City Council

To be approved at 11/19/24 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council (Draft) Held November 19th, 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, Councilor 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: From Ward I, Councilors Emel Cambel Adjustments to the Agenda –None Visitors & Communications –Mayor Thomas Lauzon shared the remarkable legacy of a long time Barre City resident Eugene A. Cozzi who passed away on October 7, 2024. Mr. Cozzi was a Norwich graduate and longtime Vermont State employee, with deep roots to Barre City and many hobbies and interest. Having no dependence Mr. Cozzi created a trust rightfully named, Eugene A. Cozzi Trust, which he bequest to the City of Barre, divided between a fund solely for Hope Cemetery (60%), and the City of Barre (40%). The fund are meant to improve and maintain the beauty of Hope Cemetery, as well as assist the capital improvement of the city. We should all be grateful for this bequest, and tike the time to learn a little more about Eugene A. Cozzi. Consent Agenda- A. Approval of Minutes i. Meeting of 11/12/2024 B. Clerk’s Office Licenses & Permits – 802 Community Angels additional vehicle C. Authorize the manager to execute contract(s) Moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Stockwell-approved Approve City Warrants A. Week of 11/20/2024 Moved by Councilor Stockwell, seconded by Councilor Spaulding City Clerk & Treasurer Report We are wrapping up 2nd Quarter Tax payments Timely payments are still to be data entered. Via credit cards and postal mail. Early Dec we will be working with our program IT contact and L. Brown to produce the final tax bill including the education tax rate. We are unsure what these bills will look like, but hoping to get a template to confirm. We will soon be sending our (via email) allocation fund request packets to local non-profits. These completed packets must be returned prior to January 2, 2025 for TY26 funds. 1 To be approved at 11/19/24 Barre City Council Meeting Annual entertainment license renewal will be also due at the beginning of the year. Applications will be mailed to all establishments who have held them this year. Any business may apply by requesting the application. Liquor/Cannabis Control Boards- North Branch Vineyards LLC – will be a vendor at the Merry Barre Holiday Craft show and hopes to get approval for their product to be served during this event through Barre Partnership. Moved by Councilor Deering, seconded by Councilor Stockwell, approved City Managers Report *Regroup App is up and running as another method of communication between the City and community members. This will be the best method to stay informed about the Winter Snow Ban parking restrictions. Councilor Spaulding was inquiring whether the temporary signs would eventually be replaced with more permanent signals and as to whether email notification is an option vs smartphone only. New Business Guests - Senator Anne Watson, Senator Ann Cummings and State Representative Teddy Waszazak The respected guest gave the council sound advice and input on how to approach the legislation with our list of priorities. With the combined years of experience leading to success in the method of approach. Each member listened to concerns, questions and ideas, weighing in where they could see an opportunity to advise on City issues and regional issues. A. Set legislative priorities Managers List: Operational Aid • Last year the City received $1M from the state legislature • Our needs are long-term and we described the need as multi-year to avoid spikes in tax increases • Ratify charter changes • Separate Clerk and Treasurer duties • Move Town Meeting Day to 2nd Tuesday in May (Council already moved TMD in 2025) • Shared fleet - State should purchase DPW fleet vehicles that can be utilized regionally by municipalities (vactors, leaf vacuums) • Flood Recovery/Mitigation • Funding for non-FEMA buyouts • River gauges Last year, the City retained lobbyists to represent the City. It worked. 2 To be approved at 11/19/24 Barre City Council Meeting • Operating Aid - $1M, most of any municipality • Elevation Funding - $900,000 for Barre • Does the City Council wish to retain representation again? • Received proposal from last year’s representative for $1,000/month • Last year represented by Leonine. Current proposal from Atlas Government Affairs (the individual who handled our portfolio has started their own firm). Mayor Lauzons List: Housing – State Programs and resources to address the unhoused population. Recognizing a regional approach should be in place. Bold housing construction initiatives/incentive programs Changes to allow Property Tax Stabilization agreements Specific funding for the North End. Natural Disaster mitigation with predictable multi-year funds, with 50% local match, to help those helping themselves. More resources and funds to combat the drug overdose deaths and assist in recovery efforts. Public Safety recruitment and retention initiatives. Possibly having regional county or municipalities paying in for services. Changing laws or policies to hold offender of crime more accountable. Additional extension of Barre’s TIF District. Beyond the pandemic, the recurring flooding has created the need. All the Councilors echoed the same needs to be addressed, and gave ideas supporting regional systems sharing costs and accountability, allowing statistics to drive points and issues in both mental health and public safety. Councilor Gustin rallied to begin the list of priorities to be presented to, and for lobbyist to use as a template of important issues to Barre City residents. Round Table Councilor Waszazak gave his information for contact, vowing to keep communication lines open. Visit his forum page teddyforbarre.com Councilor Gustin – Friends of Mathewson playground gathered to repair damage done by vandalism. The department of public works provide assistance. The community members hope to have a spring gathering to celebrate the wonderful space for children and families. Councilor Deering offered his excitement for the Coyotes basketball team and invited the community to come to the Auditorium on Sunday, November 24th for open gym and Thanksgiving Dinner, all beginning at 930am. Mayor Lauzon – Please take the time to learn about the remarkable and generous Eugene A. Cozzi. With his bequeath to the City of Barre, many improvement can be accomplished. Findings for executive session moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Stockwell, approved. Motion to enter executive session moved by Councilor Stockwell, seconded by Councilor Waszazak, 3 To be approved at 11/19/24 Barre City Council Meeting approved. Motion the exit executive session moved by Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell, approved Motion to adjourn moved by Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell, approved Meeting adjourned at 8:02pm Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 26th, 2024. The open portions of the meeting were recorded on the video platform. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl A. Metivier, City Clerk 4