Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 09/03/1986CITY COUNCIL 3 SEPTEMBER 1986 The South Burlington City Council held a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, 3 September 1986, at 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; George Mona, Francis X. Murray, Molly Lambert Others Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Jane Lafleur, City Planner; Albert Audette, Street Dept., Richard Spokes, City Attorney; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Dept; Jim Condos, Ann Pugh, Peter Jacob, Robert Perry, Dick McKenzie, Leo Nadeau, Joan Nadeau Comments & Questions from the Public (not related to items on the Agenda) No issues were raised. Public informational meeting on the September 9, 1986 elections - Bond Issues for Park Land acquisition and sewer system improvements Mr. Farrar explained that on previous bond issues the City spent less than the bonded amount and needs approval to spend the unobligated amount for other sewer related projects. This will not result in additional cost to taxpayers. Peter Owens explained the park land acquisition issue. He stressed the city's need for recreational facilities as the population is expected to double in the next 10 years. The proposed park would include active and passive recreation with the potential for skating and swimming facilities. The site includes the Brand and Calkins parcels and portions of other adjoining parcels. It is centrally located near existing and developing population centers. The land is primarily agricultural and open space but is now owned by developers, so there is a need to proceed quickly if the city is to secure the land before it is developed. He noted that the Master Plan calls for acquisition of park land of about 250 acres. There is also a potential school site on the Economou property which could serve the developing neighborhoods in the southeast quadrant. Mr. Condos said he felt the issue hadn't been supported openly enough for the public to understand its importance. He was worried that the bond issue might not pass for this reason. Mr. Farrar explained that the city cannot expend public funds to promote city bond issues. An informational newsletter was sent out to voters in the city. Mr. Farrar also explained that the issue will result in approximately one cent on the tax rate. The city has already collected about $300,000 from fees from developers. Mr. Audette asked if anyone had come up with projected maintenance costs of the park. Mr. Farrar said this will be low initially as there will be no major development for several years. Mr. Nadeau said he was concerned about future costs such as widening of Dorset St. and traffic lights. Mr. Farrar said development will put more pressure for roads than the park will. Mr. O'Neill noted it is important to acquire land while it is available as the potential will be lost if the city doesn't act. He said the park could provide recreational facilities for all kinds of people with all kinds of interests. Mr. Murray added that the community will increase to 25,000 people in 10-15 years, and present facilities are just not able to handle present needs. Sketch Plan review of 2-lot subdivision of the Semicon property on Hinesburg Road Mrs. Lafleur explained that all farmland use leases have expired and that a check of the previous approvals indicate nothing to preclude this subdivision. Lot coverage on the 31 acre parcel will not exceed standards. Mr. Perry, Semicon attorney, the 31.26 acre parcel will be served by a 30 ft. paved driveway and by the power line northwest of the driveway. Water and sewer will continue as presently provided. The 80-acre parcel has no planned use at present. Mrs. Lafleur noted the 80-acre parcel has no road frontage, but it can still be approved with a road easement. Mr. Mona said they should check to be sure the easement is wide enough to allow for snow plowing. Mr. Perry said a prospective buyer insists on a 30-foot easement. Mrs. Lafleur said the location of the easement will be at the point where the Swift St. extension is planned. Semicon will grant access to all utilities. Members felt that the Swift St. extension should be 80-feet since that is what will be required when the road is extended. Mr. Murray then moved that the Council approve the concept with the concerns and reservations as expressed. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Sign Certificate of Opening Highway for Public Travel for reconstructed section of Shunpike Rd. Mr. Condos noted that there has been lots of erosion since the heavy rains. Mr. Szymanski and Mr. Audette said the state has been notified and is checking on the situation. Mr. Murray moved that the Council sign the Certificate of Opening as presented. Mr. Mona seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Consider adopting a resolution amending the Zoning Regulations to increase the limit for a building permit from $500 to $1,000 Mr. Szymanski explained that a building permit is now required for all work in excess of $500. With building costs so high, this means that virtually all work required a zoning permit. He suggested that since the figure hasn't been modified in 11 years that it be increased to $1,000. Mr. Mona moved that the Council adopt the resolution as presented by the City Manager. Mrs. Lambert seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Review Zoning Board Agenda for 8 September 1986 No issues were raised on this agenda. Mr. Mona did, however, comment on the recent action of the Zoning Board concerning quarrying to be done by Ralph Goodrich. This will involve considerable truck traffic in the area. Read Minutes of 18 August 1986 Members agreed to reconsider the Minutes at the next meeting so that an item can be clarified. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement orders were signed. Old Business Mr. Murray presented a request from Frank Mazur to issue a Resolution of Commendation for retiring Justice of the Peace Al Reynolds. This will be prepared. Executive Session Mr. Mona moved that the Council meet in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing park land acquisition and union negotiations and to resume regular session only to adjourn. Mr. Murray seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.