City Council

To be approved at 07/02/24 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held June 17, 2024 Council Chambers-Barre City Hall The Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order in person and via video platform by Mayor Thomas Lauzon at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Barre, Vermont. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilors Emel Cambel and Sonya Spaulding; from Ward II, Councilor Amanda Gustin and Teddy Waszazak; and from Ward III, Councilors Michael Deering and Samn Stockwell .City staff members present were City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro, and Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Metivier. Absent: none Adjustments to the Agenda: none Visitors & Communications: none Approval of Consent Agenda: A. Approval of Minutes: i. Regular meeting of June 11th, 2024. B. Clerk’s Office Licenses and Permits; none C. Resolution 2024-11 VMERS Plan D for Police Department D. Approval of Local Emergency Plan Moved for approval by Councilor Deering, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Approved 4-a. Approval of Warrants from Week of June 19th, 2024 AP Check Register dated 06/19/2024 $169,506.85 Payroll dated 06/19/24 $152,823.35 Moved for approval by Councilor Cambel, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Approved. City Clerk & Treasurer Report – City Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Metivier reported on the following: The Clerk’s office has mailed out 657 absentee ballots, and have received 357 back to the office. Tuesday, June 18th is the BUUSD budget revote date to be held at the Barre Auditorium from 7am-7pm. Liquor Control Board/Cannabis Control Board – None City Manager’s Report – 1  To be approved at 07/02/24 Barre City Council Meeting Manager Storellicastro reported on the following: Councilor Stockwell signed necessary documents, in Mayor Lauzon absents, to meet a 3.5 million dollar funding sponsored by the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) deadline of June 14th, 2024 for money’s directed toward much needed improvement projects to the Barre Auditorium. Manager-The City has (6) candidates for lifeguard training through VTC and with these (6) who complete the course successfully, the lifeguard positions will be fully staffed. Hoping to open to the public early next week. The US National Weather Service Burlington VT has issued a heat advisory for all of Vermont from Tuesday through Thursday. Stay cool and stay safe. Here are some cooling options around Barre City:  Aldrich Library - open from 11am - 6pm  BOR - 10am - 3pm  Old-fashioned hydrant openings - 12-2pm at 4 locations around the City; Green Acres Highgate Currier Park Public Safety Building Keep these tips in mind:  Stay hydrated  Check on elderly family and neighbors  Don't forget about your pets  Listen to your body Councilor Waszazak announced the Good Samaritan Shelter is also offering their space as a cooling center. New Business – A) Volunteer Appointments (Council) i. Planning Commission Wendy Ducey, a new applicant, who has been a Vermont resident, and Barre City resident since 2010 and employed with the Agency of Transportation gave a statement of interest including reassessing the 10 year plan to take into account the needs of the community today. Understanding the commitment required, she has ideas and recognizes the new needs of Barre. Motion to approve by Councilor Cambel, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. ii. Police Advisory Committee Steven England, an incumbent, his reappointment was so moved by Councilor Cambel, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. 2 To be approved at 07/02/24 Barre City Council Meeting iii. Homelessness Task Force Applicant Erica Reil’s appointment was tabled after discussion of the focus and direction of the current committee and the lack of the ability to meet, due to lack of quorum. iv. Building & Facilities Committee (4) Applicants; Incumbent Bernie Allen expressed his excitement for the upgrades to the “Aud” and has fond memories of attending, participating and assisting at games, events and more! Paula Dolan (unable to attend) The Manager spoke highly of Paula, a long time member of the Community, has been an outstanding and admirable member of the committee. Moved by Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Approved New applicant; Mathew Flaherty a Norwich graduate, originally from Portland Maine, chose Barre to settle and grow with his family. Currently heavy involved and committed to the local youth lacrosse teams, active in the non-profit “the Woodchuck Lacrosse: geared toward affordable access to equipment and to physical education. Recongnizes the responsibility of becoming an involved community member to ensure improvement, growth and sustainability of the City’s needs and services. Moved by Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. Approved New applicant; Joshua Piascik spoke of becoming a better involved member of the community, believing the Building & Facilities Committee would be a good fit, however, recognizing, after his Introduction, Mathew Flaherty would be a better fit and would step down or rescind his application for the greater good of the city. Members of the Council suggested becoming a member of the Parks & Recreation Dept. which will possibly expand with the new funding dedicated to the upgrades and improvements to the Barre Auditorium. Mayor Lauzon offered to ratify the application and appoint Joshua to the Parks & Recreation Committee tonight. Motion moved by Councilor Stockwell, seconded by Councilor Deering B) Barre Up update Shawna Trader shared the progress led by Barre Up (a Long Term Recovery Group) LTRC) within the community after July 2023 flooding. The newly classified 501(c)(3) status brings increased opportunities. Together, with VCF, Stormwise, the state of VT and other LTRGs, Barre Up worked toward a more unified disaster recovery response that works for Vermonters along with members. Early on the focus of clean-up was prioritized, as well as assessment, outreach and case management. Prem, after the winter slow down, now continues to work with partner agencies to identify, support and educate homeowners about home repair and bring in relevant rebuild programs including Resource, Youth Build, Habitat for Humanity and volunteer groups. He continues to do fantastic work. Several jobs actively being worked on, several more scheduled, awaiting materials or in pre-construction stages. However some obstacles are evident, including resident readiness and material availability and the states struggle with a trade worker shortage. Prem is actively 3 To be approved at 07/02/24 Barre City Council Meeting collaborating with the Planning Office staff when residents request this specific support understanding city processes. Work is picking up as anticipated and shows signs of trending as predicted. Community members are still in need of engagement. Barre Up still knows there are neighborhood who need assistance, need to establish trust and ensure safety is prioritized. Lessons Learned; Resident-readiness is long-term recovery. Becoming a flood-savvy community takes time. Good things take time and patience C) ARPA- next steps; Allocation recommendations; Upgrading facilities Cemetery software-implementation & software subscription Wastewater Treatment Plant pump upgrades, as recommended by DPW Director Brian Baker & Jake Drown from the WWTP. Councilor Waszazak suggested increasing the grand list. Councilor Gustin inquired about investing in an upgraded water gauging system city wide. Councilor Deering supporting the Managers plan. Councilor Spaulding mentioned safety net housing for those displaced by home repair. Mayor Lauzon focused on North End housing Councilor Stockwell suggested coming to the table with a list. D) Discussion-Flood mitigation plan Discussion was led by Mayor Lauzon, let’s focus on top (3) projects, and make things shovel ready in 6-8 months. However, the conceptual plan should be ready is 3-6 weeks to accompany initial paper work for the EPA grant application. Are these projects like bridges lifting, river buffers or housing, for example and getting things pulled together with a price tag? Councilor Gustin suggested a City plan, using the North End as the cornerstone, with three points of reference, aspirational goals, mitigation steps from the past and now, and using the Managers map to match similarities. Mayor Lauzon is confident in appointing Pat Moulton as the lead in the grant application process and using her expertise and suggestion to focus on one big thing, one big project for the EPA grants application. Councilor Gustin hoped Pat would give (3) options, including pros and cons for each project. More immediate steps that should be taken, is to remove the trestle on the north end, noting it cannot be used, will not be repaired anytime soon, and is a hazard if the threat of flooding would come again. 4 To be approved at 07/02/24 Barre City Council Meeting Upcoming Business – Next Council meeting is July 2nd, 2024. Round Table – Councilor Cambel – Please vote on the BUUSD budget. Councilor Stockwell- Thankful for all who are working on creating and working to pass the school budget. Councilor Spaulding- Please vote on the BUUSD budget. Inquired if the City would be doing an acknowledging tribute to the flooding anniversary. Councilor Deering-Honored to participate in the end of year school festivites. Vote on the BUUSD budget. Councilor Gustin- Please vote on the BUUSD budget. On a lighter note, (2) marriages were performed and was honored to have been chosen as the officiant. Councilor Waszazak- Juneteenth awareness. Educate yourselves and others on the history behind the meaning. The Council and Mayor announce the need for executive session. Councilor Stockwell moved and Councilor Gustin seconded. Approved Councilor Stockwell moved to go into executive session and Councilor Gustin seconded. Approved Public Broadcast ended 8:31pm The open portions of the meeting were recorded on the video platform. http://cvtv723.org/ Respectfully submitted, Cheryl A. Metivier, City Clerk 5