City Council

Winooski City Council Remote Meeting Monday, April 19, 2021 at 6 PM Attend online: https://zoom.us/j/95381016951 Attend by phone: 1 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 953 8101 6951 I. Call to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Agenda Review IV. Public Comment V. Consent Agenda a. Approval: Liquor Control Minutes and City Council Minutes of 04/05/2021 b. Approval: Accounts Payable Warrant as of 04/16/2021 and Payroll Warrant for periods 03/21/21-04/03/21 c. Approval: TA60 Town Financial Report d. Approval: Annual Approval of Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP) e. Approval: Arbor Day Proclamation f. Approval: Myers Memorial Pool – Lifeguard Contract g. Approval: Commission Liaisons 2021-2022 h. Approval: Housing Stability Update VI. Council Reports VII. City Updates VIII. Regular Items a. Approval: Safe Healthy Connected People Commission Appointments – K Lott b. Discussion: VTrans Circulator Concrete Roadway Repair Presentation – J Rauscher c. Discussion: Q3 Treasurer’s Report – A Anastasi-Hill d. Approval: Fund Balance Request for Firehouse Upgrade – J Audy e. Introduction: Unified Land Use and Development Regulations Amendments – Multiple Sections – E Vorwald f. Discussion: Winooski School District Contract to Support Summer and Afterschool Recreational Programming – R Coffey g. Approval: VT Dept. of Children and Families Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) – R Coffey h. Approval: Myers Memorial Pool Snack Bar – Little City Creemee Lease – R Coffey i. Approval: FY22 Community Development Fund – H Carrington j. Discussion: 2020-2021 Policy Priorities and Strategies Recovery Plan Report-out #7 – J Baker k. Discussion: Lot 7D Abenaki Way Redevelopment Update and Next Steps – J Baker and H Carrington IX. Executive Session a. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313 (2) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options related to Lot 7D (Abenaki Way) b. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313 (2) (B) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options regarding North End Studios c. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (1) (B) labor relations agreements with employees and specifically the Fraternal Order of Police X. Adjourn Mayor Kristine Lott - klott@winooskivt.gov Councilor Hal Colston - hcolston@winooskivt.gov Councilor Jim Duncan - jduncan@winooskivt.gov Councilor Mike Myers - mmyers@winooskivt.gov Councilor Bryn Oakleaf – boakleaf@winooskivt.gov Jessie Baker, City Manager - jbaker@winooskivt.gov  MINUTES The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Councilor Colston led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor Kristine Lott Councilors: Hal Colston, James Duncan, Michael Myers, Bryn Oakleaf Officers Present: Jessie Baker, City Manager; Carol Barrett, City Clerk; Angela Aldieri, Finance Director; Jon Rauscher, Director of Public Works; John Audy, Fire Chief, Eric Vorwald, Planning & Zoning Manager; Alex Anastasi-Hill, Treasurer; Ray Coffey, Community Services Director; Heather Carrington, Community & Economic Development Officer; Phoebe Townsend, Human Resources Manager; Nate Eddy, Librarian Others Present: Natalie Boyle, Matt Bogaczyk and Darren Connor, VTRANS; Katherine Lowe, Michael Webster, Aisha & Dan Bassett, Little City Creemee; Nicole Mace, WSD Business Manager III. Agenda Review – None IV. Public Comment Mr. Webster said he is very concerned about the article concerning North End Studios in VT Digger. He said he is very uncomfortable with the relationship and is quite disappointed that there is pole dancing. He is asking that the City sever the contract and ask you to look into that relationship and consider a new. The Mayor said we are having a discussion concerning this and that it is going to be held in Executive Session tonight. V. Consent Agenda MOTION by Councilor Myers seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to approve the consent agenda as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. VI. Council Reports Councilor Oakleaf said she hasn’t officially sat in one of the commission meetings but she did sit in the Finance Commission meeting last week. She also said Green Up Day is right around the corner and looking forward to celebrating on May 1. Councilor Duncan said the City of Winooski is working for Tree USA status. We are one of nine municipalities achieving this designation. I would like to thank the staff and volunteers who have worked on this. We are planning an Arbor Day Celebration this year. While there are several tree plantings happening across the City, we will be having a community tree contest, more details to come and if you have a favorite tree, we would love to have you share it with us. Councilor Colston said he attended the Winooski Coalition meeting this morning. There was a special presentation by Kathy Torres, Director of Public Policy at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. This has been around since 1938 and they are a repository of alcohol consumption information. The point of her presentation was to show the history of alcohol regulation and how it might inform cannabis regulation. If we are a control state as opposed to a license state and we have in place a three-tier system, which connects producers, distributors and retailers. This was a great meeting and a deeper understanding of applying some of those strategies to how we consider controlling the cannabis industry. On April 13, I attended the SHCPC meeting; it was great to be back and received updates on how things are going. He said Community Gardening is way up as is soccer is up 50%. We focused on this group of community residents who put together a survey around Policing and to understand from our residents what folks are looking for, what are their aspirations of what Policing might look like. He said this effort is supported by our Chief. Councilor Myers said Winooski Youth Baseball is about to start. The deadline for signups is until the end of this month. He said President Jeff Brosseau has informed him they are still looking for players of all ages. Mayor Lott said last Monday that we had our first kick off meeting of the City Manager search committee. We had a great discussion about qualifications, we received some input from staff and public and still receiving via email. We will be meeting again next Monday to talk about questions we are going to ask the candidates. The Finance Commission had their meeting and they reviewed policies on revenue and receivables. The Planning Commission held a public hearing for some changes to downtown core zoning, no public attendees for that hearing. The changes being proposed are fairly minor. They voted to move this forward to the Council. VII. City Updates • COVID Update o Last week, we had 15 new cases in Winooski – We’ve seen a 2.5% weekly increase over the last three weeks. So we are reminding all to: ▪ Wear a mask when in the presence of others ▪ Socially distance ▪ Wash your hands ▪ And get your vaccine when it’s your turn o Testing daily continues. ▪ At the OCC ▪ 2 to 8 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. ▪ 9 to 3 all other days including Saturday and Sunday.  ▪ Daily – can sign up at the VDH website or walk in. All information is on our webpage ▪ All materials are translated and there will be translators on site. ▪ We anticipate that testing will continue through the summer at the OCC o Vaccines are now available for all ▪ NO walk-ups. You must register in advance. ▪ Healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine or 855-722-7878 • Transition Plan Update o Jon, Phoebe and I have started to meet weekly to plan for the transition o The Council will be provided a copy of the transition plan as it is finalized o Generally speaking, after May 14th, Councilors should contact the following about specific questions ▪ Jon – Public Works, Public Safety (Police, Fire, Code), and Development (Planning and Zoning and Community and Economic development) ▪ Phoebe – Community Services (Parks, Rec, Library, Thrive), Finance, Clerks Office, and HR o The Mayor, Jon and Phoebe will continue to meet weekly as I currently do with the Mayor o The Transition Plan will also include the Co-interim responsible for contact with key partners (WSD) o Finally, we are working to finalize the transition agreements and will bring those to you for approval on 5/3. • DPW spring street sweeping Begins May 3rd and will continue to the end of the month. Asking for community cooperation to not park on the street during the scheduled sweeping day. See map for schedule. Signs will also be installed the day before street sweeping to alert folks. • In order to do line striping in the City, the weather needs to stay above 60s in order for the paint to adhere. Our current plan is: o Last week of April – Paint the Main St/Tigan St intersection (specifically getting the dedicated southbound right turn lane on Tigan Street painted) and dedicated right turn at East Allen/ East Spring. o May/Early June – Repaint entire East Allen corridor (contract work) o July – City-wide crosswalk painting • Hickok Street reconstruction project Construction will resume on April 26. Construction is anticipated to continue through the first half of July, weather permitting. Work will not occur on Memorial Day or Independence Day. Project update notices are being hand delivered to property owners along the corridor. • Main Street Revitalization o targeting a construction start in the spring of 2022. o Collecting contact information so we can maintaining clear communication with residents and property owners during the project is a priority for the City. o Also leaving door hangers  o Posted right of way plans for resident outreach as well o mainstreet@winooskivt.gov • Equity Director – Yasamin Gordon will start as the City’s Equity Director on May 10th. We are so excited to have her on board and thank all the community partners who participated in the hiring process. Please visit our webpage or social media to learn more about Yasamin and join me in welcoming her to the City in May. • I-89 2050 Study Remote Public Meeting on 4.29.21 at 7:00 to discuss possibility for future exits • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – Saturday, April 24th from 8 to 8. Drop off any unused/unwanted prescription medication in the lobby of the PD. • Community Survey - Parking Study – just a reminder that we have a parking survey up on our website as we work to review the supply and demand for parking across our City. • The schedule and program registration information for the 2021 season at the Myers Memorial Pool will be released next week, so stay tuned for information on swim lessons, private rentals, open swim schedules and more! • Our Youth Interventionist has given notice. We are considering this position in the context of expanded programming you will hear more about tonight. • Green Up Day – May 1st form 9 to noon o Pick up green up bags at City Hall, OCC, or the Armory o Green up a public space o Return bags to OCC or leave in a conspicuous place and we will pick up after noon on May 2 nd. VIII. Regular Items a. Approval: Safe Healthy Connected People Commission Appointments – K Lott The Mayor said we had SHCP Commission Chair Mary Hussmann, and staff representing the Police Dept., Fire Dept. and Community Services Dept. interviewed the candidates Thomas Renner, Dallas Wheatley and Katherine Lowe. We recommend the three be appointed to the SHCPC. Thomas Renner (Term Expiring June 30, 2023); Dallas Wheatley (Term Expiring June 30, 2022) and Katherine Low (Alternate) (Term Expiring June 30, 2023. If this slate is approved, this would leave one “Alternate” seat empty, which the group would work to fill for a term staring July 1, 2021. MOTION by Councilor Duncan seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to approve the appointments to the Safe, Healthy, Connected People Commission as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. b. Discussion: VTrans Circulator Concrete Roadway Repair Presentation – J Rauscher Mr. Rauscher said we have requested VTrans provide an overview on the upcoming concrete roadway repair work along the west side of the circulator. Matt Bogaczyk, VTrans Project Manager, Darren Connolly, VTrans Resident Engineer and Natalie Boyle, Public Information Consultant will be presenting an overview of the project and public outreach to date. Ms. Boyle said she has reached out to the residences and businesses that will be affected by this project. Mr. Bogaczyk said the construction will be from the bridge up to W. Allen St. There will be joint repair maintenance, and grinding joints. This project will be throughout the summer and the contractor will be S D Ireland. This project should be completed by the beginning of October, weather days could factor in. Mr. Bogaczyk said all the work is going to take place at night from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Areas where there are parking stalls in front of Restaurant row will start at 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Discussion ensued and the concerns of the Council were patrolling, sound, dust and outreach. There was also discussion about paving from W. Allen St. north up to Railroad Bridge. Mr. Bogaczyk said the pavement design today is a stronger mix design it counteracts the shoving that takes place. This is scheduled for 2022. Mr. Rauscher said he is way more comfortable with pavement than concrete. c. Discussion: Q3 Treasurer’s Report – A Anastasi-Hill Mr. Anastasi-Hill said there are no significant changes. The General Fund, and Enterprise Funds have a surplus for the 2021 fiscal year. He said there is a new feature introduced with this financial report which is the burnup and burndown charts which log the progress of each of the funds over the past three quarters. These charts are targeted towards all of Winooski with the goal of conveying City financials in a clear standardized format allowing for more community understanding and feedback. See attached. d. Approval: Fund Balance Request for Firehouse Upgrade – J Audy Chief Audy is looking for a one time request of $3,330.00 from reserves. This request is to upgrade the current Record Management System (RMS) software i.e. Firehouse will no longer be supported as of December 2021. The new platform by ESO (who purchased Firehouse) will be a much more robust RMS system and enhance our ability to do all the things we have been doing. Our ability to track data, run reports, and consolidate (not use third party) to do apparatus checks, manage inspections, and staff scheduling are just a couple of additions/consolidation that the new RMS would bring. MOTION by Councilor Myers seconded by Councilor Colston to approve the fund balance request in the amount of $3,330.00 as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. e. Introduction: Unified land Use and Development Regulations Amendments – Multiple Sections – E Vorwald Mr. Vorwald gave an overview to the Council on regulatory amendments, clarification and more clarity. These amendments have been reviewed into two separate pieces by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission reviewed and provided feedback to staff for the changes. Those changes were incorporated and brought forward to Public Hearings at subsequent Planning Commission meetings and the Planning Commission in both cases has forwarded those amendments to Council for consideration. Mr. Vorwald said tonight is more of a general introduction to the amendments so you are familiar with them and we will schedule at a future meeting a more detailed discussion to get into any of the substantive changes you see fit. Mr. Vorwald listed a few highlights: In a few cases, we are adding new information and for ex. Section 2.16 is a new section that will address properties that are multiply zoning districts. We are also doing a fairly large change in context not of the actual regulation with Article III. We are moving all of the downtown core regulations into Article III. They are currently located in an appendix of the document and the references in that appendix refer to a previous version of the regulation that no longer exist. You will see in that set of amendments, while there is a lot of language to be changed. In appendix c is being brought forward into Article III to better align the regulations in that context. We are also changing some of the language in 5.1, which addresses our accessory dwellings. This is in response to some statutory changes through legislation in the last session. We are making sure we are consistent with State Statute. There are some general definitions and other minor changes specifically to uses. This is a general overview of what you have before you tonight. Included with the agenda are statutory reports that outline the purpose, the intent and the changes that align with our master plan. The Mayor provided a summary of her time on the Planning Commission when they were reviewing these changes. Accessory dwelling, State Statute change, Downtown Core, and Article III. She said there were no substantial changes, nothing controversial from the meetings. Mr. Vorwald also said from a process standpoint, the Council could make changes and recommend changes to these documents as we go forward. Anything that is to be considered a substantive change, the reports will be update and will go back to the Planning Commission, but the Planning Commission does not have to have additional hearings as long as Council doesn’t make changes after a hearing has been scheduled that are substantive. You can continue forward with your process, the Planning Commission does not have to hold additional hearings and agree to any changes that you would like to see incorporated. f. Discussion: Winooski School District contract to Support Summer and Afterschool Recreational Programming – R Coffey Mr. Coffey said the Community Services Dept. and staff from the Winooski School District have been working over the past two weeks to develop a draft Scope of Services and preliminary program plan that would support a significant increase in Summer and Afterschool Recreational Programming opportunities for Winooski youth and families for FY22. If authorized by City Council, the City (Community Services Dept.) would enter into a contract with the Winooski School District to provide an agreed upon slate of programs and services which would be funded by the School District’s Federal ”Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Fund” (ESSER) allocation. We anticipate the contract value being $300,000 for FY22. Ms. Mace said the purpose of this money is really to provide additional support to students as we emerge from over a year of social and academic isolation due to the pandemic and so because the district is receiving such a substantial allocation, it felt really important to use that money in the way it was intended and I certainly feel good about the 4 year runway for us to evaluate what is really working and phase in potentially fee for service and programming. Discussion ensued concerning the shelf life of the funds, partnering with the YMCA to get kids to be certified for future employment and nutrition support. The City Manager thanked Nicole for being here tonight and thinking of us. I think this is one of our huge strengths of our community. g. Approval: VT Dept. of Children and families Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) – R Coffey Mr. Coffey said the State of Vermont Dept. of Children and Families is issuing another round of funding support for licensed childcare programs in response to COVID-19. The award was based on a funding formula determined by number of students served. Through this award, the City will receive a monthly grant payment of $3,605.92 for months between April 2021 and December 2021. Awarded funds must be spent each month and can cover expenses in any of the following categories: • Personal protective equipment (PPE) and other mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19; • Capital Improvement Projects; • Occupancy (rent, insurance, mortgage, utilities, etc.) • Materials/Supplies; • Replenishment of Lost Revenue and/or Reduced enrollment; • Wages/Spot-Bonuses; • Professional Development/Technical Assistance for early care and education. Discussion ensued concerning the money whether we could subsidize the money for 4 star program. Mr. Coffey said this would help offset the above categories. Ms. Aldieri said there is a very broad statement with in this document that is Covid related. Mr. Coffey said the 4 star has been on the back burner due to Covid. This will be a fall project. MOTION by Councilor Colston seconded by Councilor Duncan to authorize staff to accept funds from Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) Grant in an amount up to $32,452.37 for the Thrive Program (both Summer and Afterschool) related to the COVID-19 pandemic as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. h. Approval: Myers Memorial Pool Snack Bar – Little City Creemee Lease – R Coffey Mr. Coffey said per City Policy, staff issued a Request for Proposals for a Concessions Contract for the Myers Memorial Pool Snack Bar on March 8, 2021. Staff reviewed submittals and is recommending to enter into an agreement with Little City Creemee per the terms attached lease for the 2021 season. Mrs. Bassett thanked everyone for the opportunity. She said they moved here from NY, went to culinary school for 4 years, worked in local grocery stores and also had a mobile unit. Discussion ensued concerning the lines around the block, waste management on site and the hours of operation. Mrs. Basset said the hours would be Wednesday thru Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. MOTION by Councilor Myers seconded by Councilor Colston to approve the lease document between the City of Winooski and Little City Creemee so long as the final version thereof remain in substantial conformity with the document reviewed. The City Manager is hereby authorized to negotiate ministerial and non-substantive changes to the document and, when complete, to execute them on behalf of the City as approved. Voted and passed 4-0. i. Approval: FY22 Community Development Fund – H Carrington Ms. Harrington said on December 7th, 2020, the City Manager presented an overview of the FY22 proposed budget. The City Council approved the FY22 budget on January 25th, 2021. She said the original proposed budget included $300,000 for the Community Development FY22 budget. Based on TIF fund projections since that time, staff recommends reducing the Community Development budget to $225, 000. MOTION by Councilor Myers seconded by Councilor Duncan to approve the staff recommendation by reducing the Community Development budget to $225,000 as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. The Mayor called for a recess at 7:48 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 7:53 p.m. j. Discussion: 2020-2021 Policy Priorities and Strategies Recovery plan Report-out #7 – J Baker The City Manager updated the Mayor and Council on the Policy Priorities and strategies Recovery plan report: • Focus on Financial Planning and recovery - The Tax and Utility delinquency is very low. • Equity Work - We hired the Equity Director on 4/12/21 and is expected to start the week of May 10. • Noise Compatibility Program - Winooski, Burlington and South Burlington submitted a joint request to DOD for additional funding. • The Planning Commission held public hearings on amendments to multiple sections of the regulations. • All staff meeting was held on April 12. • We continue to meet two mornings per week and are focusing now on vaccination planning. Daily testing will likely continue through September. • Municipal Planning Grant – Will be launched with Equity Director onboard. • Established Centennial Celebration Committee • Historic Preservation we completed public input sessions and key stakeholder meetings, sent letter and survey to all owners of “Highly significant” properties for feed back • Municipal Infrastructure – Council update presented on 3/15 – working on ROW easement acquisitions and outreach, continue coordinating with GMP on underground design and updated estimate, updating corridor storm water design. Project targeted for bid fall 2021 • Myers Memorial Pool – Spring start-up in progress. Pool opening in June • Hickok St – Spring re-start scheduled for late-April, VTrans grant received for sidewalk construction. Targeted project completion: August • Transportation Impact Fee -Drafting ordinance and follow-up waiver items for Council review at 5/3 meeting. • Industrial Wastewater Permit – Completed • City –wide Stormwater – Completed • Housing – Draft MOU with Opportunities is undergoing final edits, HTF Policy Guidelines completed pending legal review, MOU and Policy will be presented to City Council on 5/3 • SHCP – Draft maps have been prepared for Gilbrook, Casavant, Landry, and Memorial Parks. Staff is ground trothing these maps to make final edits. • SRO – from 12/20 – Present. On 04/08/21, WSD decided to maintain position through 21/22 school year and for a committee to study whether to keep the position after that. • Operations – Reappraisal a contract will be brought to the Council on 5/3 k. Discussion: Lot 7D Abenaki Way Redevelopment Update and Next Steps – J Baker and H Carrington The City Manager said for the benefit of the public because it is fairly unusual for us to meet in Executive Session on private development projects repeatedly. This project has been significantly impacted by COVID. Office space needs are changing, hotels are not being financed at the moment, so we are working diligently with the developer to try and move forward with something that is not only beneficial to downtown but financially feasible for the City. When things become ready for a vote those votes will happen in public session and we will share broadly the details of those development priorites. IX. Executive Session a. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (2) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options related to Lot 7D (Abenaki Way) b. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (2) (B) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options regarding North End Studios c. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (1) (B) labor relations agreements with employees and specifically the Fraternal Order of Police MOTION by Councilor Myers seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to go into executive session at 8:02 p.m. to discuss the following as presented: Voted and passed 4-0. a. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (2) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options related to Lot 7D (Abenaki Way) b. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (2) (B) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options regarding North End Studios c. Executive Session Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (1) (B) labor relations agreements with employees and specifically the Fraternal Order of Police MOTION by Councilor Duncan seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to invite Jessie Baker, City Manager; Heather Carrington, Economic Development Director; Pheobe Townsend, Human Resources Manager; Jon Rauscher, Public Works, Director; Rick Hebert, Police Chief and Robert DiPalma, City Attorney into Executive Session as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. X. Adjourn MOTION by Councilor Myers seconded by Councilor Colston to adjourn meeting at 9:28 p.m. Voted and passed 4-0. ATTEST:______________________ City Clerk