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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 10/05/1987CITY COUNCIL 5 OCTOBER 1987 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 5 October 1987, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman, Michael Flaherty, Molly Lambert, George Mona Also Present William Szymanski, City Manager; Wendy Schroeder, Business Manager; Jane Lafleur, City Planner; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Ralph Goodrich, Christopher Davis, Craig Leiner, Scott Pennington, Michael Marks; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Mark Sperry, J. Patrick Reed, Terry Sheehan, Jeane Anderson (Ms. & Mrs.), G. & L Brainard, J. & V. Ewing, J. Mallard, A. Painter Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to items on the Agenda) No issues were raised. Review City Manager's Report on Status of 1987-88 goals. No issues were raised. Meet with attorneys for Ledge Knoll residents regarding access road to the proposed Goodrich Stone Quarry Mr. Sperry, representing residents of Ledge Knoll whose lots are on the southern edge of the Green Acres property, said the issues involved in this situation are beginning to touch on the Swift St. Extension. He said they are asking the City to take a position in the upcoming Act 250 hearings. Mr. Sperry said the road to the quarry was originally going to go along Green Acres northern boundary line. At the Zoning Board hearing, Mr. Goodrich stated they anticipated 5 to 6 trucks per hour would go from the quarry. The Zoning Board granted approval. There are, however, no maps from that Zoning Board hearing. In October, the Planning Commission heard the application. At that time, it was represented that there would be 18 trucks per hour and the road would be 1600-1700 ft. from the Ledge Knoll boundary. In February, 1987, maps were filed showing the access road in a different location. It was then represented that 12-24 trucks per hour was the estimate. Over a 9 month period, 34 trucks per hour were estimated, although some may use the Brownell Rd. access. These are 15-ton trucks adjacent to a residential neighborhood and represent a substantial amount of traffic and noise. Mr. Sperry said the zoning for the area is light industrial, light manufacturing, offices for corporate headquarters, etc. They contend that the quarry operation is not consistent with this zoning as it is a heavy industrial use. There is pending litigation on that contention. At the Act 250 hearings, another "twist" occurred. It appears that Act 250 is considering the proposed road as the permanent location for the connector between Hinesburg Rd. and S. Brownell Rd. and the Commission will review the application as such. Mr. Sperry noted that the city plan clearly places the road parallel to I- 89, and they contend that if the Goodrich road is to be the permanent road location, it should be placed according to the city plan, not close to the Ledge Knoll properties. They asked that the City send a representative to the Act 250 hearing to take that position on behalf of the City. Mr. Farrar said it would be necessary for the City to consult with its attorneys and asked if 2 weeks was too long to wait for an answer. Mr. Sperry said he did not think Act 250 would meet again before that time. Mr. Marks attorney began by noting that the quarry operation was largely discontinued in the 1960's and the site has been a major problem for S. Burlington and Williston police as it is an attractive site for parties, etc. Given the need for crushed stone for road projects, it has become feasible to re-open the quarry operations. The site would be quarried for 10 years, then restored for other more permanent uses. He conceded the area is zoned for light industrial use. Mr. Marks noted the road, as presently designed, comes within about 500 ft. of Ledge Knoll properties then curves away. It does not have a designated exit point in Williston. The city has reserved the right to extend the road in the future. He asked the Council to consider: industrial uses are needed; the product of this use will be of great utility to the entire region; 500 ft. from this road is farther than the proximity of Ledge Knoll properties to Hinesburg Rd. which is much more heavily traveled. He felt the location of the road had not moved and didn't believe the road was ever located at the northern point. He said the location was chosen by the Planning Commission and felt the City should support that. Mr. Mona asked what the Minutes of the Zoning Board show about the road location. Mr. Sheehan said at the Zoning Board a slide show located the road at the northernmost boundary. Mr. Goodrich, at that time, said there would be 5 or 6 trucks per hour. Mrs. Lafleur noted the Planning Commission based its approval on 18 trip ends per hour, which is in the findings of fact. Mr. Davis stressed they are not asking the City to oppose the project but to say whether it agrees with the City Plan. Mrs. Lafleur said the city Plan has a concept map, not an official city map. This is used by the Planning Commission to negotiate with developers. It is not an exact location. It is up to the City to approve an exact location when a developer comes in. Mrs. Lafleur said it was her understanding the Planning Commission approved the location of this street to be the ultimate location of Swift St. Extension. An offer of dedication is part of the approval and will be put in "cold storage" until it meets the standards for a city street. Mr. Marks noted they will not build the road to city standards for the quarrying operation. Mrs. Lafleur said the base will be to City standards, but the road would have to be upgraded to City standards for any future development. Mr. Flaherty asked why the location is so objectionable to the Ledge Knoll residents. Mr. Sheehan said noise is the primary reason, especially since the road goes up hill at that point with the sound of trucks grinding up hill. Mr. Marks noted there would be substantial engineering problems on the northern boundary as there is a sharp turn. Mr. Farrar said he could see no reason why the road couldn't parallel the Interstate on the northern boundary. Mr. Marks said they have hired a noise expert who says the noise will not be significantly different than noises currently existing from Hinesburg Rd. Mr. Reed said he is concerned about the location of the road because of noise and dust. The major concern, however, is that he bought his property believing the land to be zoned for light industrial. He did not anticipate heavy gravel trucks for 10 years. The original plan, he said, had a minimum impact, but the present plan does not. He felt that for the welfare of his family the road should be as far away as possible from Ledge Knoll. Mr. Pennington said the noise from Hinesburg Rd. and I-89 is minimum, but the construction at Lane Press was very noticeable, and this road would be a lot closer. He stressed there are many children in the area, and the constant noise will be a big disruption to family life. Mr. Sperry noted that a representative of the Town of Williston showed up at the last Act 250 hearing. They foresee serious problems with heavy traffic on that road, and the Selectmen are concerned. A measurement indicated the road will be 780 ft. from the nearest residential area. Mr. Goodrich said the road will be paved. Mrs. Anderson of Ledge Knoll said that at the Planning Commission, the intent was that this be a public road to join Hinesburg and Brownell Rds. The Commission wanted assurance the missing link would be completed after 10 years. There was discussion about trees along the road. There were also discussions about noise, blasting, etc. Mrs. Lafleur said the Commission limited hours of operation to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The applicant was required to provide noise data that this operation is in conformance with the noise standard. This information has not yet been received. Mr. Flaherty then moved that the discussion be continued until the next regularly scheduled meeting. Mrs. Lambert seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Reconvene recessed 9/14/87 public hearing on proposed amendments to the City Zoning Regulations on traffic impact standards Mr. Farrar presented a possible alternative to looking at given intersection. Basically, all the intersections designated by the Planning Commission would be looked at. The number of turning movements would be calculated for an average of seconds of delay. If, after the project and improvements to intersections the average delay is the same or better, the project is OK. If not, more improvements are needed or the project is denied. Mr. Leiner said his quick reaction is that the concept is interesting, and he would like to study it more. One concern is administration and cost. Most traffic consultants don't do travel time figures. Mrs. Lafleur said another concern would be a very small development as opposed to a large one. Mr. Farrar said the building rate would be controlled by how many improvements are allowed in the capital budget. Mrs. Lafleur said that technically the city doesn't have a duly adopted capital budget. There must be Planning Commission public hearings with notification of abutting towns, etc. Mr. Farrar said this procedure will be initiated as soon as possible. Mr. Flaherty moved to continue the public hearing until the next meeting. Mr. Mona seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Review Planning and Zoning Agendas No issues were raised. Minutes of 9/14/87 and 9/21/87 Ms. Lambert noted that on p. 3 of the 9/14/87 Minutes, she was referring to the comments of the letter writer about union negotiations, not voicing her own opinion. Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Lambert seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Sign disbursement orders Disbursement orders were signed. Other Business Ms. Lambert reminded members that meetings have not yet been scheduled for other locations, including the possible senior citizens residence. Liquor Control Board Mr. Flaherty moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Mona seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Szymanski presented a catering permit request from Creative Catering for a Paine-Webber dinner party at a private residence, 10 October, 7:30--10:30 p.m. Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the catering permit as presented by the City Manager. Ms. Lambert seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Session Mr. Flaherty moved the Board adjourn and reconvene as City Council in Executive Session to discuss the Police Union contract regarding salary adjustments and to resume regular session only to adjourn. Ms. Lambert seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Council came out of Executive Session and adjourned immediately. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.