HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - City Council - 06/19/2024
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DRAFT MINUTES
CITY COUNCILPOLICIES AND PRIORITIES RETREAT
19 JUNE 2024
The South Burlington City Council held the annual Policy Priorities and Strategies
Retreat on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at 8:30 a.m., in the Community Room, 180
Market Street.
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 and
Fire Chief; C. McNeil, City Attorney; J. Pellerin, Deputy City Attorney; S. Burke,
Police Chief; H. Rees, City Clerk; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; T.
DiPietro, Director of Public Works; D. Brayton, Director of Human Resources; M.
Machar, Finance Director; I. Blanchard, Director of Community Development; A.
Matth, Recreation and Parks Director; J. Murray, Library Director; N. Gingrow, IT
Director; E. Quallen, Public Works Deputy Director for Capital Projects; A. Lalonde,
J. Bossange, M. Mittag, R. Gonda, F. MacDonald, D. Peters, J. Chaulot
1. Welcome, Introductions and Overview of Process:
Mr. Barritt convened the meeting and explained the history of Juneteenth and its
specific relationship to Vermont and New York.
Council and Leadership Team members then introduced themselves and indicated
their length of service to the city and their years of expertise in their fields.
Ms. Baker noted this is the fourth time the Council and the Leadership Team have
done this process together to be sure Leadership Team is implementing the
Council’s priorities. She reminded people that the Council’s role is to bring its
experience and listen to the community and to professional experts. The
Leadership Team’s role is to provide its expertise and to implement Council’s
identified policies. Ms. Baker stressed that this process is about strategic change,
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not about core municipal government and the day to day service provision of the
City.
Ms. Baker noted that this year, the process will be aligned with City Plan 2024, and
the Council and the Leadership Team must use that plan to guide its work over
the next 8 years.
Ms. Baker stressed that the main thing is to maintain the community’s trust.
The City Council’s role is to establish policy and to provide the financial resources
to carry out that policy. The role of the Leadership Team is to use its professional
expertise to implement the policy and to identify the implications of the policy.
Ms. Baker noted that one important element in South Burlington is the concept of
service. There are over 130 people who volunteer to serve the community on
boards or committees.
Ms. Baker then noted the charts posted around the room indicating the policy
recommendations of the Council and the Leadership Team for the coming fiscal
year. The Council will be asked to identify its priorities and those ideas they do
not wish to address.
Members of the public were then invited to briefly state any priorities they would
wish the Council and the Leadership Team to address:
Ms. Lalonde: Reminded members that the City Charter Committee had
unanimously recommended increasing the Council membership to 7 members.
She urged the Council to act on that recommendation, noting that in recent years
the city’s population has doubled but representation on the City Council has
remained static.
Mr. Bossange: The Natural Resources Committee on which he serves is
passionate about tree preservation to prevent the destruction of landscape. They
have done the research and put together language for a Tree Ordinance which is
now in the hands of City staff. He urged it quick passage which, he said, would
allow for both development and tree preservation.
Mr. Gonda: Provided information on the difference between gas-powered and
electric-powered lawn care machinery, specifically the amounts of carbon dioxide,
nitrous oxide and other toxins released into the atmosphere by gas-powered
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machinery. He suggested the city bond for funds to rebate a portion of the cost to
people who change from gas to electric-powered lawn machinery. He also
suggested allowing rabbit husbandry which provides good meat and doesn’t
wake up the neighbors.
Mr. MacDonald: Urged the development of a growth management plan and
strengthening of the Noise Ordinance (including banning small gas engines). He
also favored a plan for City-owned property that would not allow the use of toxic
chemicals. He noted that all of the City’s streams are impaired, partly due to the
use of pesticides.
Mr. Chaulot: Cited the benefits of preserving trees and urged passage of the Tree
Ordinance. He favored minimizing the number of trees removed from
development sites.
Ms. Peters: Urged the Council and staff to be very clear with regard to a “growth
management plan” vs. an “economic development plan.” She said it is far more
complicated than it looks.
Dr. Zigmund: She cautioned against the over-mulching of trees which, she said,
shortens their lifespan. She also urged updating the City’s Noise Ordinance. She
supported a “village green” in City Center and said there is too much concrete
now. She also noted that aircraft are burning leaded fuel which causes neurologic
damage to children which is why it was banned in cars.
Ms. Bramwell (not present): Mr. Smith noted Ms. Bramwell urged doing
something to make signalized crosswalks safer.
Ms. Baker suggested that in future processes, if the Council is interested, there be
a more intention public comment period at a time other than a weekday morning.
Ms. Baker then gave City Councilors color coded dots to place on the charts of
policy recommendations indicating their preferences for “high priorities,” “maybe
items,” and “eliminate items.” She noted that the charts indicate what is needed
from the Council in order to make an item happen, including funding and the
relationship to City Plan 2024. A “project lead” has also been added, and Ms.
Baker noted that in most cases this involves a combination of City departments.
Staff prioritization is also shown.
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Ms. Baker asked Council members to think about the following in making its
choices:
a. The already existing alignment between the City Council and Leadership
Team
b. Staff capacity
c. City Council meeting capacity
d. The return on the time invested and whether this choice will make the
biggest change in the community
e. What is the right organization (municipal government, partner
organization) to do an item
f. With new priorities, what is coming off the list.
Members then reviewed the charts and placed their “dots.”
When the group reconvened, Mr. Chalnick suggested that any item that received
only 2 green (“go-ahead”) dots be placed on a future Council agenda to discuss.
Mr. Scanlan noted he had put 2 dots on the Community College item because
they are doing a lot of work regarding equity issues.
It was noted that there were 3 green dots beside the item to increase the City
Council membership. There were also 3 green dots beside the item to discuss the
naming of public spaces.
Mr. Chalnick said there should be some “payback information” given to landlords
when they are required to do upgrades. Ms. Baker suggested the City balance
regulatory tools and incentivizing tools.
Mr. Chalnick also noted there are 2 sets of regulations that regarding noise, and
sometimes they are in conflict. He felt the regulations should be put together with
clear standards. One thing that is missing is “daytime noise” in residential areas
which is creating a lot of community reaction. Ms. Baker said that is when the
most construction work is done, and regulations would be hard to enforce. Mr.
Conner said there have been examples of very loud construction noise, and it
would be hard to determine what is “acceptable.” Mr. Barrit noted the success in
getting trash trucks out of residential areas before 7 a.m. He added there will
always be construction noise.
Mr. Smith said the impact of noise on health is becoming known. He added that
there is an expert in Montpelier on this subject. He felt the enforcement team
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needs to be given better enforcement tools. Chief Burke said construction is most
often for a permitted city project. The Police Department prioritizes its calls, and
he warned against using police power to regulate this kind of noise.
Tree preservation received 3 “green” votes. Mr. Barritt said it would be nice to
change people’s view that their lawns should be “golf course quality” in favor of
something better for the environment. Mr. Chalnick said the City could and
should have a policy on this for City-owned property. This received 2 votes and
will go to a future Council agenda.
Updating fire safety ordinances received 2 “maybe” (yellow) dots. Ms. Fitzgerald
and Mr. Chalnick said they did not know enough about this. Chief Locke said it is
time the Ordinance was updates, especially with regard to electrical work in
single-family homes (which is not done now). In addition, the fees do not cover
the costs. Mr. Barritt noted that single-family homes are built with no electrical
inspection at all, and that is bad. Chief Locke said the big issue is getting it on the
Council schedule. He added that he believes the Electrical Inspector can do new
single-family homes and renovations with no need for additional staff. Ms. Baker
recommended keeping it on the list.
Members agreed to keep both “promote housing” and “networking economic
development” on the list. Ms. Fitzgerald said they need to do more than
networking; they need to understand the whole investment. Mr. Scanlan asked
whether there is consensus to do active outreach. Ms. Baker suggested that this
become core government in future years.
Members agreed to the hiring of a Climate Change Director to do the needed
work.
Members agreed to the partnership with Green Mountain Transit, being very
intentional about what the city wants from the money they are spending. Mr.
Scanlan said timing is critical. Rural routes will be taken over by other entities,
and a lot of decisions regarding metropolitan routes will be made in the next 12-
to 18 months. South Burlington is cooperating with other communities in this
effort. Ms. Baker reminded members that the City is allocating just under
$700,000 to GMT this year, a figure that will continue to increase.
Members were divided on a priority for indoor recreation space. Ms. Baker said
this is a difficult one for staff as it is affecting the community’s families, but
bonding will be a challenge. Mr. Scanlan emphasized the need for long-term
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planning for a cost-effective way to realize this long-standing community need.
Ms. Baker said it is the single most important thing the city can do to positively
impact the health and wellness of children and families. Ms. Fitzgerald suggested
the possibility of repurposing some buildings and said this could be a unique
opportunity to present a unified City/School connection.
It was noted that South Village needs to know what is going to happen with
regard to the proposed recreation area. Mr. Smith suggested waiting on this until
the Parks Master Plan is completed.
Members supported walking trails on the Auclair and Airport properties. Mr.
Scanlan said that the Chamberlin neighborhood feels it is not given the same
“love” and attention as other parts of the city. Mr. Conner noted that the Airport
owns a substantial amount of land adjacent to the Airport, and they have an
Airport Master Plan. When they do a major project, they can build a recreational
amenity on the land they own. There will be projects in the coming years though
they are still in the preliminary stages with no committed dollars as yet. Ms.
Baker said the City needs to decide how involved to be in those conversations.
Mr. Conner said this is an opportunity to take something very basic and make it
more of a connection part for the neighborhood. Ms. Baker urged keeping this on
the list.
The “water rate discussion” received 2 “green dots.” Mr. Scanlan said this is
both an equity and budget issue. Mr. Barritt said it is important for multi-unit
buildings to be paying their fair share. The possibility was raised of cooperating
on a stormwater regional discussion with other communities. Ms. Fitzgerald said
because of the failure of joint dispatch, she found it hard to say “yes” to that
possibility. Ms. Baker said it requires further discussion.
With regard to the “downtown” concepts, Ms. Baker said no one wanted “paid
parking”; however, there is no way to achieve a “downtown” without paid
parking. Businesses need turnover. Mr. Scanlan said that until this is addressed,
it’s still “small town thinking,” and South Burlington is not small town.
With regard to permit modernization, Ms. Baker said the City is about to sign a
contract for a cloud based solution. At present, all permit and financial processes
are paper-based, and this is very inefficient. There is some money in the 2024
budget for this which staff is going to ask to roll over to 2025. Mr. Gingrow noted
there is to be a state-wide summit on this in the coming year. Mr. Smith asked
whether the City can leverage what other communities do.
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It was noted that the upgrade of the Peddlers’ Ordinance and other related items
received “red dots.” Ms. Baker said these are the efforts that promote vibrancy in
City Center. Mr. Chalnick said the problem is that everything is important and
decisions have to be made as to what can be done. Mr. Scanlan said they either
want a vibrant City Center or not, and are they going to grow revenues or not.
With regard to dispatch services, it was noted that a lot of time and money has
been spent in this area. The thought is now that South Burlington consider
offering to provide its dispatch services to other communities.
Ms. Baker then discussed ideas offered by 4 Council members regarding a
“growth management” conversation. She asked what outcome they wanted to
achieve. Members responded as follows:
Mr. Barritt: Growth puts a burden on schools, and then that burden gets put on
the taxpayers. He asked where the link is between every housing unit to the
impact on schools.
Mr. Chalnick: This is not just schools. It is roads and more. He said he does not
want to be a dense urban area, but maybe others do. He questioned what
strategy would allow the City to meet people’s vision.
Mr. Smith: Different types of development have different impacts. They need to
consider whether development increases stress. Development should increase
the City’s financial capacity. They should also rethink the impact fee strategy.
Mr. Scanlan: Long-term planning builds efficiency. It is about maximizing
revenues so as not to burden the property tax. He felt this is more challenging in
different parts of the City. He favored data/regionalization/targeted ways to grow
revenue through commercial growth so that more property tax is coming from the
commercial sector.
Mr. Smith said commercial growth brings in more people and more of a burden
on the schools. Mr. Scanlan said that to be static is not an option. Revenue has to
grow in some way.
Mr. Barritt said he would like to see areas that will probably be developed at a
certain density and predict what extra load that will produce. He added that there
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may be a time when the State takes over the schools, and there won’t be school
boards.
Ms. Fitzgerald: There is a high level of satisfaction among the City’s residents.
Growth management is an important discussion to have. She supported a
city/school committee to address advocacy, financial planning, etc. She felt an
obligation to help new School Board members integrate into their job and to look
for joint sharing between the City and Schools to achieve efficiencies. She noted
there is no education plan in the City Plan, and it is the Marcott School which has
the opportunity to address some of the City’s needs (e.g., a village green). She
also questioned whether existing facilities can be reapportioned to meet the
needs of different school populations.
Mr. Smith: Lifestyles of the past 200 years are not sustainable; it can’t be
“business as usual.” The city needs to be prepared for big lifestyle changed.
Ms. Baker noted that because of South Burlington’s location in the County and
State, it’s likely that the City will continue to be a desirable place to live, grow a
business, and develop. The question is will this be an exclusive community or will
it be open to all. If the Council/City doesn’t have this conversation, no one else
will. She asked members if they can support a process that is data driven, that
looks at innovation, and that is a multi-year effort. Staff will bring the Council
information on what that can look like.
Ms. Baker then asked those present to provide reflections on the day.
Mr. Barritt said they are fortunate to have all the minds in the room. He noted the
City did not have the flooding disruption that happened elsewhere in the state and
that displaced funding. He continues to wonder what the next disaster will be and
whether the City is prepared for it.
Ms. Baker then asked participants for their reflection on this process:
Mr. Smith: applauded this process and said he was “blown away” by the staff
and its commitment to the City.
Mr. Chalnick: agreed and said the energy and passion are so different from what
he expected when he moved to the area..
Mr. Pellerin: Grateful for the willingness of people to be “uncomfortable.”
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Mr. MacNeil: Proud of the conversation he has heard, with people willing to listen
to other points of view.
Ms. Fitzgerald: Grateful for the patience of Ms. Baker and staff and appreciative of
the City Council dialog. Feels enriched.
Mr. Gingrow: Impressed with how positive the conversation has been.
Chief Locke: A “small, mighty team” that gets things done.
Ms. Baker: Fortunate to be a growing community in Vermont.
Ms. Machar: Everything that is being discussed is important to the future of young
children.
Mr. Scanlan: A very respectful conversation. The City is uniquely blessed with
resources and doesn’t take this for granted. Humor has not left the room.
Mr. Conner: The forward-looking process is not easy to do.
Mr. DiPietro: Appreciated the timing of the discussion leaving time to digest is
before the budget process.
Ms. Rees: We can learn from each other. Grateful to live in this community.
Mr. Matth: Looking at lists of how many people are involved and working as a
team.
Ms. Blanchard: There are huge opportunities and options, and so much
knowledge in the room.
Ms. Brayton: Proud to be here.
Mr. Barritt reminded people of the Juneteenth celebration at Veterans’ Park at 6:00
p.m. and invited all to attend.
As there was no further business to come before the Council and Leadership
Team, Mr. Smith moved to adjourn. Mr. Chalnick seconded. The motion passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
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_________________________________
Clerk