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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 10/07/2002CITY COUNCIL 7 October 2002 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 7 October 2002, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members present: J. Condos, Chair; C. Smith, T. Sheahan, D. O'Rourke Also present: C. Hafter, City Manager; D. Gravelin, Assistant City Manager; Fire Chief D. Brent; Rep. S. Audette, K. Donoghue, W. Kinsel, L. Isaac 1. Comments & questions from the audience not related to Agenda Items: Mr. Donoghue raised the question of building inspectors. He said many single family homes now have problems because of shoddy construction, shoddy electrical work, etc. Mr. Condos said this question has come up from time to time. He noted that builders have to follow state codes. Mr. Hafter added that Burlington, Winooski and Rutland do have inspectors because they have many older houses. He said South Burlington does not get many calls and that if a buyer feels the work is not done properly, there is legal recourse against the builder. He also recommended buyers get a certified inspector to look at a home before they buy it and he also noted city inspectors don't look at things like foundations, roofs, etc., but are mainly concerned with plumbing, electrical, etc. Mr. Donoghue said it is possible to have a $200,000 home with good plumbing and electrical and then have the house fall down because of shoddy construction. He felt that adding $1,000 to the cost of a home for a building inspection is better than having to pay $40,000 later on. Mr. Hafter noted that the city does inspect public infrastructure (sewer lines, water lines, etc.). Mr. Kinsel said he bought a place in Butler Farms which was 13 years old when he bought it. He said he has had to spend $40,000 for things that are "out of code," including electrical and window alignment. Rep. Audette noted there are no building codes in South Burlington. Mr. Condos added there are state codes which South Burlington builders must adhere to. Chief Brent said that in Barre they do have inspectors, and the cost is added to the building permit. He indicated that when he built his home, the inspectors were there every step of the way. Mr. Smith said there is a question of whose responsibility this is. It seems that people believe that safeguards are in place when they are not. It might be a good idea, he felt, to have a discussion on this topic with the public. He also said that even if there were a code that wouldn't guarantee it would be followed. Mr. Sheahan suggested staff make some phone calls to see what other communities are doing, what the costs are, etc. Ms. Isaac said she just bought a home in South Burlington and had no resources to find an inspector. She said they were also disappointed with the inspection they got. 2. Announcements and City Manager's report: Mr. Smith: Received a call from John Ewing asking about possible interest in doing a "joint dog park" with Burlington and South Burlington. Mr. Hafter will talk to him. Mr. O'Rourke: Meeting of the Alternative Community Center Committee, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. Interested persons are invited to attend. Mr. Condos: Tomorrow at 5:25 p.m., he and Mr. Hafter and Chief Brent will be on Channel 17 to discuss the bond issue for the communications system. Mr. Hafter: Steering Committee meeting, Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Solid Waste District tire and appliance round-up will take place on 19 October. VNA flu shot clinic for high-risk population will be at City Hall, 16 October, 9-11 a.m. The Council will be reviewing the lease for the proposed environmental depot in the former bio-solids building in a few weeks. 3. Interview with Liz Isaac for Community Library Board of Directors: Ms. Isaac told members that she moved here from Cincinnati a few months ago and works out of her home. She is excited to do something for the community. She indicated that she was disappointed in what she saw in the library and, when she expressed her concerns to Louise Murphy, was asked to "get involved." Mr. Condos explained the selection process. 4. First Reading of Amendment to Motor Vehicle Ordinance: Winter Parking Ban Ordinance; schedule public hearing: Mr. Hafter said the ban is in effect from 1 December through 1 April, midnight to 8 a.m., and is essential for plowing. The proposed language clarifies that there is no parking whether there is snow or not. Mr. Sheahan moved to waive the first reading, approve the first reading, and set a public hearing of 4 November. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Consideration of purchase of Thermal Imaging Camera; capital funding note: Chief Brent said the Department tried out a number of cameras before deciding on the model they wanted. A number of other departments are also interested in purchasing this type of equipment. Because of this, they were able to make a joint purchase and significantly reduce the cost. Because of the savings, the Department is asking to purchase 2 cameras, one for each station, along with the ancillary equipment. The Chief related information about an incident earlier in the day when the camera was able to locate a "hot spot" that was otherwise not easily detectable. He described the equipment as one of the greatest innovations. Mr. Sheahan said the joint purchase concept should be considered in the future when equipment is being considered. Other members agreed. Mr. Hafter said the note for the purchase is at 2.1%. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the expenditure of $28,500 for two thermal imaging cameras (amount to include what was budgeted in 2002-3 and donations from businesses) and to approve the resolution for borrowing in the amount of $21,200, the note and certificate of non-arbitrage. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Consideration of acceptance of Dorset Farms residential streets as public streets: Mr. Smith moved to accept Catkin Drive, Violet Lane, and the remainder of Midland Avenue as public streets. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Consideration of Capital Equipment and refunding notes and resolution for one tandem dump truck and a one-ton truck: Mr. Hafter said the note is at 2.4%. Mr. Smith moved to approve the note and resolution as presented. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Review Planning Commission Agenda for 8 October 2002: No issues were raised. 9. Minutes of 19 August, 9 September and 24 September: Mr. O'Rourke moved to approve the minutes of 19 August as written. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed 3-0 with Mr. Smith abstaining. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the minutes of 9 September as written. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed 3-0 with Mr. O'Rourke abstaining. The minutes of 24 September could not be acted upon as there was not a majority of those present at that meeting. 10. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 11. Executive Session: Mr. Sheahan moved the Council adjourn and reconvene in executive session to discuss appointments and pending litigation and to resume regular session only to make appointments and/or adjourn. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 12. Regular Session: The Council returned to regular session. Mr. Sheahan moved the appointment of Liz Isaacs to the Library Board of Trustees to a three-year term ending in 2005. Mr. Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Smith moved adjournment. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. The motion passes unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.