City Council

Minutes of the Montpelier City Council Meeting May 9, 7:00 PM City Council Chambers, City Hall In attendance: Mayor Anne Watson, Councilors Dona Bate, Jack McCullough, Glen Hutcheson, Rosie Krueger, Conor Casey, Ashley Hill, and City Manager Bill Fraser. City Clerk John Odum acted as secretary. The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. 18-146. Without objection, the Mayor declared the proposed agenda approved with the addition of a discussion of the Mowatt real estate acquisition to the planned executive session. 18-147. Sam Dworkin indicated he was displeased about the previous meeting’s Farmer’s Market decision. The Mayor added comments. Stephen Whitaker gave a report on Central Vermont Internet and encouraged the council to stay involved in EC Fiber. New Montpelier Development Corporation Executive Director Laura Gephardt introduced herself. 18-148. Councilor Krueger moved approval of the consent agenda with item d. pulled for discussion. Councilor Bate seconded. Motion carried unanimously at 7:08. Council discussed consent agenda item d. (Down Home Kitchen Parklet Application). Councilor Krueger opened discussion. Concern and/or opposition was expressed by Brad Lamell, Stephen Whitaker, and Yvonne Baab. Speaking in favor of the application was Mary Alice Profitt. Susan Abdo, Sam Dworkin and Peter Gelman. Councilor Hill moved to approve Down Home Kitchen’s parklet application as presented. Councilor McCullough seconded. After discussion, the motion carried 4-2 (Councilors Hutcheson and Krueger voting nay, all others aye). 18-149. Fred Connor came forward to discuss the Tax Stabilization Application for Montpelier Armory, LLC.. The Mayor opened the second public hearing at 7:48. Hearing no comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:49. After a brief discussion. Councilor Bate moved to approve the application with findings, conditions and reconsideration option and direct the City Manager to enter into tax stabilization contract with applicant. Councilor McCullough seconded. After further discussion, the motion carried 4-2 (Councilors Casey and Hill voting nay, all others aye). 18-150. There was a brief discussion of the Tax Increment Financing Application. No formal action taken. 18-151. Kurt Motyka was joined by Chris Cox and Consulting Engineer Wayne Elliot (?) consulting engineer for a Water Resource Recovery Facility Presentation. Discussion followed, with  Larry Boyle, Kate Stephenson and Geoff Fitzgerald participating. No formal action taken. The Mayor called a 5 min recess at 8:44. The meeting reconvened at 8:50. 18-152. The Council received a presentation on the Planning and Community Development Department (along with the Planning Commission) from Director Mike Miller and Chair Lesley Welz. Discussion followed with Polly Nichol of the Housing Task Force participating. No formal action taken. 18-154. Councilor Krueger expressed her enthusiasm to engage with coming issues and desire to connect more with the business community. Councilor McCullough reported positively on touring the town garage, water plant and recovery facility. Councilor Hill noted that the city had come a long way on Northfield Street work, other projects and other projects, and that the staff has been great. Councilor Bate expressed concern that parks are being neglected and that the council should engage with the Park Commission She further indicated that she was looking forward to the coming retreat. Councilor Casey reported on the new People Against Plastic Pollution organization and noted a coming. May 19 rally for public schools. Councilor Hutcheson echoes Councilor McCullough’s comments on the quality of the facility and encouraged citizens to attend his Thursday morning meetings at Bagitos. 18-155. The Mayor's spoke positively of the May Fest. 18-156. The City Clerk noted that quarterly taxes were due the 15th. He also noted technical problems with the video feed, citizen interest at the non-citizen vote meeting, and the upcoming limited service days in the Clerk/Treasurer’s office. 18-157. The City Manager echoed the praise of the Public Works tours and touched on Fire Department tour scheduling as well. He briefly touched base with the Council on the strategic planning discussion before noting the Ultimate team’s tournament victory. 18-158. Councilor McCullough moved that the Council enter executive in accordance with Title I, VSA §313 to discuss consideration of real estate acquisition related to Winooski East and the Mowatt property (and to include Kevin Casey) Without objection, the Mayor declared the body returned to open session and subsequently adjourned by unanimous consent.