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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/01/1999CITY COUNCIL 1 MARCH 1999 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 1 March 1999, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: William Cimonetti, Chair; James Condos, David Austin, Joan Britt, Terrance Sheahan Also Present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peter Bestenbostel, Assistant City Manager; Margaret Picard, City Clerk/Treasurer; Albert Audette, Street Dept; Dr. Judith Ramaley, President, UVM; Linda Seavey, University of Vermont; Rep. Susan Wheeler, Ronald Schmucker, Mariafranca Marseli, Sylvia Smith, Barbara Yects, Susan Schoenfeld, Larry Kupferman, Ellen Bernstein, Ron Maryonello, Larry Forcier, Lou Bresee 1. Comments and Questions from the Audience (not related to Agenda items): Mr. Schmucker said he is representing the property owner who cannot afford to hook onto the proposed sewer line on Spear Street. She is concerned that her inability to hook up will delay the installation of the sewer. Mr. Schmucker asked if there can be a waiver of the mandatory sewer hook up. Mr. Cimonetti noted that at this time the Council is holding discussions on the proposed sewer, and no decision has been reached. The Council is waiting for residents to come back with a proposal. Mr. Cimonetti indicated the Council will take Mr. Schmucker's client's request under advisement. 2. Announcements & City Manager's report: Mr. Hafter noted that the city's proposed amendments to the City Charter will be presented in Montpelier on 9 March. He will be testifying at 11 a.m. on that date. The City Council will meet again on 15 March. There will be a Steering Committee meeting for budget presentations on 18 March. Mr. Hafter advised that the CCTA Board voted unanimously to suspend talks with the State on managing the commuter rail system since the state would not discuss the issue of indemnifications. 3. Introduction of Dr. Judith Ramaley, President, UVM: Dr. Ramaley noted that the City Council is "packed" with UVM graduates. She noted that the University is trying to make itself distinctive in the country, and that its relationship with South Burlington and its citizens is very important. UVM has more acreage in South Burlington than it does in Burlington. Dr. Ramaley noted that unlike many communities in which she has lived, there are many opportunities for interaction between the University and the communities. Dr. Ramaley said that the University's mission is to create, share and interpret knowledge and to apply that knowledge to the problems of Vermont and the world. She hoped UVM would be a contributor to the future of the community, including learning about the changing needs of communities. Dr. Ramaley said that in the past 6 months she and the Provost have determined 5 areas to focus on: · undergraduate experience in liberal education · health care and health research · the environment · technology and how it affects our lives · the process of engagement with society. All of these, she noted, involve relationships with South Burlington, and there is every reason to explore how the University and City can work together. She said the University is prepared to work with the City as full partners so both can achieve their goals. She felt the two entities can help each other through some challenging times. Mr. Cimonetti noted that Councilman Sheahan is the liaison between the City and University. He also noted that UVM is a large landowner in South Burlington, and that the University has been generous in providing easements for such things as the recreation paths. Mr. Cimonetti also noted that most of UVM lands are agricultural in nature and designation which puts them beyond the zoning regulations. The City has asked to be made aware of plans for these lands, and UVM has generally done this. Dr. Ramaley said if a proposed University project relates to South Burlington, the University will let the City know about it. She added that in Vermont, everything is connected, but it sometimes takes time to figure out the connections. Ms. Seavey added that Joe Weith is on the list for discussion on the University's Campus Master Plan. Mr. Cimonetti said that traffic is always a major issue with the City. The University is part of that issue through its dorm life, athletic events, etc. He noted that the City will be an active participant in the regional planning process with regard to land use and planning. Dr. Ramaley said she is glad public officials are beginning to talk again about regional issues. She noted that the University has asked to be a part of these discussions. She said the University is like a city in terms of infrastructure, etc., and shares many issues that communities face. Mr. Austin noted the misunderstanding brought about by a recent Free Press article and felt that it may have worked out for the best as it brought about this and other meetings. Mr. Condos added that the Council prefers to deal with people one-on-one and not through the press. Dr. Ramaley asked to come back to the Council about once a year. She felt she needs to know more about South Burlington and wants the University to be partners in making South Burlington's plans come into being. Mr. Cimonetti noted that one continuing issue is the State's payment to communities in lieu of taxes due to the presence of the University in a community. Burlington gets $166,000 a year under that system. The City of South Burlington gets nothing. The City is now lobbying Chittenden County legislators to look into this and similar payments in other communities with a University presence. Dr. Ramaley said this is not a subject she is familiar with, but promised she would be the next time she spoke with the City. 4. First Reading of Amendment of Public Ordinance Regulating Conduct in City Parks to require that dogs in Red Rocks Park and Dorset Park be leashed; schedule public hearing of same: Mr. Cimonetti read the proposed amendment. Ms. Bernstein thanked the Council for being responsive to concerns raised about the parks. Another member of the audience noted the change in feeling when walking through the park. It can be frightening to be approached by dogs running loose. Ms. Schoenfeld also agreed. She felt the situation is also affecting wildflowers which are being trampled by the dogs. She felt the volume is out of control. Mr. Audette felt the amendment should also include other city parks which have the same problems. He specifically cited Szymanski Park, the UVM fields, and possibly Farrell Park. Mr. Hafter said this is a national issue, and there are places where communities have created "dogs parks." He felt the City might look into this in the future. Mr. Cimonetti noted that if the City enacts the amendment, it has to be prepared to enforce it. He also suggested rethinking the 6 ft. leash length. Mr. Condos noted the need for signage in the parks. He also expressed the wish that the City of Burlington address this problem with its citizens since much of the problem at Red Rocks arises from nearby Burlington residents. Mr. Condos moved to approve the first reading of the amendment and to schedule a public hearing for 5 April. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. First Reading of Amendment to Sign Ordinance to permit "patron signs"; schedule public hearing: Mr. Hafter reminded the Council that this issue had been raised several months ago by Bill Bissonnette of Al's French Fries. Since then, the request has been reviewed by the Planning Commission which originally proposed some guidelines for patron signs. After review of the issue, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended not adopting this amendment. Mr. Austin moved that the Council take no action on the proposed amendment. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Continued review of the 1999-2000 FY budget: Mr. Hafter said there are three major elements to consider: a half-year firefighter, the proposed 5-year street plan, and the 10-year operating and capital plan projections. With regard to the firefighter, Mr. Hafter noted this would be a full-time employee hired in January. The position would allow Station #2 to be open at all times. The estimated cost would be $16,000. Mr. Hafter recommended that most of the cost come from the Fire Department budget and that the balance come from a reduction in the dues to the Coalition of Municipalities and from increased estimates of revenues which he felt had been estimated too conservatively. Mr. Cimonetti asked if the City can sustain this cost in future years. Mr. Hafter felt it could. Mr. Hafter then reviewed changes to the 10-year plan which he is recommending. These include putting the Williston Rd. widening back 2 years, putting the I-89/Hinesburg Rd. interchange back 3 years, adding City Hall repairs ($250,000) in 2000-2002, pushing back Kennedy Dr. construction one year, pushing back Hinesburg Rd. construction between Williston Rd. and Kennedy Dr. 2 years, and pushing back the city's share of the Lime Kiln Bridge project by one year. Additions to the operating budget include increasing money for street repair and for increase in fire and police personnel. Mr. Cimonetti felt he would like to get into a position where street maintenance is not deferred. He proposed accelerating even more the growth in this area from general tax revenues. He indicated he would go to the voters to ask approval for a declining amount of special funds for a 5-year period, possibly beginning with $200,000, then $170,000, then $130,000, then $90,000 and finally $45,000. Mr. Condos felt some kind of program had to be continued, whatever the numbers. Ms. Britt felt she could accept going to the voters with such a plan. Mr. Cimonetti said the Council might also look at language that would have new construction impact fees used for road maintenance. Mr. Austin said he would like to see if road maintenance this year could be accomplished without bringing about a tax increase. Mr. Hafter said he would try to work something out for the next meeting. 7. Appointment of Town Service Officer: Ms. Britt moved to appoint Charles Hafter as Town Service Officer. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Consideration of Approval of Refunding Note and Resolution for International Truck: Mr. Hafter said the loan is for $10,000. at 3.9% interest. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the refunding note and accompanying resolution as presented. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Review Zoning notice for public hearing on 8 March 1999: Mr. Sheahan noted there is an appeal for a variance on the placement of a home in a new development. He said there can't be a hardship bringing this about. The Council agreed and asked that the City Manager note the Council's concern to the Zoning Board. 10. Review Minutes of 1, 16, 18, and 22 February: Mr. Austin moved to approve the Minutes of 1 February as written. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Austin moved to approve the Minutes of 16 February as written. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed 4-0 with Mr. Sheahan abstaining. Mr. Austin moved to approve the Minutes of 18 February as written. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed 4-0 with Mr. Sheahan abstaining. Mr. Austin moved to approve the Minutes of 22 February as written. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 12. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Austin moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented first and second class liquor license renewals from the following: Cork & Board Deli & Restaurant Dakin Farm, Inc. East Garden Gracey's Store & Liquor Store Hannaford Food & Drug (2 locations)Healthy Living Interstate Shell Night Flight, Inc. Klinger's Bread Company Old Heidelberg Restaurant Orchid Restaurant, Inc.Ramada Inn Simon's Store & Deli The Pour House Mr. Hafter indicated all applications were complete and in order. Mr. Condos moved to approve the Liquor License Renewals as presented. Mr. Austin seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Session: Mr. Austin moved the Council meet in executive session to discuss litigation and to resume regular session only for the purpose of adjournment. Mr. Condos seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular Session: The Council returned to regular session. Mr. Austin 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.