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Minutes - City Council - 04/10/1995
CITY COUNCIL 10 April 1995 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting on Monday, 10 April 1995, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: William Cimonetti, Chairman; David Maclaughlin, James Condos, Michael Flaherty Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Sonny Audette, Street Dept; Eve Thorsen, Free Press; Gayle Barone, George Mona, Harry Behney, Annie Loup 1. First Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment to the City Charter, Article II on the 5/16/95 Ballot, to Change the Appraisal Method for Unimproved Commercial and Industrial Land in South Burlington: Mr. Cimonetti reviewed the procedure for changing the City Charter. A simple majority of those voting on 16 May is needed followed by approval by the State Legislature and signature of the Governor. The final action would be about a year away. Mr. Cimonetti then paraphrased the proposed change. He stressed that it deals only with land zone Industrial and Commercial. Improvements made on those properties (i.e., sewers, streets, utilities, etc.) would not be recognized on the Grand List valuation until there is a building permit issued for the properties. The purpose of the amendment is to make development of these lands more attractive to potential developers by delaying the tax impact on a pice of property. Mr. Mona of the Economic Development Committee said that most prospective tenants want to move in fast. Raw land is not attractive because of long approval processes and time to improve the land. This amendment gives a developer a chance to make land more attractive in a shorter time frame. He felt the change would encourage higher quality development. Mr. Cimonetti said that many states offer tax concessions and substantial inducements to encourage development. This would be an encouragement without taking money from the tax coffers. Mr. Behney felt passage of the amendment would serve as an incentive to private developers. He noted it is often years before a project produces income for a developer. Mr. Cimonetti emphasized that the change deals only with improvements made to a property. The city is still allowed to assess land at fair market value. Mr. Condos felt this was a win-win situation for everyone. Nothing is given up and the city gains in competitive advantage. Mr. Maclaughlin felt this growth centers are going around S. Burlington and this may help bring business to the city. Mr. Hafter suggested the possibility of a mailing to citizens to explain the amendment. Mr. Condos moved to support the proposed Charter change and urged approval by the public. Mr. Maclaughlin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Set date and time for next meeting: Mr. Cimonetti said that this item has to do with the liquor and entertainment permits for Club Fantasy. He said it was his intention to place on the agenda for the next meeting an Ordinance to Regulate Public Indecency. It would have its first reading at the next meeting. A public hearing would then be set for the following meeting (a 7-day warning is required). If passed at the public hearing, the Ordinance would become effective as of that date. There would be no grandfathering. The City Council could then meet as Liquor Control Board to hear applications for liquor and entertainment permits. Mr. Cimonetti noted the meeting had been planned for 4/17. He will be out of town on that date but would like to be part of the process. The meeting could still be held on the 17th with the Council taking no action until the next meeting. Ms. Loup said that changing the date of the meeting would cause tremendous problems as thousands of fliers have been given out and there is much public interest. Mr. Hafter noted Club Fantasy still hasn't passed fire inspection and the request for a liquor/entertainment license may not be on the 17 April agenda. The Indecency Ordinance will. Mr. Cimonetti noted there is already a state statute on this. The city Ordinance would facility local enforcement. Ms. Thorsen asked how South Burlington can do this when Barre says it can't. Mr. Cimonetti said he didn't know what was going on in Barre but South Burlington believed it had the right to take this action. Ms. Barone felt the Council Chair should be present at the 4/17 meeting. Mr. Maclaughlin said he understood Mr. Cimonetti had an irreconcilable conflict but felt his skill at managing an emotional meeting would be missed. Ms. Loup asked how it was possible for the Club Fantasy application to get this far. Mr. Cimonetti and other Council members explained the approval process for new businesses and said that everything Club Fantasy has done to date appears to be legal and within the rules and procedures. The Zoning Board and Planning Commission had no alternative but to grant approvals based on the information they had received. 3. Review Maintenance Agreement for Resurfacing of Streets: Mr. Hafter said this project is 100% state funded and involves the resurfacing of Williston Rd. Mr. Audette noted that all the catch basins will be improved in this work. Two more wheelchair ramps will be constructed as well. Mr. Audette said it is hoped that bids will be let in June. Construction will be stopped during the week of the Governors' Conference. Mr. Condos moved to approve the Maintenance Agreement for Class I Town Highway Project. SB, NH9552 (i). Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Session: Mr. Condos moved the Council adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session to discuss potential litigation with the City Attorney and to resume regular session on for the purpose of adjournment. Mr. Maclaughlin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. CLERK Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.