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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/19/2007CITY COUNCIL 19 MARCH 2007 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 19 March 2007, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: C. Smith, Acting Chair; M. Boucher, S. Magowan Also Present: C. Hafter, City Manager; D. Gravelin, Assistant City Manager; A. Parent, The Other Paper; L. Leavitt, Knights of Columbus Members; disabled veterans 1. Comments & Questions from the public (not related to Agenda items): No issues were raised. 2. Announcements & City Manager's Report: Mr. Hafter: The Vermont House will be holding a hearing on Thursday, 7 p.m., at the High School regarding the 2 proposed Charter changes. Mr. Hafter asked members how they wished to handle this. Mr. Boucher said he will be testifying as an individual. Mr. Magowan said he has been hearing from the Legislature that "since 61% of the voters voted for it, we have to pass it." He said he didn't think that was true. He said the "two strikes and you're out" provision has no part in the state's history. Mr. Smith added that the committee should hear what the impact of the "two strikes" provision would mean and the types of things that would have to be cut from the budget. Mr. Hafter also noted that the CCTA Board will meet on Wednesday, 5 p.m., and the VLCT Unemployment Trust on Thursday at 10 a.m. Mr. Magowan said he noticed in the VLCT Newsletter an item on Workers Compensation regarding firefighter and the risk of cancer. Mr. Hafter said VLCT is anticipating a 20% increase in Workers Compensation costs. He added that the city supports VLCT and their position on this. He also added that the city does not allow its Firefighters to smoke on or off the job. 3. Continued Interview for Appointment to the City Charter Committee: This item was continued until a full Council is present. 4. Request for Consideration of Tax Exemption by Knights of Columbus, Berard Drive, and a request for expansion of property exemption for disabled veterans: A member of the Knights of Columbus (Kof C) read a letter requesting status as a non-profit organization and an exemption from property taxes. He said the K of C raises money for charities, youth groups, etc. Their South Burlington tax bill is over $9000, and this money would come from what they would otherwise be able to donate to worthy causes in the city. The issue is complicated, the members noted, by the fact that the Kof C cannot own property, so the property is in the name of another group which is comprised of all K of C members. Mr. Hafter noted that if the city were to grant the request, the State would still bill the city for the taxes, so it would be a "double hit." He suggested the K of C go to the State to ask them for an exemption. That way, the city would lose only once. Mr. Hafter added that the fact that the K of C doesn't own the property might be an issue with the state. Mr. Hafter then explained the situation with the disabled veterans. He noted there are 32 disabled veterans living in South Burlington. A legislative action a number of years ago granted disabled veterans a $10,000 reduction in the property assessment. South Burlington has always honored this. Recently, the Legislature raised this amount to allow up to $40,000. The city would be willing to increase the amount it grants to disabled veterans; however, the State Tax Department has ruled that the city would still have to pay the tax on any amount over the $10,000 reduction. Disabled veterans noted that all the communities that touch South Burlington have granted the $20,000, except for Winooski and South Burlington. A member noted that he had called the Governor's "hot line" to see if the Tax Department's position is even legal since there was nothing in the legislation that was passed that indicated communities had to make up the difference. The Governor also supported the legislation. Mr. Magowan noted he is the son of a disabled veteran and completely supports them. He felt there may be a possibility that the Tax Department is enforcing this in a way that is wrong. He suggested having the City Attorney look into it. Members agreed to revisit the issue on the next agenda. 5. Review of Process for Consideration of Citizen Petition on Charter Amendment Reference Budget Adoption: Mr. Hafter reviewed the time line and noted there will be discussion at a special City Council meeting on 9 April, 7 p.m. 6. Consideration of Approval of Grant Agreement Resolution and Consortium Contract for VCDP: Mr. Hafter said he received the agreement in the mail and it can be approved. Mr. Boucher moved to approve the Grant Agreement Resolution and Consortium Contract for VCDP and to authorize the City Manager to sign the documents. Mr. Magowan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Review Agenda for Development Review Board Meeting to be Held 20 March 2007: No issues were raised. 8. Review and Approve Minutes from Regular City Council Meeting held 20 February 2007: These minutes could not be acted upon as there was not a quorum of those present at that meeting. 9. Review and Approve Minutes from Regular City Council Meeting held 5 March 2007: Mr. Boucher moved to approve the Minutes of 5 March as written. Mr. Magowan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 10. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 11. Consideration of Entertainment License Application from Franny O's, 733 Queen City Park Road, for Live Entertainment, Kareokee, and DJ: Mr. Hafter said the application is in order. Mr. Magowan moved to approve the Entertainment License Application of Franny O's as presented. Mr. Boucher seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 12. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Magowan moved the Council adjourn and reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Boucher seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Hafter presented annual liquor license renewals from the following: Hannaford Food & Drug,217 Dorset St. Interstate Shell,1055 Williston Rd. Gracey's Store,1333 Williston Rd. Marco's Pizza,1301 Williston Rd. Pizza Hut,762 Shelburne Rd. Zen Garden,7 Fayette Drive Tuscan Kitchen,1080 Shelburne Rd. Healthy Living,4 Market St. Franny O's,733 Queen City Park Rd. Shelburne Rd. Variety,1855 Shelburne Rd. Uno's,1330 Shelburne Rd. The Pour House,1930 Williston Rd. Applebee's,University Mall Airport Grocery,1223 Airport Dr. Moe's,1150 Williston Rd. He indicated that all applications are in order. Mr. Magowan moved to approve all the above liquor license renewals as presented. Mr. Boucher seconded. Motion passed unanimously. As there was no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.