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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 07/07/2014 (2)CITY COUNCIL 7 JULY 2014 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 7 July 2014, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Mackenzie, Chair; H. Riehle, P. Nowak, C Shaw ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; J. Rabidoux, Public Works Director; I. Blanchard, Project Manager; Rep. H. Head; Simoneau, S. Fakim, S. Luca, C. Remmel, P. Clemins, J. Makrides, M. Hirsch, R. Betz, M. Behr, B. Cimonetti, J. Calcagni, S.Clark, M. Favreau, F. Mason, H. Damm, J. Jurmain, S. Baker, B. Bull, A. Clift, J. Wilking, B. Finnigan, J. Weinstock, M. Kenny, M. Coel 1. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions, or changes in order of agenda items: Ms. Riehle asked to remove item #C from the Consent Agenda and to vote on it separately. 2. Comments & Questions from the Audience, not related to agenda items: Mr. Calcagni: Asked about the bike path being extended down Dorset St. He noted some people have no access to it now and it is dangerous for them to be out pushing baby strollers, etc., on Dorset St. He added that residents were told the money is "tied up in City Center." Ms. Mackenzie said she would like to see a list of priorities from the Rec Path Committee. Mr. Dorn invited Mr. Calcagni to come in and look at the current plan and work through the Rec Path Committee. 3. Announcements and City Manager's Report: Mr. Dorn: a. Mr. Rabidoux has advised that the contractor for Laurel Hill road work is required to be on site on 21 July. The consultant has said a 3-way stop is not justified, but other traffic calming might be useful. b. The annual review of Department Heads is underway. c. The city is trying to "jump start" Garden Street planning. d. City and town managers from the area (including Milton, Williston, Colchester, Burlington and South Burlington) are meeting regarding property tax and spending reform. There will be a major conference with city/town managers, City Councils, aldermen, etc. on 14 August. e. Louise Murphy retired on 1 July. Cathy Plagueman is Acting Library Director. ' f. The Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission has approved a planning grant of $100,000 for South Burlington's planning for the Chamberlin/Airport area. Mr. Dorn praised the efforts of Paul Conner in securing this grant. g. A meeting was held with Fletcher-Allen people regarding their plans for the future. Members of the Council then reported on meetings and events they had attended. 4. Consent Agenda: a. Sign Disbursement b. Approve Minutes for 10 June 2014 Special Session and 16 June Regular Session c. Removed d. Entertainment permits: Magic hat (22 July and 9 September) Infinity Brewing (9 events) e. Special Event: Shelburne Vineyard (29 August 2014) WhistlePig Whiskey (11 July 2014) f. Catering: Bevo @ Airport (19 August 2014) Ms. Riehle moved to approve the consent agenda as amended. Mr. Shaw seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Presentation from Residents in Support of South Burlington Rental Housing Registry Proposal: Ms. Dooley said this effort is a result of owner-occupied homes being converted to rentals taking away housing from families. In some circumstances, city rules are being violated (more than 4 non-related people in one residence), and there are often issues of upkeep, parking on lawns, etc. The neighbors propose that the city create a task force to look into the creation of a Rental Housing Registry. Mr. Clemins then reviewed the results of a survey he had conducted via 9 Front Porch Forum neighborhoods. 109 responses were received. People had strong feelings both ways. Of the 8 rental property owners who responded, 4 were opposed and 3 were undecided. Ms. Dooley said she would be happy to help frame a charge. Mr. Shaw saw no harm in looking into it. Ms. Riehle felt it was important to do. Ms. Nowak had no issue with the task force but questioned what mandates might come out of it and the legal issues and question of enforcement. Members were OK with residents come back with a proposed charge to a task force. 5b. Award of Paving Contract: Mr. Rabidoux said the contract time is 21 July through 31 October, but the bids would hold for a whole year if any money is left over. With a decision tonight, work would start on 21 July. He said the bids were very close, and the recommendation is to go with Engineers Construction Company (formerly A. C. Paving) at a cost of $437,972.20. Ms. Riehle moved to award the FY15 paving contract to Engineers Construction Company in the amount of $437,972.20, and,to authorize the City Manager to sign the contracts. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Volunteer Committees, Board and Commission interviews: The City Council interviewed the following candidates for city boards, commissions, and committees: a. Mark Behr -Development Review Board b. Jacob Jurmain -Library Board of Trustees c. Spencer Baker -Pension Advisory Committee d. John Wilking -Development Review Board e. Bonnie Finnigan -Library Board of Trustees f. Carl Remmel-Airport Commission g.Michele Hirsch -CCTA Representative h. Jackie Weinstock: CCTA Alternate or Library Board of Trustees i. Paul Hart -Airport Commission j. Martin Kenny -Library Board of Trustees k. Mark Coel-Library Board of Trustees I. Bill Cimonetti -Airport Commission m. Agnes Clift -City Charter Committee n. Shima Fakim -Development Review Board, Planning Commission or Design Review Committee Ms. Mackenzie advised that a decision would not be made at this meeting as there were still more candidates to interview. 7. Draft Capital Improvement Program FY15-24 Public Hearing: Ms. Blanchard reviewed the nature of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the history of the current CIP. She noted that this CIP takes into account the input and recommendations of department heads} community members} etc. Projects are laid out according to priorities and include: roadways, vehicles, City Center development, sidewalks, rec paths, etc. Some of these projects are eligible for impact fees. Some also include revenues from the General Fund. Ms. Blanchard noted there could be new proposals for impact fees in the future. Ms. Blanchard stressed that "bankingJJ money for future projects helps avoid paying interest on loans. Ms. Nowak then moved to open the public hearing. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Dooley encouraged the Council to approve the Resolution. There was no further public input. Ms. Nowak moved to close the public hearing. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Consider approval of Resolution to Amend the Capital Improvement Program FY15-24: Ms. Riehle moved to approve the Resolution to amend the Capital Improvement Program FY15 24} as presented. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dorn thanked Ms. Blanchard for the significant work done in this endeavor. 9. Liquor Control Board: Ms. Riehle moved that the Council meet as liquor Control Board. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The following liquor licenses were presented for consideration: Quarry Hill Club -First Class License/Outdoor Consumption Cheese Traders -Corporate Name Change/2nd Class license No issues were raised. Ms. Riehel moved to approve the first Class License/Outdoor Consumption for Quarry Hill Club and the Corporate Name Change/2nd Class License for Cheese Traders as presented. Mr. Shaw seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Riehle moved to reconvene as City Council. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 10. Other Business: No other business was conducted. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Ms. Nowak moved to adjourn. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. , Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. South Burlington Water Dept. Accounts Payable Check Register Date: 07/08/14 Date Check No. Paid To Memo Amount Paid 7/8/2014 2572 All Seasons Excavating 24,675.26 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 5/12/2014 VI-13393 28179 1,327.00 1,327.00 5/13/2014 VI-13394 28180 1,672.00 1,672.00 5/13/2014 VI-13395 28181 2,391.80 2,391.80 5/14/2014 VI-13396 28182 1,507.50 1,507.50 6/2/2014 VI-13397 28189 1,505.61 1,505.61 5/29/2014 VI-13398 28186 3,546.35 3,546.35 5/19/2014 VI-13399 28185 4,221.50 4,221.50 5/15/2014 VI-13400 28184 2,927.00 2,927.00 6/2/2014 VI-13401 28190 336.00 336.00 5/14/2014 VI-13402 28183 2,458.64 2,458.64 5/12/2014 VI-13403 28178 2,018.66 2,018.66 6/9/2014 VI-13417 28206 763.20 763.20 7/8/2014 2573 Champlain Water District 3,090.24 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/23/2014 VI-13414 S.BURL-CCR2014 3,090.24 3,090.24 7/8/2014 2574 E.J. Prescott, Inc. 299.48 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/10/2014 VI-13389 4806172 157.36 157.36 6/3/2014 VI-13404 4806515 47.84 47.84 6/11/2014 VI-13409 4810437 94.28 94.28 7/8/2014 2575 Ferguson Waterworks #590 732.93 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/16/2014 VI-13411 0359363 732.93 732.93 7/8/2014 2576 Carole Moran 114.21 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/30/2014 VI-13418 REFUND 114.21 114.21 7/8/2014 2577 Office Essentials 164.95 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/9/2014 VI-13406 30121 164.95 164.95 7/8/2014 2578 City Of So. Burlington 30,436.75 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/13/2014 VI-13390 DEBT 28,778.00 28,778.00 6/13/2014 VI-13391 VLCT 1,658.75 1,658.75 7/8/2014 2579 City Of South Burlington 282,919.27 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/1/2014 VI-13415 JUNE SEWER CHARGES 282,919.27 282,919.27 Printed: July 02, 2014 Page 1 of 2 South Burlington Water Dept. Accounts Payable Check Register Date: 07/08/14 Date Check No. Paid To Memo Amount Paid 7/8/2014 2580 City Of South Burlington 155,332.73 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/1/2014 VI-13416 JUNE STORMWATER 155,332.73 155,332.73 7/8/2014 2581 Harold Skorstad 462.46 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/13/2014 VI-13407 REIMBURSEMENT 425.10 425.10 6/30/2014 VI-13408 REPLACE RETAINING WALL 37.36 37.36 7/8/2014 2582 SoVerNet, Inc. 40.60 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/15/2014 VI-13413 3388271 40.60 40.60 7/8/2014 2583 Stiles Company Inc. 623.75 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/9/2014 VI-13392 215129 623.75 623.75 7/8/2014 2584 Joyce E. Stutler 305.75 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/19/2014 VI-13412 355177 305.75 305.75 7/8/2014 2585 Ti-Sales Inc. 1,103.58 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/9/2014 VI-13405 INV0037955 921.45 921.45 5/29/2014 VI-13410 INV0037557 182.13 182.13 Total Amount Paid: 500,301.96 SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Printed: July 02, 2014 Page 2 of 2 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL 10 JUNE 2014 The South Burlington City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, 10 June 2014, at 6:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Mackenzie, Chair; H. Riehle, P. Nowak, C. Shaw, M. Emery ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; S. Quest, B. Nowak, M. Holt 1. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes to the order of agenda items: No changes were made to the agenda. 2. Comments & Questions from the public not related to the agenda: No issues were raised. 3. Review and consider approval of Memorandum of Understanding relating to the use of the Underwood Property for agricultural purposes: Mr. Dorn advised that information had come to the city today regarding the ability of the city to sign an agreement with Mr. Mack for the growing of sunflowers on the Underwood property. The City Attorney learned that Mr. Mack is on the state’s list of people that municipalities cannot contract with this year. Mr. Dorn recommended tabling the issue. Ms. Quest asked whether there is money for maintenance of the property. Ms. Mackenzie suggested warning a discussion at the next meeting. Mr. Hubbard said there is $4,000-5,000 in the Open Space account. He said a resolution could be prepared for the Council to act on at the next meeting. Ms. Nowak expressed concern with having a commercial operation on land that the taxpayers paid for with all the proceeds going to the person running the commercial operation. Ms. Riehle said the city does get some benefit from the renourishing of the soil. Ms. Emery added that the city would have to pay to mow the property. Ms. Quest agreed and noted that last year because 3 committees said they wanted to have a plan for the land, the Council put off action, and nothing happened. Members agreed to first look for a South Burlington farmer willing to maintain the land and if that doesn’t work out to have staff work with someone to maintain the land with funds from the Open Space fund. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL, 10 JUNE 2014, PAGE 2 4. Review and Consider Approval of Bond Allocation Agreement with Vermont Economic Development Authority: Mr. Holt noted 2 minor changes: the full address of the school and the full name of the school. Ms. Riehle moved to approve the Resolution and to empower the City Manager to sign it. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Designate South Burlington Community Library at 540 Dorset Street, Healthy Living Market at 222 Dorset Street, and Hannaford Supermarket at 218 Hannaford Drive as public places for posting meeting agendas in accordance with 1V.S.A.Sec.312(d)(1)(B): Ms. Emery moved to designate the South Burlington Community Library, Healthy Living Market and Hannaford Supermarket (218 Hannaford Drive) as public places for posting meeting agendas in accordance with 1 V.S.A. Sec. 312(d)(1)(B). Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Other Business: Mr. Shaw raised several issues: a. Trash receptacles around town: Members appreciated the efforts of Bernie Paquette to do something about this. Ms. Nowak suggested encouraging businesses to possibly maintain an area. b. Changing of name of Dorset Park: Mr. Shaw noted he received several comments that people’s written verbal comments to Council members weren’t given equal weight with comments from those present at the meeting. Ms. Emery noted this was a sensitive topic and people didn’t want to seem to be against veterans. Ms. Nowak and Ms. Mackenzie said the Council was elected to make decisions, and that is what they did. c. Open Space Fund: Mr. Shaw noted there had been discussion of using up to 5% of Open Space funds for additional maintenance personnel. Mr. Hubbard said the funds are committed for FY15, so they would have to look for other options. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Ms. Emery moved to adjourn. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. ______________________________, Clerk CITY COUNCIL 16 JUNE 2014 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 16 June 2014, at 6:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: P. Mackenzie, Chair; H. Riehle, C. Shaw, M. Emery ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; J. Barlow, City Attorney; D. Rugh, Attorney; J. Rabidoux, Public Works Director; Rep. M. Kupersmith; S. Dooley, R. Greco, M. Lipson, T. Ryan, J. Kochman, S. Quest, L. Bresee, S. Magowan, B. Goldberg, D. Cummings, G. Sproul, B. Melizia 1. Agenda Review: Mr. Shaw asked to postpone item #13 as the position had not been posted. 2. Examination of Premises for the proposed extension of Holmes Road (Town Highway 112) to be held at intersection of Holmes Road and the railroad right-of-way: Ms. Mackenzie advised that City Council members would travel two by two to Holmes Road and meet with the attorney who would lead them through the process. Members then viewed the site of the proposed extension of Holmes Road. No testimony was taken. They returned to City hall at 7:15 p.m. As the necessity hearing had been warned for 7:30, other agenda items were considered until that time. 3. Announcements & City Manager’s Report: Council members reported on meeting and events they had attended. 4. Consent Agenda: a. Sign disbursement b. Approve Minutes from the 2 June 2014 meeting c. Appointment of Assistant Zoning Administrator d. Approval submittal of the GUEP application e. Entertainment Permits: 1. Shelburne Vineyard-special events (2), 28 June and 29 August 2014 2. Chase Away 5K (entertainment) 12 October 2014 3. Magic Hat (6 permits) 4. Magic Hat (outside consumption permit) CITY COUNCIL, 16 JUNE 2014, PAGE 2 Ms. Riehle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Shaw seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Financial Report – May: Mr. Hubbard reported that expenditures are at 83.8% of what was budgeted. Refunds will be coming from ADP due to their error. These will be distributed to various departments. Higher expenses are offset by higher revenues including fire inspection fees which are 200% over budget projections. The painting of City Hall and the repaving of the parking lot and other building work ($76,000) will begin in mid-July. The pension payment was made this month. Merchant’s Bank will allow the city to make an extra months payment of principle only. The city is working with the Dorset Park Skating Association for them to take over their insurance costs. This will save the city about $23,000. Building permits are at 150% of the estimate. Police revenue remains down, although there is a $100,000 reimbursement coming at the end of the year. The city received some FEMA money for the White Street project. This resulted from storm damage during the May and June storms of 2012 and 2013. 6. Necessity Hearing for the proposed extension of Holmes Road (Town Highway 112) to be held at City Hall: The Chair declared the hearing open. Mr. Rugh explained that this is a statutory process related to the extension of Holmes Road across Vermont Railroad property. The hearing will determine whether this is in the public good. Mr. Rabidoux said he had culled from a file going back to June 2011 any documents related to public good and necessity. These establish a time-line of public will for this project to happen and the City Council’s determination that this should happen. He gave the file to the Council. CITY COUNCIL, 16 JUNE 2014, PAGE 3 Rep. Kupersmith said it has been apparent for a long time that there were only 2 possible solutions for homeowners on the other side of the railroad tracks: a private solution with the state for each home involved or a city takeover of the road. Rep. Kupersmith added that a city takeover of the road was the only viable solution and, in her opinion, a perfect solution. Mr. Lipson, Holmes Road resident, thanked the Council for its support. He then reviewed the history as far back as February 2011 when residents were told their deeded rights-of-way were not legal. At least one homeowner could then not sell their home. Insurance companies researched this and sent letters to the state supporting the homeowners; the state said they were wrong. There has been silence from the state from then on. Mr. Lipson said the only solution was for the city to municipalize a portion of the road. He felt that if the city did not act, homeowners might not have been able to sell or refinance their properties. Title insurance companies and banks are also anxious for this to be solved. Mr. Rugh then reviewed the process that will follow this hearing. The city will send out a Notice of Intent to survey the right-of-way. The survey will follow and an opinion of record title will be given. Residents can inspect this survey. The city has 60 days in which to return its Order of Necessity to the City Clerk. This will then go to the Transportation Board in Montpelier for a hearing. When this is approved, the road will be laid out. Ms. Emery asked about liability the city might incur. Mr. Rugh said nothing is changing as of now. This is in a “quiet zone” of the railroad. Maintenance of the crossing is set out, and the state maintains the railway and gates; the city maintains signage and road markings. Ms. Emery then moved to close the hearing. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Comments & Questions from the public not related to Agenda items: Mr. Ryan asked the status of late filing of homestead declarations. Ms. Mackenzie said the City Council has set a 2% penalty. Mr. Ryan felt this was just another way to “grab money” from taxpayers and is not fair. He added that the ones who get hurt are the poorer people who do their own taxes. He also noted that some towns charge a flat $50.00 penalty. 8. Formal Expression of Thanks to the Open Space Committee, receipt of South Burlington Open Space Report, and Conclusion of Committee Service: Ms. Riehle read comments from Cathy LaRose. She noted that the report is available to the public on the city’s website. CITY COUNCIL, 16 JUNE 2014, PAGE 4 9. Update on MS4 Permit: Mr. Rabidoux said this report is a preview for more involved discussion later this summer. He noted that the city has a projected stormwater rate to fund $40,000,000 worth of stormwater work. The city could get involved in the ownership/maintenance of commercial stormwater facilities in any of 3 ways: a. The city could take over ownership and all permitting (the city does not support this) b. The city could remove itself from the equation have the understaffed State Agency of Natural Resources take over commercial stormwater permits (the city does not support this option) c. The city could take over monitoring of commercial waterways. Commercial businesses would have to do maintenance, labor, etc. Staff will work with Attorney Barlow to redraft the ordinance, possibly just removing the words “…residential property only.” The city must tell the state what it will do by 30 September 2014 and must notify property owners by the end of October. Ms. Mackenzie asked what other like-size communities are doing. Mr. Rabidoux said other similar sized communities don’t have a stormwater utility. Mr. Shaw asked if other communities are complying with MS4. Mr. Rabidoux said they are. This includes the Airport and UVM. He noted that with similar problems there is the opportunity for communities and entities to work together on solution. Members favored option #c. 10. Update from Representative to CCTA Board and interview for appointment: Mr. Magowan advised the CCTA is forming an Operations Committee to get more involved in understanding the day-by-day operations (e.g., scheduling, allocation of funds, etc.). This committee will be chaired by the Shelburne representative. Mr. Magowan noted that he voted against having this committee as he felt the charter should have required membership of drivers on the committee instead of only Board members. Mr. Magowan said he is interested in continuing to serve on the CCTA Board. He stressed the need to decide how to fund and support transportation in Vermont communities. Federal money is mostly a year-to-year grant that can’t be counted on. He added that he would love to see CCTA become a jointly administered organ with drivers who do the day-to-day work. This CITY COUNCIL, 16 JUNE 2014, PAGE 5 would take commitment from member communities and some expense to bring in people to build confidence between the two bodies. Ms. Riehle said she has trouble equating the value of CCTA to South Burlington. She had no idea how many of the city’s residents CCTA serves and often sees empty buses driving around. She noted the city has no control over the money it is assessed, and she was not sure it was spent as it should be. Mr. Magowan said he was troubled that the Council hasn’t gotten this information as it is available. He suggested there is value in bringing UMall employees from Burlington to the Mall. It keeps cars off the road. He said there is information as to where people get on and off buses and the numbers of people going to businesses in South Burlington. Mr. Shaw asked about the viability of a gas tax to support CCTA. Mr. Magowan said 8 years ago he would said yes. Now, CCTA is providing service to 6 other counties, and it would be unfair to Chittenden County residents to have to support that. He added that his main question is whether CCTA should be a directly elected authority. He felt that what exists may be a dated model. Members agreed to make an appointment to the CCTA Board after the position is advertised. 11. Consideration of Ordinance Regarding Licensure and Regulation of Circuses, Carnivals and Shows; first reading of draft and consideration of public hearing warning for 21 July 2013 or another date as directed: Mr. Dorn reviewed the history and current process for events in the city. His recommendation is to delegate authority for approval of such events to the City Manager’s office. He noted that sometimes, when time is of the essence, a special City Council meeting is now needed. The new ordinance will enable the city to act more quickly. Ms. Riehle moved to warn a public hearing on Licensure and Regulation of Circuses, Carnivals and Shows for Monday, 21 July 2014, at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 12. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Shaw moved the Council convene as Liquor Control Board. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL, 16 JUNE 2014, PAGE 6 Members considered a First Class Liquor License for TILT, LLC, at 7 Fayette Drive. The owner of the business explained the nature of the business. Mr. Shaw moved to approve the First Class Liquor License for TILT as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Emery moved to reconvene as City Council. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 13. Public Hearing on Report of Committee Task Force: Ms. Mackenzie reviewed the history and invited interested parties to speak. Ms. Dooley said she wasn’t sure the proposed system would enhance volunteerism. She also thought there should be a better name for the proposed Transportation Committee. She suggested tying the 3 committees to chapters in the Comprehensive Plan and also revisiting the number of yearly meetings for those committees. She was concerned with disbanding the Rec Path/Pedestrian Committee and the Energy Committee. She suggested delineating responsibilities for city staff with regard to committees and also attaching minutes of committee meetings to the City Council agenda package and providing them to department heads. Ms. Dooley felt the city might not be as “future-oriented” as it should be, especially with regard to global warming, attracting young families and serving an aging population. Ms. Goldberg said she agreed with most of the proposal. Her one concern was with committees that would have no city staffing. She felt it was important for committees with the city’s endorsement to be served by city staff. Ms. Greco said she agreed with Ms. Dooley. She felt reducing city staff support was important but she wasn’t sure the proposal was “there yet.” She was concerned with losing public enthusiasm and also felt quarterly meetings of the 3 committees wasn’t enough. Mr. Cummings agreed with the need to be more frugal with staff time and also with the need to address transportation, which has no representation today. He was concerned with committees operating outside of the city structure, especially with regard to the application for the Georgetown prize. He proposed that the Energy Committee remain a city committee until 2017; the Committee in turn would minimize the use of city staff as much as possible. Mr. Sproul felt the Recreation/Leisure Arts committee needs a clear mandate. He felt some form of oversight of recreation is important as is the general oversight of parks. He also thought there should be a formalized process for recreation space in new developments. CITY COUNCIL, 16 JUNE 2014, PAGE 7 Ms. Quest said she realizes how hard staff works and cited receiving e-mails sent at midnight. She felt this should not be happening. She agreed with the Energy Committee that they should remain a city staffed committee. Ms. Milizia felt consolidation seemed the natural thing to do. She felt having quarterly meetings seems to eliminate decision making from committees. Following the public comment period, Ms. Emery said she heard the need to reallocate staff time. She felt that moving too hastily would lose something. She also read comments from a resident who felt it was unwise to disband committees that have done well. Ms. Riehle said she agreed with a lot of comments. She is concerned with maintaining the energy and enthusiasm that citizens bring to multiple committees. She added that the city probably doesn’t have enough staff to carry out the city’s vision. Ms. Mackenzie said the most difficult thing is to manage change. She cited the need to continue to honor volunteerism. She suggested consolidating comments and then making some hard choices at a work session. Ms. Dooley suggested soliciting public comment on the web site. 14. Other Business: Mr. Shaw noted the “posted” sign is still on the Underwood property. Mr. Dorn said that will be taken care of. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Ms. Emery moved to adjourn. Ms. Riehle seconded. Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. _______________________________, Clerk 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2015-2024 PUBLIC HEARING July 7, 2014 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the South Burlington City Council will hold a public hearing in the South Burlington City Hall, 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. to obtain public comments regarding the proposed Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2015-2024 (CIP FY 2015-2024) prior to Council action to amend the Capital Improvement Program. The purpose of the Capital Improvement Program is to serve as a fiscal tool to (a) plan for maintenance, replacement, and construction or acquisition of public capital assets; (b) prepare for large public expenditures and create tax rate consistency from year to year; (c) plan for facilities that best meet the needs of the citizens and staff consistent with the City’s fiscal capacity and the Comprehensive Plan; and (d) meet statutory requirements. The Capital Improvement Program is reviewed and amended each year. The proposed CIP FY 2015-2024 includes estimated expenditures and revenues (funding sources) related to the following areas over ten fiscal years: Highway/Parks, Fire Department, Ambulance, Police Department, Recreation and Parks, Recreation Paths, Road and Sidewalk Improvements, Administration, City Center, Water Tower Antenna, Sewer, and Stormwater. The proposed Capital Improvement Program amendment will be available for viewing June 20, 2014 online (www.sburl.com) and in the City Hall in the Clerk’s Office at 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont. Pam Mackenzie, Chair June 18, 2014 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4107 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com To: Kevin Dorn, City Manager From: Ilona Blanchard, Project Director Subject: Public Hearing and Vote on FY15-24 Capital Improvement Program Date: July 7, 2014 Background: A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a tool used to improve coordination in the timing of major projects, plan for capital replacement and future major maintenance costs, and reduce fluctuations in the tax rate. The attached draft CIP reflects the following potential capital expenditures: 1) Forecasted costs related to maintaining South Burlington’s current level of service through refreshing, rebuilding and replacing existing capital equipment and infrastructure including costs such as paving roadways, replacing vehicles and costly items such as cars and emergency apparatus, and upgrades to existing sewer treatment plants. 2) Estimated spending related to building public infrastructure that will result in a new downtown - City Center – including only projects eligible for TIF District financing such as new roadways, streetscapes and bridges, structured parking, parks, municipal facilities, wetland mitigation and stormwater management systems. 3) Projects (generally related to transportation and parks) that are included in impact fee ordinances, requested by committees or the community, or shown in long range plans or studies that improve the level of service such as reconstructing Spear Street, adding sidewalks to Hinesburg Road and expanding recreation fields. A CIP is a road map to guide budget preparation based on an estimate of future projects and costs consistent with current City priorities and fiscal outlook. The CIP incorporates Council priorities; committee recommendations which are solicited annually; adopted plans and ongoing projects; and equipment and facility maintenance, replacement and upgrade needs. As a financial planning tool, the CIP responds to the estimated fiscal capacity for each year going forward. It is not a static document and changes from year to year. The first year (FY15) of the FY15-24 CIP was incorporated into the City’s FY15 budget and has been approved as the FY15 Capital Budget during the City’s vote last March. FY15-24 Capital Improvement Program The Council is required to hold a public hearing prior to the amendment, adoption or repeal of the CIP. In establishing the FY15-24 Capital Improvement Program, the following priorities were used: 1) Maintain existing facilities and support ongoing operations with safe and functional equipment, 2) Develop public infrastructure for City Center, 3) Accommodate committee/department head requests to address gaps in the public infrastructure, 4) Reserve sufficient funds to avoid future spikes in the tax rate. The FY15-24 Capital Improvement Program in years FY16 forward takes any difference due to year over year reduction in debt payments and places this difference into reserve to address anticipated expenditures related to City Center. It also forecasts the need, should the Council move forward on projected City Center projects, to establish impact fees for public facilities, as has occurred with the Police Station. Finally, the CIP also estimates a one- time 2.25 cent increase in the tax rate (1.25 cents of which has already been implemented) the results of which are annually placed in the reserve fund. This CIP also saves up for the City’s largest known vehicle replacement cost –fire trucks. The CIP is structured to takes any difference from a year over year reduction in overall CIP spending and places this in reserve to cover future fire truck replacement costs. This achieves several goals. It functions to create a consistent predictable year-over-year tax rate between FY16-FY23, it eliminates financing costs on these expenditures, and it builds up a reserve of cash within City accounts. Attachments: • A Resolution Amending The Capital Improvement Program For Fiscal Year 2015-2024 • Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2015-2024 Recommendation Listen to comments; review and consider approving the Resolution. Additional Consideration Note that the draft FY16-25 CIP (next year’s) is scheduled to go to the City Council at the beginning of November as part of next year’s budget preparations and will reflect updates to estimated City expenditures. R – 2014 - RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-2024 WHEREAS, the City’s Capital Improvement Program was first adopted October 4, 1993, and amended in 1999, 2001, 2006 and 2014; and, WHEREAS, on June 18, 2012, the Council adopted a policy that required that the City Manager prepare a capital improvement program update annually for review by the City Council; and, WHEREAS, in accordance with 24 V.S.A. 4443, a properly warned hearing has been held and a copy of the proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Program provided to the Planning Commission and City Clerk; and, WHEREAS, the proposed Fiscal Year 2015-2024 Capital Improvement Program has been made available to the public online and in the City Clerk’s Office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council hereby amends the Capital Improvement Program by striking the 2014 amendment in its entirety, and replaces it with the City’s Fiscal Year 2015- 2024 Capital Improvement Program (Exhibit A) attached hereto. APPROVED this _____ day of ______________ , 2014. SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL __________________________________ ________________________________ Pam Mackenzie, Chair Pat Nowak, Vice Chair __________________________________ ________________________________ Meaghan Emery, Clerk Helen Riehle __________________________________ Chris Shaw