City Council

To be approved at 01/07/2025 Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council (Approved) Held December 17th, 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 Councilor Sonya Spaulding; from Ward II, Councilors Amanda Gustin and State Representative Teddy Waszazak; and from Ward III, Councilors Samn Stockwell and Michael Deering (remotely). City staff members present were City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro, PW Director Brian Baker (remotely) and Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Metivier. Absent: none Adjustments to the Agenda – Reschedule item 8C conflict in date. Add item 3b – Resolution Recognizing State Rep Teddy Waszazak 3a. Resolution #2024-21 In Recognition of Sue Minter- A resolution recognizing the service of Sue Minter on the occasion of her retirement from Capstone Community Action was read by State Representative/ Councilor Teddy Waszazak honoring the milestone accomplishments within her professional career and done selflessly for the benefit of Barre City and the surrounding communities. Resolving the City of Barre does hereby declare Saturday, December 21st, 2024 to be “Sue Minter Appreciation Day” to express to Sue our most profound appreciation and sincere thank you for her years of dedicated service; and, that a copy of this resolution be placed in the permanent records of the City of Barre and that a copy be transmitted to Sue Minter. Motion to approve Resolution 2024-21 made by State Rep/ Councilor Teddy Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Spaulding –approved 3b. Resolution #2024-22 Resolution Recognizing State Rep/ Councilor Teddy Waszazak A resolution recognizing the service of State Rep (Ward II Councilor) Teddy Waszazak on the occasion of his resignation from Barre City Council was read by Councilor Amanda Gustin honoring the many accomplishments within tenure as a Council Member, the youngest to be elected at this time. Being a strong voice for community members, lending his services to improve, assist and guide residents to resolve food insecurity, homelessness, fair wages, public safety and flood resiliency. Resolving the City of Barre does hereby declare Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 to be “Councilor” Teddy Waszazak Appreciation Day” to express to Teddy our appreciation and sincere thank you for his years of dedicated service; and, that a copy of this resolution be placed in the permanent records of the City of Barre and that a copy be transmitted to Teddy Waszazak. Motion to approve Resolution 2024-21 made by Councilor Amanda Gustin, seconded by Councilor Samn Stockwell –approved 1 To be approved at 01/07/2025 Barre City Council Meeting Visitors & Communications – Erica Reil – Remembrance of those unhoused residence who we have lost. Friday, December 20th 4pm on the State House lawn. Consent Agenda- A. Approval of Minutes i. Meeting of December 10, 2024 B. Clerk’s Office Licenses & Permits – none C. Authorize the manager to execute contract(s) i. Police cruiser replacement D. Ratify Council’s 12/10/2024 allocation of $10,000 from the Brusa Trust to the Fuel Your Neighbor Program. Motion to approve consent agenda made by Councilor Stockwell, seconded by Councilor Cambel-approved Approve City Warrants i. Approve week of 12/18/2024 Motion to approve city warrants-Move made by State Rep. / Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Cambel (Councilor Spaulding Abstained) - approved City Clerk & Treasurer Report We are getting an influx of phone calls concerning the new tax bills. We are always happy to answer all questions and provide details of all current payments and balances. Reminder, the balance due from the Education Tax adjustment is not due until the February installment. Applications for Community Service Allocation applications are due Dec 31st, Annual Entertainment Licenses are also due December 31st. Coin drop requests will be accepted for consideration beginning Jan 2nd. Please reach out to the clerk’s office for details and requirements. Liquor/Cannabis Control Boards- Barre Social Club – Cat Allen 105 N Main St. Motion to approve the Class 1 Liquor license for the Barre Social Club was moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Stockwell City Managers Report *DPW is working on relining sewer pipes on N. Main St. with a projected completion date of Friday, Dec 20th. However, the crew has had a major obstacle, the collapse of a section, which has since been bypassed, but may delay the completion timing. Please try to limit use of water entering the sewer systems. 2 To be approved at 01/07/2025 Barre City Council Meeting *Hydrant servicing is continuing, to date (6) hydrants have been replaced and others will be repaired. *Hazard Mitigation plan has been accepted which will assist cementing funds for flood mitigation project. *Employee milestones reached; Fire Dept.; Capt. Mike Charbonneau -20 yrs. Capt. Matt Cetin -20 yrs. Lt. Nick Benson -10 yrs. Dispatch; Rob Lowe -10 yrs. WWTP; Superintendent Jacob Drown -10 yrs. Cemetery; Don Bullard -40 yrs. New Business 8A. 1st Reading Warned 6:20PM Ord. #2024-03 Winter Parking Ban; Change the ordinance to read ban to begin 11pm to 6am versus 1am to 6am as it reads now. Comments; Bern Rose- Fee is high, and may cause distress to those unhoused, low income or those living in their cars. Possible leniency for first time offenders. Lisa Liotta – be discretionary – possibly assign a parking lot for those who may be downtown is businesses after the 11pm curfew. Ellen Kaye-Be sure to educate and maybe inform offenders of an appeal process. Raylene Meunier – Use all resources to notify the public, community members and visitors. 8B. Approve publication of terms of sale of Seminary St., Campbell Place and Campbell parking lots. Sale price $1.00. – Buyers DEW, Evernorth and Downstreet- projected 32 units Motion to approve publication of terms of sale of Seminary St,, Campbell Place and Campbell parking lots moved by State Rep. / Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Gustin – approved. 3 To be approved at 01/07/2025 Barre City Council Meeting 8C. Appoint Council liaison to the Police Advisory Committee State Rep. / Councilor Waszazak nominated Councilor Amanda Gustin to the position. Councilor Gustin accepted the nomination. Motion to approve the appointment of Councilor Amanda Gustin as liaison to the Police Advisory Committee moved by State Rep. / Councilor Waszazak, seconded by Councilor Stockwell. 8D. Consideration of Berlin St. /Prospect St. stop sign. Results from the study the State has completed, was reviewed and announced. The intersection did not meet the criteria to warrant placing a (4) way stop at the above mentioned intersection. *Did not meet average travel counts *Did not meet accidents reported numbers *Visibility concerns could be met with trimming greenery The Manager and PW Director Brian Baker will be adhering to the recommendation of no action, however gave the Council the opportunity to override that decision. The council decided to table the discussion until the petitioner Sandra Parry of Palmisano Dr. had a chance to meet with the company who completed the study and until city staff came back with alternative traffic calming measures. Comments; Councilor Stockwell – the issue is hyperlocal and should reflect those who experience the unsafe conditions daily. Councilor Spaulding – review again once Prospect Heights evolves – offer other traffic control measures – review other stop signs that don’t meet the “standards” Motion to table the discussion until the petitioner Sandra Parry of Palmisano Dr. had a chance to meet with the company who completed the study and until city staff came back with alternative traffic calming measures moved by Councilor Spaulding, seconded by Councilor Gustin. 8E. ADA procedure briefing Procedure are outlined on the City’s website. The City’s responsible representative will be HR Jeanne Galiano once she is on boarded completely. Until that time the Manager has taken on that role. The city has adopted a grievance procedure, in addition to upgrading some features to municipal buildings, including ADA bathroom at City Hall Comments; Danielle Owzarski – Chair of the River Access Task Force – need to do forward thinking for our future selves in addition to those living this daily. Bern Rose- Consider improving Opera House doorway, bathrooms and auto door buttons 4 To be approved at 01/07/2025 Barre City Council Meeting Erica Reil – more signage – training the ADA point of contact for the City Councilor Stockwell – prioritize a plan Ellen Kaye- do some forward thinking – universal design Upcoming Councilor Gustin – Micro grants for neighborhoods/buyouts/municipal grants Councilor Stockwell – Another look at unused buildings and warehouses for housing Councilor Spaulding – Request a monthly update from our Legislature. Round Table Councilor Stockwell –Queer Craft Fair had a good turnout. Library raffle was a success. Councilor Spaulding – Queer Craft Fair held at the Old Labor Hall was well attended. Interested in how it impacted the downtown. Councilor Gustin – Foxy’s a tribute to phenomenal food. Councilor Deering – Excited for winter sports and hockey. Happy Holidays! Councilor Waszazak – Will stay in touch. Findings for executive session moved by Councilor Stockwell, seconded by Councilor Gustin approved. Motion to enter executive session including Bob Lord, Carl Rinker, Al Flory and Steve MacKenzie moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Waszazak, approved. Motion the exit executive session moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Waszazak, approved. Upon exiting executive session, the Council, and community members Bob Lord, Steve MacKenzie, Carl Rinker and Al Flory asked the Council to move the motion to approval a pledge to of a $400,000 dollar pledge to the Barre Area Development Corp to be place toward the purchase of 143 North Main St., the Old J.J. Newbury building, upon development of a sponsorship agreement. Motion to approve the $400,000 dollar pledge toward the purchase of 143 N. Main St was moved by Councilor Waszazak, and seconded by Councilor Gustin. The motion was approved, despite the no votes from Councilor Spaulding and Councilor Stockwell. . The Mayor then asked Councilor Teddy Waszazak to rescind his resignation, allowing him to vote the ratification to approval a pledge to of a $400,000 dollar pledge to the Barre Area Development Corp to be place toward the purchase of 143 North Main St., the Old J.J. Newbury building, upon development of a sponsorship agreement. Teddy then recognized that action with intention to return. 5 To be approved at 01/07/2025 Barre City Council Meeting The Mayor also mentioned warning a special meeting for the ratification, but set no specific date. Motion to adjourn moved by Councilor Gustin, seconded by Councilor Waszazak, approved Meeting adjourned at 8:58pm Next regular meeting is scheduled for January 7th, 2025 at 6pm. The open portions of the meeting were recorded on the video platform. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl A. Metivier, City Clerk 6