City Council

To be approved at the next Barre City Council Meeting Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council Held June 17th, 2025 at 6pm Council Chambers-Barre City Hall The warned Regular Meeting of the Barre City Council was called to order in person and via video platform by Mayor Thomas Lauzon at 5:59 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall, Barre, Vermont. In attendance were: From Ward I, Councilor Sonya Spaulding, Councilor Beth Hilgartner ; from Ward II, Councilor Amanda Gustin and Councilor Jeff Bergeron; and from Ward III, Councilor Don Routhier, Councilor Michael Deering. City staff members present were City Manager Nicolas Storellicastro, and Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Metivier. Absent: none Adjustments to the Agenda Remove 4E Please note item 4F has been edited to reflect a start date of July 1st. Visitors & Communications Joe Reil-Barre Pride has grown from a backyard event to the well-attended event, filling City Hall Park with supporting community members, as well as many business support. Steve McKenzie, representing the BADC (Barre Area Development Inc.), offered an update on the progress, and new proposals coming to light in regards to the purchase of 143 N. Main St, what is remembered by many as, the old J.J. Newberry’s building. The property owner has reduced the price by $200,000, in addition to extended the deadline to September for the raising funds. Shawna Trader introduced the Facing the Water Event, a hands-on learning event, partnering with Barre-Up, which will be held at The Aldrich Library on June 30th at 530pm. Donna Drayman-Pulice educated the audience about Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer and key figure in the American Revolution, visited Vermont in 1825 as part of a grand tour of the United States. His visit to Vermont, specifically to Montpelier and Burlington, was a significant event, with towns celebrating his arrival and honoring his contributions to American independence. Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1824- 1825 was a "farewell tour" marking the 50th anniversary of the American Revolution. Vermont was one of the 24 states he visited, with his Vermont leg taking place in late June 1825. Donna inquired whether the tri-colored French flag could be hung or flown to acknowledge the 200 year anniversary. Community members informed her of the ordinances for flags, however some members offered ideas and contacts to check with to possibly fulfill this request. 4. Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes i. Meeting of 6/3/25 w/ correction to spelling error B. Clerk’s Office Licenses & Permits – Faith Community Church & Enough Ministries will be hosting a church event in Currier Park on Sunday, 1 To be approved at the next Barre City Council Meeting July 6th from 9am to 2pm. C. Ratify Council’s 6/3/25 motion to approve a TIF substantial change application to VEPC D. Approve option agreement with Downstreet for Seminary Street parking lot E. Accept property at 100 Brook Street and record the quitclaim deed received from the Estate of Badeau F. Appoint City Treasurer G. Resolution #2025-11: Financial authorization of the Barre City Treasurer H. Approve annual appointments I. Assign excess fund balance – A rainy day fund of 5%, with assigning extra funds to capital funds or used to ease the property tax fees. J. Authorize the Manager to execute contract(s) The motion to approve the Consent Agenda was moved by Councilor Spaulding, seconded by Councilor Gustin-approved 4-a. Approve City Warrants i. Approve week of 6/18/25 ii. Ratify week of 6/11/25 The motion to approve the City Warrants was moved by Councilor Bergeron, seconded by Councilor Deering-approved (Councilor Spaulding & Gustin abstained) 5. City Clerk & Treasurer Report Welcome back Carol! With the new fiscal year just around the corner, the Clerk’s office is waiting for the education tax rates from the state and will be working towards setting the municipal tax rate with the Council, working with NEMRC (New England Municipal Resource Center) IT team, and L Brown Printing, in creating the tax bills for 2025-2026. If all goes right, we will be back on track with the 1st quarter due date for August. Green Mountain Passport Still reaching out to the qualifying community members. With information on the “Green Mountain Passport Program.  Eligible to Seniors 62yrs+ or Military Veterans  Allows free admission to State Parks all across Vermont in addition to some historic site for a $2 application fee.  Entrance limited to card holder only.  Life-time membership (non-transferable) damaged cards will be replace at no cost to members. More details and the application can be found on the City website, under the Clerk Department tab. Come into the office during office hours and you will receive the card on the spot for immediate use! 2 To be approved at the next Barre City Council Meeting Share some information on the “Green Mountain Passport Program.  Eligible to Seniors 62yrs+ or Military Veterans  Allows free admission to State Parks all across Vermont in addition to some historic site.  Entrance limited to card holder only.  Life-time membership (non-transferable) damaged cards will be replace at no cost to members.  Simple application process with presenting a valid VT license/I.D. or provide military form DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (or see indication on license after July 1, 2013) More details and the application can be found on the City website, under the Clerk Department tab. 6. Liquor/Cannabis Control Boards The Quarry Kitchen & Restaurant – Class 1 & 3, and OSC (Outside consumption) Motion to approve presented Liquor License renewals moved by Councilor Deering, seconded by Councilor Bergeron, approved. 7. City Manager’s Report  Striping of Merchants Row is complete.  Prep work on Allen St., Prospect St. and Berlin St. are all on the schedule, with paving planned later this year.  Senator Welch has secured funds for flood mitigation for projects including Berlin St. Bridge and Willey St. Bridge.  Welcome Michelle LeBarge-Burke to her new role as the Recreation Director. She will plan and grow the recreation aspect, as well as scheduling for all rental spaces and assist in implementing the new Cemetery software.  Pool is due to open Friday, June 20th. 8. New Business A. Heart of Barre project presentation A unique art and heartfelt project highlighting community members who endured flooding, and those who played pivotal roles in the aftermath. Dierdra Michelle and Shawna Trader spoke about the “Heart of Barre” project. Years long, and full of stories, poems, portraits, and interviews put a spotlight on all the moving parts of the moments following Barre’s flooding event. The display will begin with a ribbon cutting July 24th on Main St. in front of Nelson’s Hardware, the display will become a center piece at the Aldrich Library after it has made a debuts at the State House Card Room. Follow the process on Instagram @heart_of_barre. B. Volunteer appointments (JEDIB) Chris Roberts has applied for re-appointment respectively, to the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Chris is the current Chair of the Committee. A motion to approve the re-appointment of Christopher Roberts to the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee was moved by Councilor Spaulding, seconded by Councilor Hilgartner, approved. 3 To be approved at the next Barre City Council Meeting Sean Warner has applied for the 1st time appointment to the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Sean, who is new to organization membership is eager to start engaging and growing the committee. A motion to approve the appointment of Sean Warner to the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee was moved by Councilor Bergeron, seconded by Councilor Hilgartner, approved. D. 1st Reading Warned 7:00 PM: Public Conduct Ordinance (placed ahead of 8D due to timing) The Public Conduct Ordinance was up for the 1st reading due to changes, and amendments. The streamlined language of the Ordinance was once again discussed with pros and cons brought to the forefront. Chief Brad Vail answered many questions and explained the reasoning and necessity for this ordinance providing an extra tool for public safety officers to maintain the quality of life levels within the City. The discussion was paired with 8E the review of the City policy for Notice of Trespass on City property, however the ordinance was the only item required to be voted by Council. The Notice of Trespass is a revised draft of the Public Conduct Ordinance  The approach is now structured as both an ordinance and policy related to no trespass notices;  The previously proposed fine structure has been removed;  Public urination and defecation has been added as a specific offense in Chapter 11;  Accountability will be in the form of no trespass orders based on severity and repetitiveness of the offense, subject to discretion of the enforcement officer;  The nuisance property section of the ordinance has been removed, pending adding this to a future ordinance on vacant buildings. A motion to approved and move to a 2nd Warning of the Public Conduct Ordinance was moved Councilor Deering, seconded by Councilor Bergeron, approved. Yay; Nay; Councilor Deering Councilor Bergeron Councilor Spaulding Councilor Hilgartner Councilor Routhier Councilor Gustin C. Adopt Flood Resiliency Plan (Gustin) Councilor Gustin, seemingly tireless work to organize priorities of projects geared toward making progress toward flood resiliency for a stronger and better prepared City if, a flooding event would occur again. Trying to classify the importance of moving a project further on, and determining if funding is available will be done by using a rubric system. Taking data driven survey information from Council members and community members is meant to categorize the order of projects to focus on, through action or funding raising. The lists will be constantly updated, changed or modified based on urgency of the moment, the funding or future events. This project has many community members support and appreciation. A motion to approve and Adopt Flood Resiliency Plan was moved by Councilor Hilgartner, seconded by Councilor Deering, approved. F. Discuss Neighborly Barre Initiative (Hilgartner) 4 To be approved at the next Barre City Council Meeting Opening the discussion, Councilor Hilgartner stated this “draft” was meant to begin the conversation, and become a listening and learning opportunity, and for the Council to consider, and possibly embrace, bringing it to action. City staff has reviewed this proposal and is opposed to implementing this initiative as an official City program, suggestions for connecting with existing organizations and pairing with them would provide a better outcome. During the discussion many community members tossed around ideas, some were from past practices, some were new, including hyper-local neighborhood watches, mini-patrol program similar to the “The Bees” who would ride around the City to be the eyes and ears for our safety officers. Suggestions were made for grants searches, or volunteers for Councilor Hilgarter to research and move this proposal forward within the community, separate from the City. 9. Upcoming Business Mayor Lauzon –Prepare for special meetings, considering the CDBGDR (Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (flexible grants to help cities, counties, Indian tribes, and States recover from Presidentially declared disasters, especially in low-income areas, such as Barre). 55 million dollars are headed to Washington County for 2023 flood damage. Councilor Gustin – the flood resiliency plan will be updated often 10. Round Table Councilor Deering – School is out, be mindful of children! Councilor Hilgartner – Waste water plant tour was informative Councilor Bergeron –Thanked Barre City staff for the Waste Water Treatment facility tour. The District 4 Baseball Tourneys will be hosted at Bond Field again this year. Councilor Spaulding – Barre Pride event was amazing and obviously growing in popularity. Mayor – Pride Event was enjoyed. Trestle party was fun. 11. Executive Session – none 12. Adjournment Motion to adjourn moved by Councilor Deering, seconded by Councilor Gustin, approved Meeting adjourned at 10:17 pm Next regular meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2025 at 6pm. The open portions of the meeting were recorded on the video platform. Respectfully submitted, 5 To be approved at the next Barre City Council Meeting Cheryl A. Metivier, City Clerk 6