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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 07/17/1972SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 17, 1972 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting at the City Hall, Conference Room, 1175 Williston Road, on Monday, July 17, 1972. MEMBERS PRESENT Frederick G. Blais, Chairman; Dr. Harold P. Brown, and Brian J. Gee MEMBERS ABSENT Walter Nardelli and Michael D. Flaherty OTHERS PRESENT William J. Szymanski, City Manager Albert Audette, Jr., Highway Department Foreman Charlotte C. Marsh, 1220 Shelburne Road Arlene Krapcho, 13 Sebring Road Wm. J. Schuele, 33 Clover Street Barbara Bull, 17 East Terrace P. F. Infrate, 26 Cranwell Drive R. G. Gucciardi, 24 Andrews Avenue Harry Shwartz, 3 Deborah Drive Paul Schwartz, 3 Deborah Drive Leo O'Connor, Free Press Reporter Robert Larson, 16 Oak Hill Drive Karin Larson, 16 Oak Hill Drive Robert A. Lang, 15 Yandow Drive Bruce O'Neill, 91 Suburban Square Catherine Hayden, Secretary Chairman Blais called the meeting to order at 7:45 P.M. with the Salute to the Flag, and explained that Councilman Nardelli was absent due to a death in the family and Councilman Flaherty was out of the City on vacation. PRESENTATION OF A PETITION FROM RESIDENTS OF LAUREL HILL AREA FOR THE PURCHASE OF LAND ADJACENT TO THAT DEVELOPMENT Robert Larson of 16 Oak Hill Drive read a petition signed by 58 residents of the Laurel Hill area as follows: "We, the undersigned, are in agreement with the attached request to acquire land adjacent to the Laurel Hill area for a public park. We propose that the park be left in its natural state and be used for unorganized, non-motorized recreation. The beauty of the land prompts our desire to have it left natural. Its relative flatness and accessibility to the residents of Laurel Hill, Laurel Hill South, Twin Orchards, Brewer Parkway and Spear Street makes the land suitable, in its present state, for many informal recreational activities. However its central location in a large residential area makes inappropriate for motorized vehicles. We petition the City Council of South Burlington to examine this request, according to the procedures of Vermont Statutes, Title 24, Chapter 57, Section 2501 as follows: "A fifth or fifty or more of the freeholders of a town, desiring to have a public park or a public square laid in such town for the erection of a soldiers' monument or for other public purpose, may apply by petition in writing to the selectmen of the town requesting them to lay out such park or square. The selectmen shall thereupon examine the premises and appoint a time and place for hearing parties interested, and shall proceed in setting out land, awarding damages, and in all other particulars, as in laying out a highway upon petition of three freeholders. Persons aggrieved by the action of the selectmen shall have the same remedies as are provided for persons aggrieved by the action of selectmen in the laying out of a highway." Mr. Larson then read from a letter dated July 3, 1972 that he had sent to Mrs. Bull as Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, which listed three options for consideration in the effort to obtain open space through the purchase of the land (approximately 50 acres in the area of Laurel Hill, Oak Hill Drive and Andrews Avenue). The options suggested were: "Option 1 - Purchase of the entire 50 acres for use as city park. The topography makes it ideal for ball fields, bicycle paths, etc. Option 2 - Purchase of the approximately 15 to 18 acres, described in paragraph two, which would serve as a buffer between the developments provided that the main part of Mr. Potter's construction takes place between Spear Street and the aforementioned drainageway. Option 3 - Purchase of at least half of the above 15 to 18 acres." Mr. Larson explained that since the city did vote in some money for land acquisition and because he was under the impression that funds might possibly be available from Fire District 4 assets, he now felt it was realistic to pursue the purchase of the land. He also mentioned that he had checked and Federal Funds were available for such a purchase although there was not at present any matching money from the State. Mrs. Arlene Krapcho, Mr. Schuele, Robert Lang, Richard Gucciardi, and Mr. H. Schwartz were among those present who emphasized the need for land that could be left in its natural state and serve as a neighborhood park. Charlotte Marsh questioned whether or not the land in question was within the Fire District's boundaries. Barbara Bull read a statement from the Natural Resources Committee which read in part as follows: "The Natural Resources Committee applauds the action taken by citizens of the Laurel Hill area to secure park land adjacent to their neighborhood. Local interest and initiative insure both extensive use and good care ------The Natural Resources Committee feels that neighborhood park land is badly needed there and that acquisition would be a major step in the right direction." Councilman Gee wondered if anyone present knew the selling price of the land. No one knew for sure. Mr. Gucciardi said to his knowledge there were at least 3 owners, Yandow, U.V.M. and Nowland. He knew however that the Potter option on some of the property had been renewed until October or November. During the discussion concerning the Master Plan of 1960 and the new plan Dr. Brown, Councilman, wondered if Dr. Kent, the Consultant Planner, had presented some definite plan that he was not aware of. Mrs. Larson said she had heard that Dr. Kent had visualized a portion to be left open as a buffer zone. Dr. Brown said there were no specific lines drawn as to just where a green belt would go. Chairman Blais accepted the petition, noting the following items to be finalized: 1. The Natural Resources Committee to investigate available sites for green belts, neighborhood parks, open space, etc. and set general priorities. The Committee to also meet with the Planning Commission on this. 2. The Planning Commission investigate the possible specifics as to location. 3. Proceed immediately to complete the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Regulations and tie them all together with the Master Plan. 4. The City Manager to initiate the possibility of a meeting with Fire District #4 Prudential Committee in regard to financial help with land purchases. Councilmen Brown and Gee were in agreement to accept the petition and Chairman Blais' list of items to be finalized. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE 1972-73 EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT ACT City Manager Szymanski explained that the City has two Highway Department Employees and one Clerk Typist who were hired under the Emergency Employment Act. He was asking for authority to sign the agreement for the coming year, the agreement being basically the same as the one signed last year. Mr. Gee asked if the city was to absorb the employees once the agreement runs out. City Manager Szymanski said yes, that presently and until September 1973 their wages are paid through the Emergency Employment Act of 1971. Doctor Brown made a motion to authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Gee and passed unanimously. DISCUSS THE FORMULA FOR DETERMINING THE AREA LIST ASSESSMENT ON THE VERMONT AIR NATIONAL GUARD FACILITIES WHEN THEY TIE ONTO THE CITY SEWER SYSTEM City Manager Szymanski explained that the Air National Guard Facilities are located in the Williston Road sewer system area, where the sewer assessment is now 42 cents on the Grand List. He asked the Council for a method of assessing the Air National Guard facilities, which are tax exempted from property taxes, but liable for the sewer assessment charge. Chairman Blais and Mr. Gee discussed the worth of the Air Guard property as compared to the Airport. Chairman Blais said he would be interested in knowing the projected use, what it might amount to. Doctor Brown felt that all aspects should be further investigated. Dr. Brown then motioned to table a decision until the first meeting in August. Mr. Gee seconded the motion which passed unanimously. SIGN THE EASEMENT FOR A PRIVATE WATER LINE CROSSING DORSET HEIGHTS The Council unanimously approved and signed an easement to permit the installation of a water line across an unnamed st. at the Dorset Heights location, after being assured by the City Manager that the line would be encased in a conduit and the road would not be disturbed. REVIEW PROGRESS AND COST OF RED ROCKS PARK, PART 1 of PHASE 1 DEVELOPMENT City Manager Szymanski reported that part 1 of phase 1 of the Red Rocks development was estimated to cost $105,000, and we had anticipated receiving 90% funding from the Federal and State governments, but were only going to receive 85%. He explained items on which the cost could be reduced so that the city would be able to make up the difference. He also noted that the city would have to spend about $19,000 over and above estimated revenue in order to comply with stipulations set by the state that we come to terms with Q.C.P. residents for the following items before the park can be opened: 1. Widening of Central Avenue 2. Installation of traffic lights at the bridge 3. Fencing along road to beach to protect private property 4. Pedestrian foot walk on bridge 5. Construction of sidewalk from Pine Street to park. In answer to questions from the floor as to why the above could not have been included in the BOR application Chairman Blais answered that BOR funds were only for improvements to the park site, and as to the stipullations required by the State Environmental Board, they were not determined until the Council met with the Queen City Park representatives in April. Doctor Brown said that the Council was refused permission to go through Industrial Park. Mr. Szymanski said that because of the rainy weather progress in the development is at least two weeks behind schedule. Also that the firm of Plant and Griffith is fabricating the booth and gate and will set it up at a reasonable cost. He explained that he did not send this work out for bids because by calling around he ascertained that Plant and Griffith was the only firm that would do the work here at a reasonable cost. In discussing how to pay for the extra work estimated to cost $19,000 Councilman Gee pointed out that the City Manager was figuring on saving about $10,000 on the phase 1 part 1 share of the work through careful planning and the use of city crews for labor wherever possible, leaving about $9,000 to be raised. He felt we should go ahead with the work using second phase funds for completion, if necessary. Doctor Brown moved to give permission to the City Manager to proceed with the Red Rocks projects, and if need be to provide second phase funds to complete this phase and the stipulations placed upon us by the Environmental Board. Councilman Gee seconded the motion which passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ON PLANNING COMMISSION'S SCHEDULE FOR UPDATING MASTER PLAN AND NEW ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS Chairman Blais expressed his concern about the progress of updating the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, noting that we had a moratorium on zone changes extended to July 1, and wondered what the Planning Commission anticipated in the way of scheduling for the public hearings. He said the City Council is the body that acts on the final document through the usual ordinance procedure, which would have a minimum of two public hearings. There was a general discussion on the results of Dr. Kent's survey, the number of public meetings to have on the Zoning Ordinance, the method of presentation, and other related matters. Doctor Brown remarked that Jim Lamphere, Chairman of the Planning Commission should be commended in leading the Commission and making the finalization of the Zoning Ordinance its primary goal. The Council, he said, should keep producing the Commission. Doctor Brown further said that the Commission wants to put together detailed recommendations, with the material finalized as much as possible so that there won't have to be too many public meetings, that the Commission should decide on a format, method of presentation and the setting up of a schedule. Chairman Blais remarked that the Council was in accord in wanting the zoning Ordinance completed as soon as possible since the City really has a problem, no one knows what is equitable, that we need a standard to follow. COMPLAINT FROM HARRY SCHWARTZ, $$3 Deborah Drive Mr. Schwartz asked to be recognized from the floor and said he was active with a concerned citizens' group, and they had found a lot of "things not suitable." He felt the group was only seen when it had a particular problem, but there were a lot of day to day items that should be taken care of. He walked over to the Council table and presented Chairman Blais with photographs, suitable labeled, of items that he felt were in violation, such as misplaced catch basins, stockpiling of material and equipment on vacant lots, washouts on roads, etc. Chairman Blais accepted the pictures and turned them over to City Manager Szymanski for review. Doctor Brown told Mr. Schwartz, that if he wanted such items to be discussed they could be placed on the agenda if they were called in to the City Manager by the Friday before the meeting. Councilman Gee made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 10 P.M. and convene as the Liquor Control Board. Motion seconded by Doctor Brown, and approved unanimously. LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD MEETING Frederick Blais, Chairman presented the liquor license application for the Swiss Chocolate Pot on Shelburne Road. Mr. Gee moved to approve and sign the application. The motion was seconded by Doctor Brown and passed unanimously. The Liquor Control Board meeting was adjourned at 10:05 P.M. after motion was duly made, seconded and approved. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Council went into Executive Session at 10:10 P.M. for the purpose of interviewing consultants for future sewer work. ADJOURNMENT The Executive Session was adjourned at 12:00 midnight. Approved Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.