HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - City Council - 10/07/2024
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DRAFT MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
7 OCTOBER 2024
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 7 October
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; M.
Machar, Finance Director; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning, I. Blanchard,
Community Development Director; D. Brayton, HR Director; D. Peters, B. Sirvis, M.
Emery, S. Dooley, R. Doyle, S. A. O’Brien, A. Rowe, M. Mittag, N. Senecal, R.
Greco, L. Bailey, T. Warren, P. Tompkins, C. Baker, C. Shaw, J. Hanson
1. Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of
technology option:
Ms. Baker provided instructions on emergency exit from the building and
reviewed technology options.
3. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items:
No changes were made to the Agenda.
4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda:
CITY COUNCIL 7 October 2024 PAGE 2
Mr. Doyle said that most of the Long property is encumbered by invasive species
which, if they are not managed, will spread. He said the city should get more
scientific data. He added that putting housing there won’t hinder biodiversity; it
will be helping it by clearing out the invasives.
5. Announcements, councilors reports from committee assignments
and City Manager’s Report:
Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended in recent
weeks.
Ms. Baker: The petition to the Supreme Court by the owner of 835 Hinesburg Road
has been denied.
The scooters the community will see over the next few weeks on
sidewalks and shared use paths, are collecting data on the conditions of the
infrastructure.
The city has applied for grants for weatherization work on Fire
Station #2.
The Library’s Summer Reading Program was up 11% from last year.
Also, in August, 10,000 people visited the Library.
Saturday will be Girls’ Sports Day. Girls can try different sports with
teams from UVM and St. Mike’s.
The Airport Noise Exposure Maps will be coming out on the 23rd at 4
p.m. There will be an opportunity to review them at Chamberlin after that.
Regarding the Long property, the South Burlington Land Trust
reported a delay in getting an appraisal. That has now been received. There is
concern with the number of housing units. Staff is looking for a time to review the
information and will bring a report to the next Council meeting.
6. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursements
b. Receive the July and August 2024 financials
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c. Authorize the award of the Adelphia Cable Pond Retrofit Scoping
Study to Fuss & O’Neill
d. Approve a Highway Impact Fee Credit request for Snyder-
Braverman, SP-24-23, 200 Garden Street
e. Authorize the South Burlington Water Department to award the
Hinesburg Road Valve Replacement Project to Masterson & Son
Excavating
Ms. Fitzgerald moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Chalnick
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
7. FY26 Budget: Hold a Community Listening Session to hear from the
community on their priorities for the FY26 (July 1, 2025-June 30,
2026) City budget:
Ms. Machar provided a brief review of the 16 September budget discussion. She
then explained what is included in the City Budget including the CIP, General Fund
budget, and Enterprise budget (water, wastewater and stormwater). She showed
a chart of city property taxes from FY2019 to FY2025. She also showed the rates
of other communities and pointed out that South Burlington falls in the middle.
Ms. Machar then showed pie charts of General Fund Expenditures and General
Fund Revenue Sources.
Key questions for FY 26 include:
a. How to continue to provide the services the community expects
b. Balancing core municipal services with new initiatives
c. Are there different approaches to revenue generation
d. How to budget expenditures
e. How to manage budget creation with the expectation of 2 collective
bargaining agreements
Ms. Machar then showed the FY26 Baseline Projections including the full CIP.
This includes the COLA of 3.5% and a 16% increase for health insurance. There is
also an anticipated $400,000 salary savings and an anticipated 1.5% growth in the
Grand List.
Ms. Baker said staff is working on 3 scenarios to come down from the original
7.3% increase. The key questions for the public at this meeting are:
CITY COUNCIL 7 October 2024 PAGE 4
a. What matters most to you about city government?
b. Are there any city services you would like to see the City stope
providing?
c. What City services are most valuable to you and your family?
Ms. Baker also noted there is a budget survey on the City’s website.
Public comment was then received as follows:
Ms. Bailey: Cited the Saturday “Coffee with a Counselor” meetings at the school
as a positive along with publicizing meetings on such media as Front Porch
Forum. She felt that balance is the most important thing with the budget and
asked the Council to look at “needs vs. wants.” She cited the great programs at
the parks this year. She also felt some things should be put off until the school
budget issues are settled, including some things in the Capital Improvement Plan,
and to use ARPA fund for capital needs. She felt that there could be a program for
older homes for insulation, etc., to help address climate change issues.
Ms. Greco: Agreed with Ms. Bailey and noted that the City is very approachable
and people are listened to at meetings. She questioned the cost of growth and
felt the City didn’t have the staff to accommodate growth. There were no city
services she would stop providing. She was concerned with overcrowded schools
which would get worse with more growth. She didn’t feel the City was on a path
to sustainability.
Mr. Doyle: Look to see where there are education-focused things that could be
provided for cheaper by the city. The structure of assessing property value is
“broken,” and in the Southeast Quadrant the costs are too low to pay for the
delivery of services. Costs are actually higher in other parts of the city.
Ms. Emery: It is important to realize that the school budgets done fund only
education programs but also address health and human services. She felt the
State needs to be transparent regarding how schools are really being funded and
said you can’t fun d schools on the backs of the municipal budgets. She felt the
Council has presented reasonable numbers.
Mr. Barritt said he wished there had been more responses. Ms. Baker said the
survey will be kept open for another 2 weeks.
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NOTE: Some of the following items were heard out of Agenda order but are
recorded as listed on the Agenda.
8. Receive the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
Annual Report and hear about related issues:
Mr. Baker drew attention to his written report. He noted that CCRPC invested
$6,000,000 in the communities last year in area of transportation planning, the
bike/ped bridge (South Burlington), energy work, the Beta Project (re: Act 248),
and a $600,000 investment in GMT to support transit planning.
Ms. Baker cited the role of CCRPC in guiding the city in leveraging funds (letters of
support, etc.) from Federal and State entities. CCRPC also significantly supports
regional work in the County.
Mr. Baker then addressed Act 181 implementation. He provided a summary of
CCRPC’s relationship with municipalities and noted they are doing municipal
planning in a different way with different mapping and maps used for State
exemption programs. They are hoping to update mapped areas over the next 9
months, looking at environmental benefits and burdens. They also have to deal
with housing targets for municipalities. The Legislature is interested in knowing
what is happening with housing, and the State does not know how many housing
units are being built in the State. CCRPC has these figures for Chittenden County.
Mr. Baker said they will be looking for a vote from the South Burlington City
Council as to whether they want the Act 250 exemption. They will then go to the
Land Use Board which will have final approval.
Mr. Barritt asked what Mr. Baker is most proud of last year. Mr. Baker said getting
the Act 250 bill passed.
Mr. Shaw said they are looking at CCRPC’s by-laws regarding equity issues. They
have also looked at a benefit package for employees, especially those in the 30-40
age range.
Mr. Barritt asked Mr. Baker what frustrated him the most. Mr. Baker replied “We
don’t dwell on those things.”
Mr. Baker said they are now working with core towns to help advance the equity
issues, possibly bringing on an equity policy advisor at CCRPC with multiple
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teams working together. This would cost towns $25,000 each or less if there are
more towns. Ms. Baker said this could help create economies of scale.
9. Approve a request to Green Mountain Transit for modifications to
their reduction plans and a reimagining of connectivity in South
Burlington:
Mr. Blanchard said there have been meetings with GMT to understand the
proposed reductions in service and to assess options and work for better transit in
the community. She noted that a letter to GMT requests modification to the #11
route to attach the 2 highest population areas in the community and University
functions. The aim is to offer the most potential ridership, continue to serve the
Airport, and to serve Market Street.
Mr. Conner said this routing would strengthen the network by creating a web of
connections in the County, not only in South Burlington. He showed a diagram of
the proposed route and identified housing and areas of employment. The route
would serve Veterans Park, services on Dorset Street, the Middle and High
Schools, Medical Center, UVM into downtown.
Mr. Scanlan noted that primary Airport activity is in the early morning and late
night, and current routing doesn’t align with this activity. There are also people
who work at the Airport who rely on bus service.
Mr. Conner said the current #11 route has a very low ridership. Mr. Scanlan said
the goal is to incentivize dense areas, and the new route should meet the use
factors that are a concern. He felt what is being proposed would provide a less
congested City Center area by reducing the number of buses to just this one
route.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked how to keep tabs on other areas of the city where there is
housing density. She appreciated the data driven recommendation and hoped the
State would support it. Mr. Scanlan said that as there are more dense areas, GMT
would be brought in earlier. Ms. Blanchard said the great thing about the
proposed route is that it connects a number of high ridership/transfer locations
which can attract more people.
Mr. Barritt asked if the new route would be more expensive for the City. Ms.
Blanchard said GMT is going to the State Legislature to ask for more funding,
more equitable funding between urban and rural areas. Ms. Baker felt the
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assessment will probably go up, but it would get the City and GMT a working
system.
Mr. Smith said it is an awesome proposal and a huge asset. He suggested a
shuttle service from City Center to Tilley Drive.
Mr. Smith then moved to approve the letter of support as drafted. Mr. Chalnick
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
10. Continued Review and Discussion of Land Development Regulations
Amendments #LDR-24-01 to LDR-24-10 as recommended by the
Planning Commission and related to the requirements of Acts 47 and
18 and City goals on housing, climate change, and transportation.
Possible action to adopt the amendments warned for public hearing
on August 22, 2024 or to amend and warn for a second Public
Hearing for 4 November 2024 at 7:00 p.m.:
Mr. Conner said the Commission heard some options regarding reserving land for
future use. If the Council makes changes, they will have to warn a new public
hearing with those changes.
Mr. Chalnick said he would like to adopt the changes from the Planning
Commission.
Ms. Fitzgerald said she likes Option #1 which had a unanimous vote of the
Planning Commission. Mr. Scanlan agreed and said they can see how it works
out.
Mr. Smith asked if the Planning Commission is happy with the recommendations
for changes or would they rather keep it as it is. Mr. Conner said the Commission
took the Council request seriously. They did not discuss how they felt and did not
make a recommendation.
Ms. Louisos said the longer the process lasts, the more staff time it will take. Mr.
Conner added that the more DRB time, the longer the process lasts as well.
Mr. Hanson, a Burlington resident, commended what the Commission has done.
He recommended decoupling the cost of parking from the cost of housing. If
someone doesn’t use a parking space, that should be deducted from the rent. He
said this has worked in Burlington and has not been hard to enforce.
CITY COUNCIL 7 October 2024 PAGE 8
Mr. Chalnick said he supports Option #2 as he felt the 2-acre carve-out works
better.
In a straw poll, Mr. Barritt, Mr. Smith and Mr. Chalnick favored Option #2; Ms.
Fitzgerald and Mr. Scanlan favored Option #1.
Mr. Chalnick then moved to hold a public hearing on 4 November 2024 at 7:30
p.m., on amendment to the Land Development Regulations to include the
changed to the draft as presented in this meeting’s packet. Mr. Smith seconded.
Mr. Conner noted one technical error on p.332, “28 stories” should read “28 feet.”
Mr. Chalnick noted that in the low-scale neighborhoods with the changes, there is
a potential for 58 units per acre. He felt that was remarkably dense. Mr. Barritt
said it is theoretical but questioned how realistic it would be.
Ms. Fitzgerald said changing neighborhoods worries her as they could lose the
neighborhood feel that makes South Burlington so desirable.
Mr. Conner said a lot of this is driven by State Statute. Currently in R-4, you can
build a unit; that unit now become a 4-plex which could have a 40% bonus. He
noted that prior to 1974, there was a different set of standards. The Planning
Commission felt they were bringing older lots into compliance. The 40% is really
a rhetorical issue because of setbacks, etc. There may be a rare circumstance
where it could happen.
Mr. Smith said the Commission spent a lot of time looking at lot sizes, etc., getting
rid of nonconformities and being part of the neighborhood conversation. The
likelihood of those changes happening in an existing neighborhood is very low.
Mr. Chalnick asked that in the future the Commission look at lot coverage ratio for
larger lots. Mr. Conner said it is on the calendar.
In the vote that followed, the motion passed 3-2 with Mr. Scanlan and Ms.
Fitzgerald voting against.
11. Consider Resolution #2024-22 requesting that the Vermont
Congressional Delegation request replacing the F-35 mission:
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Mr. Barritt reviewed the history of the F-35 issue including similar resolutions to
this one passed by previous City Councils. This is an opportunity to try again
since the legislative delegation has changed. The request is to replace the
mission so the City can keep the services it gets from the National Guard (e.g., fire
protection). This is an opportunity to say the noise is an incompatible use. Mr.
Barritt also noted that 200 homes in the Chamberlin neighborhood were lost
because of the noise. Mr. Barritt also noted that similar resolutions passed 4-1 in
Burlington and unanimously in Winooski.
Mr. Smith said thousands of citizens are affected by this intolerable noise and are
being harmed every day. The City also has to acknowledge the valuable service
VTANG provides to the country.
Ms. Fitzgerald said she was not in favor of a resolution where there is not control
over the result. It is also not mentioned once in the City Plan. They are asking for
the Legislature to act in opposition to the 2023 support of the mission. Ms.
Fitzgerald also noted that Burlington extended the Air Guard lease for 25 years.
Mr. Chalnick supported the Resolution as the noise is incompatible with
residential neighborhoods. He fully respects the Guard and the importance of the
F-35s but asked for a new mission for this area which could also save money on
soundproofing.
Mr. Scanlan said he talked with people from all roles. He said it would be ideal
not to have this noise, but if the area loses this mission, there is no guarantee of
another mission. He cited the cost of replacing the Guard fire department. He felt
the city should ask for additional noise mitigation funds. He also suggested the
Resolution be put on the March ballot for a public vote..
Ms. Greco noted that no Resolution was ever passed that went to the Legislative
delegation. She cited misinformation that was presented during the placing of the
F-35s. She also cited the harm being done to military personnel because of their
close proximity to the materials used in the airframes. Additional stealth coating
is even more dangerous as it chips off and has to be replaced. Personnel have to
wear full hazmat outfits when working on aircraft. She felt this Resolution was the
least the City can do to protect military personnel from carcinogenic harm.
Ms. Emery noted that the Environmental Impact Study showed hazards to low-
income people. People can live in peace any more. This is the most dense area in
the State. She felt it is time to act.
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Mr. Smith said he would not oppose a community vote, but he didn’t feel that
would be precluded by this Resolution. He also noted a missing word on the
second to last line (“air” before “mission”).
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve Resolution 2024-22 with the correction. Mr. Smith
seconded. Motion passed 3-2 with Mr. Scanlan and Ms. Fitzgerald voting against.
12. Discuss Coffee with a Councilor engagement program and
determine next steps:
Mr. Smith said members of the public want this to continue. He suggested
possibly doing it at local businesses. Mr. Scanlan said he sees new faces all the
time. He suggested moving the event around the city. Mr. Chalnick suggested
the Library as one location. Ms. Fitzgerald suggested also involving Legislators
and School Board members.
Ms. Baker said if there is something staff can do to support this, they would be
happy to do it. She said it could be used to promote City News which would be
very helpful. She suggested having staff put together a calendar around what is
happening and bring it to the Council.
13. Review the significant agenda topics below for Council’s regular
meeting on 21 October 2024:
a. Faith Influenced Leaders presentation on Youth Mental Health
b. Wagner Hodgkins presentation on the City Green concepts and
discuss next steps
c. Presentation from staff on the Equity in Planning efforts and next
steps for the Council
d. Update on the Northeast Agricultural Trust (NEAT) and the South
Burlington Land Trust joint project at 1720 and 1730 Spear Street
currently called the Long View Project.
Members reviewed the topics.
14. Convene as Liquor Control Commission to consider the following
application for approval: Rotisserie Outside Consumption Permit:
Mr. Smith moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Commission. Mr.
Chalnick seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
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Mr. Smith moved to approve the Rotisserie Outside Consumption Permit as
presented. Mr. Chalnick seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Chalnick seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
15. Other Business:
Mr. Chalnick requested a discussion on the letter from Robin Jeffers regarding the
Common Roots request. Ms. Baker will see when they can attend.
Members agreed on Councilor Corner articles as follows:
November: Mr. Smith
December: Ms. Fitzgerald
January: Mr. Scanlan
Mr. Scanlan said he spoke to members of the Legislative delegation regarding the
Local Option Tax. The suggested passing a Resolution as to what information the
Council wants to have regarding receipts. He felt it was worth asking for. Ms.
Baker said there will be a window after the November election, and staff will draft
something.
As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Chalnick
moved to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The
meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk