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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 12/07/1992CITY COUNCIL 7 DECEMBER 1992 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting on Monday, 7 December 1992, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. 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, Asst. City Manager; James Goddette, Fire Department; Brian Searles, Police Dept; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator; Bill Wessel, Catherine Debo, Michael Sheridan, Frank Kochman 1. Comments & Questions from the Public not related to items on the Agenda: Mr. Kochman noted a sketch plan submitted by Tom Farrell for the Shelburne Rd. Shopping Center/Bambino's land indicates removal of the fence required by the Liquor Control Board for noise reduction in connection with Bambino's liquor license. There is also new development proposed into the field. He said he will attend the Planning Commission meeting. 2. Update on Police Investigation of Arson Incidents on 19 November 1992: Mr. Flaherty praised the efforts of both the Police and Fire Departments in this incident. Chief Searles began by saying that he felt all the money that has been invested in the Fire Department really paid off on the night of 16 November. He also acknowledged the efforts of other fire and police departments who aided South Burlington that night. The arson investigation is under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshall's office which had 4 investigators on the job within hours of the fires. Details of the investigation cannot be revealed at this time, but the Chief said he would keep the Council advised as developments occur. Mr. Condos asked the status of a regional "911" service. Chief Searles said it is on the front burner and felt there would be action this year on enhanced 911 service. He noted that S. Burlington has now exchanged primary frequencies with Burlington which provides much better service than was available a few months ago. Chief Searles noted that the voice taping machinery purchased for the Police Dept. has paid for itself already during this investigation. Chief Goddette then reported on the sequence of events during the fires. He noted there were 11 fires set within a 2 hour period. He added that it was fortunate there were no winds that night or there could have been far greater losses. He, too, cited the tremendous effort done by all. Chief Goddette said the events of that night have shown the need to update some of the department's radio equipment. There was no equipment failure, but certain capabilities would be very useful. 3. Presentation from Chittenden County Transportation Authority on Future Public Transportation Plans for S. Burlington: Ms. Debo said there will be no route changes for fiscal '94. She said if they secure additional sources of funding their "wish list" includes: service to Williston, a connecting link via Swift St. or I-189 between the vicinity of K-Mart and U-Mall, 15 minute headways between Cherry St. and U Mall, a similar headway between K-Mart area and Cherry St, discussion regarding a possible link between U Mall and Winooski/Colchester via Lime Kiln Bridge. Mr. Condos asked about the possibility of smaller buses. Ms. Debo said this might be possible on some routes. Mr. Cimonetti said he has come to the conclusion that it is not likely that public transportation will operate strictly off the fare box in the future. There will always have to be federal and local subsidies. He said he also feels that there shouldn't be a transportation system that operates strictly off the fare box. He asked that CCTA continue to look at a terminal point service with a future commuter rail system. Ms. Debo said they are fully apprised of that possibility. Mr. Cimonetti asked that CCTA look at another possible "hub" area in addition to downtown Burlington. Ms. Debo said they are doing that. 4. Consideration of Support for Continuation of Issuance of City Licenses for Solid Waste Haulers: Mr. Hafter said the city would like to keep control of the permitting. There is no cost to haulers for a city permit. He said it helps with such issues as spills, trucks out on the street too early, etc. Mr. Chittenden felt this could be better accomplished by an ordinance not a permit. Mr. Dinklage moved to support continuation of issuance of city licenses for solid waste haulers who operate in S. Burlington. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed 4-1 with Mr. Chittenden opposing. 5. Discussion of City Council's interest in an Ordinance to Establish "No Smoking" in public places: Mr. Flaherty noted receipt of requests from citizens on this and asked that the City Attorney research it. He directed members attention to the City Attorney's reply. Mr. Dinklage said he would like to see the Council do something by way of a statement of resolution to encourage businesses to take steps for general safety and health. He suggested something short of an ordinance. Mr. Cimonetti was also reluctant to endorse an ordinance and noted there will be legislation introduced to restrict smoking in public places. 6. Request for Authorization to permit City Manager to sign bill of sale transferring the Telephone Duct Bank System on Dorset Street to NET: Mr. Cimonetti moved to authorization the City Manager to sign the bill of sale. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Consideration of Approval of Changes to City Personnel Code to 1) bring family leave provisions into compliance with State Statute and 2) amend termination procedures: Ms. Strait said the City Attorney has reviewed the changes and found no problems. Mr. Dinklage moved to accept the changes to the City Personnel Code as outlined in Peg Strait's memo of 4 December 1992. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Review Planning Commission Agenda of 8 December and Zoning Board Agenda of 14 December: Mr. Dinklage asked staff to give extra legal review to Planning Commission Item #4 which involves transfer of density. Mr. Condos asked that in Item #3, the Commission look to increase landscaping along Hadley Rd., also to putting the fence back. 9. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement orders were signed. 10. City Council Minutes of 16 November 1992: Mr. Dinklage moved to approve the Minutes of 16 November as written. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Other Business: a. Spear Street Traffic: Mr. Cimonetti noted residents have complained of serious problems because of high volume traffic especially around the frost heave/bump near the Trevithick property. There have been recent accidents in the area. Mr. Cimonetti noted that pavement on the road is deteriorating even though it was only recently repaved. He asked the City Manager to use the services of the Police and Public Works Departments to study the issue and come back with comments. Mr. Dinklage noted that one thing that is overlooked in discussions of Spear St. traffic is that it is simply more pleasant to travel on that road than on other streets. He asked that staff come back with a plan to fix the road and also to provide a greater police presence to control speeding. b. Request for personnel workshop: Mr. Hafter noted this was done in Executive Session last year. Members agreed to do this on 13 January. Executive Session: Mr. Dinklage moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as executive session to discuss contract negotiations and personnel and to resume regular session only to sign a contract and/or adjourn. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session: The Council returned to regular session. Mr. Condos moved approval of the City Hall Association contract for 1992-1993. John Dinklage seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Chittenden moved adjournment. John Dinklage seconded. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.