, Business Office, White River Junction VA
Carol Hitchcock, Executive Assistant to the Director, White River Junction VA
Eugene Hitchcock, Head of Vermont Veterans’ Outreach (not technically part of the VA itself, but works
with the VA)
Our group has had monthly calls (which were temporarily suspended as the open date of the Library
approached, but are now scheduled to resume). We’ve discussed how the process might work overall,
how to best familiarize/educate Library staff with the Veteran population that they will be interacting
with, and how VT Veterans Outreach members will be utilized to help Veterans get where they need to
be for their appointment and also how to connect to their telehealth appointment via iPAD. We are still
in the process of working out all of the details, but are confident that this process can work.
As of this time (July, 2021) the process involves having a Veteran book their telehealth appointment,
and then book the meeting room several days in advance. The room will be used for other purposes
when it is not being used for telehealth appointments. A Veteran from VT Veterans Outreach will then
contact the Veteran and arrange to meet them at the Library to assist with the process. The iPADs, etc.
will be loaned to the Veteran at this time, and they will be able to use the equipment in the space for
their appointment.
The items requested via this Outreach grant are intended to enhance the capability of Veterans to
connect with VA telehealth. Two iPADs and two laptops are being requested (including items with larger
screens) as well as a privacy film for the room windows, a ring light and a sound machine, for additional
privacy.
The items that would be purchased for the telehealth space are as follows:
A privacy film for the windows, which would cost about $500. and has not been selected as of yet.
This sound machine has gotten great reviews on Amazon, and is $44. :
https://www.amazon.com/Adaptive-Sound-Technologies-LectroFan-Non-
Looping/dp/B00MY8V86Q/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=sound%2Bmasking%2Bmachine%2Bfor%2
Boffice%2Bprivacy&qid=1626380793&sr=8-17&th=1
This ring light is small, sheds enough light for one person on a video call and plugs into a laptop to
charge. $26.99 :
https://www.amazon.com/Selfie-Ring-Light-Tripod-
Stand/dp/B07XHK3FRN/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=ring+lights&qid=1626712953&sr=8-10
8 Bailey Avenue Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 223-5234 (802) 223-4223 fax (800) 639-1709 toll-free www.vlt.org
________________
REGIONAL OFFICES Central Vermont 8 Bailey Avenue Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 223-5254 Champlain Valley P.O. Box 850 Richmond, VT 05477 (802) 434-3079 Northeast Kingdom 171 Scott Farm Road Newport, VT 05855 (802) 748-6089 Southeast Vermont and Mountain Valley 54 Linden Street Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 251-6008 Southwest Vermont and Mettowee Valley 10 Furnace Grove Road Bennington, VT 05201 (802) 442-4915
South Burlington City Council September 2, 2021
(via email)
Re: Auclair/Bread & Butter Farm Conservation Project Update
Dear Members of the City Council:
I am writing to provide some background and updates on the ongoing conservation project
involving the former Auclair lands. The Vermont Land Trust (VLT) is continuing its work
with Bread & Butter Farm, Dirt Capital Partners, the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board,
and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service to place permanent conservation
easements on Parcels B and C. A third parcel, Parcel A, was conserved in 2020. The three
parcels are depicted on the enclosed map.
Collectively, the outcomes of this 375-acre project will be to:
• Permanently preserve 362 acres of farmland, woodland, and wetlands.
• Provide farm labor housing opportunities for Bread & Butter Farm and future farm
operations.
• Support Bread & Butter’s farm operation and its goals of providing educational and
recreational resources for community members.
• Create an extensive new network of walking and biking paths for public use.
This project has come before the City Council on several occasions over the past few years,
and the City has generously allocated a total of $915,000 towards the conservation effort. Here
are several updates since the last City Council discussion in December 2021:
• The conservation easements for Parcels B and C are on track to close in January 2022.
• VLT will be acquiring Parcels B and C immediately after the conservation easements
are conveyed. Our intent is to hold the parcels on an interim basis until the creation of
new non-profit entity, which will be become the long-term owner. Bread & Butter will lease the properties from VLT and then the new non-profit.
• 13 acres of Parcel B will not be subject to permanent conservation restrictions. The
purpose of this area will be to enhance the viability of Bread & Butter Farm and future farm operations by accommodating farm-related housing and infrastructure that
would not be compatible with easement restrictions.
• The City’s incredible investment of $915,000 is leveraged by more than $2.2M from other sources, including more than $1.4M of federal conservation funds.
Along with Corie Pierce and Brandon Bless from Bread & Butter Farm, I am looking forward to joining you on Tuesday night to discuss this unprecedented conservation project.
Sincerely,
Britt Haselton Farm Project Director
Enc: conservation overview map
Municipal Land IState LandVLT Conserved Land
1:15,000Subject Parcels
Proposed Public Trail
Proposed Bike Path
Auclair/Bread & Butter Conservation Project
Conservation Overview
City of South Burlington, VT
VermontLand Trust
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jessie Baker, City Manager; City Council
FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
SUBJECT: First Reading of Proposed Amendments to Official Map
DATE: September 7, 2021 City Council meeting
Enclosed please find two proposed amendments to the City’s Official Map, as approved by the Planning
Commission following public hearing on July 13, 2021, alongside the Planning Commission’s Report.
The amendments are:
• OM-21-01: Replace planned roadway connecting Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road with a
planned 20’ wide right-of-way and extending the planned multi-use path to connect to Hinesburg
Road at two (2) locations.
This amendment would remove the planned roadway connection from Swift Street Extension to
Hinesburg Road via Landon Road depicted on the present official map.
This planned infrastructure would be replaced on the Official Map with a 20’ wide right-of-way and
planned paved multi-use path maintaining this same link to Landon Road and adding a second link
to Hinesburg Road north of this point as shown in the Comprehensive Plan.
• OM-21-02: Remove planned roadway connecting IDX Drive and Sebring Road to Overlook Drive /
Deerfield Drive.
This amendment would remove the planned roadway connection between IDX Drive /Sebring Road
and Overlook Drive / Deerfield Drive. This proposed change was previously considered in
development of the Comprehensive Plan and is no longer proposed in the Plan that was adopted in
2016.
Note: You will see other modifications on this Official Map when compared with the prior version. Under
Vermont State law, the Official Map is automatically revised when subdivision plats are finalized and
infrastructure approved and constructed.
Recommended Council Action:
Warn a public hearing on the proposed amendments at a date of the Council’s choosing (recommend
October 4th at 7:00 or 7:30 pm). Proposed motion:
“I move to warn a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Official Map, #OM-21-02 and #OM-21-
02, for Monday, October 4th at ______ pm”
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Common Open Land
Golf Course
Institutional & Agricultural Lands
Proposed Park & Open Space
Existing Park and Open Space
Tax Parcel Boundary-2021
Form Based Code Area (346 acres)
Municipal Boundary
Recreation Paths
Easement
Existing Recreation Path
Existing Trail
Proposed Rec Path or Trail
The following notations are hereby incorporated into the Official Map:
1. Blue circle #1 refers to the proposed realignment and reconstructionof Airport Parkway to facilitate circulation between Lime Kiln Road and the
Airport.
2. Blue circle #2 refers to provision of a northbound on-ramp at Exit 13.
3. Blue circle #3 refers to creation of an appropriate internal roadwaynetwork for development of the O’Brien farm property and provision of
between five and ten acres of public parkland within the property or an
immediately adjacent area.
4. Blue circle #4 refers to development of Exit 12B at Hinesburg Road anda dead-end at Old Farm Road.
5. Blue circle #5, along with blue circle #4, refers to the development of
an appropriate roadway network to service Exit 12B and facilitate
connections to Williston Road, Kennedy Drive and Kimball Avenue.
6. Blue circle #6 refers to development of an internal roadway networklinking Queen City Park Road with Fayette Drive through the Martin’sFoods and Southland properties.
7. Blue circle #7 refers to development of an appropriate roadway system
between Hinesburg Road and Dorset Street through the Marceau andChittenden properties.
8. Blue circle #8 refers to acquisition of right-of-way and completion of areconfigured intersection at Spear Street and Swift Street.
9. Blue circle #9 refers to proposed recreation paths within 20’ planned
City rights of way.
8/30/2021
0 0.5 10.25
Miles
City of South Burlington
Official Map (Citywide)DRAFT
575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com
South Burlington Planning Commission
Proposed Official Map
Amendment & Adoption Report
Planning Commission Public Hearing Tuesday July 13, 2021
In accordance with 24 V.S.A. §4441, the South Burlington Planning Commission has prepared the
following report regarding the proposed amendments and adoption of the City’s Official Map.
Outline of the Proposed Overall Amendments
The South Burlington Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 7:00
pm, via GoToMeeting electronic platform, to consider the following amendments to the South
Burlington Official Map:
A. OM-21-01: Replace planned roadway connecting Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road with a
planned 20’ wide right-of-way and extending the planned multi-use path to connect to Hinesburg
Road at two (2) locations
B. OM-21-02: Remove planned roadway connecting IDX Drive and Sebring Road to Overlook Drive /
Deerfield Drive.
Brief Description and Findings Concerning the Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments have been considered by the Planning Commission for their consistency
with the text, goals, and objectives of the City of South Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted
February 1, 2016. For each of the amendments, the Commission has addressed the following as
enumerated under 24 VSA 4441(c):
“…The report shall provide a brief explanation of the proposed bylaw, amendment, or repeal and shall
include a statement of purpose as required for notice under section 4444 of this title, and shall include
findings regarding how the proposal:
(1) Conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the municipal plan, including the
effect of the proposal on the availability of safe and affordable housing.
(2) Is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
(3) Carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned community facilities.”
2
A. OM-21-01: Replace planned roadway connecting Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road with a
planned 20’ wide right-of-way and extending the planned multi-use path to connect to Hinesburg
Road at two (2) locations.
Brief explanation of the proposed amendment:
This amendment would remove the planned roadway connection from Swift Street Extension to
Hinesburg Road via Landon Road depicted on the present official map.
This planned infrastructure would be replaced on the Official Map with a 20’ wide right-of-way and
planned paved multi-use path maintaining this same link to Landon Road and adding a second link
to Hinesburg Road north of this point as shown in the Comprehensive Plan.
(1) Conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the municipal plan, including the
effect of the proposal on the availability of safe and affordable housing.
(2) Is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
(3) Carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned community facilities.
The 2016 Comprehensive Plan includes several goals and policies that relate to transportation
infrastructure in this area:
Maps & Analysis
• Map 10, Planned Infrastructure Improvements, shows a “planned roadway” in this location
connecting Swift Street Extension to Hinesburg Road.
• Summary of Proposed Transportation Improvements, cross-referenced to Map 10, discusses
the planned roadway as follows (p. 2-69):
• Map 6, Planned Rec Lanes and Paths, shows a “Proposed Rec Path” connecting Swift Street
Extension to Hinesburg Road via Langdon Road.
3
• Map 11, Future Land Use, depicts the area immediately east of Swift Street Extension and
the Village at Dorset Park / Veterans Memorial Park as “Very Low Intensity, Principally Open
Space.”
• Maps 7 & 8, Primary and Secondary Conservation areas, indicate the presence of water
features, deciduous forest, and habitat blocks in the area immediately east of Swift Street
Extension and the Village at Dorset Park / Veterans Memorial Park.
• The Southeast Quadrant Future Land Use section discusses the subject of east-west roads as
follows pp 3-36 to 3-37):
“East-West and Neighborhood Connector Roads: One of the most difficult issues for South Burlington
has been the provision of east-west connector roads between Spear Street, Dorset Street, and
Hinesburg Road, and provision of connections between adjacent subdivisions.
“Despite the fact that a network of east-west roads has been shown on the City’s Official Map and
included in the Comprehensive Plan for over 40 years, at the present time, the only full connection
between the north-south roads in the SEQ is Cheese Factory Road. Nowland Farm Road terminates at
Dorset Heights; Swift Street terminates at the Village at Dorset Park; and Midland Avenue terminates
within Dorset Farms.
“The lack of east-west roadways means, effectively, that the SEQ presently has over 1,000 housing units
and regional traffic moving through a farming community’s roadway network. The lack of east-west
connections increases travel times and miles traveled between, for example, Butler Farms and Village
at Dorset Park, or Dorset Farms and Shelburne Road. When east-west and neighborhood connector
roads are lacking, school bus routes and emergency service responses also are lengthened, and there
is less physical connectivity between neighborhoods, creating an isolating development,
transportation, infrastructure and social network in the SEQ.
“The flip side of this discussion relates to the potential environmental impacts of new roadways on
wetlands and other environmental resources, and the desire of many residents to have as little
“through traffic” as possible able to drive through their neighborhoods. Proposed roadway connections
between new and existing neighborhoods are a frequent source of conflict in the development review
process, and, against the policy of the City, the DRB has in some cases allowed one-way or “emergency
only” roadways as a way to allow projects to proceed.
“Also, wetland regulations are often interpreted in a manner that considers connector roads an
“unnecessary impact” or an easy way to reduce wetland impacts. This interpretation is often self-
defeating from an environmental perspective, since it leads to greater vehicle miles traveled by new
residents when neighborhoods do not connect to other neighborhoods and the street network.
“One key issue where there has been increasing agreement on all sides is the need to design east-west
and neighborhood connector roads with narrower profiles and other environmental design features,
such as box or open-bottom culverts instead of pipes for wetland and stream crossings, narrower road
profiles (especially at crossing points), wildlife-friendly landscaping, and other traffic-calming features.
Th ese approaches, which can be incorporated with the City’s public service and roadway maintenance
practices, should become “standard operating procedure” for new development in the SEQ.
“With these issues in mind, the Planning Commission evaluated the planned crosstown roads on the
Official Map in 2003 and proposed a series of amendments that were adopted by City Council in
December, 2003. This Comprehensive Plan reaffirms that the remaining proposed roadways through
the SEQ that are shown on the Official Map should be constructed.”
4
Comprehensive Plan Goals:
• Develop a safe and efficient transportation system that supports pedestrian, bicycle, and transit
options while accommodating the automobile;
• Promote conservation of identified important natural areas, open spaces, aquatic resources, air
quality, arable land and other agricultural resources, historic sites and structures, and recreational
assets;
Comprehensive Plan Objectives:
• Objective 18. Connect neighborhoods with one another via road segments and with commercial
areas for local, slow speed circulation.
• Objective 31. Conserve, restore and enhance biological diversity within the City, through careful site
planning and development that is designed to avoid adverse impacts to critical wildlife resources, and
that incorporates significant natural areas, communities and wildlife habitats as conserved open
space.
• Objective 60. Give priority to the conservation of contiguous and interconnected open space areas
within this quadrant outside of those areas [districts, zones] specifically designated for development.
Comprehensive Plan Strategies:
• Strategy 37. Due to increased development and the desire to protect natural resources, update the
South Burlington Planned East-West Roads Analysis
• Strategy 43. Work with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission to complete
transportation network analyses and network studies for areas anticipated for development and
transportation need, including examination of an I-89 Interstate interchange at Hinesburg Road or
other location.
• Strategy 45. Develop and build a City-wide sidewalk and recreation path plan that identifies and
prioritizes gaps to link various neighborhood and community focal points.
• Strategy 67. Substantially restrict new subdivision and development from primary resource
conservation areas to include hazardous and environmentally sensitive areas identified, mapped and
regulated by the City. Minimize the adverse impacts of new subdivision and development, including
resource fragmentation and encroachment, within secondary resource conservation areas, to include
those resources of state or local significance as indicated on available resource maps, identified in
available inventories and studies, and confirmed through site investigation.
• Strategy 68. Redefine open space in new developments such that usable, quality open space shall be
required. Qualifying open space should include civic spaces, recreation, wildlife habitat, and usable
agricultural lands.
• Strategy 137. Through the development review process, land conservation initiatives, and
development of Zoning Map amendments for the SEQ, work towards the addition of supplemental
conserved areas adjacent and connected to existing open space lands.
• Strategy 138. Maintain measures in the LDRs and SEQ zoning map to ensure that open spaces in all
developments affecting secondary natural areas be designed in a manner to ensure continued
connectivity between other open spaces and the preservation of “stepping stone” or other pockets of
important wildlife habitat.
• Strategy 139. Consult the Arrowwood Environmental SEQ Environmental Assessment regarding
environmental resources, conditions, and possible strategies for protecting wildlife habitat values
through conservation, restoration and development.
5
In the time since the adoption of the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, the City has completed planning studies
which have further informed the transportation and natural resources subjects referenced above. These
include:
• 2020 VT 116 / Kimball Avenue / Tilley Drive Area Land Use & Transportation Plan, prepared by
VHB
• 2020 South Burlington Habitat Block Assessment and Ranking, prepared by Arrowwood
Environmental
The Tilley Drive study provides an analysis of the impacts of a Swift Street Extension connector to
Hinesburg Road both being constructed and not being installed. The report identifies pros and cons of
each and concludes that a final decision on the connection should be based on a wide range of factors:
“As shown in the above figure, the addition of the Swift Street Extension pulls traffic away from
Kennedy Drive and Hinesburg Road and increases volumes along upper Dorset Street and Swift Street
as traffic takes advantage of the new east-west connector. Traffic volumes along Kennedy Drive
between Dorset Street and Hinesburg Road are expected to decrease by approximately 24% while
volumes on VT 116 adjacent to Tilley Drive are expected to decrease by approximately 15% with the
Swift Street Extension in place. Future evening peak hour traffic volumes on Swift Street east of Dorset
Street are expected to increase from approximately 125 PM peak hour trips to approximately 1,200
PM peak hour trips with the addition of the Swift Street Extension.” (p. 25)
…
“With the Swift Street Extension added in as an additional connector road, additional east-west
connectivity would be provided in this area. The need for east-west connectivity, which has been
identified in South Burlington’s Comprehensive Plan, would be enhanced by this connection. In
addition to meeting the east-west connectivity need, the Swift Street Extension would also enhance
emergency vehicle access to the area.
“However, the extension of Swift Street would also have implications for residents of the Village at
Dorset Park who would see evening peak hour volumes along Swift Street increase from approximately
125 PM peak hour trips to approximately 1,200 PM peak hour trips with full land use build-out of the
study area. The Swift Street Extension would also draw traffic off adjacent arterials designed to handle
higher traffic volumes (e.g. Kennedy Drive is expected to see traffic volumes reduce approximately 24%
with the Swift Street Extension in place). Additionally, as shown previously in this report, the Swift
Street Extension would also have environmental impacts to potential wetlands, habitat blocks, and
threatened species.
“The Swift Street Extension could be designed and constructed in a manner that discourages cut-
through trips (i.e. through traffic calming and/or curvilinear features), however the environmental
impacts would remain. The decision of whether to proceed with the Swift Street Extension should be
based on a wide-range of factors including both traffic and environmental impacts, along with broader
policy implications (e.g. merits of enhanced connectivity vs. concerns over cut-through traffic,
connectivity to a future educational complex, future development of the Hill Farm parcel, emergency
vehicle connectivity), costs, and public input.” (pp 36-37)
The 2020 Habitat Block Assessment and Ranking identifies 26 habitat blocks of at least 20 acres in size in
the City and provided an evaluation of their relative value in supporting a diverse suit of wildlife within
the City based on 10 different evaluation criteria. The Habitat Block that includes a portion of this planned
6
infrastructure ranks #7 and received high individual rankings for size, connectivity, and amount of core
habitat.
Upon review of all of the information above, the results of recently-completed reports, and an
assessment of the competing objectives within the Plan, the Planning Commission concludes the
following concerning removing the Planned Roadway shown on the present Official Map, retaining a 20’
planned public right-of-way, and extending the recreation path to two connection points at Hinesburg
Road:
• The amendment, on balance, conforms with the goals and policies contained in the
Comprehensive Plan.
• The amendment will not affect the availability of safe and affordable housing and is compatible
with the proposed future land uses and densities of the Comprehensive Plan as no changes to
those subjects are proposed.
• The amendment continues to carry out proposals for planned community facilities in a manner
that reflects the Plan’s overall goals and priorities while reserving options for the future.
The recreation path finally, will provide connectivity for pedestrians & cyclists between neighborhoods
as well as to Veterans Memorial Park and Wheeler Nature Park.
B. OM-21-02: Remove planned roadway connecting IDX Drive and Sebring Road to Overlook Drive /
Deerfield Drive.
Brief explanation of the proposed amendment:
This amendment would remove the planned roadway connection between IDX Drive /Sebring Road
and Overlook Drive / Deerfield Drive. This proposed changes was previously considered in
development of the Comprehensive Plan and is no longer proposed in the Plan that was adopted in
2016.
(1) Conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the municipal plan, including the
effect of the proposal on the availability of safe and affordable housing.
As noted above, this proposed connection was eliminated in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. This
amendment therefore directly implements that policy decision.
(2) Is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan.
The removal of this connection will not have an effect upon proposed future land uses and
densities of the municipal plan.
(3) Carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned community facilities.
As noted above, this proposed connection was eliminated in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan. This
amendment therefore directly implements that policy decision
MEMO
To: Jessie Baker, City Manager
From: Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works
Date: August 26, 2021
Re: South Burlington Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan
SUMMARY
Emerald ash borer (EAB), is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan in
2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae feed on the inner
bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB probably
arrived in the US on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in
its native Asia. As of 2018, it is found in 32 states, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario,
Quebec, and Manitoba. Since its discovery, EAB has:
1. Killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America.
2. Caused regulatory agencies and the USDA to enforce quarantines and fines to prevent
potentially infested ash trees, logs or hardwood firewood from moving out of areas where
EAB occurs.
3. Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries
hundreds of millions of dollars.
4. Once infested, ash trees rapidly decline and are killed in 3-5 years.
BACKGROUND
In May 2018, EAB was on the verge of entering Chittenden County prompting Public Works staff
to give City Council a presentation on EAB (see attached). Later that year during the FY’20
budget process an Emerald Ash Borer project was added to the CIP (see attached CIP project
sheet) showing $1.2M in expenses spread across seven years. The project was described as:
DESCRIPTION: The City owns 770 ash trees and with the coming spread of EAB
disease, we need to 1) remove the trees before they become infected and 2) replant the
following year with a TBD species.
JUSTIFICATION: To avoid the loss of 770 city street trees to disease, we are proactively
removing them and then replanting.
The project was also included in the FY’21 and FY’22 budgets and has about five years left. At
the beginning of this project the City owned 775 ash street trees, primarily located in the
following neighborhoods:
1. Village at Dorset Park
2. Dorset Farms
3. Nowland Farm and a few streets
east and west of the golf course
4. Deerfield
To date we have removed 141 ash trees, replanted 65, and we have 64 under contract to be
planted this fall/next spring. We still have 634 remaining ash street trees in the city.
Public Works staff has removed a few dozen of the trees and the rest have been contracted out.
Our average price per tree for removal, stump grinding and tree replanting is $900. Our initial
CIP estimate was $1,500/tree, so we are hopeful we will spend significantly less than the $1.2M
overall budgeted.
When planting new trees to replace a removed ash, the City has been selecting trees from a list,
which continues to evolve annually based on availability, pricing and our goal of establishing a
diverse inventory of new street trees.
1. River Birch
2. Baumanii Horsechestnut (fruitless)
3. Ginkgo ‘Presidential Gold’, ‘Halka’,
‘Magyar’
4. Honeylocust
5. Amur maackia (small tree 25 ft)
6. London Planetree ‘Exclamation’,
‘Bloodgood’
7. Swamp White Oak
8. Red Oak
9. Kentucky Coffee Tree
‘Espresso’(seedless)
10. Accolade Elm
11. Regal Elm
12. Shingle Oak
13. Freeman Maple ‘Sienna Glenn’ or
‘Celebration’
There are other management options for dealing with EAB, including treating the trees with an
insecticide instead of removing them. From the City of Montpelier’s EAB Management Plan
(attached):
Treatment of the ash trees does not guarantee long-term survival of those trees because
once treatment starts it cannot end without the tree succumbing to EAB. At a minimum,
treatment provides time for the City and homeowners to plant replacement trees and for
those trees to develop and contribute to the cityscape.
Insecticide treatment would need to continue annually or biennially for the remainder of a tree’s
life. The treatment cost for this insecticide is $12/inch of tree diameter. For our remaining 634 ash
trees that have an average diameter of 12”, our annual cost, assuming we could treat them
biennially, for the treatment is in the $50,000 range (634/2 * $12/inch of diameter * 12”
diameter).
Based on the above, staff’s initial recommendation and eventual CIP project was to proactively
remove our street ash trees as soon as possible along with interplanting new trees.
An additional consideration is the ~600 acres of forested and conserved land the City owns that
undoubtably contains hundreds of ashes. We have no intention of doing any removal of ashes in
these areas. The City welcomes any group into these areas with the goals of improving public
access to the land and its forests, increasing educational opportunities or any other purpose.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council allow Public Works to continue the
EAB capital project as originally approved, specifically to proactively remove our street ash trees
and replace them with new trees.
List of attachments
1. May 2018 EAB Presentation to City Council
2. FY’20 EAB CIP page
3. City of Montpelier EAB Management Plan (with pertinent sections highlighted)
South Burlington City Council
Meeting –May 21, 2018
Presentation by:
-Adam Cate, Deputy Director
Operations
-Craig Lambert, City Arborist
-Justin Rabidoux, Director
What is Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB), is an exotic beetle that was
discovered in southeastern Michigan in 2002. The adult
beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The
larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the
tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB probably
arrived in the US on solid wood packing material carried in
cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia. As of
February 2018, it is now found in 32 states, and the
Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba.
Since its discovery, EAB has:
1. Killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America.
2. Caused regulatory agencies and the USDA to enforce
quarantines and fines to prevent potentially infested ash
trees, logs or hardwood firewood from moving out of areas
where EAB occurs.
3. Cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators
and forest products industries hundreds of millions of dollars.
State of Vermont Actions
Slow the Spread -EAB’s most common and damaging mode of transportation is by hitching a ride on firewood into a new area. To slow the spread, Vermont is recommending that no ash firewood that has not been heat treated be transported out of the known infested area. Ash firewood may be transported within the infested area.
Quarantine of Invasive Emerald Ash Borer -Vermont has joined the US Dept of Agriculture’s 31-state quarantine boundary. The quarantine will
help reduce the movement of infested ash wood to un-infested regions outside of Vermont’s borders. Ash wood may not be moved from
Vermont to Maine, Rhode Island, or 5 counties in New Hampshire because the pest has not been identified in these states and counties.
Vermont will be directing available resources to protect state forest health by providing Vermonters with low-risk options for use and disposal
of wood that is already infested.
Swift Street Extension
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Woodpeckers feed on the
larvae, damaging the bark
South Burlington: 760 Ash trees in
ROW-Replacement cost
$450,000
80% of our ash trees
are in the highlighted
three neighborhoods
MANAGEMENT
OPTIONS
Interplantng –already underway in SB;
establishes a canopy to replace the
ashes to be removed
Proactive Removal
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Direct Injection
Soil Injection
Treatment occurs prior to a tree becoming infested. It involves
the injection of pesticides into/around the tree. It is seen as a
way to prolong the life of an ash if/when it becomes infested
while replacement trees are planted/funds raised. This is to be
viewed as a temporary option only and will not stop the
eventual death of an ash once it’s infested.
Next Steps
Continue to monitor the spread of the disease in Vermont
Work with City management during upcoming budget talks to
establish revenues necessary to deal with the eventual arrival of EAB
Continue to interplant
Evaluate the pros/cons of treatment
Continue community outreach and education
Start the proactive removals of selected areas with City staff. If
removal is not done incrementally over the coming years we will be
forced to contract with landscaping companies at a large expense
if we are suddenly hit with EAB.
OVERVIEW OF GENERAL FUNDCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM EXPENDITURES TOTALED BY EXPENDITURE COSTS AND FUNDING SOURCEPROJECT:Removal of infected ash trees0DEPARTMENT/STAFF CONTACT:FINANCIALS (in $1,000)FY 20FY 21FY 22FY 23FY 24FY 25FY 26FY 27FY 28FY 29Total:Estimated Costs:Studies, Design, Engineering, Inspection, GC, Legal‐ Land/ROW/Easement Acquisition‐ Construction 50 200 200 200 200 200 150 1,200 Furniture & Equipment‐ TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS:50 200 200 200 200 200 150 ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,200 Funding Sources:General Fund50 200 200 200 200 200 150 ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,200 Grant/Donation/Developer Contribution‐ Current Bond‐ Anticipated Bond‐ Road Improvement Impact Fee‐ Trade‐In Generated Revenues‐ Other‐ TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES:50 200 200 200 200 200 150 ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,200 STATUS: Hope to begin this multi‐year effort in FY'20DESCRIPTION: The City owns 770 ash trees and with the coming spread of EAB disease, we need to 1) remove the trees before they become infected and 2) replant the following year with a TBD species.OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT: N/AJUSTIFICATION: To avoid the loss of 770 city street trees to disease, we are proactively removing them and then replantingAVG ESTIMATED SAVINGS PER YEAR:FINANCIALS COMMENT: Year 1 is removal, all following years are removal and replantingAVE ESTIMATED REVENUES PER YEAR:Public Works/Justin RabidouxDraft FY 2020-2029 Capital Improvement Program - South Burlington, VT updated 11/14/2018Page 23 of 127
MEMO
To: Jessie Baker, City Manager
From: Justin Rabidoux, Director of Public Works
Date: August 26, 2021
Re: Peterson Terrace Parking
SUMMARY In early August staff was forwarded an email (excerpted below) from a Peterson
Terrace resident who was concerned about airport customers using Peterson Terrace for parking:
“Before covid Peterson Terrace would have at least 1 to 2 cars a week parking on the
street and using the airport. I am requesting a no parking sign(s) on Peterson as there is
an increasing trend to use the street as a parking place to use the airport. The sentiment
of the neighbors is that there is concern that given the increase in travel, there will also
come an increase in travelers using Peterson as a parking lot.”
Staff met to discuss the issue and conducted numerous visits to determine what the on-site
conditions were. Peterson Terrace is an uncurbed 21-foot-wide road with no parking prohibitions
(aside from the winter overnight ban that applies to all city streets). During these visits staff
witnessed few to no vehicles parking on the street. Peterson Terrace is one of about ten city
streets in a neighborhood close to the airport. All these streets share similar 1) land use and
density, 2) proximity to the airport, 3) street width and lack of curbing and 4) the potential to be
subject to airport customer parking.
Peterson Terrace has a parallel street (Barber Terrace) and an adjacent road (Lynn Avenue) that
should to be considered in any review as well, since changes to only one of these three roads
would impact the other two.
BACKGROUND The city has reviewed similar parking concerns in recent years as outlined
below.
1. Concerns on Elizabeth and Patrick Streets about overflow airport parking
In 2014, residents of Elizabeth and Patrick Streets worked with the city to implement new parking
regulations aimed at curtailing airport customers from parking on their roads. The main goals of
this effort were to put together a plan that worked for everyone as our parking ordinances do not
distinguish between airport parkers or cars belonging to the adjacent property owners and come
up with a solution that did not just chase this same problem over to the next set of streets. This
public process was led by the City Manager and the Director of Public Works, involved numerous
public meetings and ultimately lasted 14 months culminating in the below plan.
2. Concerns on Brookwood Drive about overflow commercial mixed-use parking
In 2018, a new mixed-use building (apartments on the second floor and medical on the ground
floor) was built at the corner of Dorset Street and Brookwood Drive. This property created, in the
opinion of abutting single-family owners, parking and safety concerns due to the overflow
parking from the new building. For over a year the Planning Director, other city staff and Council
worked with the neighbors and as a result in late-2019 parking prohibitions were put in place on
Brookwood Drive prohibiting parking on the south side of the street.
RECOMMENDATION In both of the above instances deliberate processes intended to gather
broad public engagement were put in place that lasted over a year. Staff proposes to continue to
monitor the situation on Peterson Terrace and report back to the City Council when changes
become necessary, at which time the public would be engaged in a manner similar to past efforts.
Staff also recommends that the Council consider tasking the City Manager with developing a
policy and protocol for consideration of this and future requests based on best practices in parking
management in communities of similar scale.
View in browser
From:Helen Riehle
To:Tom Chittenden; Tim Barritt; Meaghan Emery; Matt Cota; Jessie Baker
Subject:Fwd: EXTERNAL: STACVA Program 2021 | Your Community Could Receive a Cash Award
Date:Monday, August 2, 2021 9:58:59 PM
This is the community award email I mentioned tonight.
Helen
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: info@civic-volunteer.comDate: August 2, 2021 at 11:46:36 AM EDTTo: Helen Riehle <hriehle@sburl.com>Subject: EXTERNAL: STACVA Program 2021 | Your Community Could Receivea Cash AwardReply-To: info@civic-volunteer.com
This message has originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment
and caution when opening attachments, clicking links, or responding to this email.
STACVA Logo
Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award
(STACVA)
Now Accepting Nominations Through October 15
Helen,
STACVA intends to help address the critical shortage of civic volunteers by recognizing
100 extraordinary public service volunteers in localities with populations under 25,000
people, as nominated by any elected or administrative official from an eligible locality, with
the approval of the chief elected official.
Localities represented by the top 100 are eligible to receive volunteer management
module and 12 months of free ongoing support services from CivicPlus®, with the top three
also receiving cash awards of $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively.
Click here to get inspired by the stories from last year’s winners, and then click below to
begin your application.
Submit My Nomination
STACVA is sponsored by CivicPlus, the largest provider of online services to the local
government sector throughout the United States.
CivicPlus, 302 South 4th Street, Suite 500, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, 888-228-2233
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180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
To: South Burlington City Council
From: Jessie Baker, City Manager
Andrew Bolduc, Deputy City Manager
Martha Machar, Finance Officer
Date: September 3, 2021
Re: FY23 Budget Process
While we are only two months into the fiscal year, Fall brings with it budget season! The
Leadership Team has started to plan for the FY23 budget process and tonight we request your
approval of the FY23 Budget Schedule.
There are a few changes I am recommending this budget cycle that are reflected in the attached
Schedule.
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) with Budget: Historically, South Burlington has considered
the CIP in advance of the full budget. I recommend reviewing these together. This will allow
us to better tie together capital investments we are making with the resources necessary to
staff and maintain these assets. Additionally, this will enable us to make one set of
budgetary decisions with a full understanding of how these decisions impact one another.
• Budget Presentations: I recommend three nights of budget presentations grouped by
service area. This will allow us intentionality in telling the story of the budget to both the
Council and community, raising emerging issues for future consideration, and answering
specific questions the Council and community may have.
o Part 1:
▪ General Government: Administration, Clerk, Facilities, Finance, Tax/Assessing,
Information Technology, Legal, and Planning & Zoning, Physical Plant
▪ Culture and Recreation: Library and Recreation & Parks
o Part 2:
▪ Public Safety: Fire & Ambulance and Police & Dispatch
o Part 3:
▪ Public Services: Streets & Highways, Stormwater, Waste Water, Water
▪ Community Development: TIF, Open Space, Penny for Paths
With these changes, we can provide the most comprehensive picture of the City’s finances,
operations, and priorities following the Policy Priorities and Strategies process and in advance of
the City’s Annual Meeting. Please review and let us know whether you have any questions or
concerns prior to a holding a motion whether to approve the FY 23 Budget Schedule.
FY23 BUDGET SCHEDULE
*Denotes regular City Council meeting dates
August Staff liaison discusses FY23 CIP and General Fund/Special Funds with committees
and solicit input & recommendations for funding
September 3 CIP Forms provided to Department Heads
September 7* Council Approval of FY23 Budget Schedule
September 10 General Fund Budget forms provided to Department Heads
September 20* Council Goal setting Discussion
October 1 First Draft of FY23 Budget and CIP forms due from Department Managers to
Finance
November 3 Management review of Draft Budget with Department Managers
November 17 Management final review of FY23 Budget with Department Managers
December 3 Proposed CIP and Draft FY23 Budget sent to Council
December 6* Departmental CIP, General Fund/Special Funds budget presentation to Council
(Part 1)
General Government
-Administration
-Clerk
-Facilities
-Finance
-Tax/Assessing
-Information Technology
-Legal
-Planning & Zoning
-Physical Plant
Culture and Recreation
-Library
-Recreation & Parks
December 20* Departmental CIP, General Fund/Special Funds budget presentation to Council
(Part 2)
Public Safety
-Fire & Ambulance
-Police & Dispatch
January 3* Departmental CIP, General Fund/Special Funds budget presentation to Council
(Part 3)
Public Services
-Streets & Highways
-Stormwater
-Waste Water
-Water
Community Development
-Energy Projects
-TIF
-Open Space
-Penny for Paths
January 10 –
Special Meeting
FY23 Proposed Budget Public Hearing & Potential Council Budget approval and
Amendment of CIP. Council budget sent to steering committee (min. 45 days
before vote)
January 19 –
Special Meeting
Steering Committee Meeting (tentative, post in paper 7 days in advance)
January 20-27 Budget book preparation & printing
Council budget available to voters (min 20 days before Town Meeting Day)
January 28 Post & Publish Warnings and Public Hearing Notices (min. 30 days) for March 1
Pre-Town Mtg. & Public Hearing and March 1 Town Meeting Vote
Budget booklets available & posted on websites
February 28 Pre-Town Meeting & Public Hearing on City & School District
March 1 Vote on budgets and any other warned articles
To: Vermont Selectboards and City Councils
From: Miro Weinberger, President, VLCT Board of Directors
Re: VLCT Annual Business Meeting Voting Delegates and Procedure
Date: August 19, 2021
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official Meeting Notice
As part of Town Fair, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns will hold its annual business
meeting on Wednesday, September 29, at 1 p.m. The VLCT Annual Meeting will be a hybrid
meeting, providing in-person programming at the Doubletree at 870 Williston Road in South
Burlington, Vermont, and virtual participation using online conference software. The annual
meeting will be held in conjunction with the VLCT Property and Casualty Intermunicipal Fund
(PACIF) and the VLCT Employment Resource and Benefits Trust (VERB) annual meetings.
Any VLCT voting-member wishing to vote at the VLCT Annual Meeting must designate a
representative by Friday, September 17. To ensure that all VLCT member cities and towns
are properly represented and able to participate in the election of League officers, and any
other item that may properly come before the membership, we are asking you – as your
municipality’s legislative body – to designate one official from your town as a Voting
Delegate for the meeting. This designation will ensure that each town is heard and uses the
vote to which it is entitled.
Please designate your Voting Delegate using the Town Fair registration site
(www.vlct.org/townfair). Simply click register, and then select a ticket that corresponds to the
Voting Delegate’s intended participation preference (virtual or in-person). The Voting
Delegate ticket is free and does not register the delegate for Town Fair. If you or other
members of your municipality wish to participate in the in-person activities on the 29th or the
virtual workshops offered the week of October 4th, be sure to select those corresponding
tickets during registration.
In-person participants on Wednesday, September 29, may wish to also register for a training
on election law changes from Secretary of State Jim Condos’ office, lunch at the Doubletree
Hotel and Conference Center, and other networking opportunities.
We are committed to taking every step possible to allow us to assemble safely. We know
there is a high degree of uncertainty with the continually changing status of COVID-19 cases.
We encourage everyone to take precautions including getting vaccinated, wearing a
mask, maintaining physical distance, and washing hands frequently. We'll have more
information to share once we are closer to the annual meeting date. We are also fully
prepared to transition our in-person activities to virtual should the need arise.
Enclosure: 2021 VLCT Annual Meeting Governing Rules
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
To: South Burlington City Council
From: Jessie Baker, City Manager
Date: September 3, 2021
Re: City Attorney Appointment
It is with great excitement that I request that you appoint Colin K. McNeil, Esq. as the City
Attorney for the City of South Burlington under your authority in Section 13-301. of the City’s
Charter which states, “…Officers; general provisions… (2) The council by majority vote of all its
members shall appoint annually… the city attorney.” This appointment would go into effect on
September 13, 2021.
We advertised for the position in late June 2021 and received a very talented pool of candidates.
Andrew Bolduc and Amanda Lafferty conducted first round interviews with six candidates.
Three were invited in for second round interviews with Andrew, Chief Burke, Justin Rabidoux,
Marla Keene, and myself. And I spoke directly to our two finalists. Colin was clearly the top
candidate and we are excited to have him join the team.
Colin comes to us from McNeil, Leddy & Sheahan, P.C., a Burlington law firm specializing in
representing municipalities, school districts and other government entities as general counsel,
civil defense counsel, and in the areas of employment and labor relations law. During his nearly
13 years with the firm, Colin represented many municipal clients, such as the City of Burlington,
City of St. Albans, Town of Williston, and the Town of Essex. Most recently, Colin’s practice has
centered around serving as general counsel and labor/employment counsel to municipalities,
school districts, including South Burlington and Burlington School Districts, and other entities
such as the State of Vermont and the Howard Center. Additionally, Colin knows South Burlington
well having worked with the City over the past several years, representing the City Council and
Development Review Board as conflict counsel and on special projects.
Colin’s municipal law expertise, familiarity with Vermont statutes, ethical nature, and belief in
service makes him exceptionally qualified to be our next City Attorney.
Recommended Motion: To appoint Colin K. McNeil, Esq as City Attorney for the City of South
Burlington effective September 13, 2021.