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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 07/31/1989 (2)CITY COUNCIL 31 JULY 1989 The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Monday, 31 July 1989, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street Members Present Paul Farrar, Chairman; James Condos, William Cimonetti, John Dinklage, Michael Flaherty Also Present Charles Hafter, City Manager; Joe Weith, City Planner; Wendy Schroeder; Sonny Audette, Street Dept; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Lisa Scagliotti, Free Press; Marcel Beaudin, Tim Jamieson, Pete Crevier, Ann Ratkus, Mark Kelly Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to items on the Agenda) No issues were raised. Review model of Overlook Park Mr. Beaudin presented the model and slides of what he conceived the Park would look like built to the proposed 372 ft. elevation. Mr. Dinklage said he felt the design was fundamentally wrong. Mr. Crevier also felt it would be a mistake, particularly in light of the possibility of a view area from the ridge across the street. He also questioned what could actually be seen from the park. Mr. Cimonetti said he stood on the gravel pile and could see Shelburne Point and part of the Bay. Mr. Dinklage felt that the price for that field of view is too severe. Mr. Crevier said that the nature of what is being done to the area with a humungus pile of dirt is wrong. Mr. Hafter noted that so far the fill has been free, except for labor involved in spreading it. Mr. Dinklage suggested filling to 364 ft. and see what happens. Mr. Flaherty suggested filling to 372 ft. and letting people see what it will look like. Mr. Cimonetti proposed a compromise: filling to follow the grade of the road for the full north/south extremity of the park, so it would be natural looking. Mr. Dinklage felt this was a good idea. Mr. Jamieson felt a structure would accomplish more of a view than the mound of dirt. He also noted that Act 250 has prohibited screening on Spear St., so plans for screening the dirt pile would not be allowed. Mr. Jamieson also noted there is a septic system tank under the park which should be removed before more fill is added. Mr. Audette will look into this. Mr. Hafter will check on the Act 250 stipulations. Mr. Kelly said the proposed elevation of the park will prevent his seeing out of his driveway. He noted that even now when the grass grows up around the telephone pole, he cannot see Spear Street. Mr. Cimonetti moved that the City Manager and City Engineer and Street Superintendent be instructed to continue to fill the Overlook Park site to a height not higher than street level, following the contour of the street. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Audette noted the park should be barricaded at both driveways at night. Mr. Jamieson asked the Council to have the pile of dirt that has been there for some time removed. 3. Financing for purchase of Equipment Mr. Hafter presented a loan for the Sewer/Catch Basin Cleaner purchased for $122,051, less $20,000 for trading in the old one. The budget contains $15,000 for a down-paymnent and the balance to be financed at 7.15% at the Chittenden. This is a one-year rate. The amount financed is $85,000. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve the Sewer/Catch Basin Cleaner loan as presented. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented two renewals of loans for Fire Dept. equipment, the first for the new fire truck, $41,666, at 7.15% at the Chittenden and the second for the Tower Fire Truck, $33,750 at 7.15%. Mr. Farrar noted the Council had anticipated an 8% rate. Mr. Cimonetti felt the extra amount could be paid on the principal. Ms. Schroeder said it was more advantageous to invest it. Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the two Fire equipment loans as presented. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Discuss and set date for Public Hearing on Zoning and Subdivision amendments Mr. Dinklage moved to set the Public Hearings for 18 September as suggested by the City Manager. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Review Planning & Zoning Agendas Mr. Condos noted that Zoning Item #1 for Chappell's is, in fact, a use variance which he felt is illegal. Members agreed and instructed the City manager to advise the Zoning Board that this is a matter of law, not of opinion. Mr. Dinklage noted that Zoning Item #2 should also be brought to the Zoning Board's attention reinforcing the Council's concern with maintaining the integrity of neighborhoods. Other members agreed and the City Manager will advise the Board of this as well. 7. Sign Disbursement Orders Disbursement orders were signed. 8. Information Items Mr. Dinklage noted he had many concerns with the VLCT Policy Committee document and would tell these to the City Manager. Executive Session Mr. Flaherty moved that the Council adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session to review the Water Pollution Control Employee Association Contract and Military Leave Compensation and to resume regular session only to possibly act on the contract or to adjourn. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Council resumed Regular Session and took action by signing the Water Pollution Control Employee Contract for 89-90. No action was taken on the Military Leave Compensation. The Council then adjourned immediately. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.