City Council

To be approved at 01-02-18 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held December 26, 2017 The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order by Mayor Thomas Lauzon at 7:00 PM at Barre City Hall. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilora Sue Higby and Jeffrey Tuper-Giles; from Ward II, Councilors Brandon Batham (attending via phone) and Michael Boutin; and from Ward III, Councilor Lucas Herring. Also present were City Manager Steven Mackenzie and Clerk/Treasurer Carolyn Dawes. Note – as per Council policy, a Councilor cannot vote by phone unless their vote is needed for a quorum. Councilor Batham did not vote on any of the action items included in these minutes. Absent: From Ward III, Councilor John LePage. Adjustments to the Agenda: NONE Approval of Consent Agenda: Council approved the following consent agenda items on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor Boutin. Motion carried.  Minutes of the following meetings: o Regular meeting on December 19, 2017  City Warrants as presented: o Approval of Week 2017-52:  Accounts Payable: $241,050.93  Payroll (gross): $131,867.72  2018 Licenses & Permits – o Entertainment Licenses:  Espresso Bueno, 248 N. Main St  Gusto’s, 28 Prospect St o Taxi Cab Driver Licenses:  Don Morway, Don’s Taxi  Lydia Race, Don’s Taxi The City Clerk/Treasurer Report – Clerk Dawes reported on the following:  Payment on water & sewer bills is due by January 2, 2018.  Funding request applications and support materials are due to the Clerk’s office by January 2nd from those organizations seeking placement on the Annual Town Meeting ballot.  Information is posted on the City website regarding offices up for election at the Annual Town Meeting on March 6, 2018. Approval of Building Permits – NONE Liquor Control – NONE City Manager’s Report – Manager Mackenzie reported on the following:  The auditors are projecting a surplus of $69,524 for FY17, which will reduce the fund deficit. Visitors and Communications – NONE Old Business – NONE New Business – A) Warn Public Hearings for Proposed Charter Changes to be Considered at Town Meeting. Clerk Dawes reviewed the timelines associated with charter changes, and recommended Council warn the first 1 To be approved at 01-02-18 Barre City Council Meeting public hearing for a special Council meeting to be held on January 25, 2018. The Clerk said the language for any proposed charter changes will need to be finalized by that meeting, as Council is planning on approving the Annual Town Meeting warning at that time. The Clerk also recommended warning the second public hearing for the regular Council meeting on January 30, 2018. Council warned the first public hearing for proposed charter changes for January 25, 2018, and the second public hearing for January 30, 2018 on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor Herring. Motion carried. B) Ratification of New 2016 Ford Utility Police Interceptor. Manager Mackenzie said formal Council approval is needed to purchase the replacement vehicle, following last week’s informal authorization. The vehicle replaces the recently totaled police cruiser. Council approved the purchase on motion of Councilor Boutin, seconded by Councilor Tuper-Giles. Motion carried. C) Authorization to Purchase 2001 Altec 50’ boom truck from GMP. Manager Mackenzie said the City has the opportunity to replace its current aging boom truck with one from Green Mountain Power for $6,000. The truck needs some work, but is expected to last at least five years, and maybe as many as ten. Council approved the purchase for $6,000 on motion of Councilor Herring, seconded by Councilor Tuper-Giles. Motion carried. Other) Clerk Dawes distributed copies of last year’s proposed charter language on local option taxes. Mayor Lauzon said the local option tax language, and any other charter change proposals to be considered for the Annual Town Meeting day ballot, will be on the agenda for discussion at the January 9th and 16th meetings. Any Councilor interested in proposing charter change language should get it to the Clerk in advance for formatting. Round Table – Councilors wished everyone a Happy New Year. Councilor Batham reminded people celebrating the New Year that the City has ordinances prohibiting fireworks without a permit. Councilor Herring encouraged people to give blood. Councilor Tuper-Giles thanked those who attended last weekend’s performance of A Christmas Carol at the Barre Opera House. Councilor Higby reminded people of winter safety, especially during the upcoming extreme cold. She said to be careful with pets in the cold weather, and she encouraged end of year giving to support worthy causes. Mayor Lauzon encouraged people to keep an eye on their neighbors during the cold weather, and to leave water running a trickle to prevent freezing. Executive Session – NONE The Council meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor Boutin. Motion carried. An audio recording of this meeting is available from the City Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn S. Dawes, City Clerk 2