Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 12/07/2009CITY COUNCIL 7 DECEMBER 2009 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 7 December 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: M. Boucher, Chair; S. Dooley, M. Emery, J. Knapp, F. Murray Also Present: C. Hafter, City Manager; D. Gravelin, Assistant City Manager; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; B. Stuono, K. Donahue, M. Young, B. Gilbert, Lt. Col. A. T. Rice, Col. D. E. Fick, VTANG 1. Comments & Questions from the Audience, not related to Agenda Items: Mr. Donahue referred to a plan before the Development Review Board (DRB) to put 90 units in a development near Spear St. via TDRs. He said he originally thought TDRs were great and would be used to build up the core portion of the city. He didn't think the city would be "saving one area by ruining another." He asked how TDRs can be repealed. Mr. Boucher read a letter written by the City Manager to Mr. Friedholm addressing the same issue. It explained the rules under which the DRB operates. Mr. Boucher stressed that the City Council cannot discuss any development issues with the DRB. Citizens can communicate to the Planning Commission about issues without regard to any specific development. Mr. Donahue also raised an issue with the interconnecting of neighborhoods. Mr. Conner noted that both the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Regulations call for that interconnection. He also explained that TDRs are to be used only in the Southeast Quadrant. Mr. Hafter said TDRs weren't applied to the City Center because zoning density there was already very high. Mr. Murray explained that even if in the future TDRs were to be repealed, the current application would be heard under the rules that exist today. Mr. Stuono asked what would happen if the City Council opposed a DRB decision. Mr. Hafter said the City would hire an attorney for the DRB, and the City Attorney would defend the city's position. 2. Announcements & City Manager's Report: Ms. Emery asked that there be a "tweak" in the budget for the Recreation Department summer playground program. She suggested a weekly fee which would allow a family to pay $5 for a week instead of having to pay $30 for the whole summer. She also suggested possibly having a discounted full summer fee. Ms. Emery also noted that the CCTV holiday party will be on Thursday, 17 December. Ms. Dooley advised that a group of people had spent some time with Tom Hubbard at Red Rocks Park. They noticed areas in need of some maintenance. She noted that the more the park is used, the more problems there will be. Mr. Hubbard will be pursuing some funding options. Mr. Murray asked for an update on the City Manager search. Mr. Hafter advised that the ad appeared today. VLCT will start reviewing applications on 11 January. Mr. Boucher noted there are 3 requests from people to be on the search committee. Mr. Boucher said the other search is for a Public Works Director. That committee has narrowed applicants down to 3 or 4 from the 8 who were interviewed. Mr. Hafter will continue the process of selection from there. Mr. Hafter: Noted the following upcoming meetings: CWD Board, 8 December, noon; Preconstruction meeting for Airport Parkway Treatment Plant, 9 December; Tilley Dr. Bike Path, 9 December; VLCT 10 December, 10:30 a.m.; 10 December, Exit 12B "creative financing," 2 p.m.; 17 December, County budget pre-hearing 3. Consideration of Items Related to Purchase of 19 Gregory Drive: A. Consideration of Approval of Declaration for 19 Gregory Drive, A Condominium B. Consideration of Approval of Fit-Up Agreement C. Consideration of $7,200,000 Bond Anticipation Note for the purchase and renovation of 19 Gregory Drive: Mr. Hafter said there are still a few issues to work through, and the attorneys are talking with each other. He asked for a special meeting to finalize the agreements. Members agreed to meet on 14 December, 5 p.m. for this purpose. Mr. Hafter noted that in the Condominium document "unit 1" should read "unit 2" throughout. In addition, on p. 8 of 35, unit 1 shall have exclusive use of 60 parking spaces, and unit 2 shall have exclusive use of 93 parking spaces. Ms. Emery moved that the Council hold a special meeting on Monday, 14 December 2009, at 5 p.m. to consider items related to the purchase of 19 Gregory Drive. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4. 158 FW's Security Improvements-Relocation of National Guard Avenue: Lt. Col. Rice said the aim is to back the road away from fuel tanks. He noted that the City Manager feels there should be some improvements made to the intersection of Airport Parkway. The problem is the project is funded through Sen. Leahy, and is only eligible for expenditures within the project area. Mr. Murray noted that if the Guard were any other developer, they would be required to make those improvements. He suggested the Guard explain this to Sen. Leahy's office and request the funds. Col Fisk said that as a daily driver of that road, he would love to see it improved. He said their project does not add any capacity to that area and traffic flow will be the same. Mr. Murray stressed that the city is looking to the Guard to help get the road improved. Mr. Boucher added it is one of the most dangerous intersections in the State. Col. Fisk asked if the city could provide a preferred plan for the intersection that they would present that to Sen. Leahy. Lt. Col. Rice then explained what they plan to do with the road and showed which section of the road will be relocated. Mr. Boucher stated that the City intends to accept the new road provided it is built to city standards. Mr. Hafter will provide a letter to that effect. Mr. Knapp moved that the City Manager issue a letter of intent for the city to maintain the newly constructed relocation of National Guard Avenue if it is constructed in accordance with City standards. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Land Development Regulations; Request to Continue Hearing to Next Meeting: Mr. Murray moved to open the public hearing. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Conner said the Planning Commission held a public hearing on 29 September and voted unanimously on what is before the Council. There is, however, a request from the City Attorney to continue this to a future date to "tweak" some things. Mr. Conner noted there was some public feedback regarding the formula by which density bonuses are calculated. It should read "divided by 2" not "divided by half." Mr. Murray moved to continue the Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Land Development Regulations until 21 December 2009. Ms. Dooley seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Discussion of draft ballot item permitting use of existing open space levy for stewardship expenses: Mr. Hafter read the proposed item and said it was the result of the LANDS presentation on November 16, 2009. Mr. Conner noted that the Natural Resources Committee is very supportive of the ballot item. Members agreed to put it on the March ballot. Mr. Hafter will get final wording from the City Attorney. 7. Consideration for Capital Equipment Refunding Notes for the Department of Public Works: Mr. Hafter noted the notes are at 2.4%. Mr. Murray moved to approve the Capital Equipment Refunding Notes and accompanying documents for the Department of Public Works as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Review and Approve Minutes of 16 November and 23 November 2009: In the Minutes of 16 November, Ms. Emery noted that with the regard to Greyhound relocating its terminal to the Airport, she wants to hear all the facts before saying "no." Ms. Emery moved to approve the Minutes of 16 November as amended. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed 4-0 with Mr. Murray abstaining. Ms. Emery moved to approve the Minutes of 23 November as written. Mr. Murray seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 10. Executive Session: Ms. Emery moved the Council meet in Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and to resume regular session to approve contracts and/or adjourn. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Regular Session: The Council returned to regular session. Mr. Knapp moved the approval of a labor contract with the Water Pollution Control Association for a two-year period starting July 1, 2009. Ms. Emery seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Knapp moved the approval of a labor contract with the Public Works and City Hall Employee Association for a two-year period starting July 1, 2009. Ms. Dooley seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Knapp moved that the City Manager salary be set by contract at $115,000 annually for the period starting July 1, 2009. Ms. Emery seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Knapp moved adjournment. Mr. Murray seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45p.m. Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.