City Council

To be approved at 03/15/2022 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held March 8, 2022 The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order in person and via video platform by Mayor Jake Hemmerick at 7:00 PM at Barre City Hall. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilors Emel Cambel and Thom Lauzon; from Ward II, Councilors Michael Boutin and Teddy Waszazak; and from Ward III, Councilors Michael Deering and Samn Stockwell. City staff members present were Manager Steve Mackenzie, Fire Chief Doug Brent, Human Resources Director Rikk Taft, and Clerk/Treasurer Carol Dawes. Absent: NONE Adjustments to the Agenda: Manager Mackenzie said the agenda item related to the Manager Search Task Force is deferred to a future meeting. Approval of Consent Agenda: Council approved the following consent agenda items on motion of Councilor Lauzon, seconded by Councilor Waszazak. Motion carried. A. Approval of Minutes: i. Regular meeting of February 22, 2022 B. City Warrants as presented: 1. Ratification of Week 2022-09, dated March 2, 2022: i. Accounts Payable: $2,059,703.22 ii. Payroll (gross): $148,819.08 2. Approval of Week 2022-10, dated March 9, 2022: i. Accounts Payable: $168,041.83 ii. Payroll (gross): $142,689.88 C. 2022 Licenses & Permits: NONE D. Authorize the Manager to Accept and Execute the NBRC Grant for the NMPS Project. City Clerk & Treasurer Report – Clerk/Treasurer Dawes reported on the following:  Town meeting results are posted on the City website. The Clerk reviewed the issues processing the absentee ballots at the polls, and the technical issues with the Ward 2 tabulator.  The City hosted 17 other towns and their CVCC ballots for commingling last Thursday and Friday, processing just under 9,900 ballots. The new Central VT Career Center school district has been adopted.  The charter changes approved by the voters at Town Meeting have been submitted to the Secretary of State’s office. The hope is to have them combined with last year’s charter changes, which continue to work their way through the legislature.  The legislature has approved the FY22 budget adjustment bill which includes reimbursement to the City of $20,962 in overpayments to the education fund, identified in the TIF audit.  Water/sewer bills were mailed earlier this month, and are due by March 31st. Liquor Control Board - NONE City Manager’s Report – Manager Mackenzie reported on the following, in addition to his written report:  Congratulations to the new and returning elected officials.  Thanks to the voters for approving the charter changes and FY23 budget.  There will be a community welcome for new Police Chief Braedon Vail on March 27th from 2-4 PM. 1 To be approved at 03/15/2022 Barre City Council Meeting Visitors and Communications – Resident Bernadette Rose read a statement acknowledging today as International Women’s Day, and March as Women’s History Month. Ms. Rose thanked the women who serve the City as staff, elected officials, and committee members. Old Business – NONE New Business – A) Welcome New Councilors. Newly elected Mayor Jake Hemmerick said he is excited to get the strategic planning process rolling, and will work hard to make space for diverse perspectives among the Council and community. The Mayor has established mayoral office hours on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and encouraged people to reach out to him. B) Review Councilor On-Boarding Process. Manager Mackenzie said on-board process information was included in this week’s Council packet. Councilors are invited to meet with him to discuss ongoing City-related issues. Clerk Dawes offered to meet with any Councilors who are interested in discussing clerk and treasurer-related topics. C) Appoint Council Liaison to Manager Search Task Force. This item is deferred. Round Table – Councilors thanked the voters for their support of the budget and charter changes. Councilor Lauzon said he is excited to be serving the community once again. Councilor Deering said he feels welcomed by his fellow Councilors. He noted the Spaulding High School football home opening game has been scheduled for September 2nd. Mayor Hemmerick reported on the following:  Congratulations to former Mayor Herring and the former Council for passage of all articles on last week’s town meeting ballot.  Exploring options for supporting home weatherization, and student art displays in City Hall.  Congratulations to the Spaulding High School girls’ basketball team for a great season.  Barre City is offering reflective address numbers at a discounted price. The applications are available in City Hall.  Proclamations will be forthcoming honoring Rise Up Bakery, and long-time City employee Andy Supernault, who recently retired.  Developing Council meeting schedules for the year.  Establishment of the ARPA Funding Task Force.  Naming a Council liaison to the Barre Partnership board.  Upcoming major procurement items.  Upcoming grants and contracts.  Review of policies around tax sales.  Enhancing legislative advocacy.  Approval of 2022 coin drops. Executive Session – NONE 2 To be approved at 03/15/2022 Barre City Council Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM on motion of Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Cambel. Motion carried. The meeting was recorded on the video meeting platform. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn S. Dawes, City Clerk 3