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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 09/08/2009CITY COUNCIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2009 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 8 September 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Members Present: M. Boucher, Chair; J. Knapp, M. Emery, F. Murray Also Present: C. Hafter, City Manager; D. Gravelin, Assistant City Manager; Chief T. Whipple and other members of Police Department; D. Kinville, City Clerk; S. Dopp, M. Young, E. Lesser-Goldsmith, B. Stuono, M. Kozar, L. Kalagnes 1. Other Business & Announcements: Mr. Lesser-Goldsmith updated the Council on the Farmer's Markets which have been held at Healthy Living this summer. There have been more than 40 vendors at each event paying only a small fee to participate. The hope is to do this more often next summer and to have the City become involved in a more active way. There is also a hope to one day move the event to the City Center. 2. Announcements & City Manager's Report: Mr. Boucher: noted receipt of letter from the Casavants regarding concerns with a recent discussion about allowing the keeping of chickens in some neighborhoods. Mr. Young asked about contingency plans if avian flu returns to the area. Ms. Emery noted there are birds everywhere, and any plan adopted by the City would follow federal guidelines to protect the populations. Mr. Hafter: 2 additional resignations to add to the agenda. Reminded members of Steering Committee meeting, 21 September, 6 p.m., prior to City Council meeting. Mr. Hafter provided members with minutes and an agenda for the Steering Committee meeting. Asked for a Council person to participate on the committee that allocates social services funding. Fire Department Open House, 13 September, 3-10 p.m., includes a barbeque. Mr. Hafter will be at the International Conference of City Managers in Montreal from 11-15 September but will return in time for the vote on the 15th. 3. Interview with Applicants for City Center Design Review Committee: The Council interviewed Jean-Sebastien Chaulot for appointment to the City Center Design Review Committee. Mr. Chaulot said he has lived in South Burlington for 7 years. He believes the City Center is crucial for the city and is interested in being involved with that development. He would like to make a positive contribution to the city. 4. Informational Hearing on 15 September 2009 Special City Meeting to vote on acquisition and development of a Police facility at 19 Gregory Drive: Mr. Knapp reviewed the history of the process. He said that in considering this site, the functionality of the building, its cost, and availability and timing were thoroughly considered. Chief Whipple has indicated that the building will be perfectly functional for police use. Mr. Knapp then outlined the 'plus' aspects of the site: Mr. Knapp then reviewed the general costs as follows: Mr. Knapp then outlined the funding mechanism for the project: On September 15, the voters will vote on a $7,200,000 general obligation bond. Repayment would be from a portion of the city's rooms and meals local option tax (this would be applied to the principal) and from general fund tax revenues (which would be applied to interest payments). Mr. Knapp said using the rooms & meals tax shares the burden with those who use city services but may not live/pay taxes in the city. Mr. Knapp said other options the city had looked at would have cost $2,500,000-$3,000,000 more. They would also have taken much longer to be ready for use. The Gregory Drive building could be ready for use in 6-8 months from a voter approval. Chief Whipple then reviewed some advance work done with the architectural company of the building owner. They have decided to isolate 90% of the building use to the first floor. Only the locker room and small fitness room will be upstairs. The lobby will be redesigned to a public area which will include a training room (seating about 60). When Police are not using this room, it can be available for public meeting use. The lobby area will also include public rest rooms. The building will have generator power so that in case of an emergency it could provide shelter for those in need. Youth Services will be moved to the new building. A Police presence will remain in the schools. Chief Whipple felt the architect has done a very good job with natural light location. The secure area of the building will include all areas for prisoner handling and will be totally separate from the other part of the building. Chief Whipple explained some small renovation to the back exterior corner of the building to square off the corner. There will be 3 sally ports. The Chief showed the area of extra space which the city could make use of for city functions or could lease. He also indicated the part of the building which the city won't be buying. Mr. Miller has set up a system whereby the city could purchase the building in the future; however, if the city hasn't purchased it within 20 years, Mr. Miller will give that part of the building to the city. Regarding the location of the site, Chief Whipple said he has had officers drive from there to various parts of the city. They are resoundingly in agreement that the location is OK. The Chief said he also contacted other communities which have moved Police facilities away from a city center location (e.g., Barre, Hartford, VT, Lebanon, NH, and Springfield, VT). All told him they have had no issues with the more remote location. The Chief also explained the various patrol districts within the city in which Police shifts are located. Mr. Murray asked why there is no completely finished plan tonight. Mr. Boucher said the plan is finished except for minor tweaking. Mr. Murray asked how $132/sq. ft. was determined to be a good price and why a professional appraisal wasn't done. Mr. Knapp said a professional appraiser works for the city's Tax Department and has appraised the building for tax purposes. Mr. Hafter added the current appraisal is close to $132/sq. ft. as of 1 April 2009. Mr. Knapp noted that the Council looked at appraisals of a number of sites, and this was the best deal available. Mr. Boucher said the Council actually did something more than an appraisal. It solicited and received 17 different proposals and had an open process where fair market value was determined. Mr. Knapp said the City has to be good stewards of the people's money, and he was comfortable with the process. Mr. Kalanges said he also felt there should have been an appraisal done. He is a former real estate appraiser and felt this was a "rush job." He also didn't feel the location was doing "a favor" to the Police Department. Ms. Emery said this hasn't been a rush job. This has been considered for 7 years, and the Council has now voted on the site that was the most functional and provided room for growth. Mr. Stuono said he felt this was a very cost effective solution to the problem as the City will end up owning a very nice facility. He felt it was a "no brainer" and "a winner." A member of the audience asked what will happen to the City Hall offices. Mr. Boucher said the Council has options: it can do nothing and just have the city offices stay in the building (which he felt was not wise); it can do some "stop gap" fixing and then have City Hall move to City Center when available, or it can do some "long term" fixing and remain in this location. The Council has not yet had that dialogue. Mr. Hafter added that the structure has been stabilized, the roof fixed, and the walls cleared of "pests." Mr. Young asked what will happen to the building where Youth Services had been. Chief Whipple said that building belongs to the School, and they will make that decision. Mr. Young asked who would lease the additional space in the Gregory Drive building. Mr. Hafter said it would be office use, possibly something like Homeland Security, which is looking for space. Ms. Kozar asked how the value of the Gregory Dr. building increased and was anything done to it. Chief Whipple said an addition was put on for Resolution (who was a tenant in the building), but they then had to downsize for business reasons and left the building. Ms. Emery asked if the "fit-up" costs are fixed. Mr. Hafter said they are. Ms. Emery asked if reworking the parking is included in the "fit-up" costs. Mr. Hafter said it is. Mr. Hafter then explained the borrowing mechanism and how bonds are sold in Vermont. The City would have to pay 1/20 of the principal each year; as the principal goes down, the interest goes down each year. The portion to cover the interest would come from property taxes at $158,000 each of the 20 years. Mr. Hafter then reviewed how much the average South Burlington single family homeowner and condo owner would have to pay. The average single family home would pay $16.12 per year and the average condo owner would pay $10.61 per year. Ms. Dopp asked how the rooms & meals tax is doing in the current economy. Mr. Hafter said the city is getting about $800,000 a year. This is down just a little this year. Mr. Young said everything about this proposal is so much more palatable than other alternatives. Even so, he would hope it could ultimately come in at a little less. Mr. Hafter said the City isn't planning to use the contingency money; it just has to be there. 5. Consideration of First Reading of Amendment to Land Development Regulations to allow municipal facilities as a permitted use in Mixed I-C Zoning District; schedule public hearing for same: Mr. Hafter said this would allow the Police Station in the Mixed I-C zone as well as any other municipal uses. Mr. Knapp moved to waive the first reading and to schedule a public hearing for 5 October 2009. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 6. Review Proposed Budget Calendar for FY2010-11: As part of this discussion. Mr. Boucher suggested reconvening the City Charter Committee to deal with the issue of some dates and voting, in order to avoid the situation the City recently encountered with insufficient warning time for an Australian ballot vote. Other members agreed. 7. Acceptance of Resignations of: Robin Lawson from the Design Review Committee and Wendell Johnson from the Natural Resources Committee and Chris Cavan from the Winooski Valley Park District: Ms. Emery moved to accept the resignations as presented. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed 4-0. 8. Review and Approve Minutes of 24 July, 10 August, and 24 August 2009: The Minutes of 24 July could not be acted upon as there was not a quorum of those present at that meeting. Mr. Knapp moved to approve the Minutes of 10 August with a spelling correction. Mr. Murray seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Knapp moved to approve the Minutes of 24 August as written. Ms. Emery 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 appointments and to resume regular session only for the purpose of making appointment and/or adjourning. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Regular Session: The City Council returned to regular session. Mr. Knapp moved and Mr. Murray seconds the following appointments: Jean-Sebastien Chaulot, Design Review Board, Two year term (2011) (The motion passed unanimously with Councilor Emery excused herself) Jennifer Kochman and Emily Magowen to Community Library Board, Three year terms (2012) Peter Taylor, Charter Committee, Three year term (2012) Susan Wheeler, Correction Center Liaison Committee, three year term (2012) The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Knapp moved adjournment. Ms. Emery 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. CITY COUNCIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2009 PAGE 2 years. He believes the City Center is crucial for the city and is interested in being involved with that development. He would like to make a positive contribution to the city. 4. Informational Hearing on 15 September 2009 Special City Meeting to vote on acquisition and development of a Police facility at 19 Gregory Drive: Mr. Knapp reviewed the history of the process. He said that in considering this site, the functionality of the building, its cost, and availability and timing were thoroughly considered. Chief Whipple has indicated that the building will be perfectly functional for police use. Mr. Knapp then outlined the ‘plus’ aspects of the site: 1. It would recycle an older building 2. The building has a lot of life in it 3. There would be limited construction 4. The City Engineer has pronounced the building sound 5. State permits can be acquired quickly because the building is already approved for commercial use. 6. There is easy access to Kennedy Dr. 7. There is expansion potential within the building which will be within the City’s control. 8. No additions would be required. 9. The City can lease extra space until needed and recover some funds 10. There is substantial parking 11. There is an existing Act 250 permit which will require one small amendment 12 There is only 1 small exterior wall change; all the rest of the work is inside 13. No temporary relocation of the Police Dept. would be needed. 14. City Hall remains where it is. Mr. Knapp then reviewed the general costs as follows: Building cost $4,400,000 Fit Up/general 1,320,000 Special Fit Up 950,000 Permitting 20,000 Contingency 227,000 Other fees, costs (architects, etc.) 283,000 ____________ Total $7,200,000. CITY COUNCIL 8 SEPTEMBER 2009 PAGE 2 years. He believes the City Center is crucial for the city and is interested in being involved with that development. He would like to make a positive contribution to the city. 4. Informational Hearing on 15 September 2009 Special City Meeting to vote on acquisition and development of a Police facility at 19 Gregory Drive: Mr. Knapp reviewed the history of the process. He said that in considering this site, the functionality of the building, its cost, and availability and timing were thoroughly considered. Chief Whipple has indicated that the building will be perfectly functional for police use. Mr. Knapp then outlined the ‘plus’ aspects of the site: 1. It would recycle an older building 2. The building has a lot of life in it 3. There would be limited construction 4. The City Engineer has pronounced the building sound 5. State permits can be acquired quickly because the building is already approved for commercial use. 6. There is easy access to Kennedy Dr. 7. There is expansion potential within the building which will be within the City’s control. 8. No additions would be required. 9. The City can lease extra space until needed and recover some funds 10. There is substantial parking 11. There is an existing Act 250 permit which will require one small amendment 12 There is only 1 small exterior wall change; all the rest of the work is inside 13. No temporary relocation of the Police Dept. would be needed. 14. City Hall remains where it is. Mr. Knapp then reviewed the general costs as follows: Building cost $4,400,000 Fit Up/general 1,320,000 Special Fit Up 950,000 Permitting 20,000 Contingency 227,000 Other fees, costs (architects, etc.) 283,000 ____________ Total $7,200,000.