City Council

To be approved at 04-17-18 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held April 10, 2018 The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order by Mayor “Thor” Lucas Herring at 7:00 PM at Barre City Hall. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilors “Pow” Sue Higby and “Captain America” Jeffrey Tuper-Giles; from Ward II, Councilors Brandon Batham and “Kingpin Mob Boss” Michael Boutin; and from Ward III, Councilor “Zorro” John LePage. Also present were City Manager Steve Mackenzie and City Clerk/Treasurer Carol Dawes. Absent: From Ward 3, VACANT. To be filled at the April 26th ward caucus. Adjustments to the Agenda: Mayor Herring noted that the correct name of the organization listed in the agenda is the Granite Center Garden Club. Approval of Consent Agenda: Council approved the following consent agenda items on motion of Councilor Batham, seconded by Councilor Tuper-Giles. Motion carried.  Minutes of the following meetings: o Regular meeting of April 3, 2018  City Warrants as presented: o Approval of Week 2018-15:  Accounts Payable: $101,402.14  Payroll (gross): $110,726.42  2018 Licenses & Permits – o Animal License:  Dimitri Kolomeitsev, 67 Westwood Parkway, 5 chickens o Food Establishment:  Positive Pie, 219 N. Main Street The City Clerk/Treasurer Report – Clerk Dawes reported on the following:  Barre City charter changes bill H.925 has passed through House Government Operations and House Ways & Means. The 3rd reading in the House was scheduled for today.  The caucus to fill the Ward 3 Council vacancy will be held on Thursday, April 26th at 7PM in Alumni Hall. Approval of Building Permits – Council approved the following building permits on motion of Councilor Batham, seconded by Councilor Boutin. Motion carried. Applicant Address Thomas Eustey 15 Vine Street John & Mary Hannigan 32 Upland Avenue Henry & Roberta Gagne 19 Cherry Street City of Barre 85 Brook Street City of Barre 87 Brook Street Liquor Control – Councilor Tuper-Giles requested that license approvals be taken separately. Council approved the first class liquor license renewal for Positive Pie, 219 N. Main Street, on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor Batham. Motion carried with Councilor Boutin abstaining. Councilor Tuper-Giles said he has concerns about renewing the licenses for The Alley Cat at 10 Keith Avenue, because of reports of bad behavior at the bar. There was a brief discussion about holding off on the renewal until the owners could address the Council. Council approved the first class liquor license and outside consumption 1 To be approved at 04-17-18 Barre City Council Meeting renewals for The Alley Cat, 10 Keith Avenue, on motion of Councilor Batham, seconded by Councilor Higby. Motion carried with Councilor Tuper-Giles voting against and Councilor Boutin abstaining. City Manager’s Report – Manager Mackenzie reported on the following:  The FY17 audit will be presented to Council at next week’s meeting.  The buildings at 85 & 87 Brook Street have been demolished as part of the Brook Street flood mitigation projects.  Met with Dubois & King to begin the scoping process for the Metro Way segment of the bike path.  Met with the Justice Center to coordinate their relocation.  There are several job openings for the City listed on the website.  Working on a committee & volunteer recruitment campaign, and listed the committees and boards that currently have openings. Visitors and Communications – Jay & “Harley Quinn” Natasha Moulton talked about their upcoming shows at the Civic Center, including this weekend’s Comic Expo, which will feature cosplay and costumes, similar to those worn by those in attendance this evening. They are also holding the Vermont Comic Con and a new horror show at the Civic Center later this year. They are partnering with local businesses to promote the events, the businesses and the community, and are focused on presenting family friendly events at affordable prices. They have started an anti-harassment and bulling campaign, and asked the Council to consider adopting a code of conduct for the community. Councilor Higby asked them to report back after the expo, especially if there are incidents of harassment or bullying. Manager Mackenzie said Mr. & Ms. Moulton have made a significant commitment to the City, and have a strong engagement with the downtown merchants. Old Business – NONE New Business – A) Mayoral Proclamation – Granite City Garden Club. Mayor Herring read the proclamation honoring the Garden Club on its 80th anniversary. B) Mayoral Proclamation – Barre Area Senior Center. Mayor Herring read the proclamation honoring the Senior Center on its 50th anniversary and presented a copy of the proclamation to Senior Center board member Bob Brault. C) Update on the Scouting Monument. Monument committee member Steve Restelli said they have raised more than enough to qualify for the $25,000 matching funds allocated from the Semprebon bequest, and requested the funds be released. Work on the monument is scheduled to begin shortly, with the hope that it will be erected and dedicated this fall. They are continuing to fund raise for additional expenses associated with developing the plaza area in the Depot where the monument will be placed. D) Legislative Update. Barre Representative Tommy Walz updated the Council on the following bills:  H.925 – Barre City’s charter changes. The bill has passed the House and is headed to the Senate.  H.911 – Restructures how K-12 education is funded. It was noted there is concern over a provision in the bill that would require towns to send out separate education and municipal tax bills, at an increased cost.  H.831 – State investment funds would be injected into weatherization support.  S.13 – passed in 2017 – allows towns to recoup expenses associated with securing tax sale properties.  H.766 – Homeowners rehabilitation tax credits – no action expected this session.  H.910 – changes to the open meeting and public records laws.  H.922 – Tax changes, creation of mortgage assistance fund, changes to definitions of homestead and household income, current use adjustments.  S.204 – Addresses short-term rentals such as Airbnb. 2 To be approved at 04-17-18 Barre City Council Meeting E) Policy Discussion and/or Decision re: Banner Advertising in/around Gazebo. Manager Mackenzie said the City receives requests to hang banners and other things in and around the gazebo in City Hall Park. There was discussion on the banner poles that used to be in the park, and their removal when the park was restored several years ago. Councilors did not support the idea of banners or other signage in City Hall Park or on the gazebo. F) Approval of Authorization to Conduct Tax Sales. Council approved the authorization on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor LePage. Motion carried. G) Approval of Pouliot Ave. SW Engineering Services Agrmt w/ Watershed Consulting. Mayor Herring said this item is deferred to next week. Round Table – Councilor Batham said the Aldrich Library Spring Fling fundraiser is this weekend. He said he is meeting with a Shakespeare group that works with Highgate and Green Acres residents on summer productions. They are exploring ways the City might help with promotions of the program. Councilor LePage said he is impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment exhibited by the Moultons with regards to the events they’re holding at the Civic Center and their engagement with the community. Councilor Boutin said the Aldrich Library is hosting another of their constitution discussions tomorrow. He said he is in discussions with the Barre Partnership about holding a cash mob in downtown Barre on June 16th. Councilor Tuper-Giles encouraged people to weed the sidewalk and street areas in front of their homes. Councilor Higby said removing the soil now from the sidewalk and street areas will cut down on the amount of weeds later in the year. She said the Studio Place Arts BASH fundraiser is on April 20th. Mayor Herring said applications are now available for the downtown and village center tax credit program. The Mayor said he attended the recent job fair at the auditorium and talked about the different jobs and training opportunities being offered. He donned a Kansas City Royals helmet in honor of former Councilor Randy Copping, who passed away recently, and announced the Good Samaritan Haven is holding an open house tomorrow. Executive Session – NONE The Council meeting adjourned at 8:51 PM on motion of Councilor Boutin, seconded by Councilor Batham. Motion carried. An audio recording of this meeting is available from the City Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn S. Dawes, City Clerk 3