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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 09/01/1987CITY COUNCIL 1 SEPTEMBER 1987 The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, 1 September 1987, at 7:30 pm, in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; Michael Flaherty, Francis X. Murray Molly Lambert, George Mona Also Present William Szymanski, City Manager; James Goddette, Fire Chief; Charles Deslauriers, Alexander Lewis, Connie Lewis, Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Mike Donoghue, Free Press Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to items on the Agenda) No issues were raised. Continue review of proposal for modifying the exterior of the proposed South End Fire Station Mr. Murray said he under stood the parties had met, and ICV's original estimate had been reduced to $22,000. He said he felt the new proposal incorporates the best of both possible worlds: the Chief's bare bones proposal and the aesthetic improvements. He felt that since the city is requiring other developers to make their projects aesthetically pleasing, its own project should meet that standard. Mr. Farrar asked the Chief if the changes would diminish the building functionally. The Chief said they would not. The Chief reminded the Council that they are already $13,000 over budget without the additional $22,000. He added that if they can use the $8,000 budgeted this year for their share of the land, this can be reduced by $8,000. Mr. Williams of ICV said there could be an additional saving of $2,000 if they went with vinyl siding instead of clapboard. Mr. Colvin of Green Mountain Design Builders said he felt the function of the building would be improved with the new design, especially the strengthening of the roof structure. Mr. Mona said he had only one question: "How will it be paid for?" Mr. Deslauriers said he felt the City owed the taxpayers a good looking building on that site. He added that they have a substantial investment in that area and created an aesthetically pleasing development out of civic-mindedness. He felt the city should do the same. Mr. Flaherty said nobody disagreed that it was a better looking building, but he felt priorities had to be balanced. He felt could not justify spending an extra $25,000 when the Council had said no to others. A tenant at the new Lakewood Commons development said he was surprised at the smallness of the money involved and stressed that the City won't get a chance to do it again. Mr. Murray felt the City should go back to the voters and ask for the additional money. Mr. Deslauriers reminded the Council that Lakewood Commons will produce over $100,000 in taxes, part of which is due to the quality of their project. He added that there are other properties in the area that could be developed as nicely and could bring in more tax money. Mr. Mona said votes don't think of additional tax money from a project. Mr. Lewis of Chittenden County Volkswagen said he just spent considerable money to make his lot more pleasing and felt the additional money should be spent on the Fire Station. Mr. Flaherty then moved to amend the motion to reconsider to include the improvements totaling $20,386 as outlined in the proposal by ICV. Mr. Murray seconded. Mr. Colvin stated he felt the new design would make it easier to add a second floor in the future and also would save in the long run on maintenance costs. Such items as added insulation would also result in a future saving. Chief Goddette agreed the new design would save money in the future. The vote on the amendment passed 3-2 with Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Mona opposing. Mr. Mona said he did not feel the City should spend the extra money when they are stretched to the limit. Mr. Farrar said he felt that public buildings are around a long while and the City owes it to the whole community to create projects that will benefit future citizens. He didn't feel the amount being expended was excessive. Mrs. Lambert agreed, especially in view of the long-range savings on maintenance. The motion was then voted upon and passed 3-2, Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Mona opposing. The Council then authorized Mr. Farrar to sign the contract for the fire station. Appoint Council member to advisory committee to Dorset Street Park consultant Mr. Flaherty moved that Mr. Murray serve on the advisory committee. Mrs. Lambert seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Liquor Control Board Mrs. Lambert moved the Council adjourn and meet as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Szymanski presented a catering permit for a private party at K of C Hall on 12 September, from 7:30 pm to 1 am. Mrs. Lambert moved the Board approve the catering permit as presented by the City Manager. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Session Mrs. Lambert moved the Board adjourn and reconvene as City Council in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and resume regular session only to adjourn. Mr. Mona seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The City Council came out of Executive Session and adjourned immediately at 9:00 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.