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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/02/1992CITY COUNCIL 2 MARCH 1992 The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Monday, 2 March 1992, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: Michael Flaherty, Chairman; John Dinklage, William Cimonetti, Robert Chittenden, James Condos Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Peg Strait, Asst. City Manager; Joe Weith, City Planner; William Burgess, Mary-Barbara Maher, Terry Sheahan, Planning Commission; John Jewett, Fran Reiman, Vince Bolduc, Gerry Silverstein, Christopher & Jean McCandless, Pam Moody, Mary & Michael Scollins, Nile Buppstadt, Michael & Jacqueline Marceau, M Morrill, Gary & Susan DuCharme, Dale & Patricia Kleppinger, Charles Scott, Dieter & Valerie Gump, Nancy Bell, Sarah Krueger, Denny Johnson 1. Comments & Questions from the Public (not related to Agenda Items): No issues were raised. 2. Presentation of Petition on Southeast Quadrant Zoning: Mr. Jewett read the petition. He noted that supporters presented it informally at the last special election and got 275 signatures out of the 549 people who voted at the Middle School. Subsequently it has been circulated information and there are now about 400 total signatures. The signatures represent a large variety of people: large and small property owners in the Southeast Quadrant as well as other parts of the city. Mr. Jewett said he felt the sentiment of voters should be tested on this issue. Many people had no notion that 4,000+ homes was a possibility in the Quadrant. He asked the Council to draft a ballot item. Mr. Flaherty said there are three considerations: whether the Council wants to put it on the ballot, the wording to be used, and when to present it to the voters. Mr. Dinklage moved to accept the petition and work together to find language for a ballot item that is mutually agreeable to the City Council and to those presenting the petition and then to place the item on a future ballot. Mr. Condos seconded. Both Mr. Condos and Mr. Dinklage commended the process. They felt it was right for voters to make this decision. Mr. Flaherty noted the usual process is for the Planning Commission to send the Council a document that the Council then accepts or rejects. The citizens could then petition to put the question on the ballot. He felt it might be a good idea to test the sentiment before that process. In the vote that followed, the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Flaherty noted that Interim Zoning expires on 17 April, and if there is no new zoning document, the city would revert to the old Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hafter presented some possible wording, but members asked for a chance to think about it and come up with final wording by the 9 April meeting so it can be approved for the May ballot. Mr. Cimonetti noted this would be an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which sets the framework from which ordinances are drawn. He then outlined the process by which the proposed figure of 4100 homes in the Quadrant had been arrived at. Mr. Sheahan asked if there could be two ballot items, one addressing a total number and one view protection & clustering. Mr. Cimonetti felt voters would get deluded if the two issues were separated. Mr. Jewett felt the only issue was whether 4100 homes was too high or too low. Mr. Bolduc said whenever there is an "and" in a question, it is a double question and there can be two separate answers. Mr. McCandless said they had moved there from San Francisco and have been struck many times by the fact that this is a place where government can still work. He asked that the ballot item be made as clear and simple as possible. The question, he felt, was how people feel about making this a much larger town. Mr. Duppstadt felt the opposite way and said most people don't understand the background and there should be 20 or 30 questions asked. Mr. Bolduc felt a good educational effort was needed. Mr. Dinklage suggested a publicized forum where people can present all their views on the issue. 3. Continuation of Budget Review: Ms. McCandless introduced the Committee for Social Responsibility and then presented their budget recommendations. She said their criteria stressed the service done by particular agencies to many citizens of S. Burlington. She noted that the 12 agencies recommended for funding include over many S. Burlington residents on their Boards of Directors. Ms. McCandless said the Committee held over 10 hours of hearings. Situations this year, she noted, are worse than last. Smaller agencies are cutting staff, closing doors one day a week, etc. There are decreases in numbers of citizens served. The Committee also learned how interrelated services are to people in the community. Police Chief Searles indicated that the Police work with Women Helping Battered Women on 150 cases. They work with Champlain Drug and Alcohol on a regular basis. They also work with agencies on the 40 to 50 homeless people living in various places in South Burlington. The Committee's recommendation to the Council is for $37,000 in total appropriations, which represents 1/2 of 1% of the city budget. This is $3,000 more than level funding, but the additional funding is for the highest risk people in the community, the abused, homeless, hungry, elderly, those with HIV and AIDS. Ms. McCandless said they could not level fund in good conscience. There needs to be a safety net of human services in hard times and the city needs to take more responsibility. Mr. Dinklage thanked members of the committee and recognized how difficult the committee's charge was. Mr. Dinklage moved the Council include as a line item for social services a budgeted figure of $37,000. Mr. Condos seconded. Mr. Cimonetti felt the motion should be tabled until full presentation of the budget had been made. Mr. Cimonetti then moved to table the motion. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Mr. Condos said he supported the motion only if the $3000 can be found elsewhere in the budget to support the increase for social services. The motion to table then passed unanimously. Ms. Reiman said as a citizen she wants the tax money to go to these causes. Another community member noted the "in kind" donations made by many members of the community who serve as volunteers in many of the agencies. Discussion of the budget was interrupted for presentation of the next item. 5. Discussion of Proposed Construction Plans for Improvement of Hinesburg Rd./Kennedy Drive Intersection: Mr. Hafter said the road would be widened slightly to allow 3 approach lanes in each direction (designated left and right turn lanes, one through lane). This will require a little widening of the street and some curb work. No land will be taken. There is enough money in the impact fees to account for the city's share of the work. Mr. Cimonetti asked if the bike path crossing will be impacted. Mr. Hafter felt it would not. Members felt a bike crossing interval may be needed. Mr. Condos noted the north leg of Hinesburg Rd. can be very hazardous. Ms. McCandless asked if there is any intention to widen Hinesburg Rd. Mr. Hafter said not at this time. Ms. McCandless noted how hard it is to get out of driveways in the morning and evenings on Hinesburg Rd. A citizen suggested eliminating the right-on-red at this intersection. Mr. Hafter said that can be considered but noted it may be a question of stacking. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Chittenden moved the Countil adjourn and reconven as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented two entertainment permits from Bambinos, the first for a "Female Review" to be held on Tuesdays from 9 p.m. to Midnight beginning 3 March, and the second for a "Live Band" on Wednesday nights from 9 p.m. to Midnight, beginning 3/4. Mr. Brown, representing the applicant, said the Female Review would have no nudity but the girls would be wearing "as little as legally possible." There would be a wrestling display by the women and this would involve an audience participant. Mr. Brown noted the establishment has been losing money and that Friday and Saturday nights don't support the rest of the week. The Wednesday "Live Band" would be an attempt to draw the audience that likes live music instead of disco. Mr. Condos noted prior problems with live bands and the noise factor in the residential community. Mr. Brown said that Bambino's had gutted the building and have put in insulation. He didn't know if this had helped or hurt the noise situation. He added that if there is any complaining they would deal with it. They don't want the kind of problems Club New England had. Mr. Condos asked why the applicant has been advertising the events before they had a permit for them. Mr. Brown said he had tried to get the managers to take care of the permitting process, but he has now taken it over himself. Mr. Cimonetti felt the Board should consider a request just for the month of March and then renew or not renew it on a month to month basis. Mr. Brown felt that was reasonable. Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the two Bambino's requests as presented for the month of March. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chittenden then moved to resume regular session. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Continue Budget Review Process: Mr. Hafter then outlined the Bonded Debt. The only debt not shown is the one just approved. He anticipated selling $600,000 in park bonds in June. This would still allow for any engineering and construction that can be done this year. Members then reviewed budget allotments for non-city agencies. Mr. Flaherty noted the city has no choice on these items which include the Country Court, Winooski Valley Park, CCTA, and MPO. Mr. Hafter noted the city is looking for state money to pay the increase in the MPO allotment, but he is keeping it in the budget in case such money isn't provided. Other non-city agencies include Solid Waste District, State Landfill Tax, Hazardous Waste User Fee (approved by voters and paid through tipping fees), Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Hafter noted that 84% of the revenue is tax generated. Investment interest is down. The city is not looking for an increase in building permits. They are anticipating $6000 from sale of used police cars. There should be an increase in highway state aid, but Mr. Hafter indicated he is budgeting at the same amount as last year. If more money is received, there will be more highway work done. In the 10 year additions to the operating budget, the number one priority is highway construction and repairs. The following personnel needs are anticipated: one person for park maintenance in 1993-4, 9 police positions, depending on city growth, 1 public works position in 1995, 1 fire position in 1995 and 4 positions in the Fire Dept. by 2001. Mr. Hafter said the Council needs to discuss goals for fire service. One new person for City Hall is also planned but Mr. Hafter wasn't sure exactly where that position would be. Mr. Flaherty suggested wrapping up the budget next week. 8. Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Chittenden Regional Solid Waste Management District Charter: Mr. Hafter said he had no problems with the amendments. There is also a longer time for budget approval. Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the proposed amendments as presented. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed. 9. Review Planning and Zoning Agendas: No issues were raised. 10. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement orders were signed. 11. Executive Session: Mr. Dinklage moved the Council adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session to discuss personnel issues and to resume regular session only to adjourn. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session The Council returned to regular session. Mr. Chittenden moved adjournment, Mr. Condos seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.