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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/12/1979CITY COUNCIL MARCH 12, 1979 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting on Monday, March 12, 1979 at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room, City Hall, 1175 Williston Road Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Michael Flaherty, Martin Paulsen, William Burgess, Kenneth Jarvis Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator; Richard Spokes, City Attorney; Sidney Poger, Planning Commission Chairman; Albert Audette, Street Department; James Goddette, Fire Chief; Bruce O'Neill and Jerry Olson, Recreation Department; Joseph Lemay and Peter Lavalee, Police Department Union Continue discussion with City Attorney on legal action for Sign Ordinance enforcement Mr. Paulsen moved to meet in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing possible pending litigation with the City Attorney. Mr. Flaherty seconded the motion and it passed with Mr. Jarvis voting no. He stated that he was opposed to meeting in closed session because the city was not discussing specific litigation. He said there were many issues decided by the Council which might result in legal action but he felt the sign issue had been discussed openly time and again. He did not question the legality of closing the doors but personally felt it should not be done and he excused himself from the proceedings and left the room. At 7:40 pm Mr. Paulsen moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene in open session. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Flaherty, passed with all in favor. Mr. Jarvis rejoined the Council. Disbursement orders Council members signed disbursement orders. Discuss manpower needs with Chairman of the Planning Commission Mr. Poger gave the Council members a sheet recommending more help in City Hall and giving reasons the Commission felt more help was needed. No costs were attached. Mr. Poger discussed some of the problems the Commission has had which they feel could be alleviated with more help. The Commission feels the City Manager/Engineer is competent but is being asked to carry too heavy a load and should be given some assistance. Minutes of March 5, 1979 Mr. Paulsen moved, Mr. Burgess seconded, and the motion passed with all voting aye to approve the March 5, 1979 minutes. Review of City Department budgets Mr. Audette gave the Council a list of projects he felt should be in the 10 year capital improvements budget. The list was prioritized but no costs were attached. He said the Street Department felt the first 8 items were very important and would cost more and more the longer they had to wait. Mr. Goddette also gave the Council a list of priorities for the 10 year budget. (see attached copies of Recreation, Streets, and Fire Department lists) He had no costs for them. He was asked about the hose tower and replied that it would probably save money in the long run because they will not have to use electricity to run the dryers which dry the hoses now, and a lot of man hours will be saved. Mr. Farrar asked what shape the city would be in if in the next 10 years only the first two of the Chief's recommendations could be done and was told they would be in pretty good shape, but the Chief felt the first three items were very important. He said the pumper should be bought first. Mr. O'Neill said his list was not prioritized but that the first two items were already in the works. He said that pieces of land should be acquired before land is developed and he was asked to discuss that with the Recreation Committee to see if they agreed. Meet with Police Department Association Mr. Lavalee gave the Council figures for the items requested by the Police. Mr. Paulsen then moved to adjourn the regular session and meet in Executive Session to discuss our response to the Police Department contract and then reconvene in open session to discuss it with them. Mr. Burgess seconded the motion and all were in favor. After about 10 minutes, Mr. Paulsen moved to adjourn the Executive Session and reconvene in regular session. Mr. Flaherty seconded the motion and all were in favor. Mr. Farrar told the police representatives that the Council had divided the items requested into two categories - those which were a form of compensation, and those which were not, such as body armor and shoes. The Council's position on compensation is that the Salary Review Board will recommend a 7% total increase for city workers, which the Council feels is reasonable. Mr. Farrar stated that the Council felt the request for body armor was reasonable, as was the one for summer shoes. The shoes may actually save the city money because the winter boots provided should last longer and those cost more. He said the Council felt it could not treat the police differently than any other city group as far as compensation was concerned. Mr. Flaherty said that as far as the total budget was concerned, the city was holding the line. Mr. Farrar noted that at some time the Council would have to decide whether it was better to increase the tax rate to hold the level of services even, or to hold the tax rate even and cut the level of services. The issue of whether additional help was needed in City Hall, and if so, what kind, was discussed. The meeting was recessed until 8:30 pm Tuesday, March 13 at City Hall. The members left at 10:00 pm. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.