Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 07/15/1974CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 15, 1974 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting in the Conference Room, Municipal Offices, 1175 Williston Road, on Monday, July 15, 1974. MEMBERS PRESENT Michael Flaherty, Chairman: William Cimonetti, Paul Farrar, Duane Merrill, Catherine Neubert MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator William Szymanski, City Manager; Jack Tabaka, Vincent Du'Acuti, James W. Goddette, Sr., F. McCaffrey, Charles LaPlant, Albert Audette, H. Shepard, Frank Mazur, Nancy Grucza, H. T. Long An executive session was held at 7:30 p.m. with representatives of the Police Department Union, and also to interview a committee applicant. The regular session was convened by Chairman Flaherty at 8:05 p.m., followed by the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Minutes of July 1, 1974 Meeting Mr. Cimonetti moved to accept the Minutes of July 1, 1974, as presented. This was seconded by Mrs. Neubert and voted unanimously for approval. Disbursement Orders Disbursement Orders were available for the required signatures. Report from Airport Commissioner Vincent D'Acuti Mr. D'Acuti explained the Commission now has five members, four from Burlington with one member (himself) from South Burlington. He said the Burlington budget for the airport is $500,000; last year they took in nearly that amount but this year have only taken in about $125,000. An agreement with the Vermont National Guard has resulted in some buildings being turned over to the Airport in return for various maintenance services to the Guard by the Airport, saving the Guard considerable money. One building, with a separate entrance from Williston Road is suitable for industrial use and when leased will bring in tax revenue to the City of South Burlington. Mr. D'Acuti also mentioned the salaries paid to employees who are residents of South Burlington as being a benefit to the City. Mr. D'Acuti said the new terminal building went into full operation last October 7th. It is now planned to spend $50,000 more on this million dollar building to open up the gift shop area for a waiting room and observation area. Also an outdoor observation area is planned where people can park and watch the planes. To comply with Federal regulations, the Airport now has a Security Director and five officers. Report of Airport Commissioner (continued) New noise abatement procedures being followed consist of higher approaches for planes coming in, and departure paths away from population areas as much as possible. Mr. Cimonetti said he was interested in the effect on South Burlington of the leasing of any building at the airport and what control South Burlington would have over the usage of a building. Mr. D'Acuti said the City of Burlington would have to come before the City of South Burlington; would have to follow whatever regulation South Burlington requires. Mrs. Neubert was concerned about South Burlington receiving taxes from these buildings when leased. Mr. D'Acuti said they could be taxed by South Burlington according to the set formula. Mr. Cimonetti then asked Mr. D'Acuti about the possibility of the airport being used for practice as was done by an air line a few years ago, and was told this is not being done at present. Mr. Cimonetti next asked about traffic control and parking around the airport, whether South Burlington has any jurisdiction over that traffic. Mr. D'Acuti's answer was that South Burlington Police Department has given authority to give out parking tickets; a security officer can make an arrest but the South Burlington Police Department has the responsibility after an arrest is made. Asked by Mr. Cimonetti if there is any problem with the airport retaining its international standing; any possibility of losing U.S. Customs at the airport, Mr. D'Acuti said a heavy discussion is going on. Customs wants more space which the airport cannot give without asking them to move down to another building. The question of a future pumping station in the vicinity of the buildings near the green hangar of the Guard, the City Manager said the City would wait until an industry is there. The Council expressed its appreciation to Mr. D'Acuti for his report. First reading of Amendments to Sign Ordinance A corrected page 2 was distributed to the Council Members, submitted by the City Attorney as his version of the amendment to Section 3. This version was discussed, with members objecting to the words "or visible from." Mrs Cimonetti moved that the motion placed on the table at the July 1 meeting be taken from the table for action. Seconded by Mrs. Neubert and approved unanimously. This motion of July 1 by Mr. Cimonetti was read by Chairman Flaherty from the Minutes of July 1, 1974, as follows: There shall be no signs in a residential district (as so classified under the South Burlington Zoning Regulations as presently in force or hereafter adopted and amended from time to time), except one sign may be erected and maintained for a lot on which a valid non-residential use exists under South Burlington zoning regulations or for which a non-residential use variance has been granted by the South Burlington Zoning Board of Adjustment, provided that the sign does not exceed 4 square feet when located on a lot fronting on a street or road having a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less, or 20 square feet when located on a lot fronting on a street or road having a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour or more. In addition, all signs must be approved by the Sign Review Board and must be in conformity with any conditions imposed by the Sign Review Board in approving the application. Mr. Farrar moved that immediately following the motion we just approved we add the following paragraphs: Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, an identification sign not exceeding 20 square feet for purposes of identifying a multi-family complex such as apartment duplexes, condominiums and townhouses, or a dental or medical clinic, is permitted in a residential district upon approval of the Sign Review Board. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, a sign identifying a home occupation as defined by the South Burlington zoning regulations as presently in force or amended from time to time in a residential district shall not exceed 2 square feet. Seconded by Mr. Cimonetti and voted unanimously for approval. This constitutes the first reading of these amendments. Mrs. Neubert asked why Mr. Ward had recommended the deletion of Sections 18 and 19. Mr. Ward explained there had been a problem with the three-year renewal of signs. The wording said "all signs expire in three years." Mr. Farrar said he understood this is not being enforced and the worst thing to have is a law that is not being enforced, and he would therefore move that the Sign Ordinance be amended by removing Sections 18 and 19, and revising Section 14. Seconded by Duane Merrill. Mr. Ward stated he had sent out forms to all owners of signs and had received a less than 50% response. Mrs. Neubert objected, saying one request is not enough, two requests are not unreasonable; that there must have been a reason for including this in the ordinance; that she felt it was done in order to keep track of all the signs put up. Mr. Ward said the main reason was to make sure that the sign was kept in good condition, that the posts were not rotting, that it didn't need new paint. He can easily check on those things without paper work. He simply does not have the time for so much paper work that is unproductive; his time is better spent on the non- conforming signs. Chairman Flaherty said at the time the ordinance was put together it was felt that suggestions for changes would be considered after Dick Ward had had a chance to work with it for awhile. Motion was voted for approval by all members except Mrs. Neubert. Mrs. Neubert stated her reason for voting against the motion was that the Council should have a better reason for changing a law than the fact it is not being enforced. Mr. Ward replied that if a business man says he won't fill out the form, he cannot be forced to unless it be turned over to the City Attorney for court action. Mrs. Neubert insisted there must have been a reason for putting it in, with Mr. Ward saying again that the only reason was to make sure the sign was in good repair after three years and that can be done without a permit. It was moved by Mr. Cimonetti that Sections 20 through 27 be re-numbered as Sections 18 through 25. Seconded by Mr. Merrill and voted unanimously for approval. Mr. Farrar suggested setting a date for the second reading on the changes, as this was the first reading. Mr. Ward said the final reading could be held at the next Council meeting as the warning period is only seven days. Mr. Farrar moved that the Council hold the second reading on the changes to the sign ordinance on August 5th at 8:00 p.m. These changes are in Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, Section 10, Section 14, Sections 18 and 19, and Sections 20 through 27. Seconded by Mr. Cimonetti and voted unanimously for approval. Memorandum from Chairman Maher, Planning Commission This memorandum notified the Council that the Planning Commission is now in the process of considering amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Mrs. Neubert asked if the Council could add its own changes after going over the changes recommended by the Planning Commission. Mr. Ward said the Council would have to submit it back to the Commission; they have to re-act. Mr. Cimonetti added that a change does not have to originate with the Planning Commission. Salary Review Commission The City Manager stated he would be on the Committee; there would be a member from the Police Union and one from the Highway Union; (they will appoint their own members) two members from the City Council, Paul Farrar and Bill Cimonetti; Albert Audette to represent the City employees; James Goddette from the Fire Department; Richard Ward; Charlie Murray from GE (personnel department at GE). Paul Farrar is temporary chairman and is to call a meeting as soon as possible. The committee is to check to see how South Burlington compares with the surrounding communities and how a change would affect our tax rate. Committee is to give a progress report to the Council at the second October Council meeting. Promotion Certificate for Fire Department Lieutenant James Ploof to Captain Captain Ploof was not present at the meeting to receive the certificate in person, because he was on duty. The City Manager read the certificate to the Council. Resolution re Dr. Hollister Kent The City Manager read the Resolution to be signed by Council Members, expressing sympathy to the widow of Dr. Hollister Kent and appreciation for Dr. Kent's services to the City of South Burlington. Highway Equipment Bids Mr. Albert (Sonny) Audette informed the Council the best bid for a small truck was for a Ford for $5,645.50. International bid a few dollars less but without an Iroquois body. Two large trucks from Ford were bid at $29,623.60 with trade-in, for September '74 delivery. International bid $29,644. Iroquois bodies are in stock and are being held awaiting a firm order. Mr. Audette recommended the purchase of the three Fords because they are both cheaper and available this fall. Mr. Cimonetti asked if no South Burlington business firms submitted bids. Mr. Audette explained Chevrolet and Goss would not bid, and anything Nordic Ford sells has to come through Gateway Motors. When asked about radios, Mr. Audette felt they are worth the cost, not only to break the monotony of so many hours on the road, but also for valuable weather report information during winter storms. Mr. Farrar moved that the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent be accepted and that the Council approve the purchase of the three Ford vehicles. Seconded by Mrs. Neubert. Voted unanimously for approval. Mr. Szymanski distributed a copy of the bids received on a road machine. Bids covered a wide range of price and capacity, all with trade-in. Some of the machines would be too small, some not in stock. The City has had good results with a previous Caterpillar and this was recommended by Mr. Audette. Mr. Cimonetti moved that the Council accept the recommendation of the Highway Superintendent and authorize the procurement of the Caterpillar machine at a price of $23,400. Seconded by Mrs. Neubert and voted unanimously for approval. Mr. Audette warned the Council that South Burlington will be in the same condition as some of the neighboring communities regarding streets unless they take a good look at the highway budget for the next few years. He said the highway budget sometimes get sacrificed when money is needed for other purposes. The projects for this summer were outlined. In answer to questions, he said the facilities such as the garage are in good shape. The surplus military vehicles are being used and it is intended to paint and improve their looks. When Mr. Audette mentioned the amount of time put into park maintenance, Mr. Cimonetti said he would be interested in knowing how that time was split; that it might even be desirable to think about budgeting two ways. Asked about complaints, Mr. Audette said most are concerned with plowing such as lawns being cut up, or one street being the last to be plowed. A definite plowing schedule is set up for each truck. Mr. Szymanski said that South Burlington does cooperate with other communities in plowing. Mr. Audette said the trucks will all burn regular gas, and the gas storage capacity has been increased. The City might want to look into diesel sometime. Mr. Farrar said he would like the Council to have more information on the resurfacing program at the October meeting. Request of Frank Mazur - Bartlett's Bay Frank Mazur attended the Council Meeting to present in person his request to purchase the 115 foot strip of land owned by the City and discussed at the last Council meeting. He is anxious to own this parcel as he is at present maintaining it; people park on the road, often blocking his driveway; he is concerned for the safety of his three children as he has no control over the traffic or parking on the road. The Council studied the drawing of the lots. Mr. Cimonetti felt it served no useful purpose to landlock another person's property; that the City now owns the land and should not sell it now and settle for an easement later for the sewer. Mr. Farrar felt three things could be done: 1) leave it as is; 2) sell to Mr. Mazur with the proviso that we have the right of way; 3) maintain it as a city street. Mr. Cimonetti repeated his opposition to landlocking a piece of property, even though Mr. Mazur hopes to buy that lot later. Mr. Mazur insisted it would not be landlocked. Mr. Farrar said the City has a moral obligation to maintain a city street, and he does not like the idea of maintaining a driveway which is what this is, basically. Mr. Cimonetti moved that the Council authorize the City Manager to conduct a negotiation with Mr. Mazur to develop possible conditions for sale to be brought back to the Council. Seconded by Paul Farrar and voted unanimously for approval. Mrs. Neubert moved that the meeting go into executive session. Seconded by Mr. Farrar. The Council Meeting went into executive session at 10:30 p.m. Executive Session Major H. Thomas Long and Mrs. Frances LaBerge were interviewed for appointment to the Recreation Committee. At 11:00 p.m. Dr. Farrar made a motion to adjourn the executive session and reconvene the regular meeting. Mr. Cimonetti seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Regular Meeting On motion made, seconded, and passed, the Council made the following appointments: Planning Commission William Wessel Sign Review Board Peter Matta Natural Resources Committee Bud Etherton Growth and Development Committee Raymond R. Unsworth Thomas W. Schmidt Robert M. Martineau Raymond E. Stearns Recreation Committee Donald C. Duell David C. Cronin Major H. Thomas Long Frances LaBerge Dr. Tobert M. Perrin Mrs. Margaret Picard On motion made, seconded, and so passed, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 p.m. Minutes of the Executive Session Held at 7:30 p.m. The City Council met with representatives of the Police Department Union. Patrolmen Blondin, Kruger, Yandow, and Worth were present. Chairman Flaherty restated the City's offer and the effects of an increase in salaries on the city budget. The patrolmen stated they want a flat 10% salary increase. The Council voted unanimously to recess this executive session item until Thursday, July 18, 1974, at 5:30 p.m. At 7:45 p.m. the Council interviewed Donald C. Duell, an applicant for appointment to the Recreation Committee. On motion made and passed, the Council voted to go into Regular Session at 8:00 p.m. Approved Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.