Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 04/18/1983CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18, 1983 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, April 18, 1983, at 6:00 pm, in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Leona Lansing, Hugh Marvin Members Absent Michael Flaherty, William Burgess Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; David Minnich, Assistant City Manager; Robert Chittenden, Bob Walsh, Dave Kaufman, South Burlington Representatives; Dennis Delaney, State Senator; Sidney Poger, Mary-Barbara Maher, Judy Hurd, John H. Belter, Planning Commission; Margaret A. Picard, City Clerk; Diana Snyder, Fine Arts Committee; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Dept; Joe Obuchowski, City Attorney; Don Melvin, Burlington Free Press; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Moe Cloutow, Hal Bensen, Wesley Daum, J. Robert Audette, Nancy McClary, Dick Ward; Albert Audette, Street Dept. Read Minutes of Budget Public Hearing of April 7, 1983 and Special Meeting of April 12, 1983 Mr. Marvin moved that the minutes of the Budget Public Hearing of April 7, 1983 and the Special Meeting of April 12, 1983 be approved. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement Orders were signed. Meet with City Representatives to discuss proposed Corrections Center expansion Rep. Walsh explained that the Representatives were looking for guidance as to how to approach the issue. The Senate will be considering the capital construction budget this week, and there are several issues to be considered: 1) general concept of expansion of the jail (which is in the budget to be expanded by 50 beds); 2) whether the City opposes it in principle; 3) whether there is opposition to the types and numbers of prisoners in the jail; 4) the nature of security classification. The immediate concern is the building schedule. In the first plan, the first expansion was to be in St. Albans and would consist of more security-type beds. St. Albans was quite satisfied with this. However, when the documentation went to the Senate, the order was flip-flopped with South Burlington expansion being put first. The Representatives wish to know whether the order should be changed back to the original plan and also what the effects of expansion would be on City services. State Senator Delaney noted that the Senate Institutions Committee had toured the South Burlington facility and had been struck by overcrowding which apparently is not the case in St. Albans. Philosophically, St. Albans is for hardcore and more serious offenders and it had been hoped there were better ways to handle hard core criminals than with bigger jails. Earlier in the day, members of the Senate had been approached by St. Albans people who want expansion of their facility. There is a strong determination on the part of Corrections Commissioner Walton to increase the number of beds in the state. A totally new facility is also being considered downstate. Rep. Kaufman indicated that in a conversation with Rep. Bill Allen of the House Institutions Committee, he was told that he wouldn't negotitate the budget unless the order of projects was reversed so that St. Albans was expanded first. Rep. Allen indicated that when St. Albans was completed, more hard core people in South Burlington would go to St. Albans to alleviate So. Burlington. Mr. Kaufman indicated that concern had been expressed that there had been no communication with the City of South Burlington over what they want. Rep. Kaufman also noted that in a conversation with State Building Director Irving Biggs, Biggs had said that if 50 new beds are put in the South Burlington facility, it would not relieve overcrowded conditions; it would just add 50 more. Mr. Szymanski noted that the facility had been designed to accommodate 88 inmates with 4 women and 4 maximum security beds. He had been told there are now 171 inmates and that only one month after opening, there had been 120. Mr. Marvin said that the City had been led to believe that when the facility became overcrowded, a new facility would be built in the Barre/Montpelier area. They had also been told there would never be hard core, maximum security people there except on an overnight basis. He said it seems the City has been misled from the beginning. Ms. Mahar noted the State people did aid insofar as utilities, sidewalks, etc. were concerned and did work with the City at many meetings. Mr. Farrar said it is hard to know what the impact of expansion will be on the community since we don't know what is being planned. There are questions of water, sewage, electricity. There has been almost zero communication with the State on this subject. He said that if the order of projects is reversed so that St. Albans is first, it would give So. Burlington a reasonable time to understand the State's intentions. Mr. Poger agreed and said they would like to plan and look ahead at the impact. He noted that in this instance the State is like another developer; when a developer comes in with a plan and then does not follow through with that plan, it is best to tie them down next time. He continued by noting that if we put in 50 new beds to maintain the same level of overcrowding, this is not wise. We have good reason to say the State is being less than candid, and this isn't proper planning. Mr. Moe Cloutier, a citizen living a block from the facility noted that it is ironic that a correctional facility is dishonest. He recalled that Peter Profano of SRS who made the original presentation had made certain promises and had assured them that there would never be expansion because of the size of the lot. He had also said the facility would be an asset to the community as they would install tennis courts, etc. They had been assured no inmates guilty of serious crimes would be there longer than overnight. Mr. Cloutier noted the facility had a bad track record on "walk-aways." Hal Bensen noted that overcrowding of the facility may be responsible for the City's sewage problem and that maybe the bond issue should be financed by the State which is responsible for the problem. Mr. Chittenden noted that South Burlington had been scheduled ahead of St. Albans because it was believed that St. Albans was for high security prisoners and it was repugnant to some committee members that there would be an increase in serious offenders in the state. Rep. Chittenden asked Sen. Delaney if he would work with them to build St. Albans before South Burlington. Mr. Delaney said he would. Wes Daum asked if the following figures are available: the number of prisoners in the facility, the sentences of these prisoners, and how long they have been there. Ms. Maher said the Corrections Commissioner has these figures. Mr. Daum noted that they had been told prisoners would be drunks, and tresspassers, not long- termers. He asked how we can believe the State now. Rep. Kaufman indicated they are looking for guidance and are committed to flip-flop the schedule if it is the City's wish. He asked whether the City wishes them to go along with the $200,000 in the budget for expansion or whether they should appose expansion in its entirety. Mr. Marvin then moved that the City Council go on record as opposing any expansion of the facility at Swift Street. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. Rep. Walsh noted that they can move to withdraw any expansion of South Burlington when the budget comes onto the floor, but if they lose the vote, then they can fight to get St. Albans built first. Senator Delaney asked whether there will really be a sewage problem if expansion occurs, and whether he can indicate that the expansion will cost more because of it. Mr. Szymanski explained that the sewage treatment plant is near capacity, and it would depend when they come to us. Allocations are almost to capacity. Mr. Poger noted that it will just about stop development because the facility would take up so much of the sewage allocation. He indicated that the State would have to contribute to solving the problem. Mr. Poger indicated that they should go on record as being opposed to any increase in the number of prisoners. To put up a building that is inadequate from the start is not good planning. He said there would be no objection to expansion if it brings the number of prisoners down to size. Mr. Marvin then moved that the City Council go on record as opposing a correctional facility in the community that is housing more people than it was designed to accommodate. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. Consider request of Knights of Columbus for a bazaar at J. C. Park over the 4th of July holiday Mr. O'Neill explained that the Knights of Columbus wish to use a part of the facility and that questions of parking, rest room, etc. have been worked out. Mr. Bob Audette of the Knights explained that it would be similar to the bazaar at St. John Vianney. The only potential problem is parking, specifically keeping people out of Jarvis's lot and that they will station someone there to redirect people. Ms. Lansing asked how late it would run on Saturday night and Mr. Audette said probably a little after dark. Mr. Marvin asked whether it would interfere with children's activities at the park, and Mr. O'Neill said it would not. Ms. Lansing then moved that the Knight of Columbus be allowed to hold a bazaar at J.C. Park on July 2 and 3. Mr. Marvin seconded with unanimous consent. Accept Resignation of Dorothy Swartwood from Fine Arts Committee Ms. Lansing moved that the resignation of Dorothy Swartwood from the Fine Arts Committee be accepted. Mr. Marvin seconded with unanimous consent. Interview Nancy McClary to fill vacancy on Fine Arts Committee. Ms. McClary said she felt it was a worthy idea to expand the educational activities of the community and that she would like to be a part of the process. Mr. Marvin moved that Nancy McClary be appointed to fill the unexpired term till 1984 on the Fine Arts Committee. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. Finalize and adopt fiscal 1983-84 City Budget Ms. Lansing moved to finalize and adopt the fiscal 1983-84 City Budget as presented at the City hearing. Mr. Marvin seconded with unanimous consent. Metropolitan Planning Organization Ms. Lansing indicated that there was still no decision as to who will administer MPO funds. There had also been discussion but no decision as to whether a town could veto a project that went through other towns. She noted that the State was concerned that they would be asked to give technical assistance and not be part of the entire process. Mr. Marvin asked if once the "Memorandum of Understanding" is approved will there be further chances for Councils in towns to voice opinions on By-Laws, etc. Mr. Farrar said he would expect that if approved the Governor would forward it to the Federal Government. If they accept it, each community would appoint a representative who would serve at the pleasure of local bodies, and they would presumably listen to local concerns. The ByLaws would probably be adopted by the body which would then decide on projects to be done. The State has indicated that if they were to do the planning they might not require a local 10% share. Ms. Lansing then moved that the Council approve the Memo of Understanding and have the City Manager send a copy to the Governor, with the indicated approval. Mr. Marvin seconded with unanimous consent. Liquor Control Board Mr. Marvin moved that the City Council adjourn and meet as the Liquor Control Board to consider liquor license renewals. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous agreement. Mr. Szymanski presented the following liquor license renewals: Papa Genos, Bonanza, Morgan Stores, Lakeside Tennis Club, P&C Williston Road, Grand Union Hinesburg Rd. and Shelburne Rd, Ramada Inn, 2¢ Pain, Benes Inn, Short Stop, Vinnie's Hot Spot, Tower Restaurant, Papas Restaurant, Wessons Diner, Airport Grocery, Howard Johnsons Williston Road, Ernie's Mobil, Olympiad, Airport Restaurant, Big Ben's Pizza, Friar John, Holiday Inn, Brothers Two, Gaynes, Ground Round, Windjammer, Net Result. Ms. Lansing then moved that the City Council sign and approve the liquor license renewals as presented by the City Manager. Mr. Marvin seconded with unanimous approval. Mr. Symanski indicated that several renewal requests presented problems. Sizzling Steak has a problem with fire codes and zoning regulations. Taxes are due on Club New England (where the Fire Chief says there are occasionally too many people), Five REasons, Solomon's Deli, and Quarry Hill. Ms. Lansing moved that the City Council be authorized to sign liquor license renewals for the above locations when appropriate assurances have been given to the City Manager that problems have been solved. Mr. Marvin asked if this has been the practice in the past. Mr. Farrar said it usually has. Mr. Marvin then seconded with unanimous approval. Ms. Lansing moved that the Liquor Control Board be adjourned and reconvene as the City Council to go into Executive Session to discuss union contracts and to return to regular session for the sole purpose of adjournment. Mr. Marvin seconded with unanimous approval. The City Council came out of Executive Session. By motion Mr. Marvin and seconded by Ms. Lansing the Council meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P.M. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.