Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 11/01/1999CITY COUNCIL 1 NOVEMBER 1999 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 1 November 1999 at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members present: James Condos, Chair; Terry Sheahan, Joan Britt, Chris Smith Also present: Charles Hafter, City Manager; Peter Bestenbostel, Asst. City Manager; Rep. Michael Flaherty, Michael O'Neil, Fire Chief; Don Whitten, WPCD; Bruce Hoar, Public Works Dept; John Kimbell, Bob Hawke, Allison & Nathaniel Merrill, Pat Cervini, Joanne Heidkamp, Paul Demers, Jim Griffiths, Jim Harwell, Jennifer & Michael Warren, Justin Worthley, David Hibma, Kristi Johnson, Eleanor Reddington, Sonny Audette, J.J. Hamilton, Bob McEwing, Maja Smith, Benjamin Hewart, Tim & Tracy O'Reilly, Jane Barney, Victoria Bevins, Louise Brooks, Carole & Michael Provost, Michael Henry, Dave Schneider, Richard & Sharon Holcomb, Bill Miller, Paul Duchesneau, Kurt Schaefer, Jim Carroll, Lee Zachary, Mike Hennessey, Dale Grosch, Alice Bouche, Pat & Karen Boudreau, Jennifer & Lena Kochman, Lisa Beaulieu, Mary O'Brien, Sheldon Katz, Kathleen Gorman, Tim Barritt, David Shiman, Elaine Greenfield, Bob Payson, Ken & Alice Boyd, Claudia Boerger; Susan Green, Free Press; Anna Johnston, The Other Paper; Channel 17 1. Comments & questions from the audience not related to Agenda items: No issues were raised. 2. Announcements/City Manager's report: Mr. Smith advised that there will be a 2-day meeting, 14-15 December, to update the school plan. Mr. Sheahan noted that at the Regional Planning monthly meeting there was a unanimous decision to extend the public comment period and hearing schedule on the proposed update to the Regional Plan. Members agreed the process was flawed from the start. Mr. Condos noted there is a public forum scheduled on the Regional Plan on 18 November in Williston. Mr. Condos reminded members and the public of a Steering Committee meeting on Wednesday, 3 November, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Hafter reported on the following: A letter has been received from the New England Water Environment Commission which has found the "Vermont Sewer Marines" second overall in the U.S. The Recreation Dept. held two Halloween events, one for children grades K-5 which was attended by 400 children and parents, and one for middle schoolers which was attended by 180 youngsters. On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., local officials will meet in Winooski to discuss E-911 service. On Thursday evening, the small groups established at the town forums will meet at the Middle School. The MPO will meet on 9 November at 9 a.m. regarding the Airport Drive project. The city was notified that it has received at $6500 grant from the State to update the Impact Fee Ordinance. 3. Presentation of petitions from Eastwoods neighborhood residents: Ms. Beaulieu said the community is concerned with cut-thru traffic at all times of day, particularly in the morning. The neighborhood is used as a shortcut to avoid Shelburne Rd. Parents with small children are concerned for safety and feel it is the city's responsibility to protect the neighborhood. Ms. Reddington said she lives beside a stop sign and has seen 50 mph drag races in front of her home. She noted that 3 animals have been killed there, and she fears a child will be next. Ms. Gorman said neighbors have been bringing these concerns to the Council for a long time. A number of solutions have been tried which haven't worked. Traffic is worse. She noted that her car has been hit twice in the neighborhood, a block from her home. Mr. Shiman noted a substantial increase in traffic since he has lived in the neighborhood and fears the proposed revitalization of the Grand Union shopping center will make matters even worse. Ms. Brooks, a 40-year resident of Eastwoods, said that 10 years ago the Council said they would try some ideas but felt they would probably have to dead end Farrell Street. Ms. Brooks noted her daughter's cat was hit by a car today. She, too, feared a child will be next. She also noted that on Halloween, when there were many children in the street, cars were "zipping by" blaring horns to get the kids out of the way. Ms. Johnson said she enjoys walking with her family, but it is difficult even to cross Farrell St. She wanted to see it dead ended. Mr. Boyd reminded the Council that at the end of the last meeting at which this issue was heard, there was agreement that when O'Dell Parking was going to become something, the city would have to take some action. He felt the right thing to do is to close Farrell St. forever. He said the number of children in the neighborhood is increasing as more young families have moved in. Mr. Barritt addressed attention to the study that shows that even after the "neck downs" were put in, traffic has increased. He said speeds have increased as well. He felt the city is not complying with its Comprehensive Plan by not protecting the neighborhood. 95% of the traffic is cut thru traffic, and he felt the city has to first consider residents of the city. He said that all it would mean if the city closed Farrell St. is that other people would have to spend a few more minutes getting where they are going. Mr. Barritt felt that new and proposed projects will make the area uninhabitable. Ms. Boerger stressed the need for an answer now. She felt people will be very frustrated if this is put off again. Mr. Schneider said there is a "neck-down" in front of his house which has not slowed traffic down. He asked what is stopping the city from making a decision to close Farrell St. Mr. Condos said that he had asked the City Manager what would be needed in order to close Farrell St. If the city were to dead end the street, it would require a vote of the Council. In order to make Farrell a one-way street, it would require adoption of an ordinance (2 readings/public hearing). The City Manager recommended a public hearing if the city considers dead-ending Farrell. The Council also got a memo from the Director of Planning & Zoning regarding potential closing of Farrell St. Mr. Weith said there should be a traffic study with a level of service analysis at several intersections including Shelburne Rd/Swift St, Shelburne Rd./Mall 189, Swift/Farrell, Swift/Spear. The study should include signal timing and scenarios with O'Dell Dr. open and closed. There should also be a safety analysis at Shelburne Rd/Proctor and Shelburne Rd/Hadley Dr. and an analysis of emergency response time. A public hearing should be held with notice to residents and businesses. Mr. Hafter didn't feel this should take a very long time. He noted that residents of the area would have more of a problem getting out of the neighborhood. One resident felt that if law enforcement strictly enforced speeds, it would help and would add more money to the city. Mr. Kimbell, president of Vermont Gas Systems, said he supports the petition and is completely aligned with the neighborhood. Vt. Gas has asked employees with company vehicles not to go through the neighborhood streets. Mr. Condos said unfortunately other companies have not done this and he has seen many commercial vehicles using the area as a cut-thru. Mr. Merrill asked about a "not a through street" sign. Mr. Condos said such signs are not enforceable. Mr. Lemle asked how to get information for the studies. He didn't feel it would make sense to fix one problem and create another. Mr. Condos said there will have to be assurance that the neighborhood is accessible to emergency vehicles if there is a blocking of access from Shelburne Rd. Ms. Boyd felt that if most of the 95% cut thru traffic is eliminated, the Rice High School traffic won't be a problem. Ms. Britt said the Council appreciates the neighborhood's willingness to try various solutions. She said she would now like to move forward to see if closing Farrell is feasible. Mr. Smith agreed. Mr. Sheahan noted that he was on the Planning Commission for 6 years and watched the parade of Farrell St. projects. Neighbors came to those meetings and were trying to make the road system work. Mr. Sheahan said he is very committed to protecting the Eastwoods neighborhood. Mr. Henry felt it will take residents another 10 minutes to get out of the neighborhood and felt this might be "cutting off their noses to spite their faces." Mr. Boyd felt a light at Hadley Rd. could allow people to get out. This would involve the City of Burlington. Mr. Condos said the study will look at this. Mr. Audette said Burlington's "right of way" fee is enormous. Another member of the audience suggested a connector road behind Rice H.S. Mr. Condos said Rice doesn't own the land up to Joy Dr. It is privately owned and would have to be purchased. Mr. Katz thanked the Council for listening to concerns. He suggested possibly closing Farrell on a trial basis to see what happens. He urged the Council to put the burden of persuasion on those who oppose closing the street and asked that comments from this meeting be made part of the public forum. Mr. Smith commented that this problem is a symptom of the fact that Shelburne Rd. can't handle the traffic on that road. Ms. Britt moved to schedule a special meeting on 9 December 1999 for the purpose of discussing the possible closing of Farrell Rd. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Update from Burlington International Airport Commission on operations and future plans: Mr. Flaherty noted that the Airport has negotiated a 3-year deal with the Chamber of Commerce for informational services. Mr. Flaherty also noted that a large crowd attended a meeting regarding a potential connector road. There is a lot of concern and suspicion. There is support for the road but there is also concern for a "hidden agenda." This would be a South Burlington road, and whether to expand it is a South Burlington issue. Mr. Hamilton said the Airport has no immediate or future plans to purchase residential property on White Street on the west side of Airport Drive. Any such purchase would have to be based on "compatibility" issues (noise, etc.). If a plan of that magnitude were to be put into effect, it would be done in conjunction with the city of South Burlington. Mr. Hamilton said there is also no plan to construct a 4-lane boulevard on Airport Drive. This is a South Burlington street. Any major project that affects South Burlington is always brought to the City Council. Mr. McEwing then updated Airport plans. He noted that the Airport is losing travelers to Manchester. The Airport Master Plan is updated every 5 years and needs to address all properties in order to get entitlement funds. Capacity is the major issue/challenge. One project that will address this is expansion of the ramp at the south end of the terminal. The apron will be expanded this fall for aircraft parking. The number of jets that "overnight" at the Airport has increased from 3 to 7. Mr. Condos commented that he hears planes later into the night, as late as 2 a.m. Mr. McEwing said the Airport will be going forward with a bond in March to add 2 gates and more seating in the terminal. The Airport recently went to the Planning Commission with plans for the south end development. Ledge is now being taken out, and they will eventually fill in 12 acres of wetlands (this will be a "sticky" issue to get approved). The area will then house cargo facilities, additional maintenance facilities, etc. Mr. Condos asked how the city can answer: "isn't this sprawl?" Mr. McEwing said it adds to growth. Mr. Condos acknowledged the need for a strong, viable Airport. He said the major issues are noise and traffic. Traffic from the Airport comes out onto Williston Road. Mr. McEwing said there are no other options. Mr. Condos said the city needs help from the airport and from Burlington. Something has to be done about traffic. Ms. Britt asked the time frame of the wetlands issue. Mr. McEwing said it is a very slow laborious process. There is a hearing on 18 December. Mr. Condos asked about parking. Mr. Hamilton said the garage is at 70% of capacity. Long term parking is only at 20% of capacity. 5. Consideration of short-term lease of Calkins House to National Gardening Association: Mr. Hafter said several things have been added to the lease including a $2,000 security deposit, changes to the "assignment" section, more control for the city over reconstruction of the building, building maintenance, fire insurance (city will maintain). Members felt the city should have control over who is in the building. Mr. Smith moved to delete the portion of Article VII beginning "The provisions..." and to approve the lease as so amended and authorize the City Manager to sign after approval by the City Attorney. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Public hearing on Vermont Disaster Response Initiative Program Grant for mitigation of Williston Rd. flooding: Mr. Hoar showed the area where flooding occurs. He also showed the path of drainage from Butler Farms, Oak Creek, etc. During heavy rains, the road floods and has to be closed. The proposal is to have an open ditch at the back of Zachary's which leads into a 60-inch pipe. The existing pipe would be left open as well. Some rights of way would have to be obtained and most people involved have agreed to this. There would also have to be a pipe under Kennedy Drive. It can be bored through so the road won't have to be dug up. Mr. Carroll said their engineer feels the pipe should be even larger. Mr. Hoar said what is proposed would take care of the current situation but not the future. Mr. Audette said he thought the city ordinances won't allow anything within 75 ft. of an open ditch which could create a problem for use of the area back there. Mr. Hafter noted the city has applied under the "urgent need" section which appears to be the lowest priority. They are now applying under "low and moderate income" because closing of the road can result in loss of jobs. Mr. Sheahan moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Smith moved to sign the Resolution for the grant application authority. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Request for purchase of Headworks Screening System at Airport Parkway Wastewater Plant: Mr. Hafter said there is a major problem at plants where things get into the system and cause damage to equipment. The equipment being recommended would address that. It is not in the budget for this year but could be purchased from the reserve fund. Mr. Whitten said the current equipment is many years old and has been breaking down. The new equipment is more environmentally friendly. It will be on display at the Radisson this week. Using the reserve funds will not wipe out the entire equipment reserve. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the purchase as discussed this evening. Ms. Britt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Review Agenda for Development Review Board, 2 November: No issues were raised. 9. Review minutes of 18 October and 27 October: Ms. Britt moved to approve the minutes of 18 October as written. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Britt moved to approve the minutes of 27 October as written. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 10. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 11. Liquor Control Board: Ms. Britt moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented a request for a liquor license from Koto Restaurant, Inc. He noted that all was in order. A license issue is pending and will be addressed before final permit is issued. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the liquor license for Koto Restaurant, Inc., as presented. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. As there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.