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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 07/14/1994STEERING COMMITTEE 14 JULY 1994 The South Burlington Steering Committee held a meeting on Thursday, 14 July 1994, at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: City Council: James Condos, William Cimonetti, Robert Chittenden, David Maclaughlin, Charles Hafter School Board: Theodore Manazir, Francis Murray, Dennis Snyder, Julie Duppstadt, Peter Coles, Bruce Chattman Also Present: Margaret Picard, City Clerk; Margaret Miner, Mary Hulette, Al Tremblay, Joan Hanley, Harriet Long, Library Trustees; Marilyn French, Lawrence LeCours, School District; Bruce O'Neill, Recreation Dept; Phil & Diane McArthur, Bob Hest, David Kaufman, Doug Ford, Judith Gilmartin, Kathleen Dunham, Don Miner 1. Election of Officers: Mr. Murray asked for nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Cimonetti nominated Mr. Condos. Mr. Chittenden seconded the nomination. There were no further nominations, and Mr. Condos was elected unanimously. Ms. Duppstadt then nominated Mr. Snyder for Clerk. Mr. Manazir seconded. There were no further nominations, and Mr. Snyder was elected unanimously. 2. Minutes of 7 April 1994: Mr. Murray moved the Minutes of 7 April be approved as written. Mr. Manazir seconded. Motion passed unanimously with Mr. Maclaughlin abstaining. 3. Community Library - 5 Year Proposal: Members of the Library Board of Trustees presented their five year proposal. They have revised their long-term goals based on a review of facilities and services. The needs identified include: an adult reading room, an enlarged children's area, inadequate office space, automation. It was noted that some basic reference materials will soon be available only electronically. The library is looking toward a network approach with other libraries in Chittenden County. They are investigating grant possibilities, but they will also need backing from the city and schools. At present, they are working on costing details, but an early estimate is in the area of $100,000. Mr. Chattman said there is a possibility that some space in the school that is currently devoted to other uses may become available for use by the library. Mr. Cimonetti noted there is already some modest funding in the city budget for automation. He didn't believe that South Burlington should be the follower in library automation. He would like to see the focus sharpened. Mr. Snyder invited interested persons into the elementary schools on Wednesdays to see what can be done with the existing technology. Mr. Cimonetti also noted there are some funds already escrowed for library automation. Mr. Condos praised the cooperation between city and schools in the creation and maintenance of the Community Library. 4. Receive report on the proposed school improvement and remodeling project: Supt. Chattman said a more formal proposal will be made at the next meeting. He gave members a copy of the strategic plan from which he read the Mission Statement. He noted that soon there will be two working people for every retiree, further emphasizing the need for skilled people who can take advantage of the choices in their lives. The tools these people will need are not the same tools as previous generations. Technologies become obsolete in seven years. Most of the young people of today will hold jobs not yet invented. The Superintendent then reviewed the work of the Long Range Planning Committee. He noted that in interviews with 180 new families on the community, all said that at least part of their reason for locating in S. Burlington was the reputation of the school system. The physical plant is now getting old. Repairs are becoming costly, and there is a need for energy conservation. There is a shortage of space in elementary schools and an immediate need to meet regulation requirements. In general, there is a need to insure that all members of the community can access the schools. The superintendent said they are working toward a bond vote in November. Mr. Lecours then reviewed the condition of the schools. He began by saying the system has had a wonderful 25 years, but the picture now is not too rosy. Central School is a 1940's building; Orchard School is a 1958 building. The High School (which is in wonderful shape) was built in 1961. Chamberlin was built in 1965 and the Middle School in 1968. The three additions to the elementary schools were done under President Nixon and the High School addition was done in 1978. Mr. Lecours stressed that the value of property in the community is tied to the value of the school system. Regarding enrollment, the action point of capacity at the elementary schools is 934. The three schools are now at 1034. There is a need to respond to this in the near future. Four or five classrooms are needed at all elementary schools. The electric heat must be gotten rid of at the Middle and High Schools. Schools must be brought up to code with regard to the Disabilities Act. The three elementary schools also need a multi-purpose room (at present, they have to shut down the gym for cafeteria use). In addition, the schools are very heavily used by the community for meetings, etc. A multi-purpose room would provide a resource for this kind of use. In addition, all three schools have after-school programs run by the YMCA. Mr. Murray noted that an architect has reviewed the study and is now trying to cost the needed work. Mr. Lecours noted that the first payment on the proposed bond issue would dovetail with the last payment on the high school addition. Also, the energy conservation aspect would save considerable money that is now being spent on electric heat. Mr. Lecours said it is believed the school can qualify for as much as $200,000 in incentive funds. It is also hoped the state will give a 30% state aid package. Supt. Chattman publicly thanked all those who worked so hard to put together the strategic plan. 5. Discussion with citizens regarding the feasibility of locating an ice skating rink at Dorset Park: Mr. Kaufman reviewed the history of the project and noted it is one piece of the long range plan for Dorset Park. He also stressed the need for ice time which is not being met by current facilities. Children are practicing at 5 a.m. or 11 p.m. on school days/nights. The proposed new facility would go on an existing site which has much of its infrastructure in place. An anonymous donor has pledged $500,000, and Mr. Kaufman felt that $200,000 could be raised by the interested community. They are working on a scaled down design and estimate the cost at $1,500,000. It would be fully equipped and expandable. A positive cash flow of $100,000 a year is anticipated, so ultimately there would be no cost to tax payers. They, too, are looking for a November bond vote, possibly linking this with the school vote. Mr. Ford then reviewed specifics of the facility. He felo it could be used 6 or 8 months a year. Some of the extra "frills" of the previous plan have been eliminated (including meeting rooms, etc.), but the facility could still be used in non-skating months for expositions, craft shows, roller skating, etc.). Mr. Cimonetti noted the city has debt capacity and can issue municipal bonds tax free for recreation purposes. He recommended using the pledged $700,000 up front, which could save a lot of money. Mr. Murray commended the work of the group and offered to work with them as a Steering Committee liaison. Mr. Maclaughlin asked to keep the skating rink separate from the school bond issue. Mr. Hafter asked that the city and school be kept posed as things progress. 6. Other Business: Mr. Cimonetti suggested as possible items for the next agenda an update on the efforts of CASA and the Family Center, and a discussion on a potential site for a new school. Mr. Murray noted that Mr. Lecours is retiring this year, having devoted his life to the children of the community. Mr. Manazir and Mr. Cimonetti then presented a plaque to Mr. Lecours who was acknowledged by all those present. AS there was no further business to come before the committee, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.