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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 05/17/1993CITY COUNCIL 17 MAY 1993 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting on Monday, 17 May 1993, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: Michael Flaherty, Chairman; William Cimonetti, Robert Chittenden, John Dinklage Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Peg Strait, Assistant City Manager; Brian Searles, Police Chief; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Dept.; Lowell Krassner, John Forcier; Sandy Greiner, Free Press David MacLaughlin 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to Agenda Items): Mr. Chittenden raised the question of bicyclists not using the recreation paths. He felt it was dangerous for both cyclists and motorists. Mr. Dinklage agreed and felt some cyclists (those who go at fast speeds) shouldn't use the paths. Mr. Cimonetti suggested putting this on a future agenda as there is recent legislation on this subject. Mr. MacLaughlin noted that a part of the recreation path is being used for publicizing the pro-school position in the upcoming election. Mr. Hafter said he will deal with this. 2. Continuation of Public hearing on Security Alarm Ordinance; Second Reading: Mr. Flaherty noted that the Ordinance in front of members tonight contains the three changes made at the last hearing: the grace period, a simplified schedule for false alarm fines, and a requirement for audible alarms that can be heard only in the structure. Mr. Chittenden felt it was making it harder for people to put in an alarm. Chief Searles said he didn't see it as overly restrictive or that it would discourage people from putting in alarm systems. He stressed alarms are an anti-crime measure that the police support. He did note that 96% of responses to private alarms are false alarms, and this is what they are trying to deal with. Mr. Chittenden suggested that the wording in section 3, #4 be changed from "shall" to "may" so it is not automatic that a fee be charged. Members agreed to this. Mr. Dinklage moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dinklage moved that the Council adopt the Security Alarm Ordinance as presented with the amendment agreed upon tonight. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chittenden moved to lower the annual permit fee from $50. to $10. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Consideration of approval of contract for construction of Phase I of Dorset St. (Brand Farm) Park: Mr. Hafter noted there had been good foresight on the project with prioritizing facilities. Bids were received last week and the low bid is from Munson in South Burlington at $971,000. Mr. Forcier then showed the development plan. The facilities to be done this year include: the Babe Ruth ballfield, soccer field #1, Little League field #1, entrance drive, ballfield parking lot and soccer field parking lot, pavillion structure (for rest rooms and picnic area. There will be a new water main with service to the pavillion and a complete storm drain system. There will be a complete underdrain system around each field so fields will drain well. The pavillion building will be nicely set with an archway and will be a key focus point of the park. Mr. Chittenden asked why the pavillion will be steel instead of laminated wood. Mr. Forcier said it is because of durability and low maintenance, thus making it more cost effective. Mr. Cimonetti asked if the Swift St. realignment is part of this project. Mr. Hafter said it is not in this project but it will be done this summer. Mr. Cimonetti reminded members that they planned to provide for a back access to the Calkins building from Swift St. extension. Some drainage problems were noted on the recreation path near Spear/Swift Streets. Mr. Cimonetti suggested that this be addressed to the extent that improvements can be made as part of the park project. He also recommended that the path be kept open and usable during park construction. Mr. Audette noted the Street Dept. is planning to do the work from where the park project leaves off. Members expressed their pleasure with the bid process and with the fact that a local firm was low bidder. Mr. Chittenden felt it was the responsibility of the builder of the rec path to do the drainage repair work as the city paid top dollar for it. Mr. Hafter said the work won't be signed off until the error is corrected. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve the award of the contract to Munson in an amount not to exceed $710,000. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve amendment #3 to the engineering contract for Thermo Consulting Engineering to provide construction management services in the amount of $25,310. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter noted a pre-construction meeting will be held on Wednesday and it is anticipated that work will be finished in September so the park facilities can be used next spring. 4. Authorization for city to recover attorney fees for collection of delinquent taxes: Mr. Hafter noted this has been done in the past. Mr. Chittenden asked whether people can pay delinquent taxes in installments. Mr. Hafter said they can. The only ones involved in the sale process are those who haven't responded for over a year. He added that the city is obligated to fund any shortages to the schools. Mr. Dinklage moved to authorize the tax collector to obtain legal services to collect delinquent taxes and to allow the city to recover attorney fees up to 15% on any uncollected taxes. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Discussion of Regulation of Taxi Service in South Burlington: Mr. Hafter noted there have been questions raised on this. There is no "vehicle for hire" ordinance in the city, and he suggested a needs assessment be done. Mr. Cimonetti felt it was time the city got involved in this. Mr. Chittenden said he would prefer to see the free enterprise system work. Mr. Hafter said a maximum fee could be set, so that a company could charge less if it chose. Mr. Chittenden felt that made sense. The City Manager will bring a proposal to the Council. 6. Request for approval of refunding note for road sweeper: Mr. Hafter said this is the third year of a five year note and the interest rate is 3.4% for the next year. Mr. Dinklage moved the Council sign the refunding note and resolution as presented. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Mr. Chittenden said he did not like spending so much money for equipment to do other communities' services. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve the award of the contract to Munson in an amount not to exceed $710,000. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve amendment #3 to the engineering contract for Thermo Consulting Engineering to provide construction management services in the amount of $25,310. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter noted a pre-construction meeting will be held on Wednesday and it is anticipated that work will be finished in September so the park facilities can be used next spring. 4. Authorization for city to recover attorney fees for collection of delinquent taxes: Mr. Hafter noted this has been done in the past. Mr. Chittenden asked whether people can pay delinquent taxes in installments. Mr. Hafter said they can. The only ones involved in the sale process are those who haven't responded for over a year. He added that the city is obligated to fund any shortages to the schools. Mr. Dinklage moved to authorize the tax collector to obtain legal services to collect delinquent taxes and to allow the city to recover attorney fees up to 15% on any uncollected taxes. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Discussion of Regulation of Taxi Service in South Burlington: Mr. Hafter noted there have been questions raised on this. There is no "vehicle for hire" ordinance in the city, and he suggested a needs assessment be done. Mr. Cimonetti felt it was time the city got involved in this. Mr. Chittenden said he would prefer to see the free enterprise system work. Mr. Hafter said a maximum fee could be set, so that a company could charge less if it chose. Mr. Chittenden felt that made sense. The City Manager will bring a proposal to the Council. 6. Request for approval of refunding note for road sweeper: Mr. Hafter said this is the third year of a five year note and the interest rate is 3.4% for the next year. Mr. Dinklage moved the Council sign the refunding note and resolution as presented. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Mr. Chittenden said he did not like spending so much money for equipment to do other communities' services. In the vote that followed, the motion passed unanimously. 7. Review Zoning Board Agenda for 24 May: No issues were raised. 8. Minutes of 3 May 1993: Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the Minutes of 3 May 1993 as printed. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement orders were signed. 10. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Dinklage moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as liquor control board. Mr. Cimonetti seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented a first class liquor license request for Quarry Hill Club. The pending tax matter has been cleared up. Mr. Dinklage moved to approve the first class liquor license for Quarry Hill Club. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.