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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 01/13/2020CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 2020 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 13 January 2020, at 6:30 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, D. Kaufman Also Present: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; A. Bolduc, City Attorney; Chief S. Burke, Police Department; Chief T. Francis, Fire Department; J. Rabidoux, Director of Public Works, P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; H. Rees, Recreation Director; J. Murray, Librarian; D. Bugbee, Library Board of Trustees; S. Dory, D. Marshall, E. DeCosta, R. Greco, P. Lusier, S. Barton, K. Datillio, S. Marchesault, J. Duncan, J. Nadeau, L. Waters, J. Worthley, C. McNeil 1. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency: Mr. Dorn provided instructions on emergency evacuation of the building. 2. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda. 3. Comments and Questions from the public not related to the agenda: Ms. Greco: Asked the Council to put the Climate Change Pledge into action and to do something as a city. She felt decisions should be measured as to how they address climate change. She also felt growth should not be a focus, but that the focus should be on maintenance and sustainability. Ms. Decosta: Addressed the Council regarding an event on January 22-23 to help address homelessness and count the homeless. She noted that many of the homeless in the county are not in sheltered facilities. The aim of the Homeless Alliance is to find as many of these people and to help connect them to a path to housing. Mr. Dorn noted that Chief Burke will be assigning officers to this effort. 4. Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Council members reported on meetings and events they had attended in recent weeks. Mr. Dorn: The Garden Street Apartments ribbon cutting took place today. Credited Sen. Michael Sirotkin with efforts to get affordable housing legislation through the State Senate. Congressman Welch will be touring Market Street on 21 January, 11:45 – 3. The Council’s next meeting is on Tuesday, 21 January, 6:30 p.m. It will include a number of financial reports. CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 2020 PAGE 2 The Steering Committee will meet on 22 January, 6 p.m., in the Library of the Middle School. There will be an update on CCPSA at an upcoming meeting. Praised the efforts of the Federal Highway people, the Governor, colleagues in Williston, ECI who helped to reopen the bridge 10 days ahead of schedule. Mr. Dorn particularly recognized Justin Rabidoux for his efforts to get this done. Mr. Dorn also stressed that this is a temporary fix. 5. Public Hearing on Interim Zoning Application #IZ-19-05 of Ninety-Nine Swift Street Associates, LLC, to construct a 3-story, 7300 sq. ft. footprint residential building with supporting infrastructure on a vacant lot, 105 Swift Street: Ms. Emery moved to open the public hearing. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Marshall gave members an ortho photo of the property and surrounding properties. He noted that the former building on that lot has been torn down. The plan is to include 24 parking spaces on site but also to utilize parking on the adjoining lot, which has the same owner. Mr. Barritt asked about a possible connection to Farrell Park. Mr. Marshall said there could be a wooden bridge to cross the stream. The proposed building would contain 20 residential units. There would be common space on the first floor. The 20 units will include some affordable units. They will at least meet or exceed Act 250 Energy Code standards. Mr. Marshall noted that they would have gone higher, but they would then not meet the height requirement. The adjacent building also has 3 stories. The building will be set back 30 feet from the road and will line up with the front of 99 Swifts St. Ms. Riehle asked about a play area. Mr. Marshall said they are limited because of the wetland, but there will be an active area. CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 2020 PAGE 2 Mr. Kaufman expressed a concern with traffic and the challenge to pull out and turn left at busy times. Mr. Marshall said that is why they are proposing the second curb cut. Ms. Riehle asked what trees will remain. Mr. Marshall said they will retain as many as possible. He noted that the saved trees are indicated on the plan. Mr. Lusier said he would like a fence on the property line between this property and his. He also agreed with the traffic issue. Ms. Greco cited the use of fossil fuels during construction. The applicant indicated the intention of complying with LEED standards and would try to secure materials from nearby. Mr. Barritt moved to close the public hearing. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 6. Consent Agenda: a. Consider and sign disbursements b. Approve Minutes for November 4th & 8th and December 2nd c. Approve Better Roads Grant Application for Kimball/Marshall Avenue Culvert Replacement Mr. Barritt asked the worst case scenario for cost of the Culvert. Mr. Dorn said the total is in the grant. They are also applying for more grants. Costs will be shared equally with Williston. Ms. Riehle asked how long the bridge would be closed for construction. Mr. Rabidoux estimated a 3-4 week range. The culvert will be the same style as the one on Market Street. Mr. Barritt moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 7. Review and possible approval of a resolution related to parking and no parking areas of South Burlington: Mr. Bolduc noted this is a compilation of a number of previous ordinances for parking in specific areas of the city. The only exception is Brookwood Drive, which is new. Mr. Bolduc noted there is interest in creating a mapping of this, possibly over the summer. CITY COUNCIL 12 JANUARY 2020 PAGE 4 Ms. Emery moved to approve the resolution related to parking and no parking areas as presented. Mr. Barritt seconded. Ms. Barton said she would be particularly affected by the one-side-of-the-road parking. Mr. Dorn noted that Dr. Schwartz was willing to look for other places for his staff to park, and the hope is to have some ideas within the next few weeks. Ms. Barton asked about “residents only” parking. Ms. Emery said that would be a long-term solution. Mr. Dorn stressed that the major interest here is access for emergency vehicles. Mr. Datillio felt that this just pushes Dr. Schwartz’s employees further down the block. He said it is not right to have a business parking in a residential neighborhood. He said that residents of the new building park their cars on the street during the day and then in the parking lot at night to avoid the parking ban. Mr. Chittenden supported staff’s approach to this and felt there would be more of these issues in the future. He felt that “residents only” parking should be looked into. Mr. Barritt noted there are 40 unused parking spaces behind the Sears building. Ms. Marchesault said people park at the edge of driveways and trash collectors can’t access the trash to be picked up. Ms. Barton said they had told the DRB there wouldn’t be enough parking for the medical building. Mr. Dorn noted they are not using all of their parking spaces. In the vote that followed, the motion was approved unanimously. 8. Council review and discussion and possible approval of FY21 proposed Enterprise Funds Budget: Mr. Duncan of CWD said that because they are a wholesaler, they treat and deliver water. The proposed CWD budget for FY21 is $3,400,000. They are proposing a rate of 2.313 per 1000 gallons. There will also be a $3,500,000 bond item on the March ballot for two projects: an Essex pump station (which affects water pressure and has been identified as a “deficiency,” and the Colchester South Tank Loop which provides redundant feeds to other communities. There would be no tax increase to the tax rate because of these projects. CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUAR 2020 PAGE 5 Mr. Rabidoux said the city’s water budget for FY21 is $2,800,000, a 3% increase, which would increase the water cost by about $7.00 for the year for the average user. Mr. Duncan noted that CWD will be hiring 2 new people, one specifically for South Burlington. Mr. Chittenden suggested looking at a billing system that would encourage people to conserve water. Mr. Rabidoux noted the district now has a new on-line bill paying option. Regarding Stormwater, Mr. Rabidoux that the taxpayer would pay $1.44/year more to cover a 1.75% increase. A 3.9% sewer increase would cost the average taxpayer $13.00 for the year. Mr. Rabidoux noted they are entering into the expensive phases for a Bartlett Bay Sewer Treatment Plant upgrade. The 1999 upgrade expires this year. Mr. Kaufman moved to approve the Enterprise Fund proposed FY21 budgets as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 9. Council Review, discussion and possible approval of FY21 draft General Fund Budget: Mr. Hubbard said the total FY21 General Fund Budget being proposed is $26,348,221. He then reviewed the major considerations for this budget including sensitivity to the tax rate, maintaining current level of services and meeting contractual obligations. Factors contributing to the budget include the CIP, a 10% increase in health insurance, agreements with the bargaining units, new positions, $10,000 to start a stabilization fund, 3 general elections, winter salt, a landscaping contract for parks), public safety overtime, and insurance. Revenue factors include an estimated Grand List increase of 1%, an added $260,000 from local option taxes, road permits, recording fees, use of special funds (grant money, impact fees, etc.). The annual savings from energy-saving projects will be applied to a power factor capacitor and an outlet turbine, which will result in additional future savings. The tax increase for the average condo is $41.78 for the year. The increase for the average single-family home is $60.69. Regarding the roof on the Wheeler building, Mr. Hubbard noted that the new estimate is $65,000 (the original estimate was $120,000). $10,000 is needed for urgent repairs to be done now. This reduction would lower the tax rates for the condo owner to about $37 and the single-family home owner to $54 for the year. CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 2020 PAGE 6 Mr. Rabidoux noted that one of the proposed new employees would be for park maintenance. Ms. Murray noted that the Library would be making 2 part time positions full time, a gradual increase to accommodate what will be needed in the new Library. They are also planning to go out more into the community (e.g., day cares, senior residences, etc.). In order to keep trained, quality staff, people need full time jobs. Ms. Bugbee said the Library Board of Trustees supports the budget, particularly the effort to keep high-quality staff. Ms. Riehle thanked Department Heads for thoughtful, reasonable increases. She noted there is still the concern with the School budget and proposed bond issue. Ms. Emery moved to approve the proposed FY21 General Fund Budget as presented. Mr. Kaufman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dorn recognized the work of Mr. Hubbard and Ms. Dory for their hundreds of hours of work on the budget. 10. Liquor Control Board: Ms. Emery moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Members considered the following application: Hannaford Supermarket and Pharmacy – request to move location of liquor license from 218 Hannaford Drive to 935 Shelburne Road, Suite 300 Mr. Chittenden moved to approve the relocation of the liquor license for Hannaford Supermarket and Pharmacy as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Emery moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Chittenden seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Reports from Councilors on Committee Assignments: Ms. Emery: The Open Space IZ committee will present its report on 23 January, 7 p.m. in the High School Cafeteria CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 2020 PAGE 7 Ms. Riehle: The Airport Commission heard an update from Mayor Weinberger on the MOU. Christine Lott, Winooski Mayor, explained why Winooski would like to be included on the Airport Commission. There will be numerous events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Airport in 2020. Groundbreaking for the hotel will take place in March. Mr. Chittenden: Has stepped down as Chair of Green Mountain Transit, but is still on the Board. A Transit App is now providing real-time bus location data. 12. Other Business: Ms. Riehle noted a request from a Queen City Park resident to speak. Ms. Waters spoke regarding the proposed development in Burlington and its effect on the Queen City Park neighborhood. She noted the City’s appeal of the zoning permit requests a traffic study. She hoped the city will continue to insist on this. Burton has said the Champlain Parkway would reduce the impact; however, that Parkway is dead for the time being as the environmental approval has been withdrawn. 13. Possible Executive Sessions: 1) to receive confidential attorney-client communications related to the pending appeal of City of Burlington Zoning Permits #20-0493CA and #20-0514CA and 2) the employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee: Mr. Barritt moved that the Council make a specific finding that premature general public knowledge of confidential attorney-client communications made for the purpose of providing professional legal services to the Council related to the city appeal of City of Burlington Zoning Permits #20-0514CA and #20-0493CA would clearly place the City at a substantial disadvantage. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Barritt then moved that having so found, the Council enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing the matter identified in the previous motion as well as for a second executive session, at the adjournment of the first, for the purpose of discussing the employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee, and to invite into the executive sessions Messrs. McNeil, Dorn, Hubbard, Worthley, Conner, and Rabidoux. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Following the Executive sessions, as there was no further business to come before the Council, Mr. Kaufman moved to adjourn. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.