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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 08/20/1984CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 20, 1984 AMENDMENT TO MINUTES OF AUGUST 20, 1984 On page 6, the name of the applicant for the catering permit should read Grandvue Corp. of Ferrisburg. The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, August 20, 1984, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Leona Lansing, Michael Flaherty, George Mona, William Peters Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Albert Audette, Street Department; Donald Whitten, Water Pollution Control Dept.; Alec Tuscany, Stan Wilbur, Webster- Martin, Inc.; Ed Leonard, Mike Woika, State of Vermont; Vincent D'Acuti, James Howley, Jim Rowley, Thomas O'Connor Bob O'Brian, Hal Bensen, Doug Ireland, Judy Hurd; Jane Bechtel, City Planner, Dr. Roberta Coffin, Hugh Marvin Comments & questions from the public (not related to items on the Agenda There was no discussion. Public Informational Meeting regarding the bond issue on proposed upgrade and expansion of Airport Parkway sewage treatment plant Ed Leonard of the Agency of Environmental Conservation explained the two roles of the state: to set standards for discharges into water and to assist municipalities in funding to meet the standards. Rules require that all municipalities achieve a secondary level of treatment. South Burlington currently has only a primary level, and must upgrade to meet the standard. In addition, the state has banned phosphorus, and treatment plants on the lower Winooski must reduce phosphorus to 1 miligram per litre. The South Burlington plant must also meet this standard. South Burlington has a temporary permit which includes dates as to when certain standards must be met. There are federal and state grant programs which aid in financing. In the past, the federal government has financed up to 75% and the state 15% more, leaving the municipality 10%. Those percentages will change as of October 1, 1984, and the federal government will finance only 55%, the state 25%, leaving 20% to the municipality. South Burlington has taken steps to get some part of the program funded by October 1, which will insure eligibility for 75% federal funding with only 10% local funding. The state has approved preliminary engineering plans, and final design plans are now nearing completion. South Burlington is the highest priority project that has not yet received a Step 3 grant and is on the list for next year. The attempt to segment the project is in order to use some 1984 money that is still available. All other plants in the area which discharge into the Winooski River are in the secondary phase except South Burlington and Essex, and Essex will be at this level by next year. Most other have the capability to remove phosphorus. If the voters approve the planned project, it will be operational sometime in 1986. Mr. Mona asked if the schedule the city is on is a legal document. Mr. Leonard explained that the system was established by the federal government to issue permits. It is a legal document in that the federal government can take action when specifications are not met. Alec Tuscany of Webster-Martin Engineering described the operations of the present plant. At present, 1.25 million g.p.d. can be handled. The expanded facility will handle 2.3 million g.p.d. The existing facility can remove up to 35-45% of b.o.d. The expanded facility will be able to remove 93% of b.o.d. At present, the phosphorus received equals 95 pounds per day; in the planned facility, this will be reduced to about 5 pounds per day. Some of the upgrade facilities include: new headworks, a third clarifier additional sludge digesting facilities, 2 large sludge storage tanks (sludge will be disposed of in liquid form on area farmland), a process control area, administrative facility, and a garage to house the sludge vehicles. The pipe now in use will be able to handle the 2.3 million g.p.d. flow. Mr. Schuele questioned the price for sludge vehicles which are to be used only twice a year. Mr. Tuscany explained that of all the options, this is still the least expensive. Mr. Krassner asked whether an analysis has been done for heavy metals and toxicity. Mr. Farrar said this is being done twice a year at present, and guidelines are being met. Mr. Krassner said according to a news article, there will be some treatment from the landfill. Mr. Szymanski explained that there is a problem with some leeching on one side of the landfill. In order to get the landfill certified, the state has allowed the city to process this through the plant. The amount is approximately 10,000 g.p.d. A citizen asked whether the sludge will be sold to farmers. Mr. Tuscany said the practice is to give it at no charge. Ms. Lansing asked if there will be any methane gas. Mr. Whitten said they are trying to utilize nearly 100% of it. Stan Wilbur of Webster-Martin outlined the financing of the project. The total cost of the project is $7,915,000 of which $3,270,000 will come from an EPA grant, $2,545,000 from the state, and $2,100,000 from the city. However, if the project can be segmented and the paperwork can be done by October 1, 1984, the same project will receive $5,825,000 from the EPA, $1,080,000 from the state, and only $1,010,000 will have to come from the city. In order to get the reduced city funding, the following three criteria must be met by October 1, 1984: the city must pass the bond issue, the design must be complete, and the grant applications must be handled. Mr. Farrar said the bottom line is that if the city doesn't pass the bond issue in September, its share will be a minimum of $3,000,000; if the bond issue passes, the city share could be as low as $1,100,000. Mr. Marvin asked how the $1,100,000 figure compares with the original bond issue that will be ending. Mr. Szymanski said it will be very close to what it is now, and if the city gets the extra money, it could actually be less. The final payment of the original plant is next year, so there would be no change in taxes if the current bond issue is passed, even if the city doesn't get the extra money. Mr. Krassner said there had been discussion on alternatives for paying for the treatment plant. Mr. Farrar said that half of the expansion cost would be paid for with a connection fee to new users. In addition, the Council has asked for a charter change which would allow the establishment of a special tax district in which the first year or two of new taxes generated by that district would go to pay for the other half of the expansion. Such a charter change must pass the voters and be approved by the legislature. Mr. Szymanski said that the average household in South Burlington is now paying $55 per year for sewage treatment (for a house valued at approximately $25,000). The same household is paying $25.00 per year for debt service, of which $20 goes to the Airport Parkway Sewage Treatment Plant (that $20 debt will be paid in 1985). With an estimated 30% increase in operating cost in the new plant, the same household would pay $72 a year for sewage treatment and about $24 per year debt service (of which $4 or $5 would be for other previously approved projects). This means approximately $17.00 per year more per household. Mr. Farrar asked what happens if the bond issue doesn't pass. Mr. Leonard said that sooner or later the city will have to fix the plant, and the longer the delay, the more the cost to the city. If the work is not done within the timeframe, and the problem is at the municipal level, the state and the EPA can come down with legal action. Mr. Marvin asked what the cost would be to a household if the bond issue doesn't pass in September. Mr. Farrar estimated that instead of $17 additional per year, it could be as high as $40 or $60. Mr. Krassner asked what the cost is for just the upgrade. Mr. Wilbur said it was $5,815,000. Mr. Peters asked what administrative action is taken when a bond issue expires. Mr. Szymanski said there is no action, the tax just ends. Consider an ordinance to reduce speed limit on Hinesburg Road, Williston Road and Kennedy Drive Mr. Szymanski explained that Hinesburg Rd., Williston Road (from Muddy Brook to Kennedy Drive and Kennedy Drive are all now 50 mph. Based on a study done by the city, the state has said that the Kennedy Drive and Williston Road speed limits can be reduced to 40 mph. The state does not justify a change on Hinesburg Rd; however, it will approve a transitional zone of 40 mph 2/10 of a mile before the Kennedy Drive intersection. Mrs. Hurd asked if the study had included proposed expansion on Hinesburg Rd. Mr. Szymanski said it had however the state had based its decision on current usage as measured by radar. He added that if traffic increases, the city will reassess the traffic and submit new figures. Dr. Coffin said it was her understanding that the city could make its own decision on speed limits. Mr. Szymanski said there must be justification. Some speeding cases have been thrown out of court because the city couldn't justify the lower speed limits. Mr. Mona asked if it is possible to have a longer transitional zone, possibly from Mitel or even VanSicklen Rd. Mrs. Hurd noted that the Planning Commission when the new Phone Company building was approved, it was recommended that the speed limit be lowered. She added that when the building opens, 200 employees will be going onto the road with traffic moving at 50 mph. A citizen noted that if he doesn't hit 50 mph as soon as he gets out of his driveway, he is in danger of being hit. Mr. Farrar asked the City Manager to get back in touch with the state reviewer and see if the decision cannot be reviewed. Mr. Flaherty then moved that the speed limit on Williston Road from Muddy Brook to Milham Court, and on Kennedy-Drive be set at 40 mph, and that the Council direct the City Manager to continue negotiations with the state as to conditions on Hinesburg Road. In the meantime, a transitional zone be set on Hinesburg Road from Kennedy Drive to Mitel at 40 mph, and from Mitel for a distance of 1,000 feet at 45 mph. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Continue discussion of proposed amendment to the Zoning Regulations as recommended by the Planning Commission Ms. Bechtel presented the Council another amendment regarding landscaping. She advised that a hearing can be held on September 17th covering both sets of amendments. She also advised that she and the City Attorney are now working on the wording for an amendment concerning apartments in single family dwellings. That amendment will come before the Council in the next few months. Mr. Farrar noted that the proposed amendments concern: minimum planting costs, apartments and multi-family dwellings as a conditional use in a commercial district, parking provisions, temporary uses including storage of recreational vehicles and garage sales, recreational vehicle controls, numbering systems, offstreet parking and loading spaces, and a map change. Accept resignation of Constance Kite from Natural Resources Committee Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council accept the resignation of Constance Kite from the Natural Resources Committee and direct the City Manager to send Mrs. Kite a letter of commendation for her services. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Review Zoning Board Agenda Mr. Schuele questioned the laying of piping in a conservation zone. Mr. Szymanski advised that the owner wants to extend the culvert to get the ditch beyond his proposed house. This is a laid out lot that has never been built on. Mr. Schuele said his concern was for a conservation zone that becomes an answer to someone's problems. Ms. Lansing suggested that the Natural Resources Committee look at the site before the Zoning Board meeting to find out what caused the area to be designated as open space. Mr. Farrar said if they find it is a real problem, the Resources Committee should go to the Zoning Board and get a delay so the Council can study the question further. Minutes of August 6, 1984 Mr. Mona noted that at the bottom of page 1, his comment had been that the conversion issue has aroused strong feelings "both ways." Mr. Flaherty moved that the Minutes of August 6, 1984 be approved as amended by Mr. Mona. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement Orders were signed. Old Business Mr. Farrar advised that the MPO is being asked to vote on expansion of the urban system area. Proposed changes which were submitted several years ago were refused approval by the federal government because they were changes in area and number of roads and the ratio would have been higher than allowed. Now this will be balanced by the addition of some area in Milton. The disadvantage is that Milton will now be eligible for funding which will spread out the funds even more. The Council voiced no objections. Liquor Control Board Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council adjourn and reconvene as the Liquor Control Board. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Mr. Szymanski presented an application for the UVM Senior Class Fall Picnic to be held at Red Rocks Park on Sept. 15, 1984, from 1-7 p.m. The picnic will be catered. A memo from Bruce O'Neill indicated that UVM has agreed to: a $1,000,000 certificate of insurance liability, the presence of a South Burlington police officer, traffic control, music by a disc jockey not a band, a local beer permit, the maintaining of bathhouse and facilities. Ms. Lansing felt they needed to stipulate the cleaning up of the area. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Board approve the entertainment permit for the UVM Senior Class Picnic at Red Rocks Park on September 15, 1984, from 1-7 p.m., based on the recommendation of the Recreation Director, with the further stipulation that the UVM Senior Class will be responsible for cleaning up the site. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Mr. Szymanski presented a first class liquor license request from Lums which did not have its permit renewed during renovations. Both police and fire chiefs have approved. Ms. Flaherty moved to approve the first class liquor license for Lums on Williston Rd. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. A request for an entertainment permit was made by China Lite Restaurant for live music groups, talk show, and piano, seven days a week, from 5:30 p.m., to 1:45 a.m. Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the entertainment permit for China Lite Restaurant on Corporate Way. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. The City Manager presented a catering request from Grandview Corp. of Ferrisburg to cater two events: a company party at K of C Hall on September 8, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and a wedding reception at the same location on September 1, from Noon to 7 p.m. Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the catering permit for Grandview Corp. for a wedding on September 1, and a company party on September 8, 1984, both at K of C Hall. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. In view of the Labor Day Holiday, it was decided that the next Council meeting would be Tuesday, September 4, 1984. Executive Session Mr. Flaherty moved that the Liquor Control Board adjourn and reconvene as an Executive Session for the purpose of updating progression labor negotiations and to reconvene as the City Council for the sole purpose of adjournment. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. The City Council came out of Executive Session at 10:00 P.M. and immediately adjourned. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.