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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - City Council - 09/11/2024 - SM - City Council Retreat SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA September 11, 2024 Participation Options In Person: 180 Market Street – 3rd Floor Room 301 https://zoom.us/j/2385687203?omn=99843766368 You can also dial in using your phone: 1 929-205- 6099 Meeting ID: 238-568-7203 City Council Retreat 9:00 a.m. 1. Pledge of Allegiance (9:00 a.m.) 2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency – Jessie Baker, City Manager (9:01– 9:02 a.m.) 3. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (9:03–9:04 a.m.) 4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda (9:05–9:15 a.m.) 5. *** Discussion: Hold a second City Council Retreat on the FY25 Policy Priorities & Strategies shared workplan between the staff Leadership Team and the City Council – Council Request (9:15-3:00 p.m.) 6. Other Business 7. Adjourn Respectfully submitted: Jessie Baker City Manager ***Attachments included Note: All times are estimates • • 180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV • • • o o o • • • • • 180 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON, VERMONT | (802) 846-4107 | WWW.SOUTHBURLINGTONVT.GOV FY25 Policy Priorities Strategies DRAFT for Review on 9/11/2024 Role of City Manager and Leadership Team 1 = embedded policy Anticipated new funding needed (one time or across FYs) "This is how we are accomplishing this vision."2 = high staff priority 3 = for council consideration City Center and TIF Goal 12, Action 141 Garden Street: Complete ROW, engineering, and bid project DiPietro 1 No new funding required unless construction bids come back unfavorable. City Center and TIF Goal 12, Action 141 Williston Road Streetscape: Complete right of way acquisition, engineering, and bid project Blanchard 1 $380K - impact fees and/or grant for construction, FY25-26 City Center and TIF Goal 12, Action 61, 141 East West Crossing - Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge over I-89 Project: Bid Project and initiate construction Blanchard / DiPietro 1 About $20M in Federal grants, TIF funding in place. Unknown if new money will be needed until the project bidding process is complete. It is anticipated that new maintenance staff and equipment will be necessary. City Center and TIF Goal 12, Action 141 City Center Park Boardwalk Connection: Execute construction contract and build project DiPietro 1 No new funding required unless construction bids come back unfavorable. Expansion of our shared use path network will eventually necessitate staff increases for on-going maintenance. City Center and TIF Goal 12 Complete a Downtown Parking Management Plan and Implement Blanchard 1 Study will include an operational plan, goal is to be revenue neutral over time. Likely initial one-time fund investments will be needed for infrastructure, technology, and staffing. City Center and TIF Action 145 Support South Burlington City Center Collaborative on the development of their independent organization Blanchard 1 We recommend new funds of up to $60K or higher over time. Core Municipal Government Goal 1, Action 20 Implement a cross-department permitting systems and processes Locke 1 $25k - $30k annual expense. Three year contract has been signed. Core Municipal Government Backbone Implement the 'Equity in Planning' Toolkit Conner / Brumbaugh 1 Toolkit project is funded/budgeted. Future projects using the toolkit will likely require greater funding for outreach than has previously been allocated. Core Municipal Government Goal 42-44, 47; Actions 58, 141 Ordinance Updates *Transportation Impact Fee (CAP-TIP) Conner / Quallen 1 Project is funded and nearly complete Energy Goal 26, 45 Government Operations Sector Climate Action Implementation Plan: Present plans for efficiency as part of Bartlett Bay project Climate Director 1 Unknown until engineering work is complete. Likely additional Enterprise Funds needed. Energy Goal 45, Action 71 Climate Action - Transportation Implementation Plan (CAP-TIP): Prepare analysis and plan for closing gaps in public EV charging infrastructure Climate Director 1 Funding & match for analysis is in place for FY 24 through CCRPC. We anticipate future capital expenses to install & maintain future public charging stations Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort Role of City Manager and Leadership Team 1 = embedded policy Anticipated new funding needed (one time or across FYs) "This is how we are accomplishing this vision."2 = high staff priority 3 = for council consideration Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort Land Use Goal 2, 3, 5, 6, 44, 45, 77, 79, 80, 81; Actions 4, 9, 10, 16, 17, 42, 43, 58, 71, 137 Land Development Regulations - with attention to legal defensibility *Implement requirements of the HOME Act (Act 47) and BE Home Act *Transportation Demand Management Regulations (CAP-TIP) *Form Base Code updates and updates to successfully build out City Center *Streamline regulations *Electric Vehicle Charging Standards Conner 1 Preparation of regulations largely funded or developed in house. Anticipate P&Z consulting funds for FBC updates. Administrative costs associated with new standards will place some additional workload on staffing over time (cumulative of various standards & policies) Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goals - 55,56,57...Action 44, 87, 89 Complete the Parks & Open Space Master Plan (link to Active Transporation Plan) *South Village Field: Determine future use and amend needed permit documents Matth 1 The Plan is budgeted through ARPA funds for FY25 and FY26. Many projects will come out of the plan requiring capital funds" and note that the South Village project is partially funded via impact fees but we anticipate additional capital costs to complete. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goal 54, 60, 61 Hubbard Recreation & Natural Area: Complete design phase and bid project for construction in summer 2025 Quallen 1 Design and construction is already funded with Open Space Fund and Rec Impact Fees in CIP. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Complete the permanent conservation easement on Wheeler McNeil 1 $41,200 from Open Space Fund to Vermont Land Trust for project expenses and closing costs and a payment toward the Vermont Land Trust's conservation easement stewardship endowment Transportation Goal 42, 46. Action 119 CAP-TIP: Complete the Active Transportation Plan (link to Parks and Open Space Master Plan)Quallen 1 The Plan is funded through completion. Many projects will come out of the plan requiring capital funds. Transportation Goal 42, 46. Action 89 Support culture change around traveling safely to School: *Participate in the Safe Routes to School Task Force *As safe routes are determined, identify infrastructure needs and implementation schedules. DiPietro 1 New money will be required across multiple FYs for the implementation of SRTS projects that are identified. It is not possible to estimate the amount until we know the list of projects and have a rough idea regarding how quickly the City would like to complete these tasks. Some work may overlap with other transportation work/priorities. Some tasks may be minor and be addressed with funds from existing line items. Depending upon the projects, we may need additional maintenance funds. For example, we have one individual at DPW that can repair traffic signals, RRFBs, and other electronics. Transportation Action 73 Participate in Exit 14 Scoping Study Quallen 1 Funded by CCRPC and Design/Construction will be VTrans funding - No City funds anticipated Transportation Goal 42, 46 Action 89, 119 Complete sidewalk inventory and review of ADA compliance Quallen 1 Funding is in the FY25 budget. A future higher level of maintenance or repair will need to be funded. Role of City Manager and Leadership Team 1 = embedded policy Anticipated new funding needed (one time or across FYs) "This is how we are accomplishing this vision."2 = high staff priority 3 = for council consideration Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort Water and Utilities Goal 1, 68. Action 113 Water Tank in High Service Area: Complete engineering, bid project, and start construction DiPietro 1 No new funding required. Community has bonded for this project. Water and Utilities Goal 71 Lead Service Line Inventory - Work to find lead service lines will be done by 11/24. Develop plan to replace any identified or suspected lead lines. DiPietro 1 New funding will be required if we identify lead service lines within our distribution system. We have no way to estimate these costs until work to identify these lines is completed. No lead lines have been identified to date. Water and Utilities Goal 68, 71, 72 Ordinance Updates *Water Service Area *Sewer Service Area *Wastewater to address Industrial User requirements DiPietro 1 Work is largely complete. No new funding required. Future IUS related updates to ordinance can be completed in-house or with funds in existing line items. City Center and TIF Goal 5; Action 141, Action 148 Promote, support and encourage infill development within City Center to realize downtown vision Blanchard 2 Initially done with existing staff capacity. Ultimately we may need to take the lead on some visioning, brownfields concepts, and/or public- private partnerships. City Center and TIF Action 142 Make a go/no go decision on creating a "city green" in City Center Blanchard 2 Green in anticipated location would require a minimum of $4.5M through construction, and likely more (difficulty in land acquisition, ancillary road/path infrastructure, items like skating rinks & water fountains/splash pads), materials of higher quality than concrete. Core Municipal Government Backbone Implement the Data Strategy for the City - including operational and GIS data *Regular reporting on CAP progress and reporting on our solar and renewable energy ordinances Baker 2 Additional partial salary funding will be needed in FY26 to ramp up to two positions. Core Municipal Government Backbone Assess and implement a modern financial system and consider other related improvements Locke 2 Out for bid currently. Anticipate $100k first year expense and $50k - $75k annual going forward. Core Municipal Government Backbone Improve communication and engagement *Launch and promote new website *Add new communications methods (such as short-form video) to help make government more accessible. Brumbaugh 2 Funding currently allocated for identified efforts or done with existing staff. Housing Action 5 Promote Housing Development: Update permitting and development fees for housing and consider reductions to support affordable and missing middle housing Conner 2 Fees analysis to be performed in-house. If affordable housing is offered fee reductions, this would be a revenue loss to the City compared with present. Staff is examining additional market-rate opportunities in parallel time track Land Use Action 8 Collaborate with Airport to implement/accelerate sound insulation renovations to homes adjacent to the Airport Conner 2 Insulation program is largely funded by FAA but requires a local match. Sustaining and accelerating program will require involved parties to identify matching funds. Role of City Manager and Leadership Team 1 = embedded policy Anticipated new funding needed (one time or across FYs) "This is how we are accomplishing this vision."2 = high staff priority 3 = for council consideration Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort Land Use Goal 2, 3, 5, 6, 44, 45, 77, 79, 80, 81; Actions 4, 9, 10, 16, 17, 42, 43, 58, 71, 137 Land Development Regulations - with attention to legal defensibility: Supporting Uses in Commercial/Industrial Areas Conner 2 No new funding needed. Anticipated to be complete in-house and/or with existing consulting budget. Land Use Goal 48, Action 58 Official Map *Updates to City Center area to complement Form Based Code *Update following completion of Active Transportation Plan *Review for consistency with 2024 City Plan Conner 2 No new funding needed. Anticipated to be complete in-house and/or with existing consulting budget. Land Use Improve implementation steps and processes for adopted regulations and ordinances: *Build database of future ownership of public infrastructure *Build systems and templates needed for implementation Baker 2 Done with existing staff capacity. May lead to efficiencies over time. Land Use Goal 79; Action 19 Explore downtown designations for the City. In FY 25, collaborate with CCRPC on development of Regional Plan, including downtown designations and Act 250 Tiers. Conner 2 No new funding needed. Anticipated to be complete in-house and/or with existing consulting budget. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goals 55, 57; Actions 90, 91 Ordinance Update: *Update Recreation Impact Fee ordinance (with full impact fee ordinance review) Conner 2 No new funding needed. Anticipated to be complete in-house and/or with existing consulting budget. Water and Utilities Goal 68, 70. Action 112 Evaluate the capacity limitations of our wastewater collection system (pipes, pump stations, and force mains) and drinking water distribution systems (pipes) to ensure that we can accommodate growth to the same extent that the capacity at our wastewater treatment plant and drinking water storage tanks will allow. DiPietro 2 Funding TBD, but likely to be provided largely through existing line items in our enterprise funds. Water and Utilities Goal 69, 70, 71, 72. Action 109, 115 With municipal partners, consider a regional stormwater collaboration DiPietro 2 No new funding is required at this time. If the region decides to move forward with regionalized stormwater services we may need to utilize stormwater utility funding to support this transition. Core Municipal Government Backbone Improve civic engagement strategies and activities to ensure voices are equitably represented at policy- making tables *Improve the Committee structure and screening to most effectively implement the City Plan 2024 *Improve appointment process to outside organization *Develop new Council engagement processes Baker 3 Complete with existing staff Core Municipal Government Develop and implement a 'naming of public spaces' policy Baker 3 Complete with existing staff Core Municipal Government Goal 65 Explore opportunities to offer contracted dispatch service Burke 3 Complete with existing staff. If successful, may generate new revenue. Core Municipal Government Goal 26, 45 Consider Fleet management software Locke 3 Annual expense of $25k or so. Role of City Manager and Leadership Team 1 = embedded policy Anticipated new funding needed (one time or across FYs) "This is how we are accomplishing this vision."2 = high staff priority 3 = for council consideration Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort Core Municipal Government Review the governance structure and operations of the City's cemeteries Baker 3 Review can be done with current staff. Currently we have no staff to manage or maintain to a higher standard the cemeteries Economy Action 27 Economic Development Strategic Plan: Define goals, issue RFP, enter into contract with a consultant, start data collection and stakeholder engagement Blanchard 3 Plan is funded with an ARPA allocation. Future identified projects or incentives would likely require additional funding. Energy Goal 26, 45 Government Operations Sector Climate Action Implementation Plan: Continue to integrate EV vehicles into the Fleet; perform assessment of medium & heavy-duty vehicle electrification options Climate Director 3 Much of this can be done within the existing budget. Increase cost for EV options will be brought to Council through the annual CIP process. Energy Goal 26, 45 Government Operations Sector Climate Action Implementation Plan: Weatherize City buildings per the CIP Climate Director 3 Much of this can be done within the existing budget and cost increases can be considered as part of the annual CIP process. Energy Action 30, 32, 34 Hire a Climate Director to implement the CAP Baker 3 Salary currently in the FY25 General Fund budget. Energy Goal 9, 10, 20, 23, 24 Develop a CAP - Buildings/Thermal Implementation Plan *To include the adoption of weatherization/efficiency requirements for rental buildings (for example, we could require energy audits every five years and that the items contained in the report be implemented if cost effective) Climate Director 3 Likely can be completed within FY25 General Fund budget salary and consulting lines. Future identified projects or incentives would likely require additional funding. Energy Action 42, 43 Review goals and objectives for trees in the City. Think about incentive options and regulatory framework. Conner / DiPietro 3 Funding needs are TBD by the changes proposed to the City's tree ordinance and policies. Certain proposals (e.g. managing trees on private property through a permit process) would immediately require an increase in staff. Energy Goal 45, Action 71 CAP-TIP: Inventory current multi-family electric vehicle charging network needs/capabilities to inform a policy for existing multifamily properties (new and existing) to install electric vehicle charging equipment. Climate Director 3 Consulting expertise many need to be funded. Housing Action 12, 95 Review and adjust fire/life safety ordinances and resources to meet the evolving needs of the community - to include a review of single family construction, fees, and battery storage Locke 3 Minimal staff time to implement. Anticipate it will allow for minor increase in revenues. Housing Action 5 Promote Housing Development: Explore "Vermont Homes for All Toolkit"Conner 3 No new funding needed. Anticipated to be complete in-house and/or with existing consulting budget. Housing Action 4 Take action to incentivize community's vision: Explore opportunities for micro-grants for accessory dwelling units and duplexes Conner 3 Micro-grants would require new funding not presently identified Land Use Goal 79; Actions 4, 17 Consider changes related to Act 250 reform (H.687)Conner 3 No new funding needed. Anticipated to be complete in-house and/or with existing consulting budget. NEW: Water and Utilities Revise Sewer Ordinance - Modify language in ordinance with regards to Queen City Park wastewater billing policy. DiPietro 3 No new funding required. NEW: Core Municipal Government Charter change on City Council expansion Baker 3 No new funding required but for future stipends. NEW: Core Municipal Government Charter change on all resident voting Baker 3 May require small additional administration costs NEW: Transportation Review engineering of the Market and Dattillio Drive intersection Quallen 3 Improvements will required additional funding Role of City Manager and Leadership Team 1 = embedded policy Anticipated new funding needed (one time or across FYs) "This is how we are accomplishing this vision."2 = high staff priority 3 = for council consideration Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort NEW: Transportation Complete an RFP process for hiring non-public safety professionals to serve as crossing guards. Work with the School District on a management plan. Burke 3 Based on bids, may require additional funding Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goal 54, 60, 61, Action 150 Hubbard Recreation & Natural Area: Consider a permanent conservation easement Quallen 3 Expected contribution to prospective Land Trust Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goal 59 Ensure Recreation and Library programming and event participation mirror the city demographics to improve engagement with marginalized and underserved populations and improve cultural experiences in the city. Matth/Murray 3 May require reallocation of existing staff time but can be accomplished within budget. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Action 100 Seek opportunities to improve response and services for mental health and social service needs Burke 3 Advocacy can be done with existing staff. May require additional investment in Community Outreach Team or other services. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goal 52, Actions 80 and 81 Cultural Strategic Plan: Define goals, issue RFP, enter into contract with a consultant, start data collection and stakeholder engagement Blanchard 3 Plan is funded with an ARPA allocation. Future identified projects or incentives would likely require additional funding. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Actions 90, 91, 147 Collaborate with Airport on walking paths/amenities adjacent to Chamberlin Neighborhood Conner 3 City may have opportunity to collaborate on public capital projects. May include new funds or dedicated funding sources Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goal 39 Increase Community Garden Matth 3 Start up funding costs on land purchase/prep (also have $100k donation which can be used towards this) Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goal 53 Select public art for Williston Road Streetscape, Garden Street projects, and City-wide art.Blanchard 3 $15K matching grant for city-wide art (FY25-26). Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goals 54, 62; Action 80, 90-94 Explore opportunities to enhance volunteer opportunities for community development Baker 3 May be able to do this with existing staff. Recreation, Community Services, and Culture Goals 54, 62; Action 80, 90-94 Create micro-grants for neighborhood & community development Blanchard 3 Require new funding ($5K to $10K) to stand up a program for $100-500 grants for neighborhood/community enhancing items. Transportation Goal 46; Actions 64, 65 Work with GMT to improve connectivity throughout the City: to include in-city connections, workplace connectivity, and safety (CAP-TIP) Blanchard 3 Anticipating City will be required to contribute to achieve this connection and potentially as GMT adjusts their formula for municipal funding. Water and Utilities Ordinance Updates *Continue Water and Wastewater Rate discussion DiPietro 3 No new funding required. Depending upon the level of scenario development, it may exceed existing staff time and we may need a small amount of money for consultant assistance/support. FY25 Policy Priorities and Strategies DRAFT for Review of 9/11/2024 Role of City Manager and Leadership Team "This is how we are accomplishing this vision." Council Request Champion Vote Fund Fitzgerald - 9 Scanlan - 4 X X Take up the Charter Committees recommendation to expand the City Council Baker X FY26 Action 166 Formalize plan of Auclair walking trails Conner Fitzgerald -5 X TIF District "Intensive" training: Provide the community additional information on the status of current construction and the future financial plans for the District. Do we need to recalibrate? Blanchard Chalnick - 2 X X FY26 Where a permit is required, adopt regulations to require that “end of life” fossil fuel heating and cooling equipment be replaced with carbon-free heating and cooling equipment where reasonably possible (unless the cost is prohibitive, taking into account the social cost of carbon). Climate Director Chalnick - 3 Chalnick - 14 Smith - 6 X X X Enhance our nuisance ordinance to include objective decibel-based noise standards, and harmonize the noise standards in the LDRs with the separate (and different) noise standards contained in our nuisance ordinance. *Leverage the noise standards in our nuisance ordinance to begin a phase-out of small gas engines (leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and string trimmers). *Strengthen nuisance ordinance and LDRs to better protect homeowners from excessive or disruptive noise. Baker Chalnick - 11 X X X Adopt a municipal integrated pest management policy. *Share information on what City's does through our operations. *Educate public on change from "golf course lawns" to "natural lawns" DiPietro Chalnick - 15 X X Decouple rent for parking spaces from rent for housing units (i.e.., require landlords to charge separately for parking spaces, on the one hand, and units, on the other). Baker (TBD) Baker Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Council Action: policy and resources Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort For Further Council Discussion (to be included on an agenda in FY25 for discussion) Growth: Intentionally understand and plan for growth in South Burlington Key Questions for future consideration In partnership with the School District, convene City, School and Community discussions on long term growth, resource, affordability, and service delivery planning *"What do we want the City to be when we grow up?"Develop demographic data of the last decades of growth and complete projections of where the City is going Outline the resource needs (staffing, capital needs, amenity needs) of both the City and School District given the demographic projections and interest in maintaining the quality of life standards our community expects FY25 Policy Priorities and Strategies DRAFT for Review of 9/11/2024 Role of City Manager and Leadership Team "This is how we are accomplishing this vision." Council Request Champion Vote Fund Role of Council Project Lead "This is the vision for our community" City Plan Section Council Action: policy and resources Goals/Actions Staff Action: implementation, work, and operational effort Plan for the unexpected: *How do we plan for the impacts of climate change including natural disasters? *How do we plan for the end of business as we know it as we face climate change? Develop revenue models to meet the resource needs Include the type of devleopment and the impacts on the City Long-term planning for indoor recreational space (connection to capital planning for school capacity and emergency response centers) Plan for the needs and vision of City Center Consider Ordinance Updates to promote vibrancy and community connection 1 MEMORANDUM to the South Burlington City Council from the South Burlington Charter Committee (Anne LaLonde, Peter Taylor, Wendell Coleman) for the SBCC’s Retreat on September 11, 2024 As members of the South Burlington Charter Committee, we want to reaffirm the committee’s recommendation to place the expansion of the South Burlington City Council on the ballot. The South Burlington City Plan 2024 states: South Burlington is now Vermont’s second-most-populous city and its third-largest employment center. We provide amenities and parks that serve northwest Vermont and beyond. We offer some of the most significant education, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing facilities in the State. . . . There is a tremendous amount of work to be done. This Plan embraces ambitious science-based targets laid out in the City’s first-ever Climate Action Plan (2022), sets clear and far-reaching goals for climate-change mitigation and adaptation, housing, transportation, equity, our natural environment, and building a strong sense of community. These goals are paired with specific actions for the next decade as we reach towards our vision of sustainability, vitality, and human well-being.1 The present City Council obviously cares deeply about the entire city and is approachable and responsive to the public’s concerns. Expansion presents an opportunity for more representation and community engagement in these complex issues, and the issue should be put to the city’s voters. (1) The City Council did not previously deliberate and decide on council expansion. The Charter Committee wants to correct a misunderstanding on the part of the current City Council: The previous City Council did not consider whether or not to expand the council. While it focused on expansion of the South Burlington School Board, it did not discuss or formally take up the question of council expansion. The first time the Council deliberated on the issue of council expansion was its August 19, 2024 meeting.2 1 City Plan 2024, pp. 4-5, at https://cms6.revize.com/revize/southburlington/Planning/Comprehensive%20Plan/City%20Plan%20Complete%20Adopted% 202024-01-29.pdf. 2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FSaXQv_OII&list=PLljLFn4BZd2NhM59Ok6XPPTGC8lTj9w32&index=3 from 1:59:38 to 2:36:30. 2 On September 18, 2023, the Charter Committee presented its full report and recommendation to the City Council.3 Regarding expansion of the City Council, Councilor Chalnick said that the disadvantages of having a larger council seemed to outweigh any possible advantages of expansion. The discussion then moved to ranked choice voting, discussion of wards vs. at large, the cost of running for office in South Burlington, and community forums. City Manager Jessie Baker noted that the Council “will retain decision-making for those next steps” and the Charter Committee was placed on hiatus. At the Council’s November 20, 2023 meeting, the chair and Ms. Baker noted that, at the prior meeting on the charter committee’s recommendation (the September 18 meeting), the council had not been prepared to discuss expanding the council or to make any change. Ms. Baker noted that the council had decided at the prior meeting to pause and talk more in the future about the charter committee’s recommendation. They did not discuss the council expansion on November 20. Instead, at the November 20 meeting, the Council discussed the following agenda item: “Consider a request to put a question on the Town Meeting Day 2024 ballot to expand the number of School Board members and provide direction to staff – Council Request.”4 The chair noted that it was an “open discussion” on what to do with the final report of the charter committee. Ms. Baker noted that community members asked to have the school board question placed on the ballot. At the November 20 meeting, the council implicitly decided to “decouple” the school board and city council issues, and asked counsel to draft language to expand the school board. (2) Many other South Burlington committees have more than 5 members. Other committees in South Burlington have more – and often far more – than five members. Here is a list of city committees and their number of members: • Affordable Housing 10 • Bicycle and Pedestrian 10 • Board of Abatement 21 • Board of Civil Authority 21 • City Charter Committee 6 (was 7) • Committee on Common Area For Dogs 7 • Climate Action Task Force 7 • Development Review Board 7 3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAQBCJ17KCI&list=PLljLFn4BZd2NhM59Ok6XPPTGC8lTj9w32&index=55&pp=i AQB from 1:06:50 to 2:25:12. 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP0Y_-0EYFw&list=PLljLFn4BZd2NhM59Ok6XPPTGC8lTj9w32&index=44&t=16s from 2:16:10 to 2:26:30. 3 • Economic Development Committee 7 • South Burlington Energy Committee 12 • Housing Trust Fund Committee 3 • Library Board of Trustees 12 • Natural Resources and Conservation Committee 9 • Open Space Interim Zoning Committee 11 • Pension Advisory Committee 5 • Planning Commission 7 • Public Arts Committee 7 • Recreation and Parks Committee 9 • Safe Routes to Schools - SRTS Task Force 7 • Sextons 6 • Steering Committee CC 5 + SB 5/7 12 • Transfer of Rights Interim Zoning Committee 7 • Wheeler Conservation Easement Task Force 12 (3) The size of city councils in small cities varies across the country and within states. In response to Councilor Chalnick’s question about the typical size of a city council across the country for a population of 20,000, we did as much of a survey as we could. We found no nationwide surveys or studies with this information; the South Burlington Public Library and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns were unable to provide information beyond Vermont. The results we found varied a great deal, as you can see below. Some states did have a statutory requirement of a certain number of councilors while others did not. Here is data from fourteen states, including Vermont. We start with a suggestion from a national organization in its model state charter, give data from the six New England states, then describe others for which we found information (California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin). NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE “The Model City Charter is used by hundreds of cities to guide their charter language and governance structure.”5 Section 2.02. Eligibility, Terms, and Composition. (c) Composition. There shall be a city council composed of [ ] members [see alternatives below]. 5 https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/resources/model-city-charter-9th-edition/. 4 Commentary. The Model does not specify the exact number of council members but recommends that the council be small – ranging from five to nine members. If the mayor were elected by and from the council (§ 2.03(b), Alternative I), there would be an odd number of council members. In the largest cities, a greater number of council members may be necessary to assure equitable representation. However, smaller city councils are more effective instruments for the development of programs and conduct of municipal business than large local legislative bodies. In the United States, it has been an exceptional situation when a large municipal council, broken into many committees handling specific subjects, has been able to discharge its responsibilities promptly and effectively. In large councils, members usually represent relatively small districts with the frequent result that parochialism and “log- rolling”—bargaining for and exchanging votes on a quid pro quo basis— distract attention from the problems of the whole city. In determining the size of the council, charter drafters should consider the diversity of population elements to be represented and the size of the city.6 VERMONT Bennington (population 15,333) has 7 selectboard members7 and Rutland (population 15,807) has 11 members on its Board of Aldermen. Here is the list of cities in Chittenden county that we previously presented to the council. Town Council or Selectboard Population as of 2020 census Ratio of residents to councilor South Burlington 5 councilors 20,292 4,058 Burlington 12 councilors + a mayor 44,743 3,729 Colchester 5 selectboard members 17,524 3,505 Winooski 3 councilors + a mayor 7,997 2,666 Essex 5 selectboard members 10,590 2,118 Essex Junction 5 councilors 10,590 2,118 Williston 5 selectboard members 10,103 2,021 Shelburne 5 selectboard members 7,717 1,543 NEW ENGLAND: CONNECTICUT There was no apparent method of finding the size of Connecticut city councils by population, so we found the size of councils for ten cities of around 20,000.8 6 National Civic League Model City Charter (9th ed., 2020), § 2.02(c) at https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/model-city- charter-9th-edition-article-ii-city-council/. 7 https://benningtonvt.org/government/select_board/index.php. 8 See https://www.avonct.gov/town-council; https://www.waterfordct.org/282/Board-of-Selectmen; https://www.southbury- ct.org/BOS; https://www.berlinct.gov/council/; https://bethel-ct.gov/selectmen; https://www.newcanaan.info/government/boards_councils___elected_officials/town_council.php; https://www.newcanaan.info/government/boards_councils___elected_officials/selectmen.php; https://www.rockyhillct.gov/224/Town-Council; https://www.darienct.gov/328/Board-of-Selectmen; 5 Town Council or Selectboard Population as of 2020 census Avon 5 councilors 18,932 Waterford 3 selectboard members 19,571 Southbury 6 selectboard members 19,879 Berlin 6 councilors + a mayor 20,175 Bethel 3 selectboard members 20,358 New Canaan 12 councilors + 3 selectboard members 20,622 Rocky Hill 9 councilors + a mayor 20,845 Darien 5 selectboard members 21,499 Bloomfield 9 councilors 21,535 Guilford 5 selectboard members 22,073 NEW ENGLAND: MAINE In Council-Manager municipal governments, “[t]he number of council members varies, but most communities elect five, seven, or nine.” “By 2016, 20 Maine cities and 24 towns had adopted the Council-Manager form of government.” “Maine is not known as a state with big cities. There are only three – Portland, Lewiston and Bangor – with as many as 30,000 people.”9 NEW ENGLAND: MASSACHUSETTS City Councils have an “[o]dd number of members, typically between nine and 13.” “City Councils act as the legislative branch in communities with a city form of government, as well as the policymaking body.” Select Boards have “3 or 5 members (more populous towns generally have 5).” “Select Boards are the chief executive body in a town.”10 NEW ENGLAND: NEW HAMPSHIRE “The traditional select board has three members. RSA 41:8. RSA 41:8-b allows towns to elect a select board of five members upon a majority vote on a question placed on the official ballot (if the town uses the official ballot to elect officers).”11 https://www.bloomfieldct.gov/208/Town-Council; https://www.guilfordct.gov/boards_and_commissions/board_of_selectmen2.php. 9 Local Government in Maine (2016), https://www.memun.org/Documents?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=577. 10 See https://www.mma.org/local-government-101/. 11 New Hampshire Municipal Association, “Knowing the Territory: A Survey of Municipal Law for New Hampshire Local Officials” (2020), p. 62, at https://www.sugarhillnh.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2020KTT-DLNHMA-territory.pdf. See the law at https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/III/41/41-8-b.htm. 6 NEW ENGLAND: RHODE ISLAND As with Connecticut, we looked at a small group of cities that are around the same population as South Burlington.12 city population number of councilors Westerly 23,223 7 Lincoln 22,846 5 Central Falls 22,543 7 Smithfield 22,090 5 Bristol 22,069 5 Portsmouth 17,447 7 Barrington 17,061 5 CALIFORNIA “The 5-member city council is the default under California law and the vast majority (87%) of city councils in California are that size.”13 12 Rhode Island Cities by Population (2024), https://www.rhodeisland-demographics.com/cities_by_population. See https://westerlyri.gov/148/Town-Council, https://www.lincolnri.gov/222/Town-Council, https://www.centralfallsri.gov/citycouncil, https://www.smithfieldri.gov/government/government-officials, https://www.bristolri.gov/225/Bristol-Town-Council, https://www.portsmouthri.gov/234/Town-Council, https://www.barrington.ri.gov/186/Town-Council. 13 2023 California City Managers Survey: A Profile of the Profession, Rose Institute of State and Local Government, Claremont McKenna College, https://roseinstitute.org/2023-california-city-manager-survey-a-profile-of-the-profession/. 7 FLORIDA Seventy Florida cities between 5,000 and 15,000 in population have 5 members, and 19 have more than five. Sixty-six Florida cities between 15,000 and 60,000 in population have 5 members, and 22 have more than five.14 GEORGIA Georgia’s Model Municipal Charter, from the Georgia Municipal Association, leaves a blank space for the number of councilmembers: A. Creation of Offices. Section 2.10. City Council Creation; Number; Election. The legislative authority of the government of this city, except as otherwise specifically provided in this charter, shall be vested in a city council to be composed of [a mayor and] ___ councilmembers.15 MINNESOTA “Most cities in Minnesota are incorporated as statutory cities.”16 The city council in statutory “standard plan” cities “shall consist of the mayor, the clerk, and the three or five council members. In 14 Florida League of Cities, “Florida Cities, Analysis of Forms of Government & Commission/Council Size” (2020), at https://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/docs/default-source/research-institute- reports/2020citycouncilsizeformgovtanalysis.pdf?sfvrsn=3009d6d5_0. 15 Georgia Municipal Association, Inc., Georgia Model Municipal Charter (5th ed. 2014), pp 41-42, https://www.gacities.com/GMASite/media/PDF/publications/charter.pdf. 16 Handbook for Minnesota Cities, Chapter 1: Local Government in Minnesota, https://www.lmc.org/wp- content/uploads/documents/Local-Government-in-Minnesota.pdf. 8 optional plan cities, except those cities having a larger council under Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 412.023, subdivision 4, the council shall consist of the mayor and the four council members.”17 NEW JERSEY By statute, council-Manager cities have “5,7 or 9 Council members or Mayor and 4, 6 or 8 Council members. Mayor elected at-large. Council elected all at-large or combination of wards and at- large. Partisan or nonpartisan. 4 year concurrent or staggered terms.”18 “Council-Manager Form - . . . The council is made up of five, seven or nine elected members. The council is the legislative body of the municipality but also appoints the positions of Municipal Clerk, Tax Assessor and well as provides for appointments of members of Boards, Commissions and Authorities. Perhaps most importantly, the council appoints a qualified manager to serve as the chief executive.”19 For New Jersey municipalities with a population under 12,000, there are “3, 5 or 7 Council members or Mayor and 2, 4 or 6 Council members. Elected at-large. Council: 3 year concurrent or staggered term. Voter elected mayor serves 4 year term. Partisan or nonpartisan elections.”20 NEW YORK Thirteen smaller cities have Council-Manager forms of government.21 Batavia 15,465 Council-Manager 9 Long Beach 33,275 Council-Manager 5 Auburn 27,687 Mayor-Council-Manager 4+Mayor Canandaigua 10,545 Mayor-Council-Manager 8+Mayor Corning 11,183 Mayor-Council-Manager 10+Mayor Elmira 29,200 Mayor-Council-Manager 6+Mayor Geneva 13,261 Mayor-Council-Manager 8+Mayor Newburgh 28,866 Mayor-Council-Manager 4+Mayor Ogdensburg 11,128 Mayor-Council-Manager 6+Mayor Peekskill 23,583 Mayor-Council-Manager 6+Mayor Rye 15,720 Mayor-Council-Manager 6+Mayor 17 2023 Minnesota Statutes, 412.191(1), https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/412.191. 18 “Types of Government in New Jersey,” Faulkner Act (OMCL) Council-Manager NJSA:40:69A-81 et. Seq., https://www.njlm.org/Faq.aspx?QID=186. 19 Michael F. Cerra, “Forms of Government: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask” (2007), https://www.njlm.org/809/3982/Forms-of-Govt-Magazine-Article. 20 “Types of Government in New Jersey,” Faulkner Act (OMCL) Small Municipality NJSA:40:69A-115 et. seq. https://www.njlm.org/Faq.aspx?QID=187. 21 New York State, “City Government,” https://video.dos.ny.gov/lg/handbook/html/city_government.html. 9 Watertown 27,023 Mayor-Council-Manager 4+Mayor Watervliet 10,254 Mayor-Council-Manager 2+Mayor NORTH CAROLINA “County boards of commissioners range in size from three members to nine, although only five have more than seven members. By far the most popular county board size is five. City councils range in size from two members to eleven, although only two have more than eight members. As with county boards, five is the most popular size for city councils.”22 WISCONSIN “Cities may determine the size of their councils. Some cities have as many as 20 council members (e.g. Madison), but the average ranges between 6 and 10.”23 22 Vaughn Mamlin Upshaw, County and Municipal Government in North Carolina, Chapter Three: County and City Governing Boards,” at https://sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/course_materials/CMG%2003_GoverningBoards.pdf. 23 League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Organization and Powers of Cities and Villages (2023), https://www.lwm- info.org/DocumentCenter/View/6442/1--Organization-and-Powers-of-Cities-and-Villages.