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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 01/06/1986CITY COUNCIL 6 JANUARY 1986 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 6 January 1986, 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, Leona Lansing Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Peter Vlahos, Vermont Agency of Transportation; Richard Fletcher, Chittenden Trust Co; Louis R. Mazel, Ernest Field, Mark Oettinger, 89-2; Gary Farrell, Sheraton-Burlington Inn, Inc; Mike Keller, State Appraiser; Frank Bredice; Richard Spokes, City Attorney; Bruce O. Neill, Recreation Dept; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Mike Donoghue, Burlington Free Press; Dwight Levick, Donald Condon applicants for insurance consultant Comments & Questions from the Public (not related to items on the agenda) Mr. Murray raised the question of the statute regarding the appeal dismissal on Dorset St. Mr. Szymanski said he spoke with Jeanne Kennedy who advised someone is working on it. Mr. Spokes will check with Ms. Kennedy on this. Condemnation hearing for land required for the Williston Road (at Gaynes) improvements Mr. Farrar advised that the Council has received a copy of an appraisal from Callahan appraisers regarding the Mazel property, a letter from Mr. Farrell outlining his concerns, and an appraisal for Chittenden Bank. Mr. Oettinger reviewed the 89-2 appraisal. It was prepared on an income based analysis of the property. Mr. Callahan's assessment of the total value of the property is $4,129,000, (building and land). The building is 99,821 sq. ft. and using a figure of $30/sq. ft. for replacement cost, he calculated the building value to be $1,800,000. Figuring in $100,000 for site improvements, this created a total of $1,900,000, leaving a land value of $2,242,000, or $7.48 per square foot. Since .19 acres will be taken, Mr. Callahan calculated the land value taken to be $62,000. Repaving costs will be $4,100, and land temporarily taken was calculated at $6,000. Restriping and moving of signs brought the total figure to approximately $90,000. The state has offered $37,600 (not including paving). Mr. Oettinger indicated they would like to offer a compromise by splitting the difference of the land and would accept $66,263. Mr. Farrar questioned where the capitalization ratio and depreciation ratio numbers came from. Mr. Oettinger said he would submit information on that. Mr. Murray asked if it was fair to say that the value of the property would increase because of the project. Mr. Mazel said they will lose two-way traffic between lines of parked cars or will lose 23 parking spaces (about 10% of what they now have) which would certainly hurt their business. Mr. Keller, the State appraiser said that rather than doing an income analysis, he went out and found comparable land sales to base his figures on. He said he had used 3 properties which were comparable: the Susse Chalet in Williston, the Burger King in Londonderry, NH, and a shopping center in Sacco, Maine. Mr. Flaherty noted that with such a small sample, the margin for error is greater. Mr. Field asked whether Mr. Keller had taken into account the fact that there was a business here that had continued here for more than 20 years with existing leases reflecting the rent that tenants are willing to pay. Mr. Keller said he felt that was a "loaded question," and added that it is not their policy to value businesses per se. Mr. Field noted that both leases expire 16 years from February. Mr. Oettinger said it is their position that the other properties considered are not equal to theirs. They are willing to agree this is not a perfect science and will compromise. Mr. Farrar asked that their proposal for settlement be submitted in writing. Mr. Bredice, appraiser for the Chittenden Bank property, said he had approached his appraisal for comparable land sales. He valued the property at $297,800 before the taking and $241,300 after, for a difference of $56,500 damages. He further broke this down as $23,522 for the property taken, $500 for temporary easements, $2000 for permanent rights, and $30,000 for loss in value due to loss of a curb cut and loss in allowable building size for the lot. The lot is currently 12,952 sq. ft. but will be 11,977 sq. ft. after the taking. Chittenden's architect met with the City Planner who agreed with these figures. Council members questioned the value of the curb cut being lost, since it has already been closed off. Mr. Bredice said it might be valuable to a developer in the future. Mr. Keller said he thought he and Mr. Bredice were very close on land value, but he has a problem with curb cuts and loss of utility of the site. Mr. Farrar noted Chittenden probably wouldn't get permission to build an office building unless they agreed to close one of the curb cuts. Mr. Fletcher said they are definitely in favor of improved traffic flow and would be willing to settle if they were guaranteed a variance that would tell them that if they come in with a building to develop, the setback will be measured from the original boundary, not the new boundary. Mr. Farrar said he didn't know what could be done, but it was reasonable to assume that setbacks on that road could be adjusted. Mr. Farrell of the Sheraton said their major questions concern damages to the front islands which have to be restructured or removed, replacement or lights, curbs, and their marble wall. The State's estimate for the work is $36,000 while their figures indicate $43,000 for the same work. Both sides agree on the value of the land. Mr. Farrar asked Mr. Vlahos why the state doesn't replace the marble wall. Mr. Vlahos said it is too expensive. Mr. Farrar stressed that it is a marble wall that is being removed. Mr. Farrell noted they did explore trying to take the wall apart and replace it. The cost was about $10,000. What they propose is: they want to build a wall the full length of the frontage. They would ask the State to put in a basic concrete retaining wall with a shelf in front to allow Sheraton to put in some kind of veneer. The state would also put in footing for the rest of the frontage. Mr. Vlahos indicated they are willing to discuss this. He will have to put in a request to continue the wall all along the frontage and also a request to extend the wall with just footings. He should have an answer this week. As there were no further issues raised, Mr. Flaherty moved to close the hearing with the understanding that the Council is open to receive submittals and information requested. Ms. Lansing seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Interview consultants for City insurance needs Donald Condon of D. J. Condon & Associates said they have just been appointed agents of the state. This authorized them to go to 25 companies and audit their municipal insurance, so they know what different companies are doing in New England. Their plan would be to examine the exposures the City faces, then determine how to manage the risk. They have been in the insurance business 9 years, and Mr. Condon is the only resident insurance consultant licensed by Vermont. They have worked for the Medical Center, Norwich, the towns of Shelburne and Essex, McAuliffes, etc. He estimated that the current crisis in municipal insurance will last beyond 1988, and municipalities now have to sell themselves to the companies. His company would evaluate loss exposures, provide an insurance audit, and recommend coverages and costs that are cost efficient for the City, even if this means going outside independent agents to direct writers. The city will know what it's paying for and whether the coverage is right. They would train a designated City employee and would work with that person on internal procedures. They would also work with the current agent. He highly recommended the City not go together with the school district because this is hurting the school. Mr. Condon's fee is $50/hour, and he estimated a total of about $4,000 with an additional $1,000 or $1500 for marketing. Dwight Levick of John Liner Insurance and Risk Management Advisors, Inc., said he disagreed with splitting up the program from a management point of view. He said his company would provide much the same services for a fee of $100/hour. He would oppose having several agents write the business because it is best to "sweeten" agents with some of the higher commission business. He estimated a total cost of $7500 the first year, less in succeeding years. Mr. Farrar recommended that the Council discuss the issues with the School Board. Review Highway Department's 10-year construction program Mr. Audette presented his 10-year programs. He suggested going to the MPO with the Kennedy Drive project to see if it can be included in their plan. He noted that the capital improvement plan is what ought to be done while the 10-year program is what funds are now available to do. He also recommended moving Ethan Allen Dr. up on the list to somewhere just after Patchen Rd. Mr. Farrar asked where the city would be if it sticks to the 10-year plan. Mr. Audette said he estimated where they are now or behind. He felt they would be in good shape if they did all the capital improvement plan. He said a decision should be made about items in the Master Plan, such as the extensions of Swift St. and Holmes Rd. He stressed that the roads are the city's biggest investment and that work that should have been done after the sewer construction in 1966 is still not complete. Mr. Audette also raised the issue of truck traffic using Patchen Road because of federal restrictions on the Interstate. This is hurting roads within the city. Review Zoning Board Agenda No issues were raised. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement orders were signed. Read Minutes of Regular Meeting of 19 December 1985 Mr. Murray noted that on p. 4, next to the last paragraph, the reference should be to the Supreme Court, not Superior Court. Mr. Flaherty moved that the Minutes of 19 December 1985 be approved as amended. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Consider making appointments to the Planning Commission and Fine Arts Committee After a brief discussion, members agreed to continue in regular session. Mr. Murray nominated Jim Condos for the Planning Commission. Mr. Flaherty nominated Catherine Peacock for the same position. In the vote which followed, Ms. Peacock received 4 votes, Mr. Condos 1. Mr. Murray nominated Patrick Kennedy to the Fine Arts Committee. This nomination was approved unanimously. Executive Session Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council meet in Executive Session to discuss the Brand Property Acquisition. Ms. Lansing seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The City Council came out of Executive Session at 11:30 P.M. and by motion of Mr. Flaherty and seconded by Ms. Lansing adjourned immediately. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. SOUTH BURLINGTON STWET DEPARTMENT . - >: =.. .. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET 1. Dorset Street: (Nilliston Road south to Kcnnedy Drive) Con~pletely rebuild to four lanes is needed. Curbs, side~~alks and drainage are needed badly. The street has deteriorated to the . point that some areas are completely failing. This section of road is one of our highest volume areas. $4,000,000 2. Kennedy Drive: (Dorset Street to lrlilliston Road) Widen to four lanes and install sidewalks on both sides. This road is becoming one of the main roads in our system. With the installa- tion of a full interchange at Exit 13 it will become the main route to the airport. There are sections of this road that are in criti- cal condition at this time. Also a second culvert must be installed at Tree Top to handle Potash Brook. $1,000,000 3. Dorset Street: (South of Swift Street to the City Line) Rebuild and repave most of the road. This section was never built to standards necessary to carry the amount of traffic and the weights that are presently using this road. This area has a high amount of clay and water in the sub-soil. Some sections have been rebuilt in the last fifteen years and these areas are holding up, all they need ri-s repaving. The other areas must be rebuilt from the sub-base up. $2SO ,000 4. Patchen Road: Install curbs and sidewalks in areas that do not have them and repave the whole street. This road has areas that do not have curbs and side- walks and with the high volume of truck traffic that uses this road it is imperative that we get the pedestrians out of the street. With the weight restrictions that trucks have on the Interstate they use Patchen Road as a truck route. $2.50,000 5. Hadgey Road: Install curbs and rebuild and repave. This road is receiving a high volwne of traffic and it will continue to increase until Shelburne Road traffic problems are solved. This road is in very poor condi- tion and parts will have to be rebuilt. $so,ooo 6. Sherry Road: Install drainage and rebu-ild. This street is starting to fail due to bad sub-base and needs' to have:drainage installed and total road , ; rebuilt. $35,000 j I'AGE 2 SOUTH UURLINGTON STREET DEPARTMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEME~T BUDGET (continued) ! 7. Drainage in karious Areas : Listed belowi are many areas that have drninagc problc~~~s. blos t of these probleps are on a Slraller scale than the larger jobs. Because they are sma'ller does not mean that they are of less ia~portance. Patrick Strekt Elizabeth Street Mills Avenue Beacon Street Brewer Pkwy. (Upper Tanglewood Drive Meadowood Drive Shunpike Road Laurel Hill Drive Maryland Street Suburban Square Mayfair Park Allen Road Area) Dumont Avenue Birch Court Airport Road Henry Court Oakwood Drive $400,000 8. Paving in Vatious Areas: Listed below are the areas that'will need paving in the next few years. Mills Avenue Shamrock Road Tanglewood Drive Beacon Street ' Van Sicklen Road Imperial Drive Dumont Avenue Airport Parkway Country Club Drive - Bartletts Bay Raad hie adowood Drive Joy Drive Lindenwood Drive South Prospect Street Deane Street Baldwin Avenue White Place Airport Road Cottage Grove Laurel Hill Drive Henry Court San Remo Drive Woodcrest Dcfve Central Avenue hIcIntosh Avenue Lyons Avenue Mills Avenue Allen Road' Brewer Parkway Meadow Road $750,000 Old Farm Road Newton Avenue Elizabeth Stree Orchard Road C Greening Avenue Fai rmon t, Avenue Myers Court Andrews Avenue Prouty Parkway Old Cross Road Elsom Parkway Patrick Street Maple Street Duchess Avenue 9. East Terrace: Drainage, curbs, sidewalks and repave. This road has a drainage problem due to the amount of ledge and clay soil restricting the runoff of storm water. This will be a big job due to the large amount of ledge in the area. The present street is slowly deter- iorating due to this water sorking into the pavement. If the above is done it would bring the whole street up to t,he standards that the new area has been built to. 1 ~PI.CAL IblYltOVEMENT BUDGET (continued) 10. Farrell Street andswift Street: Curbs, sidewalks and repave. Finish curbing on Farrell Street and the area on Swift Street from the Correctional Center to Shelburne Iload. Sidewalks would be installed in these same areas that do not have them at this time. The Correctional Center, being at this lo- cation, involved many people walking in the'area and without side- walks this becomes a traffic hazard. $100,000 11. Poor Farm Road: Kebuild and pave. This road is the last gravel road of any length in the City's street system. Some areas have gravel, but most have only sand and dirt. The Air National Gujrd have moved their main entrance about half way down this road. .The work on this road could I be done in stages, such as rebuilding it'up to the National Guard i I entrance and the rest completed at a later date. 1 $120,000 12. Bridges: The City has four bridges that are in need of replacement. The most severeone of these is the Shunpike Bridge. This has been put on the State priority for this year (1985/1986), These bridges are funded on an 80% State and 20% Local. The local is split between the Towns bordering the bridge. Listed below are the bridges according to priority, also listed is total cost and our share. Shunpike $100,000 $10,000 I ! Poor Farm Road $100,000 $10,000 Van Sicklen $100,000 $10,000 Lime Kiln $1,000,000 (+ -) ' $100,000 13. Sidewalks: There is a very glaring shortage of sidewalks in many areas. The list that is attached is a start to try and remedy this problem. Some of these have drainage problems that must be remedies at the s ame time . $zso,Ooo ADDITIONAL: Some thought will have to.-be given to enlarging the facilities at the City Garage. The present facilities are being used to capacity at this time. There are several alternatives that may be explored. One is the purchase of the school bus barn from the School District and allowing them to build another one in the vacinity of the Middle School. @ The other alternative is to add on to the present City Garage facilities. SOUTH BUIILING'I'UN S'I'LIEE'I' I)I~I'Al<'~;\Il:'IV'l1 14. Ethan Allen Drive: Install curbs, drainage and rebuild. This street is starting to fail due to the large trucks and other equipment using this road. With the farm at the end of the 5t.reet and the remainder of the land bordering this street being developed as industrial the lleavy traffic will continue to de teoriate this street. Drainage mus t be installed on this street and curbs installed. The street has a large ambunt of base failure wllich means a complete rebuilding of a good share of the street. 15. Arterial Streets: Some plan must be developed for the extention of the streets that are listed in the Comprehensive Plan and also a funding source and priority plan. Many of these streets could help in some of our major traffic problems. UTH BURLINGTON STREET DEPARTbIENT Q) - SIDEWALK CONSTIIUCTION I'IIOGI~RM 1. Richard Terrace 1200 Ft. 2. Williston Road at Animal tlospital 400 Ft. 3. Shelburne Road from Imperial Dr. to Green Mountain Dr. 2200 Ft. 4. Shelburne Road from Proctor Ave. to S.B. Factory Outlet i 1500 Ft. 5. Patchen Road from Richard Terrace to City Line 4150 Ft. 6. Uorset Street from Howard Johnson to U-Mall 800 Ft. Swift Street from Correctional Center to Shelburne Rd. Barrett Street from Hinesburg Road to O'Brien Drive Dumont Avenue Hadley Road Dorset Street from Xennedy Drive to Indian Brook Farrell Street from Bridge to Tennis Club Airport Road Brookwood from Dorset Street to new development Hinesburg Road from Hayes Avenue to Telephone Company Spear Sfreet @ Williston Road to Quarry Hill Road 1060 Ft. 950 Ft. 1750 Ft. 1500 Ft. 2000 Ft. 2200 Ft. 1150 Ft. 550 Ft. 1500 Ft. 4000 Ft. TOTAL FOOTAGE 26,910 FT. 26,910 Ft. X $10 .OO per foot $ 269,100.00 Unit Gudgct Year Anticipated Original Cost Or llor no. Ucscription Purclrased Ilcplacc~l~cn t Cost Rcplace Rcarl ins 3 Ford irlaint. 'Truck 1984/85 1992/93 10,265 12,000 7,776 4 Ford Maint. Truck 19 83/84 1991/9 2 9,838 12,000 10,717 S Ford Dump Truck 19 85 / 86 199 5/96 34,000 44,000 2,089 6 Mack Dump Truck 19 84/85 1994/95 40,200 44,000 4,245 304 l~r 7 Int'l Dump Truck 1981/82 1988/89 . 31,462:; 42,000 19,667 8 Int'l Dump Truck 19 79/ 80 1987/88 25,315 40,000 23,001 9 Galion Grader 1982/83 199 7/9 8 73,000 80 ,000 753 hr 50 A.C. Load8f 19 70/71 199 0/9 1 32,000 65,000 3,496 hr Ford Flatoed Cat Loader Wayne Sweeper Chevy Pickup Yactor Jet Rodder Drott Backhoe Cat Compactor Mack Tanker (used) Government Surplu3 Ford Tractor Bombardier Plow Wausa Sno-Plow Sewer Auger 14,401 23,300 45,000 BROKE 51,000 60 ,000 BROKEN 7,780 7,500 41,234 60,000 80,000 7,625 33,000 75,000 BROKEN 83,187 80,000 9,209 hr 7 5 6,485 14,000 BROKEN 5,970 25,000 2,152hr 7,985 20,000 220 hr 3,000 5,000 3,895