City Council

To be approved at 09/24/24 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held September 10, 2024 Council Chambers-Barre City Hall The scheduled 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, Councilors Amanda Gustin and Teddy Waszazak ; and from Ward III, Councilors Samn Stockwell and Michael Deering .City staff members present were City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro, and Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Metivier. Absent: Adjustments to the Agenda - Briefing on occurrences within the city. (E) Visitors & Communications: none Approval of Consent Agenda: A. Approval of minutes i. Special Council meeting Monday, August 26, 2024 (corrected) ii. Regular Council meeting Tuesday, August 27, 2024 B. Clerk’s Office License & Permits –Event - SHS Homecoming parade on Saturday, Sept 21 @ 3pm C. Authorize Manager to execute contracts- D. Resolution #2024-15 Council authorization via form PM-1 for City Manager to sign the Granite City Apartments Grant Agreement 07110-IG-Barre C-21 Motion moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Spaulding- approved 4-a. Approval of City Warrants A Ratify warrant from week of September 4th B. Approval of warrants from Week of September 11, 2024 Moved by Councilor Stockwell, seconded Councilor Gustin – Approved City Clerk & Treasurer Report *$2,247,655 in taxes have been collected to date. *The BUUSD budget revote is scheduled for September 17th. 726 absentee ballots were sent out and the last day for mailing will be Friday, Sept 13th. Please, vote the ballot and return to one of (2) convenient drop boxes located outside of City Hall. *The State of Vermont intends on mailing ALL registered voters in Vermont the ballots for the General election. The Secretary of State’s office recommends registered voters create an account on the “My Voter Page” to review your information and update if necessary. Liquor/Cannabis Control Boards. Apple Soup LLC- Manufacturers Tier 2 Forbin’s Fines LLC Alternatives –Manufacturers Tier 2 1 To be approved at 09/24/24 Barre City Council Meeting Moved by Councilor Spaulding, seconded by Councilor Waszazak-Approved City Managers Report *FEMA still has set up space at the Auditorium, on the basement level, for community members to visit and discuss assistance in person. *New HR Administrator, Jeanne Galiano has been added to the City staff . *New Facilities Director, Thomas Baker has been hired on. *Some of the City staff participated in an exhibition game with the Bennington Martins on Saturday August 31st, raising, approximately $2500 to be donated to flood impacted community members New Business A. 2nd Reading and Public Hearing Warned 6:10pm; Revisions to substantial damage threshold and underground tank requirements for the Flood Hazard Area Regulations. Peter Anthony voiced his support for Council approval. Steve Mackenzie- inquired the current permit longevity. Moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Waszazak B. EPA Grant application briefing – by Pat Moulton A summarized power point presentation highlighted the purpose of the $2 billion nationwide grant which has been submitted on August 20, 2024, and is awaiting approval. Requested amount $20 million dollars. The decision date is unknown. Lead applicant-Downstreet Housing and Community Development-Statutory partner City of Barre. Some of the highlights; Restoration of riparian buffers on 22 proposed buyouts. Removal of 3 unused dams Construct a (30), multi-family affordable apartment building on Seminary St. Fund extension of infrastructure to the Prospect Heights development. Build (9) single family net zero homes with sales price between $125,000 and $200,000 Construct (4) single family, net zero homes at Wobby Park Key writers and collaborators; Angie Harbin-Downstreet Schuyler Anderson-Downstreet Josh Jerome-City of Montpelier Michelle Braun-Friends of the Winooski Patricia Moulton-Central Vermont Flood Recovery C. Authorize up to $223,974 of ARPA funding to replace BOR manifold. With must discussion and debate as to whether, the funds could be applied elsewhere providing more benefits and as to whether having turf within the structure would bring more revenue. Councilor Spaulding inquired if continued ice time at the BOR would keep the expenses in the black, versus having turf activities. Councilor Deering acknowledged the importance of ice time, and the value to the community and its businesses. Councilor Stockwell-questioned if a gradual transition to year-round turf would lessen the impact of change from ice time. Councilor Gustin supports the ice time sports and thinks drawing in other communities benefits Barre city and its 2 To be approved at 09/24/24 Barre City Council Meeting businesses. Moved by Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Gustin-approved with Councilor Spaulding rejecting D. 1st Reading Warned 7:00pm Ord. #2024-02 Minimum Housing Ordinance modernization. The modernization would keep standards in-line with the State of Vermont’s regulations E. Increased Criminal activity within Barre City. The Manager recognized the increase in public drug use, break-ins, vandalism and violence toward community Member’s in public places and in churches. Comparing statistics from the past years, calls to the BPD have increase dramatically. The city would like to increase foot patrols in targeted areas and encouraged community members to be diligent and to keep calling in any violations or criminal activity. Upcoming Business Manager- *Budget review *Bond WW facilities coming the 24th Mayor Lauzon- *Turn focus to housing Councilor Spaulding- *Barre Town water rates *BACD funding Councilor Gustin & Councilor Waszazak *Flood resilience plan adaptation Councilor Stockwell- *Priorities on housing Round Table- Councilor Gustin- Public engagements for flood mitigation discussion of next steps (two weeks)- Monday, Wednesday and Fridays – Espresso Bueno - 8am to 9am Tuesday and Thursday – Kitty Cat Café – 8am to 9am Councilor Cambel – Enjoyed the fundraising basketball game featuring The Bennington Martins vs Barre City staff Councilor Spaulding – Also, enjoyed the fundraising basketball game featuring The Bennington Martins vs Barre City staff. 3 To be approved at 09/24/24 Barre City Council Meeting Please vote in the upcoming BUUSD budget revote. More information can be found on the BUUSD website. Councilor Stockwell – Echoed the BUUSD budget revote on Tuesday, September 17th. Mayor Lauzon – explained the minimal increase percentage in voting for the proposed budget. Adjournment- moved by Councilor Deering, seconded by Councilor Stockwell- approved Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The open portions of the meeting were recorded on the video platform. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl A. Metivier, City Clerk 4