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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 05/03/1971SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 3, 1971 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting at the Middle School Library, Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont, on Monday, May 3, 1971, at 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Charles H. Behney, Chairman; Gregory L. Premo, Raymond E. Stearns, and Frederick G. Blais. MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT City Manager Janes, City Engineer Szymanski, Superintendent of Public Works Frank Clark, Fire Chief Monell, Acting Chief Assessor Underwood, Highway Department Foreman Audette, Franklyn C. McCaffrey, Maurice F. Senesac, Paul F. Heald, Arthur Shields, Zoning Administrator Ward, Charlotte C. Marsh, Free Press Reporter Loring, Rena E. Calkins, Leland E. Calkins, Arlene F. Krapcho, Peter Jacob, Champlain Water District Executive Director Richard Emerick, Thomas Breen and Robert Burnell of the Recreation Department, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Bull, Ronald C. Schmucker, Nan Froymoyer, Patricia Fastiggi, William B. Wessell, Attorney Robinson, and several South Burlington residents. LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD MEETING Chairman Behney opened the meeting of the Liquor Control Board at 7:30 P.M. The Board considered, approved, and signed the application of William Vetters of the Sav-Mor I.G.A., 40 Airport Road, South Burlington, Vermont. The Liquor Control Board Meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M. REGULAR MEETING Chairman Behney opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, at 7:40 P.M. READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 19, 1970 MEETING On motion made by Mr. Premo, seconded by Mr. Stearns, and passed unanimously, the minutes of the April 19, 1971 meeting were approved as read. DISBURSEMENTS Chairman Behney reminded the Councilmen that the disbursement orders were on the table to be signed before the meeting adjourned. CHAMPLAIN WATER DISTRICT DISCUSSION Chairman Behney explained that Councilman Stearns had requested this item to be placed on the agenda. Councilman Stearns remarked on his reason for the request, saying he had received many calls from residents objecting to the installation of the water tower on Dorset Street. Arthur Shields spoke for those opposing the installation, going step by step over all the details that led up to this request to meet with the Council. He emphasized that all the minutes of the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment had been thoroughly researched and the Planning Commission had never given approval for the installation of the water tower on Dorset Street. He also said he questioned the legality of an amendment that he said "had been rushed through at the last minute" which give the Water District the Governmental and not Proprietory power. Mr. Stearns remarked on the situation in Burlington, where the field of oil tanks obstruct the view of the Adirondacks, and said South Burlington should look ahead and be aware that what was allowed now would affect the residents for years to come. Mr. Blais wondered if the tower could be designed as an observation tower and be made a landmark for the City. He said there were some thoughts of approaching HUD with such a concept. Mr. Sheilds then said his group was not opposed to the concept of a storage tower, and were taking action as they would like to have it redesigned, but said he had been told many times that this was not economically feasible. Mr. Ronald Schmucker, Mrs. Nan Frymoyer and Charlotte C. Marsh also presented their views on the installation of the storage tank, and their feelings were that possibly the tower would not have to be built at the height planned, and serious consideration should be given to having the whole plan studied by an impartial engineer. Mr. Sheilds repeated that since the Water District's Charter had been amended, making the District a Municipal body, the District can use land as it wants to without going to the City for permission. Mr. William Robinson, Attorney from Attorney Mikell's office also explained in detail the powers of the District since the amendment was passed. Mr. Stearns asked where do we go from here. Chairman Behney said the only thing is to have an impartial opinion given, wondering who would pay for the service, the City, the Water District, or the Water Department. CHAMPLAIN WATER DISTRICT DISCUSSION, CONTINUED Mrs. Frymoyer remarked that the City's service needs and the needs of the surrounding area are bound to increase, mentioning the VELCO proposed installation as well as this storage facility for water, and felt that all service needs should be studied in depth. Chairman Behney said there were meetings on the Champlain Water District's proposals for location of the towers, and it was possible that some of the action taken was not documented. Mr. Blais made a motion to have a public meeting on the matter as soon as it could be set up with the interested parties, the South Burlington Water Department, the Champlain Water District, a representative from Hud, a representative from the Water Resource Board, an attorney and the City Council. Mr. Stearns seconded the motion which passed unanimously. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Mr. Janes present two awards each to City Engineer Szymanski, Code Officer Ward and Highway Foreman Audette for participating in two training courses held in Montpelier, one in "Communications", the other in "The Management of Time". The men were congratulated on completion of the courses. REAPPRAISAL PROGRESS Assessor Underwood reported that the residential appraisals would be completed on time as scheduled and would be mailed out to the residents on the 10th and 11th of May. He said the Commercial Properties being appraised by the state would be completed shortly, and the figures would be available to those interested in the Assessor's Office. REAPPRAISAL PROGRESS, CONTINUED Mr. Premo asked if the Personal Property figures had all been checked and Mr. Underwood said they had. Councilman Stearns commended Mr. Underwood and the office force, Lillian Ferrier, Judy Bradbury and Alyce Piche on a job well done. MANAGER'S REPORT ON CENTRAL SCHOOL PROGRESS City Manager Janes reported that the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission was still interested in leasing office space in the upper story of Central School. He explained the number of people on the regular staff was four, that there were 18 delegates on the Commission, and enumerated the meeting dates and anticipated number of persons attending the meeting. Councilman Stearns brought up the question of clearance for such rental from the Fire Marshall, what the rental charge should be, whether there would be ample parking space, and said he doubted that we should rent to them. Chief Monell said he had requested an inspection by the Fire Marshall. Councilman Premo said he would like to see the City Offices moved in and see how things work out before renting to anyone else. Councilman Blais made a motion to table any action on the rental until the parking situation is studied. Mr. Stearns seconded the motion which passed unanimously. CENTRAL SCHOOL VAULT Councilman Blais showed plans of the vault, saying it would be located on the first floor, toward the end of the hall, reinforced from the basement up, with the door and heat and humidity unit transferred from the original vault for a cost of $4100 by Kencliff Construction Company. CENTRAL SCHOOL VAULT, CONTINUED Mr. Blais said the vault was planned to be built according to the State laws on vaults. Mr. Premo made a motion to approve the building of the vault by the Kencliff Construction Company for a price of $4100.00. Mr. Stearns seconded the motion which passed unanimously. CENTRAL SCHOOL READING ROOM Councilman Blais said that there was a rumor that if the City establishes a reading room it would lose the services of the mobile library. He pointed out that this was not true. Chairman Behney said Federal Funds were available to help with establishing the reading room. RED ROCKS OUT-DOOR RECREATION; REPORTS BY RECREATION DIRECTOR, FIRE CHIEF, CITY MANAGER AND MR. BREEN. City Manager Janes said that Mr. Patrick Ryan had asked to move his family into Camp Margaret at Red Rocks, and said he would be able to check up on the area, as a sort of watchman. Mrs. Bull wondered if this would be a regular arrangement, if Mr. Ryan would be at the area all of the time. Mr. Janes said no. There was some question about the legality of renting the cabin since Red Rocks was acquired with HUD funding. No action was taken on the occupancy of the cabin. Mr. Robert Burnell, Recreation Director, read the following memorandum in full on the subject of the removal of camps at Red Rocks Park: "To: Mr. Robert M. Janes, City Manager From: Robert Burnell, Recreation Director Subject: Removal of camps at Red Rocks Park Date: May 3, 1971 MEMORANDUM FROM RECREATION DIRECTOR RE: RED ROCKS, CONTINUED A letter from Mr. Henry Ashe has informed us that burning is not possible and that we need another solution for the removal of camps at Red Rocks Park. These possibilities now exist: 1. The hiring of a professional wrecker locally who can demolish and remove the camps by some specified date. This would have to include the following: A. Removal of real properties. B. Clean-up of dying trees and removal of brush. C. Draining and removal of septic tanks. D. Digging up and removal of sewer pipes that run into the beach. E. Removal of cement foundations that exist in most of the camps. F. Removal of overhead wiring. G. Grading of area with 2-4 tiers. H. General preparation of area for future beach use. I. Clearance of swamp areas and brooks. J. Possible construction of 2-3 foot sea wall along beach area. K. Erection of fences to offer some degree of protection for nearby home owners. L. Limits gates to prevent motorized vehicles from entering residential area other than residents. M. Raking and preparation of the beach for future planning and use. 2. A second alternative would be to advertise for persons who would want to move camps at their expense by a designated date. This is not a desirable method. Of these two possibilities, it would seem that if funds are made available, that a professional wrecker be commissioned to do what is necessary to make the entire beach and adjoining area an acceptable site for projected public use. It is also recommended that Mr. Frank Clark, Public Works Superintendent, be appointed as chief negotiator with whoever is selected as the wrecking company." City Manager Janes then read a letter from John T. Ewing, City Attorney, which read as follows: "We have considered the advisability of the City proceeding with the demolition of camps after May 1. It is our opinion that the City has taken every precaution which could be reasonably expected, and we feel the City may proceed. It is possible that some of the former campers could object, but they have been given ample notice to remove the property." Mr. Janes also read a proposal from the Senesac Building Wrecking Company with two alternatives in cost for removal of the buildings and complying with the other items in Mr. Burnell's report, the cost to be $23,000 for Proposal #1 and $19,300 for Proposal #2. A copy of Mr. Senesac's proposal is filed with and made a part of these minutes. City Manager Janes recommended that there be no burning at Red Rocks, and using City Help, equipment and the Landfill area, demolish and remove the camps with the help of the Senesac Company. Mr. Breen, Chairman of the Beach, Park and Recreation Committee, did not make a recommendation as to how to resolve the problem, but asked that the area be cleared as soon as possible as it was now a fire hazard, and his committee would like to proceed with the development. Chief Monell said he proposed to take over the task with the help of the volunteer firemen and the Street Department personnell. He said that the cabins could be demolished, placed in a depression, and burned under the direct supervision of qualified instructors, as a training program. Mr. Stearns and the other Councilmen objected to any burning, and Mr. Clark explained what he thought could be done which would result in the final analysis in burial in the landfill area. Chairman Behney said that if the buildings were thrown into a ravine and burned, he did not construe it to be burning practice. Mr. Breen said he was having a meeting on Wednesday night, May 5, 1971 at the Patchen Street Center and asked the Council and others to attend so that a decision could be reached as soon as possible. RED ROCKS DISCUSSION, CONTINUED Mr. Blais made a motion to attend the Wednesday night meeting of the Recreation and Red Rocks Committees to resolve this matter as well as to consider the use of the cottage by a caretaker. Mr. Stearns seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Chairman Behney asked Mr. Breen how he proposed to publicize the need of a "yes" vote on the ballot question for bonds not to exceed an amount of $25,000 be issued for the purpose of the development of Red Rocks. Mr. Breen said they had a three-fold plan: 1. Go on Jack Barry's "Open Mike" program. 2. Prepare a presentation for the Free Press. 3. Have a door-to-door campaign where members of the Key Club will pass out brochures. REVIEW COST OF RED ROCKS ACQUISITION Chairman Behney said there was a balance of $53,239.74 due for the Red Rocks acquisition. Highway Foreman Audette asked how the $50,000 donation from the Hatch family was used. Chairman Behney explained that it was applied to the purchase price. FARRELL PARK TENNIS COURTS In speaking of the development of Farrell Park Chairman Breen said that plans were for developing a Little League Field at the base of the Park and construct a Babe Ruth Field in the upper part of the park. There was a discussion on where to locate tennis courts. Mr. Burnell mentioned the town property on Dorset Street as being an ideal location. Some members of the Council thought this should be a school project and the courts should be on school property. FARRELL PARK, CONTINUED Councilman Stearns felt the courts should be built in a central location and wondered if the school couldn't get BOR and State funding. MOTOR VEHICLES ON GRASSED AREAS Robert Burnell asked if there could be an ordinance passed to prohibit all motor vehicles from City grassed areas. Councilman Blais said the City Manager could take care of this by erecting signs. Mr. Breen said he had asked Principal Bruce Ladue to prohibit any parking around the Watson Field, and had been assured this would be done. COUNCILMEN BLAIS AND STEARNS - TOUR OF UVM PARKING FACILITIES The Secretary was asked to set up a date with Mr. Proctor Lovell of the University and Councilmen Blais and Stearns to tour the UVM campus and a date of Thursday, May 13, 1971 at 4 P.M. was suggested. TWO REPORTS FROM THE SOUTH BURLINGTON ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Zoning Administrator Ward reported that Green-Up Day in South Burlington was extremely successful. All streets were completed. He gave out 2700 bags and got about 1200 back. There were a total of 259 bags of cans picked up and 900 bags of trash. Mr. Ward also reported that he and Chief Monell had inspected the Mathon property at 25 Millham Court and he feels the violations have been taken care of and requirements in regard to the last building permit are being met. ZONE CHANGE REQUEST - DORSET STREET - FIRST READING - LAKEVIEW BUICK Chairman Behney read in full a proposed ordinance to change the zoning of the McKenzie property on Dorset Street from Business District A to Business District B. Mr. Stearns made a motion to accept the first reading. Mr. Premo seconded the motion which passed unanimously. The Code Officer was instructed to forward the ordinance to the Planning Commission for recommendation, and to advertise it for a second reading. FIRE CHIEF'S REPORTS In speaking about acquiring Civil Defense Material the Chief said our Fire Station is not built for a shelter so we are not eligible for funds for defense material. Chief Monell reported that he had issued the following for open burning: 9 permits to Pizzigalli Construction Company for burning brush on Dorset Street. 3 permits to S. G. Phillips - brush fire behind Martins on Dorset Street 1 permit to Berard's Construction Company, brush fire at the Grand Union Store on Hinesburg Road. 1 permit to Ralph Goodrich, West Shelburne Road, brush fire across from the Redwood Motel. 20 permits for brush and grass fires to residents Chief Monell said he inspected all the locations for which he had issued permits. The fire department received 16 complaints in April about burning in home incinerators after hours. COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF ADOPTING BUILDING CODES BY ORDINANCE Chairman Behney highly recommended that the adoption of the National Building Codes by ordinance be considered and placed on the Agenda Check List. FULL REPORT BY WEBSTER-MARTIN, INC. RE: PHASE IV SEWER PROGRESS The Chairman and Council members reviewed a written report from the Webster-Marting Co, on the progress of the Construction Phase of Phase IV sewer project. A copy of the report is filed with and made a part of these minutes. Mr. Senesac commended the S. G. Phillips Corporation for the competent manner in which they are doing the construction work in Queen City Park. He said he had heard of no complaints, there had been no transportation tie-ups, and the residents he had talked with were very pleased. Chairman Behney requested that the City Manager prepare a statement showing the total obligated amount subtracted from the bond money for the sewer project. He suggested the item be put on the Agenda Check List. Code Officer Ward reported that he had obtained the easement agreement from the Railroad for the Queen City Park construction. MEETING OF MAY 17, 1971 Chairman Behney read a letter from Superintendent Lull, in which Mr. Lull stated the School Directors felt they had followed the provisions of the Charter in regard to a public hearing on the budget. The Councilmen assumed that the School Board will not appear at an informational meeting CEMETERY COMMITTEE REPORT - CHARLOTTE C. MARSH Miss Marsh gave the following report: "I would like to make a short cemetery report. The Boy Scouts' of Troop #23 should be comended for cleaning up the cemeteries on May 1, 1971. After raking leaves for three hours myself, the Committee has decided to plant no more trees with leaves. We sold a two-space plot last week at the regulation price of $100.00, and Mrs. Florence Vosburgh was interred on April 29, 1971. The Committee has adopted the regulation that corner-marker stones, with initials, shall be installed at buyer's expense within a reasonable time after purchase of a cemetery plot. Respectfully submitted, Charlotte C. Marsh" On a motion made by Mr. Premo and seconded by Mr. Blais, the Councilmen unanimously voted to adjourn at 11:20 P.M. Approved Frederick G. Blais, Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.