HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - City Council - 04/15/2024
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DRAFT MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
15 APRIL 2024
The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 15 April
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; T.
DiPietro, Public Works Director; J. Murray, Librarian; S. Pete, Library Board of
Trustees; A. Matth, Recreation Director; S. Kirschner, Transportation & Open
Space Manager; D. Albrecht, S. Kershner, P. Weaver, J. Burton, M. Simoneau, S.
Dooley, Cota, L. Norris, J. Holliday, A. Lazarz, L. Bresee, P. Stabler, S. Reeves, J.
Bellevance, B. Sirvis, R. Jeffers, J. Calkin, B. Barnes, H. Hard, C. McDonald, M.
Gratz, G. Green, H. Hall, R. Doyle, L. Bailey, L. Briccetti, F. MacDonald, M. Tedder,
B. Kilian, B. Paine, A. Subin, Lou Bresee
2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of
technology option:
Ms. Baker provided instructions on the emergency exits 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:
Mr. Hall said the crosswalk at the bottom of Kennedy Drive is a great
improvement. He asked if anything else is in the works regarding traffic calming.
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Ms. Green expressed grave concerns about the pickleball court. She said that
since the tennis courts were turned into pickleball courts, there is activity and
constant noise there 105 hours a week. Cars zoom by at 40 mph, and when she
told one woman who had pulled out and was trying to speed away that this was
dangerous to nearby children, the woman responded, “then you shouldn’t live
next to a pickleball court.” People who are playing also leave their dogs in their
cars, and there is constant barking. Ms. Green said this is a case of “good
intentions in the wrong place. It should be at Veterans Park.”
Mr. Gratz also spoke about the pickleball courts. He said there is haphazard
parking, often blocking resident’s driveways and requiring bikers and walkers to
be in the road. He was concerned with the safety of his children as drivers go
through the neighborhood at high speeds. The children are also exposed to
“volatile language” from the players. There have been times when children were
playing on the courts and were chased away and told the courts were for “adults
only,” which isn’t true. Mr. Gratz invited Council members to come out and see
what is going on.
Mr. Barritt said this is the first time he has heard of this issue, and he will come by
and see for himself this weekend. Ms. Fitzgerald suggested adding this to a future
agenda.
Mr. Suvin, General Counsel for a Middlebury community, asked to make a
presentation at a future meeting regarding retail cannabis and the possibility of a
public vote on it.
Mr. Bresee noted that at the last meeting, there was a presentation on rec paths
and “gaps” in the paths. He showed a map of shared use paths including
proposed paths and cited the need to celebrate the progress in recent years.
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: Thanked staff and the community for a great Illuminate Vermont and
eclipse events.
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There is a contract to modernize/update the city’s website. This will take a
number of months to complete.
On 30 May, there will be an evening presentation regarding the possibility
of a “village green.” This will include a walk through the City Center area
between 4 and 6 p.m.
6. Consent Agenda:
a. Approve and Sign Disbursements
b. Approve Minutes from 7 March 2024 City Council meeting
c. Approve an application for a 2024 Library Summer Programming
Grant to purchase materials
Mr. Smith moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ms. Fitzgerald
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
7. Consider applicants to the Planning Commission (1 vacancy), Economic
Development Committee (2 vacancies) and Public Art Committee (2
vacancies):
The Council interviewed the following applicants:
Colin Laurence ……………… Planning Commission
Helen Riehle …………………. Planning Commission
Luke Briccetti ………………… Planning Commission
Meghan Tedder ……………. Planning Commission or Economic
Christopher Carrigan………… Economic Development Committee
Rebecca Killian ……………… Economic Development Committee
Bettie Barnes ………………… Public Art Committee
Mr. Barritt explained that the Council will meet in executive session to discuss
appointments and will notify applicants who have or who have not been
appointed.
8. Consider the naming of Overlook Park:
Mr. Matth reviewed the history of Overlook Park, particularly regarding the
Underwood family. He also spoke to the service of Richard Underwood to the City
of South Burlington for many years. Because of this history, and to honor Richard
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and the Underwood family, there is a recommendation to change the name from
Overlook Park to Underwood Park.
Ms. Weaver, daughter of Richard and Marie Underwood, spoke to the family long-
time farming operation and noted that all the Underwood children were born on
that farm. She said that despite being disappointed at not having the natural park
area named for the Underwood family, they feel this is an appropriate site for
honoring them.
Mr. Chalnick noted he now lives in the home that was the family’s farm, and he
would love to learn more of the history of the area.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked if the city has a naming policy. She felt that was important
as well as a repository for given names. Mr. Scanlan agreed this could provide a
more predictable outcome.
Mr. Barritt supported having this as a Resolution on a future agenda.
9. Orientation: Community Services (Recreation & Parks and Library): and
10. Briefing on the kick-off of the Parks and Open Space Master Plans:
Ms. Murray noted that although the library building is new, the institution itself is
quite old. She then showed the Library’s Mission Statement which was
developed with the Library Board of Trustees.
There are currently 22 people on staff, 9 of them full-time. Ms. Murray showed a
staffing chart. She noted that by Statute, she is accountable to the Library Board
of Trustees and to the city.
Library successes include 95,000 visits last year and 700 attendees at 50 Library
programs. There are currently 10,295 Library card holders.
Emerging issues include the following:
a. 1000 more people who will be living within walking distance of the
library and will result in the need to service more people, more staff,
more hours
b. Making diversity/inclusion a part of everything
c. The need for expertise in the use of the auditorium
d. Changing collection (needing to look at CDs and DVDs)
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e. The continued popularity of paper books, particularly for “entertainment
reading”
f. People with “issues” who need a place to be and are in need of help.
Ms. Murray noted that Fletcher Free Library will have an embedded
social worker
Mr. Smith asked whether Library staff can handle the issues. Ms. Murray said this
has a toll on people. It is not what they were trained for, although they are now
getting training. Mr. Smith said they should ask for help before they need it.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked why extended hours could be needed. Ms. Murray said with
UVM housing next door, there will be people who prefer/need longer evening
hours.
Mr. Scanlan cited the problem people have finding parking. Ms. Pete said the
Board of Trustees is working on accessibility issues. She noted the nearest bus
stop is in front of Barnes & Noble, and this does not serve people with
accessibility issues.
Mr. Chalnick asked about the ratio of resident to non-resident Library users. Ms.
Murrays said in 2024 it is 84% resident users, 6% home card residents, and 6%
non-resident users. Residents do not get a preference in the booking of rooms.
Ms. Pete noted there were many people from “away” at Illuminate Vermont,
including one woman from Brazil that she met.
Ms. Baker said Library employees are City employees, and the City approves the
Library budget, etc.
Mr. Matth said the Recreation Department is a 5-person team. He then described
what each person does. He then showed a map indicating all of South
Burlington’s parks and reviewed what activities occur at each of them. He
stressed that 90% of the programming is at Veteran’s Park.
The Recreation Department provides programs and events for people of all ages.
Senior Center programming includes weekly lunches. The Department is actively
looking to expand adult events.
Significant events include:
a. A monthly free family event (e.g., painting night, Bingo)
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b. Recreation on the Go which provides activities in underserved areas and
includes a barbeque.
c. July fitness programs in parks, free to all (e.g., yoga, dance, tae chi)
d. Park Hop Brews for younger adults involving a “traveling beer garden”
Emerging issues include:
a. Transportation (Veterans Park has no bus service)
b. Costs
c. Lack of indoor recreation facilities
d. Need for increased funding/staffing
e. Lack of scheduling control during winter months at schools
f. Parks Master Plan and the need for resources to meet the
goals/objectives
g. People in multi-family housing with no recreation capability who will be
relying on the city for options
Ms. Kirschner said the Parks Master Plan is part of the City Plan and will address
many of the City Plan’s goals.
Mr. Matth then identified the key questions related to the Parks Master Plan as
follows:
a. Identifying resources
b. Guide for adoption of private parks
c. Guide for future conservation
d. Utilization of open spaces
Ms. Kirschner showed a diagram showing the reasoning behind combining the
Parks and Open Space Plans into one Master Plan. Step 1 of the process will be to
get a consultant on board and to identify stakeholders and under-represented
groups. She then showed a timeline for the project including evaluation of what
exists, identifying needs, usage patterns, site visits, a needs analysis, and a
recreation market assessment.
Parks will be done first, including new locations, retrofitting, and maintenance
standards. Open spaces will be aligned with recreation policies and priorities.
Both will be brought together in a usable “guidebook” that will also coordinate
with the Transportation plan, Climate Action Plan and City Plan.
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Mr. Albrecht encouraged the study to address potential uses of school buildings
and places such as UMall and to think of creative ways to use those spaces. He
also stressed the need to address future growth on Shelburne Road and in City
Center.
Ms. Baker noted that ARPA funds have been allocated to the process for a
consultant but not for implementing the plan. She also noted there are no plans
for new parks other than the “village green” concept. Mr. Matth said the next few
years will focus mainly on maintenance.
Mr. Scanlan suggested addressing future school construction along with parks
and possibly having joint funding. Ms. Kirschner said they are not looking at joint
funding but at other municipal facilities that people can use including a link to the
Burlington Bike Path. Ms. Baker noted that the Winooski Valley Park District
maintains a lot of open space in South Burlington, which is part of a regional park
system.
Mr. Chalnick asked whether stewardship would involve attention to wet areas.
Ms. Kirschner said that would depend on ownership and resources.
Mr. Chalnick asked if there is a precedent in Vermont for limiting the pickleball
court to adults. Mr. Matth said there is nothing that he has seen.
Ms. Norris thanked the city for focusing on recreation and open spaces. She cited
continuing problems with indoor recreation space and noted that the Senior
Center is already at capacity. She favored potential focus on an indoor recreation
center.
Ms. Sirvis stressed the need to remember dog parks.
11. Receive the Chittenden Solid Waste District Proposed FY25 Budget:
Ms. Reeves introduced Jen Holliday and Allison Lazarz of CSWD and South
Burlington’s representative to CSWD Paul Stabler. She then explained what
CSWD does and showed a chart of its general revenues including fees from
haulers and the sale of compost.
Ms. Reeves noted that 309,781 tons of solid waste are generated annually, 60% of
which is recycled and 39% goes to the landfill. The majority of expenses go to
payroll and materials management.
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CSWD is budgeting a shortfall which will be managed by drawing from the
undesignated reserve. They are underbudgeting on income and overbudgeting
on expenses. Ms. Reeves said they usually end up under budget on both.
There will be an increase to the solid waste management fee from $27/ton to
$30/ton. This is the first increase since 2013 and amounts to about 28 cents a
month to householders.
There is also an increase MRF fee from $85/ton to $90/ton, which is closer to the
regional average.
There is no increase in the fee at the organics recycling facility and no bag fee
increase at drop-off centers.
Ms. Reeves then reviewed the capital projects including the new MRF
construction. The hope is that this facility will be accepting materials by
September 2025. CSWD will also be reviewing stormwater facilities at all facilities
due to the increase in heavy rain events.
Mr. Barritt asked about the lower prices for recyclables. Ms. Reeves said this
comes and goes, depending on buyers. It is out of CSWD’s control.
Ms. Fitzgerald asked the cost to South Burlington residents. Ms. Reeves said this
is hard to answer as they don’t know how much of what is generated comes from
South Burlington because trucks don’t go exclusively on South Burlington routes.
Mr. Barritt urged people to properly sort out recyclables and organics. He said
tons of stuff is being trucked to the landfill for no good reason.
Mr. Stabler expressed gratitude to Ms. Reeves and her staff and said he is very
confident with what staff is proposing.
Mr. Smith moved to accept the proposed CSWD FY25 budget as presented. Ms.
Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
12. Request from Common Roots for a $400,000 allocation of American
Rescue Plan Act funds to acquire property at Spear St. and Allen Rd.:
Ms. Baker said there is no action recommended at this meeting.
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Ms. Jeffers said the request relates to food equity. She showed a photo of the
Common Roots farm and noted it is the only food-producing farm in the city.
They grow organic food which is primarily sold at food stands and given to the
food shelf. They also have a chef who makes food to bring to the food shelf.
Ms. Jeffers cited the challenges they are facing as farms are being lost every year.
She noted that eating the right foods can reverse most chronic diseases.
Common Roots’ plan is to develop a new, year-round market at Spear/Allen. They
would purchase the lot which is zoned for a food hub and build a facility on the
lot. They feel this would bring them a sustainability they are now lacking Ms.
Jeffers noted that 50% of their income comes from 5 food projects including
special events. The remaining 50% is from philanthropy.
Common Roots also provides “farm to food” education to city schools. That
program includes a Middle School activity where students make and take home a
family meal. There is also a summer camp for youngsters.
The purchase price of the land is $400,000. Ms. Jeffers said that the proposed
building would also house a daycare facility on one level of the building.
Mr. Chalnick asked what the total project would cost and how it would be funded.
Ms. Jeffers said the estimate is $4,000,000 of which they have 15-25% raised
without a campaign. They also have “in-kind” commitments. They are currently
in an RFP process for the daycare facility which would be self-sustaining.
Mr. Barritt reminded Council members that ARPA money must be allocated by the
end of the year, and there are still funds to allocate.
Ms. Dooley said noted that food insecurity was a common theme heard by
candidates in the recent election. She asked how this project would help people
and questioned whether it would have a positive impact on those with food
insecurity. She quoted from the Common Roots project outline which cites
“affluent community around the area.” Ms. Dooley also recommended that
Council members see the film “Just Getting By.”
Mr. Simoneau said he hated not being aligned with a Common Roots project as
he is a Common Roots supporter. His concern is that when the city has resources,
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those resources should be used more than once. He would not want to see
$400,000 go out the door without being able to leverage them.
Ms. Jeffers said she was fine if the city wants to own the land.
13. Convene as South Burlington Liquor Control Commission to consider
CVS Pharmacy #10690, 2nd Class License, Shaw’s Beer & Wine, 2nd Class
License, Tobacco License and Tobacco Substitute Endorsement:
Mr. Scanlan moved that the Council convene as Liquor Control Commission. Ms.
Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the CVS and Shaw’s licenses as presented. Ms.
Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Smith moved to reconvene as City Council. Mr. Scanlan seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
14. Other Business:
No other business was presented.
15. Consider entering into executive session for the purpose of discussing
appointments to the Planning Commission, Economic Development
Committee and Public Art Committee:
Mr. Scanlan moved that the Council enter into executive session under 1.VSA51-
3A(3) for the purpose of discussing appointments to the Planning Commission,
Economic Development Committee and Public Art Committee and inviting Ms.
Baker into the session. Mr. Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously,
and the Council entered executive session at 11:03 P.M.
Following the executive session, 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 11:25 p.m.
_________________________________
Clerk