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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 05/20/1996CITY COUNCIL 20 MAY 1996 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 20 May 1996, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: William Cimonetti, Chair; Michael Flaherty, James Condos, Robert Chittenden Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peg Strait, Asst. City Manager; Joe Weith, City Planner; Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator; Sonny Audette, Street Dept; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Lee Graham, Police Chief; James W. Goddette, Sr., former Fire Chief; John Dinklage, Kay Neubert, George Mona, Francis X. Murray, Ken Jarvis, William Burgess, Fred Blais, former City Council Members; Peter & Vilma Jacob; Paula and Keith Flaherty, Colleen Pecor, Frank H. Armstrong, Susan Deacon, Dhyan Nirmegh, Leo Brown, Joanne Woolery 1. Comments and Questions from the Audience: Mr. Dinklage expressed his thanks to Councilman Flaherty for his years of service and dedication to the City. He stressed Mr. Flaherty's deep roots in the community and said how important it is to have smart, dedicated people who know what's going on in a community. Mr. Murray personally thanked Councilman Flaherty for his 24 years of service. He quoted from Theodore Roosevelt that the "credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena." Ms. Neuberg noted that she was the first female Council member. She said that Councilman Flaherty was the kindest to her and was always a gentleman. Mr. Mona said that Councilman Flaherty was nice to everybody, with no bias. He thanked him for the years they sat together on the Council and said that Mr. Flaherty deserved to be called the "grand champion on moderation," a man who "did not harm." Mr. Jarvis said he was proud to have served with Councilman Flaherty in a relationship that goes back 25 years. Mr. Jacob said that although he had never served on the Council, he and Councilman Flaherty have been friends for a long time. He cited Mr. Flaherty as a "friend for South Burlington," a man who always put the interests of the citizens first. Mr. Blais cited Councilman Flaherty for his purpose and dedication. He noted that all the candidates in tomorrow's election are talking about building on the good that now exists and said that Mr. Flaherty is a large part of that good. Mr. Armstrong said he fully agreed with the other and characterized Councilman Flaherty as a keystone, a strong, stabilizing influence. Mr. Audette then read a Resolution from the City Department Heads and Staff. He personally cited Councilman Flaherty as the kind of person the staff would like to have on the City Council. He said that the city was blessed to have had him. Mr. Flaherty said that the 24 years have been fun, never a burden. He added that none of the people who have spoken ever wanted anything bad to happen to South Burlington. Mr. Cimonetti then read a Resolution from the City Council commending Councilman Flaherty on his long and outstanding service to the City. Mr. Condos said he has been lucky to serve with Mr. Flaherty for 7 years. He praised his professionalism, integrity and compassion and added that Mr. Flaherty has what is most missing in the world today, common sense. Mr. Condos then moved that the Council approve the Resolution honoring the 24 years of service of Councilman Flaherty. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Announcements and City Manager's Report: Mr. Hafter made the following announcements: a. There will be a public hearing on the CCTA budget, Wednesday, 5 p.m., at CCTA headquarters. b. The new fire apparatus should be arriving in June. No fire apparatus was out of service in April. Mr. Hafter suggested a public gathering when the new equipment arrives. c. The City Council reorganization meeting will be on Tuesday, 28 May, at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Condos advised of a Solid Waste Executive Board meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The regular Board meeting will be held next Wednesday. Mr. Cimonetti reminded citizens of South Burlington to vote in tomorrow's election. 3. Public hearing on 1996 Comprehensive Plan: 2nd reading of same: Mr. Condos moved to waive reading of the Plan. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Nirmegh said it was good for him to come tonight to see someone who's worked 24 years for the city. He noted that in the Plan, 3,599 new residences are proposed in the Southeast Quadrant. Mr. Cimonetti said that is based on a study done by the city with the zoning then in place. He noted that the best protection against development is for the city to buy land (such as Red Rocks Park, the Brand and Calkins parcels, etc.), but noted that the city can't buy every parcel of land that people want to have remain open. Mr. Cimonetti noted 2 proposed minor changes: the incorporation of Map #8 (public facilities) and the incorporation of reduced size maps. Mr. Audette questioned why the widening of Hinesburg Rd. to 4 lanes from Williston Rd. to Kennedy Dr. was not in the revised plan. Mr. Weith said it was taken out because the Commission felt there were so many homes close to the road so it was a concern to widen the road to 4 lanes. He suggested some widening at key intersections. Mr. Audette noted the area near the pump station could cave in at any time and the state would have to rebuild the road. It could be widened at that time. Mr. Cimonetti said removing the widening from the Plan does not mean it can't happen. It would, however, be a major change if it were to be added back in. Mr. Condos noted there is mention of the future interchange at Hinesburg Rd. and of the northbound on-ramp to I-89 at I-189. Mr. Condos moved to incorporate map #8 and the reduced sized maps #1 through #8 into the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Condos moved to close the Public Hearing. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Condos moved to approve the second reading and adopt the updated Comprehensive Plan as now presented. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed 3-1 with Mr. Chittenden opposing. Mr. Cimonetti said the Planning Commission has asked the Council to give consideration to providing for a "cap" when a certain amount of growth arouses concern. Mr. Condos said he didn't like using the word "cap" and that his gut feeling was to let supply and demand deal with it. But he did note the city is facing increased school costs and he asked the Commission and staff to review the situation and bring the Council more information. Mr. Cimonetti noted that nobody on the Commission advocates growth caps, but they are at the point where the schools are saying they are out of room. They are looking for a way to get everyone in on the planning process so everyone knows what's happening. They are also looking for a mechanism to activate a warning before a situation gets out of hand. Mr. Weith added that work should be done with the schools now to find out when a new elementary school will be needed. Mr. Weith added that Superintendent Chattman and a member of the School Board will be at the June 4th Planning Commission meeting to discuss this. Mr. Cimonetti said it would be good for the new City Council and School Board to do some joint thinking on the growth issue. Mr. Flaherty moved to forward the Comprehensive Plan to the Regional Planning Commission for review and approval. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed 3-1 with Mr. Cimonetti opposing. 4. Consideration of request from Richard Ward, Zoning Administrative Officer to Amend the Fee Schedule for Zoning/Building Permits: Mr. Ward said the rates have not changed since 1981 and are the lowest in the county. Costs (e.g., advertising, mapping, etc.) don't cover expenses. Free Press ads have tripled in cost in 5 years. Permits are now costing the taxpayers money, and the Dept. is looking to have them be fee supported. Mr. Condos said he had no issue with the request but would like to see it be a fully warned agenda item. Mr. Chittenden moved to table the request till the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Mr. Flaherty seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Review Minutes of 6 May 1996: Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the Minutes of 6 May as written. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed 3-0 with Mr. Chittenden abstaining. Mr. Cimonetti noted that on 6 May 3 members of the City Council voted to deny the application for an entertainment permit for SBC Enterprises. The Findings of Fact were signed on 7 May and were delivered to the applicant. Mr. Hafter added that SBC went to Superior Court seeking a stay of the City Council's decision. They were denied. 6. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 7. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Flaherty moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed. Mr. Hafter presented an application from TJ's Wines & Spirits, 1341 Shelburne Rd. (former K&K Beverage) for a second class license. He said the application was in order but would be contingent upon completion of incorporation and attendance at the educational seminar as required by law. Mr. Flaherty moved to approve the application for a second class liquor license for TJ's Wines & Spirits contingent upon completion of their incorporation and their attendance at the educational seminar required by State law. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed 3-0. As there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.