City Council

City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Winooski City Council Meeting Monday, April 15, 2024, at 6 PM Attend in person: Winooski City Hall (27 W Allen St) Attend online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84364849328 Attend by phone: 1 646 558 8656 Webinar ID: 843 6484 9328 I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM. Members Present: Mayor Kristine Lott, Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner, Councilor Bryn Oakleaf and Councilor Charles Judge Officers Present: Elaine Wang, City Manager; Ray Coffey, Community Services Director, Paul Sarne, Communications Director, John Audy, Fire Chief, Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director, Angela Aldieri, Finance Director, Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director, Ryan Lambert, City Engineer, Jenny Willingham, City Clerk and John Fenney, Treasurer Others Present: Connor Daley, Ali Nagle, Jason Weinstein, Jonah Frangiosa, Laura Wade, Terry Zigmund, James LaCroix, Bob Klinefelter (VTrans), Carolyn Cota (VTrans), Sarah Reeves (CSWD),Jen Holliday (CSWD) and Melissa Corbin (Downtown Winooski). II. Agenda Review III. Public Comment Minutes: Terry Zigmund inquired about the status of the line striping for this coming year. Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director informed Terry that there are additional streets that should be starting soon. IV. Consent Agenda A. Approval: City Council and Liquor Control Board Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2024 B. Approval: Payroll Warrant March 17 – 30, 2024 C. Approval: Accounts Payable April 10, 2024 D. Approval: Subsequent to Payout March 2024 E. Approval: Event Permit Application - Champlain Valley Swim League Championship Meet F. Approval: Event Permit Application – Winooski Wednesdays G. Approval: Event Permit Application – Waking Windows H. Approval: Event Permit Application – Winooski Farmers Market I. Approval: Winooski Armory Redevelopment Project Request for Congressionally Directed Spending J. Approval: Arbor Day Proclamation K. Approval: Community Services Scholarship Fund Fundraising Campaign Motion: Motion by Councilor Judge seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to approve the Consent Agenda. Voted and passed 3-0  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov V. Council Reports Mayor Kristine Lott: Huge thanks to our city staff and especially public safety teams for their time and preparation in advance of last week’s eclipse event. The Planning Commission met this month to wrap up changes to the ULUDR to align our regulations with the new state requirements of ACT 47, with the goal of holding their public hearing in order to advance to Council so we can be in compliance before the end of the year. The commission will next begin review of potential updates related to Replacement and Inclusionary Zoning following their joint meeting with the Housing Commission next month, and will hold a follow up joint meeting next month. The Finance Commission began review of our Economic Development Strategic Plan. They will meet again next month to continue review, including the Downtown Winooski Executive Director, as many of the plan recommendations overlap with the work of that organization. The City Manager and I were able to meet with leadership from our local Mosque. The meeting was productive and we received contact information to incorporate into our language access plan and hold regular 2X annual touchpoints with this group. Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner: Airport commission - Updated the public on the securement of a grant for runway work. The parking garage project is moving along as scheduled. The Airport Commission is applying for a sound mitigation grant from DOD. The next meeting is May 8th. Safe, Healthy, Connected People Long discussion on the scholarship policy including topics on the scholarship account needing more funds, the availability of scholarships to non-residents, the allowance of back payments, the classification of being in “good standing”. The Commission voted to allow the I & B Commission on SCHP to be a voting member. Downtown Winooski - Blingo is the first Tuesday of the month. Councilor Charles Judge: The next Winooski Housing Commission's meeting is set for next Tuesday April 23rd at 6:00 pm. The commission will continue with remaining topics from last month's joint meeting with the planning commission, including discussions around inclusionary zoning and replacement regulations. Councilor Oakleaf: The Municipal Infrastructure Commission will not be meeting this month. At this time, I have no further updates. VI. City Updates Main Street Revitalization Construction Begins April 23: Construction on the Main Street Revitalization Project is planned to start on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. This construction season will focus on upgrading water, sewer, and stormwater systems. Activities will take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM. There may be night and weekend work when needed. Single-lane closures will be required throughout the project, where Main Street will be reduced to northbound traffic only. Southbound traffic will be sent to Weaver Street – this detour will stay in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To keep access open for emergency vehicles, on-street parking will not be allowed along Main Street within the active work zone during work hours. On-street parking will not be allowed along one side of Weaver Street. Travelers should be alert, use caution, slow down, and pay close attention to signage and flaggers. The Project Team will send weekly Construction Updates starting Friday, April 19. These updates will include construction activities, active work zone limits, traffic impacts, traffic pattern changes, and parking restrictions for the upcoming week. To sign up for these updates, and for full project details, please visit winooskivt.gov/mainstreet. And as a reminder, all businesses are open during construction!  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Downtown Tree Trimming and Restricted Parking on April 16th: The Department of Public Works has contracted with DJ's Tree Service to provide tree trimming on Main Street (from the US Post Office down to Grazers) and in front of the Winooski Block (from Scout to McKees) tomorrow on Tuesday, April 16th. Work begins at 8 A and parking will be prohibited in the project areas. For full details, please visit the news updates section on our website at winooskivt.gov. Green Up Day - Join your neighbors for Green Up Day in Winooski on Saturday, May 4, 2024! Pitch in and enjoy this annual statewide tradition by cleaning up public spaces in the community. Grab your 'Green Up' bags on May 4th from 8:30 AM - 2 PM @ the Winooski Senior Center (123 Barlow Street). Staff and volunteers will be available for assistance - once you've got your bag, feel free to 'Green Up' a location in Winooski. Bags are also available for early pickup at Winooski City Hall and the Winooski Memorial Library. For full event details, please visit winooskivt.gov/greenupday. VII. Regular Items A. Discussion/Approval: Chittenden Solid Waste District Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Presentation – Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: CSWD representative gave a presentation for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Presentation including projected revenue and expenses. Discussion ensued about the increasing costs at the Materials Recovery Facility as well as health benefits, hauling services, fuel costs, wage disposal fees and cost of living adjustments. Motion: Councilor Oakleaf seconded by Deputy Mayor made a motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 CSWD budget. Voted and passed 3-0 B. Discussion/Approval: Burlington Winooski Bridge – Vermont Agency of Transportation Standard Finance and Maintenance Agreement for Federal-Aid Projects – Jon Rauscher, Director of Public Works Minutes: Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director gave a brief overview of the project that has been presented to Council. This document has been reviewed by our attorney and a recommendation to add some language relating to additional protection on Right of Way (ROW) section (Attachment E). This will require future negotiations with VTrans. Discussion ensued requesting the City Manager to proceed with the execution of the document after the revisions are completed Motion: Councilor Judge seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to approve the Agreement with VTrans. Voted and passed 3-0 C. Discussion/Approval: General Fund – Fund Balance Request - Traffic Calming Evaluation – Jon Rauscher, Director of Public Works Minutes: Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director gave an overview on the request for a General Fund-reserve funds (Fund Balance Request) to perform some Traffic Calming Studies. A couple of scenarios about the Traffic Calming study were discussed. Terry Zigmund , Jason Weinstein and Laura Wade who were in attendance expressed support for a Traffic Calming Study.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Motion: Deputy Mayor Renner seconded by Councilor Judge to authorize up to $10,000 of General Fund balance to pay a consultant. Voted and passed 3-0 D. Discussion: Strategic Vision Goal Update – Municipal Infrastructure – Jon Rauscher, Director of Public Works Minutes: Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director gave an update on the Policy Priorities and Strategy Updates. Most of the discussion was around the Main Street Construction Project including start dates, traffic control and Outreach to our residents including an upcoming meeting with our Nepali residents. The Council stressed the emphasis on outreach for our community including contact with our business’. The construction season is expected to last for 2 “construction” from April to possibly December depending on the weather. For more information on construction updates email info@winooskimainstreet.com or visit our website at winooskivt.gov/mainstreet. The consultant is preparing the documents for the scoping study that was completed on Lafountain/Dion Street. E. Discussion: Quarterly Treasurer’s Report – Jonathan Fenney, Treasurer Minutes: John Fenney, Treasurer provided an overview of the FY 2024 3rd Quarter Treasurers Report. In his overview, John spoke about the forecasting for the various City’s funds. F. Discussion/Approval: Downtown Designation Renewal – Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: Elaine Wang, City Manager gave an overview of the extensive application process to the State of Vermont ‘s Downtown designation program in order to renew the Downtown designation. This designation is effective for eight years and then submit a request for a renewal. Motion: Deputy Mayor Renner seconded by Councilor Oakleaf authorized the City Manager to submit the Downtown Designation renewal application upon completion. Voted and passed 3-0 G. Discussion: Strategic Vision Goal Update – Housing – Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director Minutes: Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director gave the 3rd Housing Update. Out of the 5 (five) tracked policy priorities for this year, 4 (four) are proceeding as planned. Included in this update was changes/updates to Public Building Registry, Short Term Rentals (starting July 1st) procedures, In addition, Outreach for Airport Noise Mitigation Program, updating ordinances and the Unified Land Use and Development regulations to address housing priorities identified by City Council including renter protection. The director as well as the Housing Commission have discussed options to improve the Housing Trust Fund programs and to reach out to other lending institutions who may offer the Down Payment Assistance and Interest Rate Buydown programs. Discussion ensued regarding updates for the RFP for Equitable Housing Needs Assessment as well as a timeline for the reappraisal. Discussions with local developers to understand the costs associated with development, and the impact of future policy decisions by the City.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov H. Discussion/Approval: Updates to the Housing Trust Fund Guidelines Minutes: Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director provided updates to the Housing Trust Fund. In recent months, staff have been examining each program to ensure it is accessible, effective, administratively feasible, and relevant today, partly informed by those inquiries, partly by the perspective that came from the change in staff. Based on this review, staff propose the following changes: • Language to prevent the use of properties for short-term rentals activity through the life of the loan • Inclusion of Interest Rate Buydown language as approved by Council on December 11, 2023. • More general language allowing for applicants to use banks other than Opportunities Credit Union. • Change to the CoRe evaluation criteria to score based on the income level targeting of the affordable units. • Changes to sections of HIP determined necessary after staff audited each eligible activity and realized many were not feasible to verify internally. • As recommended by Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas, remove language that would explicitly have the City fund “energy efficient projects” as there was no viable process for the City to verify such work, and due to the robust program offerings and accessible financing options from those organizations. The proposed changes do allow the program be used for additional funding to cover projects that may exceed what Efficiency Vermont or Vermont Gas can fund. • Updates to the loan/ grant application process to reflect actual workflow, now that we’ve had some experience with it.” Council approved changes with one correction to list Efficiency Vermont instead of Efficiency VT. Motion: Councilor Judge seconded by Deputy Mayor Renner to approve the updates with the addition of changing Efficiency VT to Efficiency Vermont. Voted and passed 3-0. The Mayor called for a 5-minutes recess at 7:40 pm to resume at 7:45 pm. I. Discussion/Approval: New Position Description - Part Time Recreation Assistant - Ray Coffey, Community Services Director Minutes: Ray Coffey, Community Services Director asked for permission to hire a Part Time Recreation Assistant. Previously AmeriCorps staffing was sufficient for the staffing roles. This position would be 5-10 hours per week for a limited number of weeks. The endeavor to recruit for AmeriCorps will continue. Motion: Deputy Mayor Renner seconded by Councilor Judge to approve the Part Time Recreation Assistant Position. Voted and passed 3-0 J. Discussion/Approval: IT Contract Award & Reserve Request – Simpleroute LLC – Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: After the Citys’ bid for Managed Information Technology services, the Committee is recommending Simpleroute LLC. The current contract ends on June 18, 2024. This company was able to provide the requested support along with the price differential.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Motion: Deputy Mayor Renner seconded by Councilor Oakleaf authorizing the City Manager to execute the documents in selecting Simpleroute LLC. Voted and passed 3-0 K. Discussion/Approval: 2024 Local Emergency Management Plan - Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: City Manager provided an overview of the Annual Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP). This document designates departments/protocol in case of an emergency. This detailed Plan is required to be submitted annually by the Department of Emergency Management. The Plan details Public Information and Warning as well warning to our vulnerable populations. Upon approval this plan is submitted to Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. Motion: Deputy Mayor Renner seconded by Councilor Oakleaf to add St. Francis Xavier School to the list of media outreach and alerts. Voted and passed 3-0 L. Discussion: City Council Engagement Update - Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner Minutes: Deputy Mayor Renner provided a recap of Engagement Activities.from July 2023 to March 2024. These engagement activities included meetings at the Winooski School District along with attending the Winooski High School Culture & Community Class. In addition, each member of Council joined a coffee chat at the Winooski Senior Center. There were several community events to provide budget outreach along with a Multilingual Outreach including members at the Mosque and attending the Holi celebration at the Winooski School District. X. Adjourn A motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Judge seconded by Deputy Mayor Renner to adjourn at 8:05 PM. Voted and passed 3-0 Attest: _____________________________________________________________ Jenny Willingham, City Clerk