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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 10/17/1983CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 17, 1983 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, October 17, 1983, at 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Hugh Marvin, Chairman; Michael Flaherty, Paul Farrar, William Peters Member Absent Leona Lansing Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; David Minnich, Assistant City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; John Goodrow, Burlington Free Press; Robert Chittenden, City Representative; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Elizabeth Miller, William Shearer, William J. Schuele; Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator Review the proposed Urban Systems road improvements projects to be submitted to the Metropolitan Planning Organization Mr. Szymanski outlined the projects which were as follows: Shunpike Road (extension of Kimball Avenue), to be rebuilt with curbs and repaved for approximately 800 feet. Of the total $53,000, the City would pay $13,250. Cheese Factory Road, to be repaved with 1½ʺ blacktop for 3,273 ft. Of the $25,000 total cost, the City would pay $6,250. Allen Road, 1,000 ft. storm drain, repaved for 4,300 ft., with 1½ʺ blacktop. Of the $62,000 total cost, the City would pay 15,500. Williston Road, repaved from Hinesburg Rd. east, with 1ʺ overlay. Of the total $125,000, the City would pay $31,250 Patchen Road, curbing and repaved with 1ʺ overlay. Of the $105,000 total cost, the City would pay $26,350. Swift Street, curbs from Shelburne Rd. to the top of the hill, widened to 30 ft., repaved with 1ʺ overlay. Of the total $62,000, the City would pay $15,500. Dorset Street, from Kennedy Drive to the town line, repaved. Of the total $225,000, the City would pay $56,250 which has already been approved in the bond issue. Mr. Chittenden asked if the cost figures were for the City or outsiders to do the work. Mr. Szymanski said the City would do the excavation, but paving and curbing would be contracted out. Mr. Schuele asked if there were any priorities among the items. Mr. Szymanski said he felt Shunpike Rd. should be first because the bridge was to be replaced next year. Mr. Farrar said it would be advisable to set Williston Rd. in the year that the project is already scheduled. An order of preference was decided upon as follows: Year 1: Shunpike Rd. and Cheese Factory Road, begin Patchen Rd. Year 2: Dorset Street (begin), and finish Patchen Rd. Year 3: finish Dorset Street, Allen Rd. Year 4: Williston Rd. Year 5: Swift Street Mr. Flaherty noted it might be wise to cost bike paths for Dorset Street as it would be less expensive to do that work at the same time. Regarding Dorset St, Mr. Peters asked what the urgency was in repaving the road this summer and what was the cost. Mr. Szymanski said it was just a patch job and he would check on the cost. Mr. Farrar moved that the list of Urban Systems Road Improvement Projects as proposed by the City Manager in his list of October 13 be forwarded with priorities as discussed this evening. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. Sign Resolution setting the recreation fee for developments as called for in the approved Subdivision Regulations (attached) Mr. Flaherty moved that the Resolution setting the recreation fee be adopted and signed. Mr. Farrar seconded with unanimous consent. Consider settlement of a Federal Government claim for a City drainage report prepared in 1961 Mr. Szymanski explained that in 1961 the town had 3 reports prepared, one for sewage, one for water, one for drainage. The Federal government funded these under the condition that when any part of the improvements were constructed that portion would be paid back to the Federal government. Sewage was repaid in the ʹ60ʹs, and the water report was paid when CWD did improvements in town. The drainage report was never paid back because very little work was ever constructed. This year, the government decided to look for themselves and noticed some work done on drainage on Airport Drive. They then asked for maps of all drainage done since that time and ultimately asked for $700 of the $8,500 for work done to date. Mr. Szymanski said he had asked whether they could write this debt off, and a settlement figure of $1,500 was reached. He added that if the $1,500 isn't paid, and Dorset St. improvements are done, the government will want the additional $700. the of $8,500. Mr. Marvin felt the $1,500 was a good settlement for the City. Mr. Farrar then moved that based on the Chairman's suggestion and the City Manager's negotiations the City Council authorize in next year's budget $1,500 to pay any and all claims on the drainage report by Charles McGuire and Associates. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. Consider raising the Sewer Treatment plant septic tank dumping fees from $10.00 per 1,000 gals. to $15.00 per 1,000 gals Mr. Szymanski noted that the City has been charging $10.00 for 6 years and that the going rate is $15.00. Mr. Farrar moved that the Sewer Treatment plant septic tank dumping fee be increased from $10.00 per 1,000 gal to $15.00 per 1,000 gal. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. It was noted that this would affect only a few outlying areas such as Spear Street, Country Club Estates, etc. Review 1983-1984 budget adjustments Mr. Szymanski read the list of proposed budget adjustments (attached). Mr. Flaherty asked how the pension adjustment would affect funding. Mr. Minnich explained that the contribution has increased quite a bit. It was suggested the City pay $119,000. In the year just concluded the amount was $105,000. The new suggestion is $108,000. The system has been changed to an equity fund managed by professionals with interest estimated at 12%. It is thus not felt that $119,000 is necessary this year. The unfunded liability won't increase very much. Mr. Flaherty then asked whether the police clothing adjustment would be in conflict with the contract. Mr. Szymanski said a lot of clothing was purchased last year and the Chief says not much is planned for this year. Regarding personnel, it was noted that the only layoff would be a part-time dispatcher. Mr. Flaherty noted that regarding the City Planner position, the amount of reduction is more than what is being paid to Mr. Ward. He added that if a new Planner were hired as of January 1, the savings would be only $6,000. Mr. Farrar said he felt they needed time to think over the implications of these proposed adjustments. Mr. Peters said that he felt no area should be exempt from cutting in order that tax payers don't wind up paying for the situation. Mr. Marvin raised the question of funds not yet expended by various departments and suggested a look be taken in that area. He noted specifically that $82,000 had been budgeted for Assessing and only $49,000 has been spent. Mr. Szymanski said in that instance, assessors are under contract and payment cannot be delayed. Mr. Minnich added that if payment were delayed, the schools would pay the penalty in revenue they receive next fall. Mr. Farrar moved to table action on the City Manager's recommended budget adjustments until the next meeting. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Mr. Ward asked if the departments have any input in this matter. Ms. Picard asked why the City pays everyone's insurance as soon as they are hired. It used to be that insurance was only paid after an employee had been at work for several months. Mr. Szymanski said this had happened during the negotiations process and that all towns now pay in full. Mr. Peters said that when he was in Montpelier he stressed the theme of coming financial woes, and this has now become a fact. He said South Burlington is not exempt from this. He added that if the City doesn't deal with financial trouble now, it will become big trouble down the road. Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Marvin said that this is what the City is now doing. Mr. Marvin asked Mr. Flaherty to work on the budget with the City Manager. In the vote which followed, the motion passed unanimously. Review letter to Z.B.A. and Planning Commission regarding conservation zones. Mr. Szymanski read the letter (attached), and the Council agreed that it expressed their sentiments. Sign Resolution on Kennedy Drive Easement Mr. Szymanski said he could find no indication that this land had been purchased with Federal funds. Mr. Farrar moved that the Resolution be signed. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. Read Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 3, 1983 Mr. Farrar moved that the Minutes of October 3, 1983 be approved as written. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous consent. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement orders were signed. Mr. Farrar then moved that the City Council adjourn and meet as the Liquor Control Board, and that upon adjournment of the Liquor Control Board, the only business will be to go into Executive Session, following which the meeting would be adjourned. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. Liquor Control Board a) First Class Beverage License application for City Nights Mr. Szymanski said ownership is changing from father to son. He added that the last tax installment has not been paid, but the fire and police departments report no problems. Mr. Farrar moved that the Board approve the Liquor License for City Nights on the assurance that the City Manager sees that all conditions have been taken care of. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. b) Entertainment Permit for Vinny's Hot Spot for Sunday, November 6, 1983 Mr. Szymanski said the request is for "Monster Wrestling" between 4 and 11 pm. He noted there had been no problems with the most recent "monster" event. Mr. Farrar moved that the Board authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to sign the entertainment permit for Vinny's Hot Spot for November 6, 1983. Mr. Flaherty seconded, and the motion passed 3-0 with Mr. Peters abstaining. Mr. Farrar then moved that the Liquor Board be adjourned and the Council be reconvened in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing labor negotiations. Upon coming out of Executive Session the only business would be adjournment. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous consent. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. I I I I I I RESOLUTION OF THE SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL SETTING RECREATIONAL FEES In accordance with Article IV, Section 411, paragraph 4, of the South Burlington Subdivision Regulations, be it so resolved that effective October 24, 1983, the recreational fee shall be set at two hundred dollars ($200.00) per housing unit. Ado~ted : October 17, 1983 Hugh EG/ ~arvin, Chairman u Paul A. Farrar Michael D. Flaherty J Leona J. Lansing William L. Peters division will overload an existing downstream drainage facility so that there will Ix damge to private property of public funds, the Commission shall not approve the sub- division until the subdivider agrees to the improvement deemed necessary by the City. \ Section410 MonumentsandLotCorner Markers Permanent reference mnuments shall be set in concrete all corners and angle points' of the bundaries of the subdivision and as required by the City Engineer for new roads. bt corner markers shall be set at corners and angle pints of all lots, plots, or parcels, and located in the ground to finished grade. Section 411 Open Space and Recreation Areas Land shall be set aside for playground or other recreational purposes as deemed necessary in proper case by the Comnission on any plat submitted for Conmission approval. All such areas shall be of a reasonable character for park or other recreational use. The Commission shall use the following formula to determine the minimum amunt of parkland dedication which shall be required of any residential subdivision: I) Number of units x persons/unit = project ~opulation 11) Project population x 7.5 acres public parkland/1000 residents = park site obligation The deqraphic figures used in this formula shall be der ivcd from the mst current, comnly accepted sources, such as the Federal Census or professional surveys. If the Planning Commission determines that a recreation nccds associated with a prcel of land are greater than would IF provided by the above formula then it my require dedicaticm of additional parkland up to a maximum of 15% of the area of \ any X In cases where the Commission determines that a suitable park or parks of adequate size cannot be properly locatccj in any such plat or is otherwise not practical, the Cwmlit;:;ic)~~ may require as a condition to the approval of such plat 1.x~yilk'rlt to the City of an amount to 12 determined by the City Coil~>c-i 1, which anmunt shall tx available for use by the city to sc~-vc~ t needs of the surrounding area, including the acquisition 01 propr ty for a c& park, a playground, or for other rc.c~'c.~r t ic purposes. ~deyuate provision shall IF mde for put~lic ~c:c-t.:i:; to lands deeded to the City for thesc prupses. The Cornmission at its discreation, my waive or- 11~x;li f\. tI~(>:;c\ requirements concerning recreation lands or equivalent fcc3:;, such as in minor sukdivision or housing for tile elclcrly, \JIIL'I t' the strict application of these formulas in not ~-easonat)l\. related to the increased recreational demnds CI-ca tcd ty 1111' suldivis ion or where the cost of administration wauld ~~sc-t.~\~i kl 11.' fee itself. MEMoRANggM ----- - South Burlington City Council FROM : William J. Szymanski, City Manager DATE : October 17, 1983 SUBJECT: FY 1983-84 Budget Revision Three events have taken place since the adoption of the current year budget that needs to be addressed by the City Council. 1. ) - ~eaith Insurance costs have increased $12,600 more than was originally budgeted. 2.) ,The City Council approved salary increases for City Hall .workers and non-unionized employees that will cost 2% more than was orginally budgeted. 3.) Police unionized employees were awarded an increase by the arbitration panel inSeptember that will cost just over 4% more than was originally budgeted. I recommend: 1.) all City workers' salary be kept in parity so as to maintain the integrity of our compensation system. 2.) the base pay for all non-unionized and City Hall workers be increased by 63% above the FY 1982-83 pay schedule with a l~%longevityincrease on the employee's anniversarydate of hire. The total cost of the Police arbitration award, the Health Insurance increased costs and the 64%/13% increase is $110,700- Whereas, the budget is currently at the maximum it can be without further voterapprova1,I suggest the FY 1983-84 budget be reduced in the following areas and the funds transferred to finance the increased costs noted above: 1.) reduce Planned Pension contribution by $10,700 2.) delay K,imball Water line construction budget for $15,000 3.) delay salt shed and roof repairs at the Highway Garage budgeted for $4,000 4.) finance curbs, sidewalks and Kennedy Drive culvert improvements from the Street Bond Issue past last Spring. The original General Fund budget was $20,000 page 2 5.) reduce funding for the Playground Leaders, Beach Staff, Parking Lot Attendants and Tennis Salaries by $1,800 6.) reduce tennis and Red Rocks supplies by $900 7.) reduce Police clothing supplies by $5,000 8.) reduce Police conferences, recruiting and training, visual aids, equipment repairs, range supplies, investigation supplies, bicycle registrations and general equipment by $3,900 9.) delay hiring a City Planner until July 1, 1984 saving $16,000 10.) delete from the City's personnel complement: a) one full-time Police Dispatcher b) one part-time Police Dispatcher c) one full-time Landfill Attendant 4 \ J4-t " (all of these will NOT - result in any "layoff" of/?personnel) the savings will be $21,600 11.) leave of absences of Thomas Fraga and Kathy Jones, will save $7,800 12.) reduce $2,000 fromthe appropriation for acquiring land 13.) reduce Planning Consultant fees by $2,000 City of South Burlington 575 DORSET STREET SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT 05401 TEL. (802) 658-7953 OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER WILLIAM J. SZYMANSKI October 17, 1983 J. Everett Reed, Chairman Zoning Board of Adjustment Sidney B. Poger, Chairman Planning Commission Re: Conservation Zone Dear Everett and Sid: The City Council has requested that I express their concerns to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning Commission over the encroachment of development into designated conservation zones through the granting of variances and site plan approval. • As you know this zone was established to protect streams and drainage-ways which are subject to periodically overflowing their banks during periods of high storm runoff and tend to meander over the years. They also serve to protect the natural beauty and as noise barriers along the interstate highway. Please consider these important attributes when reviewing developments adjacent to conservation zones. City Manager