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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 04/18/2022CITY COUNCIL 18 April 2022 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday,18 April 2022, at 6:30 p.m., in the Auditorium, 180 Market Street, and by Go to Meeting remote participation. MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, Sen. T. Chittenden, M. Cota ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; A. Bolduc, Deputy City Manager; D. Kinville, City Clerk; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; B. Sirvis, D. Bugbee, R. Greco, D. Peters, C. Trombly C. McQuillen 1. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of technology option: Ms. Baker provided instructions on emergency exit from the building and reviewed technology options. 2. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items: Ms. Baker asked to add to the executive session a discussion of a potential property lease at 575 Dorset Street. 3. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda: No issues were raised. 4. Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Ms. Emery updated members on two bills in the State Legislature. S210 could establish a rental registry, and S226 could provide ARPA funds for housing for the “missing middle” and would allow City Center developments to happen without going to Act 250. Ms. Baker: The next meeting of the I-89 study committee will be on 10 May, 6-8 p.m. The city is in the process of transferring to Office 365. At one of the May meetings the IT Director will walk the Council through the process. Last week, the retirement of Police Lt. Jeff Martell was celebrated. The Department anticipates promoting a new Lieutenant shortly. Ms. Baker may be appointed to the Superintendent of Schools Search Committee. If this occurs, she will keep the Council updated. CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 2 On 1 April, the Grand List values were frozen. Any changes will be presented soon. Surveyors are at work around Healthy Living for the next phase of Garden Street and the bridge to the park. May 7th is Green Up Day. Residents can pick up bags prior to that date at the City Hall welcome desk. Mr. Chittenden noted that Senate Bill S-726 was unanimously passed. It relates to Airport governance. The cost of approximately $150,000 will come from ARPA funds and a $15,000 state match. 5. Consent Agenda: a. Approve and Sign Disbursements b. Annual Approval of the City’s Local Emergency Management Plan c. Authorize the survey of Phase I and Phase II of the Garden Street Project as outlined and authorize the City to provide notice of intent to survey to all known abutting landowners pursuant to 19 V.S.A. Section 33 d. Approve a Resolution amending the Public Art Committee composition and appoint Sophia Babbitt to the Committee e. Resolution to amend the Climate Action Plan Task Force Ms. Emery moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Pick the City’s Top Dog and First Feline: Ms. Kinville said this is the 9th year of the awards which were instituted to draw attention to the need to register pets. Last year’s total registrations were the highest ever, and as of 1 April this year, registrations were even higher. Ms. Kinville thanked Pet Food Warehouse and Guy’s Farm and Yard for their support of the program over the years. In the drawing that followed “Zoe,” a Golden Retriever owned by William Howard was chosen First Dog, and “Ella,” owned by Roseann Geier was chosen as First Feline. Photos of the CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 3 winners will be hung near the Clerk’s Office and the winners will be recognized in an article in The Other Paper. 7. (formerly #10): Opportunity for Councilors and the public to share information and resources on Climate Change: Ms. Riehle recalled an article about a community in England which is making the growing/sharing of food a part of its culture. A side benefit of this is that food businesses have been lured to the town. Ms. Riehle also recalled a sad story from California where land has become so valuable that people are buying it up and turning it into manufacturing plants and “gloating” about providing jobs while they pave over some of the most fertile land in America. Ms. Emery noted that Efficiency Vermont is offering subsidies, and that her home will be changed from a gas water heater to a hybrid. She also noted that some neighbors have planted a garden in their front yard as a “picking place” for the community, and that there is now talk of a community garden. Ms. Greco spoke of an article in the Sunday newspaper about species facing extinction. These include butterflies, bees and some mammals that help to pollinate crops. She noted that more than half of plants depend on wildlife to disperse their seeds. The article cited pesticides as one cause of the extinction of these creatures. 8. Interviews with applicants for a mid-term appointment to the Development Review Board: The Council interviewed the following applicants: a. John Sterns b. Tyler Barnes Ms. Riehle explained the process and said the Council will make an appointment following an executive session later on the agenda. CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 4 9. Receive Common Roots’ Annual Update: Ms. McQuillen thanked the city for the generous leases to Common Roots. She noted they are now just over 50% self-sustaining. She then enumerated their 5 major programs: a. The Farmstand, which is now growing organic food for over 500 families. They have also set up a farm stand outside the Food Shelf from May through November where people can pick up what they need. b. The Farm to School now in its 14th year. During the pandemic they have been designated as “essential personnel” because of this program c. The Farm to Go program, the Middle School Chef after school 6-week activity which helps the students produce balanced meals for their families. d. Gatherings on the Land, a field trip program for people in various communities to agricultural fields in South Burlington. There is also a relationship with local businesses who, instead of competing with each other, help each other. They are going to be dealing with the issue of farming housing as it is impossible for farm workers to afford to live where they work in the Southeast Quadrant. e. Internship Program which numbered 142 internships in 2021. Other Common Roots activities include the Farm to Fork Tuesday meals, the Farm at South Village (which broke even for the first time last year), and a new program to provide food for the Abnaki based on their food traditions. Ms. McQuillen noted that they have had had conversations regarding drainage issues at Wheeler. The flow from the upper part of the field has increased, and the water is impacting the middle of the farm. Ms. McQuillen then spoke to the possibility of offering space in community gardens to families facing food insecurity and who are not experienced in growing food. She also noted that they have been told by people at the Tech Center that they have what it takes to have a full year CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 5 high school agriculture program. Wheeler house would have to be modified to be ADA compliant. The Principal would do the planning and funding would come from the State through the Tech Center. Regarding the outdoor kitchen, Ms. McQuillen said it was paid for by Patagonia and made a reality by volunteers and city employees. The biggest expense was getting electricity out there ($32,000). The revenue last year was $6500, and they have already made more than that this year. They have asked to rent the Senior Center community room as a backup when there are weather issues. Mr. Bolduc explained that the lease includes a 60%-40% split once the city’s initial investment is recovered. Mr. Cota noted that there will be up to $250,000 in grant money available for upgrades to municipal buildings. Ms. Baker explained that is in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, and the city is looking to use those funds for Wheeler House and Fire Station #2. Ms. McQuillen noted that every year they hold events for the Police, Scouts, groups of Social Workers, school retreats, etc. She hoped that when the city has catering needs, they will call on Common Roots. 10. Receive a proposed amendment to the Official Map #OM-22-01 and possible warning of a public hearing for 6 June 2022 of same: Mr. Conner said the amendment is a “place holder” for how the bike/ped bridge would be received on either side of the bridge. He showed a map of the area and indicated where the bridge would connect to Dorset Street, Williston Road and Quarry Hill Road. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to submit this to the Council. Sen. Chittenden asked if this forecloses the option to work with UMall. Mr. Conner said not at all, and that staff has had preliminary conversations with the new owners of the Mall. Sen. Chittenden then moved to warn a public hearing on Official Map amendment #OM-22-01 on 6 June 2022, at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Emery seconded, and the motion passed with all present voting in favor. Ms. Riehle asked if there has been any opposition yet. Mr. Conner said there hasn’t, but some spaces are pretty tight, and it will be a matter of design/engineering. CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 6 11. Consider submittals for Congressional Directed Spending Request: Mr. Bolduc said the city gets annual notices regarding “earmarks” for the appropriation bill. Three requests were submitted last year, and Regional Dispatch was awarded $750,000. There has now been discussion as to what to put forth this year. Projects should be “shovel-ready” with available matching funds. The 3 projects being considered are City Center Park connection, Garden Street/Williston Road connection, and energy efficiency upgrades at the Bartlett Bay Treatment Plant. Ms. Emery moved to approve the submittals for Congressional Directed Spending consideration as presented. Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. 12. Per City’s Motor Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance, consider adopting a Resolution establishing speed limits and sign placements throughout the city: Mr. Bolduc said this is an ongoing effort to upgrade the Ordinance. Sen. Chittenden noted that former Police Chief Whipple had said there is nothing on the books regarding a speed limit on Kennedy Drive, and that has now been corrected. Ms. Emery asked what triggers a stop sign. Ms. Baker explained that there is a warrant for that which requires a traffic count. Sen. Chittenden the moved to adopt the Resolution establishing speed limits and sign placements as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. Ms. Baker noted that this is a new process for her. She feels it gets the City Council into a “no- win” position and recommended that when the Ordinance is updated it should be in conjunction with the City Manager and Public Works department. 13. Discuss a set of proposed Bylaws for the City’s Statutory and Policy Advising Committee: Ms. Baker cited the need to put in place clear directions to facilitate important discussions. The city has hundreds of volunteers on committees which involve hundreds of staff hours, and it is important to give them direction as to how to operate. Ms. Baker then identified the proposed changes: CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 7 a. The annual work plan is codified b. There will be a staff liaison to every board/committee c. The Council is in a liaison position for each advisory committee (not a voting member) to work on an annual work plan and to help address concerns Ms. Riehle said she felt all committees need to be retrained regarding the Open Meeting Law. She also noted there was a time when the Council was trying to organize an orientation for all committees. She wanted committee members to feel they can participate from the beginning. Sen. Chittenden said the pandemic put a lot of this on hold. He liked the ideas that have been put forward. Ms. Baker said they will add the orientation and will find a time to bring it back to the Council for adoption. Ms. Emery asked for careful consideration so people don’t feel their concerns are not being heard fairly. Mr. Cota said he liked the idea of a Council liaison and also liked the idea of committee chairs meeting together. 14. Discussion and possible adoption of the FY23 Policy Priorities and Strategies Process: Ms. Baker said FY23 will be heavy with updating the Comprehensive Plan. She drew attention to the timetable which includes a Council retreat in June. She suggested they could kick-off the Comprehensive Plan process that day as well. Sen. Chittenden moved to adopt the FY23 Policy Priorities and Strategies Process as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. 15. Convene as South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to consider the following: Eco Bean and Greens, 1st Class Restaurant/Bar License; Higher Ground, 1t Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License and Entertainment License; Parkway Diner, 1st. Class and 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License and Outdoor Consumption Permit CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 8 Sen Chittenden moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Commission. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. Sen. Chittenden moved to approve the Licenses as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. Sen. Chittenden moved to reconvene as City Council. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. 16. Executive Session: Mr. Cota moved that the Council enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing real estate transactions and evaluation and possible appointment of city commissioners or board member and inviting Ms. Baker and Mr. Bolduc into the session. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed with all present voting in favor. The Council entered executive session at 8:50 p.m. and resumed open session at 8:56 p.m. By a motion made and duly seconded, the Council appointed John Stern to fill the remaining open term on the Development Review Board. The motion passed with all present voting in favor. 17. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments: Ms. Riehle: Updated members on the Climate Task Force. Ms. Emery: Update members on the public input session held by the Airport Rezoning Task Force. She noted the Task Force next meeting will be 28 April at 7 p.m. 18. Other Business: Sen. Chittenden requested that Green Mountain Power come before the Council to talk about their future plans in South Burlington. Ms. Emery reminded residents to be considerate with outdoor campfires. CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 2022 PAGE 9 As there was no further business to come before the Council Ms. Emery moved to adjourn. Sen. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m.