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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 12/18/1995CITY COUNCIL 18 DECEMBER 1995 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 18 December 1995, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: William Cimonetti, Chair; Michael Flaherty, James Condos Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peg Strait, Asst. City Manager; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Gene Cenci, Tim Shea, Walt Levering, Gary Farrell, Frank Mazur, Lonnie Field, Tom Kleh Comments & Questions from the Audience, not related to Agenda items: No issues were raised. 2. Presentation from Tim Shea, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Gary Farrell, Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center: Mr. Shea gave members a marketing packet. He said that about 2,000,000 people visit Chittenden County each year and about 2,000 meetings are held here. Ten percent of jobs in Burlington are related to travel and tourism. Of the 2600 guest rooms in the area, 58% are in South Burlington. The Convention Bureau gets $4,000 from South Burlington via the budgeting process. Mr. Shea noted that $1,100,000 in property tax is paid by the 15 hotels in the city. About 46% of the approximately $187 a day spent by visitors is spent for rooms, 12% in restaurants, 13% in retail stores, and the balance for gas, auto rental, recreation, etc. The Bureau has 2 employees who market the area via printed guides, video presentations, direct mail, familiarization trips, receptions, telemarketing, trade shows, and tourism promotion. Future plans call for more print advertising, more direct mail, and more trade shows. They anticipate hiring another person for tourism and receptions in primary feeder markets. The annual budget for the Bureau is $127,635 of which member dues pays 54% and state matching funds and community support pays the balance. 85% of this budget goes toward promotion and 15% toward administrative costs. Mr. Shea said they appreciate the money given by the city but asked if the amount could be increased, if possible. He noted this was a great year for convention business with both the Governors' Conference and the Shriners meeting being held here. Mr. Cimonetti asked about the Bureau's relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Shea said the Chamber is the parent group, and the Bureau reports to them. Members must belong to each group separately. Mr. Farrell said that without the Convention Bureau, the business would be in a shambles now. He said 45% of the Sheraton's business is from conventions. Mr. Cimonetti said he would like to know why there can't be a bigger item in the Chamber budget for the Convention Bureau. Mr. Flaherty asked what priorities would be with an increased budget. Mr. Shea said trade shows, familiarization trips, and print advertising would be increased. Mr. Field said the Shriners convention was a tremendous success, and staff members of various governors' groups said this conference was the best. 3. Announcements and City Manager's Report: Mr. Hafter reminded members that the next Council meeting will be 8 January 1996. It will include final review of amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hafter also reminded members that on 30 December, at noon, the official dedication and opening of the skating facility will be held. It will be followed by free public skating. The grand opening of the new Martin's at Southland will be on Sunday, 7 January at 7:45 a.m. The Economic Development Committee will meet on 18 January. Mr. Hafter said the Council needs to schedule budget workshops and suggested possible dates of Feb. 20, 22, and 26. Mr. Cimonetti advised that the MPO will meet on Wednesday at Regional Planning offices. The agenda will include MPO reaction to the "pruned" transportation projects. Mr. Flaherty will attend. There will also be a presentation from the Citizens Group on the commuter rail project. Mr. Condos noted the Chittenden County Solid Waste District meeting will be held on Wednesday at 7 P.M. 4. Presentation on CCTA Issues; Approval of Letter of Support to the New General Manager: Mr. Mazur said CCTA is working to solve its case with the City of Burlington. The case is in court now. He said it is very clear that a communication link was broken and that the real issue is expansion and payment in lieu of taxes. The Burlington mayor will call top elected officials in member communities to ask what they would expect if a facility were built in their communities. Burlington is also very concerned that subsidy for transit is almost entirely dependent on the property tax. CCTA is trying to address this. The final issue is the weighted vote. CCTA's new General Manager will be on board on 2 January but has already had very positive meetings with City Managers and Mayor Clavelle. Mr. Mazur said he would get budget information to the Council as soon as possible. Cash revenues are up with the fare increase. He was not aware of any expansion that would involve South Burlington. Taft's Corners may want some service there very soon, and CCTA will work with South Burlington on this. They are also exploring options in Colchester. Mr. Cimonetti asked that CCTA look into routing Shelburne Rd. routes into the Southland development. Members were asked for a motion that a letter in continued support of CCTA and its new General Manager be signed. Mr. Flaherty moved that the letter in support of CCTA and its new General Manager be signed. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Condos asked about CCTA's involvement with the railroad talks. Mr. Mazur said they are involved in discussions as buses would be used to support the commuter rail. 5. Discussion of Plans for Legislative Breakfasts During the Upcoming Session: Mr. Cimonetti suggested alternating between City Hall and the School and sharing expenses with the School Board. Members agreed on the third Monday of the month. 6. Information items: a. Response from LSTS on Commuter Rail Site: Mr. Hafter said they are trying to set a meeting with Southland. b. Communications with Rec Path Committee on Progress with "Short Paths": Mr. Hafter said he has told the Committee to proceed with neighbors on two sites. Mr. Condos suggested they look into a path that comes into Laurel Hill 7. Review Planning Commission Agenda for 19 December: No issues were raised. 8. Approval of City Council Minutes of 27 November 1995: Mr. Flaherty moved the Minutes of 27 November be approved as written. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.