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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 08/08/1994STEERING COMMITTEE 8 AUGUST 1994 The South Burlington Steering Committee held a Meeting on Thursday, 8 August 1994, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present City Council: Michael Flaherty, James Condos, William Cimonetti, Robert Chittenden; David Maclaughlin, Charles Hafter, City Manager; School Board: Dennis Snyder, Frank Murray, Theodore Manazir, Julie Duppstadt, Peter Cole; Bruce Chattman, Superintendent Also Present Peg Strait, Assistant City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Bruce Ladeau, Marilyn Frederick, Anne Browne, School District; TobyDion, CCTV; Pete Crevier, Frank Mazur, Scott Smith, Judith Gilmartin, Kathleen Dunham, Margaret Miner, Harriet Long, Joan Hanley, Claire Buckley, Mary Hulette, Thomas Chittenden, Irene Stone, Mary Anne Murray, Sheila Iuennelli, Agnes & Janet Clift, Bob DiFernando, Judi Maynard, Darlene Worth, Joe O'Brien, David Ford, Mike O'Day, Tony Cairns, Ann Pugh, Bob Hest, Michael Kuhn, Ralph Gilman, David Kaufman 1. Presentation of Capital Improvement Plan by School System Officials; Discussion of Bond Issues: Mr. Condos noted that no action would be taken on the plan at this meeting. He said that the South Burlington School system is the finest in the state and was a key component of the economic engine of the city. He also cited the good relationship between the School Board and City Council. Mr. Manazir then explained the forces behind the proposed program. Enrollment is the key force. In the elementary schools there are "children all over the place." In 1989, a citizens committee studied the school situation. One of their recommendations was to consider enlarging elementary school space. At that point, over 200 citizens were involved in devising a strategic plan, part of which stressed the need for enlargement of space. Mr. Murray then continued the presentation. He said it was felt that the reason property values have not declined as much in S. Burlington as in other places in the county is the value of the education system and the desire of people to get into the community because of the educational opportunities. Mr. Murray apologized to City Council members for the article that was printed today in the Free Press. It was not intended to appear until after this meeting had been held. The schools have been going through a very difficult time, Mr. Murray said. To cope with this, supply budgets and sabbaticals have been reduced and positions have been cut. The schools have lost over $300,000 in state aid. To cope with this, the District has brought in more tuition students (there were 70 in 1979, and there are now 177). That income is now between $1,200,000 and $1,300,000 a year which helps offset other losses. The District also introduced an early retirement program which is expected to save about $1,500,000. Utility systems have also been changed to save money. The District is now asking for $15,000,000 for the proposed package of capital improvements. This amount may be reduced somewhat by anticipated state participation up to 1/3 of the amount. School facilities are very old and are showing wear and tear of use. Schools need to be renovated and enlarged. The proposed enlargements at the elementary school would add capacity for about 75 more students at each school. The Board feels this would be cheaper than building a new school. The three major forces driving the proposed project are enrollment, deterioration, and programs. In addition, facilities must be modified to conform to new laws regarding handicapped accessibility. Ms. Frederick then continued the presentation. In a brief slide show, she indicated overcrowding situations. The capacity of the three schools is a total of 1086. There are currently 1079 children. The District is now way past the "action point." She noted that enrollment projections have consistently been exceeded. The projection for 1994 had been 1045 children. The 1079 figure wasn't anticipated until 1998. Ms. Frederick noted that a study of new families in the community done last summer showed that 80% of them moved to the city because of the school system. She said the city needs to continue to provide that good education. Other slides showed the physical deterioration of school facilities. Brick work is decaying which can lead to structural problems. Metal framing on doors are rusting, some already showing holes. There is inadequate parking which results in children having to cross parking lots where there is moving traffic. There are drainage problems in parking lots. At times, 1/4 of the Chamberlin lot is under water. The boiler system is more than 30 years old. At the high school, there are roof leaks (some of which will be covered by insurance and are not included in the bond amount). The same problem is anticipated at the Middle School. There are also program needs driving the project. Technology needs require wiring. Project rooms are needed. ADA requirements include the need for a ramp at the Library, handicapped access to toilets, stages, and drinking fountains. An artist's rendering of the proposed improvements was then displayed as well as overheads of proposed interiors. These showed multi-purpose rooms at all schools, additional classrooms, expanded kitchen and cafeteria facilities and additions to brick veneer. At Orchard School, a connector between the two wings is proposed. Chamberlin will contain space for the EEE program. There will be no new space at the High School, but the electric heating system will be converted to gas fired hot water. This will save at least $100,000 a year. At the Middle School, the very dangerous gym floor will be replaced. There will be new stage curtains. Four classrooms will be retrofitted for video technology. 2. Presentation of Community Library Short and Long Term Plans: Ms. Miner noted that the library is shared between the High School and the community, and this has been a successful endeavor. There are 5 main goals for the Library: 1. better access to services 2. technical services to meet community needs 3. programs to stimulate curiosity and enrichment for all ages 4. addressing of staff needs 5. coordination with City Council and School Board The three main needs of the library are a Public Librarian, automation and space for an adult reading area and a small children's area. Ms. Miner noted the community is growing and demands on the library have increased. 4. Presentation of Ice Facility Project by Citizens' Committee; Discussion of Bond Issue: Mr. Kaufman noted that they have taken a new approach to the project and have a completed design, cost estimate and operations plan. The facility is very timely as Dorset Park is in place and the demand for ice time is at an all-time high in the region. The estimated cost of the facility is $1,700,000, with $500,000 already secured. The remainder would be paid for by operation of the facility. Mr. Kaufman thanked Messrs Murray, Hafter, O'Neill and Weith for their assistance to the committee. Architect Ralph Gilman then presented the plans. The location is still as originally proposed in the park plan, at the northeast corner of Dorset Park. It will include a manager's office, dressing rooms, public seating, etc., and is designed so a second floor could be developed at a later time. The building would be about 27 feet high to the ridge line. They are also exploring burying the building. Seating capacity would be about 600 (leddy has 900). The ice surface would be 85' x 200'. Equipment would be energy efficient with similar support services as Leddy. Cost is estimated at $28/sq. ft. This is a smaller rink than originally proposed and will have less in the way of community facilities. There have been no important corners cut, however. Mr. Condos noted there would be many uses for all members of the community. Mr. Ford then gave operating projections. He noted the Milton youth hockey program has been shut down because they have no ice available. Mr. Ford estimated the rink could run the full year. Revenues can generate enough to operate the rink and produce a surplus. They anticipate charging $100/hour (Leddy is $75 and Gutterson $85). A survey of potential users felt this was acceptable. Commitments for rental (verbal) have been received from CSB, CVU and adult hockey leagues. Mr. Kaufman reviewed financing options which include revenue bonding, general obligation bonds and private financing. The project would be at no cost to the taxpayers of the city. Mr. Kaufman said this is a win-win situation. Members felt more information was needed on financing, especially revenue bonding. They did not feel the item should be on the same ballot as the school issue. Mr. Kaufman asked the City Council for help in this area. 4. Minutes of 14 July 1994: Mr. Cole noted the misspelling of his name. Mr. Flaherty moved the minutes be approved as amended. Mr. Cole seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Other Business: Mr. Cimonetti asked that the City Council be advised by the School Board of the next school site in the city. As there was no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.