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, July 14, 2025, 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 Members Present: Mayor Kristine Lott; Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner; Councilor Aurora Hurd Officers Present: Elaine Wang, City Manager; Paul Sarne, Communications Director; Jenny Willingham, City Clerk; Angela Aldieri, Finance Director; Jon Rauscher, Director of Public Works; Kim Hier, Assistant City Clerk; John Audy, Fire Chief; Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning Others Present: Carolyn Cota, Bob Kleinfelter, Christian Chorba, Thomas Locatell, Adam Dubroff, Russell Barr, Connor Daley, Jake Evans, Brian Bisema, HSV; Rosa Benoir, Vermont Agency of Transportation; Josh Olund, HNTB; Zoom User “Luke and Christiana”, Zoom User “Kristin’s Iphone 14”, Bob Lake I. Call to Order at 6:00 PM II. Pledge of Allegiance led by Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner III. Agenda Review Minutes: None Motion: None IV. Public Comment Minutes: Thomas Locatell inquired about the status of getting a project started regarding a gazebo that he is constructing with the intent of placing it at Landry Park, and to answer any questions that the Council might have regarding his appearance for public comment at the last Council meeting. He stated he would appreciate any assistance or advice on how to move forward. There was a discussion regarding permitting and plans being needed for the project. Mr. Locatell will follow up periodically. V. Consent Agenda A. Approval: City Council Minutes of July 7, 2025 B. Approval: Payroll Warrant June 22-July 5, 2025 C. Approval: Accounts Payable Warrant July 9, 2025 D. Approval: Appointment of an Acting Zoning Administrator - Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning E. Approval: Main Street Revitalization Project - Step 3 Construction Phase Drinking Water Revolving Loan - Elaine Wang, City Manager  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Minutes: None Motion: Motion by deputy Mayor Renner to accept the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion carried 3-0. VI. Council Reports Mayor Kristine Lott: Finance Commission finalized recommendations on the Small Business Loan program, on tonight’s agenda. We’re still seeking at least 3 new members for this board focused on the economic vitality of Winooski. Planning Commission reviewed some proposed amendments to add clarity to our zoning regulations as related to the review process for subdivisions and planned unit developments. This is part of an ongoing effort to just keep tightening up language in our regulations. Deputy Mayor Thomas Renner: Thrive Summer is running very well and received great feedback from the State. As some folks may recall the pool has some days where it had to be closed, this was as a result of one of the chemical feeders malfunctioning, that has now been remedied. A new seasonal part time park staffer started last week. There are some additional park clean up days: Memorial Park July 11th and Oct 10th, Casavant July 17 and October 17 and Gilbrook October 24 go to the city website to learn more. Ray created a first draft of the public art policy, the commission reviewed a good chunk of the document and will do more at the next meeting. Councilor Aurora Hurd: In Councilor Oakleaf’s absence she is covering the Municipal Infrastructure Commission. They will meet on Thursday 7/17/25. The Inclusion and Belonging Commission will be meeting on 8/21/25. They are looking for additional members. VII. City Updates City Manager Elaine Wang gave the following updates: The City of Winooski and Downtown Winooski have launched the “Gift Your Community” campaign to support Main Street businesses during construction. We’re encouraging everyone to buy gift certificates as a way to provide immediate financial help while creating future joy—whether it's for birthdays, graduations, employee appreciation, or just because. Every gift certificate you purchase directly from a business on Main Street is an amazing way to put money directly into our businesses' hands when they need it most. While construction creates temporary challenges, these purchases create permanent connections between our community and the wide variety of businesses that make Winooski special. Visit downtownwinooski.org/mosaic to learn more. Green Mountain Power has scheduled a planned power outage in Winooski to make service upgrades related to the Main Street Revitalization project on Thursday, July 17, approximately from 11 PM – 6 AM. Affected streets include: George, Franklin, Thornton, Bellevue, Russell Street, Hood, Pleasant, Solar View, and Richard. To see the specific locations and full details, please see the news updates section of our website at winooskivt.gov. Customers impacted by this outage will be contacted directly by Green Mountain Power ahead of time. If you have questions, please contact Green Mountain Power at 888 835 4672.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Homeowners in Winooski are invited to attend our Accessory Dwelling Unit Workshop on July 23rd. An ADU is a smaller, independent dwelling unit that is located on the same lot as an existing single-family home, duplex or triplex – building them can offer an additional source of income and is an option to help address Vermont's housing crisis. During the workshop, homeowners will discover the benefits of ADUs and the process required to build them in Winooski, Learn about Act 181 and the Vermont Housing Improvement Program which can provide funding to ADU projects, and hear from a panel of local ADU owners. A Zoom option is available, and the event will be recorded by Town Meeting TV for viewing later online if you can’t attend. We’re hosting a Blood Drive at the Senior Center on July 18th. Your donations help save lives – visit the news updates section on our website to make your appointment. All participants will receive a free Fandango movie ticket! VIII. Regular Items A. Discussion: Public Hearing: Condemnation for Temporary Easement for Burlington-Winooski Bridge Project - Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director, Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: The Public Hearing began at 6:15 pm. Russell Barr of the Barr Law Group, representing Adam Dubroff of the Winooski Hotel Group (WHG) spoke in opposition to the condemnation for the temporary easement for the Burlington-Winooski Bridge Project. At issue is the appraisal done on the “lot 9” property by Martin Appraisal Services. The appraisal was done based on the property’s best use being mixed commercial use, rather than a hotel. Discussion took place regarding parking availability at the time of appraisal, communications that took place prior to the condemnation, and a prior offer by VTRANS to purchase the property. Adam Dubroff of the Winooski Hotel Group discussed his history with the City and his experience in the hospitality industry. Brian Bisema of HSV, who performed an appraisal for WHG presented an overview of his credentials and HSV’s qualifications as appraisers in the hotel industry,and gave an extensive overview of the results of his appraisal for the property regarding a hotel that was planned by WHG. Extensive discussion took place whether the highest best use standard for the property should be a hotel or mixed use commercial. Christian Chorba of Downs, Rachlin and Martin spoke about the Vermont Stature 24 VSA § 2810C related to condemnation regarding highest best use vs. present value. Vermont Transportation Agency Right of Way Permitting Chief Rosa Benoir who works with federal aid projects and eminent domain stated the Martin appraisal was based on the value of the property as it stands now and that eminent domain does not take into consideration future value. Discussion followed amongst the attorneys for both parties. It was decided an Executive Session was needed for Christian Chorba to advise the City Council. Executive Session: Motion: Motion by Deputy Mayor Renner to enter into deliberate session pursuant to 1 VSA § 312E for deliberation in connection with a quasi-judicial proceeding and into Executive Session pursuant to 1 VSA § 313 for purposes of securing a real estate purchase and because open deliberation would place the City Council at a substantial disadvantage for receiving attorney client communication, seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion carried 2-0. Motion: Motion by Deputy Mayor Renner to enter into Executive Session to discuss this matter under the provisions of Title 1 section 313A1A of the VT Statutes, inviting the City Manager and attorney, seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion carried 2-0 Executive session ended at 8:09 PM. Public Hearing ended at 8:10 PM.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov B. Discussion/Approval: Decide on Necessity and Just Compensation Amount for Condemnation for Temporary Easement for Burlington-Winooski Bridge Project - Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director, Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: None. Motion: Motion to accept the Proposed Resolution for Temporary Condemnation of Land Use in Replacement of Burlington-Winooski Bridge beginning on July 15, 2025 until July 1, 2030 made by Councilor Hurd, seconded by Deputy Mayor Renner. Motion carried 3-0. C. Discussion/Approval: Winooski Small Business Loan Program - Proposed Guideline Updates - Angela Aldieri, Finance Director, Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: The Finance Commission has made recommendations for changes to the guidelines for the Small Business Loan Program were discussed. The goal was to have clearer evaluation criteria. Merits of the program were discussed, and discussion followed regarding how various criteria are weighted and possible adjustments. Availability and quality of business plans as well as dealing with any issues surrounding credit history were discussed as well as ensuring there is an opportunity for minority owned businesses. Bob Lake, Interim CEO of Opportunities Credit Union spoke about their participation in the program and various criteria when working with participants. Councilor Hurd suggested changing the term “citizens” to “residents” or more inclusive term. Motion: Motion by Councilor Hurd to approve the Winooski Small Business Loan program proposed guidelines update including swapping the word “citizens” for “community”, moving minority owned, women owned, disadvantaged business into the 0,2,4 criteria and updating the total score ranges to accommodate that change, seconded by Deputy Mayor Renner. Motion carried 2-0. D. Discussion/Approval: Winooski Small Business Loans - Main Street Construction Program - Elaine Wang, City Manager, Angela Aldieri, Finance Manager Minutes: The city has been pursuing options to assist the businesses that are being affected by the Main St. construction. The city has worked with Opportunities Credit Union to come up with a dedicated loan program for those businesses that have been negatively impacted. They have committed $40,000 of one time funds to subsidize interest on these loans allowing up to $200,000 to be issued as a 0% interest loan for 5 year terms. Potential size of loans that will be needed were discussed based on surveys received from business owners. A maximum loan amount of $40,000 was discussed as well as when first payment would be expected. Kristin, a local business owner spoke of the need for her business for a program like this to help get over the construction period. Bob Lake, Interim CEO of Opportunities Credit Union spoke about the program. Motion: Motion by Deputy Mayor Renner to authorize the City Manager to Execute as presented noting a $40,000 cap instead of $30,000, seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion carried 3-0. IX. Adjourn Motion: Motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM by Deputy Mayor Renner, seconded by Councilor Hurd. Motion carried 3- 0. Attest: ________________________________________ Kim Hier, Assistant City Clerk