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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/18/2024 south,'urlington VERMONT CITY COUNCIL 18 MARCH 2024 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 18 March 2024, at 6:30 p.m., in the Auditorium, 180 Market Street, and by Go to Meeting remote participation. MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Barritt, Chair; A. Chalnick, E. Fitzgerald, M. Scanlan, L. Smith ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; Chief S. Locke, Deputy City Manager; C. McNeil, City Attorney; J. Pellerin, Deputy City Attorney; Chief S. Burke, Police Department; T. Francis, Deputy Fire Chief; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; E. Quallen, Deputy Director of Public Works; D. Peters, M. Rorabaugh, Stormwater Superintendent; D. Goodman, L. Bresee, L. Yankowski, R. Doyle 1. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of technology option: Ms. Baker provided instructions on the emergency exits from the building and reviewed technology options. • Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items: Ms. Fitzgerald asked for an overview of the proposed easement on Williston Road which is on the next School Board agenda. Members agreed to add this prior to the Police Chief's presentation. • Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda: There were no comments or questions. • Announcements, councilors reports from committee assignments and City Manager's Report: Council members reported on recent meetings and events they had attended. Ms. Baker: Thanked Senator Welch for his visit this week Early voting has opened for the second vote on the school budget. The Rental Registry Ordinance is in place. People can go online to register their properties. Animal registrations are due by 1 April. PAGE 1 There are a number of programs being presented by the Library and Recreation and Parks. The city has coordinated with GMT for transportation to various city events including the summer "Night Out" series. An improved water service has been installed at Jaycee Park. Tours of City facilities are available to Council members. Ms. Baker will coordinate these via email. • Consent Agenda: • Approve and Sign Disbursements • Approve Minutes from 29 January 2024, 5 February 2024 and 20 February 2024 • Receive February financial statements • Approve accepting stormwater permit 3153-9050 under the City's MS4 permit to provide coverage for the Stone House Village Home-owners'Association and the Stone House Village Carriage House Homeowners'Association • Accept easements for the construction and maintenance of the Dorset St. shared Use Path between Old Cross Road and Sadie Lane & associated drainage and utility infrastructure Mr. Chalnick asked the reasoning for the city to maintain stormwater facilities in neighborhoods. Ms. Rorabaugh explained that this was how the utility was sold to the neighborhoods. Ms. Baker added that the city accepts them if built to standards. She noted that at the next meeting there will be an orientation to Public Works. • Introduce Jared Pellerin, Deputy City Attorney: Ms. Baker noted that Mr. Pellerin had been acting City Attorney in Burlington and brings years of experience there, from the City of Albany, and the State Assembly of New York. She also thanked Mr. McNeil for "holding down the fort" for a number of months. Mr. Pellerin said he can already feel the energy within Ms. Baker's team and is excited to get to work. • Response to request—Williston Road Streetscape Right of Way Ms. Baker said she and Ms. Blanchard will be attending the School Board meeting on Wednesday to discuss the right of way needed from the School District to achieve the Williston Road Streetscape Improvement project. The project was part of the last bond vote for the TIF. She showed a plan including the 10 feet of right-of-way that will be needed for the protected path. There is no cost to the School District. The request on Wednesday is to allow the attorneys to talk. Ms. Baker also showed and overview of the plan and the entire loop around City Center. She said there are 40-50 right-of-way agreements in discussion related to city-wide projects. • Council Orientation: Public Safety (Police and Fire): CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 2 Chief Burke showed the organization chart of the Police Department including the Community Justice Center. Patrol is the largest group which is run on a 12-hour schedule. The Police Department answers about 12,000 calls for service each year. There are 7 full-time dispatchers (for Police, Fire and Ambulance). There are 2 additional detectives, one who is assigned to CUSI (which focuses on sexual assault and serious child abuse) and one who is assigned to the State Drug Task Force. There is also a State-funded position Human Trafficking Case Manager. Chief Burke then showed a chart regarding recruitment and retention of staff and cited recruitment issues. Two officers have left in 2024. There are 4 potential candidates for the August class at the Police Academy. The Chief noted that the Department is doing less discretionary work and is mainly responding to calls. He showed a graph of unmet social service needs and noted the growth in the number of these calls (1003 in 2023). Chief Burke then showed a chart of prevailing crime trends. Retail theft is at the top of the list followed by larceny and stolen cars. The Chief urged people to keep their cars locked and not to leave tempting stuff on the seats. These crimes have a high recidivism rate over a small number of people. The Chief then showed a photo of the new dispatch center set-up including 4 full-service terminals, computer aided dispatch, video integration, and ergonomically friendly furniture. He stressed the importance of the "calming voices" in dispatch. The center handled 16,000 calls in FY23 and can handle several calls at one time. He also explained the 12-14-week training program for dispatchers. Emerging issues include the need to meet the demands of a diversifying city. The Chief noted that the delta between population and incident volume is at a saturation point. Mr. Scanlan asked what the city can do to get full staffing and what full staffing would mean to the community. Chief Burke said they would be able to do more work in curbing retail theft by being proactive. He noted that when there was a Police presence at the U-Mall during the holiday season, retail theft was down. They could also use more officers on the patrol teams, especially the day shift. Overall, this would allow for more proactive crime prevention work by the police force. He also said an officer could be assigned to better serve youth in our community, especially as we see more youth living in our evolving dense housing areas. Chief Burke noted they now have a new initiative with targeted ads for new recruits (pop-up ads and social media) in areas where they can find diversity in recruitment. He also noted they would have to consider where salaries have gone. Mr. Smith asked what the Council can do. Chief Burke said, "community support is relentless." He said he "works the room" wherever he goes. He stressed that the level of community support if very appealing to candidates. Housing is also an issue. Some officers would have to leave the city and even the county to find housing. Ms. Baker cited the culture change that Chief Burke has led. She added that one recruitment CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 3 challenge is that the city does not diminish its requirement for quality officers. Chief Burke then outlined the steps needed to become a Police Officer. Ms. Fitzgerald asked 3 questions: how the Council can help move regionalization efforts forward, whether there is on-line reporting of minor incidents by the community, and whether there is opportunity for alternative training/certification programs for policing that might recognize cultural sensitivities. Chief Burke said there had been momentum for regionalization of dispatch, but one community dropped out because of the cost. He didn't think a regional policing model would work because policing in Chittenden County is a little more "intimate," and they are now dealing with distrust of policing. He cited the need to build relationships. There is talk of an alternate Police Academy, possibly a non-residential training model. The Chief also noted that language is a barrier to diversified policing, and it can take to the second or third generation Americans to overcome that barrier. The Chief said sometimes on-line reporting is efficient, but he would rather not get to that model. Chief Burke then showed a slide of 21st Century Policing which includes building trust, policy/oversight, technology and social media, community policing and crime reduction, training and education, and officer wellness and safety. The Chief stressed that the South Burlington Police Department has a special relationship with the community. The best trained officers tend not to overreact on the street. The Chief also explained the use of body cameras and the support given to officers for wellness and safety. He noted that this is a particularly young Police force, and the department is doing some leadership training at all levels. Mr. Chalnick suggested a public forum to stress that people are safe in the city and that crimes against people are not prevalent. Chief Burke said there is very little "stranger" problem. Most victims are known to their assailant and usually involve drugs and/or domestic situations. However,there is evidence that people don't feel safe. The Chief urged people to call the Police if they see something troubling. He thought a public forum was a good idea. Chief Locke then presented the Fire Department organization chart. There are 36 people assigned to rotating shifts, 24 hours on/48 hours off. There is a minimum of 8 firefighters per shift. In July, this will change to a 10-member minimum per shift with the full implementation of the second ambulance. The Chief noted that 16 of the current Firefighters have fewer than 2 years of experience, 20 have fewer than 5 years. Firefighters respond on a 2-tier system. Every medical call gets a fire truck with an ambulance. Dispatch automatically sends the closest unit. All staff must be a minimum EMT. The majority of South Burlington Firefighters are Advanced EMTs. There are 10 who are full paramedics with 4 more currently in school for this advancement. Recent focus has been to increase the number of paramedics. Chief Lock explained that the second ambulance was needed as 23% of their calls did not have a city ambulance available. This increased response time, which can be critical. They also had to rely on other communities for service, which decreased the availability in those CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 4 communities. The Chief then cited the work of the Prevention Division. They review building plans and inspect all public buildings. The Electrical Inspector responds for permitting and inspection of all properties except single family homes. The new Rental Registry will fall under this division. Fire Department revenue for FY24 was $1,402,000 from permit inspections. Chief Locke cited the 59% increase in call volume in the past 10 years. Mr. Smith asked if this is a result of increased population. Chief Locke said the call volume is greater than the population increase. It includes visitors and people traveling through the city. He stressed that Police cars and ambulances are now "the social workers of the city." Chief Locke then explained the relationship with the Air Guard Fire Department. They have first response for most commercial buildings around the Airport and are a vital element in the system. The South Burlington Fire Department trains with the Guard's Department. The Air Guard represents 15% of call volume. Emerging issues include: replacement of staff(with retirements), recruitment, maintenance of facilities,training opportunities, dedicated Shift Commander, implementation of the Rental Registry and associated inspections, behavioral health and substance abuse impact (the "revolving door" of patients). Mr. Chalnick asked whether the city is reimbursed for calls to another community. Chief Locke said they bill the patient. Mr. Scanlan asked what the cost would be if the Air Guard Fire Department was not available. Chief Locke said they would need another station with 9 Firefighters. The approximate cost for staff alone would be $1,500,000 to $2,000,000. The Air Guard runs about 1000 incidents a year "off base" in South Burlington, Winooski, and Colchester. • Receive a presentation of the Equity in Planning effort: Mr. Conner said the Planning Department is kicking off an exciting program. It is funded by a Municipal Planning Grant, and the project is identified in the City's FY24 Policies and Priorities. A number of actions in the City Plan speak to the diversity of the population. Civic Brand has been hired to develop a tool kit that is equitable from the beginning. There will also be an advisory group. There will be an on-line survey and focus groups hosted by a community person in the neighborhood. The project will be identifying "personas" in the community to craft the city's public engagement strategies. The purpose of the project is to get different viewpoints that ultimately make the community stronger. A key to success will be a commitment from the city leadership and the City Council to use what is learned. Ms. Fitzgerald asked if there is data on the City Plan process of the number of unique community members who participated. Mr. Conner said there is some information on that. CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 5 He noted that the cross-section of people they get for projects is not the same for all projects, but also have come to realize it is not just about more people participating, but about capturing the variety of viewpoints that exist in the community. Mr. Scanlan applauded the initiative. He noted this effort is important in trying to catch the perspective of the vast majority of the population that don't vote or participate in the process. As he heard on the campaign trail there is no shortage of views, but most people put down their lack of engagement too being too busy, especially as most events are in the evening, or just being overwhelmed by the complicated nature of the issues. Mr. Scanlan said it was important for the City Council to hear these voices as ultimately the Council serves all residents. Ms. Baker underscored that folks need to feel that their voices are being heard and considered in the policy decisions of the Council or actions of the City. If this initiative was to be a success, it was up to the Council and the City Departments to be sure that was the case, Mr. Coleman noted that when communities went from Town Meeting to Australian Ballot, public participation went down. • Discussion of community engagement including current efforts, Councilor's Corner and other ideas: Members signed up to do the Councilor's Corner column as follows: March — Mr. Barritt April — Mr. Chalnick May— Mr. Scanlan June— Mr. Smith July— Ms. Fitzgerald Mr. Chalnick suggested putting the Council and other agendas on Front Porch Forum. Mr. Smith suggested having neighborhood forums. He is also considering inviting people from different corners of the city to be his Councilor's Advisory Group. He envisions monthly or so meetings to ensure he gets regular input from folks with different perspectives. Mr. Scanlan suggested that the Councilors could take turns making themselves available to such a group, and then report back to the City Council. This approach would ensure the entire City Council benefits from the varied perspectives, and in turn help inform the Council's policy decisions. Ms. Fitzgerald suggested inviting people to a listening session in neighborhoods on Saturday mornings, similarly to what a few of our legislators have done. A couple of Councilors could participate at a time, with meetings rotating neighborhoods. Mr. Chalnick suggested meeting one day a month to invite people to come and talk with the Council. Mr. Smith asked if he has to be careful of what he is saying. Ms. Baker said the expectation is CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 6 that you are talking to people all the time, wherever that is happening. It is fine to solicit feedback. Mr. McNeil said the way to represent people is to talk to them and listen to them. If there is no conflict of interest that is OK. Mr. Barritt added that the more people they reach who don't normally come to meetings, the better. Mr. Chalnick shared his interest in writing a newsletter educating people on climate change, and the City Plan's approach to addressing it. Mr. Smith suggested forming a "Climate Champions" committee. Ms. Fitzgerald brought up concerns of Councilors positioning themselves as experts on specific matters and presenting information on behalf of the Council to the community. Ms. Fitzgerald said there was a unique opportunity with the Steering Committee to hold these meetings in neighborhoods, particularly at school locations. She noted this had been happening, but they got away from it. Mr. Coleman reminded members that they can't have a quorum present without warning the meeting/event. • Discussion of Committee Structure and appointment of Council Liaisons to Committees: Ms. Baker noted the Council establishes policy committees and can change this at any time. They could change the structure of committees to align with the City Plan. She noted one question is how they are leveraging volunteers and staff to accomplish goals. Mr. Smith suggested combining the Bike/Ped and Recreation/Parks Committees into an Active Transportation Committee. He also saw benefits in creating a Transportation Committee to reduce single occupancy car usage in the City's efforts to address climate change. He also suggested a Community Engagement Committee and Climate Champions Committee. Mr. Barritt stressed that there is an issue of staff time. He would be OK with combining committees but not with adding more committees. Mr. Chalnick agreed there was a lot of overlap, and supported efforts to consolidate committees. Mr. Scanlan suggested perhaps consolidating committees along thematic lines. Consolidation would increase the focus and help ensure that our limited personnel resources are not overstretched. Mr. Doyle said he has attended most city committees and felt there was often confusion within the committees as to their mission. He also noted that agendas were, at times, not CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 7 posted. Members then discussed Council liaisons to city committees as follows. Affordable Housing — Ms. Fitzgerald Bike/Ped — Mr. Scanlan City Charter— Ms. Fitzgerald Common Area for Dogs— Mr. Barritt Recreation/Parks— Mr. Smith Economic Development— Mr. Chalnick Planning Commission — Mr. Barritt Energy— Mr. Chalnick Housing Trust Fund — Ms. Fitzgerald Natural Resources— Mr. Smith Pension — Mr. Barritt Public Art— Mr. Barritt Airport Commission — Ms. Riehle with Mr. Scanlan as alternate Town Meeting TV— Ms. Emery with Ms. Fitzgerald as alternate GMT— Mr. Scanlan with Mr. Barritt as alternate CCRPC— Ms. Emery with Mr. Scanlan as alternate CC Communications — Mr. Barritt with Mr. Smith as alternate Safe Routes to School — Mr. Chalnick These appointments will be on the next Consent Agenda. Mr. Doyle cited the issue of Councilors who pushed their own "agendas" at committee meetings, noting that this became an issue at the City Charter Committee. • Discussion of Possible Adoption of FY25 Policy Priorities and Strategies process: Ms. Baker reviewed the history and said priorities and strategies will be aligned with the new City Plan. A date for the retreat will be coordinated. Members felt early June would work for them. Mr. Smith moved to keep the same format. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. • Convene as South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to consider: Kinney Drugs#55, Second Class License: Mr. Scanlan moved to convene as the Liquor Control Commission. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Smith moved to approve the Second-Class License for Kinney Drugs#55 as presented. Mr. Scanlan seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Scanlan moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 8 • Other Business: No other business was presented. • Consider entering an executive session for the purposes of discussing pending and probable civil litigation to which the City is a party and to receive confidential attorney client communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the City Council: Mr. Scanlan moved that the Council make a specific finding that premature general public knowledge of the Council's discussion of Pending or Probable Civil Litigation to which the City is a party and confidential attorney-client communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Council would clearly place the public body at a substantial disadvantage. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Scanlan then moved that the Council enter into an executive session under 1 V.S.A. Section 313(a)(1)(E) and (F) for the purpose of discussing Pending or Probable Civil Litigation to which the City is a Party and Confidential Attorney-Client Communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Council, and inviting into the session Ms. Baker, Chief Locke, Mr. Pellerin and Mr. McNeil. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Smith noted that he is an appellant in one of the civil actions and will recuse himself and leave the session when that item is discussed. Following the Executive Session, as there was no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Scanlan moved to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded;the motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:58 p.m. CITY COUNCIL18 MARCH 2024 PAGE 9