Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 06/25/1973SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 25, 1973 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting in the Central School Gymnasium, Williston Road, on Monday, June 25, 1973 at 8:00 P.M. Chairman Nardelli opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Walter Nardelli, Paul A. Farrar, Catherine M. Neubert and Michael Flaherty. MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT A list of those present is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes. SECOND READING OF SIGN ORDINANCE AND DISCUSSION Click here for Attendance at the Second Reading of Sign Ordinance. This City Council meeting was held for the second reading of the Ordinance to Regulate Signs in the City of South Burlington, and also the second reading of the Ordinance to Amend the South Burlington Zoning Ordinance. Members of the Council passed out background material of the Sign Ordinance. Mr. Nardelli read aloud said material. Mr. Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator, showed slides of sign located in South Burlington, which slides were made by Mr. Wessel in 1972. Mr. Nardelli had two communications which he read. They are the following: Letter from Mr. Robert Y. Justis, Jr., Administrative Assistant for Outdoor Advertising of the State of Vermont, Agency of Development and Community Affairs. Letter and statement of Frederick N. Cook, Executive Director, Vermont Petroleum Association. Mr. Nardelli then stated the audience could participate in this discussion. First to speak was Mr. William Mikell, Attorney, who represents several business groups in South Burlington. Mr. Mikell commented re: wanted to express appreciation to those who prepared calendar of events which was passed out; he stated that the Sign Ordinance was not acceptable by the business groups of the City; the business groups had not been asked to help in the making of the Ordinance. He also stated that the examples of other communities used in the preparation of the Ordinance were not appropriate to the City of South Burlington. He also stated that the business groups, through Mr. Calcagni, had prepared three pages they wanted Mr. Mikel to read. Mr. Mikell did not read the report but gave the highlights which were: the report wanted to get across to the City Council the depth of feeling and resentment of the business community; they feel the Ordinance will hurt the community and they feel that they have been denied representation in the making of the Ordinance. He also stated that the business community paid 52% of the taxes in South Burlington and want representation in the making of a Sign Ordinance; the business community feels that if the Sign Ordinance is passed, it will destroy the fiber of small business; that one sign 40 feet square will not tell the whole story of the business. He also stated the City must have a balance of business and commerce. He stated the business community and Chamber of Commerce are for a good Sign Ordinance properly enforced. He lastly stated that the businesses would go to Court if needed. Mr. Flaherty then took the floor and stated that the lack of cooperation of the business community of South Burlington has been very apparent. He stated that there was no representation of the business groups at any work sessions held for the making of the Ordinance, He also stated that two weeks ago at the first reading, only Mr. Rene Berard was present. He also discussed report by Mr. William Ewald. Mr. Eugene Cenci then spoke re: Chamber of Commerce and businessmen have given many hours of work but have been rejected. Mr. Mikell then referred to a meeting in January 1973, of which Mr. Flaherty spoke, at which time the businessmen were frustrated. He also stated that a committee of businessmen and Chamber of Commerce have put a lot of work into their 20 page report of constructive comments and that the Council was not interested. Mr. Gale Boardman who represents two businesses in South Burlington then spoke, re: what exactly does South Burlington want; he stated businesses pay so much in taxes; he can't understand why the business community and the City can't get along. He also asked that the full page ad which was taken out in the Burlington Free Press on June 25, 1973 be made a part of these minutes. Mr. Nardelli then took the floor and read a letter from the Chamber of Commerce, re: Section 16 of the Sign Ordinance, Section 17 of the Sign Ordinance, creation of a Sign Review Board, etc. There was also a discussion by Mr. Nardelli as to what the Council took from Mr. Ewald's report re: definition of sign, expiration of permits, penalties, street graphics, etc. He stated the Council got the idea from Mr. Ewald's report to send to other cities for ideas. He then read Section 2, "Purpose" of the Sign Ordinance. Mr. Robert Larson, a resident of South Burlington, then took the floor re: sweeping generalizations of the business community, his surprise at the tactics of the business community, and he urged the Council to pass the Ordinance. Mr. Rene Berard then took the floor re: stated he respects what the Council is doing but he agrees with the business community; stated he is connected with people paying $70,000.00 in taxes and further discussed why he is against passage of Sign Ordinance. Mr. Dick Guest then took the floor re: stating sign ordinance will hurt his business. Mrs. Jean Hildick then took the floor re: discussion of adequate size for the free standing sign, items of information on sign, street graphics, etc. She also stated that more should be heard on specifics rather than charges by the business community. READING OF SIGN ORDINANCE Mr. Flaherty made a motion that Mr. Nardelli not read the whole ordinance, but just the first paragraph. Mrs. Neubert seconded said motion which passed unanimously. Mr. Flaherty then made a motion to accept the second reading of the Sign Ordinance. Mrs. Neubert seconded said motion. Mr. Nardelli then asked for discussion from the Council. Mr. Farrar stated that now is the time for people to make recommendations to the Ordinance. Mr. Mickell stated that there are 20 pages of constructive criticism which have been submitted to the Council. A discussion followed re: Sign Review Board. Mr. Z. Ray Alderman then took the floor and stated that there was a misunderstanding on both sides and suggested that everyone should get together and talk it out. Mr. Rosenthal representing Nordic Ford, then took the floor and stated he tried to make their business attractive, he thinks the present Sign Ordinance is fair and he especially thinks the road frontage should be appropriate in deciding the size of the sign. Mr. Ralph Goodrich then took the floor and suggested that the Council not vote on the Ordinance on this date and meet with the business community to solve the problem. Mr. Donald Duell then took the floor and stated he didn't think the businessmen have been given a fair shake. He also suggested the Council not vote on the Ordinance on this date and get together with the business community. Mr. Spokes was asked by a Council member for a legal opinion as to whether the Council has to vote on this date or could wait until another time. Mr. Spokes stated it could be put off, but stated it would have to be put off to a special time and date. Mr. Farrar made a motion to table the action for two weeks and meet at 8:00 P.M. on July 9, 1973, at which time there could be a discussion with any interested parties re: changes. This motion would mean the withdrawal of the first motion made by Mr. Flaherty. Mr. Flaherty then made a motion to withdraw the first motion which was to accept the second reading of the Sign Ordinance. Mrs. Neubert seconded said motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Farrar then made a motion that the meeting be adjourned until July 9, 1973 at 8:00 P.M. to continue consideration of this business. Mrs. Neubert seconded said motion which passed unanimously. There was further discussion of the Sign Ordinance re: subcommittee to work with Council, size of signs, taking down of signs and compensation for taking down signs, Sign Review Board and invalidation of existing signs. Mr. Mikell and Mr. Cenci both spoke: re: the Council might just as well pass the Ordinance as they didn't think there could be any change. After further discussion, Mr. Flaherty made a motion to accept the second reading of the Sign Ordinance. Mrs. Neubert seconded said motion. Mr. Farrar did not vote. The Ordinance passed with a three member vote. Mr. Berard then took the floor again and suggested that enough time should be allowed for the business community to meet with the City Council. There was now a five minute recess. AMENDMENTS TO 1964 ZONING ORDINANCE A motion was made by Mr. Flaherty not to read all the amendments to the 1964 Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Farrar seconded said motion which passed unanimously. Mr. Flaherty then made a motion to accept the amendments to the 1964 Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Farrar seconded said motion which passed unanimously. The amendments will take effect 21 days from this date. A short discussion followed re: hiring a City Planner. Mr. Flaherty made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 P.M. Mrs. Neubert seconded said motion which passed unanimously. Approved Paul Farrar, Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.