City Council

City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Special Winooski City Council Meeting Wednesday, October 1, 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 Thomas Renner, Councilor Aurora Hurd & Councilor Bryn Oakleaf Officers Present: Elaine Wang, City Manager & Paul Sarne, Communications Director Others Present: Matt Crawford, Nora Doherty, Alison Turkos, Elsie Goodrich, Brian Colombini, Michelle O’Donnell and Zoom Attendee by Phone 802 XXX XXXX I. Call to Order at 6:02 pm II. Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Thomas Renner III. Agenda Review IV. Public Comment Minutes: No public comment. V. Discussion: Interview of Candidates for Vacant Council Seat At the last Council Meeting, a sub-committee was tasked (Mayor Renner & Councilor Hurd) with conducting the initial interviews of eight (8) applicants for Interim City Councilor. Tonight, the four finalists were present for the full board's additional questions. The four finalists were: Matt Crawford, Nora Doherty, Elsie Goodrich, and Al Turkos. The four finalists provided an overview of their backgrounds as well as their interests in applying for an Interim City Councilor position. The Councilors asked the candidates questions about the budget process, the council's role in advocating for additional housing, managing their time to serve on the council, as well as their Dream for the next 10 years for the City of Winooski. A discussion ensued among the candidates regarding the need for providing additional affordable housing options in the City. Budget Need Nora Doherty: Nora is passionate about the city of Winooski. Nora will ask questions to learn more about the city's needs. Matt Crawford: Matt had previous municipal government experience in another municipality, but now lives in Winooski. Matt's focus on the municipal budget, along with the school budget, and what things are funded either enough or not enough in the City.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Elsie Goodrich: Elsie has familiarity with the budget process and how to best offer the needs and services to the Community without a large increase. Al Turkos: Al will listen to the community's concerns and continue to ask questions of the Council. The dream for the next ten years: Nora Doherty: Openness and willingness to learn, as well as additional housing and food system improvement. Matt Crawford: A focus on housing, infrastructure, and schools. Elsie Goodrich: Ways to expand into the Community while maintaining an intact community. Other areas for the vision include increased public transportation, reduced reliance on cars, a smaller fossil fuel footprint, and a grocery store. The importance of meeting the needs of our community and ways we can improve. Al Turkos: A grocery store that is accessible to everyone. To promote Winooski as a destination and offer increased public transportation within and outside of Winooski. Currently, Winooski offers the ability to walk to many locations and meet new community members. Al would like to see that expanded even more. VI. Proposed Executive Session Motion by Councilor Oakleaf, seconded by Councilor Hurd, to enter into a deliberate session pursuant to 1 VSA §313 (3), the appointment, employment, or evaluation of a public officer or employee. Motion carried 3- 0. Motion by Councilor Oakleaf, seconded by Councilor Hurd, to enter Executive Session at 7:05 PM to discuss this matter under the provisions of VSA Title 1 Section §313 (3), inviting the City Manager. Motion carried 3-0. Motion by Councilor Hurd, seconded by Councilor Oakleaf, to exit Executive Session at 7:40 PM. Motion carried 3-0. VII. Regular Items- Appoint Eligible Person to Council Vacancy Minutes: To appoint Elsie Goodrich as Interim Councilor with a term starting on October 1, 2025. Motion by Councilor Oakleaf, seconded by Councilor Hurd, to approve Elsie Goodrich. Motion carried 3-0. VIII. Adjourn Minutes: by Councilor Oakleaf, seconded by Councilor Hurd, to adjourn at 7:42 PM. Motion carried 3-0. Attest: ________________________________ Jenny Willingham, City Clerk