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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 01/13/1997CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 1997 The South Burlington City Council held a meeting on Monday, 13 January 1997, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: James Condos, Acting Chair; David Austin, Terry Sheahan Also Present: Peg Strait, Asst. City Manager; Joe Weith, City Planner; Don McKenzie, Fire Department; Ron Schmucker 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to Agenda Items): No issues were raised. 2. Announcements & City Manager's Report: Ms. Strait advised that Mr. Hafter is in California with the group inspecting the tower truck that the city is purchasing. Mr. Sheahan raised the question of traffic light synchronization on Dorset Street, specifically why there is no dedicated light for traffic exiting Holiday Inn. Mr. Condos said the State has insisted that it is not warranted. Mr. Austin asked what the story was on the missing street sweeper. Mr. Condos said it did not belong to the city. Mr. Austin advised that Council members met with Legislative Representatives this morning. Mr. Condos made a strong pitch regarding the Rt. 116 Interchange and also property tax reform. He also stressed the importance of the state providing a no interest loan to the city for the upgrade of the Bartlett Bay Sewage Treatment Plant. Mr. Condos added that he was pleased to see all 10 legislators present. Ms. Strait made the following announcements: a. The community selling the tower truck has agreed to a price of $410,000 which leaves money for transportation and repainting. The truck will probably be shipped by rail at a cost of about $6,000. It could be on its way to South Burlington by the 27th if all goes well. b. The second February meeting is scheduled for 17 February, a city holiday. Ms. Strait asked if members wanted to reschedule it. Mr. Condos suggested combining it with the budget meeting of 20 February, if the agenda is light. c. There will be a meeting at the High School tomorrow at 7 p.m. to discuss Drug and Alcohol problems and solutions. It will be chaired by a panel from the school, Police Department and CASA. Ms. Strait cited the excellent on-going efforts to deal with these problems. d. The Economic Development Committee will meet on 15 February at 4:00 p.m. e. Reappraisal has been completed in the northeast quadrant of the city. Appraisers are now working in the Butler Farms/Oak Creek area. As soon as computer input is done, letters will be sent to homeowners letting them know their appraisals and the procedure for questions and appeals. 3. Public Hearing: Amendments to the Zoning Regulations and Official City Map; 2nd reading (adoption) of same: Mr. Weith reviewed the proposed amendments as follows: Section 25.113: Heights of Structures: With the proposed changes residential and commercial structures would be treated differently. Residential heights would stay at a maximum of 45 feet in height. Commercial structures could be more if they meet certain criteria, namely that the additional height would not affect the character of the neighborhood and would not detract from important scenic views from public roadways. The additional heights would be allowed only in non-residential districts (C-1, C-2, I-C, I-OC, A/P, AP/I, and Municipal. The Planning Commission will request that an elevation of the structure be submitted. C-O District: There had previously been confusion as to how setbacks in the vicinity of Interstate ramps are applied. Exhibit 3-A will be added to clarify this. There is also an amendment which adds some flexibility. In Section 3.505, the Planning Commission can approve encroachment into the CO District provided it is no closer than 50 ft. to the ramp right-of-way and provided encroachment is screened from ramps, Interstate, etc. Central District: The amendment will allow more flexibility as to where buildings and parking can be placed. This will provide incentive for buildings to go up, not out. Section 14.101a will allow uses that exceed 20,000 sq. ft. provided the building is a minimum of 2 stories and that 40% of the shopping part of the store is on the second floor. There are also minor changes to clarify residential uses, making it clear that there can be stand-alone residential structures. Section 14.402c - Setbacks: Amendments allow more flexibility. There can be a portion of a building extending beyond the building envelope provided the building is at least 2 stories and fits within the intent of the District. Surface parking would be allowed within the building envelope if it is only a minor portion of the required parking, if it uses only a very minor portion of the building envelope and if the overall development of the site is in conformance with the intent of the District. Zoning Change for 700 Airport Parkway from Mixed I-C to Airport: Mr. Weith showed the location on the map. This is currently the Budget Rent-a-Car location, and the request for change came from the property owner. The final amendment would add "congregate housing" as a conditional use in districts where nursing homes are allowed. Mr. Austin asked if the Commission had considered a maximum height for commercial buildings. Mr. Weith said they had but a majority felt it would be arbitrary and had no idea what that height should be. Mr. Sheahan asked if there had been any consideration to not allowing the increase in height in the view protection overlay district. Mr. Weith said there hadn't. He noted that the most restrictive rules always apply. Mr. Austin questioned the meaning of "significantly minor" under Section 14.402. Mr. Weith said the Commission had considered a specific percentage but didn't know what would be appropriate. It might also differ from property to property, and if there were a specific number all applicants might come in trying to "max out." Mr. Austin commented that he felt the City Center changes were excellent. Mr. Condos asked whether Budget Rent-A-Car still has to come in to get approval for their long-term parking plan. Mr. Schmucker said it is their opinion that it is grandfathered, but since there is a question on this, they may have to come in for approval. Mr. Condos said he is concerned with the appearance and would like to shield residences from an ocean of cars. He suggested the possibility of a berm to make it look better from the road. Mr. Schmucker said he didn't think the owners want a sea of cars either. Public comment was asked for but none was forthcoming. Mr. Sheahan moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Austin moved to waive the reading of the proposed amendments and to approve the second reading. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Weith also noted there is a change proposed to the official city map which will change the configuration of the proposed Interchange at Rt. 116 and also establish a network of collector streets. Old Farm Road would be dead-ended in conjunction with this proposal. Mr. Condos said he would like the legislators to see this proposal. Mr. Weith noted the change was brought about because the original proposal would impact a piece of property which can be developed. He felt the proposed design is better for the whole area. Mr. McKenzie of the Fire Department questioned the location of fire hydrants and noted there would be no access to a hydrant with the proposed plan. Mr. Austin said hydrants would probably have to be moved. Mr. Condos said a new hydrant would probably be part of the construction plan. Mr. Sheahan moved to adopt the amendments to the Official City Map as presented. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Review of FY 97-8 Budget Calendar: Mr. Condos noted the only question would be the adding of the regular 2/17 agenda for the 2/20 budget hearing, if feasible. 6. Review Minutes of 9 December and 16 December: Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the Minutes of 9 December as written. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Austin moved to approve the Minutes of 16 December as written. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Review Zoning Board Agenda for 13 January: No issues were raised. 8. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 9. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Sheahan moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. a. Approve First Class Liquor License Application for Speedy's Diner, Inc., (formerly Pepper's Memphis Barbeque), 1110 Shelburne Road: Ms. Strait noted everything is in order except the Health Department approval, and the application can be approved with that condition. Mr. Sheahan moved the First Class Liquor License Application for Speedy's Diner, Inc., be approved provided the Health Department approval is secured. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. b. Approval of Second Class Liquor License Application for Tandem Restaurants, Inc., Breadsmith, 1162 Williston Road: Ms. Strait said this application is in order. Mr. Austin moved to approve the Second Class Liquor License for Tandem Restaurants, Inc., Breadsmith, as presented. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed. Executive Session: Mr. Sheahan moved the Board adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and personnel issues and to resume regular session only for the purpose of adjournment. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session: The Council returned to regular session. Mr. Sheahan moved adjournment. Mr. Austin seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The Council adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.