City Council

To be approved at 10-16-18 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held October 9, 2018 The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order by Mayor Lucas Herring at 7:05 PM at Barre City Hall. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilors Sue Higby and Jeffrey Tuper-Giles; from Ward II, Councilors Brandon Batham and Michael Boutin; and from Ward III, Councilors John LePage and Richard Morey. Also present were City Manager Steve Mackenzie and City Clerk/Treasurer Carol Dawes. Absent: NONE Adjustments to the Agenda: The Ride for Breast Cancer agenda item has been deferred, and other items will be rearranged to accommodate those in attendance. Approval of Consent Agenda: Council approved the following consent agenda items on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor Batham. Motion carried.  Minutes of the following meetings: o Special meeting of October 2, 2018 o Regular meeting of October 2, 2018  City Warrants as presented: o Approval of Week 2018-41:  Accounts Payable: $237,287.65  Payroll (gross): $112,100.37  2018 Licenses & Permits – NONE The City Clerk/Treasurer Report – Clerk/Treasurer Carol Dawes reported on the following:  Early voting is ongoing for the November 6th General Election. Ballots for the Act 46 school merger vote will be available later next week, and will be sent to those who have already received the general election ballot.  The Board of Abatement will hold hearings before the Council meeting on Tuesday, October 16th. Approval of Building Permits – Council approved the following building permits on motion of Councilor Tuper-Giles, seconded by Councilor Batham. Motion carried. Applicant Address Kevin & Sonya Spaulding 88 Delmont Avenue Nelson & Bonnie Lyford Lewis Street vacant lot Peter Tadros & Rania Iskander 61 Maple Avenue Douglas & Mary Hull 1 Pond Street Liquor Control – NONE City Manager’s Report – Manager Mackenzie reported on the following:  Water line flushing continues to October 14th.  Held a pre-proposal meeting for the soil characterization phase of the Merchant’s Row project.  The fall yard waste drop off schedule runs October 13 – 28. Manager Mackenzie said the City has received two proposals for commercial, liability and workers comp insurance coverage. He asked the Council if they would like to have presentations from the insurance companies at next week’s meeting, or if they would prefer to have staff develop and present 1 To be approved at 10-16-18 Barre City Council Meeting recommendations at the October 23rd meeting. Councilors said they would prefer staff to put together and present a recommendation. It was noted that there are several job openings in the Public Works Department, but they are not listed on the City website. Councilor Higby said the Summer Street wall is being tagged with graffiti, and suggested it be painted or cleaned up. Visitors and Communications – NONE New Business – A) Presentation re: Ladies Ride for Breast Cancer. This item is deferred. B) Update on Hope Cemetery Monument Cleaning Program. Buildings and Community Services director Jeff Bergeron said the Barre Granite Association and Rock of Ages have been funding monument cleaning in Hope Cemetery for the past six years. There is a 5 year plan to cover the rest of the cemetery. Each organization puts in $2,500 towards the annual cleaning costs, and they hire Matt Peake to do the work. Mr. Peake said many of the monuments have been discolored due to pollen, traffic and dust, and the contrast between uncleaned and cleaned monuments is remarkable. He uses a pressure washer and a mild acid that doesn’t harm the grass. Doug Grahn, BGA executive director, said they host tours of Hope Cemetery during retail events, and having cleaned and maintained monuments reflects well on Barre gray granite and local artists. Mr. Bergeron noted a memorial bench is being created and will be placed in the area where most of the 1918 Spanish Influenza victims are buried, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak. There is a dedication ceremony being held on October 26th. There was a brief discussion on cemetery maintenance, and the possibility of funding assistance for resetting monuments in St. Monica Cemetery. C) CVPSA Regional Dispatch Initiative Update. Michael Smith, Barre City representative to the Central Vermont Public Safety Authority board, and CVPSA executive director Paco Aumand spoke of possible options for regionalized dispatching services. Mr. Aumand noted Capital Fire Mutual Aid Society is the most recent municipality to join the authority. CVPSA is working on possible options for regional dispatch, that include collapsing dispatch services and consolidating them to Montpelier, or building a stand-alone facility. The collapsing option would be less expensive, but would limit future expansion options. There will be a joint presentation and meeting with the Montpelier City Council on November 14th in Montpelier. There was discussion on staffing levels, additional costs for Barre City to maintain “lights on” round-the- clock coverage of the police station should the “collapse” option move forward, continuing or enhancing care and service to the community, single site option being more expensive but offers more options, providing additional information to Council to assist in its deliberation, and costs savings and/or cost containment. City CVPSA board representative Martin Prevost said the advantages to regional dispatching include a more informed and trained workforce, and possible future efficiencies. He asked Council to provide the Barre City representatives with guidance and direction. 2 To be approved at 10-16-18 Barre City Council Meeting There was continuing discussion on possible future state funding for regionalization efforts, and providing examples where centralization has been beneficial. D) Approval of Deed Conditions re: Sale of BGA Property. Manager Mackenzie reviewed the proposed quit claim deed which would lift restrictions placed on the use of the current Barre Granite Association building on Church Street. The restrictions were placed on the building by the City of Barre when it sold the building to Rock of Ages in 1945. The Manager said Permits Manager Heather Grandfield said any development of the building would be subject to current and future zoning regulations and Development Review Board review, regardless of whether the restrictions are removed. There were questions about the rights-of-way listed on the deed, and effects on future parking on the property, and why the restrictions were placed on the property in the first place. The Manager will contact City Attorney Oliver Twombly to discuss, and bring it back to Council for additional review next week. E) Rescission of Water & Sewer Bills Appeal & Abatement Policy. Clerk Dawes noted with the recent statutory change making water & sewer bills subject to the Board of Abatement, the City’s current policy is void, and recommended it be rescinded. Council approved the rescission on motion of Councilor Batham, seconded by Councilor Higby. Motion carried with Councilor LePage voting against. Old Business – A) Status Review of Capital Projects. Manager Mackenzie reviewed the updated capital projects schedule. He said he will keep the Council updated moving forward on the various projects. Round Table – Councilor Boutin said there is a candidate forum tomorrow evening at the Elks Club. Councilor Morey said October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and there is a walk to benefit Circle this Saturday at the Barre Town Middle and Elementary School. Councilor Higby said October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and she encouraged people to get mammograms. Mayor Herring thanked those who attended and presented at last night’s public safety forum. He said October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Lastly, the 37th annual Joint Service Clubs Community Service Recognition Dinner is tomorrow evening at the Canadian Club. Executive Session – NONE The Council meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM on motion of Councilor Batham, seconded by Councilor LePage. Motion carried. An audio recording of this meeting is available from the City Clerk. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn S. Dawes, City Clerk 3