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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - City Council - 10/21/2024 PAGE 1 DRAFT MINUTES CITY COUNCIL 21 OCTOBER 2024 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 21 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; C. McNeil, City Attorney; T. DiPietro, Public Works Director; I. Blanchard, Community Development Director; K. Peterson, Senior City Planner; B. Sirvis, J. Olin, R. Doyle, P. Leduc, R. Fischer, B. Britt, B. Heiser, M. Mittag, S. Dooley, A. Haughton, A. & J. Hodgeson, A. Luzzatto, B. Burkhardt 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: Item #13 was deleted. An executive session to evaluate a public employee – City Councilors and the City Manager was added. 4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda: CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 2 All of the sidewalk is still not back in front of Kinney’s. It’s a high crash area with a very problematic crossing. There is also no snow storage space. 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 FY26 budget survey is open until Friday. There have been 127 responses to date. The BTV Airport will hold a meeting on Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at Chamberlin School to review the new noise exposure maps. Next agenda highlights include: a recommendation regarding Coffee with a Councilor, the LDR amendments public hearing, updating Memorandum of Understanding with the Library, the Public Art Committee work plan, a request from the National Guard regarding contaminated water, an update from NEAT, and the executive session removed from this meeting’s agenda. 6. Consent Agenda: a. Approve and Sign Disbursements b. Approve Minutes from 3 June and 10 June 2024 c. Approve Amendment #2 with Hoyle, Tanner & Associates for the completion of the final engineering for the upgrade to the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Facility d. Authorize the City Manager to enter a contract with VHB to complete the City Center Traffic Circulation Study e. Approve and adopt Resolution #2024-23, approving and authorizing the execution of all documents necessary to effectuate the permanent conservation of approximately 105 acres of the Wheeler Nature Park and pay to Vermont Land Trust the total sum of $41,200 from the City’s Open Space and Conservation Fund f. Accept the warranty deed of easement from QHC Lot 3 LLC dated October 2, 2024 and the deed of easement from the Burlington U Mall Owner dated July 23, 2024, and authorize the City Manager to execute the License and Agreement to indemnify the Hold Harmless with the Champlain Water District for the purpose of completing the Bike and Pedestrian Bridge over I-89. CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 3 Mr. Scanlan asked to pull Item “e” from the Consent Agenda as he felt he should recuse himself from that vote. Mr. Chalnick then moved to approve items a, b, c, d, f of the Consent Agenda. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Smith then moved to approve item “e” of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Chalnick seconded. Mr. Chalnick expressed concern with the “timber harvesting” portion of the Conservation Easement. Mr. Barritt said there is a Forest Management Plan which allows harvesting when it is needed. Mr. Smith said he had been in the wood industry and said that there are times when it is appropriate to harvest. It is not clear-cutting. He added that he trusted the integrity of the Land Trust and the easement. Mr. McNeil said he has worked with the Vermont Land Trust on this easement for many years. In the document it says we cannot engage in the kind of activity Mr. Chalnick is concerned with. There can be no cutting without Vermont Land Trust approval. Mr. Heiser of the Vermont Land Trust said the city has the right to manage the forest according to the Forest Management Plan that the Vermont Land Trust would have to approve. Other communities do this as well. He added that this is their typical easement on publicly owned land, and it would be hard to modify. Vermont Land Trust holds more than 2000 such easements. Mr. Heiser added that there have been instances when tree cutting was refused and instances when it has been approved. Mr. Chalnick said given that information, he can vote to approve. In the vote that followed, the motion passed 4-0 with Mr. Scanlan recusing himself from the vote. Mr. Mittag thanked Ms. Baker and her team for their support of this action. 7. Receive a Presentation from the Faith Influenced Leaders on Youth Mental Health in South Burlington: CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 4 Mr. LeDuc reviewed the nature of the Faith Influenced Leaders organization. Among their activities was the creation of the South Burlington Food Shelf. They then wanted to do something to help the city’s youth. Youth mental health is a worldwide issue. To begin to address it locally, the organization met with community leaders from the Police Department, Howard Center, schools, Library, etc. They also reviewed the 2021 Youth Mental Health Survey which revealed the following: One-third of students said their mental health is not in a good place. 30% felt “sad” or “helpless.” 20% hurt themselves without wanting to die. 14% said they have a plan for suicide. 7% said they have attempted suicide. Mr. LeDuc said these statistics show a real lack of preventive care. He stressed that the organization is not comprised of mental health specialists. They just want to help the city’s youth before they need help. Some of the issues they have encountered include: a. Lack of funding for helping organizations b. Concern with student access to technology c. Neglect/abuse at home d. Food insecurity e. 20% have had an emergency room visit f. Younger children being affected g. Talking about mental health is taboo for young people h. Lack of places to go i. The closing of the South Burlington mentoring program Some of the goals the organization has viewed as critical include: a. Increased funding b. Advocacy for increased funding c. Preventive programs to support youth (e.g., drop-in centers) d. Financial support for mentoring e. Transportation to get youth to existing programs f. Focus on preventive programs at all hours of the day CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 5 Mr. LeDuc said their aim is to create a public/private partnership to achieve their goals. They have groups ready to help but are in need of resources to create a facility. Mr. Barritt asked if phones are seen as a “cause” or a “symptom” of the problem. Mr. LeDuc said there is a lot of negative energy out there. He also cited the disastrous effect of the pandemic. Mr. Smith asked if there is any research on what is causing the anxiety and stress. Mr. LeDuc said all kinds of things drive youth and adults into crisis. He said their hope is to create environments where all of this isn’t in people’s faces. If youth had a space with caring adults, where they could help each other and have adults support them. Ms. Fitzgerald asked if they have involved the School District. Mr. LeDuc said they are meeting with them next week. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that the State shifted the responsibility for services without providing the funding to go with the responsibility. Schools are also being asked to refer students to services. Ms. Fitzgerald also expressed concern with the loss of the mentoring program. Mr. Scanlan said if you don’t have someone to help you, the fall from grace can be irreversible. He also noted the stigma of “not being OK.” Mr. Barritt suggested getting students together in a ‘round table’ discussion. Mr. LeDuc said they are working to do that. The challenge will be to ensure that their voices are acted upon. Mr. Barritt noted that in the past 15 years, there has been a “caring fall-off.” Something is missing. Mr. LeDuc said it is easy to lose track of “community caring.” He saw this with the Food Shelf until their organization found a place for it to happen. Ms. Baker said this is why she works in local government. She noted that there are some programs at the schools and Library, in the parks, etc., but they are still missing some of those young people. She cited the need to have a recreation center in South Burlington to give young people certainty of where to go for support, programs, and connection. Mr. LeDuc said their next steps will be to meet with the schools and with SBBA in the hope of bringing groups together to get something going. CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 6 8. Receive a Presentation from Wagner Hodgeson on the City Green concepts as defined by the community and consultants. Discuss next steps: Ms. Blanchard reviewed the history of the City Green project and then introduced the consultants, Amy and Jeff Hodgeson. Ms. Hodgeson said this presentation is the culmination of a feasibility study to identify preferred locations for a City Green and to develop park concepts and designs. They began by researching city greens (she showed photos of some downtown parks). These spaces have become the heart of cities and towns. Because real estate is so expensive, they are becoming highly programmed spaces and are getting smaller. Ms. Hodgeson then showed a map of the 6 potential spaces they reviewed. She noted that what makes a great space is accessibility, safety, comfort, and uses/activities. A lot of the parks they reviewed had flexible spaces with varied types of seating to accommodate people of all abilities. They included shared use paths, social gathering spaces, shade, lighting, arts & culture, fountains, stormwater treatment, and space for a tent/kiosk to house events. They were usually the result of a public/private partnership. At 2 public meetings, attendees were asked what they wanted in a City Green. Ideas from the public included: flexible green space, social gathering, variety of seating, walkways, fountains and play areas, rain gardens, retail integration, site structures, food kiosk, shade trees, and space for children and teen. The locations that were reviewed as potential sites were: UMall, Blue Mall, 2 sites near City Hall, next to the DMV, and north of Barnes & Noble. Criteria considered included access, comfort, uses and activities, and affordability. Three of the sites were considered too noisy and/or too narrow. The UMall site and one of the City Hall sites were considered the best options and were rated as follows: UMall Site: a. Would mix retail with the park b. 2 potential new buildings c. Space for a coffee kiosk and fountain d. A picnic grove area e. Flexible lawn (which could serve as an ice skating venue in winter) CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 7 f. Potential performance space City Hall Site: a. Space for a kiosk with adjacent fountain b. Pathways back to City Hall c. Space for an identified future street d. Advantage of Market Street for events (which happens now) e. Flexible lawn/ice skating space f. Stage space g. Space to tie down tent(s) When the location alternatives were presented at a second public meeting, a majority of attendees preferred the City Hall site. People also cited the need for a children’s space, public rest rooms, and accessibility. They also noted potential traffic congestion on Market St. Parking was a major concern as were safety and maintenance. Ms. Hodgeson said that if the UMall site is chosen, it should be developed in conjunction with a mixed use development. The exact location could vary. If the City Hall site is chosen, the planned road should also be considered. All designs should include lighting and signage and space to accommodate pets. The estimated cost for development of the park ranges between $1,600,000.00 and $3,700,000.00. These figures do not include the cost of the land. Mr. Barritt thought the 2 preferred locations were logical. Mr. Chalnick expressed concern with the UMall site being across 4 lanes of traffic. Ms. Hodgeson said that with the correct partnership, it could be great. Mr. Scanlan said that the UMall site could be creating a second City Center. The City Hall site seemed to be more of a meeting place. Mr. Smith said he was leaning more toward the City Hall site. Mr. Hodgeson said the City Hall site has good circulation around it and is safe and very welcoming. Mr. Scanlan asked how people would be brought into the area. Mr. Hodgeson said this would rely on the programs and things for people to attend. He thought either location could accomplish that and could be successful. Mr. Smith said he would like to see a a concept for a combination of both City Hall sites. CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 8 Members agreed to continue the discussion, specific to real estate purchase, in executive session. 9. Receive a presentation on the Equity in Planning efforts and discuss next steps: Ms. Peterson said this project was funded through a Municipal Planning Grant from the State. Its focus was the creation of an “equity in planning tool kit: to address missing communities that have not been able to participate in local government. The goals of the project included: a. To advance equity in City government b. To reframe the City’s approach to outreach by giving all people equivalent value c. To build a predictable, transparent system d. To reach people that traditional outreach often fails to reach e. To incorporate a feedback loop into outreach The project “lives” in the Planning Commission now, but it will later be taken to other groups and up to the City Council. Ms. Peterson then outlined the steps being taken to build the tool kit: a. A community advisory group comprised of 8 people from different facets of the community (e.g., religious, underhoused, non-profits, community “movers and shakers”) b. Public survey c. Focus groups d. Interviews e. Pop-up events f. Staff input The tool kit framework will include: a. Principles, guidelines & best practices, including what others have been developing b. Community partners (to reach groups such as religious, Howard Center) CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 9 c. Checklists, templates and other resources to determine whether we are succeeding Using the tool kit will involve meeting people where they are, overcoming barriers, and motivating people to engage. There will be 4 stages to any project: 1. Identify who is impacted by the project 2. Begin engagement process 3. Answer specific questions/solve specific problems 4. Close the “loop” Ms. Peterson noted the City is now doing a less than good job on Stage 1. The engagement spectrum will consist of 5 stages on a sliding scale, depending on the nature of the project: 1. Inform 2. Consult 3. Involve 4. Collaborate 5. Share in decision making Best practices will involve clearly defining the purpose, goals and objectives of the project, engaging those most impacted, making engagement accessible via multiple engagement channels (newspaper, social media, etc.), using culturally relevant accessible communication, hosting engagement opportunities in accessible locations, offering flexible participation options, and ensuring a safe environment. Closing the “loop” will involve providing verification/validation and specific feedback by maintaining a constant presence and ongoing open dialogue, building trust and long-term relationships, and leveraging existing community resources. Mr. Barritt asked if there is technology that the City doesn’t have that would help with this. Ms. Peterson said the consultant is still working on details such as that. CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 10 Ms. Baker described the project as “intentional planning efforts for major projects/decisions.” Ms. Peterson said if this is done well in the planning process, it will be one of the things the Council can use to make its decisions, and it will make them more secure knowing this process has taken place. 10. Convene as Liquor Control Commission to consider the following applications for approval: a. Rotisserie, Outside Consumption Permit b. Stewart’s Shop Corp., 2nd Class Licenses, Tobacco Licenses, Tobacco Substitute Endorsements c. Gonzo’s Indoor Golf & Academy, LLC, 1st & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License Mr. Chalnick moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Commission. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the applications for approval as presented. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chalnick moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Other Business: Mr. Scanlan said he has spoken with staff regarding putting the F-35 question on the March ballot as Winooski and the City of Burlington did. Mr. Smith said he would support that when he sees the language. Mr. Chalnick said he would like to see options for the Central School intersection. Ms. Baker noted the Council has approved an engineering study to redo that intersection. She stressed that the City will train anyone the School District hires. She also noted that the intersection is policed, when officers are available (the city is currently down 10 officers). She said that the City is will and will be a more effective partner to training people the School District hires. Mr. Chalnick noted that VGS is excited to help with weatherization and would like some support. He would like to provide that to show the City’s appreciation. Ms. CITY COUNCIL 21 October 2024 PAGE 11 Baker said there is an obligation to the community to bring on the professionals to build those partnership agreements. She said the City is in the hiring process for this position and hopes to wrap it up quickly. Mr. Chalnick said 6 weeks is OK. Mr. Barrit said he was contacted by a woman regarding having a cannabis facility in the community. It would take a public vote to OK it. Ms. Baker said it would have to be regulated locally. 12. Consider entering executive session for the purpose of discussing the negotiation or securing of real estate purchase or lease options, and specifically a future City Green (1 V.S.A. Section 313(1)(E)and (F): Mr. Chalnick moved that the Council enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing the negotiation or securing of real estate purchase or lease options relating to a future City Green, inviting into the session Ms. Baker, Chief Locke, and Ms. Blanchard. Mr. Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 13. (new) Consider entering executive session for the purpose of discussing the evaluation of a public officer or employee, specifically the City Manager and City Councilors: Mr. Chalnick then moved that the Council enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing the evaluation of a public officer or employee, specifically the City Manager and City Councilors including their respective roles, responsibilities and appropriate delineations, inviting into the session Ms. Baker and Chief Locke. Mr. Smith seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Following the executive sessions, as there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Smith moved to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m. _________________________________ Clerk