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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 02/05/2001CITY COUNCIL 5 FEBRUARY 2001 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 5 February 2001, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members present: J. Condos, Chair; T. Sheahan, C. Smith, S. Magowan, D. O'Rourke Also present: C. Hafter, City Manager; J. B. Hoover, Director of Planning & Zoning; L. Graham, Police Chief; B. Hoar, Public Works Dept; S. Stitzel, City Attorney; Rep. S. Audette; L. Bresee, D. Jacobowitz, G. Sporzynski, other community members 1. Other business: No issues were raised. 2. Announcements/City Manager's report: Mr. Smith: Attended a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce regarding the Regional Plan. Attendees decided to send representatives from S. Burlington, Colchester and Essex to speak with the Regional Planning Commission Chair regarding concerns with the draft of the revised Regional Plan. Mr. Smith: Housing sub-committee of the Regional Plan rewrite will meet on 15 February, 1 p.m. Mr. Smith also referred to a draft of a memorandum from Supt. of Schools Chattman. Members suggested putting this on the next agenda. Mr. Sheahan: Attended a Regional Planning Commission meeting. There were numerous comments on the Regional Plan draft mostly concerning "Area C." A rewrite of the "Area C" section will be done, and information will be given to the Council when available. Mr. Sheahan: Attended a meeting with UVM planning people regarding UVM housing plans. Mr. Condos said his sense is that UVM has chosen a site south of Gutterson, and he was concerned with ingress/egress onto Spear St. Mr. Hafter: Suggested alternate dates for the budget review meetings: 20 and 22 February at 7 p.m. Mr. Hafter gave members information regarding the proposed community center at Dorset Park. This will be on the Council agenda for 16 April at which time the consultant will give a final presentation. A letter has been received from CCMPO notifying the city that it has received a grant for mapping and easement identification work on the Rec Path. The city got $5240, which is more than was requested. The City Attorney is reviewing a recent Superior Court decision regarding reappraisals. Mr. Hafter gave members a handout regarding the Circumferential Highway. Rep. Audette noted that the office at the new Public Works facility will be in use as of tomorrow. Other parts of the facility have already been in use. Rep. Audette felt the contractors did a great job. Rep. Audette also noted that the bike path bridge will probably be up in the middle of the month and paving will be finished early in the spring. Mr. Sheahan: Noted in a recent VLCT report that wastewater discharge permit costs will be going up enormously. Rep. Audette noted he is also concerned with new regulations regarding storm drains and stormwater runoff. Mr. Hafter noted that he heard from a community member that South Burlington's snow removal was the best in the county. 3. Public discussion of traffic related issues in South Burlington: Mr. Hafter noted that the city's traffic problems are due mainly to the city's location, and traffic, like water, will look for the easiest way to get where it is going. For many commuters, this route is through South Burlington. A community member said he was concerned about development near Hinesburg Road and wanted to have some means of traffic control there. He wanted to see the streets be more like village streets. He also wanted to see curbs and additional trees. He recommended a traffic light where Market St. joins Hinesburg Rd. Mr. Hafter said that is in the plan. Mr. Hafter noted that the speed limit in that area is 35 mph, and the city will try for more enforcement of that. He also explained that in order to add other traffic signals, warrants must be met in all directions, and some of the side streets don't have the volume of traffic or turning movements to meet those warrants. Another community member said that if the city wants Market St. to be a City Center, there needs to be neighborhoods around it, and you can't have neighborhoods with people speeding through the area. Mr. Hafter noted that the city proposed lowering the speed limit on Hinesburg Rd. south of Kennedy Drive. The state did a study and said no to this. The city then gave the state additional information regarding proposed development. The state then agreed to lower the speed limits as far south as Van Sicklen Road. The new speed limit signs should be up soon. Another citizen suggested making Hinesburg Rd. like Dorset St. with a treed median. Mr. Bullis, a resident of Pine St. said he was very impressed with the city's upkeep. He felt that the city should look at the modes of operation of traffic signals so they conform to patterns of traffic. He specifically cited the new light near the gas company. He felt this did not need to be in operation for the full day but only for a few hours in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Condos noted that many of the controls are very old and don't allow for reprogramming. A citizen also cited the new stop sign at Airport Parkway and felt this could be a flashing red/yellow light with a stop mode when needed. Mr. Condos responded that the easier traffic flows, the harder it is for pedestrians and bicyclists to get along. Mr. Hafter noted receipt of a letter from Larry Dunham who was concerned with obstacles that slow traffic down. He felt the roads were built for motorized vehicles. Mr. Bresee responded that "traffic" includes motorized and non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians. He suggested looking at more safety islands for pedestrians. Mr. Hafter noted that the rebuild of Kennedy Drive will have safety islands and turnouts for buses. Mr. Jacobowitz suggested the city look at roundabouts. These don't require any power for lights, etc. Mr. Hafter said the city is looking at a roundabout for Swift/Spear, but these tend to be hard on bicyclists. Mr. Sporzynski said he has heard about a double "mini-roundabout" concept that might work. Mr. Condos noted that roundabouts also involve problems with land acquisition. A resident of the Dumont St. area raised concern with traffic on that road. He noted that people use it as a cut-through to and from the airport. Mr. Condos hoped the 3-way stop at Airport Parkway would help that. Mr. Hafter said the city has plans to try some traffic calming techniques there. He said most of the traffic is from the airport heading toward Essex. Another area where the city is looking at traffic calming is Old Farm Road. Mr. Hoar showed a map of the Dumont St. area. Some of the things the city is looking at are a "gateway" concept and a "speed table" concept with a raised intersection at Dumont/Airport Parkway. The city has applied for state funding for about $16,000 to try these modifications. A resident noted there are some drivers that have no regard for any traffic calming or speed limits. He urged the city not to try narrowing streets, as this is dangerous for bikers. Rep. Audette noted that the speed bumps being used in Burlington have increased the cost of fire truck maintenance by 150%. That's why Burlington stopped using them and has gone to other measures. Mr. Hafter then briefly reviewed the progress toward a temporary commuter rail station. The state hasn't yet come to the DRB with a temporary station design. They are looking at a canvas facility. There would be parking for 18 cars behind Magic Hat with a walkway to the station. Mr. Hafter said Magic Hat is concerned with mixing commuter and their business traffic and has asked the state for an access road to the commuter parking. The station area will be lit by cutoff luminairs. The city has asked that a bike rack also be put in. The state hopes to have the station in use by summer and estimates 8 weeks for construction. A resident of Hinesburg Rd. cited increased traffic south of Kennedy Drive and asked how this can be slowed down. Mr. Condos said there would have to be state approval. The resident also asked about curbing for safety. Mr. Hafter said he didn't know of any state plans to curb the road. Chief Graham then reported that there was a 10% increase in accidents in the city last year. Fewer tickets were issued, but police officers stopped 3214 vehicles for various reasons including speeding. The Chief said they try to focus attention on areas where they know speeding is occurring. Chief Graham also noted there was a 5.5% increase in criminal activity in the city last year, which takes time away from traffic issues. Mr. Magowan stressed the importance of issuing tickets for speeding and passing red lights. He felt this would improve life for people in the city. Rep. Audette noted that South Burlington has the most traffic of any community in Vermont and also has 2 of the heaviest traffic locations in the state. He felt completion of the circ highway was vital in addressing these concerns. Mr. Smith said people have asked him about dedicated left turn lights/lanes from Williston Rd. to Hinesburg Rd. and into the Windjammer drive. Mr. Hafter said the problem is not enough land for a left turn lane, and a "taking" would be very expensive. The city is looking at other alternatives. Mr. Condos stressed that this meeting is not the end of the traffic discussion and said the city will keep plugging away to improve conditions. 4. First reading of Comprehensive Plan update and schedule of public hearings for 3/19 and 4/2: Ms. Hoover gave members a summary of changes to the Comprehensive Plan. She specifically noted updated demographics and a number of design initiatives. A major recommendation is the formation of a local development corporation for the City Center. Ms. Hoover noted there is broader language in the Natural Resources Section and stronger language on conserving open space and developing the City Center. There is discussion in the plan about ways to encourage "infill" in certain areas and a recommendation to study the 50-50 commercial/residential balance in light of Act 60 concerns. The plan contains a new recommendation that the city take action to limit growth when there are "red flag" indicators. Mr. Condos said his concern with this is the pressure it puts on other communities and the creation of sprawl. It also drives up the cost of existing housing which drives up the Grand List and increases the city's contribution to the "sharing pool." It can also drive affordable housing out of the city. Ms. Hoover responded that it is important to be sure the city can keep pace with development and provide essential services for residents. Members agreed to change the date of the second public hearing to allow an adequate warning time in case changes are made at the first hearing. Mr. Sheahan moved to waive the reading of the plan, approve the first reading, and schedule public hearings on 19 March and 16 April 2001. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Update on Dubois & King study on location of permanent commuter rail station: Mr. Magowan reported on a meeting with the state and planning people regarding possible sites. He reviewed 11 areas that were identified as possible station sites. Some of these are on the Allenwood property and are probably not viable. Mr. Magowan cited topographical concerns on the Hannaford property and also questioned whether a station at the south end of the city would serve South Burlington residents. He said he was beginning to question whether it is even appropriate for there to be a South Burlington station in light of these concerns. Mr. Magowan also directed attention to a list of site criteria for a station. These include vehicle/pedestrian access, location compatibility, site size, site features, and site availability. Mr. Hafter stressed that he told the state this meeting did not constitute "substantial progress" on siting a permanent station. 6. Consideration of approval of Cathedral Square Pilot Agreement: Mr. Sheahan said he understood the city can't restrict who lives there. He was concerned. That if there are many children in the development and the project isn't contributing to the property tax base, this could create a problem. He asked if the city can assess the property at the regular property rate when renewal of the agreement comes up. Mr. Stitzel said the city can do this or it can negotiate another agreement with a fixed price. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the agreement as presented and authorize the Chair to sign. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Acceptance of resignation of Marifranca Morselli from the Natural Resources Committee: Mr. Smith moved to accept the resignation of Marifranca Morselli from the Natural Resources Committee and to have the City Manager send a letter of appreciation for her services. Mr. Magowan seconded. Motion passed. 8. Review Development Review Board Agenda for meeting of 6 February 2001: No issues were raised. 9. Discussion of Tech Ed Center Committee: Mr. Condos said he was approached last week regarding the proposed combined Tech Ed facility. A committee has been established to review governance. The concern is that the facility would be governed by only 2 communities (Burlington and Essex). South Burlington can have a representative on the committee if it wishes. Mr. Smith expressed an interest in serving on this committee as he has an interest and some knowledge of the Tech Ed issues. Members agreed to have Mr. Smith serve in this capacity. 10. CCTA Representation: Mr. Condos noted that Mr. Magowan has expressed an interest in representing the City on the CCTA Board along with Bill Wessel. Mr. Smith moved to appoint Steve Magowan as representative to the CCTA Board. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Sign disbursement orders: Disbursement orders were signed. 12. Review minutes of 8 January and 15 January 2001: Mr. Magowan moved to approve the minutes of 8 January as written. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed 4-0 with Mr. Sheahan abstaining. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the minutes of 15 January as written. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 13. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Magowan moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented liquor license requests from Pizzeria Uno (cabaret license) and Grand Union (short term license until the new ownership is established). Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the two liquor license requests as presented. Mr. Magowan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Executive session: Mr. Magowan moved the Council meet in executive session to discuss contract and personnel issues and to resume regular session only for the purpose of adjournment. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Regular session: The City Council returned to regular session. Mr. Sheahan moved adjournment. Mr. Magowan seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.