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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 01/19/1998CITY COUNCIL 19 JANUARY 1998 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 19 January 1998, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: William Cimonetti, Chair; James Condos, Joan Britt, Terrence Sheahan. Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peg Strait, Asst. City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Anna Johnston, The Other Paper; Albert Audette, Highway Dept; Richard Ward, Zoning Administrator; Lee Graham, Police Chief; Dave Lavellee, Police Dept; Joe Weith, City Planner; William Burgess, Gayle Barone, Mac Teeson, Dan O'Rourke, John Dinklage, Planning Commission; Frank Mazur, Bill Wessel, CCTA; Rep. Susan Wheeler; Francine Johnston, Betsy Jackson, Richard Watts, Chris Bishop. 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience (not related to Agenda items): Mr. Cimonetti noted that although he had not been present during the recent ice storm, he marveled at how the city functions through problems and disasters. He also noted that the police have arrested the alleged perpetrator of the terrible crime that happened just before Christmas. 2. Consideration of formation of ad-hoc committee to study feasibility of a swimming facility in Dorset Park: Ms. Jackson requested the city set up a "Friends of Dorset Park Swimming Facility" fund. She noted a "Parents Night Out" fund-raiser to be held on 28 March as a start to the project. Mr. Hafter noted the swimming facility has been on his list to talk about this year. He felt a committee could address such issues as fundraising, membership, kind of pool (indoor/outdoor), etc. Council members were very positive about this effort. 3. Announcements & City Manager's Report: a. Mr. Condos advised of a meeting of the Solid Waste District on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. b. Ms. Britt reported that Channel 17 is beginning to renegotiate with Adelphia Cable and are working on a strategic plan. She suggested members think about what they would like to see in the plan. c. Mr. Sheahan noted a Regional Planning meeting at 7:00 p.m. next Monday. He asked for a few minutes on the next agenda to discuss some very important issues. d. Mr. Cimonetti noted an MPO meeting on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the Winooski Municipal Offices. Mr. Hafter reported the following: a. He will be testifying to the Ways & Means Committee regarding a proposal to have cities retain 50% of new property tax revenues as one way to address Act 60 issues. b. The Steering Committee will meet on 22 January, at 7:30 p.m. c. Budget preparation meetings will be held on 19 February and 23 February. d. The "Valentine Ball" for fathers and daughters will be held at the Middle School. There will be two opportunities to attend, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. e. Mr. Hafter personally thanked city employees in the Public Works, Fire, Water Pollution Control, Police, and Recreation Departments who helped during the ice storm state of emergency. Mr. Audette reported that his people worked 12 consecutive days, up to 15 and 16 hours a day. He also felt the citizens of the city should be complimented. Many of them gave coffee and donuts to workers and made them feel appreciated. Mr. Audette urged that in future senior citizen residences there be a requirement for generators. There will be 2-3 weeks of tree-trimming required. Red Rocks Park and the cemetery were particularly hard hit. Mr. Audette noted that Sen. Patrick Leahy is trying to get funds for the replacement of trees. Mr. Audette said there will have to be a massive cleanup in the spring. Mr. Hafter then explained the role that FEMA will play in funding emergency efforts. The state will also contribute. 3. Joint Meeting with Planning Commission for Presentation of Central District Zoning Review Committee Report: Mr. Weith introduced committee members and noted that the committee was formed to address concerns with the difficulty in leasing buildings to tenants who would conform with allowed uses. The committee was asked to see if changes should be made to zoning regulations and if anything could be done by the city to jumpstart development. Mr. Weith then showed the district on the zoning map. He noted it was supposed to be a transition zone between residential neighborhoods and heavy impact commercial users. The allowed uses in the zone include general and medical offices, churches, day care centers, nursing & convalescent homes. What is not allowed is retail development, restaurants, banks, etc. There is also a requirement that buildings be located up to street frontages to encourage pedestrian activity. Parking is to be in the center of the block. The committee did a land use inventory and found that every use in the area is nonconforming, mostly storage, trucking, warehousing, etc, and most uses are not set up to the street. Mr. Weith felt it would take a significant investment to redevelop along the lines of the city's vision for that area. Mr. Bishop then reported on the committee's findings. He noted that it is now less expensive to get an empty piece of land and build than it is to demolish what is existing and then build. He also noted that there are some metal skin buildings in the area that have been rebuilt and which look very nice. The Committee felt the goal of the City Center is appropriate and should not be changed, but they also felt the city should take a more active role in working to improve the area and to allow some improvement to what is now existing. The Committee recommended the following uses be allowed in the area: general retail (not supermarkets, big box stores, etc.), personal service (hair care, etc.), educational facilities, indoor recreation, Post Office, municipal facilities. Other recommendations included: · create an organization to foster development (marry needs with properties) · allow parking along the sides of buildings · allow existing buildings to be completely renovated Mr. Cimonetti noted that the report called attention to the fact that the ultimate impetus to making the city's plan happen will involve combining lots. He asked if the committee looked at any ways to encourage this. Mr. Weith said the closest they got was to discuss the possibility of a local development corporation that might buy properties, combine them and then sell them off. Ms. Britt said they also talked about getting an "anchor," something like a post office. Mr. Cimonetti asked if the Planning Commission should now begin to draft changes to zoning regulations. Mr. Weith said yes, though some discussion is still needed. Mr. Condos said he would like to see what would happen if uses were expanded before allowing complete renovation of the old buildings. His concern was that allowing complete renovation would push the hope of bringing buildings into compliance much further away, and he wanted something in return for that. He added that he definitely supported the concept of a local development corporation. Mr. Burgess said his concern is that while we have to acknowledge that what the city wants won't happen tomorrow, there has to be a point when it will happen. He noted it is always more economical to rehab a building than to conform. He asked about a time limit as part of the conditons for changes to the zoning regs. Mr. Cimonetti said he is also concerned that if this is allowed in this district, it may cause a problem elsewhere in the city. Mr. Ward didn't think that would happen as there really are ways around the 25% rule now (e.g., coming in 2 or 3 times with 25% improvements). Mr. Teeson said he likes the idea of requiring a compromise with full restoration of a building. Mr. Ward noted there is a rumor that one of the non-conforming users will be moving in the spring, and now may be the time for the city to act. 5. Presentation from Gregory Maguire, Director, Division of Rail, Air & Public Transportation on CCTA Administration of Commuter Rail Project: Mr. Watts said he had been asked to represent Mr. Maguire and to ask the city to reconsider its vote in opposition to CCTA's administering the commuter rail project. He said it makes sense and would avoid creating another layer of beaurocracy. There would be no financial obligation to municipalities, and the state would pay any incremental costs in managing liability issues. It would also maintain local control. Mr. Cimonetti noted that the current charter from the Legislature to CCTA makes every member of CCTA liable for any and all obligations that CCTA incurs. If a municipality ceases to be a member of CCTA, it is still liable even when not a member. The state has said it will absolve this liability, but will it amend the Charter to make that liability go away. Mr. Watts felt this could be part of the negotiations between CCTA and the State. Mr. Mazur stressed that this kind of relief has to come from legislation, and he wasn't sure he wanted to go that route. Mr. Hafter asked if the state would indemnify CCTA. Mr. Mazur said no, but they could try to get that put in. Mr. Cimonetti asked why nobody from the AOT was present at this meeting since it was they who asked for this item to be on the agenda so they could speak to the Council. Mr. Condos added that the city has asked over and over again what the criteria are for determining the success of the project and still does not get an answer. Mr. Watts said that will be determined before the start of the project. Mr. Cimonetti again expressed disappointment that AOT did not follow up on their offer to provide direct comment. 6. Report from Police Dept. on Traffic Safety and Enforcement: Chief Graham noted the traffic increase in the city and reviewed the history of traffic safety efforts. The department is now focusing on speed, red light, passing, school bus passing, and seat belt usage. They are working with driver ed programs and with other agencies. Officer Lavallee said there was a substantial decrease in injury accidents this past year. He felt the department is getting better use of its resources now than in the past by coordinating efforts. He cited the use of the trailer and backing it up with enforcement. He noted several problem areas in the city including Hinesburg Rd., Laurel Hill Drive, and Spear Street. He felt the impacts of enforcement were short term. Mr. Cimonetti said he had no opposition to strong enforcement whenever resources allow it. He felt the city was getting its first real taste of "gridlock." Mr. Audette spoke to the need for alternate routes. 8. Consideration of setting formal position on impact of reappraisal on municipal tax rate for 1998-9: Mr. Cimonetti said the Council will need to report its position to the Steering Committee and hope the School Board takes the same positive position. He wanted to set forth that reappraisal won't be used to get additional revenues but will allow for growth in the grand list. The current budget would then be used to establish the tax rate set to the Grand List. Mr. Condos then moved to adjust the City Charter limitations as described in the City Manager's memorandum of 16 January. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Request to Include the Citizen's Initiative Question on the March Ballot: Mr. Cimonetti briefly reviewed the history of this request. He noted that the city does not have a March vote, but it could be combined with the CWD vote on 3 March. Mr. Hafter noted that not many people vote in Water Dept. issues, so it would not be a meaningful message to the legislature. Mr. Mazur said that since the intent is to get as much participation as possible, he suggested waiting until May for the vote. The City Clerk agreed. 9. Confirmation of State of Emergency Declared 9 January 1998: Mr. Condos moved to confirm the State of Emergency declared by the City Manager on 9 January 1998. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 10. Consideration of Approval of Application for Revolving Loan Funds, 24VSA, Chapter 120, and Certificate of Compliance with 24 VSA Chapter 4756(a) (2): Mr. Condos moved to approve the application and certificate as stated in the City Manager's memo of 16 January. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Information Item: Steering Committee Agenda 1/22/98: Mr. Cimonetti said there will be a discussion of Charter limitations and possible realignment of budget responsibilities. He said he would be happy to have the School Board present a proposal, but he wanted to be sure this was not going to involve changing a whole lot of bookkeeping. He also did not want to see the City budget exceed limitations necessitating a public vote. He felt the Library issue was worth discussing if there is a substantial savings. 12. Discuss Zoning Board Agenda for 26 January: No issues were raised. 13. Discuss Planning Commission Agenda for 20 January 1998: Members wanted the assurance that item #1 was just to correct an error, not reduce the view protection zone. Mr. Hafter said he would send a memo to the City Planner. 14. Review Minutes of 5 January 1998: It was noted that the in the second line on p. 5, the word "retail" should be "retain." Mr. Condos moved to approve the Minutes of 5 January as amended. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed 3-0 with Mr. Cimonetti abstaining. 14. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 15. Executive Session: Ms. Britt moved the Council adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session to discuss personnel and negotiation matters and to resume regular session only to sign a contract and/or adjourn. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session: The Council returned to regular session. Ms. Britt moved adjournment. Mr. Condos seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 11 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.