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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 11/15/1993CITY COUNCIL 15 NOVEMBER 1993 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday 15 November 1993, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: Michael Flaherty, Chairman; James Condos, John Dinklage, Robert Chittenden Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peg Strait, Joe Weith, J. Menard, Frank Mazur, Ken Sassorossi, Brenda Torpy, Amy Wright, Rod Griffin, Robert Sharp, Erhardt Mahnke, Tony Lenway, Joel Conack, Mark Bergangy, Sonny Audette, Holly Stebbins, Pat Willis, R. Kemp, Sue & Larry Hayes, Linda & Paul Menard, G. Raigle, V. Morin, Jeff Glassberg, M. DiCamp, W. Menard, J. Danaher, J. Kynoch 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience, not related to Agenda Items: a. Mr. Mazur presented a report on the state of CCTA. He noted ridership was at 1.5 million for last year of which 232,000 was on the Airport route and 173,000 on the South End route. There was a 41% passenger recovery and the net income increase exceeded the increase in expenses by $75,000. Mr. Mazur said that bonded indebtedness for 1992 through 1994 was expected to require payment by taxpayers of $329,000. Of that amount, $277,000 has been absorbed by special funding contracts. The savings to South Burlington taxpayers will be $50,000. A capital improvement program is underway. CCTA received $1,000,000 from the state and will expand the garage to twice its present capacity. Mr. Condos noted there had been talk of "force feeding" all buses through Queen City Park. He expressed concern with the ability of the bridge to handle this. Mr. Mazur said they are doing this now and the bridge has been deemed safe. It will, however, have to be widened. 2. Request from South Burlington Fine Arts Committee to Change its Name to Leisure Arts Committee: Mr. O'Neill noted the request arose from the Committee as a more accurate description of what they do. Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the request to change the name of the Fine Arts Committee to Leisure Arts Committee. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Discussion of Proposed Kirby Heights Affordable Housing Project; Consideration of Letter of Intent and Scheduling of Public Hearing: Mr. Flaherty said that no action would be taken at this meeting. There will be a warned public hearing at which time the Council would make the decision. The proposed letter of intent will only indicate that the city is considering the proposal. Mr. Sassorossi of the Lake Champlain Housing Development Corp. explained that they are a non-profit corporation with 15 employees. The previously did a 5-unit development in Shelburne and projects at Fort Ethan Allen. He said they try to tailor their projects to the community. Amy Wright then noted that in the past they have been shut out of South Burlington by the cost of development. This summer, however, they were offered a development which already has all of its city approvals. The property is located between Kirby and Patchen Roads and is tentatively called Kirby Heights. The development would consist of 7 single family home lots and duplex units facing the beaver pond area. These would be 2-story, 1,000 sq. ft. units. The single family homes would be 1200 sq. ft., cape style. Financing sources are mixed and include owner equity, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, the Howard Bank, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (state funds). The project is also a first alternate for a $150,000 grant. Some restrictions would apply to the development. Some units must be affordable on a perpetual basis for families with incomes between $15,000 and $35,000. Ms. Wright stressed that they are concerned with the long range upkeep of the buildings. She said they need the city's support to help get additional funding sources. Ms. Torpy of the Land Trust said that South Burlington is a good community in which to raise families. She showed the proposed design of the single family homes which would be 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 baths with full basements. The homes would be energy efficient. She estimated the average annual income of residents at about $23,000. She also noted that one home would be completely handicapped accessible. Mr. Flaherty explained that the city is being asked to apply for $350,000 in grant money which would be used in this project. Mr. Dinklage asked if residents would be taxed as other property owners are. Ms. Wright said they would. She added that proposed residents are interviewed for their potential as good neighbors. Any subletting of units would require that sublettors go through the same process. The development must abide by fair housing rules and standards. Mr. Dinklage asked what happens if a resident defaults or tears up a unit. Mr. Mahnke said they can be evicted if they don't pay or if they cause a disturbance. He said the coop can take care of minor damages and there are trusts for damages and vacancy reserves. Credit checks are done for all applicants. Mr. Dinklage asked the City Manager to research the city's liability under various circumstances. Mr. Chittenden asked how long the city would be involved. Mr. Griffin said the longest period is 2 years. Then the grant is closed out and an audit is performed. Mr. Flaherty then asked for comments from the public. Mr. Sharp asked why the O'Briens aren't building the project as originally planned. Mr. Hafter said Mr. Sharp would have to ask the O'Briens directly. Another resident asked if the city is being pressured to do this. Mr. Dinklage said it has long been part of the city plan to provide for affordable housing. Other residents expressed concern with reduced property values and with the style of the proposed homes. Ms. Torpy said they are open to consider other styles. Mr. Bergangy asked if there is a landscaping plan along property lines so the lots are individual. Ms. Wright said there is some fencing required and stressed they are concerned with the property looking good. They are hoping to save as many trees as possible and there is a line item for additional landscaping. Mr. Hafter added that 3% of the cost has to go into landscaping and this provision has not been waived. Mr. Flaherty suggested neighbors meet with developers to discuss matters such as these. Mr. Kemp then explained how the Flynn Avenue coop works and noted these are co-ops, not "projects." Mr. Mahnke noted that the turnover rate is much lower than in rental housing. Ms. Wright said a public hearing must be held before 12/8 because of the funding requirements. She said an architect and builder can be present at the hearing. Mr. Dinklage moved the City Council direct staff to draft a letter of intent to the Agency of Development & Community Affairs in support of South Burlington's obtaining a community development block grant to support this proposed project and to authorize the Council Chair to sign the letter. Mr. Dinklage further moved that December 6th be set for a public hearing. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Further consideration of Request from RELIEF for Participation as Co-Applicant in CDBG: Because of the action approved above, the City cannot be a co-applicant. Mr. Condos noted that he could only favor the city's support of this, not its participation as co-applicant. Mr. Chittenden then moved that a letter of support be sent. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Consideration of Resignation from and appointments to City Commissions: Mr. Hafter reported that Harriet Long has applied for the Library Board of Trustees. Mr. Chittenden moved that Ms. Long be appointed to the Library Board of Trustees. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter further reported that Sylvia Smith and Patrick O'Brien have resigned from the Natural Resources Committee due to other time commitments. Mr. Dinklage moved to accept the resignations of Sylvia Smith and Patrick O'Brien from the Natural Resources Committee. He further moved that because of her long service to the Committee and community Mrs. Smith be made an honorary member of the Committee. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter said he will advertise for new committee members. 6. Request for Appointment of Councilmember(s) to serve on Golf Course RFP Evaluation Committee: Mr. Dinklage moved that Mr. Condos and Mr. Cimonetti be appointed to the Golf Course RFP Evaluation Committee. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter said he has received 7 proposals to review. 7. Consideration of Appointment of Clarence S. Meunier as Burlington Representative to NW Regional Correctional Facility Liaison Committee: Mr. Condos moved that Mr. Meunier be appointed to the Correctional Facility Liaison Committee. Mr. Dinklage seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Consideration of Request to Install a "No Turn on Red" sign at Swift St./Shelburne Rd. Intersection: Mr. Condos noted there have been many serious accidents at this location. Mr. Chittenden said he was concerned with traffic back-up. Mr. Hafter said the situation will be monitored. Mr. Dinklage moved that the Council direct that steps be taken to install a "No Turn on Red" sign at the Swift. St./Shelburne Rd. intersection. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Other Business: Mr. Condos noted a problem at the north end of San Remo where cars are parking on both sides, limiting the street to one lane. He asked staff to review a possible one side parking only scheme. Mr. Audette said this is a major problem because there are many tractor trailers using that street. 9. Review Zoning Board Agenda for 11/22/93 No issues were raised. 10. Review Minutes of 1 November 1993: Mr. Dinklage noted that on page 1, what he had meant to say was that there is provision for a lot of flexibility in Zoning Regulations. Mr. Chittenden moved that the minutes of 1 November be approved as written with the addition of Mr. Dinklage's explanation. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Meeting Schedule: The Planning Commission has requested a joint meeting with the Council. A date of 31 January 1994 was suggested for this meeting. 12. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Dinklage moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter advised that the new Klingers Bread Company wants to sell gift baskets that include a bottle of wine. This requires a second class liquor license. Mr. Dinklage moved that a second class liquor license be approved for Klingers Bread Company. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dinklage moved that the Liquor Control Board adjourn and reconvene as City Council. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 13. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 14. Executive Session: Mr. Dinklage moved that Council adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and to resume regular session only to sign a contract and/or adjourn. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session: The Council reconvened in regular session. Jim Condos moved the approval of contracts between the City and Water Pollution Control Association (7/1/93 - 6/30/95), City Hall Association (7/1/93 - 6/30/95) and the Police Association (7/1/93 - 6/30/95). John Dinklage seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Chittenden moved adjournment. John Dinklage seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.