MINUTES SUBJECT TO CORRECTION BY BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL. CHANGES, IF ANY, WILL BE RECORDED IN THE MINUTES OF THE NEXT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL.

BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL

 

CONTOIS AUDITORIUM, CITY HALL

BURLINGTON, VERMONT

MINUTES OF MEETING

June 15, 2015

                                                                                    APPROVED – July 13, 2015

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Jane Knodell (Council President) – Central District

Selene Colburn – East District

David Hartnett – North District

Joan Shannon – South District

Sharon Foley Bushor – Ward 1

Max Tracy – Ward 2

Sara Giannoni – Ward 3

Kurt Wright – Ward 4

William “Chip” Mason – Ward 5

Karen Paul – Ward 6

Tom Ayres – Ward 7

Adam Roof – Ward 8

ADMINISTRATION:          Miro Weinberger, Mayor

 

                          Eileen Blackwood, City Attorney

                          Bob Rusten, CAO

                          Rich Goodwin, ACAO

                          Brian Lowe, Special Projects Coordinator

                          Amy Bovee, Executive Secretary Clerk/Treasurer Office

                          Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting & Records Coordinator

                          Mike Kanarick, COS

                          Jen Kaulius, Executive Secretary

OTHERS PRESENT:          Ron Ruloff

                                          Fred Solomon

                                          Rose Canari

                                          Charlie Herrick

                                          David Berg

                                          Jane Weiss

                                          Barbara McGrew

 

1.0       CALL TO ORDER and AGENDA

Council President Knodell called the meeting to order at 7:23 PM on June 15, 2015 and led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.

            1.01 Agenda

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Tracy to approve the agenda with the following amendments:

·         Add to the Consent Agenda:

o   Item 3.14, Communication from Charlie Herrick re: interim operating agreement with action to waive the reading, accept the communication, place the information on file, and refer the matter to the Ordinance Committee.

o   Item 3.15, Communication from Walter re: Decker Towers with action to refer the matter to the Burlington Housing Authority and report to City Council by July 7, 2015.

o   Item 3.19, Communication from David Mickenberg and Rebecca Ramos on behalf of Working Vermont re: Uber agreement with action to waive the reading, accept the communication, place the information on file, and refer to the Joint License/Ordinance Committee.

·         Add to the Deliberative Agenda:

o   Item 4.16, note written material, Communication from Mayor Miro Weinberger re: FY2016 proposed budget with action to waive the reading, accept the communication, and place the information on file.

o   Note 1.A, Consolidated Summary updated for the agenda.

o   Item 4.22, Resolution, Annual Appropriation and Budget for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015, Board of Finance.

o   Item 4.22, Amendment to annual appropriations resolution.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

2.0       PUBLIC FORUM

Public Forum commenced at 7:30 PM.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ø  Ron Ruloff made comments as follows:

§  The city would have reaped the financial benefit of investing in silver coins years ago. The city is falling into bankruptcy.

§  City Council is negotiating “give backs” to the unions and not reporting to the public. The unions are being “shaken down” for money to finance the TIF districts then will go to the bond holders which will plunge the city’s bond rating into “junk” status.

§  Task of City Council is to keep the city solvent, but City Council is not doing a very good job and has “spun a fairy tale” of development to save the town from financial destruction.

§  People should be warned not to buy city bonds and employees better have a better retirement plan than their pension issued by the city in as little as five years.

 

Ø  Fred Solomon contended Uber is a taxi company that picks up people at Point A and delivers to Point B with the customer paying a fare and the money being divided between the driver and the company. Uber is trying to convince people they are not a taxi company so they are not subject to the taxi laws and rules and they do not need to license their cabs and drivers. This is absurd and the city recognized this and notified Uber that they are in violation of the taxi ordinance. Uber failed to comply with the notice so the city should shut down the operation or change the taxi rules. The Mayor is proposing a separate law that applies to Uber alone. This is not a level playing field. Many cities are fighting Uber to follow their taxi laws. Former City Council President, Bill Keogh, commented it looks like the city is “throwing taxis under the bus”.

 

Ø  Rose Canari described an encountered with an Uber driver who was summoned to her address in error, noting the driver was angry and very rude and said “I will find you” which caused fear about safety. City Council is asked to consider this situation.

 

Ø  Charlie Herrick introduced David Berg with I-Cabbie. David Berg described I-Cabbie which is the largest e-taxi company in Europe. I-Cabbie is partnering with local cab companies to bring more innovative technology to the community than what is in use by Uber. The technology is sold to local cab companies that are regulated locally. I-Cabbie provides all the same services as Uber plus allows the rider to book trips in the future and pay in cash or credit card at the cab. Rides are booked online. Trips are dispatched via text message and a link. The cab can be tracked. There is a local office and contact number with an individual overseeing the system and helping direct the driver to the correct location. The local company can engage local, independent cabdrivers. I-Cabbie has a comprehensive reporting system and can send reports to city officials. Information is collected on number of riders, who is using taxicabs, roads used, and such.  Charlie Herrick noted the innovative technology offered by I-Cabbie does not require a rewrite of the taxi ordinance.

 

Ø  Jane Weiss, licensed cabdriver, stated the licensing process is not fair and now the Mayor is making an exception for Uber. Ms. Weiss said the $166/year fee for a license she must pay (and gets help paying from another agency) should also be required of Uber. Also, her car is marked as a taxi so people know who her employer is. Ms. Weiss asked that there be a fair playing field.

 

Ø  Barbara McGrew requested City Council vote against replacing Michael Long on the DRB with Geoff Hand due to Mr. Long’s planning education and that Mr. Long is not a part of the development community.

 

There were no further comments and Public Forum was closed at 7:46 PM.

 

3.0       CONSENT AGENDA

            3.01 PROCEDURAL:        Amend/Adopt Consent Agenda and Take Action(s) as Indicated

            3.02 RESOLUTION:          Authorization to enter into Delegation Agreement with Vermont ANR for Shoreland Permit Review

            3.03 RESOLUTION:          Authorization to Purchase New Ambulance (Board of Finance)

            3.04 RESOLUTION:          Authorization to accept VTrans Town Highway Class 2 Roadway Grant, Execute Contract with Frank W. Whitcomb Construction Corp. and Use Contingency Funds to Complete the FY16 Street (Board of Finance)

            3.05 RESOLUTION:          Continuum of Care Grant Agreement (Board of Finance)

            3.06 RESOLUTION:          Authorization to Execute Conservation Easement and Accept Grants re: 28 Archibald Street (Board of Finance)

            3.07 COMMUNICATION:   C/T Office re: Accountability List

            3.08 COMMUNICATION:   Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator re: Regular Schedule of Meetings of City Council through August 2016

            3.09 COMMUNICATION:   Authorization to Contract with DC Energy Innovations

            3.10 PERMIT:                    Special Event Outdoor Entertainment Permit Application (3 days): SEABA, Art Hop, September 11-13, 2015

            3.11 AMEND PERMIT:       Amendment to Indoor Entertainment Permit Renewal (2015-2016): Mr. Mike’s Pizza, 206 Main Street

            3.12 COMMUNICATION:   Meghan Sweeney, Clerk of the Board re: Fire Commission Attendance Records

            3.13 COMMUNICATION:   Amy Bovee, Executive Secretary, C/T Office re: Applications for Renewals of License Agreements for Encumbrances Outside Church Street Marketplace for 2015-2016 Season

            3.14 COMMUNICATION:   Charlie Herrick re: Interim Operating Agreement

            3.15 COMMUNICATION:   Walter0345@gmail.com re: City Council Decker Towers

            3.16 COMMUNICATION:   Karen Walton, GM, CCTA, and Anne Namm, visitor re: Idling Shuttle Bus

            3.17 COMMUNICATION:   Harry Chen, MD re: Town Health Officers

            3.18 INFORMATION:         Communication related to Land Use Regulations and Other Matters

            3.19 COMMUNICATION:   David Mickenberg and Rebecca Ramos on behalf of Working Vermont re: Uber Agreement

 

MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Ayres, to accept the consent agenda as presented (Items 3.01-3.19), waive the reading, accept the communications, take the action(s) indicated and place the item(s) on file. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

4.0       DELIBERATIVE AGENDA

            4.01 2015 City Council Appointments

            4.02 Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), term expires    6/30/17

            4.03 Church Street Marketplace Commission (CSM), term expires 6/30/16

            4.04 Church Street Marketplace Commission (CSM, term expires 6/30/17

            4.05 Church Street Marketplace Commission (CSM), term expires 6/30/18

            4.06 Church Street Marketplace Commission (CSM), term expires 6/30/18

            4.07 Fence Viewer, term expires 6/30/16

            4.08 Winooski Valley Park District (WVPD), term expires 6/30/18

 

MOTION by Councilor Wright, SECOND by Councilor Hartnett, to approve the 2015 City Council appointments (Items 4.01 through Items 4.08) as follows:

·         Andy Montroll - CCRPC, term expiring 6/30/17

·         Chad Hutchins - CSM, term expiring 6/30/16

·         Robin Sutphen – CSM, term expiring 6/30/17

·         Jed Davis – CSM, term expiring 6/30/18

·         Phil Merrick – CSM, term expiring 6/30/18

·         Ian Galbraith – Fence Viewer, term expiring 6/30/16

·         Aaron Keech – WVPD, term expiring 6/30/18

            DISCUSSION: Councilor Shannon expressed disappointment Roger Marshall was not reappointed to WVPD. Mr. Marshall served the city well for the past nine years and was dedicated and active in his role. There were no further comments.

VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.09 Communication: Authorization for Extension of UVM Agreement for Payment of Services

            MOTION by Councilor Paul, SECOND by Councilor Bushor, to waive the reading, accept the communication, and place the information on file.

                        DISCUSSION: Mayor Weinberger stated the letter indicates the Administration’s support to extend the agreement. It is the intention of the Administration to commence working on a thorough review of the agreement and of the housing agreement expiring shortly. The intent is to make progress on both agreements and cover a range of issues between now and fall. Approval of the extension is requested. There were no further comments.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.10 Indoor Entertainment Permit Application (2015-2016): The Archives, 191 College Street

            MOTION by Councilor Ayres, SECOND by Councilor Tracy, to approve the Indoor Entertainment Permit 2015-2016 for The Archives, 191 College Street. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.11 Public Hearing: Comprehensive Development Ordinance, Appendix A, Use Table (Attached Dwellings-Mixed Use and Small Daycares in RCO) ZA 15-05 (A and B)

            The public hearing was opened at 7:56 PM. Staff explained the amendment to the zoning regulations will allow small daycares in association with small museums in the RCO zone. Ethan Allen Homestead is seeking the amendment. The other amendment tightens up the language in reference to mixed uses allowed in the zoning district. There were no further comments. The hearing was closed at 7:58 PM.

 

            4.12 Ordinance: Comprehensive Development Ordinance, Appendix A, Use Table (Attached Dwellings-Mixed Use and Small Daycares in RCO) ZA 15-05 (A and B)

            MOTION by Councilor Mason, SECOND by Councilor Bushor, to waive the Second Reading and adopt the ordinance as presented. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.13 Public Hearing: Allocation Method and Standards for Common Area Fee Formula and Establishment of Common Area Fees for Church Street Marketplace Fiscal Year 2016

            The public hearing was opened at 7:59 PM. Ron Redmond, CSM Director, explained the common area fee is charged to property owners on Church Street in support of the Marketplace Department. The fee funds 70% of the budget. At the May 27th meeting the CSM Commission approved a 1.5% increase and the budget and fee were approved. There were no further comments. The public hearing was closed at 8 PM.

 

            4.14 Resolution: Allocation Method and Standards for Common Area Fee Formula and Establishment of Common Area Fees for Church Street Marketplace Fiscal Year 2016 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Giannoni, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.15 Communication: Bob Rusten, CAO re: Fund Balance Policy

            MOTION by Councilor Paul, SECOND by Councilor Bushor, to waive the reading, accept the communication, take the action indicated, and place the information on file.

                        DISCUSSION: The following comments were made:

·         Councilor Bushor recapped the Board of Finance was unanimous in referring the final draft of the policy to City Council for adoption. The Board of Finance discussed a targeted fund balance, minimum and maximum. The policy is a positive step for the city and the fund balance amount can be reviewed in the future as needed.

·         Mr. Rusten added the policy states if the situation is warranted the fund balance can be reduced below 5% and the CAO is responsible to initiate a formal review of the policy prior to the end of FY2017. Mr. Rusten noted for many years the city did not have a minimum fund balance policy of operating expenses to be used and saved for necessary situations. The auditors and Moody’s both mentioned the need for a policy. The policy states a philosophic approach saying money is needed in the unassigned fund balance with a minimum of 5% targeted. Presently, there is a positive unassigned fund balance ($72,000).

·         Councilor Shannon observed the city can vary from the policy, but the action must be brought to the attention of City Council where in the past when this happened City Council learned through the audits.

·         Mr. Rusten said modification to the practice outlined in the policy would require approval by City Council.

·         Mayor Weinberger pointed out an example of the policy is in practice with the budget with the inclusion of $1 million that is not intended for spending over the next 12 months, but to be added to the unassigned fund balance. The money is a significant step toward a $3 million (5%) fund balance and a significant step toward restoring the city’s stability and fiscal standing. The policy item was noted in the last Moody’s report in terms of further credit upgrades.

·         Mr. Rusten requested City Council approve the policy.

                        There were no further comments.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

Council President Knodell recessed the regular City Council meeting at 8:10 PM to convene the City Council Meeting Mayor Presiding. The regular City Council meeting resumed at 8:23 PM.

 

            4.16 Communication: Mayor Miro Weinberger re: FY16 Budget

            Mayor Weinberger summarized the budget continues working toward restoring the city’s fiscal stability and the 10-year capital plan. A number of critical needs are addressed in the budget including a Teen Librarian, expanded Youth Librarian services, funding for the Competitive Arts Program, and funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The budget passed without an increase in the municipal tax rate. The budget represents considerable progress and support by City Council is requested.

 

            4.17 Resolution: Annual Appropriation and Budget for Regional Programs for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Wright, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution. VOTING: all ayes (Councilor Ayres recused from the vote); motion carried.

 

            4.18 Resolution: Annual Appropriate and Budget for Capital Projects for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Paul, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

                        DISCUSSION: Councilor Bushor explained this is the first year of the capital plan beginning July 1. There is a shortfall of $2.3 million between revenue sources and expenses. The money in existence will fund the bike path and increase sidewalk repairs. Staff will continue to seek additional revenue to complete projects over the year and winnow down the project list. There were no further comments.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.19 Resolution: Approve Issuance of Grant Anticipation Notes for Costs of Certain Airport Improvement Projects FY2016 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Wright, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

                        DISCUSSION: Councilor Bushor explained the approval is to secure temporary loans to move forward projects at the airport that will be reimbursed by the FAA. There were no further comments.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.20 Resolution: Temporary Loans in Anticipation of Taxes for Fiscal Year 2016 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Wright, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

                        DISCUSSION: Councilor Bushor explained the temporary loans are in anticipation of paid taxes. Taxes are paid quarterly, but the loans need to be in place until the property tax revenue is in hand.  There were no further comments.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.21 Resolution: Annual Tax Assessments on City Property Grand List for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Ayres, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

                        DISCUSSION: Councilor Bushor explained the General Fund tax rate is going down slightly. The resolution lists the line items and amounts. The Board of Finance was informed the tax rate will be reduced for the median family home by .41% or $7.25/year. Assessment for a median condominium value is .41% less or $6.21/year.  The hard work of the departments and Administration in           making this happen is acknowledged. There were no further comments.

            VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

            4.22 Resolution: Annual Appropriation and Budget for Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2015 (Board of Finance)

            MOTION by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Wright, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution.

                        DISCUSSION: The following was highlighted:

·         There is $500,000 in a contingency fund for unexpected events.

·         There is $300,000 total compensation contingency if needed.

·         Fees increased 7.45% in water, waste water, and solid waste. Impact on the average household is about $5/month increase.

·         There is $100,000 in the budget for permit reform.

·         There is money for initiatives by City Council including $7,500 to Local Motion for a pop-up bike lane demonstration kit, $19,000 for four community based action team events, $11,000 for the Heineberg Senior Center second floor replacement, and $12,500 for Safe Recovery needle exchange and retrieval.

·         With shrinking grant support for CEDO money was added to the budget (total support $400,000). Evaluation of whether to continue this level of support should be done.

                         AMENDMENT by Councilor Colburn, SECOND by Councilor Tracy, to strike the “be it further resolved” clause in the resolution (line 74) on the detailed synopsis of the proposed reorganization of the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) and replace with new language proposing the reorganization of CEDO be referred to the Board of Finance for further consideration and to include a model that retains an Assistant Director of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization and that the Board of Finance review proposed indicators of success supplied by the CEDO Director to assess capacity of the reorganization of housing staffing, and further, that the Board of Finance make a recommendation to City Council on the reorganization of CEDO for vote no later than July 13, 2015.

                                    DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENT: The following comments were made:

·         Councilor Colburn pointed out City Council has the option to vote on the reorganization as soon as June 29, 2015 so July 13, 2015 will be the latest date. The amendment is meant to elicit stronger evidence and answer questions posed by City Council on the model to increase housing capacity and what defines success. Housing is a critical issue for Burlington.

·         Mayor Weinberger expressed appreciation for the spirit of the amendment, but said the amendment is untimely and no alternative idea has been offered. The matter is being referred back to the board that unanimously recommended approval and addressed the concerns that were expressed. The impact of the amendment will delay filling two open CEDO positions. There would also be a material impact on initiatives that CEDO is tasked with such as permit reform, the 10 year capital plan, and negotiations with UVM and Champlain College. Also, CEDO is engaged in maintaining the affordability of Farrington Mobile Home Park and due diligence on the waterfront marina as well as dealing with Burlington Town Center issues that have been evolving.  The Council is urged to oppose the amendment.

·         Councilor Tracy said the current model is not as successful as it could be and housing is a huge issue. Clear goals were set which were not addressed by the CEDO Director. A two to four week delay is short in exchange for having clear goals to judge the success and generate some stability in the department.

·         Councilor Roof stated throughout the process of reorganization City Council has requested performance measures which have not been received. The amendment is not micro-management. The timing may not be perfect, but CEDO has repeatedly missed the mark in addressing the housing market over the years. The focus will continue on having performance standards alongside any reorganization instruction. With the reorganization the housing division will be distributed into two other main divisions of CEDO.

·         It was noted by a member of CEDO staff that with the proposed reorganization there will be more staff dedicated to housing functions (six staff including an Assistant Director). The change puts two Assistant Directors overseeing the housing function plus a Project & Policy Specialist and Grant Support Specialist.  There is excitement about having housing spread across teams.

·         Councilor Bushor stated access to housing is critical for the people of Burlington and the intent of the reorganization is to have the right structure for the city when housing is so key.

·         Councilor Mason spoke against the amendment because the discussion was held and concerns raised at the meeting three weeks ago and no further information was received.

·         Councilor Shannon noted the amendment is a big change on short notice. The Board of Finance decision is a way to give more support to housing.

·         Councilor Colburn stated it has not been demonstrated that what the Board of Finance approved will increase housing. There are important questions to be raised.

·         Councilor Hartnett observed given CEDO will put more emphasis on housing and CEDO is the expert to address the issue, more time and resources should be provided and the Council should rely on CEDO’s expertise.

                                    AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT by Councilor Wright, SECOND by Councilor Shannon, to have the amendment state: “Be it resolved that the Board of Finance will also review proposed indicators of success supplied by the CEDO Director that can be used by City Council and the Administration to assess capacity for housing and neighborhood revitalization work by CEDO.”, and further that the language describing the reorganization of CEDO will be restored in the resolution.

                                                DISCUSSION ON THE AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT: The following comments were made:

·         Councilor Roof spoke in support of CEDO and their expertise, but there is need to understand what is being done.

·         Councilor Giannoni spoke in support of reinstating the Director to housing.

·         Councilor Colburn spoke in support of continuing discussion and raising questions.

·         Mayor Weinberger clarified the reorganization and the FY17 process approved by the Board of Finance will stand with the amendment to the amendment.

·         Councilor Bushor stated the amendment to the amendment will allow CEDO to move forward and find a balance of where the city is today and where it wants to go.

                                    VOTING ON AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT: 11 ayes, one nay (Councilor Hartnett); motion carried. The amendment is amended.

                        VOTING ON AMENDMENT TO MOTION: 11 ayes, one nay (Councilor Hartnett); motion carried. The amendment to the motion is accepted.

            VOTING ON MOTION AS AMENDED (resolution as amended for the budget and the CEDO wording): unanimous; motion carried.

           

5.0       COMMITTEE REPORTS

            5.01 Licensing Committee

            Councilor Ayres reported:

·         Ron Gore, Department of Public Works, gave a presentation on the process for issuing encumbrances to rights-of-way and outdoor consumption permits in the downtown core.

·         The Accessibility Advisory Committee will report to City Council on June 29, 2015.

 

            5.02 Community Development and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee

            Councilor Colburn reported:

·         The committee meeting will be rescheduled to July to review the current draft of the Housing Action Plan with the hope to move the matter to City Council for a vote.

·         A task force will work on divestment from fossil fuels. CAO Rustin and the Sustainability Coordinator have been working to get the task force established before summer so the work can be complete by the end of the year.

 

            5.03 Combined Ordinance/Licensing Committee

            Councilor Mason reported:

·         A hearing will be held on 6/17/15 to discuss the Uber temporary operating agreement.

 

            5.04 Public Safety Committee

            Councilor Giannoni reported:

·         The organizational meeting of the Public Safety Committee is 6/17/15.

·         Councilor Giannoni will ride with the police on occasion to build a relationship with the department and see their view on public safety.

 

6.0       CITY COUNCIL – General Affairs

Councilor Wright reported the nonpartisan caucus held a meeting at his house. All councilors are invited to attend future meetings.

Councilor Wright commented positively on the budget, noting the inclusion of permit reform money, funding for the bike path completion up to the urban reserve at North Beach, enhanced sidewalk money, and $1 million for the unassigned fund balance. The city needs a finance plan with certainty to do the entire bike path widening and repaving.

Councilor Tracy reported on his trip to a district heating plant in Canada. The McNeil Plant is only 25% efficient presently, but if lost heat can be captured through co-gen technology there will be more heat for the city which is a strategy to decrease the carbon output as part of the Climate Action Plan adopted by City Council.

Councilor Colburn congratulated Fletcher Free Library on the successful kick-off to the summer reading program. The library is doing a spectacular job and helps students preserve literacy gains.

Councilor Hartnett congratulated the BHS graduates of 2015 and Girls Lacrosse for winning the state championship.

Councilor Shannon mentioned the release of the draft Plan BTV South End at the Arts Riot to stimulate thought on how the south end should develop.

Councilor Paul mentioned at the June 29th City Council meeting there will be discussion of ongoing Burlington redevelopment.

 

7.0       CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT – Council Updates

Council President Knodell reported:

·         Committee chairperson will report on their work plans at the June 29, 2015 City Council meeting.

 

8.0       MAYOR – General Affairs

Mayor Weinberger reported:

·         The 32nd annual Jazz Festival was a wonderful and successful event enjoyed by all.

·         The joint meeting of the School Board and City Council discussed the city’s 10 year capital plan and the superintendent reappointment.

·         Burlington Electric & Vermont Gas Energy Challenge is an opportunity for Burlington rental property owners to make energy efficiency improvements and have 75% of the cost paid by the utilities.

·         Congratulations to Burlington Girls LAX for winning the state championship.

·         Congratulations to Rice D-1 Boys Baseball for winning the state championship.

·         The summer reading program at the library is underway. The Mayor’s Office book group is reading “Money Ball” and a panel will discuss the book in the fall at Centennial Field.

·         The Weinberger’s will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary and attend a dinner and dedication of a new museum in the sister city of Au Fleur.

·         Plan BTV South End is a vision for the south end. All Burlington residents are urged to review and comment on the plan.

 

9.0       ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Councilor Wright, SECOND by Councilor Roof, to adjourn the meeting. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 PM

 

RScty: MERiordan