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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 03/15/2021CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 15 March 2021, at 6:30 p.m., via Go to Meeting remote participation. MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Riehle, Chair; M. Emery, T. Barritt, T. Chittenden, M. Cota ALSO PRESENT: K. Dorn, City Manager; T. Hubbard, Deputy City Manager; A. Bolduc, City Attorney; P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; Chief S. Burke, Police Department; Congressman P. Welch, R. Ellis, J. Quinn, K. Flynn, D. Long, D. Shiman, A. Wyuncoop, A. Norris, F. Mcdonald, M. Ostby, D. Lesage, J. Finnegan, J. Travers, M. Mittag, D. Albrecht, S. Dooley, H. Shustin, S. & T. Soltes, J. Neuhauser, B. Harwood, M. McInerney, W. & M. Ward, D. Bauman, R. Collier, C. Carpenter, R. Jeffers, D. Rosensweig, M. Reale, N. Staunton, M. Sharrow, K. Kohsrain, W. Migr, A. Chalnick. H. Wiegman, B. Bitt, J. & J. Paul, J. Bellevance, J. & B. Combs, S. Goddard, E. Long, W. Lambeck, V. Cruz, S. Dopp, K. Kelly, S. Shampo, K. Boyd, M. Machar, M. Murray, L. Kupferman, C. Trombly, J. Bossange 1.Welcome and Agenda Review: Additions and deletions or changes in order of agenda items: Ms. Riehle asked to add 2 items to the Agenda. She noted that Congressman Peter Welch has asked for 10-15 minutes regarding the recently passed American Rescue Plan, and there is the need for a brief executive session for a personnel issue. 2.Comments and Questions from the public not related to the Agenda: Mr. Bossange said that neighbors have been working with the DRB regarding concerns about the development on the Wheeler parcel. They are concerned with density, building heights, and especially with traffic and safety. Apparently, there is language that doesn’t allow access from Dorset Street, and Ms. Keene said that the Council would have to modify that language to allow that access instead of the proposed access from Park Road. Mr. Bossange said what is now proposed is “a disaster waiting to happen” with traffic entering that curving road twice and crossing a pedestrian path. Ms. Riehle said the Council will decide under “other business” whether to add this to a future agenda. 3.Announcements and City Manager’s Report: Ms. Emery: Attended the Act 250 hearing Wednesday for the proposed Burton development in Burlington’s south end. She and the City Attorney Bolduc coordinated responses to some questions, including questions regarding Red Rocks Park. Ms. Emery said she gave the City CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 2 Attorney a copy of the letter the City Council sent to the City of Burlington in July 2019 and a scientific article in regarding noise issues in relation to animal life in the park. in relation to animal life in the park. There will be an order by which the Act 250 Commission can request further information. Mr. Cota asked when there might be a decision. Ms. Emery said when Act 250 gets further documents, they will deliberate. They indicated they would not leave this hanging for months. Mr. Bolduc said the recess order will come out soon and will indicate where the Board is leaning. There will be an opportunity for briefing which could take months. Act 250 will close the hearing after the recess order is complied with (when they get the requested information). Mr. Dorn: Jessie Baker will be meeting with the leadership team on Wednesday and will discuss with them what to look for in a Deputy City Manager. The CCPSA Board met on Monday regarding fitting up of a building. COVID money coming to the municipalities will help with fit-up and dispatch. They will also discuss whether to bring in a manager. The Regional Planning Commission will be holding a meeting on 18 March for the public to weigh in on proposals for interchanges in the city. The Council will hold a working session on 29 March in order to get a decision in to CCRPC by 19 April. Openings on city committees will be announced by the end of March so the Council can interview and make decision by June. There is a question as to whether the Dog Park Committee needs to continue now that a site has been identified and construction will be done this summer. Ms. Riehle said she found the group meeting with CCRPC very productive. She stressed that this is a very important decision for the city and encouraged Council members to join the 18 March public meeting and the breakout groups. Mr. Dorn said that meeting is warned so more than 3 Councilors can attend. 4. Consent Agenda: a. Consider and Sign Disbursements b. Approve Minutes from the 23 February, 19 January, 20 January, 1 March, and 4 March 2021 meetings c. Approve the South Burlington Public Library and City hall Gallery Policy d. Award a construction contract to Ormond Bushey & Sons for Woodcrest Drive Stormwater Improvements CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 3 Ms. Emery asked who is the City Curator for the public art discussion. Mr. Dorn said that is someone to be brought in later. Mr. Cota moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ms. Emery seconded. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Councilors’ Reports from Committee Assignments: Ms. Riehle: The Airport Commission approved contracts for a variety of projects at the Airport. Noise monitoring will now be able to track noise complaints as to which aircraft was involved and the decibel levels. Ms. Emery said she thought this was for civilian aircraft only. Ms. Riehle said she will follow up on that. Ms. Emery: Will check with Charlie Baker regarding an update from Green Mountain Transit. Congressman Welch and Rebecca Ellis arrived and were welcomed by the Chair. Congressman Welch acknowledged how hard the COVID virus has been on local governments as well as individuals. He said the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress last week included funding that will go directly to state and municipalities. Over $200,000,000 will go to municipalities including South Burlington which will receive $5,700,000. It will be up to the City Council to determine how best to Allocate that money. The city should receive 50% of the funding within 90 days and the remainder within a year. The South Burlington School District will receive $3,197,000 as well. Congressman Welch said the money must be used to address COVID-related issues (e.g., water, sewer, broadband, etc.) though there is a lot of flexibility within that mandate. The community will have until 2024 to spend the money. The Congressman said that local government is “where the rubber hits the road,” and the aim is to have communities, including South Burlington, come back strong. He added that although the vote in Congress was along party lines, there was support from some Republican colleagues whose backgrounds include local government. He stressed that he and Vermont’s 2 Senators are there to help with any challenges. Ms. Riehle asked whether the money needs to be committed or spent by 2024. Ms. Ellis said her understanding is that it has to be spent. CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 4 Ms. Emery ask if the funds could be used toward housing for the homeless. Ms. Ellis and Congressman Welch said that that would depend on whether or not the rules could apply. Mr. Chittenden raised the possibility of continuing to have a “zoom” option for local meetings and whether the technology for that could be a valid project for this funding. Congressman Welch said that sounds totally reasonable. That option has been essential during COVID. Mr. Dorn noted that the vulnerability of the dispatch system has really come into play during COVID. The tourism industry has also been hammered. These funds will make a huge difference to the community. Congressman Welch said there can be a self-sustaining recovery. It just takes resources, and there is hard work ahead. Mr. Barritt noted there is funding in the bill for pensions and asked if that was for municipalities as well. Congressman Welch said it is not. That money is for people working for companies that declared bankruptcy and have lost pension funds they paid into. Ms. Riehle thanked Congressman Welch for helping to make this happen and for the efforts of Vermont’s Congressional team to try to get the country, state, and communities back into the black and for making all the vaccines available. She also urged people to take advantage of the vaccines. 6. FY20 Audit Presentation: Mr. Quinn of RHR Smith Auditors advised that they did pre-audit work in June and July (virtually) and finished later in the year. He showed the balance sheet for fiscal 2020 with the city ending in a positive position. He said the city did great for a pandemic year and that was not the norm. The city’s enterprise funds also finished the year in a positive net position. The city has an unassigned fund balance of $1,600,000. This is about 20 days of operating expenses and represents a slight increase from FY19. The city should continue to increase that. The city’s pension fund was in a good position as of 20 June 2020, and, Mr. Quinn said, is in an even better position now. The Management Letter indicates two recommendations. The first is to include the Open Space Fund in the city’s financial accounting. The second is to ensure that transfers are kept separately in the financial software. Ms. Riehle noted the City ended FY20 in the black by about $20,000. CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 5 7. Public Hearing: Interim Zoning Application #IZ-21-01 of Alan K. Long for development of two existing lots totaling 39.21 acres each developed with a single family home. The development consists of removal of the two existing homes and construction of up to 49 dwelling units in a combination of single family, two family and small multi-family buildings in a development area of approximately 17 acres and a conservation area of approximately 22 acres, 1720 and 1730 Spear Street: Mr. Barritt moved to open the public hearing. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Riehle noted that only interested persons who have participated in this proceeding can appeal any decision that is made. All interested persons presented were then sworn in. Mr. Long said the family has owned the Spear St. property for 70 years. Similar properties have been sold off and been developed, and Mr. Long said it is now their turn to do that. He added they have also watched the city’s efforts to conserve property, especially in the area of the Great Swamp. They are pleased to be able to contribute to that effort. They will conserve the portion of the property protected by the NRP (Natural Resource Protection zoning) and will grant an easement to that property. On the development side, they plan to build a Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) PUD with a mixture of building types. Five of the 49 units will be affordable. Mr. Conner said the Longs have submitted a sketch plan to the DRB. The first hearing at the DRB is in April. Mr. Barritt felt the Council should delay hearing this until the first DRB hearing has been held. Mr. Cota agreed. Mr. Long said they have watched the process for 600 Spear St. and the DRB and Council hearings were very close to each other. They have also participated in the planning process around the new LDRs and are pretty certain they conform with both the current and proposed LDRs. He also noted that Interim Zoning is going on longer than anyone anticipated. Ms. Emery noted there are concerns regarding traffic, which is not in the Council’s purview, but since there are plans for bike lanes, etc., the DRB could recommend a widening of Spear Street. She saw that as an area where the DRB could provide input that would change the plans. Sen. Chittenden encouraged letting the DRB have first crack at this so a lot of questions will be addressed before the Council hears it. CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 6 Mr. Barritt moved to continue IZ-21-01 until 19 April 2021. Sen. Chittenden seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Conner recommended that residents/participants attend the DRB meeting or send a letter with their concerns to the Planning Department. He stressed that people can participate in both the DRB and City Council hearings. All abutters will get notice of the DRB hearing. 8. Discussion and possible action related to whether to hold a Public Hearing on ____ to consider extending the Interim Bylaws for an additional time period beyond 13 May 2021: Ms. Riehle said she had spoken with Ms. Louisos, and the Planning Commission had agreed to prioritize Articles 10 and 12 and then do the PUD work. There could be a draft of 10 and 12 by the end of March and have a joint meeting on April 6th to review the first draft and address any Council questions. The Commission could then schedule a public hearing early in May. This could require a short extension of IZ for Chapters 10 and 12. At the joint meeting, they could also discuss getting the PUDs done during IZ or taken them up after IZ. Ms. Emery said she would have to be convinced of an extension beyond May 13th as this has gone on much longer than anticipated. The City has a Comprehensive Plan and a wealth of information from Commissioners; it is just a matter of how the rules come into shape. Mr. Barritt noted that IZ has to end by November. Mr. Conner agreed, barring any emergency provisions. Mr. Bolduc said the exact date is 13 November. Ms. Riehle said they can complete Chapters 10 and 12 within the current IZ date and then go forward with PUDs. Mr. Cota wanted to see a full package, not parts, not just Articles 10 and 12. Sen. Chittenden said he agrees with Ms. Emery, to finish by 13 May. Mr. Conner said staff supports a joint session to address any questions and for the Council to give guidance. He said the Commission intends to wrap up 10 and 12 in the next few weeks. Ms. Riehle asked whether 10 & 12 will inform the PUDs. CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 7 Mr. Bolduc said the Council has flexibility as to when to hold the meeting, either 19 April or 3 May. Ms. Emery said she opts for May. Mr. Barritt moved to schedule a public hearing on 3 May to consider extending the Interim Bylaws for an additional time period beyond 13 My 2021. Mr. Cota seconded. Ms. Ostby reminded the Council that the Planning Commission was out of work 6 months and anticipates that its staff member will be out for personal reasons for a while in April. She added the Commission is very interested in getting the work done and wants to get it right. Many elements work together. In the vote that followed, the motion passed unanimously. 9. Presentation from the South Burlington FIPP Committee: Committee members indicated they have come to ask the Council to approve the policy they have submitted. They have worked with Chief Burke from the start and acknowledged his efforts toward transparency and on training. Mr. Shiman said FIPP is committed to 4 principles: equal treatment, safe engagement and trust, jobs, and respect for human values. They believe that these goals require eliminating the language that allows the Police to collaborate with ICE and similar agencies. Mr. Lambeck then introduced Volga Cruz whose presentation in Spanish was translated by Mr. Lambeck (since Ms. Sharrow's audio was not working). Ms. Cruz is a dairy farmer who has lived in Vermont for 10 years. She spoke of the fear of going into town to shop, go to church or doctor’s appointments, knowing that there is a policy that allows her to be deported. She related an incident where this happened to a passenger in a car. She said that if this happened to her, she would be separated from her daughter. She said that if people in her position do something wrong, they should pay the consequences, not be deported. She asked the Council to approve the policy. Mr. Lambeck said the weakening of the policy was the direct response to the Trump administration and the threat that communities would lose funding. He noted towns are now taking action to close those loopholes. The communities of Winooski, Burlington, Richmond, Brattleboro and other have implemented the policy in front of the Council. It closes the loopholes that allow for discrimination and better supports victims and witnesses of crimes. It CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 8 also protects the confidentiality of everyone in South Burlington that the Police come in contact with and allows for advanced due process for people being detained. The “savings clause” is replaced with a statement that “nothing in the policy violates federal law.” Mr. Lambeck said the States Attorney’s office has certified the policy. It will not force any member of the Police Department to violate federal law and is coherent with State policy. Ms. Kelly, a member of the National Lawyers Guild, encouraged people to stay in this discussion. She said the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land and it gives full power to the Fed over immigration. The 10th Amendment says that Federal laws cannot force states to act nor prohibit them from acting. She also noted that “1373 ordered states around” and President Biden revoked 1373, though it is still on the books in Vermont. The Supreme Court is yet to rule to overturn it. She said the only negative to Vermont revoking 1373 is that it could lose funding for some Police weaponry; however, most Police funding doesn’t come from the Feds. She said that there are no laws to force Police to communicate with ICE. Ms. Shampo said people shouldn’t be singled out because of how they look. Victims and witnesses of crimes shouldn’t be afraid of being deported if the report the crimes. Ms. Emery said the Council has always been told South Burlington Police don’t ask people’s immigration status. She saw no reason not to put this practice into policy. Mr. Barritt recalled the discussion with former Chief Whipple who was very clear as to what policy would and would not allow. Mr. Cota said people should see Chief Burke as someone who is there to protect them. Chief Burke said he has been collaborating with FIPP. He stressed that nothing changed Police policy during various changes in administrations. He supported moving the policy forward. Mr. Bolduc said the opinions of the States Attorney are very compelling, and he saw no reason not to approve the policy. Ms. Riehle suggested getting final language and having it as an action item for the next Council meeting. Chief Burke said this is Police policy. Mr. Bolduc said nothing needs to be done by the Council, but that is up to the Council as to their support. Ms. Riehle asked the Council if it wants a Resolution of support or just to ask the Chief to have it in place. Mr. Dorn said the policy in the past was to have the Chief make any changes in policy and report back to the CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 9 Council that a policy has been implemented. He suggested giving the Chief time to do that and to report on training that will go on for his staff. Mr. Barritt said he would like the Council to approve it. Mr. Cota felt a “joint statement” would be appropriate, not necessarily a vote. Ms. Riehle felt that could happen. Ms. Dooley felt this is a message the entire community needs to hear, and undocumented Vermonters need to hear it too. Mr. Boyd felt they would be “handcuffing” officers with this policy. He felt there hasn’t been enough public discussion. He felt South Burlington Police are very fair. He also felt the city needs to work with the border people and with ICE. He didn’t feel South Burlington should do something just because other communities did so. Ms. Emery said it is already Police practice. If any of these people break the law, they are willing to face the consequences, but their immigration status should not be an issue. Ms. Riehle said it will be an agenda item with opportunity for public comment. She added this is a policy of the Police Department, and that policy should be written. 10. Council consideration and possible approval of a resolution requiring that a third- party conservation easement on the so-called Wheeler Property be conveyed and completed within six months of enactment: Sen. Chittenden said he supports the resolution but wants to know if 6 months is an OK time limit. Mr. Dorn said the last time this was discussion, the city was in difficult financial straits. The $40,000 cost estimate is a big chunk of the FY22 legal budget. Money can be taken from something else, or funds from the Open Space Fund could be used. Mr. Dorn also noted that once the decision is made, that land will no longer be available for agricultural mitigation. The city could buy its way out of that commitment or have other land. There are currently 2 Act 250 ag mitigations on the Wheeler property. There is room for the mitigation for the South Village soccer field. Mr. Dorn said it would be prudent to find out what that entails and the costs. CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 10 Ms. Riehle asked when the soccer field has to be mitigated. Mr. Dorn said before it is constructed, and the hope is to begin the work this summer. Mr. Hubbard said the hope is to do the mitigation early in the process. Ms. Riehle asked if they could do the mitigation, then do the easement. Mr. Dorn said yes, if the soils are approved. Mr. Barritt asked if there would have to be a re-survey and how much legal work would have to be done. Mr. Bolduc said he didn’t think there would be a lot of legal work. There could be language that references the encumbrances. It could also be part of the management plan with the Land Trust. Mr. Mittag said Act 250 conditions are very much in line with what the Land Trust wants. He noted there is a part of the Underwood property that is being farmed and he felt that was a better place for the soccer field mitigation. He didn’t want to complicate the Wheeler situation or encumber it with more mitigation. Ms. Riehle noted a question from Ms. Greco as to why the soccer field is on prime ag soil. Ms. Riehle replied that it was a requirement for the South Village development. Mr. Mittag said that the developer should find the mitigation. Mr. Dorn said the developer is building the city’s project, and it will become city property. Mr. Cota said he supports the resolution and moved its approval. Ms. Emery seconded the motion. Mr. Barritt said he wasn’t comfortable with a time limit and didn’t want to be “punished” if it doesn’t happen within that time limit. Mr. Dorn said if the Council passes the resolution at this meeting, it will send a signal to the Department of Agriculture to take this land out of the mitigation picture. Mr. Barritt asked how much land is involved. Mr. Dorn said it is usually 2 acres for one, and the soccer field is 4 acres or less. You double the value of the acreage for mitigation. However, if you put the mitigation on land you control, it is a one-to-one payment. It is an Act 250 obligation and can be very expensive. Ms. Emery asked if there is any land left in Wheeler to conserve. Mr. Dorn said it may not be as full protection as a conservation easement. Mr. Mittag said it has been 10 years and 6 months since this was approved by the voters. He felt there should be no more delays. Ms. Dopp said she didn’t remember the soil type of the soccer field area and noted that all soils are not equally valuable. She also noted that many CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 11 homes in South Village were built on prime ag soil, and the farm soil had to be upgraded. Mr. Dorn asked the Council to give him a month to do his best to find out about the soccer field soils. After that, he said, the work can probably be done in 6 months to secure the easement. He stressed that there is no “dumping” on Wheeler property. It is merely a restriction. Mr. Cota then withdrew his motion. Mr. Dorn said it will be on the 19 April agenda. 11. Consider and possibly approve refinancing of the Pension Loan: Mr. Hubbard said there is $7,000,000 left on the loan. Given where interest rates are, the city solicited proposals and 4, all of which were lower than what the City has been paying. The proposal from TD Bank stood out. It would refinance the loan at 1.5% with no prepayment penalty with the option to extend the first payment to next year. This will save $1,500,000 over the current loan over the next 10 years, including the prepayment penalty on the old loan. Mr. Barritt moved that the Council approve closing the prior loan for the Pension Fund and approving the current loan with TD Bank under the terms of the proposal, and to authorize the Deputy City Manager and City Attorney to seek bond Counsel and finalize and execute the documents necessary to accomplish same. Ms. Emery seconded. The motion passed unanimously via a rollcall vote. Mr. Barritt complimented Mr. Hubbard and City staff and said this is a win-win for the City. 12. Convene as South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to consider the following: Always full Asian Market, 2nd Class License; Bliss Bee, 1st Class Restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit; Bourne’s Service Center, 2nd Class License; Bueno y Sano, 1st Class Restaurant/Bar License; Catering By Dale, 1st Class & 3rd class Commercial Kitchen License; Champlain Farms, 2nd class License; Champlain Farms-Exxon, 2nd Class License; Champlain Farms South Burlington, 2nd Class License; Charlie’s on Fire (Chicken Charlies), 1st Class Restaurant/Bar License; Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers, 2nd Class License; club 35, 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License; Doubletree by Hilton, 1st Class, 2nd Class, & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License and Outside Consumption Permit; Eagles Club, 1st Class & 3rd Class License for Club and two Outside Consumption Permits; 802 Cocktails, LLC, 1st Class & 3rd Class Commercial Caterer License; Gracey’s Store, 2nd Class License; Gracey’s Liquor Store, 2nd Class License, Guild Tavern, 1st & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License; Hana Japanese Restaurant, 1st Class & 3rd Class CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 12 Restaurant/Bar License; Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy (Dorset St.), 2nd Class License; Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, 2nd Class License; Healthy Living Market & Café, 2nd Class License, Homewood Suites 1st & 2nd Class Restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit; #104 Jolley Shelburne Road South, 2nd Class License; #105 Jolley Williston Road, 2nd Class License; #107 Jolley Shelburne Road North, 2nd Class License; #146 Jolley Shelburne Road Center, 2nd Class License; Kinney Drugs #55 (Williston Road), 2nd Class License; Klinger’s Bread Company, 2nd Class License; Koto Restaurant, 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License and Outside Consumption Permit; Maplefields #52 (Williston Rd.), 2nd Class License; Maplefields at the Airport, 2nd Class License; Mimmo’s Pizza, 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License; Old Post, LLC (The), 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit & Entertainment License; Pour House (The), 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License and Outside Consumption Permit; Price Chopper #228 (Hinesburg Road), 2nd Class License; Quarry Hill Club, 1st Class & 3rd Class restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit; Red Barn Market & Deli, 2nd Class License; Shaw’s Beer & Wine, 2nd Class License; Shelburne Road Variety, LLC, 2nd Class License; Silver Palace, 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License; Simon’s Store & Deli (Shelburne Road), 2nd Class License; Skinny Pancake at the Airport, 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License; Smokey’s Low ‘n Slow, 1st Class & 3rd Class Restaurant/Bar License & Outside Consumption Permit; Sugarsnap, 1st Class & 3rd Class Commercial Kitchen License Sen. Chittenden moved that the Council reconvene as Liquor Control Board. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Emery moved to approve the list of license renewals as presented in Agenda Item #12. Mr. Barritt seconded. Motion passed unanimously Mr. Barritt moved to reconvene as City Council. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 13.Other Business: Ms. Riehle asked whether Council members wanted to look into the Park Road issue. Mr. Cota said he shares the safety concerns, but another curb cut on Dorset Street would not be a safety improvement and could do the opposite. Mr. Barritt thought the Council had no jurisdiction as the LDRs are from 2004. CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 2021 PAGE 13 Members agreed this was a DRB issue. Ms. Emery said she heard from a resident that the city plow broke a fence behind a residence on Mary Street. Mr. Dorn said if the city broke it, the city will fix it. Ms. Emery said she also heard from a resident that the school budget is passed before any changes come from the State. She asked whether the former May vote better coincided with the State. Sen. Chittenden noted there is a bill in the State Legislature regarding voting by mail, and he is advocating that the bill include going back to a May vote. Mr. Dorn said one issue is the need for the School District to have signed teach contracts as they may have to RIF teachers if there is not a passed budget. Ms. Riehle suggested this as a topic for a Steering Committee meeting. 14.Executive Session: Mr. Barritt moved the Council meet in Executive Session to discuss matters related to the employment of a public officer and to invite Messrs. Dorn, Hubbard and Bolduc into the Session. Ms. Emery seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Council entered executive session at 10:10 p.m. and resumed open session at 10:30 p.m. As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Barritt moved to adjourn. Mr. Cota seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:31 p.m.