City Council

To be approved at 11/29/2022 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held November 15, 2022 The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order in person and via video platform by Mayor Jake Hemmerick at 6:03 PM at Barre City Civic Center Alumni Hall, Auditorium Hill, Barre, Vermont. In attendance in person or virtually were: From Ward I, Councilor Emel Cambel; from Ward II, Councilors Michael Boutin and Teddy Waszazak; and from Ward III, Councilors Michael Deering and Samn Stockwell. City staff members present were City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro, Finance Director Dawn Monahan, Planning Director Janet Shatney, Police Chief Braedon Vail, Buildings and Community Services Assistant Director Stephanie Quaranta, Human Resources Director Rikk Taft, and Clerk/Treasurer Carol Dawes. Absent: Councilor Thom Lauzon. Adjustments to the Agenda: Added to the consent agenda: approval of December 3rd Council coin drop with funds being donated to the Barre Juvenile Officers’ Association for the holiday gift giving program. Visitors and Communications – NONE Approval of Consent Agenda: Council approved the following consent agenda items on motion of Councilor Cambel, seconded by Councilor Deering. Motion carried. A. Approval of Minutes: a. Regular meeting of November 1, 2022. b. Special meeting of November 9, 2022. B. City Warrants as presented: a. Ratification of Week 2022-45, dated November 9, 2022: i. Accounts Payable: $143,065.79 ii. Payroll (gross): $133,259.50 b. Approval of Week 2022-46, dated November 16, 2022: i. Accounts Payable: $124,375.15 ii. Payroll (gross): $136,196.75 C. 2022 Licenses & Permits: a. Vehicle for Hire license: i. Payless Taxi, one new vehicle D. Approval of Sno-Bees Snowmobile Club Landowner Permission Form E. Ratification of authorization for the City Manager to execute the Wheelock House lease extension with the Rotary Club of Barre VT F. Approval of December 3rd Council coin drop benefiting the Barre Juvenile Officers’ Association City Clerk & Treasurer Report – Clerk/Treasurer Dawes reported on the following:  Second quarter property taxes were due by today. The delinquency rate currently stands at 11.88%, with more timely payments expected to be received in the mail over the next few days.  The second opioid settlement payment was received today in the amount of $7,554.11, bringing the total for this year to $14,741.99. The Clerk is researching allowed uses for the money, and any reporting requirements.  The November 8th general election results are posted on the City website. The participation rate was 47.3% of the checklist, with 2,845 people voting. Early/absentee voters represented 72.3% of the votes cast. 1 To be approved at 11/29/2022 Barre City Council Meeting Liquor Control Board/Cannabis Control Board – Council, acting as the Local Liquor Control Board, approved a 3rd class liquor license renewal for Gusto’s at 28 Prospect Street on motion of Councilor Cambel, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Motion carried with Councilor Boutin abstaining. Council, acting as the Local Cannabis Control Board, considered a Retailers license application from Forbins Reserve Inc. Forbins Reserve Inc. representative Angela Payette was in attendance to answer any questions from the Council. There was a brief discussion on the differences between federal laws and state laws around cannabis. Council approved the license on motion of Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Cambel. Motion carried with Councilor Boutin abstaining. City Manager’s Report – Manager Storellicastro noted the following:  Attended a meet and greet with community members put on my Barre Area Development to introduce their new executive director, Aimee Green.  Attended 50th anniversary ribbon cutting at Wobby’s Jewelers.  There have been reports about odors from the wastewater treatment facility. The Manager said recent seasonal temperature fluctuations add to the problems associated with needed piping replacement and upgrades. Plans are being developed for the required maintenance.  Skating at the BOR is open, with 100 people participating in the first week.  Ryan Starr has been hired as the new IT specialist. Unfinished Business – NONE New Business – A) Authorize application for an Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) municipal planning grant and Resolution 2022-11 to update the 2012 N. Main to Summer Street Plan. Mayor Hemmerick recused himself from the discussion and action due to conflict of interest. Councilor Boutin chaired this portion of the meeting. Planning Director Janet Shatney said the 2012 plan is outdated, and the grant will allow the plan to be reviewed and revised to take current circumstances into consideration. Council approved authorization of the application and resolution on motion of Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Motion carried with Mayor Hemmerick recused for conflict of interest. Mayor Hemmerick resumed chairing the meeting. Upcoming Business – NONE Round Table – Councilor Deering spoke of the wonderful event before this meeting, when the “Barre Victory” name board from the WWII era transport ship of that name was unveiled in the auditorium lobby. Councilor Boutin said the Merry Barre Light-Up is scheduled for Saturday, November 26th. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade, and holiday lighting turned on by Santa in City Hall Park. That day is Small Business Saturday, and people are encouraged to shop in the downtown stores. 2 To be approved at 11/29/2022 Barre City Council Meeting Mayor Hemmerick said he was pleased to join the VT Granite Museum board for their recent strategic planning meeting. Executive Session – NONE The meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM on motion of Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Motion carried. The open portions of this meeting were recorded on the video meeting platform. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn S. Dawes, City Clerk 3