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, June 16, 2025 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 Members Present: Mayor Kristine Lott, Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner; Councilor Aurora Hurd; Councilor Charles Judge; Councilor Bryn Oakleaf Officers Present: Ray Coffey, Acting City Manager; Paul Sarne, Communications Director; Jenny Willingham, City Clerk; Angela Aldieri, Finance Director; Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning; Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director; Jon Rauscher, Director of Public Works; Kim Hier, Assistant City Clerk Others Present: Sally Tipson; Paul Frenette; Jeff Myers; Felipe Hoyos; Sarah Muskin; Jen Berger; Kathy Zhou; Michael Monte, Miranda Lescaze I. Call to Order 6:03 PM II. Agenda Review Minutes: Councilor Hurd requested that item G. be moved to regular items. III. Public Comment Minutes: Felipe Hoyos spoke in favor of reducing parking requirements throughout the city, and keeping in mind the Winooski Master plan that encourages multi-modal transportation. Concern was raised regarding parking requirements for the O’Brien center given the library expansion, and concern for potential loss of the basketball court. Jen Berger agreed with these comments, and also stated that she was under the impression Winooski was a sanctuary city, however there is currently no policy in place. Mayor Lott stated that in order for this to happen it would have to be introduced by members of Council and an effort undertaken to put this into place. IV. Consent Agenda A. Approval: City Council Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2025 B. Approval: Payroll Warrant May 5 - June 7, 2025 C. Approval: Accounts Payable Warrant June 12, 2025 D. Approval: Subsequent to Payout Warrant April 2025 E. Approval: Survey for New Public Rights-of-Way (Roads) F. Approval: Vermont Economic Progress Council Tax Increment Financing District Annual Report Recertification G. Approval: Board, Commission, and Committee Reappointments-  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Minutes: None Motion: Motion to approve consent agenda by Deputy Mayor Renner, seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion passed 4-0. V. Council Reports Mayor Kristine Lott: The Finance Commission reviewed proposed changes to the Small Business Loan Fund. They anticipate wrapping those up at their next meeting in July. The Planning Commission met and made a recommendation on Tier 1B status which we'll see in tonight's agenda. The commission is not meeting this month and will reconvene in July. Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner: Safe Healthy Connected People has not met in June and will meet in July. Downtown Winooski is meeting on Wednesday. He and the Mayor will be at Standing Stone Wines on the 24th at 7 PM for council in community, Councilor Charles Judge: The Housing Commission did not meet in June and will be meeting in July. Councilor Aurora Hurd: Did not attend the last Inclusion and Belonging Commission meeting. She stated that there were openings on the committee. Councilor Bryn Oakleaf: The Municipal Infrastructure Commission did not meet this month as they did not have any actionable items to address. They are seeking to fill a vacancy for an alternate member. Chittenden Solid Waste District will have the annual structural meeting on June 25th. The next meeting for the Bridge Commission will be on June 24th. VI. City Updates Ray Coffey, Acting City Manager, gave the following updates: The Department of Public Works will conduct street sweeping operations along Malletts Bay Avenue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from the Colchester town line to West Allen Street. Parking is prohibited on both sides of the street from 7 AM until the project is finished by the end of the workday. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain clean and safe streets in our community – full details about this project can be found via our website news updates at winooskivt.gov Green Mountain Transit is holding its regular board meeting tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM (Tuesday, June 17) to discuss and approve changes to the #9 Winooski service. As always, Winooski residents are invited to attend – virtual and in-person options are available. Learn more at ridegmt.com by visiting the Board of Commissioners page. Residents who live on Main Street are invited to the Main Street Revitalization Open House for Residents tomorrow night here at City Hall from 6 - 8 PM. Learn more about the project, impacts, and resources to help you through this vital and transformative project. Light refreshments provided.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov We encourage the community to come out to Rotary Park this Friday, June 20 from 5 – 8 PM to enjoy Downtown Winooski’s Juneteenth Celebration. With music, food, discussion, and activities there’s something for everyone as our community celebrates Black joy, liberation, and culture. Congratulations to the Winooski High School Class of 2025 and to the many dedicated staff at the Winooski School District for their hard work this past school year. VII. Regular Items A. Board, Commission, and Committee Reappointments Minutes: Councilor Hurd stated that there are still several commissions that have not seen new applicants for vacancies. A discussion followed regarding which commissions have the need for alternates and regular members due to current or upcoming vacancies. It was stated in general, that they are not seeing a great deal of applicants. A discussion also followed about the structure of commissions. Motion: Motion was made by Councilor Oakleaf and seconded by Councilor Judge to approve the Board/Commission/Committee reappointments as presented. Voted and passed 4-0. B. Discussion: Public Hearing - Amendments to the Unified Land Use and Development Regulations (ULUDR) - Section 4.17 - Transportation Demand Management - Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning Minutes: Public hearing opened at 6:30 PM. Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning provided an overiew of regulations surrounding Transportation Demand Management requirements to require projects that meet certain unit number and square footage, as well as incentives given for promoting alternate uses of transportation other than private vehicles. Changes were presented that were suggested by legal counsel. No public comment hearing closed at 6:40 PM. C. Discussion/Approval: Amendments to the Unified Land Use and Development Regulations (ULUDR) - Section 4.17 - Transportation Demand Management - Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning Minutes: Definition of a grocery store was clarified. In addition, other amendments were discussed. No further discussion took place regarding the amendments. Motion: Motion to approve the amendments made by Councilor Judge, seconded by Thomas, approved 4-0. D. Discussion/Approval: Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Regional Future Land Use Map, Housing Targets, and Tier 1B - Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning Minutes: Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning, and Sarah Muskin from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission discussed Act 250 changes and the implications of Act 47 and Act 181. Act 250 exemptions related to Tier 1 B and Tier 2 were discussed. Paul Frenette voiced concerns of Act 250 impact. Mayor Lott stated our current zoning is still in effect. Motion: Motion to adopt municipal resolution on Tier1 B status to cover all eligible areas within he planned growth area with exception to the Downtown venue made by Deputy Mayor Renner and seconded by Councilor Judge. Motion passed 3-0 with 1 abstention.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov E. Discussion: Public Hearing - Proposed Amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 17 - Public Building Registry - Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director Minutes: Public hearing began at 7:10 regarding change in the language of the ordinance to state “The cap number will be established from time to time by City Council Resolution” rather than “prior to June 30, 2025, this ordinance shall be amended to establish the cap and the mechanism for the allocation of licenses under the cap.” There was no public comment. Hearing closed at 7:13 PM. F. Discussion/Approval: Amendments to Municipal Code Chapter 17 and Resolution to Set Cap on Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Rental Licenses - Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director Minutes: No discussion. Motion: Motion to approve amendments to Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code as presented made by Councilor Oakleaf and seconded by Councilor Judge. Motion passed 4-0. Motion: To approve resolution to set caps on non-owner occupied short term rental licenses as presented made by Councilor Judge and seconded by Deputy Mayor Renner. Motion passed 4-0. VIII. Executive Session pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (2) the negotiation of real estate purchase or lease options related to Armory lot Minutes: No need for Executive Session was found. IX. Regular Items A. Discussion/Approval: Armory Redevelopment Project Fund Balance Request - Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director Minutes: Discussion took place regarding the City’s role in the development of the Vermont National Guard Armory site as well as the role of Champlain Housing Trust. The project will be required to follow current zoning regulations. Overview of the number of units and size of units was provided. It was stated that details are not finalized at this time. Jeff Myers asked for clarification on the number of proposed units, which was stated as twenty-four. The deposit will be held in escrow and is refundable. Motion: Motion to authorize up to $5,250 of general fund balance to the refundable deposit for the Purchase and Sale Agreement with the State of Vermont National Guard for the armory parcel. Motion made by Deputy Mayor Renner and seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion passed 4-0. B. Discussion/Approval: Armory Redevelopment Project Purchase & Sale Agreement - Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director Minutes: Discussion took place regarding the Purchase and Sales Agreement for the armory site, as well as timelines for purchase and items related to remediation. Paul Frenette discussed his concerns for neighbors living in single family neighborhoods near the development site, and that some residents are not aware what is going on. Mayor Lott stated there has been outreach through Front Porch Forum and social media and there will be opportunity for the community to engage in the design process. Sally Tipson voiced concern over 1) the impact on neighbors around the parcel 2) impacts on traffic or Dion St. to East Allen St. 3) effect on Police and Fire services and the school system. Mayor Lott addressed these concerns and stated the project is aligned  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov with current zoning and they are not anticipating any detrimental impacts. Paul Frenette then stated he was concerned about the seventy-three unit development on Main St. that abuts Bellevue and the increase in traffic. Michael Monty of Champlain Housing Trust addressed Jeff Myers question as to whether or not Champlain Housing Trust paid taxes. Jeff expressed concern that notification has not been made to people that live in the area and that some of those people are not on social media. Mayor Lott discussed various forms of communication that will take place based on how neighboring properties are affected, such as targeted outreach. Motion: Motion made to authorize the City Manager to negotiate ministerial and non-substantive changes and, when complete, execute Purchase and Sale Agreement with the State of Vermont National Guard for the Armory Parcel as presented by Councilor Hurd and seconded by Councilor Judge. Voted and passed 4-0 C. Discussion/Approval: Armory Redevelopment Project Option Agreement - Jazmine Hurley, Housing Initiative Director Minutes: Miranda Lescaze from Champlain Housing Trust gave an overview of sale price options. It was discussed that Winooski is the “middleman” in the transaction but there has been effort to minimize risk as much as possible through the agreements that are set up. There was no public comment. Motion: Motion made to authorize the City Manager to negotiate ministerial and non-substantive changes and, when complete, execute the Option Agreement with Champlain Housing Trust for the Armory Parcel as presented by Councilor Hurd, seconded by Councilor Judge. Motion passed 4-0. X. Executive Session pursuant to 1 V.S.A. § 313 which exempts from public inspection, (a) (1) (A) contracts Minutes: No need for Executive Session was found. XI. Regular Items A. Discussion/Approval: American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) FY25-FY28 Contract - Jesse Acri, Human Resources Director Minutes: Angela Aldieri, Finance Director, gave a summary of changes to the AFSME contract terms. She stated the union ratified the contract last week. No public comment was made. Motion: Motion made to approve the FY26-28 AFSME contract as presented authorizing the City Manager to sign contingent on ratification by the Union made by Councilor Hurd, seconded by Councilor Judge. Motion passed 4-0. XII. Adjourn Motion: Motion to adjourn by Councilor Oakleaf; seconded by Deputy Mayor Renner. Motion passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM. Attest: ________________________________________ Kim Hier, Assistant City Clerk