City Council

southburlington VERMONT MINUTES CITY COUNCIL 20 OCTOBER 2025 The South Burlington City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, 20 October 2025, at 6: 30 p. m., in the Auditorium, 180 Market Street, and by Zoom. MEMBERS PRESENT: T. Barritt, Chair; E. Fitzgerald, L. Smith, A. Chalnick, A. Pugh ALSO PRESENT: J. Baker, City Manager; Chief S. Locke, Deputy City Manager; G. Silverstein, A. Harig, J. Larkin, J. Simson, M. Mittag, B. Britt, T. Boyd, A. Judge, T. S. Babbitt, S. Cadney, K. Dougherty, T. Tsutsuk, B. Sirvis, G. Dolbeck, D. Kinville, W. Hurd, C. Rainville, J. Buechli, J. Guarino 1. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. Instructions on exiting building in case of emergency and review of technology options: Ms. Baker provided instructions on emergency exit from the building and reviewed technology options. 3. Additions, deletions or changes in the order of Agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda. 4. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda: Ms. Dougherty, who lives on Laurel Hill Drive, cited the impacts of the nearby pickleball court. Players are not observing the rules and are playing in " non- play" times. There is also a concern with speeding on Andrews Avenue. PAGE 1 Ms. Harig spoke to the same concern and noted people were playing at 6: 47 a. m. When challenged, they said they had no other time to play. People are offensive when asked to slow down on the road. A Stonehedge resident, J. Guarino cited an article regarding the effects of noise. She spoke with a lawyer who said she has a case under ADA law. A woman in Boise, Idaho sued the city and won. Mr. Silverstein spoke to the imposing of user fees for the expansion of Fire Station 1. He felt it would impact older homes where older residents live. He also noted that usually when the Council imposes an Ordinance, it gives people time to adapt to it. He cited the issue of having to spend $ 900 for wirelessly communicating units when what he has is working perfectly. 5. Councilors Announcements and Reports on Committee Assignments and City Manager' s Report: Council members reported on recent meetings and events they had attended. Ms. Baker: Auditors were in the City last week. The budget survey will be online through 30 October. The Haunted Walk through Red Rocks Park will take place on Halloween. On 28 October, " A Way With Words" will be at the Library. Their work involves words used regarding climate change. 6. Consent Agenda: a. Consider and Sign Disbursements b. Approve the Loan Agreement# RF1- 353- 3. 0 to the Vermont State Revolving Fund in the amount of $2, 409, 200 for the Airport Parkway Solids Handling Project c. Approve a one- year agreement with the Howard Center to provide the Community Outreach Team Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 2  7. Approve Resolution # 2025- 22 honoring Donna Kinville for her service the Sextons Committee: Mr. Simson read the Resolution. Mr. Barritt cited the importance of having people' s names in stone as pieces of history. Ms. Kinville thanked Mr. Chalnick and Mr. Smith for participating with the Sextons' Committee. Ms. Fitzgerald then moved to approve the Resolution as presented. Mr. Chalnick seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 8. Receive an Update from Champlain Schools Apartments Partnership on the former Holiday Inn site and approve the related Amendment 1 to the 6 September 2023 Development Agreement: Ms. Baker reviewed the history of the agreement and noted that in the ensuing year a number of factors have changed. The developer approached the City to negotiate an agreement to maximize use of the site. Mr. Larkin said it was rewarding to see projects come to fruition. He said there will be more dense and interesting development on the site as there now an opportunity for meaningful construction. Mr. Connor noted that Mr. Larkin is also participating with development on other important sites in the City. Mr. Larkin noted that UVM has rented building for 2 years. In June, it will the new revert to market rate. There is underground parking. The plan is for a second building to the west of the parking lot, possibly 2 buildings. Mr. Barritt noted that the new agreement extends through 2029. Mr. Larkin added that it allows them to take advantage of new height regulations. Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the Amendment to the 2023 Development Agreement with Champlain Schools Apartments Partnership and to authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 3 Ms. Baker noted that Mr. Larkin lives in the City. She noted that as the State addresses the housing crisis, small scale local developers will be a huge part of the solution. 9. Receive a Presentation from the Bike & Pedestrian Committee on the use of E- bikes on the City' s shared use paths: Mr. Britt reviewed the background and noted the Committee began receiving complaints regarding bikes and e- bikes. They then gathered information on e- bikes as defined by State law. Mr. Britt showed a photo of a e- motorcycle masquerading" as an e- bike. This violates State restrictions. There are also e- mopeds which do not qualify as e- bikes. State law allows municipalities to regulate e- bikes. Mr. Tsutsuk said the Committee came up with 3 categories of actions to address the issue: a. Education and signage b. Improved definition of allowable devices c. Speed advisories He showed an example of possible signage and noted that speed advisories should be prominently displayed. Regarding updating the Ordinance, Mr. Tsutsuk noted that e- bikes are bicycles, 750 watts or less. He also noted that a person under the age of 16 cannot legally operate a Class 3 bike. The recommendation is to exclude any device over 750 watts from shared use paths and to allow nothing with an internal combustion engine. Mr. Smith said it is also important to note pedestrian behavior. 50% of pedestrians are using earphones, and it is dangerous for them not to be able to hear what is going on. Ms. Tsutsuk said that advisory limits should be set to establish safety: 15 mph for those on paths 8 feet and wider; 10 mph for those on paths narrower than 8 feet. Lower speeds should be considered in dense areas. Ms. Pugh asked if the Committee considered requiring helmets to be worn. Mr. Britt said they did not, but that could be added. CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 4 Mr. Barritt noted that some underage youngsters are riding Class 4 bikes in groups. Someone needs to tell them they can' t. Mr. Britt said if the bike is over 1000 watts, it needs to be registered, have a license plate, be inspected, etc. Mr. Barritt said it would be good to have a conversation with the Police as to what can be done. Mr. Smith said his expectation is that shared use paths are a transportation corridor. There are times when 20 mph is not excessive. But he did not know how to address that. Ms. Pugh said if they set a limit at 20 mph, people will go 25. Mr. Britt said that is why the Committee is getting up with speed advisories. They will work with staff to regarding signage and getting the word out. Mr. Chalnick said the City Attorney should look at regulations to be sure they are clear. Ms. Sirvis noted she has almost been run over on the path. She hoped there was a way to engage the schools on this issue and have some good collaboration. She thanked the Council for looking into this. Mr. Boyd noted that the number of e- bikes will increase. He wasn' t sure they belong on a sidewalk. He said there is a sign on a section of the bike path near Farrell Street that makes sense: It says pedestrians should be on the left facing the oncoming bikes. He added there should also be a regulation regarding lights, front and back, and all regulations need to be enforced. Mr. Judge noted that e- bikes are also heavier than regular bikes. Mr. Mittag said sidewalks are for people to walk on. When there isn' t a shared use path, e- bikes, scooters, etc., should be on the road. He felt accidents will happen on the sidewalks when regulations are not enforced. Mr. Dolbeck said his children usually ride their bikes to school on Rt. 7, on the sidewalk. Mr. Barritt agreed, bicycles can' t be on the road on Shelburne Road; they have to be on the sidewalk. Ms. Baker said staff and partners will put together a signage and education plan for consideration as well as a budget. CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 5 Mr. Smith asked how to bring the Police in to address the illegal vehicles. Ms. Baker said Chief Breault will be brought into this. The Police Department will always address things that are illegal. 10. Receive a report and budget request from the South Burlington City Center Collaborative: Ms. Babbitt reviewed the history and noted that the Collaborative is a 501- C3 whose mission is to co- create the development of a vibrant downtown. She then reviewed the organization' s accomplishments since July, including: a. Hiring an executive director b. Securing office space at 100 Dorset St. c. Being joined by new Board members d. Developing a website e. Meeting their membership goal with existing and new members f. Onboarding a UVM intern g. Collaborating with " Hello Burlington" h. Joining the Main Street America organization i. Planning to apply for New Town Center status j. Supporting a " Fall Giveaway" They are asking for $ 75, 000 for FY27. Mr. Chalnick asked how other cities fund things like this. Ms. Babbitt said there is a mix including grants. They will also be eligible to apply for funding from the State next year. Ms. Baker said every community she has worked for has a " downtown organization" with a mixed revenue stream that can take many forms. Ms. Fitzgerald asked how the group interacts with the City' s Economic Development Committee' s 5- year strategy plan. Ms. Babbitt said they are planning to meet with that Committee. Ms. Baker said ARPA funds could be used for this purpose. She would like the Council to agree to have this as a budget option. All Council members agreed. 11. Convene as Liquor Control Commission to consider the following applications: CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 6  a. Gonzo' s Indoor Golf Club & Academy: 1St/ 3rd Class Restaurant/ Bar License b. Stewart' s Shops Jolly # 546: 2nd Class Liquor/ Tobacco License/ Sub Endorsement c. Stewart' s Shops Jolly # 507: 2nd Class Liquor/ Tobacco License/ Sub Endorsement d. Stewart' s Shops Jolly # 505: 2nd Class Liquor/ Tobacco License/ Sub Endorsement e. Stewart' s Shops Jolly # 504: 2nd Class Liquor/ Tobacco License/ Sub Endorsement Mr. Chalnick moved to convene as Liquor Control Commission. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chalnick moved to approve the five applications as presented. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chalnick moved to reconvene as City Council. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 12. Review the Significant Agenda topics for the Council' s 3 November City Council meeting: a. Second reading, Public Hearing and possible action on an update to the Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance b. Second reading, Public Hearing and possible action on an update to the Electrical Installations Ordinance c. Receive a briefing on efforts to promote community safety d. Presentation on the City' s parking study and provide direction e. Receive a recommendation on an expansion of 575 Dorset Street to accommodate the prevention unit Mr. Chalnick suggested adding the circulation study around Marcotte School. Ms. Baker was OK with this as long as there is someone to present the study. 13. Other Business: Ms. Fitzgerald asked who would be attending the CCRPC meeting next week. Mr. Barritt and Mr. Chalnick will attend. Mr. Smith said he was thinking of going, but CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 7 if that poses a quorum issue, he will not attend. Ms. Baker said she will follow- up regarding the quorum issue. As there was no further business to come before the Council Mr. Smith moved to adjourn. Ms. Fitzgerald seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8: 49 p. m. Clerk CITY COUNCIL20 OCTOBER 2025 PAGE 8