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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 04/19/2004CITY COUNCIL 19 APRIL 2004 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 19 April 2004, at 7:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: J. Condos, Chair; T. Sheahan, D. O'Rourke Also Present: C. Hafter, City Manager; D. Gravelin, Assistant City Manager; Chief D. Brent, Fire Department; Chief L. Graham, Police Department; B. Knight, M. A. White, M. Boucher, B. Wessel, K. Dorn, V. Kelsey, C. Nardozzi, N. LaBreque, J. DiSarno, J. Finney, M. Garrett 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience not related to Agenda Items: No issues were raised. 2. Announcements and City Manager's Report: Mr. Hafter: Will be attending the City Managers Conference focusing on "Best Practices" at the end of the week. A topic of discussion will be how to involve young people in city government. Will be making a presentation on Channel 17 regarding the budget and ballot items. May 6, 10 a.m., Exit 12A study meeting at the MPO May 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Fire Department Open House in conjunction with the ambulance proposal The May 3 Council meeting will include the Ordinance to Prohibit Smoking in Places of Public Access and also an item to increase the water connection fee. Mr. Sheahan: April 21: Housing Task Force Committee. Mr. Sheahan will give a presentation on their work in the next month or so. April 26: Regional Planning Commission meeting Mr. Condos: MPO meeting on Wednesday, 7 p.m. 3. Presentation of Proposed Public Transportation District: Mr. Knight spoke regarding the effort to form a regional transportation effort. A lot of work has been done but there is still "nothing on the ground." The aim is to have one management system to serve a larger portion of the state public transportation effort. This would eliminate duplication of services and would aid in financing, planning, etc. Mr. Knight noted that transportation is needed by a number of groups including: the disabled, low-income families, non-drivers, businesses (to get employees to work), etc. Public transportation also helps to alleviate road congestion, wear and tear on roads, air quality, and helps to protect communities from "pass through" traffic. At present, there is insufficient funding for evening routes and weekends, and the frequency of scheduling makes people less likely to use public transportation. There is also too much reliance on the property tax for funding. Local funding results in local-oriented service, which does not address regional issues. There is insufficient funding from federal, state and local sources to provide service that will be appealing to more commuters. In South Burlington, 13% of the population is over 65. 17% of the households have an annual income of under $25,000 with 4.2% at the poverty rate. 6.4% have no vehicles and 35.8% have only 1 vehicle. 2572 people travel from South Burlington to Burlington to work and 2738 travel within South Burlington for work. 79.7% drive alone, 7.8% carpool, 5.8% bike or walk, and 5.1% work at home. Revenues for CCTA come from the following sources: 26% from local property tax, 15% from the fare box, 24% from the state, 25% federal, and 10% earned revenues. Mr. Knight noted that in most other transportation agencies there is more state funding than in Chittenden County. CCTA has had a number of successes including the PARC Shuttle, LINK Express and CATMA. Mr. Knight then showed a map indicating workers going out and coming into the County. Until recently, a commuter could not take a bus between counties. Issues involved in an expanded transportation plan include: governance, elected or appointed officials, taxation powers, additional state revenues to support a regional effort. Mr. Hafter urged the study group not to take what exists today as a starting point. Mr. Condos agreed that the slate should be wiped clean and they should start over from scratch. 4. Briefing on Progress of Arena Study Committee: Mr. Dorn of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development reviewed the background of the committee's work. He noted that UVM President Dan Fogel met with the governor regarding a vision for the future which included infrastructure. Part of the Plan also included an arena on UVM property which could also serve people throughout the state. He suggested that the State partner with UVM on a viability study. A committee was formed which includes members from the State Senate, hospital, UVM transportation providers, general business community, etc. A consultant is being hired to provide expertise in marketing such a facility. A report is expected by the end of summer. The area being talked about most for siting of such a facility is north of the Sheraton. Mr. Hafter asked about a budget. Mr. Dorn said they are trying to raise private funds for the study with a budget of about $100,000. 5. Update on Vermont Botanical Garden Future Development: Ms. Kelsey reviewed this history of the gardens effort in South Burlington. She noted that a year ago they began having trouble raising money and hired Ms. LaBreque. After much soul searching, they came to the conclusion that a fund-raising campaign could not be successful because of the current economy, the lack of a sense of "critical need," the lack of commitment from the state and the lack of someone to "champion" the effort. Mr. Nardozzi reported the current status of the gardens. He gave members a written description of the 8 existing gardens which also includes the berm along the bike path. Ms. DiSarno noted that there will be continued support for the Butterfly Garden. Ms. Kelsy noted that there is a 99-year lease with the city and National Gardening Assn. has a 99-year sub-lease. With the recent decision, VCBG is in default of that lease. NGA has several options: to take over the lease, vacate, or enter into discussions with the City again. Ms. Kelsey stressed that the commitment to "green space" is there and the commitment to park space is there. The question is how to move forward with a different structure. Mr. Hafter said he would like to talk with NGA to come up with some options. 6. Consideration of Approval of Amendment #4 to Cooperative Agreement, Kennedy Drive Project: Mr. Hafter explained with amendment and recommended its approval. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve Amendment #4 to the Cooperative Agreement on the Kennedy Drive project. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Consider contract for the Radio Communication Project: Radio North, $1,038,216.19: Mr. Hafter noted that $1,300,000 was approved by the voters for construction of an emergency system. Radio North, a South Burlington Company, was the winning bidder. Mr. Hafter strongly recommended approval of the contract. Chief Brent said he was please with a local company and noted that they have worked diligently on this project. Mr. Condos suggested contacting other communities and groups that are talking about similar efforts so there is no duplication. Chief Brent suggested the possibility of mutual aid agreements. Mr. Finney of Radio North said the system will be compatible with the City of Burlington, the State, etc. The target date for completion of the project is October/November, depending on work on the water tower. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the contract and authorize the City Manager to sign it. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Consideration of Entertainment License Application for Champlain School Apartments (Holiday Inn), 1068 Williston Road, live rock band: Mr. Hafter said the application is in order. Mr. O'Rourke moved to approve the entertainment license for Champlain School Apartments (Holiday Inn) for rock band, as presented. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Review Development Review Board Agenda for 20 April: Mr. Hafter expressed concern with item #1 (a nightclub) and the availability of water in the area in view of what happened in Rhode Island when there was a nightclub fire. Mr. Sheahan said there is a state mandate and the applicant will have to comply. 10. Review Minutes of 6 April 2004: Mr. O'Rourke moved to approve the Minutes of 6 April as written. Mr. Sheahan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 12. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Sheahan moved that the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented first and second class liquor and cabaret license applications from La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, Champlain Farms, Champlain School Apartments, Spillane's Service center, Kwan's Restaurant, and Airport Mobil. He said all were in order. The 2 cabaret license will be voided on 4 May, if the new non-smoking ordinance is approved, and the city will refund the $100 fee to applicants. Mr. Sheahan moved to approve the first and second class liquor licenses and cabaret licenses as presented. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. As there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.