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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 02/22/1984CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 22, 1984 The South Burlington City Council held a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 1984, at 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Acting Chairman; Leona Lansing, Michael Flaherty, William Peters Member Absent Hugh Marvin, Chairman Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; David Minnich, Assistant City Manager; Robert Chittenden, State Representative; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Director; William Schuele, Natural Resources Committee Ethel Schuele, Fine Arts Committee; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Gayle Blood, Mark Abrams, Elizabeth Edwards, Edith Hendley, Nan Frymoyer, Bradford Shaw, Bob Furlong, Lowell Krassner Comments and questions from public not related to items on Agenda There was no discussion in this area. PUBLIC HEARING: Application of Homer & Marie Dubois for a planned unit development located off the east side of Hinesburg Road approximately 1/2 mile north of Van Sicklen Road Mr. Farrar explained that this procedure is required because development of the Southeast Quadrant is allowed at a density of 2 units per acre only if the developer can prove that such development will not have an undue impact on the community. Mr. Trudell, the developer of the parcel, then updated the development plans. He advised that the three parties involved had gone to a hearing regarding "9B," and had received the Findings of Fact from that hearing. The findings indicated that development was to be undertaken using agricultural corridor concepts. The plan now calls for a 57-lot subdivision on almost 35 acres. The new layout has no cul de sacs as the first layout had had, and the road is now straighter. There will be a 12" water service which will continue into the project. Sewer service is available at the Mitel pumping station and Mr. Dubois is now negotiating with Green Acres as to where the sewer easement will be. A right-of-way will connect with the Green Acres parcel. The Planning Commission had asked that the road connect into Highland Terrace, and this has been added to the plans. The project has been submitted to the Agency of Transportation, and a go-ahead has been received pending Act 250 approval. Additional screening has been provided on the border of Mr. Toutant's property. Mr. Peters raised the question of development of adjoining land. Mr. Trudell said that Mr. Goodrich thinks his lot will be developed as industrial, and a buffer strip is planned between the two properties. Mr. Farrar asked whether the approval being sought is for the entire concept or just this first phase. Mr. Trudell said only this phase is being considered now. The remaining parcel will still meet the criteria for PUD development. At present, the second phase development would be condominiums. Mark Abrams of Highland Terrace questioned the extension of Highland Terrace. He read a lead a letter into the record (attached) citing increased traffic and air pollution and reduced safety, especially for the young children on Highland Terrace. It also noted that the extension would give access to only 4 homes, which is a marginal benefit. The extension was requested based on the arising of simultaneous emergencies, and the residents feel this is not likely, especially in view of the dangerous intersection which is a more immediate danger. The asked that if such a road extension is passed that the road be a 12 foot gravel road with chains at each end and a sign indicating for "Emergencies Only". Edith Hendley of Highland Terrace cited the dangerous access that now exists and said that 57 more families competing will make it much worse. Mr. Ward noted that the approval included the provision that when the DuBois property was developed, the extension of Highland Terrace would be built. The present development cannot be approved without a second access road. He added that with the extension, there will be better site visibility. Mr. Farrar suggested that in the future, it might be to everybody's benefit if the second access could be put to the north on Green Acres, and it might be better to close the Highland Terrace access and use only the new ones. Ms. Blood wanted to know the type and value of the homes to be built. Mr. Trudell said they do not yet know whether the lots will be sold individually, in groups or to one developer, and the style will depend upon the buyer(s). He felt that the homes would be a minimum of $75,000. Regarding power lines, these will be underground with the exception of a pole and the area near the pipes where vehicle traffic would cause damage. He added that if they can find someone who knows where the pipes are, they would sleeve them. Mr. Furlong questioned why there is to be screening behind the Toutant property and nowhere else. Mr. Trudell noted that Mr. Toutant is planning to expand his bird farm operation. Mr. Schuele questioned the selling off of individual lots noting that once you do that, your PUD is not "planned" at all. Mr. Farrar said that approval is only for specific size lots, street locations, etc, not for individual homes. Ying Lui asked how effective the access route to Highland Terrace will be in the early phase of the development. Mr. Farrar said he personally viewed the access to the north as the true secondary access. Mr. Shaw questioned the sewer capacity noting they are nearing capacity with half of the development. Mr. Farrar advised there will be a bond issue to upgrade the capacity and quality of the Airport Parkway plant. Mr. Furlong asked whether the Mitel allotment has been left in tact although it is not in use. Mr. Szymanski said the Mitel allotment is reserved. He also advised that an easement has been left between the Furlong and Toutant lands so both could hook onto the sewer. Mr. Krassner asked whether the people who buy property in the development will pay for the sewer expansion or if the rest of the citizens will be subsidizing this. Mr. Farrar said the procedure currently is that all citizens pay by means of the bond issue. Mr. Farrar then asked if they had a statement from the School Department on the impact on schools. Mr. Trudell said in a letter of November 14, 1983, Mr. Tuttle indicated no unreasonable burden would be placed on the schools. They also have approval of the Fire Chief. Mr. Farrar then asked about plan for common lands. Mr. Trudell said they would remain in Mr. Dubois name until he develops Phase II. No proposal has yet been made. Mrs. Schuele asked about minimum yardage between homes. Mr. Trudell said there will be 15-20 foot side yards and that other R-2 setbacks would apply (30 foot rear and front). Mr. Ward said he would prepare a proposed motion addressing all of the concerns raised and would have this for the next meeting. Mr. Trudell advised that the ruling is that the City must be a co-applicant for Act 250 along with Mitel and Green Acres in regard to the sewer which goes through their land. Mr. Flaherty then moved that the hearing be continued until the meeting of March 5, 1984, with the understanding that there will be a written proposed motion from the Acting City Planner for the Council to act upon. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Review of 1984-1985 Budget Mr. O'Neill explained the capital expenditures the Recreation Department was requesting. These include $5,000 for renovation of the high school tennis courts which need a major overhaul, $2,600 for insulation of the O'Brien Center, and additional funds for painting and repair of the O'Brien building. Mr. Farrar asked that the City Manager report on the potential energy savings from the building insulation at the next meeting. Mr. O'Neill noted that there is a small fee for private use of the building and that there have been a few small donations. There is very little change in the Fine Arts budget, mainly an increase in salary for returning summer employees. Mr. Farrar raised the question of overestimating summer help salaries. Mr. Schuele noted that the Natural Resources budget has been reduced somewhat. Ms. Lansing asked about the status of the fitness course. Mr. O'Neill said they have bought a 10-station course which will be installed this summer. There has been some outside funding contributed for this purchase. Mr. Farrar asked about the trail system. Mr. Szymanski said they get cooperation when they ask for it and that there are now some hook-ups. The City Council budget reflects increased salaries for Council members who have had no increases for several years. The Visiting Nurse service has been increased by 8-10%. They will appear at the March 6th meeting to request additional funding. RSVP has requested more than has been budgeted. There is also an item for $750 for a sound system in the Conference Room. Mr. Farrar suggested that an overhead projector might be more useful. In the City Manager's budget, funding for street lights has increased due to higher costs. The $1,500 for the Federal Drainage Report debt has also been budgeted. Computer improvements cover a letter quality printer for the upstairs office. The City Clerk's budget reflects an increase in salaries to the Board of Civil Authority. Office equipment requests include the replacement of a typewriter and adding matching, $3,000 for a copying machine, and $16,000 for voting equipment. It was suggested that instead of getting 3 voting machines, two could be purchased and transported. Mr. Farrar observed that serious thought will have to be given to containing medical insurance costs. The Assessors Office budget reflects $5,000 for legal fees for re-appraisal appeals. The Bookkeeping/Tax budget includes $10,000 for computer services, which includes half of the programmer's salary (shared with the school department). There is also $6,000 for computer improvements also shared with the schools. Mr. Farrar suggested they may want to go back and look at what is being done here as there have been a lot of changes in canned software in the past few years. Mr. Minnich also noted that there are some shared functions to which the schools do not contribute, such as the services of the Treasurer, and they might want to look at this. The Planning budget includes a new City Planner and also $1,500 for a traffic counter. Mr. Ward noted that the contract to count Kennedy Drive traffic cost $1200 alone. Mr. Ward raised the question of the use of travel allowances by various individuals. Mr. Flaherty asked Mr. Minnich for a summary of travel allowances and usage. Review Zoning Board of Adjustment Agenda There was no discussion Read Minutes of February 6, 1984 Mr. Flaherty moved the Minutes of February 6, 1984 be approved as written. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement Orders were signed. Other Business Discussion of City Charter. Mr. Peters raised the issue of discontinuing Section 1309 of the City Charter. He said that he felt the automatic 5%-10% increase should not be automatic without citizen input. Mr. Farrar said he could not support this as he felt South Burlington was one of the few communities in the State with a rational budgeting procedure. Mr. Farrar stated that there is a Charter Committee in place which reviews changes and recommends to the Council. The City Manager was requested to research the membership and furnish the names to the Council. Council members agreed that this request should be further discussed with the entire Council present. The Council set a Special Meeting for Monday, February 27, 1984 to discuss the Sign Ordinance options with the City Attorney and receive a progress report from Webster-Martin on the Upgrading of Airport Parkway Sewage Treatment Plant. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Flaherty moved for adjournment. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 PM. 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