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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 09/09/1985CITY COUNCIL 9 SEPTEMBER 1985 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting an Monday, 9 September 1985, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Michael Flaherty, George Mona, Francis Murray Member Absent Leona Lansing Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Donald Whitten, Sewage Treatment Dept; Ruth Poger; The Other Paper; Doris W. Schwartz, Gilbert Myers, Leon Bradley, Leo Rich, F. C. McCaffery, Thomas Fraga, Everett Tatro, Francis Leduc, Patrick Ryan, Jr., Betty Ann Wedge. Comments & questions from the Public not related to items on the Agenda Mr. Farrar noted that the Board of Civil Authority has completed the tax appeal process and thanked the Chairman, George Crooks, and City Clerk/Treasurer Margaret Picard for their fine work. Meet with residents of Laurel Hill regarding recent sewer backup Mr. Szymanski explained that the Stone hedge developer is extending a sewer line and left a manhole open and unsecured. During the deluge, a lot of water concentrated in that area and entered into the sewer system where it is not supposed to go. This then backed up into the Laurel Hill homes. He added that the insurance company has contacted the residents. Mrs. Schwartz asked whether the line has the capacity needed. Mr. Szymanski said it has the capacity for sewage, but is not supposed to handle storm water. That goes to the north and eventually to Potash Brook. Mr. Audette added that the problem has been remedied completely and everything is closed. Mrs. Schwartz said that every time there is a heavy rain, water accumulate in front of her home, 6-8 inches deep, half way up the driveway. Mr. Szymanski said a larger pipe is needed to solve that problem. Mr. Audette stressed that it was the contractor who made good on the damages, not the developer. Sign renewed Agreement of Lease with State Agency of Transportation for pedestrian easement along I-89 and I-189 Mr. Szymanski explained that the easement goes from Dorset St. to Farrell. It is a 10 year lease, replacing a 5-year lease. All conditions are the same. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council approve and execute the lease as required. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Sign renewal short term note for highway equipment Mr. Szymanski explained that the note is for $17,6000 for the 1982 read grader. It is at 6.15% for 6 months with the Chittenden. Mr. Szymanski then read the Resolution Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council sign the renewal note as presented by the City Manager. Mr. Murray seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Mona moved that the Council sign the Resolution as read by the City Manager. Mr. Flaherty seconded with unanimous approval. Review Planning & Zoning Agendas No issues were raised. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement orders were signed. Grievance Hearing: Leon Bradley re: Hiring Sewage Plant Maintenance Person Attorney Gilbert Myers explained that Mr. Bradley had put in an application for an advertised position but was not hired. It is their position that Mr. Bradley is as qualified as any other applicant and should be hired as he is a present City employee. Mr. Myers outlined Mr. Bradley's background, including work driving a truck, work for the City of Winooski, and work with the South Burlington Street Dept. from May, 1983 to the present. He also served with the Vermont National Guard where he took courses in equipment maintenance and drove trucks and various heavy equipment. He has been a member of the Volunteer Fire Dept. in S. Burlington for 6 years and also received additional training in operating fire equipment such as pumps and pumpers. Mr. Bradley was interviewed by Mr. Whitten, and Mr. Whitten said there were 4 finalists out of 21 applicants, and Mr. Bradley was one of those finalists. The first choice was Michael Fortin of the Essex Sewage Treatment Plant. Mr. Whitten told Mr. Bradley that if Mr. Fortin didn't take the job, it seemed likely that Mr. Bradley would get it. Mr. Myers noted there a limited number of positions for people to better themselves and that anyone who has given 12 years to the city should be given an opportunity to get whatever advancement available. He added that there would be a 6-month probation period, and if Mr. Bradley didn't work out, they could re-advertise the position. Mr. Farrar noted that the regulation states that if 2 applicants are equally qualified, then the person working for the city should be hired. He asked if Mr. Bradley and Mr. Fortin were equally qualified. Mr. Myers said Mr. Bradley is qualified but not more qualified than Mr. Fortin. Mr. Szymanski explained that it was the feeling that Mr. Fortin, with his 4-5 years experience is Essex, was the person needed for this type of work, and he was highly recommended by his supervisor in Essex. Mr. Whitten added that Mr. Bradley is a good man, and if held been equal to Mr. Fortin, he would have hired him. Mr. Fortin is taking care of new equipment, driving a truck and is also certified grade 3 of operations which means he can step in and operate the plant. He is taking care of the pumping station now. Mr. Farrar explained that the Council will discuss the issue in Executive Session and make its decision public following that discussion. Minutes of August 19, 1985 Mr. Flaherty moved that the Minutes of August 19, be approved as written. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Minutes of September 3, 1985 Mr. Flaherty moved that the Minutes of the special meeting of September 3, 1985 be approved as written. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Liquor Control Board Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council convene as Liquor control Board. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Szymanski presented a request for catering permit from Grandvue Corp. in Ferrisburg to cater a company party at K of C Hall on September 14, 1985, from 8 P.M. to 1 A.M. No problems were seen. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Board authorize the City Clerk to sign the catering permit. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Old/New Business Mr. Farrar said a capital budget has to be prepared yearly in addition to the operations budget. He suggested splitting the procedure this year and spending more time on the capital budget as there are a number of important items, such as new fire stations and other land acquisitions. Members concurred this would be advisable. Executive Session Mr. Flaherty moved that the Liquor Control Board adjourn and reconvene as the City Council in Executive Session to discuss progress in labor negotiations and the employee grievance, and to reconvene an regular session only to adjourn or give their decision on the grievance. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The Council reconvened the Regular Session at approximately 9:30 P.M. Chairman Farrar announced that the Council will postpone the grievance decision until the next meeting scheduled in two weeks. Frank Murray mad the motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by George Mona, all present were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.