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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 06/13/2011CITY COUNCIL 13 JUNE 2011 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 13 June 2011, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset St. Coucilors Present: S. Dooley, Chair; M. Emery, J. Knapp, P. Engels, R. Greco Also Present: S. Miller, City Manager; R. Rusten, Assistant City Manager; M. Behr, J. Dinklage, J-S Chalot, L. Williams, M. Cloutier, S. Dopp, S. Blanton, A. Clift, C. Hall, B. Stuono, J. Randazzo, B. Benton, J. Miller, L. DeMaroney, J. Payne, M. Companion, M. Murray, W. Baker, D. Cariell, R. Agne, D. Fleming, E. Boyer, J. Clark, D. Farr, E. Cohen, A. Davis, M. Kenny, M. Cannon, D. Cummings, L. Waters, M. Voegeli, P. Stabler, A. Bullis, P. Jones, R. Boedges, J. Kraus, M. Beaudin, G. Burrell, J. Frank 1. Interview Candidates for Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Candidates for appointment to Boards, Commissions and Committees were asked the following questions: 1. Please explain why your background or education or interests has led you to apply for the __________________(Board, Commission or Committee). 2. Have you ever served on a South Burlington or other community’s committee in a similar (or different) capacity? 3. (For DRB applicants only) Can you give an instance of a situation where you had a preconceived opinion about an issue and changed your mind about it? 4. As this position involves working with a group of fellow citizens, what do you like most --and least--about working with a small group of people? Please note: responses of candidates are indicated by question number, so that the questions do not have to be repeated for each candidate. Jean-Sebastien Chalot - Design Review Committee: 1. Has training in a technical field and in design. Has hope for design that is pleasing to the eye. 2. Is an incumbent on the Design Review Committee. 4. Likes most: the variety of opinions and enrichment of debate. Likes least: can be time consuming. Laurel Williams - Natural Resources Committee: Interested in environmental issues. Has been in the field of risk assessment. 2. No. 4. Likes most ­ working with others’ strengths Likes least - personality clashes Susan Blanton - Library Board or Correctional Facility Liaison Committee 1. Use the Library and the Vermont Electronic Library. Interested in seeing the Community Library get its own space. Currently runs the South Burlington Reparative Board that works under the State Corrections Dept. and South Burlington Police Dept. 2. Chief of Rescue in Charlotte Currently on Reparative Board 4. Like most -- working with different personalities Like least -- the bigger the group, the more indecisiveness Agnes Clift - City Charter Committee or Winooski Valley Park or Recreation Committee 1. Attended meetings of City Charter Review Committee when Charter was being revised. Has respect for the Charter. Has a degree in horticulture. 2. Has served on South Burlington School Board and Board of Civil Authority 4. Like most -- enjoys working with small groups Maurice (“Mo”) Cloutier - Correction Facility Liaison Committee 1. Lives a block from the Facility and has concerns as to how it affects the neighborhood. Has been on Committee since it was formed, is familiar with problems and what does and doesn’t work. Feels the Committee works very well and has helped the Facility secure funding for improvements. 2. Only this Committee. 4. Likes most -- working with people from various backgrounds and seeing how they look at problems. Chris Hall - Development Review Board 1. 28 years experience in construction management, including the Medical Center. 2. No. 3. The storm water issue. Now understand the need to change ideas and to preserve the environment. 4. Likes most ­­ learning other people’s thoughts and opinions. Feels the DRB process is long and drawn out but important. Joe Randazzo - Planning Commission, Development Review Board 1. Plant Manager, Lane Press; retired in law enforcement. Spent 8 years on Zoning Board. Feels the need to have a Comprehensive Plan quickly. 2. Zoning Board 1988-1996. Feels it is good that things have tightened up since then; there were a lot of mistakes then. 3. Preconceived ideas have no place on committees; you need facts. 4. Likes most - a group can accomplish more than an individual Likes least - occasional fighting Mr. Randazzo asked how often the Council meets with the DRB. Mr. Knapp explained that it is illegal for the 2 boards to meet as the DRB is a quasi-judicial board. The Planning Commission and City Council meet jointly several times a year but not on a regular schedule. Barbara Benton - Planning Commission 1. Interest in land use, food systems. Work at UVM in oversight for chemical safety. 2. Auditor in Cabot, Vt., also Environmental Committee in Cabot. 4. Likes Most - dedicated people can achieve much Likes least - can be cantankerous Jonathan Miller - Natural Resources Committee 1. BA in Political Science and Environmental Science 2. Has been on the Natural Resources Committee for 6 years 4. Likes most ­ everyone’s voice can be heard Likes least - has had no bad experiences Laura DeMaroney - Recreation/Leisure Arts 1. Joined Committee when daughters were in High School 2. Incumbent since 1992, Board Secretary. Also on the original group that got the Rec Path going; PTO President at Tuttle Middle School 4. Likes most - get to know everyone well Likes least ­ often don’t have a quorum Marcelyn Murray - Energy Committee 1. Very concerned with effect of carbon, etc., on earth. Has attended energy conferences. 2. Energy Committee 4. Likes most - teamwork, pooling of information Likes least ­ are projects they can’t pursue because of limited number of people Mr. Engels asked what more the city can do in the area of energy. Ms. Murray said more public awareness. Mark Companion - Energy Committee 1. Experience in sustainable design, BA in Civil Engineering, MA in Natural Resources Planning. Has been on Energy Committee and is excited about upcoming projects. 2. Some Regional Committee for the MPO, Burlington Legacy Project, Vtrans Committee, Energy Committee 4. Likes most - inspired by people who volunteer, likes sharing ideas Likes least - finding horsepower to get things done Joe Payne - Winooski Valley Park, Recreation or Red Rocks Park 1. Uses all of those facilities and has a vested interest in maintaining them. 2. Not in S. Burlington; Library Board of Trustees in previous community 4. Likes most - working on teams focused on a common goal Likes least - people with their own personal agendas John Dinklage - Development Review Board, Planning Commission, Recreation Path 1. Referred to his written response. 2. City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board, Development Review Board since its inception 3. It is important not to have preconceived notions. Has had second thoughts about expansion of non-conforming structures in Queen City Park. 4. Likes most - good collaboration and attempt to reach unanimity Likes least ­ nothing he doesn’t like Wyrth Baker - Pension Advisory, Development Review Board 1. BS in Agriculture from UVM, owned his own company. 2. No. 3. Didn’t like Burlington’s wooden fire escapes. Now knows that steel is illegal because of rust issues. Mr. Baker noted that at Planning and DRB meetings he has heard concerns about “ambiance” and feels that is none of their business. David Cariell - Development Review Board, City Charter Committee 1. BA in Political Science, worked for state government as Secretary of Military Affairs; also background in state level legislation regarding development and planning. Now works for Green Mountain Power. Has interest in governance/government. Feels the Charter Committee is a good way to see how city government works. Wants to get involved. 2. No. 3. Didn’t think ski village in Killington was a good idea but saw how it could be done well and learned to keep an open mind. 4. Likes most - getting to know people Likes least - are frustrations, but you can work through them Russell Agne - Natural Resources 1. Science teacher, also worked in teacher prep at UVM; has published on environmental topics, has administrative background in Graduate Dean’s Office at UVM 2. Winooski Valley Park District charter member 4. Likes most - everyone comes with a different skills set Likes least - work is overwhelming Dan Flemming - City Charter Committee, Pension Committee 1. Wants to be part of the solution, background in general management, PhD in Electrical Engineering, particular interest in where things are going. 2. School district Citizens Budget Advisory Group, Director and Treasurer of Highlands & Vermont National Golf Club 4. Likes most - people are a good source of ideas Likes least - takes a lot of patience to hear everyone out and get agreement. Ellen Boyer - Library Board 1. MA in Library Information Science, worked in libraries for 20 years 2. No. 4. Likes most - exchange of ideas and team building Likes least - never enough people to get the job done Jessica Clark - Planning Commission 1. Technical background in engineering, has done different types of planning in Vermont and other states; storm water planning and design, MA in Environmental Engineering; interest in modeling of rivers and local agriculture 2. Planning Commission for 2 years; Board of Directors of Civil Engineering Professional Society 4. Likes most ­ get the best perspective from people she doesn’t agree with Likes least - frustration with opinionated people. Cited the importance of having a wide variety of people with different views. Dana Farr - Recreation Path Committee 1. Background in Philosophy, Political Science and History; loves the rec path and wants to help maintain it. 2. No. 4. Likes most - can bounce ideas off people Edwin Cohen - Recreation Path Committee 1. Loves the path and gets so much out of it. Wants to help maintain it. PhD in Engineering. Does planning on a daily basis. 2. No, but eager to begin 4. Likes most ­ understanding other’s opinions and why they have them Likes least - not as much diversity as with a larger group Adam Davis - Design Review Committee, DRB, Planning Commission 1. Is an architect with interest in design, would like to help shape the City Center 2. Leadership Champlain program in Burlington. 3. Thought geothermal technology was best but has learned of more cost effective directions. 4. Likes most - interacting with other and pooling ideas Martin Kenny - Corrections Facility Committee 1. Wants to serve the city, worked in Oregon State Penitentiary System 2. No. 3. Likes most ­ is something magical about working with groups ­ final consensus is better than anyone’s initial idea Michelle Cannon - Library Board of Trustees 1. Uses Library extensively; background in development, alumni relations. Feels it is time to give back to the community. 2. No. 3. Likes most - small groups are productive Likes least - can sometimes be insular and miss opinions Likes the idea of a free-standing Library but is concerned this might reduce hours of operation. Don Cummings - Energy Committee 1. Interest in energy issues since first energy crisis, thinks a significant difference can be made 2. Is currently on this committee 4. Likes most - diversity is very powerful Likes least - you have to narrow your scope Mark Behr - Development Review Board 1. Is incumbent, BA in architecture and is a registered architect for 15 years, has done projects of all sizes, mostly out of state 2. DRB since 2005, is now Chair; previously on Williston DRB 3. The very nature of the DRB is to have an open mind, can lead to an “aha! Moment”. DRB can’t make up rules, is bound by regulations 4. Likes most ­ the “aha!” moment. Feels the current DRB is a great cross-section with a good perspective and respect for each other. Bill Stuono - Planning Commission 1. Is currently on DRB and wants to be on both, has a passion for good zoning. MS in Urban studies. Feels the DRB is very well qualified. Would like to be a liaison between the 2 boards. Noted that Burlington has an 8 person Planning Office and South Burlington is trying to do everything with a 3- person staff. 2. Design Review Committee, in Burlington on Police Chief Interview Committee 3. Similar to what others have said Laura Waters - Red Rocks Committee, Energy Committee 1. Lives next door to Red Rocks Park and uses it every day; background in environmental consulting and climate change training. Energy Committee her first choice. 2. In Atlanta: Climate Change, Energy Education, Tree Conservation 4. Likes most - a focused goal and reaching consensus Miranda Voegeli - Recreation Path 1. New to city in April, wants to be involved, passion for biking and is on the path every day (major reason they bought their home) 2. No 3. Likes most - coming to consensus Likes least - timeliness a problem Paul Stabler - Chittenden Solid Waste Committee 1. Was first an alternate on this committee from Huntington, then moved to South Burlington and became alternate, then appointed representative. Is now that Board’s Chair. 2. Huntington Planning Commission, representative to CCRPC 4. Likes most - interesting perspectives from a group of citizen volunteers Allan Bullis - Energy Committee 1. Is an energy auditor, National Guard for 12 years, base engineer. Now a consultant in energy field with over 100 municipal audits. 2. Currently on Energy Committee 4. Likes most - variety of talent, can get more done than with big groups Peter Jones - Natural Resources 1. On this committee for 10 years; has seen 5 Assistant Planners in that time; education in resource management, spent time studying in remote areas; cited importance of making changes on the local level. 2. Also on South Burlington Land Trust and Sustainable Living Committee at Orchard School (to education children about sustainability) 4. Challenge of too much to do. Rebecca Boedges - Corrections Facility Liaison Committee, Library, Recreation 1. Wants to get involved, interested in the prison as a mental health counselor. 2. No. 4. Likes most - getting different perspectives Jes Kraus - Pension Advisory 1. BA in Government from US Coast Guard Academy; attended law school, worked with labor/employment law and on proposal for State regarding pensions 2. No. 4. Likes most - movement toward a middle ground Likes least - not enough people to work on different pieces Marcel Beaudin - Planning Commission 1. College thesis was an urban development plan for the area, began on Planning Commission in Shelburne (was chair), started ad hoc Regional Planning Commission, was on Church St. pedestrian mall development committee and other things in Burlington. On South Burlington Planning Commission 14 years. 2. Is incumbent on this Committee 4. Likes most - diversity of people who will test your ideas Genevieve Burnell - Library Board 1. Libraries are her “paradise,” is director of communications for Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce; UVM degree in English, interested in where Library is going 2. No. 4. Likes ability to come together to get things done. Joe Frank - Recreation, Red Rocks Park 1. In South Burlington since 1985, law degree, interest in community affairs, was on Burlington Board of Aldermen 2. On many boards, Vermont Chapter of Nature Conservancy, Green Mountain Club; has been attorney for municipalities 4. Likes most - groups of up to 12 can get things done, likes diversity of talents Likes least ­ a “loose canon” Ms. Dooley explained the selection process will take place after the second round of interviews next Monday. 2. Sign Disbursement Orders: Disbursement Orders were signed. 3. Consider Approving Entertainment License for: A. Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Cycling Event B. GE Health Care Employee Picnic Ms. Emery moved to approve the entertainment licenses as presented. Mr. Knapp seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Discuss City Council Input into UVM Presidential Search Process: Ms Dooley noted that she had polled former Council members before she and the City Manager met with the Airport Commission and thought to do that again regarding the UVM Presidential search. She encouraged Council members to provide a response. Ms. Emery cited issues of noise and off-campus housing. She encouraged future collaborations and support of Extension Services. She is impressed with what UVM can do for the state as opposed to a huge university. Ms. Dooley said she was concerned with the commercialization of Gutterson and didn’t think it reflects Vermont’s values. 5. Other Business: Mr. Engels noted he had met with Margaret Joyle regarding Trauma Services. Training is being done in Waterbury on 23 June. Suggested a possible presentation at a September meeting. Mr. Miller said he would continue internal discussions. As there was no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. ______________________________ Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works.