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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 07/18/2016 CITY COUNCIL 18 JULY 2016 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 18 July 2016, at 6:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; P. Nowak, T. Chittenden, T. Barritt, M. Emery ALSO PRESENT: T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; I. Blanchard, Project Manager; J. Rabidoux, Public Works Director; D. Greaves, Police Department; L. Krohn, CCRPC; C. Sargent, G. Maille, K. Robison, L. Brakel, S. Dopp 1. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: Mr. Chittenden asked to add a brief item to Other Business regarding municipal trash collection. 2. Consider entering Executive Session to review legal issues associated with the property tax appeals and lawsuit of the City of Burlington/Burlington International Airport against the City of South Burlington where premature disclosure would put the City of South Burlington at a competitive disadvantage: Ms. Emery moved that with regard to legal issues associated with the property tax appeals and lawsuit of the City of Burlington/Burlington International Airport against the City of South Burlington, premature disclosure would put the City of South Burlington at a competitive disadvantage. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Barritt moved that the Council meet in Executive session to review legal issues associated with the property tax appeals and lawsuit of the City of Burlington/Burlington International Airport and to include the Deputy City Manager and attorneys Fletcher and Klesch in the Executive Session. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Council entered Executive Session at 6:35 p.m. and returned to regular session at 7:21 p.m. 3. Comments & Questions from the public not related to the agenda: No issues were raised. 4. Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended. Mr. Hubbard: Reminded members and the public that the Mozart Festival begins this week. Citi Fest will be held at Veterans Park on 6 August, 4-9 p.m. and will end with a fireworks display. Details will be in The Other Paper. 5. Consent Agenda: a. Sign Disbursement b. Approve Minutes for 5 July 2016 Mr. Chittenden noted that on p. 1, the word “committee” should read “community.” Ms. Nowak moved to approve the Consent Agenda as with the correction as noted. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. State of Vermont Hinesburg Road Culvert Replacement review and consider approval for easement documents: Mr. Rabidoux indicated the location of the culvert and said that like many other large culverts in the State it is no longer considered functional. The State is seeking to permit it, since the city owns the land. Documents have been reviewed by legal staff who found no issues with them. Mr. Rabidoux asked the Council to endorse the granting of the easements. The easements have been valued by the State at $3,000, and the State is asking the city to donate them. Mr. Rabidoux added that this is part of a bigger package which will be subject to negotiations. During construction, there will be detours indicated by signage at major inte4rsections. The rec path will be disturbed during construction but will then be fully restored. Ms. Emery moved that the City grant the State of Vermont Bridge Project South Burlington STP SCRP(8) the necessary easements outlined in the quit- claim deed. Mr. Chittenden seconded. The motion then passed unanimously. 7. Presentation of Chamberlin Neighborhood Airport Planning Committee: final report and recommendations: Mr. Conner introduced Carmine Sargent, Chair of the CNAPC and other committee members present: Kim Robison, George Maille, and Linda Brakel. Ms. Sargent said it was an honor to serve and thanked the Council for creating the committee. She hoped it would serve as a model for future city projects. She also thanked Mr. Conner for his guidance and recognized Lee Krohn, “a gift from CCRPC” and consultant Robert Chamberlin. Ms. Sargent said the Committee’s mission was broad and daunting, and they went through turmoil before they finally came together as a group. She also noted that Committee members from the City of Burlington were not as dedicated, and their lack of attendance created quorum problems. She suggested that in the future all appointees to committees by “invested” in the mission. Ms. Sargent noted that neighborhood involvement in the Committee’s work was very important. Three public meetings were held at Chamberlin School including a presentation of the Committee’s final recommendations. The problem of addressing the noise issue was “the elephant in the room,” as it could not be addressed with the consultants due to the nature of the agreement. This led to the creation of a Noise Sub-Committee which will be presenting a separate report. Three sets of recommendations resulted from the Committee’s work. These are divided into short-term (0-3 years completion), medium term (3-7 years completion) and long-term (more than 7 years to complete). Short term projects are not very expensive and getting them done as soon as possible is very important to the community. These include: a. Crosswalks at White Street/Airport Parkway and Patchen Road/Jaycee Park. These could be whimsical crosswalks which could be designed and painted by residents as a summer project (examples were shown) b. Gateway/Welcome Signage: signs should identify specific neighborhoods including Valley Ridge which lacks identification as part of South Burlington. c. On-road bike lanes on White Street, Patchen Road, Airport Drive and Airport Parkway which can serve to slow traffic. Medium projects, which require more effort for funding and planning, include: a. A Williston Road crossing between Kennedy Drive and Hinesburg Road. A potential location was shown. This would include a “safety island.” b. Overland paths and “boardwalk” which would provide easier connections between neighborhoods and create more of a sense of community c. “Pocket Parks” located at vistas near Airport Drive. Long-term projects, which require considerable planning and funding, include: a. Airport Drive Reconstruction to eliminate the cut-through traffic in the neighborhood. There are also noise and safety issues. CCRPC is “on board” with this concept. b. Multi-use trail through the acquisition land. Mr. Conner noted the land is largely owned by the Airport, and there are different avenues through which the city could get use of those lands. Ms. Sargent said the Committee would like a commitment from the city to carry through with the recommendations. There is also the suggestion of a new committee to continue with the work. Mr. Krohn praised the committee and hoped to see some of their vision become reality. He also praised the efforts of RSG in the process. Ms. Robison then presented the report of the Noise Sub-Committee. It was chaired by George Maille and also included Mark Companion and Linda Brakel. Ms. Robison cited the growth of the Airport over a long period of time, and said that people became used to the noise. Then, the “home‐buying” began and people were told it was not good to live there. The report cites the failure of communication with the neighborhood when things were happening. To address issues and concerns, the Sub-Committee made the following recommendations: 1- Participate in FAA Noise Compatibility Program (Mr. Maille noted the opportunity for the city to comment and to “humanize” where the 65 dbl line is drawn) 2- Provide education on the Sound Insulation Program (including conditions related to future sale of a home, etc.) 3- Study health effects of noise and make information available to the community 4- Conduct Noise Monitoring and Assessment, especially in the area of Chamberlin School 5- Develop noise mitigation strategies 6- Conduct land use planning and zoning 7- Develop a community emergency plan (to include the economic impact of declining property values) 8- Form an Airport Noise Advisory Commission to keep people better informed and feeling more secure. Ms. Nowak asked if the Committee met with the Airport Director of his Assistant. Mr. Maille said no, but he did talk with them regarding these issues. Mr. Krohn said the Airport was kept informed every step of the way. Ms. Sargent said they were invited to meetings but did not attend. Mr. Conner noted the Sub-committee put together a chart on all the things they heard regarding noise issues. They identified things that are just South Burlington issues and where authority lies in regard to those issues and what could be dealt with collaboratively. Mr. Maille said the hope is that the Council absorbs this and comes back with plans to keep the momentum going. Council members suggested putting this on the first September agenda. 8. City Center Update: A. Consider and possibly approve agreement between the City of South Burlington and the South Burlington Community Library Board of Trustees regarding the design and construction of a Public Library: Ms. Blanchard reviewed the agreement which includes the following financial provisions: 1. The Library and City will share costs 2. There is TIF funding for some of the City’s portion of the costs 3. The City would own the facility 4. The Library Board of Trustees would approve the Purpose and Need Statement 5. The City Council would make decisions regarding land, contract, bid process 6. The public would be involved in the design process 7. The Library could be adjacent to or share walls, ceiling/floor with another city use 8. Community spaces managed by the Library would be part of the Library 9. Space attached t o and not managed by the Library would not be part of the Library The City would be responsible for 66.67% of the building cost (30% of which is TIF eligible), and the Library would be responsible for 33.33%. The same percentage would apply to furniture costs which are not TIF eligible. The city would be responsible for 100% of land and site work (30% of which is TIF eligible) and 100% of parking (100% of which is TIF eligible, if it is for general public use). Ms. Nowak asked about generating revenue (e.g., rentals). Ms. Riehle said that seems to be something worked out between the two entities. Mr. Barritt the time line for the Library to get its 33.33% share of costs and asked what happens if they don’t. Ms. Blanchard said there would have to be a decision on a source for the needed funding. Members agreed they would like to hear from the Library directly but agreed to act on the agreement as it will begin the researching process. Ms. Emery moved to approve the agreement between the City of South Burlington and the South Burlington Community Library Board of Trustees as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Members agreed to have a Library representative in as soon as possible. Ms. Blanchard then discussed the TIF financing vote. She noted that 2 projects can be built next summer and will need voter approval. The City must incur some debt by March of 2017. This would start the 20-year clock. The State will have to have ballot language by August for an item to appear on the November ballot. The 2 projects under consideration are City Center Park (the Dumont parcel) and potentially Market Street. Ms. Blanchard asked the Council for permission to warn a public hearing on the two projects. Ms. Emery moved to warn a public hearing on TIF articles for City Center Park and Market Street for 15 August 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Consider and possibly approve resolution related to the Chittenden County Regional Planning commission Regional Dispatch Implementation report: Mr. Hubbard explained that 10 communities are involved in discussions regarding regionalizing certain services. This particular resolution related to a potential Regional Dispatch Center. The resolution commits the city to up to $5,000 for a study which will include potential savings. It does not commit the city to anything beyond the study. Officer Greaves, representing the South Burlington Police Department, expressed concern that the study was concerned with “how” rather than “should.” He also felt the people who do the work should be involved in the process, not only the Chiefs. He cited potential “losses” when you regionalize, especially “personalization” and said that previous attempts to centralize dispatching had not been successful. Ms. Riehle said some of the things to be studied would answer the “should” question as well as the “how.” Officer Greaves said the resolution doesn’t list the negatives including “local knowledge.” Ms. Nowak suggested adding those areas in a letter to the CCRPC and asking that they also be included in the study. Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the resolution as presented. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 10. Liquor Control Board: Mr. Barritt moved that the Council meet as Liquor Control Board. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Members considered the following applications: a. Vermont National Golf Club (second class license) b. Sugarhouse Grill (outside consumption) Ms. Emery moved to approve the second class license for Vermont National Golf Club and the outside consumption permit for Sugarhouse Grill as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Emery moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Other Business: Mr. Chittenden suggested that with Legislative Bills 146 and 148 coming on line soon the Council consider the question of a potential municipal trash collection system. Ms. Nowak said she received several calls regarding emergency equipment and training the city needs and may not have. She suggested asking the Chief in to clear the air on this. Mr. Hubbard noted that both the Police and Fire Chiefs will be at the next meeting. Mr. Barritt noted that the Planning Commission had passed an LDR regarding compliance with the State’s Stretch Energy Code. He asked who is checking to be sure this is happening. New buildings will be coming on line, and he wanted to be sure this compliance is happening. Mr. Barritt also raised the question of outdoor fire pits in densely populated neighborhoods and cited a potential issue of smoke going in various directions. 12. Consider entering Executive Session to discuss appointments to South Burlington Committees, Boards and Commissions: Ms. Emery moved that the Council meet in Executive Session to discuss appointments to South Burlington Committees, Boards and Commissions. Ms. Nowak seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 13. Consider appointments to South Burlington Committees, Boards and Commissions: The Council made appointments to Committees, Boards and Commissions based on discussions held in executive session. Applicants will be notified of the Council’s decisions. As there was no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 p.m. Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. South Burlington Water Dept. Accounts Payable Check Register Date: 07/19/16 Date Check No. Paid To Memo Amount Paid 7/19/2016 3026 South Burlington Ace 13.98 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/6/2016 VI-14037 792540/3 13.98 13.98 7/19/2016 3027 Aldrich & Elliott, PC 3,175.28 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/29/2016 VI-14028 76358 1,184.55 1,184.55 6/29/2016 VI-14034 76346 1,990.73 1,990.73 7/19/2016 3028 E.J. Prescott, Inc. 92.23 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/28/2016 VI-14029 5104633 58.75 58.75 6/28/2016 VI-14030 5104916 22.17 22.17 7/7/2016 VI-14036 5108986 11.31 11.31 7/19/2016 3029 City Of So. Burlington 26,479.34 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 6/30/2016 VI-14033 DEBT 23,488.84 23,488.84 6/30/2016 VI-14035 VLCT-2ND QTR 2016 1,495.25 1,495.25 6/30/2016 VI-14038 VLCT - 3RD QTR 2016 1,495.25 1,495.25 7/19/2016 3030 City Of South Burlington 299,828.92 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/8/2016 VI-14032 JUNE SEWER 299,828.92 299,828.92 7/19/2016 3031 City Of South Burlington 161,026.05 Date Voucher Number Reference Voucher Total Amount Paid 7/8/2016 VI-14031 JUNE STORMWATER 161,026.05 161,026.05 Total Amount Paid: 490,615.80 SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Printed: July 14, 2016 Page 1 of 1 CITY COUNCIL     5 JULY 2016    The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 5 July 2016, at 7:00  p.m., in the Community Room of the Police Station, 19 Gregory Drive.  MEMBERS PRESENT:  H. Riehle, Chair; P. Nowak, T. Barritt  ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; B. Nowak   1. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items:  Mr. Dorn asked to add 2 brief items to Other Business.  2. Comments & Questions from the public not related to the agenda:  No issues were raised.  3. Announcements and City Manager’s Report:  Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended.  Mr. Dorn:   Received word from Justin Rabidoux that they are very close to a settlement  with Village at Dorset Park in the stormwater issue.  4. Consent Agenda:  a. Sign Disbursement  b. Approve Minutes for 13 June, 20 June, and 22 June 2016  Mr. Barritt moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.  Ms. Nowak seconded.   Motion passed 3‐0.  5. Council Discussion Regarding Allegation of Violation of Vermont Open Meeting  Law by the Council:  Mr. Dorn noted that the Council Chair had received a complaint from a citizen of another  committee alleging that the South Burlington City Council had violated the Vermont Open  Meeting Law when three or more Council Members attended a briefing by the Vermont Air  National Guard on 22 July 2016.  This complaint was later profiled in a Burlington Free Press  article.  Mr. Dorn said that the public had previously been noticed by the City in its weekly  posting of meetings and activities, as is the protocol, that 3 or more Council members could be  attending the briefing in response to an invitation from the Air Guard.  Mr. Dorn then explained  that the presence of 3 or more Councilors in the same location does not, in itself, constitute a  public meeting of the Council.  For such a meeting to occur, business of the Council must be   CITY COUNCIL  5 JULY 2016  PAGE 2    discussed or an action taken.  No business of the Council was discussed at the Guard event, and  no Council action was taken.  Therefore, there was, by definition, no violation of the Vermont  Open Meeting Law, and the allegation has no merit.  Ms. Nowak asked how to avoid having this issue come up time and time again.  Mr. Dorn said  the best way is to not have 3 or more Councilors in a room.  However, there are times when the  City Council goes to a meeting/event to learn about an issue.  Not to be able to do this would  mean Councilors were not doing their job.  Mr. Dorn said the law is very clear that when 3 or  more Councilors are in the same location, they should avoid discussing any city business.  They  would not then be in violation of the Open Meeting Law.  6. Set Municipal Tax Rate and Establish Dates for Tax Payments for FY17:  Mr. Hubbard noted that the City Assessor had projected the Grand List in December and then  went out in April to actually check “what is in the ground.”  He then finalizes the Grand List on  30 June.  Mr. Hubbard also noted that in the 3 years he has been doing this, it has been possible  to lower the tax rate a little bit.  For this budget, the tax rate will go from the projected .4737 to  .4731 as the grand list came in about $41,000 higher than the projection.  Mr. Barritt asked about a report in the paper that some properties were reassessed.  Mr.  Hubbard explained that these properties are in newer developments that have been built  within the past few years.  Ms. Nowak then moved to set the tax rate at $0.4731 for fiscal year 2017 and that tax payment  due dates be 15 August 2016, 15 November 2016, and 15 March 2017.  Mr. Barritt seconded.   Motion passed 3‐0.  Mr. Hubbard said tax bills will probably go out on 11 July.  7. Consider and Act Upon T D Bank, N.A., Capital Improvement Financing Loan  Documents:  Mr. Dorn explained that this is a $1,125,000 loan for 10 years for open space enhancements.   The rate is 2.15%, which may go down slightly.  He directed attention to the commitment letter  from the Bank with the terms and conditions.  The money will be transferred sometime next  week.  The first payment will be due next July.    CITY COUNCIL  5 JULY 2016  PAGE 3    Ms. Nowak stressed that the money to pay for this loan is coming from the ½ cent approved by  voters.  Mr. Hubbard said that money will go into a special fund and the money raised by the ½  cent will go directly back to T D Bank.  Mr. Barritt moved to approve the resolution and all other pertinent documents associated with  procuring a $1,125,000 loan from TD Bank, NA, to be used to fund a variety of maintenance  projects and enhancements to open spaces.  Ms. Nowak seconded.  The motion passed 3‐0.  8. Liquor Control Board:  All Ranks Club (Club 356) – First Class  Mr. Barritt moved the Council convene as Liquor Control Board.  Ms. Nowak seconded.  Motion  passed 3‐0.  Ms. Riehle noted that the application is now complete.  Mr. Barritt moved to approve the First Class Liquor License for All Ranks Club (Club 356) as  presented.  Ms. Nowak seconded.  Motion passed 3‐0.  Ms. Nowak moved to reconvene as City Council.  Mr. Barritt seconded.  Motion passed 3‐0.  9. Other Business:  A. Items Held from Consent Agenda  No items were held.  B. Other:    Mr. Dorn drew attention to a document from the Chittenden County Regional Planning  Commission which will be brought to the Council for consideration at its next meeting.  This  involves the potential for a regional dispatch center.  The Legislature paved the way for this to  happen.  Mr. Dorn said there is consensus among most town managers and police chiefs that a  regional system will be best for the area.  The action will be for a study as to how to accomplish  this.    Mr. Dorn also noted that he and Mr. Hubbard have been talking with Winooski Valley Park  District people regarding having them manage some of the city’s open space passive areas.    CITY COUNCIL  5 JULY 2016  PAGE 4    They may be doing this for other communities as well.  Mr. Dorn noted South Burlington  already pays the Park District an annual fee.  This would have the potential for them to manage  more directly such areas as Wheeler Nature Park, Red Rocks Park, etc.  The city would continue  to manage the active recreation areas (ballfields, etc.).    Ms. Nowak felt this was a logical step as the city has acquired more land and has only a certain  number of staff to maintain that land.  Mr. Dorn said the city does not now have the staff to  maintain all of those areas.     As there was no further business to come before the Council, Ms. Nowak moved to adjourn.   Mr. Barritt seconded.  Motion passed 3‐0.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:50  p.m.         ________________________________       Clerk     575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com MEMORANDUM TO: Kevin Dorn, City Manager South Burlington City Council FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning SUBJECT: Chamberlin Neighborhood-Airport Planning Committee Final Reports DATE: July 18, 2016 City Council meeting We are pleased to submit the final reports of the Chamberlin Neighborhood-Airport Planning Committee (CNAPC), approved on June 16th of this year. From April 2015 through last month, the CNAPC and its noise subcommittee met a total of 22 times and held three public forums. Many of the members also participated in community meetings affecting the neighborhood, including a public presentation by the Airport on the (then draft) updated noise contours, the Airport’s first public workshop on its draft Re-Use Plan, and the School District’s public meeting at Chamberlin Elementary on potential alternatives for schools in the community. This project would not have been possible without the dedication of the volunteers in the community, our tremendous partner from Day 1 - the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission – and the dedicated work of Resource Systems Group (RSG) and its team. Below are links to the two final reports from the Committee (found at www.sburl.com/planning): • Chamberlin Neighborhood Land and Transportation Plan • Final Report of the Chamberlin Neighborhood-Airport Planning Noise Subcommittee Each contains a detailed list of recommendations for next steps in the community. Staff, next week, will be providing relevant portions of the reports to responsible parties within the City, including: • Capital project recommendations to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, Recreation & Parks Committee, Department of Public Works, and Recreation & Parks Department; • Programmatic recommendations to the Recreation & Parks Committee • Land use policy recommendations to the Planning Commission • Others as appropriate At Monday’s meeting, members of the CNAPC will present the findings from the report and be on hand for any questions / discussion the Council may have. Action: Staff recommends that the Council formally accept the final reports and, if appropriate, consider scheduling a future meeting for a more detailed discussion of the reports’ recommendations.