Regular City Council Meeting (Monday, June 16, 2014)
Generated by Amy Bovee on Thursday, August 21, 2014
Members present
Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul (phone), Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Absent
Selene Colburn, Vince Brennan
Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM
1. Agenda
Action: 1.01 Approve/Amend the Agenda
Also present: Mayor, Scott, Lori, Rich, Eileen, Richard,
Move to Amend to remove from the consent agenda 5.22 Communication from Mayor Miro Weinberger re: City of Burlington Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan and place it on the June 23rd City Council Deliberative Agenda per Mayor's Office; Items 5.28 and 5.29 Special Event Outdoor Entertainment Permits, note date changes per Clerk's Office; Remove Item 5.32 Communication from Jeff Nick, Church Street Marketplace Commission from Consent Agenda as duplicative per Clerk's Office; Amend Action on Item 5.38 Communication from Jeff Nick, Church Street Marketplace Commission re: Requesting Ordinance Prohibiting Smoking on the CSM District from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and place on June 23rd City Council Deliberative Agenda.
Councilor Siegel requested they divide the consent agenda to address item 5.16. Action (Consent), Resolution: Authorization to Execute Airport Joint Use Agreement (AJUA) with United States of America for Use of Burlington International Airport (Board of Finance) separately. She stated she would like to address this separately but does not need to discuss it. City Attorney Blackwood stated that would be the proper procedure.
Motion by Max Tracy, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
2. Public Hearing
Action, Public Hearing, Resolution: 2.01 Resolution: Allocation Method and Standards for Common Area Fee Formula and Establishment of Common Area Fees for The Church Street Marketplace for Fiscal Year 2015 (Board of Finance)
City Council President Shannon opened the public hearing at 7:15pm.
No one came forward to speak.
City Council President Shannon closed the public hearing at 7:15pm.
Councilor Bushor stated this is a two part process. They received the methodology and proposal in May and held public hearings. They received no comments regarding the proposed formula. This is the final act to set the fees for the coming fiscal year.
Adopt the resolution
Motion by Councilor Bushor, second by Councilor Ayres
Final Resolution: Motion passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
3. Indoor Entertainment Permit Application (2014-2015)
Action: 3.01 The Switchback Beerworks, 160 Flynn Avenue
waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and approve the 2014-2015 Indoor Entertainment Permit Application for The Switchback Beerworks with all standard conditions
Motion by Norm Blais, second by Tom Ayres.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
4. Public Forum
City Council President Shannon opened the public forum at 7:16pm.
Name Ward/Afilliation Subject
Martha Lang Ward 1 Resident Opposed to Taft School Lease
Kristi Lyon Cathedral Square Replacement of Bus Stop
Theresa Lortan Cathedral Square Replacement of Bus Stop
Ryan Mitofsky Ward 3 Resident In Favor of Downtown Smoking Ban
Ron Ruloff Ward 3 Resident Problems with Pension System
Jim Drummond Ward 1 Resident Development Review Board Application
City Council President Shannon closed the public forum at 7:34pm.
5. Consent Agenda
Action (Consent): 5.01 Approve/Amend the Consent Agenda
Motion to approve and take the actions indicated excluding 5.16
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.02 Resolution: Authorization for Budget Amendment for Shortfall for FY 14 Budget - Community Development Office (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.03 Resolution: Recommendation of Theodore Miles for Reappointment as City Deputy Health Officer (Councilor Ayres)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.04 Resolution: Appointment of City Representative and Alternate for Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission's Board & Transportation Advisory Committee (Councilor Tracy)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.05 Resolution: Authorization to Apply to Downtown Sales Tax Reallocation Program re Catamount Van Ness LLC Hotel Project (Councilors Knodell, Colburn)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.06 Resolution: Authorization to Accept Grant and to Contract for Reconstruction of a Portion of the Cargo Apron (Phase 2) at Burlington International Airport (AIP-99)(Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.07 Resolution: Authorization to Accept Grant and to Contract for Reconstruction of a Portion of the Air Carrier Apron (Phase 1) at Burlington International Airport (AIP-100)(Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.08 Resolution: Authorization to Accept Grant and to Contract for a Project to Upgrade the Security System at Burlington International Airport (AIP-101)(Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.09 Resolution: Authorization to Accept Grant for Design Related Services for a Project to Construct a Segment of New Taxiway K Between Taxiways B and C at Burlington International Airport (AIP-102)(Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.10 Resolution: Authorization for Design and Engineering of a Consolidated Car Wash Facility at Burlington International Airport (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.11 Resolution: Authorization for Land Purchase in Anticipation of AIP Grant Funds for Burlington International Airport (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.12 Resolution: Authorization to Execute Cooperative Agreement with the State of Vermont for TSCE (017) Grant for the Burlington Wayfinding Improvements (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.13 Resolution: Authorization to Enter into License Agreement to Maintain Tables and Chairs and a Sign Overhanging a Portion of the City's Right-of-way with Nunyuns Bakery & Cafe (License Committee)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.14 Resolution: Approval of Increasing DPW Equipment Maintenance Expenditures Offset BY Increased Revenue From User Departments (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.15 Authorization to Implement Market Adjustments for The Chief Financial Officer; Manager of Customer & Energy Services; and Manager of Risk Management & Government Affairs - Burlington Electric Department (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.16 Resolution: Authorization to Execute Airport Joint Use Agreement (AJUA) with United States of America for Use of Burlington International Airport (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Nay: Rachel Siegel
Action (Consent), Resolution: 5.17 Resolution: Delegation of Authority for Budget-Neutral Amendments Within City departments' Individual Budgets (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.18 Resolution: Authorization to Execute Extension of Letter of Agreement Between The City of Burlington and University of Vermont (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.19 Resolution: Authorization to Transfer Miller Center Grant Funding to Penny for Parks Fund for Miller Center Floor Renovation - Parks and Recreation Department (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.20 Resolution: Approve Execution of Contract for Environmental Services for the Waterfront Access North Construction Phase 2 (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.21 Resolution: Authorization to Amend Contract for Bike Path Rehabilitation Project (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication, Information: 5.22 Communication: Mayor Miro Weinberger, re: City of Burlington Diversity & Equity Strategic Plan
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication, Minutes: 5.23 Communication: Amy Bovee, Executive Secretary, re: Board of Finance Minutes for April 7, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication, Minutes: 5.24 Communication: Amy Bovee, Executive Secretary, re: Board of Finance Minutes for April 16, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication, Minutes: 5.25 Communication: Amy Bovee, Executive Secretary, re: Board of Finance Minutes for April 28, 2014
Resolution: waive therreading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Report: 5.26 Report: John Vickery, City Assessor, re: Board of Assessors Commission Report
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the report and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.27 Special Event Outdoor Entertainment Permit Application (one day only): American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and approve the one day only special event outdoor entertainment permit application for American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.28 Special Event Outdoor Entertainment Permit Application (one day only): Arts Riot, 08/02/14
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and approve the one day only special event outdoor entertainment permit application for Arts Riot on 08/02/14
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.29 Special Event Outdoor Entertainment Permit Application (one day only): Arts Riot, 9/13/14
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and approve the one day special event outdoor entertainment permit application for Arts Riot for 09/13/14
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.30 Communication: Amy Bovee, Executive Secretary, re: Applications for Renewals of License Agreements for Encumbrances Outside of the Church St. Marketplace for the 2014-2015 Season
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and approve the 2014-2015 Encumbrance renewals as listed
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.31 Communication: Mayor Miro Weinberger, re: 2014 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Information, Minutes: 5.33 Communication: Clerk's Office, re: Public Informational Hearing Minutes for February 24, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept communication, place it on file and adopt the minutes at the June 23, 2014 City Council meeting.
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication, Information, Minutes: 5.34 Communication: Clerk's Office, re: Special City Council Meeting Minutes for March 24, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept communication, place it on file and adopt the minutes at the June 23, 2014 City Council meeting.
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication, Information, Minutes: 5.35 Communication: Clerk's Office, re: Minutes for Special City Council Meeting of March 24, 2014 Continued to March 26, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept communication, place it on file and adopt the minutes at the June 23, 2014 City Council meeting.
Motion to approve and take the actions indicated excluding 5.16
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Information, Minutes: 5.36 Communication: Clerk's Office, re: Regular City Council Meeting Minutes for March 10, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept communication, place it on file and adopt the minutes at the June 23, 2014 City Council meeting.
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication, Minutes: 5.37 Communication: Clerk's Office, re: Adjourned City Council Meeting Minutes for March 31, 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept communication, place it on file and adopt the minutes at the June 23, 2014 City Council meeting.
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.38 Communication: Jeff Nick, Chair, Church Street Marketplace District Commission, re: Request from the Church Street Marketplace District Commission to the Burlington City Council, to pass an ordinance prohibiting smoking on the Church Street Marketplace District, from 9 am - 9 pm
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and send a copy to the Ordinance Committee for consideration
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.39 Communication: Jason L'Ecuyer, Member, Housing Board of Review, re: Resignation
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file, advertise the vacancy and send a letter of appreciation to Jason L'Ecuyer thanking him for his time served on the Housing Board of Review
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.40 Communication: Jean Poulin, CT Office, re: Dogs Who Were Licensed in 2013 But Did Not Renew License in 2014
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent), Communication: 5.41 Special Event Outdoor Entertainment Permit Application (one day only): August First
Resolution: waive the reading, accept the communication, place it on file and approve the one day only special event outdoor entertainment permit application for August First for August 1, 2014; raindate: August 2, 2014
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication: 5.42 Communication - Vermont Agency of Transporation re: Certificate of Highway Mapping Notice
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication: 5.43 Communication - Christopher Noun, Hattie Harris Good Spirits Club re: National Thank You Day for Elected Officials
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication: 5.44 Communication - Coalition for a Tobacco Free Vermont
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication: 5.45 Communication: Lori Olberg, Clerk/Treasurer's Office, Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator re: Schedule of City Council Meetings for 2014-2015
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication: 5.46 Communication: Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Attendence for 2013-2004
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication: 5.47 Communication - Letter from Martha Lang re: Taft School Lease
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Action (Consent): 5.48 Resolution Amend 2014 Budget for Burlington Telecom Management Services (Board of Finance)
Resolution: waive the reading and approve the Resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication, Information: 5.49 Communication - Martha Lang, re: Taft School Lease and Burglary at 138 Colchester Avenue
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Communication, Information: 5.50 Communication Accountability List, Clerk's Office
waive the reading, accept the communication and place it on file
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Chip Mason.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
6. Deliberative Agenda
Action, Resolution: 6.01 Resolution: Authorization for Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between The City and The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center (Councilors Shannon, Bushor, Knodell, Paul)
Councilor Bushor stated the Board of Finance was supportive of this. This is a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Sailing Center so they can continue their operations at their current site while they prepare their new location.
Peter Owens, CEDO, stated this is an exciting step forward for the future of the Northern Waterfront. It lays out where they are going with the Sailing Center.
waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Sharon Bushor, second by Tom Ayres.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Joan Shannon
Discussion, Information: 6.03 FY15 Budget
Mayor Weinberger thanked City staff for their hard work on this budget. The themes of the budget that have carried through are that it is fair, factual, and forward. Other themes that he would stress are that it is restrained and prudent. The increase in expenditures is approximately 2.6%. There is a stress on capital project administration. The enterprise funds health can be seen through this budget. They still have challenges in the Traffic and CEDO funds which this budget acknowledges and attempts to address head on. Important City priorities are addressed with livable wages, improving diversity and equity initiatives, and improving their information technology. There are substantial remaining financial challenges. They will have further work needed to finish the Burlington Telecom Settlement and pension reform. They plan to bring forward a long term stewardship plan for their municipal assets. They need to achieve sustained financial growth. It is a substantial step forward and is consistent with the work they have done to change the direction of the City’s finances.
Action: 6.04 Resolution Annual Appropriation and Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 (Board of Finance)
waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
and
Action: 6.06 Resolution Authorizing Public Improvement Bonds for FY 2015 (Board of Finance)
waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
And
Action: 6.07 Resolution Approving Issuance of Grant Anticipation Notes for Costs of Certain Improvement Projects (GAN) (Board of Finance)
waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
and
Action: 6.09 Resolution - Annual Tax Assessments on the Property Grand List of the City for FY 2015 (Board of Finance)
waive the reading and adopt the Resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
and
Action: 6.10 Resolution Authorizing Temporary Loans in Anticipation of Taxes for FY 2015 (Board of Finance)
waive the reading and adopt the Resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Councilor Knodell stated item 6.04 lays out the revenues and expenditures in the budget except for the regional programs, which will be addressed separately. Item 6.06 is a pledge in the City’s credit for up to $7 million of bonds. Item 6.07 authorizes the City to issue $5 million in short term debt for airport improvements that will be paid with grants from the FAA. Item 6.09 assess municipal taxes on the grand list. Item 6.10 authorizes the credit of the City for short term debt to be paid with taxes within the fiscal year in an amount up to $7 million. She thanked the administration for their work in this process. They are receiving additional property taxes this year. The general fund is about $60 million and many of the major departments of the City are funded through this. The administration identified a budget gap of $1.75 million in January. In previous years, they have been able to balance the budget without increasing the general city tax rate. They ran out ideas of ways to accomplish this, so they asked the voters for a tax increase in March. It was strongly approved and the tax rate increased by 2.2 cents, which generates about $800,000. This is the first time the tax rate has been increased in nearly a decade. It only covered about half of the gap. The other half was raised with other revenues. They have also added ten general fund positions. They will be paid for with reduction in other parts of the budget and by savings and revenue generation that will result from adding those positions. Those positions will allow them to be more cost effective in the administration of the City. The positions are in information technology, centralized services in the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office which will free up staff time to identify major cost drivers, and in-sourcing functions. There are legitimate uses of the general city tax. They still have a tight budget that will require vigilant monitoring. There will be $1 million in new property taxes for debt service and payments into the Waterfront TIF district. That is money that they have committed to pay through past decisions to issue debt and make investments. It is greater than the amount they are spending on general city services. To her, this emphasizes their need to grow their tax base. It has been ten years since they increased the general City tax rate, and they will not be able to do that each year. They need to achieve success in the sustainable growth of the tax base to offer high quality services. She strongly supports the budget. She does have concerns about youth services and CEDO’s funding in an era of dried up federal resources.
Councilor Bushor stated she benefited from hearing all of the presentations and reviewing the documents that were shared with them. She will support the budget. She appreciates the creative way that CEDO’s funding gap is being proposed to be resolved, but she remains concerned. The rooms and meals and sales tax money has been used in the past. They have always been conservative about their estimates, and when they have a surplus they have often used that money to cover shortfalls they may have in other areas. She is concerned about using that money to bridge the gap in CEDO’s funding. She is supportive of this proposal because she does not see another way to get through this year. She has requested that they look for more permanent funding solutions. She has concerns about the money that is set aside for pavement after the hard winter that they had. There has been an increase in money to address some of those concerns, but she is not confident that will sustain their roads in the way they want them. She stated she was under the impression that they were trying not to do short term borrowings and inquired why they are issuing a tax anticipation note. CAO Rusten stated that gives them authority to borrow money if there is a need. They have reduced the amount of money that they are asking to be able to borrow. They have not used it at all this year and hope not to use it in the future. It is prudent for them to have the authority if it is necessary.
Councilor Hartnett stated they live in a great City and they have done great things for youth and teens and will continue to in the future. They have the youth Center at Memorial and the Miller Center and will be building a new skate park. There have been cuts, but the Council should appreciate what they do for teens in the City, especially compared with other towns. He is not too concerned about the proposal in the budget.
Councilor Tracy stated this year’s budget process worked well. He is pleased with the emphasis and focus on capital projects. This is the beginning of a much larger process to look at what types of needs they will see. They are assessing their garages that could yield some large numbers. They will also be assessing streets and sidewalk and stormwater and wastewater. They will have to find ways to address these concerns. They have avoided some of these tough financial questions in the past and he does not want them to focus just on maintenance anymore. He looks forward to ongoing discussions.
Councilor Wright thanked the administration and Board of Finance for their work on the budget. It was wise for them to monitor the budget and realize that they need to grow the tax base. They also need to determine how to deal with CEDO’s funding. He will support it this year, but has concerns. If they are going to use more local taxpayer dollars to fund CEDO, they will have to have a stronger evaluation of their work and what they are producing. They did not need that so much when it was all federal money. Big picture, they need to have an overall plan for the entire Bike Path. He believes that it would be a mistake to mix that in with other sidewalk projects.
CAO Rusten thanked the Council and City staff for their help in producing the budget. He is very excited about this budget and believes it will set them up well for the future. Having a new IT Department will free up the Assistant CAO for Administration to look at things like insurance liability and worker’s comp, two key drivers of increases in this budget. When they talked about the budget being fair, factual, and forward, they looked at making sure the budgets were appropriate in terms of how they allocated expenses between funds and were doing things in a way that met requirements of the City Charter and State Statute. In the last week, an issue came up that he wanted to bring to the Council’s attention. Under State Statute, municipalities can exempt properties from taxation. If those properties are not exempted by the State, the municipality is required to make up that lost revenue for the education fund. An example of this is that Veterans can have the first $10,000 of value of their property exempted without having to pay State taxes. If the voters approve increasing that amount to $40,000, the lost revenue to the State has to be made up by the municipality. He became aware that they have some of those exemptions and they have been paying the money. However, it was not paid in the way the State Statute requires them to. The Statute requires that there be a separate tax listed on the bill called the local tax agreement. That will set the tax rate in a way that is sufficient to cover the lost revenue on certain properties. This amounts to about $137,000. This is reflected in the budget resolution for taxation. They have been paying this differently in the past, but this is the more appropriate way to meet the requirements. There is a lot of excitement from Department Heads about where their budgets are headed. They will also start working on a three year general fund budget.
City Council President Shannon thanked the administration for their work in creating the support documents. She thanked channel 17 for televising the work sessions.
Action: 6.05 Resolution Annual Appropriation & Budget for Regional Programs for FY 2015 (Board of Finance)
Councilor Ayres stated he will be recusing himself from this vote because of his position as executive director of First Night Burlington.
waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Recuse: Tom Ayres
Action: 6.08 Resolution Creation of Information Technology Department (Board of Finance)
Councilor Bushor stated she is pleased as a resident and City Councilor to see the formation of an IT Department. It is long overdue and she is glad the administration has made this a priority. When she read the resolution, she had some suggestions. The resolution states that the Department Head will be appointment annually by the Mayor. She believes this makes sense for the first year, but she believes it might be worth rethinking this in the future to make it a longer appointment. Her rationale is that this is someone who will have technical expertise. Making this a revolving door position with each Mayor may not serve IT or the City well. She also believes that they should include a help desk function as part of the responsibilities of the Department.
waive the reading and adopt the resolution
Motion by Jane Knodell, second by Sharon Bushor.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
7. Presentation
7.01 Presentation: Nicole Losch, DPW, re: Intersection Scoping Study for Colchester St/Pearl St/Prospect St (oral)
Nicole Losch, DPW, stated they have initiated this study as a result of their 2011 Colchester Avenue Corridor Plan. The Council accepted the plan which recommended improvements to that corridor. Among those was a recommendation to conduct a scoping study for the Colchester/Pearl/Prospect intersection to address its offset alignment and improve mobility and safety for all users. They initiated the study through the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and they hired Resource Systems Group. They convened a steering committee including City Councilors, Ward 1 NPA, UVM, CATMA, DPW, the RPC, CCTA, and Local Motion. The Committee identified the purpose and need of the project. The purpose is to identify a preferred alternative that enhances safety for all modes of transportation. The need for the project is to address peak period traffic congestion to improve the safety of the intersection and alleviate inadequate accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians.
David Saladino, Resource Systems Group, stated this study was driven by the propensity for crashes. It was the 25th worst location in the State for the number of crashes. The offset approach causes issues for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. It has a high volume of pedestrian traffic during peak hours. When this project started, there was not an advanced pedestrian phase for east west crossing. There was recurring congestion during evening peak times. Through the process they considered several alternatives. They used a pilot project that they tested and worked well. They also tested three longer term alternatives. The project had public input and they requested that they make any small easy changes quickly to see some immediate improvements. DPW made those changes happen. The primary change was that they removed parking on the downhill side of Pearl Street to make wider shoulders for cyclists. They prohibited left turns onto North Prospect. They removed parking spaces in front of the University Health Center to process northbound traffic. They also installed no turn on red LED signs on two of the corners to allow pedestrians to cross the street when they have a walk signal. They made those changes and observed the effects throughout the year. The Public Works Commission voted to permanently eliminate the parking spaces and to prohibit left turn movement from Pearl to North Prospect. The Committee then looked at the larger scoping study and built on the alternatives. The first two would align the North South approaches. They would shift the South Prospect approach to align it with North Prospect. This would be a land swap with the University of Vermont on both sides of the street. They also hope to create a pedestrian plaza on the southeast corner. They also hope to add a bike box to allow cyclists to get in front of the stopped vehicles. There is a possibility to do that at other intersections and the City will continue to look at that. The second alternative is the same except there is a left turn lane on the north approach. It would be eleven feet wider and would process traffic better. The downside is it creates a longer pedestrian crossing distance and would cost more. The third alternative was a roundabout. It would be a 100 foot radius which is less than the standard. The volumes lend themselves to a roundabout, but the physical constraint of the building did not lend itself to a roundabout. They studied the wait time that would take place during peak hours. Right now they have 119 seconds of delay. Alternatives one and two would cause half the delay. The roundabout alternative was not good. Alternative 1 has all positive improvements. Alternative 2 has some very good improvements, but there are also some negative or neutral aspects. Both would cost about the same amount. There will be some changes in the number of parking spaces.
Ms. Losch stated their next step is to identify their preferred alternative. The steering committee met and endorsed Alternative 1. They took this recommendation to the Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee who were also supportive. They plan to return to the Council with a resolution at the next meeting. They will recommend Preferred Alternative 1. They will identify funding, design, and implement the alternative. Their implementation of pilot projects gained some national recognition with the study through the National Association of City Transportation Officials. It was recognized as being an innovative way of testing long term projects.
Councilor Bushor stated this was a model process. They had a steering committee representing all of the stakeholders. They had some heated debates and they made decisions. She applauded Ward 1 residents who came up with a pilot program that did not cost money and made that intersection safer.
Councilor Knodell inquired if the preferred alternative is what is there now. Ms. Losch stated it will shift the intersection to the west. It will expand the UVM Green, will retain a right turn lane from South Prospect Street onto Colchester Ave., and will have a shared through or left turn lane from South Prospect to North Prospect or Pearl Street. Mr. Saladino stated three approaches will stay as they are, but the Northbound approach will shift. Councilor Knodell inquired if they have tracked the safety data. Ms. Losch stated they have, although it has only been in place for six months. This is a short window to get a lot of safety data. They have not heard of any crashes since it was implemented. Councilor Knodell inquired if they have an estimate of the cost of the project. Mr. Saladino stated it was just under $1 million. Councilor Knodell inquired what the funding source will be. Ms. Losch stated there is a chance that it could be partially locally funded. Because it is a high crash area they may be able to access highway safety funds through the State. There will probably be a variety of funding sources.
City Council President Shannon inquired if they will have the funding sources identified when they come to the Council for approval. Ms. Losch stated they have not identified the funding source. They will not indicate where the funding would come from. City Council President Shannon inquired what they would be seeking approval for. Ms. Losch stated they would be asking for approval for the preferred alternative and they would then seek funding. They will have more of an ability to find funding if they have their plans in place.
Councilor Bushor stated the improvements have made a world of difference and people are wondering why they need to do more. This could be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, which is why they are proposing this alternative. She believes it is safer for pedestrians. Cyclists are still at risk. They are trying to make it safer for all modes of transportation.
8. Commission & Board Appointments
Councilor Wright requested a brief recess. City Council President Shannon recessed the meeting for five minutes.
Communication: 8.01 Communication - Boards and Commissions Nominating Committee re: City Council 2014 Commission & Board Appointment Worksheet
Councilor Siegel moved to nominate a slate of candidates for items 8.02 through 8.07 and 8.11 through 8.14.
Councilor Siegel thanked all Board and Commission applicants. They have transformed their process over the past few years. Three years ago the appointments were made via a slate that was created in a closed meeting. Within those meetings there were cultures of trading candidates between parties. She was uncomfortable with that process. They created a pilot process last year where they held work sessions to interview all candidates with all of the Councilors. It allowed only two minutes per candidate and was an awkward format. That pilot opened up the process so that it was more transparent, but it was not efficient. They revised the plan and created the pilot that they used this year. There was a nominating committee of four Councilors and the Mayor. They held three meetings that were open to the public and had public comment periods. In the first meeting, they went through all of the candidates and made all of the decisions that were easy to make. Those were usually situations where there was only one applicant or where there were incumbents who received full support. Had people come and watched the meeting, they would have heard why some incumbents received support and other did not. At the second meeting, they invited all applicants for open seats or for seats where the incumbents did not receive full support. At the end of the second meeting and in the third meeting, they decided who to put on the slate. The Charter Change Committee will be looking for feedback and input. They will send a survey to Councilors, applicants, and City staff. They will forward that to the Council in the fall to determine what they do next year. She shares the interest of clarifying the process as a whole and the decision making about reappointing incumbents. There are challenges with people applying for positions and incumbents getting reappointed. People feel discouraged when this happens and they need to clarify it further.
Councilor Bushor inquired why three positions were removed from the slate. Councilor Siegel stated there was a realization from City Attorney Blackwood that the Conservation Board and the Development Review Board appointments are decided by the City Council with Mayor Presiding. This will be the slate with just the City Council voting. They will address the other positions in the City Council with Mayor Presiding meeting.
Councilor Blais stated he was surprised when he was appointed to the nominating committee because he did not feel they should change their process from the past. Through this process he has been converted. There is not a single appointment that they have made that could not be asked for review or reconsideration. They had some very qualified people who were volunteering their time for these non-paid positions. It was a remarkable process. There was give and take, but it was done in a transparent and open manner. He urged the Council to avoid pulling out one name causing others to fall. There was give and take and it was done publically. He requested they approve the slate as approved by the nominating Committee.
Councilor Wright stated he has been involved in negotiations in the past. He did not think it was just political horse trading in the past. They negotiated with an eye on who the best candidates are. He does think that there is more transparency, but there is still talking going on outside of the meetings. He thinks the process was good and added value. They heard from candidates who were great. It still needs to be reviewed to make it a better process.
City Council President Shannon thanked Councilor Siegel for her work on this. She was pleased with the compromises that were made and the organization and effort that went into it. The process was workable.
Action: 8.02 Chittenden County Transportation Authority (Term Expires 6/30/2017)
Nomination of Pablo Bose
Motion by Rachel Siegel
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.03 Chittenden Solid Waste District (Term Expires 5/31/2016)
Nomination of Chapin Spencer
Motion by Rachel Siegel, second by Rachel Siegel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.04 Chittenden Solid Waste District, Alternate (Term Expires 5/31/2016)
Nomination of July Sanders
Motion by Rachel Siegel, second by Rachel Siegel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.05 Church Street Marketplace Commission (Term Expires 6/30/2017)
Nomination of Lara Allen
Motion by Rachel Siegel, second by Rachel Siegel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.06 Church Street Marketplace Commission (Term Expires 6/30/2017)
Nomination of Mathew Chabot
Motion by Rachel Siegel, second by Rachel Siegel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.07 Church Street Marketplace Commission (Term Expires 6/30/2017)
Nomination of Ranjit "Buddy" Singh
Motion by Rachel Siegel, second by Rachel Siegel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.08 Conservation Board (Term Expires 6/30/2018) - Moved to City Council with Mayor Presiding
Moved to City Council with Mayor Presiding
Action: 8.09 Development Review Board (Term Expires 6/30/2018)
Moved to City Council with Mayor Presiding
Action: 8.10 Development Review Board (Term Expires 6/30/2018)
Moved to City Council with Mayor Presiding
Action: 8.11 Fence Viewer (Term Expires 6/30/2015)
Nomination of Ralph Montefusco
Motion by Rachel Siegel, second by Rachel Siegel.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.12 Fence Viewer (Term Expires 6/30/2015)
Re-advertise
Motion by Tom Ayres, second by Dave Hartnett.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.13 Fence Viewer (Term Expires 6/30/2015)
Re-advertise
Motion by Tom Ayres, second by Dave Hartnett.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
Action: 8.14 Housing Board of Review (6/30/2019)
Re-advertise
Motion by Tom Ayres, second by Dave Hartnett.
Final Resolution: Motion Passes
Aye: Tom Ayres, Norm Blais, Sharon Bushor, Dave Hartnett, Jane Knodell, Bianka Legrand, Chip Mason, Karen Paul, Rachel Siegel, Max Tracy, Kurt Wright, Joan Shannon
9. Committee Reports
Councilor Hartnett stated the Public Safety Committee will be meeting.
Councilor Legrand stated the Institutions and Human Resources Committee met and will be meeting again.
City Council President Shannon reminded Councilors that their next meeting will have a very full agenda. She asked the Councilors offer any amendments in writing in advance. She requested that they send requests to amend the agenda to the Clerk’s Office and copy her.
10. City Council - General City Affairs
Councilor Siegel stated she voted against consent agenda item 5.16 Authorization to Execute Joint Use Agreement with the United States of America for use of Burlington International Airport. She knows that it would have passed whether there was discussion or not. There is a level of angst over the F-16s and the potential F-35s. She would have liked to have information about the number of noise complaints for the F-16s which have apparently been increasing since the decision on the F-35s was made.
Councilor Bushor stated they have an Accessibility Committee. They have not acted upon developing roots around the City for senior housing. They need sidewalks with ramps that are the appropriate slope to allow seniors to navigate downtown. This highlights some of the dilemma. They have a group of people using public transportation and they are dependent on that. The location of a bus is an issue for them. There are also some issues with levelling of sidewalks. The next step in their infrastructure is to look at their sidewalks and find a way to fund them. They should listen carefully and make sure they can help address it.
Councilor Hartnett stated he spoke about the youth and teens in the community and how fortunate they are to offer so many things for them. At Roosevelt Park, they have made a number of improvements. He believes this is the most utilized park that they have. Every day there are kids using the Park. That is their recreation in that neighborhood. They should be proud that they provide parks like that. There is a great need, especially in that neighborhood. There were some cuts, but no City does more for their teens and youth than Burlington.
Councilor Mason stated the Greater Burlington Girls’ Soccer League concluded its jamboree two weekends ago at Leddy Park. Allowing the use of Leddy with the unavailability of Callahan has been seamless. The kids had a great time.
Councilor Knodell stated there was a public hearing about the Housing Strategy Study that was recently released. They had excellent attendance with a good cross section of diverse perspectives. All written comments will be posted on the CEDO website. The CD Committee will be looking closely at the comments and recommendations to provide concrete actions to implement.
Councilor Wright congratulated the Parks Department for the Parks looking fantastic. They recently had a vote on the School Budget which was extremely close. The Budget passed by 71 votes. He continues to be concerned with the direction of the School Board. They passed a resolution calling for the Charter Change Committee to look at potential changes. They looked at allowing them to utilize the CAO on a temporary basis to help them with their finances. They no longer have a Superintendent or CFO. He was concerned when he saw literature put out by the Friends of Education that stated that the School Board had signed on with the Mayor to use the CAO. That is not correct and has not happened to date. He is still concerned about what is happening with the Schools.
11. Mayor - General City Affairs
Mayor Weinberger thanked the Council for unanimously supporting the budget. This sends a great message to department heads and public employees.
He attended the Burlington High School graduation last week. It was a great event to attend after months of controversy with the schools. It was an event of joy. The Partnership for Change has been working to improve the schools and they will be holding their year end celebration.
He thanked Councilor Knodell for her partnership on the Housing Strategy Report hearing. He is committed to ensuring some positive concrete things come from that report.
He noted that today is the first day of the Fletcher Free Library Summer Reading Program. He encouraged people to sign up their children for the program. There are prizes ranging from Lake Monster Tickets to bikes for readers.
12. Adjournment
Action: 12.01 Motion to adjourn
City Council President Shannon adjourned the meeting at 9:07pm.