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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 04/15/1985CITY COUNCIL 15 APRIL 1985 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 15 April 1985, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Michael Flaherty, Leona Lansing, George Mona, William Peters Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Gloria Yandow, Bookkeeper; Jane Bechtel, City Planner; Don Whitten, Water Pollution Control; Sonny Audette, Highway Dept; Sid Poger, Planning Commission; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Stan Wilbur, Webster-Martin Comments & questions from the public (not related to items on the Agenda) No issues were raised. Sign applications for planning advance for upgrading Bartletts Bay Sewage Treatment Plant The first consideration was to designate an authorized representative to sign documents relating to the upgrading process and to approve a $36,000 planning advance in that connection. Ms. Lansing moved that the Council sign the planning advance and also that Michael Flaherty be designated as the City's agent for this project. Mr. Mona seconded with unanimous consent. Mr. Wilbur said it would speed up the process if once the agreement is approved, Webster-Martin be given a notice to proceed. Mr. Flaherty moved that the City Manager be empowered to negotiate the contract and to move it ahead. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. The question of a fee for sewage treatment was then considered. Mr. Szymanski noted that projecting 20 years, the Airport Parkway plant will go from 1,250,000 gpd to 2,300,000 gpd, and Bartletts Bay will go from 700,000 gpd to 1,700,000 gpd, resulting in an added capacity of 2,050,000. The cost will be $4,500,000 plus $4,700,000 interest. Dividing the cost by the added capacity, he suggested a rate of approximately 4.50. He added that Ludlow, Vt., has a similar method of computation but that they charge an additional hook-on fee of $2,200. Burlington charges $5.63, but does not consider interest in this amount. Several questions were raised, including: the possibility of a 15-year bond issue, whether building will proceed at the same rate as in the past, and whether to go with this method of financing. Mr. Mona felt they should proceed with what had been decided earlier: to collect half from a hook-up fee, and establishing a special tax district to collect the other half from new users. Mr. Peters said he still felt the cost should be borne equally by all taxpayers. Mr. Flaherty then moved that a hook-up fee be established so that 2,050,000 gallons will raise approximately $4,500,000 in project costs. It is the intent of the Council to go to the voters for a Charter change to form a special tax district which will have the authority to tax in a manner to pay off the remaining project costs within the period of time it takes but not exceeding 10 years. Ms. Lansing seconded, and the motion passed 4-1, Mr. Peters opposing. The City Manager will present a table of figures to establish a standard for hook-up charges. The City Attorney will draw up language for a charter change so it can be approved and sent to the Charter Committee in time for inclusion on the May, 1986 ballot. Consider Planning Committee recommendation regarding appointment of a Dorset Street study committee Ms. Bechtel referred to a letter from the city's state legislators indicating that the Dorset Street widening gives the opportunity to study Dorset Street with a goal toward establishing a "downtown" South Burlington. Their suggestions included renaming the street "Main Street," installing attractive lighting, setting up a park etc. The suggested committee would include a Council member, Planning and Zoning Commission members, recreation dept, school dept, an urban designer, landscape architect, attorney, etc. Mr. Farrar raised the question of underground facilities for Dorset Street and indicated that the longer a decision is delayed, the more work will have to be done over. Mr. Szymanski noted that the power company had quoted $300/foot on Spear Street and indicated that he will check costs for Dorset Street. Mr. Mona moved that the Council follow the suggestions made in the City Planner's memo of April 12, 1985, for the appointment of a committee to study Dorset Street. Ms. Lansing seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Review proposal for a Post Office site and the Planning Commission's Response Ms. Bechtel indicated that the City Attorney is checking to see if the Post office is exempt from local zoning regulations and that preliminary research indicates they may be. Mr. Poger summarized the Planning Commission's response, recommending the Post Office adhere to zoning ordinances, stay out of the Southeast Quadrant, and focus their attention on Kimball Avenue. Mr. Flaherty moved that the letter approved by the Planning Commission be sent. Mr. Mona seconded with unanimous consent. Sign Proclamation designating April 20-27 as "Week of the Young Child" Mr. Szymanski read the proclamation (attached). Ms. Lansing moved that the Council sign the proclamation as read. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous consent. Report on City Data Processing Needs During the discussion, Mr. Farrar stepped down from the Council because of a possible conflict of interest. Consultant Ernie Saunders reported that he had talked with each department head concerning present and potential future use and had come up with three possible alternatives: 1) stay with the current system of sharing with the school (which he felt, would cost more in the long run); 2) install a turn-key system (which he felt, would tie the city to one vendor); 3) install a distributed system. The last alternatives which he recommended, could be phased in, would provide automony within each department, could contain a built-in back-up system, and would be in keeping with industry trends. He indicated that the city is not now very sophisticated in using computers. Mr. Flaherty asked what it would cost to get City Hall people to a skilled position and how long it would take. Mr. Saunders said it would be on- going forever, as there would always be new software. A review of existing software and a 3-month training program would cost about $4,000. The current cost is $26,000/year for which the city gets only usage of a system. Mr. Mona asked what the cost of a managing the system would be. Mr. Saunders said initially only the cost of a consultant who might then be retained on a "usage" basis. The cost of a service contract could be overcome by having 6 units, so that there is always a back-up. Shelburne uses similar equipment and Ms. Bechtel indicated they would be willing to share some software with South Burlington. Mr. Farrar suggested a complete fiscal year be run with a back-up. Ms. Yandow said they needed two printers downstairs and Mr. Farrar suggested the possibility of several types of printers. IBM was chosen as vendor because they give municipalities a 24% discount; because of that, McAuliffe's is almost down to that figure. Mr. Peters asked if there is money in the budget to cover the proposal. Mr. Szymanski said there is, but he will check to see if it would include running with the school for a year as well. Sign Warning and Bond Issue Resolution for May 21, 1985 City Elections Mr. Farrar read the warning (attached). Ms. Lansing moved that the Council sign the warning. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous consent. Mr. Farrar then read the bond issue resolution. He indicated it was his understanding that the cost of improvements to the water line would be paid by user fees not by general taxes. (Resolution attached) Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council sign the bond issue resolution. Mr. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Accept Resignation of Sid Poger from the Planning Commission effective May 21, 1985 Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council accept with deep regret the resignation of Sid Poger from the Planning Commission. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Consider adopting the City 1985-1986 budget Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council accept the City Budget as presented at the Public Hearing. Mr. Mona seconded. Mr. Peters asked the status of reappraisal. Mr. Farrar said he had looked over the numbers the City Manager presented and the only figures still subject to change are those of utilities. Following a brief discussion, the motion passed 4-1, Mr. Peters voting against. Authorize City Manager to sign deeds for future road R.C.W. back to original owner on Gregory Drive (new street off Williston Rd. near Williston Town Line) Mr. Szymanski explained that the right of way was deeded in error to the City. Mr. Flaherty moved that the City Manager be authorized to sign deeds for the future right of way back to the original owner on Gregory Drive. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Review Planning & Zoning Agendas Ms. Lansing voiced concern with a proposed apartment at 346 White Street, indicating that traffic was already a problem there. Ms. Lansing then moved that a letter be sent to the Zoning Board expressing concerns about the hazard of traffic conditions on White Street and Barber Terrace. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous consent. Mr. Mona questioned an appearance of Mr. Goodrich scheduled at the Planning Commission and suggested that if the proposal were not in keeping with present zoning the Commission not spend the amount of time it has spent in the past. Hearing on Employee Grievance The hearing was postponed at the request of the employee. Review Minutes of April 1, 1985 Mr. Flaherty moved that the Minutes of April 1, 1985 be approved as written. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement Orders were signed. Old Business 1. Mr. Szymanski presented the letter to be included with new tax appraisals. Mr. Farrar suggested that the average increase of about 2.4% be mentioned, with the figure adjusted when utilities figures are available. New Business 1. Airport Police: Mr. Farrar noted that several years ago the sheriff's office handled airport screening. This was awkward and it was suggested South Burlington take it over. The Airport Commission rejected this proposal and got authority to establish an indepedent police department. This is awkward for South Burlington as jurisdiction is not consistent. It is being looked at again, and Mr. Farrar felt it unwise to get involved at this point until the Airport's long-term future is known. The advantage of having South Burlington take it over would be to make more efficient use of personnel and to provide career potential to people who work there. There would be a problem with some jurisdictional decisions. 2. MPO: Ms. Lansing advised that Essex Town had moved to abolish the Citizens Advisory Committee. Mr. Farrar said he thought that would be illegal because it is a federal requirement. Liquor Control Board Ms. Lansing moved that the Council adjourn and reconvene as the Liquor Control Board. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. Mr. Szymanski noted that those renewals held up at the last meeting because of sign ordinance compliance had now complied and renewals had been issued. The following renewals were presented and posed no problems: Doug's Quick Stop, Wesson's Diner, Bogart's, Heather's (new owners of Benes Inn), Grand Union (Shelburne and Hinesburg Rd), Gaynes, Papa Geno's, Gracey's, Colonial Deli Mart, Net Result Morgan's, Big Ben Pizza, Martins (Shelburne Rd), Garfield's, Parkway Diner, P&C, G&L Save More Variety, Pizza Hut, Redwood Restaurant, Fish Banke, Howard Johnsons, Ground Round, Twin Oaks Tennis Center, Airport Restaurant, Healthy Living, Holiday Inn, Airport Grocery. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Board sign the renewals as presented by the City Manager. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. Mr. Szymanski then presented the following renewals which pose problems with signs or taxes: Sign Violations: Ernie's Mobil Interstate Texaco The Short Stop Spillane's Shelburne Rd. Taxes: Rotisserie Quarry Hill Solomon's Koala Mauna In addition, a site inspection is not complete at China Lite and a fire inspection is requested at the new addition at the Olympiad. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council sign the above renewals upon certification of the City Manager that required conditions have been met. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. Four fire violations have been ordered corrected by the State at The Club New England. Mr. Peters moved that the Council not sign the Club New England liquor license renewal until they have complied with the order of the state to correct four fire violations and that they satisfy the city that this had been done. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous approval. Mr. Szymanski then presented 4 catering permit requests from Tygate Motel Corp. for parties to be held in various locations in the Windjammer Conference Center as follows: April 20, 5-7 p.m. April 20, 5-8 p.m. April 23, 4:30-6 p.m. May 5, 2-6 p.m. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Board approve the catering permits as presented by the City Manager. Ms. Lansing seconded with unanimous consent. As there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. WARNING CITY OF SOUTE BURLIAGTONB ANNUAL EIEETIAG MY 21. 1985 -- - c- ,- - ~~i.lzters of the City of South Burlington are hereby nw and warned to meet at their respective polling places at the Chamberlin School on White Street. the South Burlington Middle School on Dorset Street and the Orchard School off Shelburne Road on Tuesday, May 21, 1985 at 7:00 o'clock in the forenoon, at which time the polls will open until 7:00 o'clock in the afternoon, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian ballot on the following Articles: ARTICLE I: ELECTION OF OFFICERS. To elect all city officers required by law. ARTICLES 11: REVENUE SHARING EXPENDITURES. Shall the voters authorize a special appropriation of funds not to exceed $41,828 for the purposes of paying the Visiting Nurse Association ($3,000), paying Green Mountain Power Corporation for city street lights ($8,703), purchasing voting machines ($3,000), paying for the annual audit ($5,000), paying for Fire Department vehicle maintenance ($4,000), paying for hoses and other equipment for the Fire Department ($5,000). paying for salaries of summer playground leaders ($2,125). paying a contribution to the South Burlington Senior Citizens Association ($1,000). paying salaries of aides at the Community Library ($5,000), and paying salaries for operation of the Park and Recreation Department ($5,000). NOTE: Such special appropriation shall be for the next fiscal year. No increase in taxes will result since the amount will be paid entirely from Federal Revenue Sharing Funds. ARTICLE 111: DORSET STREET WATERLINE REPLACEMENT. Shall bonds or notes of the City of South Burlington in an amount not to exceed $240,000 be issued for the purpose of replacing the existing waterline which extends aoutherIy along Dorset Street from a point 300 feet southerly of the Dorset Street - Williston Road intersection to the Doraet Street - Kennedy Drive intersection with a new 12 inch watermain and appurtenances at a total estimated cost of $240,000. which improvements shall be completed in conjunction with the propoaed Dorset Street widening project. POLLING PLACES ARE TJ3E mlAHBERLIN SCHOOL ON WBITE STBEET. TEE SOUTE BURLINGTON MIDDLE SCBOOL ON DOBSET STBEET AND TEE ORCHARD SCBOOL OFF SBELBU~ aoho: VOTERS TO GO TO TEE POLLING PLACE IN TEEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT- Dated at South Burlington, Vermont, this _ day of April, 1985. PYUL A. Farrar. Chairman FILED AND RECORDED this - day of April, 1984 Margaret Picard, City Clerk RESOLUTION WBEREAS, the South Burlington City Council has concluded that the public interest and necessity of the City requires the replacement of the existing watermain which extends southerly from a point 300 feet southerly of the Dorset Street - Williston Road intersection to the Dorset Street - Kennedy Drive intersection with a 12 inch watermain and appurtenances; and WEEREAS, the replacement of said waterline vill cost an estimated $240,000; and WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the cost of the same will be too great to be paid out of the ordinary annual income and revenue of the South Burlington Water Department. NOW, TBEKEPOBE. IT IS HEREBY RESOLWD by the South Burlington City Council that the proposition of incurring a bonded debt be submitted to the qualified voters of the City of South Burlington in the following form: Shall bonds or notes of the City of South Burlington in an amount not to exceed $240,000 be issued for the purpose of replacing the existing waterline which extends southerly along Dorset Street from a point 300 feet southerly of the Dorset Street - Williston Road interesection to the Dorset Street - Kennedy Drive intersection with a new 12 inch watermain and appurtenances at a total estimated cost of $260,000, which improvements shall be completed in conjunction with the proposed Dorset Street widening project. IT IS FURTBER RESOLVED that a vote on said proposition shall be conducted by Australian Ballot at the Annual City Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 21, 1985 at which meeting the polls will be open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m., balloting to be conducted at the City's regular polling places at the Chamberlin School on White Street, the South Burlington Middle School on Dorset Street and the Orchard School off Shetburne Road. Dated at South Burlington, Vermont, this - day of at April. 1985. FILED AND RECOBDED this - day of April, 1985 Margaret Picard, City Clerk