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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 02/04/1985CITY COUNCIL 4 FEBRUARY 1985 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 4 February 1985, at 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room, City Mall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Leona Lansing, Michael Flaherty, George Mona, William Peters Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Richard Carter, Police Chief; James Goddette, Fire Chief; Jane Bechtel, City Planner; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Albert Audette, Street Department; Don Whitten, Water Pollution Control Department; William Schuele, Sylvia Smith, Natural Resources Committee; Gloria Yandow, City Bookkeeper; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Department; Ruth Poger, The Other Paper; Kathy Cutting, Lisa Natti, Northeastern Family Institute; Alec Blair, Lowell Krassner. Comments & Questions from the Audience not related to items on the Agenda No issues were raised. Public Hearing on proposed amendments to City Zoning Regulations Ms. Bechtel explained that the proposed language regarding group homes only repeats the State language. Ms. Lansing asked if this addition would make it easier for something like a group home to establish in the city. Ms. Bechtel said it wouldn't as State law always overrides. Mr. Flaherty then moved that the Council approve the following language to the miscellaneous provision section of the Zoning Ordinance, Section 19.754 Group Homes: "Title 24 Vermont Statutes Annotated, Section 4409(d) provides that 'A state licenses or registered, community care or group home, serving not more than six persons who are developmentally disabled or physically handicapped, shall be considered by right to constitute a permitted single-family residential use of property, except that no such home, shall be considered if it located within 1000 feet of another such home.'" Ms. Lansing seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Start Review of Proposed Budget Mr. Szymanski presented the following figures representing the City operating budget charter limitations for 1985-86: The 1985-86 budget estimated Grand List is 2,338,410 which represents a 3.2% increase over the 1984-85 Grand List. This results in a maximum city operating budget tax rate of 1.072. The maximum amount to be raised by taxes for the operating budget; is thus $2,506,775. The maximum city operating budget increase is 10% which means that the maximum city operating budget for 1985-86 would be $3,134,412. Revenue sharing is estimated at 187,000 and miscellaneous revenues are estimated at $450,000, creating an estimate of available funds for 1985-86 operating budget of $3,143,775. Regarding the status of the reappraisal, Mr. Szymanski advised that adjustment has started on commercial property as there was some underestimating in that area. The State has also suggested that an appraiser look at utilities, and this will be done. Mr. Peters asked whether it was not putting the cart before the horse to consider the budget before reappraisal has been completed. Mr. Farrar said they will go into the budget using the old Grand List and then have the option of readjusting the budget. The department heads then presenting their proposed budgets for 1985-86. A decrease in salaries in the City Manager's budget reflects the fact that no Assistant City Manager will be hired. Mr. Szymanski also indicated that health insurance costs had been slightly overestimated last year, and the new figures are more in line with what actual costs were. They are also looking into other carriers to see if these costs can be further reduced. Power costs represent substantial rate increases by the power company. A major increase in liability insurance reflects a 29% rate increase, especially in Workman's Compensation rates. These costs are spread over all departments. A capital expense of $1,000 has been requested to provide access to storage for such things as voting machines. Computer costs have not been figured as various alternatives are still being explored. Salaries represent a 4% increase. On new voting machine at a cost of $3,500 has been requested as a back-up. A bill currently in the legislature could help with costs of ballots. Chief Goddette indicated that preliminary talks have begun with the City of Burlington regarding the possibility of shared fire stations. He indicated that South Burlington should consider the purchase of land for 2 additional fire stations. The Chief advised that major equipment is in reasonably good shape and thus the equipment portion of the budget is down $8,000 from last year. He indicated that there is 153,000 invested in equipment but that it would cost $1,035,000 to replace what the Department currently has. Mr. Farrar suggested the Chief work with the Planning Commission concerning acquisition of land for fire stations. Mr. O'Neill presented the Fine Arts and Recreation budgets. He explained a request of $900 for the Exceptional Children's Program as the City's contribution to the hiring of a person at UVM to coordinate the placement of youngsters in programs. He indicated that this program was very successful last year. A request for $900 has also been made to help pay for insurance for the baseball league. New major requests include redoing the basketball courts, repair of the O'Brien Center roof, upgrading the Queen City Park play area, the Potter basketball court (not included in the original project application). Sylvia Smith advised that the Natural Resources Committee will soon be issuing a report of what the committee has done, where they stand, and what their wish list is for the future. Chief Carter indicated that the Police Department budget increases are mostly in salaries. In addition, police liability insurance has doubled. They are requesting 3 new cruisers as the mileage is very high on their present vehicles. A video tape cassette has also been requested as an aid in investigations. Don Whitten presented the Water Pollution Control budget, noting that, these figures are not included in the operating budget as the department is self-supporting. Their budget reflects the hiring of one new person. He indicated that it appears that revenues will support the budget with the same sewage rates as 1984-85. Review Planning and Zoning Agendas Mr. Farrar noted that on 11 February, the Zoning Board will hear the appeal of the decision on the proposed group home. He asked whether the Council wanted to make any statement of its concerns to the Zoning Board. He indicated that he personally had serious doubts as to whether what is being proposed does fit the intent of the legislation. He said the Council had three options: 1) it could do nothing and let the Zoning Board decide; 2) it could express concern to the Zoning Board one way or another; or 3) it could support the proposal. He added that after the Zoning Board makes its decision, the Council will have to decide whether to appeal to the Courts, and felt that it would be unfair to the Zoning Board not to tell them where the Council stands. Mr. Mona said he felt the Council should wait until the Zoning Board decision was made before stating an opinion. After some discussion, Mr. Flaherty moved that the City Council express its concern about the issue in view of the implications to the neighborhood and to the city and urge the Zoning Board to consider the action very carefully. Ms. Lansing seconded and the motion passed 4-0 with Mr. Mona abstaining. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement orders were signed. Read Minutes of January 21, 1985 Ms. Lansing moved that the minutes of January 21, 1985 be approved as written. Mr. Flaherty seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Old Business It was noted that recommendations have been made for the advisory committee to the MPO. Regarding an alternate to the Airport Commission, there is nothing in the Burlington Charter which would allow this; however, Attorney Spokes will check with the Burlington attorney. The City can, of course, send observers. It was noted that the next regular Council meeting will be on February 25, 1985. The Revenue Sharing Proposed Use Hearing will be on February 11, 1985. As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.