City of Burlington, VT

BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL

CONTOIS AUDITORIUM, CITY HALL

BURLINGTON, VERMONT

MINUTES OF MEETING

April 16, 2018

APPROVED

MEMBERS PRESENT: Kurt Wright (Council President) – Ward 4

Jane Knodell – Central District

David Hartnett – North District [arrived 7:49 PM]

Joan Shannon – South District

Richard Deane – East District

Sharon Foley Bushor – Ward 1

Max Tracy – Ward 2 [arrived 6:30 PM]

Brian Pine – Ward 3

William “Chip” Mason – Ward 5 [arrived 6:30 PM]

Karen Paul – Ward 6

Ali Dieng – Ward 7

Adam Roof – Ward 8

ADMINISTRATION: Miro Weinberger, Mayor

Beth Anderson, Interim CAO

Rich Goodwin, DFO

Eileen Blackwood, City Attorney

Brian Lowe, Mayor’s Office

Katie Vane, Mayor’s Office

Lori Olberg, C/T

Amy Bovee, C/T

Chapin Spencer, DPW

Norm Baldwin, DPW

Laura Wheelock, DPW

David White, P&Z

Meagan Tuttle, P&Z

Noelle Mackay, CEDO

VJ Comai, City Arborist

Neil Lunderville, BED

OTHERS PRESENT: Jan Schultz

Eric Vanroot

Morgan McGregor

Darren Spring

James Leas

Paul Webb

Nancy Kepler

Tony Redington

Joseph L

Alysa Kelly

Vinsin Pierce

Carl Koehler

Kelly Devine

Greg Marchildon

Arthur Blackhawk

Vicky Smith

James Lockridge

Jake Bell

Monique Fordham

Donna Walters

Charles Simpson

Richard Bragg

Roy Feldman

Charles Messing

Harley Johnson

Travis Bragg

Joanne Hunt

Kienan Christianson

Statement from Carolyn Bates read by Councilor Shannon

Richard Hillyard

Doreen Kraft

Steve Goodkind

Katharine Montstream

Robin Lloyd

Amanda Hannaford

Caryn Long

Michael Long

John Caulo

Annie McAvery

1.0 CALL TO ORDER and AGENDA

City Council President Wright called the City Council meeting to order at 6:05 PM on April 16, 2018.

1.01 Agenda

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

Note update to Item 2.02 (Champlain Parkway)
Move Item 5.06 (Livable Wage) to Item 6.08
Note revision to Item 5.17 (Great Streets: Champlain College)
Remove Item 5.22 (BCA Workshop Space)
Remove Item 5.23 (Waste Feasibility Study)
Note revisions to Item 6.03 (City Hall Park)
Add Item 6.04 (Phase Out of Business Personal Property Tax)
Note revision to Item 6.05 (Resolution re: Seniors)
Move Item 5.21 (Great Streets Standards) to Item 6.06
Move Item 5.25 (Champlain Parkway Project) to Item 6.07
Add Item 10.02 Executive Session (Litigation Update)

VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

2.0 WORK SESSION: District Energy Update

2.01 District Energy Update - BED

BED Director Lunderville and representatives from Cortix gave an update on the progress with district energy to meet the goals of fighting climate change and to provide a stable, affordable renewable energy source. McNeil Plant is the thermal energy source for the district energy system. Evergreen Energy did the feasibility study and Cortix Utilities is a partner on the project. The project is in Phase 3 (developing rates, energy agreements, grievance structure then on to preliminary design and implementation). The city owns the infrastructure. Cortix will build and maintain the system. McNeil will sell energy to Cortix. There will be service agreements with customers. BED will provide staff and technical support and incentives in support of the project. Risks to protect against include customer default, cost overruns and delays, rate increases, cost increases to McNeil and BED. Local control and transparency is preferred, perhaps forming a city district energy commission. Other options include unregulated service, the city sets rates, Public Utilities Commission sets rates. City Council is requested to endorse going to the Public Utilities Commission and confirming local control and moving forward with improvements at the McNeil Plant without opening the 248 permit. There is a draft agreement between the city and Cortix and Cortix and McNeil.

Councilor Pine requested seeing the business model and the investment share, risk share, and reward share. BED Director Lunderville will provide the information.

Councilor Dieng asked how long the project has been ongoing and the resources. BED Director Lunderville said the city needed a partner and Cortix knows how to run district energy so it was determined this is the best way for the city to go forward, and Cortix is willing to take the risk. District energy is a long term investment and looking out long term shows stable rates.

Councilor Bushor requested more information on the local control element and why the interface is not BED. BED Director Lunderville said the department did not want to put undue risk on BED ratepayers so a separate system will be done with a partner.

Councilor Knodell asked about technology. Staff said there are boilers, waste heat recovery and steam extraction.

3.0 WORK SESSION: Champlain Parkway Necessity Update

3.01 Champlain Parkway Necessity Update – DPW, CEDO

DPW Director Spencer, DPW Engineer Baldwin, and CEDO staff gave an overview of the Champlain Parkway project and right-of-way process. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2019 with right-of-way for the Lakeside undergrounding of utilities. Upgrades on Pine Street include two 12” water mains. VTrans and Federal Highway are involved in the right-of-way plans, evaluating properties and seeking agreements with those involved in the process. The city will only take what is needed for the project. Necessity hearings are needed for the properties involved. The citation and notice and property owners are posted on BoardDocs. Right-of-way plans will be posted for public review and will show the acquisition of properties.

Councilor Shannon asked if the drainage problem is solved with the project. DPW Engineer Baldwin said how to manage the flow of storm water in the area is under review. Councilor Shannon asked if the traffic lights at King/Maple will be tested with existing traffic. DPW Engineer Baldwin said the focus will be on Pine Street first.

The work sessions were concluded and after reassembling at Contois Auditorium Council President Wright led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.

4.0 PUBLIC FORUM

Public forum was opened at 7:38 PM.

COMMENTS

James Leas spoke of F-35 noise impact.
Paul Webb spoke about City Hall Park and urged taking donations to maintain the park rather than spending $3 million for less trees and grass.
Nancy Kepler, Chair of the Parks Commission, said the Parks Department hires professionals to take care of the city’s parks. There are 3,300 new restoration trees, 175 acres of conserved land, 280 street trees planted, and 43% tree canopy in the city. There were seven public meetings beginning in 2011 on the City Hall Park project.
Tony Redington spoke about City Hall Park and urged City Council to reconsider plans for the park, save the trees, and reduce the impervious space. Regarding the Champlain Parkway, Pine Street Coalition is challenging the existing design of the parkway and urges restarting the EIS and considering a cleaner, greener, quicker, and much safer parkway.
Joseph L spoke about the farmers market that brings people to City Hall Park. People stay in the shade of the trees so that resource should not be removed. Regarding the F-35, the planes when they crash burn for days. The city should not be put at risk and exposed to this.
Alysa Kelly spoke about the Emerald Ash Borer in Vermont and concern the trees will be wiped out before they can be replaced.
Vinsin Pierce, Parks Commission, urged moving forward with the plan for City Hall Park as adopted.
Carl Koehler suggested taking more public input on the trees in City Hall Park and preserving the Princeton Elm and mature silver maple and other trees.
Kelly Devine, Burlington Business Association, spoke in support of the City Hall Park plan which will create a vibrant green space for everyone. There are many other projects to do in the city (Memorial Auditorium, CityPlace, Macy’s, Moran, various capital projects) so it is time to move forward on this project.
Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont Director, spoke in support of the park project. AARP Vermont supports the park for the older population.
Arthur Blackhawk urged continuing dialogue on the park. The existing trees provide an economic service. Quality air, water, and soil need to be preserved and maintained.
Vicky Smith, King Street Center, spoke in support of the park plan. King Street Center and families seek to use the park. The center of Burlington should be the park.
James Lockridge spoke in support of higher quality conversation about the design of City Hall Park.
Jake Bell, landscape architect, spoke in support of the trees in the park and the need to maintain relief from soil compaction and protect the tree canopy.
Monique Fordham said people love the park and green canopy. Nearly 60% of the trees in the park are to be removed. More of the trees should be preserved and the greenery protected in the park. More time is requested to allow the panel to come up with recommendations.
Donna Walters said a tree preservation ordinance is needed to help city staff and boards. Public input has not been heard. The process should be reopened to save the trees in the park.
Charles Simpson spoke in support of the park as a place for children to play and a place for teens and seniors with shade trees. A humanely designed park should be promoted for use by the residents.
Richard Bragg spoke in support of keeping the park green.
Roy Feldman spoke of the city process to receive input on City Hall Park and acknowledged the hard work by the city for the last seven years and the opinion of over 2,000 people.
Charles Messing spoke against removing the trees in City Hall Park.
Harley Johnson spoke in support of the City Hall Park plan with the trees and local artists making a contribution and the space used in a number of ways.
Travis Bragg spoke in support of the current design of the park which looks greener and is human centric.
Joanne Hunt spoke in support of leaving more trees in the park, noting the loss of trees at the former Burlington College site is drastic and shameful. The city needs to figure out how to do development, housing, human centric activities, and support the environment.
Kienan Christianson spoke in support of the current plan for City Hall Park for a vibrant downtown park.
Carolyn Bates’ statement was read by Councilor Shannon requesting help to find housing for 33 homeless people put out on the street and urging Governor Scott to create emergency shelters. Ms. Bates also supported the “Keep the Park Green” resolution and using only $1 million in donated money, not raising taxes, hiring Bill DeVoss for advice on the trees, and hiring Jeff Young for advice on park maintenance and upkeep.
Richard Hillyard asked City Council to re-evaluate the City Hall Park design to see if it makes sense to spend $3 million and to ensure there is good soil and good drainage to take care of the trees.
Doreen Kraft, Burlington City Arts, read a letter from Thomas Leggett, Northfield Savings Bank, in support of the City Hall Park project as a positive change. A letter from Annie Bordeau, Car Share, was read on the new design of the park that will be more accessible to people with special needs.
Steve Goodkind read a statement regarding violation of the approval conditions for Burlington Town Center by Burlington Planning & Zoning, and requested the opportunity to set the record straight on the total square footage of parking being less than the agreed amount in the settlement with 67 fewer parking spaces being provided. The parking spaces on the amended plan do not meet dimensional standards. The amendment process was not done legally and the citizens group will be going to Federal Court to stop the process.
Katharine Montstream spoke in support of the redesign of City Hall Park which will welcome a more diverse population using the park and make the park an asset for the city and a destination place.
Robin Lloyd spoke in anger that the Trump Administration bombed Syria, noting only Congress can declare war, not the President. There will be a peace conference on May 12, 2018 in the Old North End followed by a poor people’s campaign at the statehouse.
Amanda Hannaford said four mailings were received for the redevelopment of the downtown mall and creation of affordable housing. City Council needs to ensure the development delivers on what was promised.
Caryn Long expressed concern about the number of trees and greenscape that will be lost with the City Hall Park project. The park needs to remain a park. Church Street can be the hardscape.
Michael Long urged taking a deeper look at the park and removing too many trees. Hardscape should not be increased. Historic preservation is not covered with the park design. Also, the amendments to CityPlace were not minor and should not have been done with administrative approval. The amendments violate the DRB permit, form based code, and the court order.
John Caulo expressed disappointment in the resolution to withdraw a project that went through a public process. Democratic norms are being trampled. City Council is urged to support continuing the process in place.
Annie McAvery spoke in support of the resolution not to remove so many trees from City Hall Park.

There were no further comments. Public Forum was closed at 9 PM.

5.0 CONSENT AGENDA

Council President Wright noted Item 5.05 (Route 127 Outfall Repair) was mistakenly omitted from the Board of Finance agenda. City Council agreed to include the item in the Consent Agenda.

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

5.02 COMMUNICATION: Accountability List

5.03 COMMUNICATION: Certificate of Highway Mileage

5.04 COMMUNICATION: Appletree Park Court Reconstruction

5.05 COMMUNICATION: Route 127 Outfall Repair Project

5.06 COMMUNICATION: Livable Wage [moved to Item 6.08]

5.07 COMMUNICATION: FY2019 Budget Presentation Schedule

5.08 COMMUNICATION: Chittenden County Creative Zone Meeting

5.09 COMMUNICATION: 2018-2019 City Council Standing Committee

5.10 PERMIT: Indoor/Outdoor Entertainment Renewals 2018-2019

5.11 COMMUNICATION: February 2018 Financials

5.12 COMMUNICATION: Contract for Landscaping Services

5.13 COMMUNICATION: Schmanska Park Court Reconstruction

5.14 COMMUNICATION: Quarterly Update CEDO

5.15 COMMUNICATION: Street Encumbrance 126 College Street Outdoor Seating

5.16 COMMUNICATION: Encumbrance Application Ground Monitoring Wells

5.17 COMMUNICATION: Great Streets: St. Paul Street by Champlain College

5.18 COMMUNICATION: FIO Document(s)

5.19 ORDINANCE: Security Alarm System

5.20 RESOLUTION: Parking Access & Revenue Control System

5.21 RESOLUTION: Great Streets Design & Construction Standards [moved to Item 6.06]

5.22 RESOLUTION: BCA Workshop Space, 339 Pine Street

5.23 RESOLUTION: Solid Waste Feasibility Standards [removed from agenda]

5.24 RESOLUTION: Terminate Option: Whalen Building, 177-179 So. Winooski Ave.

5.25 RESOLUTION: Champlain Parkway Layout Proceedings [moved to Item 6.07]

MOTION by Councilor Knodell, SECOND by Councilor Shannon, to adopt the Consent Agenda and take the action indicated for Items 5.01 through Item 5.25 with removal of Item 5.23 (Solid Waste Feasibility Standards) and transfer of Items 5.06 (Livable Wage), 5.21 (Great Streets Standards) and 5.25 (Champlain Parkway Layout Proceedings) to the Deliberative Agenda. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

Council President Wright recessed the City Council meeting at 9:02 PM to convene the Local Control Commission. The City Council meeting resumed at 9:10 PM.

6.0 DELIBERATIVE AGENDA

6.01 Indoor Entertainment Permit Application 2018-2019: Nepali Kitchen and Bar, 1130 North Avenue

MOTION by Councilor Deane, SECOND by Councilor Roof, to approve the Indoor Entertainment Permit Application 2018-2019 for Nepali Kitchen and Bar, 1130 North Avenue, with the conditions all city permits need to be closed out with all standard conditions. VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

6.02 Update on CityPlace Burlington – Planning & Zoning, CEDO

Planning & Zoning Director White and CEDO Director Mackay reviewed recent and pending changes to the CityPlace project including the addition of 16 new residential units for a total of 288 units, decreasing the floor area retail office space by minor amounts, rearranging the parking on floors 2 through 4 (there are 939 parking spaces), and rearranging windows and doors. Addition to the amenity space and changing the phasing schedule will be decided by the DRB.

Councilor Bushor asked for a total of retail space because it appears some space is double counted. Also, there is concern about air quality in the residential units around the parking. Councilor Bushor commented Act 250 would have been triggered with the number of housing units now in the project, but the way the project evolved did not trigger Act 250 review which is unfortunate. CEDO Director Mackay pointed out the state statute was changed last year for residential in downtowns and Act 250 review is no longer required. The project approval occurred prior to the legislative change.

Councilor Bushor expressed concern about the affordability of valet parking and the re-arrangement of window and door openings on the façade. The amount of detail being provided has been winnowing and that is a concern. Form based code should be modified to trigger more engagement with the public rather than having more administrative approvals. Planning & Zoning Director White said how much retail space and where is shown, not how many retail places. Regarding parking and air quality, the parking area is required to be mechanically ventilated so air quality will be improved.

Councilor Tracy expressed concern about how the project was approved and the changes that have been made without public conversation. The result is misinformation and confusion. The project will become “a playground for the rich” and be out of reach for many Burlingtonians. Councilor Tracy asked if the pool will be accessible to all units. Planning & Zoning Director White said the amenity spaces on the 7^th and 12^th floors are accessible to all residential units. Councilor Tracy asked if the parking requirement can be met without valet parking. Planning & Zoning Director White said the first floor is open use parking. Valet parking is for the offices and tenants in the building. Without valet parking the demand would have to be met off site. The project cannot be retrofit. CEDO Director Mackay said more parking spaces cannot be added, but the spaces could be reconfigured though there still would be less spaces. The DRB can alter dimensional requirements for parking spaces.

Councilor Deane noted more residential units and three perpetually affordable units are being added and that is a positive change.

City Council waived the reading and accepted the communication to be placed on file.

6.03 City Hall Park Resolution

Councilor Knodell stated the proposed resolution is a unified approach to the last stage of continuing to improve the design of the plan for City Hall Park focusing on trees and a collaborative process that includes the citizen group and elected officials to consider other design options that meet well specified objectives. The process covers the appeal period expiring and the city not having to withdraw the permit. The collaborative process takes place until the end of June.

MOTION by Councilor Knodell, SECOND by Councilor Pine, to adopt the resolution on City Hall Park with the following amendments:

Replace lines 31 through 54 to say that City Council requests the Mayor and Department of Parks, Rec & Waterfront in cooperation with the Keep the Park Green group to initiate an inclusive process open to the public and designed to meet the objectives set out in the resolution. City Hall Park Design ad hoc committee shall be appointed to consider and make recommendations to City Council regarding modifications of the current City Hall Park renovation tree plan. The ad hoc committee will have two members from Keep the Park Green, two members from City Council appointed by the City Council President, two members from the Administration appointed by the Mayor, and the City Council President or designee. By May 11, 2018 the Administration shall present three options to the ad hoc committee to amend the plan for City Hall Park to achieve the goals of caring for existing trees and preserving more healthy trees than in the current plan while having a balance of shade and sun on the hardscape within the plan and/or adding trees to the new plan to increase shade on the hardscape surface in the park. The ad hoc committee will deliberate on the options in a public meeting and make recommendations regarding adoption of the option(s) to City Council by June 18, 2018 so City Council can take action on June 25, 2018. The Administration is encouraged to include in the final plans removing trees in poor condition or that present a hazard and replacing them with semi-mature trees, deploying industry best practices to protect existing trees to be saved during construction, and replacing trees inadvertently damaged with an equal number of largest caliper trees recommended by the City Arborist to achieve a smaller increase in the percent of current paved surface area in the park.
Lines 55 through 57 in the original resolution should say that City Council will defer any decision on funding or authorizing release of funds for construction of any plans in City Hall Park until June 25, 2018. City Council requests the Mayor and the Administration to likewise defer incurring elective costs other than the professional fees in support of the ad hoc committee until after June 25, 2018. City Council also requests the Administration undertake an additional in-depth soil study to better understand the best approach to improve tree health in the park, and complete the tree survey providing remaining details on healthy trees. Should the current permit be repealed during the appeal period the resolution is void and the above action is not required as the city focuses on the acquired appealed permit.
Mayor Weinberger suggested saying “largest caliper recommended by the City Arborist” rather than “semi-mature trees”. Mayor Weinberger spoke of the dedicated work by staff on the project to put forth a balanced plan that meets many public objectives, and the hope that the work is respected and the project moves forward.
Senior Planner Tuttle said Parks reviewed the process undertaken and the goals of prioritizing a healthy functioning urban space that is accessible and public and accommodates modern needs and uses, and worked with multiple city department and the public to meet the goals and find a balance in the park to be ecologically sensitive, culturally sensitive, and historically sensitive. Nearly 1,000 people have been involved over the past seven years of project planning. Changes to the plan approved by the DRB include additional landscaping, relocation of some trees, and removing hardscape by City Hall by the bank. As of September 2017, 40 trees were slated to be removed. The DRB plan approved adding 38 trees. There are over 90 spaces for people to site with the DRB approved plan and most of the seating has backrests.
City Arborist Comai stated 56% of the trees to be removed are in poor condition. The plan does strike a balance between accessibility, dealing with storm water, and the trees. The trees to be planted will grow to have a canopy of 50’. The problems that lead to soil compaction must be addressed. The design protects critical root zones. An independent soil test is a great idea as is a plan to protect the trees during construction. A root invigoration process can be done to some extent to identify trees that are compromised, but could possibly be saved. New trees to be planted are 25’ high and nearly 5” caliper from nursery stock. There is no advantage to planting larger stock because smaller caliper trees will recover faster from transplant shock than larger caliper trees. In addition to the trees over 600 shrubs of a variety of types and 900 perennials and grasses will be planted.
Councilor Hartnett spoke in support of the current design for the park which is under-utilized and unsafe and right in the center of downtown.

AMENDMENT by Councilor Hartnett, SECOND by Councilor Mason, to remove the goal regarding achieving a smaller increase in the park’s paved surface area.

DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT:

Councilor Hartnett said the focus should be on trees and not designing changes to the park.
Councilor Tracy said there is direct correlation between paved area and trees so there should be a lower level of pavement to have more tree and more shade.
Councilor Deane stressed hardscape is important to maintaining greenspace. There is over 45% impervious surface due to compacted and eroded soil from overuse of the grass areas.

MOTION by Councilor Mason, SECOND by Councilor Shannon, to suspend the rules to continue debate on Item 6.03 (City Hall Park Resolution), deal with Items 6.06 (Great Streets Standards) and 6.07 (Champlain Parkway Layout Proceedings), Committee Reports, and the Mayor’s Report, and postpone Items 6.04 (Phase Out of Business Personal Property Tax), 6.05 (2017 Resolution re: Seniors), 6.08 (Livable Wage), and 10.02 (Executive Session re: Litigation Update). VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT:

Mayor Weinberger pointed out the hardscape was decreased from 45% to 32%. There is a huge effort annually to breathe life into the park space, but the battle is being lost.
Councilor Bushor said the grass area is trampled, but it is different from paved area. The new path layout can be compatible with decreasing the amount of paved surface.
Councilor Shannon said trees can be added which could reduce the paved surface. Compacted soil is adding to the erosion and storm water problems in the park. The public wants more trees and grass, but it is better to direct where people are to walk with a paved surface to keep them off the grass and compacting the soil.
Councilor Pine said the goal should be to scale back the number of trees eliminated and the amount of paved area.

VOTING BY ROLL CALL ON AMENDMENT (to remove the goal of smaller increase in paved surface): Councilor Bushor – nay, Councilor Deane – aye, Councilor Dieng – nay, Councilor Hartnett – aye, Councilor Knodell – nay, Councilor Mason – aye, Councilor Paul – aye, Councilor Pine – nay, councilor Roof – ayes, Councilor Shannon – aye, Councilor Tracy – nay, Councilor Wright – aye (7 ayes, 5 nays); motion carried.

DISCUSSION ON RESOLUTION AS AMENDED:

Councilor Mason pointed out the resolution is predicated on an appeal not being filed.

VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

6.04 Phase Out Business Personal Property Tax

Postponed.

6.05 Resolution re: Seniors

Postponed.

6.06 Great Streets Design and Construction Standards – TEUC

Senior Planner Tuttle said the goal is to codify the standards and use those standards on the streets in the downtown core. There was much public process to come to a palette of elements for high quality street design and construction that incorporates a full range of goals and amenities.

Councilor Bushor mentioned the need for public comment on any changes to the standards.

MOTION by Councilor Tracy, SECOND by Councilor Deane, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution on Great Streets design and construction standards.

DISCUSSION:

Councilor Tracy said the standards are a menu of options for great street design. The process is iterative and the public is encouraged to be involved and make comment. There is value in looking at options to handle changes to the standards.
Councilor Shannon expressed concern about the diagonal parking area on Main Street. Senior Planner Tuttle said the Main Street design will continue to be developed and will be brought to City Council. Once the elements are decided the standards will decide the design and location.

AMENDMENT by Councilor Bushor, SECOND by Councilor Hartnett, to end the resolution on Line 62 after “thereof” and eliminate the word “and", and eliminate lines 63, 64, and 65.

DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT:

Councilor Bushor said staff should develop a process to handle changes to the standards. Senior Planner Tuttle said the City Attorney was consulted on the language as proposed and on the process of adopting the standards. The charter was reviewed to be clear on the authority of various boards and commissions.

VOTING ON AMENDMENT: 6 ayes, 6 nays (Councilor Shannon, Councilor Paul, Councilor Deane, Councilor Dieng, Councilor Mason); motion does not carry.

CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON ORIGINAL MOTION:

Councilor Hartnett said there are concerns about adopting the standards and it is hoped to work through some of the concern with the TEUC.
Councilor Dieng commented the blend of design with nature is good.
Councilor Roof suggested City Council be notified of any changes to the standards.
Councilor Deane spoke in appreciation of the work done to create a compelling visionary document for the streets.
Councilor Knodell questioned why City Council is approving the standards if the departments and boards can change them. DPW Engineer Baldwin said there are elements for City Council authority and department approval. Basically City Council sets the line and grade of roads. Senior Planner Tuttle said streets with grant funding must follow VTrans standards. By adopting the Great Streets standards the city can apply local standards instead.
Councilor Knodell expressed concern for granting pre-approval of changes without seeing the design. Senior Planner Tuttle explained how the St. Paul Street design was handled where City Council saw two proposals and was asked to authorize the contract to advance further design work. The same process will be followed with other street designs. The public process and scoping process will continue and after City Council approval the dimensional and material standards will be applied to the design.
Councilor Hartnett suggested determining the changes and the authority of City Council before approving the standards. DPW Director Spencer said it would help to have the standards in place with the design of Cherry Street, Bank Street, Pine Street, and St. Paul Street. Staff is suggesting moving forward and having subsequent conversations on how to handle changes.

VOTING: 7 ayes, 5 nays (Councilor Paul, Councilor Bushor, Councilor Hartnett, Councilor Knodell, Councilor Wright); motion carried.

6.07 Champlain Parkway Layout Proceedings

MOTION by Councilor Mason, SECOND by Councilor Deane, to waive the reading and adopt the resolution on the Champlain Parkway layout proceedings.

DISCUSSION:

Councilor Mason said the proceedings initiate the public process for the city to obtain temporary and permanent easements for the Champlain Parkway. Per the City Attorney conflicts will be addressed at the hearings.
Councilor Tracy assured there will be open mindedness when dealing with any claims.

VOTING: unanimous; motion carried.

6.08 Livable Wage

Postponed.

7.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS

None.

8.0 CITY COUNCIL – GENERAL AFFAIRS

None.

9.0 CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT – COUNCIL UPDATES

Council President Wright reported:

Councilors Knodell, Shannon, and Dieng are reviewing applications for the mural task force.
City Council retreat is May 7, 2018 at 6:30 PM.

10.0 MAYOR – GENERAL AFFAIRS

Mayor Weinberger noted the following:

A joint dinner with the school board will be scheduled.
City Council will be emailed on upcoming items.

10.2 Executive Session: Litigation Update

Postponed.

11.0 ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 PM.

RScty: MERiordan