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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 08/20/2007CITY COUNCIL 20 AUGUST 2007 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 20 August 2007, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: C. Smith, Chair; S. Magowan, D. O'Rourke, S. Dooley, M. Boucher Also Present: C. Hafter, City Manager; D. Gravelin, Assistant City Manager; J. B. Hinds, Director of Planning & Zoning; Chief. T. Whipple, T. Shepard, Police Department; R. Hubbard, Recreation Director; M. Beaudin, Planning Commission; B. & Mrs. Smyle, L. Bresee, A. Audette, S. Bradeen, P. Reed, D. Wilbur, K. Donaghue, K. Pettersen, M. Munson, T. McKenzie, L. Nadeau; A. Parent, The Other Paper; Channel 17 1. Comments & Questions from the Public, not related to agenda items: No issues were raised. 2. Announcements & City Manager's Report: Ms. Dooley noted that the Free Press listing of Council members is incorrect. She phoned them and was told they "are working on it." Mr. Hafter: Reminded members of the special Council meeting on 27 August regarding Fire Department grants. The next regular Council meeting will be on Tuesday, 4 September and will include stormwater policies, and the South Village development agreement. The Steering Committee will meet on 27 September, 7 p.m. Mr. Hafter noted that he has become a member of National League of Cities committee of city managers who have "town & gown" issues. Mr. Smith: Noted receipt of a letter from the Regional Planning Commission regarding the Circ Highway. The comment period will run until November. Mr. Hafter said the State Representatives will be invited to a September Council meeting. 3. Public Hearing on Amendment to the South Burlington Motor Vehicle and Traffic ordinance to 1) establish a no-parking zone on the south side of Hayes Avenue 215 easterly from the corner of Hayes Avenue and Timber Lane and 2) establish a two-hour parking zone and handicapped-only parking spaces adjacent to 412 Farrell Street; second reading of same: Mr. Smith opened the public hearing. Mr. Hafter said the amendment is in response to requests from residents in areas where parking is creating problems. The Hayes Avenue parking is creating view corridor issues for Cardinal Woods residents, and the Farrell St. area is becoming difficult for clients and customers to park. There was no public comment offered. Mr. Magowan moved to close the public hearing. Ms. Dooley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Magowan moved to waive the second reading and adopt the amendment as presented. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Update and discussion with Police Facility Committee; consideration of funding request: Mr. Hafter said the Committee has reached a point where they needs input and funding in order to go forward. Ms. Hinds began the discussion by reviewing a study done by Tim Duff on the physical condition of the present City Hall building. She noted that the Fire Station was built in 1970, and the City Hall and additional space for the Fire Dept. was added in 1980. In 1995-6, there were renovations and another addition to the Fire Station. The building currently has 28,000 sq. ft. It is a steel & masonry structure heated by gas with electric cooling. The building has manual fire alarms and does not have sprinklers. Issues as to the condition of the building include: a. site drainage at the entry and in back of the building b. seismic stability does not meet standards c. roof insulation causes heat loss and ice issues d. there is exposed roof insulation e. roof leaks f. PVC is in poor condition g. Wall leaks Heating and air conditioning issues include: a. energy loss b. equipment failure c. inoperative climate control d. unavailability of parts e. non-functional fire wall Issues relating to renovation include: a. high impervious cover b. existing sewer/water easements on lot Mr. Duff's conclusion was the significant expenditure would be required to maintain occupancy of the building. Mr. Duff's near term recommendations include: a. development of a plan for heat loss in freezing weather b. replace PVC on roof Long term recommendations include: a. replacement of roof b. repair of roof insulation/air barrier solution c. replacement of exterior wall d. replacement of mechanical system e. upgrade of electrical system Upon hearing this report, the Police Facility Committee came to a consensus on as follows: a. keep the City Hall building rather than sell it b. renovation of City Hall may be a good value c. seek efficiencies with City and School Department d. it is not a "drop dead" situation if City Hall is not in the City Center. Issues discussed at the Police Facility Committee include: a. gains in square footage for City hall if the Police move offsite b. total value to the public if 575 Dorset St. is renovated in conjunction with a new Police facility c. feasibility of adding square footage to the City Hall building d. combining of functions with the School Department for mutual efficiencies and savings e. possible location off-site of some City departments; if so, where? Items requiring further exploration include: a. potential for shared administrative space with School Dept. if 3200 sq. ft. is added to City Hall building b. logistical plan for renovating City Hall building in phases (roughly 1/3 at a time), while Police Station is being built. Ms. Hinds then reviewed some of the cost estimates involved in the potential renovation/expansion of City Hall, including: a. Drainage, site prep, compliance with stormwater permit $210,000 b. 20-year membrane roof 160,000 c. additional building envelope cost 405,000 d. HVAC 380,000 e. building renovation 1,485,000 The total estimate, if there is an addition to City Hall is $4,500,000-$5,000,000. Ms. Hinds stressed that "no investment is not an option given the significant safety issues." Mr. O'Rourke said it seems to him that the 2 critical needs are the roof and HVAC system. He felt that shutting down the building is not an option, but deferred maintenance must be addressed. He felt that a major winter cold spell could wipe out the HVAC system entirely. Ms. Hinds said they have to explore what "Energy Efficiency Vermont" will help the city with. Mr. O'Rourke also cited the need for a city Facilities Manager. Mr. Bresee noted that the front end of the City Hall building had to be closed a few months ago during a heavy rainstorm due to some of the issues mentioned in the report. Mr. Audette stressed that whatever the city does, it has to maintain the building. He felt that City Hall has never been maintained properly, and that is counterproductive. Mr. Audette also stressed the need to keep senior citizens in mind and said South Burlington is the only community in the area without a space for seniors. Presently, seniors use City Hall only 1 hour a week. Mr. Audette also cited the need to present all the facts to the public. Mr. Bradeen then reviewed the work of the Police Facility Committee and its 3 subcommittees (Communications, Master Planning, Police Building). He noted that the Committee is recommending a site at Dorset/Spear near the park, but they need a better cost estimate and need to understand the site better in order to put together a conceptual plan. Mr. Bradeen noted that the Committee did look at other potential sites, but found private property would be too expensive and there would be traffic and other issues involved. The Committee then looked at some city-owned parcels. The most suitable for consideration were city parks and natural areas in addition to the current Central School site. The Dorset Park site was reconsidered because of the nature of modern policing practices, which involve less intrusion on the surrounding neighborhood. Ms. Hinds noted that a Krebbs & Lansing study found Dorset Park to be a "hub" of South Burlington and it is appropriate to put a public safety facility there. The issue is that the voters approved the purchase of that land for recreation. There would have to be a public vote to undo the park/recreation use decision. Mr. O'Rourke said he was very impressed with the Committee as they came from many different viewpoints to agree on this site. He felt the site will need further investigation. Mr. Reed, a Committee member, said it took a lot to convince him to give up the existing Police Station site, but it became very clear when he understood what a modern police department needs in a city the size of South Burlington. The existing site cannot provide what is needed. Mr. Audette said the Dorset Park site makes sense because it is just about the center of the City and the road goes through the center of the City. Other Committee members echoed Mr. Reed's sentiments and said that even though they had been adamant about continuing to use the existing site, they gave up that idea when they listened to the Police as to how they function. Ms. Dooley asked about possible use of the City Center. Ms. Hinds said the issue there is parking which requires a lot of land surface. There are also permit issues and the issue of control of the Williston Rd. intersection. Mr. Hafter noted that police facility sites the Committee visited in Connecticut were not located in a "downtown" area. Mr. Wilbur said he feels a Public Library is more appropriate in the City Center. He also cited the urgent need for a new Police Facility. He did not want to see it linked to a $6,000,000 City Hall project. Mr. Magowan moved to appropriate a maximum of $30,000 for further study of the Calkins property for a police facility per the City Manager's memo. Ms. Dooley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Magowan stressed that he is not yet convinced on use of the Park site. He also had a problem with the City acting in a way it would not allow another developer to act. Mr. O'Rourke stressed the city will go to the voters for approval to use the Park site, if it is deemed feasible. Mr. Smith asked about a time frame. Mr. Hafter felt the work could be done in about 2 months. The city will bid the conceptual work. Council members said they would like to have Tim Duff come in and discuss the City Hall issues. Chief Whipple thanked the Council on behalf of his staff. 5. Consideration of request from Technology Park for Minor Relocation of Community Drive right-of-way: It was noted that an error had been made in the placement of underground utility vaults within the right-of-way. To correct this, the Council is being asked to relocate the right-of-way. Ms. Hinds explained the zoning issues: There are standard setbacks and provisions for waivers. The minimum setback is 5 feet from any structure. When this problem was discovered, there was no way to allow it without changing the zoning regulations. The best remedy is to adjust the city's right-of- way. This would give the DRB the option of approving the plan. Ms. Hinds said that all things being equal, she saw no harm to the public good from this transaction and that to move the utility cabinets would be, in her opinion, a waste of resources. GMP has estimated a cost of $200,000. Ms. Pettersen then showed the location of the utility cabinets and the plat of the potential right-of-way change. The city would be giving 3065 ft. and getting 3100 ft. in exchange. Mr. Hafter explained the procedure: If the Council approves the plan, it would be announced in the paper. If there is a public petition, there would have to be a ballot item; if not, the transaction would go into effect in 30 days. The developer would pay all advertising and legal costs. Mr. Magowan moved that because this property is located in the IC District, the Council approve the land as presented in order to allow compliance with the 5-foot setback. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Presentation of Updated Impact Fee Studies: Mr. Hafter reviewed the history of impact fees in the city and the enabling legislation. He noted that the City has identified projects for which impact fees are charged. Money collected for those projects must be spent within 6 years or returned. Mr. Munson reviewed the impact fee formula as the cost per person/measure of service multiplied by the number of person or units of service in a development minus appropriate credits. He then explained the units of measure for the city's 3 impact fees: a. Recreation: based on service ratios of facilities per 1000 people b. Roads: cost per PM peak hour trip end c. Fire Protection: cost of providing fire protection per $1000 value at risk. Mr. Munson then identified the projects involved in each of these impact fees: a. Recreation: Marceau Meadows Old Farm Road Construction of new outdoor pool Recreation paths The total cost per person for these projects is $727.25. b. Roads: Hinesburg Rd./Van Sicklen intersection Williston Road reconstruction Airport Drive Extension Airport Parkway/Ethan Allen Rd. intersection Marshall Ave/Exit 12B Connector City Center Road Network Exit 12B construction Calculations resulted in a cost per new trip end of $1,247.07. c. Fire Protection: considered depreciation of stations and vehicles and purchase of new vehicles (2 engines, second SUV, and equipment such as hoses, breathing equipment, etc.). Calculations resulted in a cost per $1,000 of value of $.75. Mr. Munson then reviewed the base residential fees as follows: For Recreation:Single Family $2181.75 per home Multi-Family $1599.95 per unit For Roads:Single Family $1259.54 per home Multi-Family $ 835.53 per unit For Fire Protection:Sgl. Family $ 341.25 per home Multi-Family $ 216.00 per unit For non-residential property, only impact fees for roads and fire protection apply. Fees are calculated on estimated trip ends and estimated post- construction value at risk. Mr. Munson then outlined credits that may apply including: a. Tax payments for specified projects b. Construction of specific projects included in the analysis c. Effective traffic demand management d. Sprinkler systems Mr. Munson said he is proposing the following new impact fee schedule: Recreation:$727.25 (per person) $1309.73 (per multi-family unit) $1723.11 (per single-family unit) Roads:$734.09 (per single family unit) $503.09 (per multi-family unit) Non-residential property: Roads: 50,000 sq. ft. masonry building with $150,000 land value        $25,180.75 Fire:                      $ 4,858.50 Ms. Hinds noted these rates are still below Shelburne and Williston and are on a par with Essex. They are above Colchester. She felt this would enable the city to keep up with roads. Mr. Hafter noted that the low road impact fees was the reason the City had to bond for Kennedy Drive. Mr. Bresee said he understood the need for impact fees but felt it discourages low-cost housing. Mr. Hafter said there can be waivers for low-cost housing. But he stressed there is a cost to the community for that housing. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Munson to calculate a number for a 25% waiver for affordable housing. Ms. Hinds suggested continuing the discussion in October. 7. Consideration of Request for Amendment to Vanasse Hangen Bruskin (VHB) Contract for City Center Development Work and for Contract with Goody Clay Associates for City Center Design Services: Ms. Hinds said that VHB got hit with up front costs they didn't expect for studies. She said the Council needs to authorize release of the funds to VHB. Ms. Hinds then explained how the work will take place. Mr. O'Rourke asked if there will be public input as to feasibility. Ms. Hinds said yes there will be. Mr. O'Rourke stressed the need to get stakeholders involved early. Ms. Hinds felt the city had a good track record on this. Mr. Magowan moved to authorize the City Manager to sign the contract as presented. Mr. Boucher seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Council Discussion of Proposed Special Election Regarding use of Open Space Funds: Mr. Magowan said the ballot item would allow purchase with open space fund for land to be used for recreation purposes and also would allow permanent structures (e.g. rest rooms) to be built on lands bought with those funds. Mr. O'Rourke said he was not inclined to have a special election. Other members agreed. 9. Review Development Review Board Agenda for meeting of 21 August 2007: No issues were raised. 10. Review Minutes of 16 July 2007: Ms. Dooley noted that those who opposed the open space land vote were not identified and felt this should be part of the minutes. (Note: Councilors Boucher and O'Rourke felt a vote was not necessary). Ms. Dooley then moved to approve the Minutes of 16 July with the above addition. Mr. Magowan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 12. 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 a first class license request for the new owners of the Double Tree Hotel, 1117 Williston Rd. He said the application was all in order. Mr. Magowan moved to approve the first class license request for Double Tree Hotel as presented. Ms. Dooley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 13. Executive Session: Mr. Magowan moved that the Board adjourn and reconvene as City Council in executive session to discuss litigation and personnel issues and to resume regular session only for the purpose of adjournment. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 14. Regular Session: The council returned to regular session. Ms. Dooley moved adjournment. Mr. O'Rourke seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.