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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 06/15/1981CITY COUNCIL JUNE 15, 1981 CORRECTION On page 5, under the discussion of the new municipal building, the figure should be $6500, not $65,000. The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, June 15, 1981 at 8:00 pm in the Conference Room, City Hall 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Michael Flaherty, Martin Paulsen, William Burgess, John Towne Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Gloria Yandow, Fire Chief James Godette, Police Chief Richard Carter, Brian Searles, Recreation Director Bruce O'Neill, Lee Graham Agenda additions The following items were added: 1) Meet as Liquor Control Board to discuss the question raised at the last meeting concerning Hank's U-Sav or Hank's Beverage Center. 2) It was also felt that the Council should meet to discuss the state of the city budget with regard to whether there was a need to transfer funds from one account to another. After some discussion it was decided that a special meeting should be held June 29 at 8:00 pm to reconcile the accounts. Minutes of May 28, June 1 and June 6, 1981 Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the May 28, June 1 and June 6, 1981 minutes. Mr. Paulsen seconded the motion. Mr. Towne noted that on the May 28 minutes, there had been a statement which indicated that he would favor using funding for the Southern Connector for Dorset Street. He wanted to clarify that he did not oppose the Connector, but he felt it might hurt the city's financial ability to deal with other roads presently in use in the city. The motion carried unanimously, with the May 28 minutes being clarified as above. Disbursement orders Disbursement orders were signed. Consider making appointments to Committees, Commissions and Boards It was noted that there were no contested positions, except for one for the Planning Commission, and in some cases there were no applicants at all. Mr. Burgess stated that he had gone through the Zoning Board minutes and noticed that in several cases Mr. Campbell was not present for meetings because he was on vacation. He leaves the state for several months each year. Mr. Burgess felt Mr. Campbell was an effective member when he was present, but that he was only present about 3/4 of the time. Mr. Farrar felt that in that case, the Council should interview the new candidate before they made appointments to the Board or the Planning Commission. A Commissioner might wish to move to the Zoning Board, or the new candidate might be interested in the Zoning Board instead of the Commission. It was decided to interview the candidate on June 29. It should be understood that the Council was not dissatisfied with the present people serving, but that it wanted to make the best use of the available people. Mr. Burgess moved that the Council appoint the following people for the following boards and commissions: Sylvia J. Smith for a 3 year term ending in 1984 on the Winooski Valley Park District; George E. Watson and Thomas C. Dunkley for 3 year terms on the Recreation Committee; Dorothy C. Swartwood and Mary Lou Cole for 3 year terms on the Fine Arts Committee; Peter Yankowski and G. Phillips Wells for 3 year terms on the Natural Resources Committee; Wilbur Bull and Marjorie LaValla for 3 year terms on the Community Board of Trustees; Madlyn Walsh for a 3 year term as the Health Officer; William J. Szymanski for a 3 year term as the Deputy Health Officer; Albert C. Audette for a 1 year term as the Civil Defense Director; James W. Goddette for a 1 year term as the Civil Defense Director Assistant; Dr. Samuel Wiggans for a 1 year term as the Tree Warden; Wayne Jameson, Harold Nolting. John Dinklage, Robert Irish, Dale Kleppinger and Frederick Maher for 1 year terms on the City Charter Committee; William Szymanski and Albert Audette for 1 year terms on the Cemetary Committee; Col. George C. Crooks, Vernon Wamsganz, Robert L. LaBerge and Edwin Sanborn for 1 year terms on the Fire Department Advisory Board; Dr. Samuel Wiggans and Harry Yawney for 1 year terms on the Tree Planting Committee; Barbara Bull, Peter Yankowski, Dr. Charles Houston, and Ethel Schuele on the Red Rocks Committee for 1 year terms; and Vincent D'Acuti for a 1 year term on the Burlington Airport Commission. Mr. Paulsen seconded the motion and all voted for it. Mr. Burgess noted that he was not sure the Correctional Center Liason Committee had a function anymore and he noted that the committee was no longer active. Mr. Farrar said the committee had been established to interact with the facility to promote understanding between the facility and the community. It functioned in that way for a time, but he was not sure there was a need for the committee at this time. Mr. Burgess suggested appointing two members - Chief Carter and City Manager Szymanski to keep the committee active in case there is a need for it later. Since the committee is not active now, Mr. Burgess saw no need to tie up citizens with it. Mr. Burgess nominated Police Chief Richard Carter and City Manager William Szymanski to the Correctional Center Liason Committee. Mr. Towne seconded the motion and all voted for it. Action on the other appointments was postponed with the understanding that the people presently on those boards continue until they are reappointed or replaced. Discuss charges to be brought before the City Charter Committee Mr. Farrar said he had at least two items to ask the Charter Committee to look into. One is the composition and terms of office of the members of the Council. He noted that the size of the Zoning Board and of the Planning Commission had been increased from 5 to 7 members, and that the reason for doing that was to insure that there was always a quorum, especially when members might have conflicts of interest. Those same reasons hold for the Council and Mr. Farrar noted that as the community grew, it became harder for Council members to know all the residents. He felt it might be good to increase the membership to 7 and have 3 members elected from districts and 4 at large. This would also fit the pattern of 3 and 4 year terms. Mr. Farrar noted that there were two parts to this item - one, should the size of the board be increased, and two, should some members be elected from districts? The members favored asking the Committee to study these questions, but Mr. Flaherty noted that the Council did not either favor or oppose them, but only wanted the Committee's opinion on the questions. The other item Mr. Farrar had was looking into whether, in the long run, the operation of the water department should remain as a separate board as it is today. Again, he noted that the Council neither favored nor opposed this. He said that with Champlain Water District being contracted to handle more and more of the maintenance and installation work, it was becoming a different type of operation. Mr. Towne noted that he had been approached by a number of individuals regarding a mayoral form of government and he suggested that the Charter Committee look into that question. Mr. Farrar said it had been studied in the past but that it could be studied again. It was decided to ask the Committee to come to the first meeting in July to discuss these issues with the Council. Consider increase in sewer usage rate to meet budget operating expenses Mr. Szymanski noted that the budget was over what was expected in revenues and he proposed an increase from $4.00 to $4.50 per 1,000 gallons in the sewer usage rate. Mr. Flaherty noted that revenues balanced expenditures now and that there would be about a 15% increase in costs in the coming year. If growth is 5-6% this year, as it has been over the past 5 years, the department would need about a 10% increase in rates. Mr. Flaherty moved to increase the sewer usage rate from $4.00 to $4.40 per 1,000 cubic feet, effective July 1. Mr. Burgess seconded the motion and it carried 5-0. Consider increase in Red Rocks Park use fees Recreation Director Bruce O'Neill said that if the increase were accepted, it would go into effect this week when the park opens. He said the fees had not increased since 1975 and that every year the gap between expenses and revenues widened. Mr. Flaherty moved to accept the proposed fee schedule as set forth in the letter from Mr. O'Neill dated June 9, 1981. This applies to Red Rocks Park and takes effect June 15. Mr. Towne seconded the motion and all were in favor. Discuss fire equipment needs Fire Chief James Goddette said it looked like he might have a surplus in his existing budget and he wanted to think about using it for a third pumper. He said he had asked for one for the past 5 years. The ISO people have just rated the city, but the report will not come for 3 to 6 months. Mr. Goddette said he did not have enough pump capacity for a city this size. He noted that one truck was being fixed and that the other had been out of service for a time this week, leaving the city without a pumper. Mr. Goddette said the ISO had changed its conditions on the age of trucks. They no longer consider that a 20 year old truck has to be considered a class B truck. If it is in good shape, it can be class A. Mr. Goddette wanted the Council to consider buying a used truck. He felt that the cost might range from $15,000 to $20,000 and the truck could be a backup. He said that 3 or 4 times a year there were fires in two places at one time. He stated that if the department did have a third pumper, he had the manpower needed to use it, and he added that every other community in the county had at least three pumpers. Mr. Towne felt the third pumper was justified, but he asked whether there was money in the budget for it. Mr. Farrar felt the Chief should get more details on what is available, and the cost, and that at the same time the Council could look to see if the city could afford it. Mr. Godette showed the Council pictures of a used truck and gave them some details on it. He felt that if the city could buy a used truck and fix it up, they could save some money. Mr. Farrar felt the Council should first decide whether they wanted to buy used or new equipment, and that once that decision had been made, they could look at the budget to see if they could handle the expense within the Charter limitations. Mr. Goddette also mentioned going to the voters for funding at the special election, if there is one, in October. Mr. Farrar felt that even if it decided that buying used equipment was the right way to go, the Council might not actually spend the money until next year. Mr. Burgess said it bothered him to be entertaining a new budget 65 days after the Council had put a budget together. Mr. Flaherty agreed that he did not like considering changing the budget so soon after it had been put together, and he added that he was afraid of creating a precedent. Mr. Towne moved that the way the Council intends to acquire a third pumper will be by buying a used, not a new, truck. The motion was seconded by Mr. Paulsen and carried unanimously. It was noted that the truck would not necessarily be purchased now. Mr. Farrar said Messrs. Goddette and Szymanski should look at the budget to see when the purchase might be made. It might not be made until next year. Review police grievance with Chief Carter Mr. Farrar asked how far in advance the department had known it would be short one man on the night in question and was told it was at least 1 week. Lt. Graham was the shift commander and he had the option to stay in the office or go out on patrol, Mr. Carter said. In this case, he chose to go out and patrol. Mr. Graham said he did that occasionally. Mr. Farrar asked if Mr. Graham had behaved on the night in question any differently than he would have behaved if the shift had not been one man short, and Chief Carter replied that Mr. Graham had done the same thing in the past. Mr. Graham said he goes out every night and patrols and supervises people on the road. He goes out and spot checks buildings normally. He said that as a matter of routine, when he is the shift commander, it is normal for him to spend a reasonable amount of time out of the office on the streets, and he said he had done this on other nights. Mr. Burgess asked if he had spent more or less time than normal on the road that evening and was told that he had not spent the entire night on the road - he very rarely does that, but he probably spent 4 out of 8 hours on the road. Mr. Searles said there had been two phrases in the union contract which had caused confusion. The first was "tour of duty" and at the time it was explained that it meant the way a particular individual was scheduled in terms of date and time of the shift. Mr. Burgess said the contention was that Mr. Graham had behaved differently than he normally does and differently than a shift commander normally does. Mr. Graham said he did what he normally would do. If a car is available and a patrol area is not filled, he goes out. Mr. Searles also said the other phrase which needed clarification was "bargaining unit work". When that phrase was added he was told that such work vs. overtime, was outside work, so "bargaining unit work" is not involved in the grievance. Mr. Farrar agreed that that was the only way the phrase had been used when it was included in the contract. Mr. Searles said the situation had occurred before and would occur again, especially during the vacation months. The only alternatives are a lot of overtime or not allowing as much leave as the department does. Mr. Burgess asked whether the department could produce evidence to show that what happened that night was normal and was told they could produce radio logs. Mr. Farrar asked if other shift commanders acted the same as Mr. Graham and Mr. Carter thought they did - he noted that the sergeants went out all the time. Mr. Burgess asked Mr. Graham if he would have behaved differently that night in terms of hours spent out of the office if he had had the full number of men that evening and was told he would not have. Mr. Carter noted that during another grievence proceeding, a police officer had complained to him about Mr. Graham going out on patrol, but Mr. Carter noted that the job description for Mr. Graham included duties at the discretion of the chief, and he noted that he expected all shift commanders to get out of the office. Mr. Farrar said the Council would make a decision on the grievance at the June 29th meeting. Progress report on municipal construction Mr. Szymanski said work was progressing and that the outside landscaping would be put in and the area sodded. Inside there is still some work to do. He said they had spent $1,328,543 so far and the bond issue totaled $1,508,800, so there is a balance of $180,357. The city owes the contractor $141,800, the architect Motorola $9,250, and about $4,000 is due for miscellaneous work, so the $18,800, amount to be paid out is $173,800 from the balance of $180,350, which leaves $65,000 to finish the paving and the settling pond. Mr. Szymanski did not think that work could be done at that price. He felt the city would be short about $21,000. Mr. Farrar felt that was a reasonable job. Mr. Burgess gave the Council some information on the outside of the building. Meet as Liquor Control Board Mr. Burgess moved to adjourn as the City Council and meet as the Liquor Control Board. Mr. Towne seconded the motion and all voted for it. Mr. Burgess said his concern was that on the most recent liquor license, Hank's U-Sav had applied under the name of Hank's Beverage Center and he wondered if the subtle name change was intended to change the use of the business. He noted that on the interim zoning meeting minutes of July 16, 1979, the request had been to expand the convenience store sales area of the existing gas station, but it was stated at that time that the main business was and would continue to be a gas station. Mr. Burgess noted that traffic figures had been presented at the meeting and he felt that if, in fact, the use had changed without the city's knowledge or consent, the numbers which were submitted at that hearing would be invalid. Mr. Burgess wanted to know if the business had or intended to change the business from a gas station to a beverage center. Mr. Farrar felt this should be referred to the City Manager, who would refer it to the Zoning Administrator, who will see if they are following the intent of their application. Mr. Burgess moved to adjourn as the Liquor Control Board and reconvene as the City Council. Mr. Paulsen seconded the motion and all voted for it. Review Planning and Zoning agendas There were no comments. Old business Mr. Burgess asked about the status of the peddlar's ordinance. He noted that there was still someone selling pictures at the corner of Dorset St. and Williston Road. Mr. Farrar felt the Zoning Administrator should file a zoning violation against them. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. SOUTH BURLINGTON RECREATION DEPARTMENT 515 DORSET ST. SOUTH BURLINCTON VT 05401 TEL:(802)%63-2883 RED ROCKS PROPOSALS FOR 1981 June 9, 1981 Our biggest expense at the beach is salaries, which have been increasing each year. I am proposing a new fee schedule. It would I I raise the daily parking fee for Non-Resident of Vermont to $3.00 in- I stead of $2.00 and Residents of Vermont will be charged $2.00 instead 1 of $1.00. I would also raise the season pass of South Burlington .Residents, from $2.50 to $3.50. The South Burlington Resident still will have an opportunity to purchase a second season pass at the same price of $1.00. A South Burlington Resident can register 2 cars in the same family for a total of $4.50. The Vermont Residents season pass will remain at $10.00, while the Non-Vermont Resident season pass remains at $15.00. Buses entering the Park must pay a $5.00 parking fee, while walk-ins remain free. I am well aware that we are in the business of servicing South Burlington, however the costs of running the Park has dramatically increased over the years. It is therefore my suggestion that you seriously consider the proposed fee increase. Bruce OtNeill Recreation Director PROPOSED FEE SCHEDULE FOR RED ROCKS PARK SEASON PASS I South Burlington Residents ' Vermont Residents Non Vermont Resident $3.50 per family for car sticker $1.00 family may receive another sticker for each family, car upon proof of residency $10.00 forcar stickers $15.00 for car stickers INDIVIDUAL USE RATE Vermont Resident Non Vermont Resident I Senior Citizens Buses 1 Children $2.00 to be determined by license plates on car $3.00 to be determined by license plates on car Free South Burlington Senior Citizen may obtain car sticker free of charge, if Green Mountain Passports are shown at the ticket booth $5.00 per bus entering park. Parking to be restricted to one parking lot. Enter on family rate, but children under eight years of age must be accompanied by someone at least 16 years of age. NOTE: Proof of residency will be automobile registration. Families wishing more than one auto sticker should present all registrations at the same I time. 1 The season pass ticket can only be purchased at the Red Rocks Park. In order to verigy eligibility for pass, car re~istration must be present. SOUTH BURLINGTON RECREATION DEPARTMENT a 575 DORSET ST. SOUTH BURLINGTON VT 05401 TEL:(802)863-2883 SOUTH BURLINGTON RECREATION DEPARTMENT RED ROCKS SUMMER PROPOSALS JUNE 9, 1981 ' Daily Parking Fees: Resident Daily Pass Non-Resident Daily Pass Season Pass: South Burlington Resident 3.50 of September 1980 there were 263 South Burlington Residents that purchased a season pass for $2.50, which brought the figure of6657.50 up for Revenue. While increasing the price by only $1.00 the outcome would result in+920.50, $263 more dollars will be coming in. There were 1456 Dally Resident ticket sold, while at $1.00 a piece the total would be $1456. But by raising it by $1.00, your Revenue would Increase by 100% and, wou1.d double revenue collected. There were also 131 Daily Non-Resident tickets sold last summer at+2.00 bringing the total to $262. By raising the amount by a $1.00 the total sum of money collected will jump to $393. SOUTH BURLINGTON RECREATION DEPARTMENT e 575 DORSET ST. SOUTH BURLINGTON VT 05401 TEL:(802)863-2883 INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPOSALS NORTH BEACH ENTRANCE FEES $10.00 Season Pass Vermont Resident $15.00 Season Pass Non-Vermont $2.00 Per vehicle, anywhere Walk-ins FREE To enter Leddy or Oak Ledge the fee is $1.00 PROUTY BEACH Located in Newpart, Vermont Prices for tennis and beach: Resident Individual $10.00 Resident Family 20.00 Non-Resident Individual 25.00 Non-Resident Family 40.00 Student (Resident and Non-Resident 7.50 Prices for beach along: Resident-Individual 2.00 Resident-Family 5.00 Non-Resident-Individual 5.00 Non-Resident-Family 25.00 Under 13 years old Free To play tennis without a pass is $2.50 per hour . SOUTH BURLINGTON RECREATION DEPARTMENT 575 DORSET ST. SOUTH BURLINCTON VT 05401 TEL:(802)863-2883 BEACH FEES She lburne Rec. 985-3217 Beach Fee $1.00 Must be a Resident Only No Non-Resident Private ..................................................................... Williston covers towns of St. George, Hinesburg, Richmond $8.00 per car only people from these towns can purchase season pass i Mlddlebury Pool (new Fees) Bath House Oly. Size Pool Adult Daily Charge 1.25 Child Daily Charge -50 Season Pass - Resident Non-Resident Season Pass Child $10.00 Child 15.00 Adult 12.00 Adult 17.00 Family Season 27.00 Season Family 32.00 Senior Citizens Resident Non-Resident Essex Jct. Pool Only residents of Essex may be allowed in Pool 20.00 family 10.00 person 1.00 Entry fee daily