City Council

City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Public Hearing - Voter-Proposed Charter Change for Just Cause Eviction Thursday January 26, 2023 at 6 PM • Attend in person: Winooski City Hall (27 West Allen St) • Attend online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82744633728 • Webinar ID: 827 4463 3728 • Attend by phone: 1 646 558 8656 MINUTES The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6 PM. Members Present: Mayor Kristine Lott Councilors: Bryn Oakleaf, Aurora Hurd, Thomas Renner Officers Present: Elaine Wang, City Manger; Paul Sarne, Communication Director & Jenny Willingham, City Clerk Others Present: Samuel Kernan, Brian Sweeney & David Weissberger (In-Person) David W., Meghan (no last name given), Prashant (no last name given), Andy Blanchet and Liz Wolfe (Remote) Summary: Voters have petitioned for city to change its charter. This change could allow Winooski City Council to adopt a ‘Just Cause Eviction’ law. Residents can vote on this item on the Town Meeting Day election on March 7, 2023. The state would also need to approve the change. Then City Council would need to decide whether to create a Just Cause Eviction law. The voter-proposed Charter Change for Just Cause Eviction was read in its entirety by Mayor Lott (Article 4). PUBLIC COMMENTS Samuel Kernan- Winooski A current renter who discussed the possible ways a renter can be evicted. Brian Sweeney- Winooski A current Landlord who also was a renter for a long time. Discussion ensued over the additional logistics of the process including timeline and language. David Weissberger- Winooski A current Landlord had questions about the exemptions for certain rental units. Andy Blanchet- Winooski Discussion ensued over various rental experiences. Meghan Teddler- Colchester Discussion ensued over her view of basic protections for renters. Meghan (no last name provided)-Winooski Discussion over her personal experiences as a renter. Liz Wolfe- landlord in Winooski Discussion arose over the proposed timeline for the petition. Tenzin- landlord in Winooski Discussion around experiences of rental increases. Prashant- landlord in Winooski Discussion over renters not paying their rent. Mayor Lott stated the next Public Hearing is Saturday, February 4th at 11:00 AM at the O’Brien Community Center. There will be a language presentation and more opportunities to ask questions. Adjourn The Public hearing closed by Mayor Lott at 7:07 p.m. ATTEST:_______________________________________ City Clerk