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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 09/03/1991CITY COUNCIL 3 SEPTEMBER 1991 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting on Tuesday, 3 September 1991, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: Michael Flaherty, Chairman; John Dinklage, James Condos, William Cimonetti, Robert Chittenden Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Peg Strait, Assistant City Manager; Fred Moody, Bill Leach, Solid Waste District; Steve Jeffrey, Vt. League of Cities & Towns; Brian Searles, Police Chief; Sonny Audette, Street Dept; Robert Fisher 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to Agenda Items): Mr. Condos asked for an Executive Session to discuss a Solid Waste District contract which will be voted on tomorrow. 2. Presentation on Role of Vermont League of Cities and Towns and benefits of membership: Executive Director Steve Jeffrey made the presentation. He said the League is a voluntary organization which now comprises 242 of the 246 towns in the state. There are also 75 associate members (villages, fire districts, etc.). The League has 3 major roles: a) legislative, in which they share with legislators the impacts of proposed legislation on all communities (as examples, Mr. Jeffrey cited a 1984 change in legislation on voter registration which eliminated the need for using registered mail to check on voters who may have moved, and also the change in funding of the Extension Service from the property tax; the League has also been fighting a state property tax and have been meeting with the Agency of Transportation on the state's transportation plan); b) publications, in which information is provided to communities, and workshops on such issues as labor relations, delinquent taxes, and employee due process; c) involvement in joint purchasing programs such as a 1989 purchase of FAX machines which saved communities 40%, insurances (Mr. Jeffrey noted South Burlington is saving $51,000 on health insurance now), and assistance in unemployment claims hearings). Mr. Jeffrey noted that Mr. Flaherty is a past president of the League and that Mr. Hafter is now on the Policy Committee and Mr. Audette chairs the Transportation Committee. Mr. Cimonetti asked what the annual budget is. Mr. Jeffrey said this budget is $740,000. They have 11 employees. Dues are based on population (42¢ per capita). Mr. Cimonetti noted that during the legislative session a bill changing the age limit on sales of cigarettes was pending and a perspective was needed as to how this would affect communities. The League's Executive Committee established a position, did research, etc., and brought about some modest changes in the bill which was then passed. He said he was very much in favor of the city's continued participation in the League. Mr. Dinklage hoped the League could focus on helping groups of communities work closer together. Mr. Jeffrey noted that in that regard they had acted as mediators between the village and the town of Stowe. Mr. Hafter invited members to attend the League's annual meeting on 10 October in Barre Auditorium. 3. Consideration of Approval of Revised 1991-2 Fy budget for Chittenden Regional Solid Waste Management District: Mr. Condos introduced Bill Leach who is the new District Chairman and Fred Moody. Mr. Moody gave members the revised Charter. He then discussed budget changes from the previously submitted budget. These included three major changes in areas of legal services, lobbying costs, and compensation to property owners. The total budget has been reduced by $147,199, which represents a 2% decrease. Legal expenses were cut 54% to $115,000, with a $50,000 contingency in case condemnation is required. Lobbying costs have been reduced from $30,000 to $10,000. Mr. Moody then reviewed specific line items. He noted they will use the Vermont bond bank for bonding requirements. Mr. Moodly stressed that the District is a new utility and have a lot of start up costs. As facilities go on line, there will be a transfer of costs. Mr. Moody said the Household Hazardous Waste facility is on line and the mobile facility will be operational in October. They are looking to set up special stations for such things as tires, appliances, construction debris, etc., and feel this can be done by mid-1993. Mr. Cimonetti asked if there is any compensation being paid to commissioners. Mr. Moody said only if a member attends a function in which case he would be reimbursed costs. There is no compensation for services, mileage, etc. Mr. Cimonetti asked what flexibility there is for transfer or overspending. Mr. Moody said this can be done only with the approval of the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Cimonetti asked where a possible cash balance would go at the end of a year. Mr. Moody said it would carry over to the next year. The District could not spend more money than budgeted. Mr. Cimonetti said he would like to see the year end performance and would like to see how a balance would be applied against another year's budget. Mr. Cimonetti asked what year's budget could be anticipated to be funded solely on user fees and no community assessment. Mr. Moody anticipated Fy 1994. Mr. Cimonetti asked whether Mr. Moody recommended approval of this budget. Mr. Moody said he did. Mr. Dinklage said he would like a policy on budget changes clarified and would like to see substantial changes brought to communities. He also wanted to see the District develop a policy on excess funds. Mr. Dinklage asked how the household hazardous waste costs are proving out compared to the estimates. Mr. Moody said revenues are less than anticipated but adequate. He said he could give a better answer when the mobile facility comes on line. Mr. Dinklage asked about the advertising budget. Mr. Moody said they have to advertise every meeting. In addition, all contracts have to go through a bid process and this requires 3 days of advertising. Mr. Chittenden asked if there is a budget for unexpected expenses. Mr. Moody said not specifically. There is no contingency. Mr. Chittenden asked how costs on consultants are arrived at. Mr. Moody said they are based on past experience and discussion with the State. They are required to go with the lowest qualified bidder. Consultant fees are state funds that the District gets only if expenses are incurred. Mr. Condos noted that the problems the city had with the budget and the Charter were stated very constructively. He urged that the budget be passed. Mr. Condos moved to approve the Chittenden Regional Solid Waste District Budget for Fy 1991-2. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Leach stressed the cooperation he has seen on all levels of the District's Board. He urged that to continue. He said they are dealing with a common problem that has to be solved. He also urged the Council to communicate any problems or questions it has. 4. Council Support for Regional Planning study of northbound on-ramp to I-89 at Kennedy Drive: Mr. Flaherty noted that Transportation Secretary Garahan had asked for the Council's support. Mr. Dinklage moved the Council issue a statement of support for the Regional Planning study of a possible northbound on-ramp to I-89 at Kennedy Drive. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Cimonetti suggested sending copies of the letter to the Chairs of the Transportation Committees. Mr. Dinklage suggested also sending a letter to the Regional Planning Commission. 5. Consideration of Municipal Responsibility for Maintenance of proposed street lighting on Shelburne Rd. widening project: Mr. Hafter noted the project is 100% state and federally funded. This would pay for installation of street lighting but monthly maintenance is not included when the warrants for lights are not met. Mr. Hafter said it was a certainty that warrants would not be met. The estimated cost would be $35,000 a year with South Burlington responsible for about $10,000. Mr. Audette noted that 154 street lights would be added. Mr. Cimonetti said he favored having street lights. The street will start out with a heavy load factor and there will be a sidewalk and bike path. It will go through prime commercial land. He felt it would be a mistake not to have adequate lighting from Imperial Drive to the Shelburne town line and noted there would never be federal participation after the fact. Mr. Hafter noted this will not be a "downtown" type of lighting. The State wants to use high-intensity sodium lights. Chief Searles said the more light the better from a police point of view. A polling of members showed a unanimous concensus in favor of the lighting. Mr. Hafter then noted that Shelburne is concerned that the project is on the new Governor's list of projects to be dropped and suggested a meeting with the City Managers and the Governor. 6. Further consideration for purchase of articulated front-end loader: Mr. Flaherty noted the Council had asked for additional information and directed attention to the City Manager's memo. Mr. Hafter said he still feels the Case machine at $74,997 will meet the city's needs. They are asking for $35,000 funding from the Chittenden. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve the purchase of the loader at a price of $74,997. Mr. Condos seconded. Mr. Chittenden said he had checked the serial number of the loader with a nationwide company and that the machine was made in 1990, not 1991. Mr. Cimonetti said it was very hard to establish what people were asked to bid on. Mr. Hafter read the bid specs with regard to date which indicated the machine should be made in 1991. Mr. Cimonetti said he would prefer to see the date of manufacture verified before a vote. Mr. Dinklage then withdrew his motion. Mr. Dinklage moved to table the item. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Mr. Flaherty stated that he didn't feel the Council should be dealing with this issue and that it is a management responsibility. Mr. Audette said he thought it was getting bad when people have the feeling someone is standing over their shoulder. Mr. Flaherty added he thought it was a violation of the City Charter when the Council tries to run the day-to-day operations of the City. Mr. Cimonetti responded that it is the Council's responsibility to oversee the bid process and felt that all capital procurements of $80,000 warrant discussion at this level. Mr. Condos said the Council has to trust department heads and the City Manager to design and manage their departments. He said the Council should be sure the bid process is open. The motion then passed unanimously. 7. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Dinklage moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented the following catering permit requests from W.F.W., Inc.: a) a wedding at K of C, 21 September, from 2-10:00 p.m.; b) a wedding at K of C, 28 September, from 4:30 p.m., to 12:30 a.m.; c) a wedding at K of C on 12 October, from 1:30-9:30 p.m.; d) a wedding at K of C, 19 October, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; e) a wedding at K of C, on 2 November, from 1:30-10:30 p.m. Mr. Dinklage moved the Board approve the catering permits as presented by the City Manager. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Session: Mr. Dinklage moved the Board adjourn and reconvene as City Council in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contracts and to resume regular session on to adjourn. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. REGULAR SESSION: The Council resumed regular session. Mr. Chittenden moved adjournment. Mr. Dinklage seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.