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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 10/18/1993CITY COUNCIL 18 OCTOBER 1993 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday 18 October 1993, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: John Dinklage, Acting Chairman; James Condos, Robert Chittenden, William Cimonetti Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peg Strait, Asst. City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk; Steve Stitzel, City Attorney; Michael Sheridan, Channel 17; Sid Poger, The Other Paper; Brenda Torpy, Terry Feeley, Fred Moody, Lee Torrey 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience, not related to Agenda Items: No issues were raised. 2. Request from RELIEF for City Endorsement of Community Development Block Grant Application: Terry Feeley and Brenda Torpy made the presentation. They began with a video on the proposed project noting that it was an effort to address the needs of the most needy in the community. The proposal is to purchase 3 buildings to house community agencies serving the needy. These agencies would include Legal Aid, The Food Shelf, COTS, Burlington Community Land Trust, Court Diversion Program. RELIEF is asking for S. Burlington's participation by endorsement of the project and the concept. They stressed although the facilities are being proposed for the city of Burlington, they would serve the entire county. Mr. Cimonetti said he was completely sympathetic to the need and believed in combined effort. He asked whether the State has indicated that RELIEF would have a better chance for funding if there was a combined effort. Ms. Torpy said they have. Mr. Dinklage asked if there would be any obligation on South Burlington's part. Ms. Feeley said no. There would also be no liabilities. The only impact on staff time might be a phone call or two. Mr. Cimonetti asked that the City Attorney look at the proposal to see if there would be any legal ramifications to the city. Mr. Dinklage asked that the City Manager check with the state to learn the importance of South Burlington's participation. 3. Discussion with Chittenden Solid Waste District on Delay of Construction of Permanent Drop Off Facility on Patchen Road & Improvements to Temporary Facilities: Mr. Moody explained that they had expected Act 250 approval today. Two weeks ago he met with the Agency of Natural Resources and was devastated to learn they have about $5,000,000 in uncommitted funds and requests for $6,000,000. They told him that until an organization has all of its permits, they can't get any funding. This means the S. Burlington project has been moved back. Mr. Moody said they are trying to figure out how to construct the facility without the state's 40% share. Mr. Moody said he discussed interim improvements with the City Manager and showed diagrams of the present and proposed improved site. Mr. Dinklage asked if some of the available funds could be used to build a shelter for people getting out of their cars in bad weather. Mr. Cimonetti asked if the District would commit to putting the remaining 40% of the money in the budget for next year. Mr. Moody said they would and feel obligated to do so. Mr. Cimonetti said he could support that and felt the interim system would work until then. Mr. Condos commended staff efforts at the temporary facility. Mr. Dinklage noted the need to continue to educate the public. 4. Consideration of City Council Approval of Dorset Street Signing Plan: Mr. Hafter advised that the Planning Commission has approved the plan. If the Council approves it, it will go next to the Travel & Information people and then to the Agency of Transportation. Mr. Cimonetti moved to approve the Dorset St. signage plan and to direct the City Manager to forward it to the State Travel and Information people. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Discussion of Role & Composition of Social Responsibility Committee and appointment process: Mr. Dinklage noted that the City Manager suggests establishing in advance the amount of money the committee will have to work with as is done with other city departments. Mr. Hafter said this would enable the committee to focus on programs, not spending. He also suggested that Council members identify possible members of the committee. Mr. Chittenden said he felt the money should be used in other ways. Mr. Dinklage said he felt the city has been very well served by this committee and wanted to see the people who serve on the committee feel good about their work. Mr. Condos added that he was impressed with the numbers of South Burlington residents who are helped by the various agencies the city helps to fund. Members agreed to accept the City Manager's recommendations. 6. Discussion of Suggestion to Hold a Public Input Meeting on the Budget Priorities Prior to '94-5 Budget Preparation: Mr. Dinklage suggested a special meeting at which the public could give input. Other members agreed. Mr. Hafter will coordinate this with the School Board. Review Planning Commission agenda of 10/19 and Zoning Board Agenda of 10/25: No issues were raised. 8. Review Minutes of 4 October and Joint City Council Shelburne Selectboard Meeting of 29 March: Mr. Condos moved to approve the Minutes of 4 October and 29 March as written. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Other Business: Mr. Cimonetti updated the Council on the work of the Sign Ordinance Review Committee. He said the Committee has looked at all aspects of the Ordinance and is trying to focus on where there is conflict between the Ordinance and what is in Planning and Zoning Ordinances. Mr. Cimonetti noted that some aspects of the Sign Ordinance are not manageable and haven't been enforced (e.g. signs in gas stations). There seems to be strong feeling on the Committee for enforcement. They are also looking into the question of "technological" signs (e.g. signs in canopies) and grandfathered signs. They are trying to find a compromise that will benefit both the owners and the city. Executive Session: Mr. Condos moved the Council meet in Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and litigation and to resume regular session only to approve a contract or adjourn. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session The Council reconvened in regular session. Jim Condos moved approval of the Highway Association Agreement for July 1, 1993 - June 30, 1994. Bob Chittenden seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Jim Condos moved adjournment. Bob Chittenden seconded. The meeting adjoined at 10:10 P.M. 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