City Council

Minutes of the Montpelier City Council Meeting March 28, 6:55 PM City Council Chambers, City Hall In attendance: Mayor Anne Watson, City Manager Bill Fraser, Councilors Dona Bate, Glen Hutcheson, Ashley Hill and Conor Casey. City Councilor Rosie Krueger was not in attendance. City Clerk John Odum acted as secretary. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:34. 18-099. Without objection, the agenda was approved by acclamation. 18-101. Councilor Hill moved to approve the consent agenda with items (e) and (f) pulled for discussion (at the Mayor’s request). Councilor Casey seconded. Public Works Director Tom McArdle came forward to answer questions about item(c). Motion carried unanimously (4-0). The Council discussed consent agenda item (e) Approval of loan for Mayor’s attendance at Kennedy School of Government State & Local Government Senior Executives program. Councilor Hill moved the Council approve item (e). Councilor Bate seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The Council discussed item (f) Investment Policy Addendum. Without objection, the item was postponed to the meeting on the 11th. 18-102. Audit. Finance Director Todd Provencher and City Accountant Ruth Dockter were joined by Theresa Kajinski (of Fothergill Segale & Valley) for a presentation of the audit. After discussion, Councilor Casey moved the Council accept the audit and was seconded by Councilor Bate. The motion carried unanimously. The Mayor called a recess at 7:26. The meeting was reconvened at 7:31. 18-103. Jeff Tucker and Jay Conger of Dubois and King came forward for a presentation and discussion of the flood mitigation study. Richarda Ericson (on behalf of the Vermont River Conservancy) and Scott Muller participated in the discussion. No formal action was taken. 18-104. The Clerk led a discussion on the non-citizen voting in City Elections. Amanda Garces and Scott Muller participated. No formal action was taken. 18-105. City Manager Fraser opened a discussion on apartment inspections. Planning Director Mike Miller participated. No formal action was taken. 18-106. The following administrative department presentations were offered to the Council: the offices of the Manager, Finance, Assessor, and Clerk. Finance Director Provencher and the Clerk offered input. After discussion, no formal action was taken. 18-112. Councilor Hill opened a discussion on a committee application process and form. Assistant to the City Manager Jamie Granfield participated. After discussion, Councilor Bate moved the Council authorize the City Manager to implement the form and implement the changes discussed. Councilor Hill seconded and the motion carried unanimously. 18-108. Councilor Bate reported on the Lost Nation Theater Easter Egg Hunt. Councilor Casey indicated he was pursuing the “sister city” process. Councilor Hutcheson announced he has been holding a weekly Thursday talk with citizens at the Open Hands café at Christ Church. Councilor Hill applauded the police for the successful rally the prior weekend, as well as area youth for their activism. 18-109. The Mayor noted that April 3 is a National Day of Recognition for Americorps workers. After a brief discussion, Councilor Hill moved to authorize the Mayor to make a proclamation on behalf of the city acknowledging Americorps. Councilor Bate seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. The Mayor also discussed the status on a possible citizen testimony timer. 18-111. The City Manager reported on the recent issuance of a Mowatt permit before offering a brief charter change update. He also complimented the Police Department on their work during the protest, also offering praise to the State and Capital Police. Finally, he briefly touched on the logistics of the strategic planning process. Without objection, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9:48 by unanimous consent.