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, January 5, 2026, 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; Deputy Mayor Bryn Oakleaf; Councilor Aurora Hurd; Councilor Elsie Goodrich; Councilor Alison Turkos Officers Present: Elaine Wang, City Manager; Ray Coffey, Community Services Director; John Audy, Fire Chief; Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning; Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director; Paul Sarne, Communications Director; Angela Aldieri, Finance Director; Jenny Willingham, City Clerk; Adam Hoffnung- Warantz, Assistant City Clerk Others Present: Brian Colombini, Mounir Khouri, Sadie Khouri-Roitman, Alain Brunet, Ryan Wade, Eli Ogilvie, Marcie Gallagher, Lucas Pelletier, Terry Zigmund, Connor Daley, Tim Cece, Mike O’Brien, Sue O’Brien, Linnea Willey, Abby Bleything, Sarah van Ryckevorsel, Peter Franzoni, Jen Berger, Michael Connolly, Erin Barnaby I. Call to Order at 6:02 PM II. Agenda Review Minutes: Move item D – Discussion: Public Hearing – Proposed Private Street Name – Khouri Lane and item E - Discussion/Approval: Approval of Proposed Private Street Name – Khouri Lane. Item D now becomes item A and Item E now becomes item B. Motion: Motion to accept the changes to the agenda made by Councilor Turkos, seconded by Councilor Goodrich. Motion carried 4-0. III. Public Comment Minutes: Sarah van Ryckevorsel made comment and spoke in favor of increasing the Mayor and City Council’s compensation. The Mayor agreed about equity issues related to compensation for those that are interested in serving on the council. Peter Franzoni gave comment about adopting a resolution regarding federal violations of constitutional rights. Peter commented that Rutland had recently adopted a resolution and asked the City Council to do the same. Other municipalities in Vermont stand behind protecting their constitutional rights and encouraged the Council to draft a resolution. Mayor Renner noted they will look at previous communication sent by Peter and follow up accordingly.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov IV. Consent Agenda A. Approval: Liquor Control Board Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2025 and City Council Minutes of December 8, 2025 B. Approval: Payroll Warrant November 23-December 6, 2025 and Payroll Warrant December 7-December 20, 2025 C. Approval: Accounts Payable Warrants of December 29, 2025 and January 2, 2026 D. Approval: Subsequent to Payout Warrants November and December 2025 E. Approval: Abenaki Parking Garage - Bond Resolutions Minutes: None. Motion: Motion by Councilor Goodrich to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Deputy Mayor Oakleaf. Motion carried 4-0. V. Council Reports Mayor Thomas Renner: Finance Commission received a presentation on the Comprehensive Plan, and the Planning Commission continued their discussion on unified land use and development regulations focusing on sections 2.3, 2.4, 4.14, 4.18, 5.1, 5.14, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.6. As a reminder there are Commissions that are still seeking members. Deputy Mayor Bryn Oakleaf: The Municipal Infrastructure Commission meeting was canceled in December. There is a possibility that the Commission will meet on January 15, 2026, but are verifying members are available for this date. This meeting would be to review the traffic calming study and EV readiness information. Councilor Aurora Hurd: The Inclusion and Belonging Commission met on December 17, 2025, and discussed the Comprehensive Work Plan with the Director of City Planning. Discussion began to put together a working group to put up banners on Main Street, with the school district, city, and members of I&B commission all working together to establish norms. In addition, a new chair was confirmed for the Commission as the current chair will be away on maternity leave. Councilor Elsie Goodrich: Housing Commission Update: The Housing Commission met on December 16th to discuss changes to the Comprehensive Plan, Brainstorming Potential Changes to the Construction and Rehabilitation (CoRe) Program. The Commission elected to check back in April/May and postponed the discussion with consideration to the Legislative session. Councilor Alison Turkos: We have a Safe, Healthy Connected People meeting on Tuesday, January 13th at 5:30 PM in the Community Room at the Myers Memorial Pool. Also, on December 9th, the comprehensive plan was discussed.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov VI. City Updates Elaine Wang, City Manager, gave the following updates: The Fiscal Year 2027 budget process continues tonight – stick around for the Capital Improvement Plan and Public Works Department presentations. Learn about services like plowing, paving, and mowing, and how the City manages big-picture projects and assets like vehicles and facilities. For full budget details, visit winooskivt.gov/fy27. Interesting in running for Winooski City Council or Winooski School District Board of Trustees? The following terms are up for election on the Town Meeting Day election on March 3: Winooski City Council • Mayor (1-year unexpired term, 2027) • City Councilor (2-year term, 2028) • City Councilor (2-year term, 2028) • City Councilor (1-year unexpired term, 2027) Winooski School District School Board • Treasurer (3-year term, 2029) • Trustee (3-year term, 2029) • Trustee (2-year term, 2028) • Trustee (1-year unexpired term, 2027) Residents must file a Consent of Candidate form and petition with a minimum of 30 signatures (more are encouraged) by 5 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026. Visit the news updates section of winooskivt.gov to download your paperwork and to learn more or visit the City Clerk’s Office Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 4 PM or call us at 802-655-6410. VII. Regular Items A. Discussion: Public Hearing - Proposed Private Street Name - Khouri Lane - Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning Minutes: Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning, gave an overview of the new proposed private street name. This street has had numerous informal names, has potential for future development, and the State wants to ensure an appropriate naming convention for Enhanced 911 purposes. The residents in that area proposed a new name, which the city has no objection to, so a public hearing is warranted to seek approval for the new road name. The public hearing began at 6:19 PM. Alain Brunet gave support for the new street name as it would be beneficial for emergency and construction services to have an official designated street name.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Mounir Khouri made comments related to his family residing in this area since 1962 and with a new home recently built, it should have this new name. Sadie Khouri-Roitman also commented that they have been residents of this area for a while, and their family has been on this land for many generations. Mike O’Brien asked for the spelling convention. The Public Hearing closed at 6:22 PM. Motion: None. B. Discussion/Approval: Approval of Proposed Private Street Name - Khouri Lane - Ravi Venkataraman, Director of City Planning Minutes: None. Motion: A motion to approve the proposed Private Street name as Khouri Lane made by Councilor Turkos and seconded by Deputy Mayor Oakleaf. Motion passed 4-0. C. Discussion: Winooski Alliance for Active Transportation (WAAT) Presentation on East Spring Street Study - Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director Minutes: Eli Ogilvie and Brian Colobini, members of WAAT, gave an extensive overview of the East Spring Street mobility and safety concerns, utilizing a street study from 2025, which was created with the assistance of Local Motion. The presentation advocated for a sidewalk or pedestrian lane for those that walk, bike, or roll on this major thoroughfare. WAAT emphasized that they are committed to improving the East Spring Street corridor for all users. Mayor Renner thanked the organization for their presentation and opened the item for public comment. Jen Berger gave public comment advocating for mobility support and accessibility consideration through the lens from Inclusion and Belonging Committee (Jen Berger serves on the I&B Committee). Linnea Willey made comments asking to clarify language from this study related to focusing on a pleasant walking experience, with more consideration related to safety on the street. Lucas Pelletier spoke extensively in support of redesigning the street to improve public safety, encouraging walking, and for a safer street. They focused on the future of this city and wanting to feel safe and support those coming to give patronage to the City. Abby Bleything gave public comments related to the importance of additional traffic due to upcoming infrastructure projects and spoke in support of the study results for Council to consider. Terry Zigmund spoke in favor of the study and encouraged Council for support, especially for those in a wheelchair or mobility assisted device. Tim Cece also made comments in favor of the study. They also shared concerns about current timelines with all the future infrastructure work. The Public Works Director reviewed the timeline estimates related to the Hood’s Crossing updates and reiterated that this work will be completed before the bridge work beings.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov Deputy Mayor Oakleaf opined that they appreciate the collaboration efforts with the Municipal Infrastructure Committee and WAAT’s outreach, and recognizes the extensive work done by WAAT. Councilor Turkos also gave appreciation to WAAT and their presentation. Motion: None. Recess called at 6:54 PM by Mayor Renner. Meeting resumed at 6:59 PM. D. Discussion: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Propose Budget: Capital Plan - Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director Minutes: The Public Works Director gave a high-level overview of the Capital Plan proposed budget, roads and paving (utilizing GIS survey data). The Public Works Director expanded on possible bond votes related to the East Spring Street sidewalk extension, the possible Police Department renovation, and a new elevator in the Cascades parking garage. The presentation addressed information related to what is involved in the Capital Improvement Plan, existing Capital Debt, as well as project and asset descriptions. Forecasts for continued ongoing capital work were also outlined thoroughly. Mayor Renner asked questions regarding the upcoming bridge construction and Deputy Mayor Oakleaf had questions for the Public Works Director related to the proposed elevator bond project. Jon Rauscher and the Council heard many questions and concerns from those in the public related to capital plans such as cost savings opportunities through potential grants, bond debt service terms, potential upgrades like roundabouts on specific intersections within the city and repairing roads. Jon was able to answer questions with detailed specific responses for each question and concern to those that spoke. Motion: None. E. Discussion: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Propose Budget: Public Works Operations - Jon Rauscher, Public Works Director Minutes: The Public Works director presented information related to the Public Works General Fund, Water, Sewer, and Parking Fund operating budgets (not including the elevator project) to City Council. This presentation highlighted the accomplishments by the Public Works Department during the previous fiscal year and presented emerging issues and what aspirations their major focus will be for the next fiscal year. Additional conversation ensued related to a potential regional planning grant to assist with traffic calming evaluations especially because during the previous year there were three evaluations, and two showed that calming was needed. Proposed sewer and water increases were proposed and if approved, should approximately increase a resident’s bill by an additional seven dollars per average household. The Public Works Director also spoke extensively about the possible bond vote related to the Cascade elevator and the desire to replace the entire elevator due to constant flooding issues. Discussion ensued with questions from both the City Council and those in attendance. Questions were related to the salt brining process for streets and sidewalks, striping and coordination with other municipalities, tree maintenance, and utilization of “SeeClickFix” as a way for residents to inform the department with infrastructure issues and concerns. Motion: None.  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov F. Discussion/Approval: Background Check Policy for Potential Appointees to Commission, Committees and Boards - Elaine Wang, City Manager Minutes: A conversation amongst council members related to utilizing this policy as a tool commenced, but there were reservations about the legality of this policy. The focus on the council shifted to having some committees review the language for input to ensure that those who apply for appointments to feel safe and included. There was reservation about this policy creating a false sense of safety through a background check, as well as Winooski possibly being the only municipality that requires background check requirements for those applying to serve on boards, commissions, and committees. The City Council was appreciative for the reasoning and potential need for this official policy, but maybe committees such as Safe, Healthy, Connected People and/or Inclusion and Belonging should review the language and provide feedback. There were also comments inquiring about the Vermont League of Cities and Towns reviewing the policy for best practices additionally. Motion: Motion to approve the next steps for this policy by having the Safe, Healthy, Connected People Commission review the policy language for safety as well as the Inclusion & Belonging Commission, and Vermont League of Cities and Towns review before approving the official policy for the City by Councilor Turkos and seconded by Councilor Goodrich. Motion carried 4-0. G. Discussion/Approval: City Manager Review Process - Mayor Thomas Renner Minutes: Mayor Renner shared their memo seeking to designate a Councilor to share the City Manager evaluation as well as a timeframe for completing the yearly review process. Deputy Mayor Oakleaf commented that they would be interested in the appointment and asked that the City Manager share the process and development history of the new review process with the new Councilors during a proposed executive session. VIII. Proposed Executive Session A. Discussion: Discussion: City Manager Review Pursuant to 1 V.S.A. §313 (3), the appointment or employment or evaluation of a public officer or employee Motion: Motion to enter Executive Session at 8:52 PM by Councilor Turkos and seconded by Deputy Mayor Oakleaf. Motion passed 4-0. Motion to exit Executive Session by Councilor Turkos and seconded by Councilor Goodrich. Motion passed unanimously and exited at 9:30 PM. IX. Regular Items A. Discussion/Approval: City Manager Review Process – Mayor Thomas Renner Minutes: Deputy Mayor Oakleaf will distribute the survey tool to Council and the leadership team and will adhere to the timeline established by Mayor Renner. Motion: Motion to approve City Manager Review Process by Councilor Turkos and seconded by Councilor Goodrich. Motion passed 4-0  City of Winooski 27 West Allen Street Winooski Vermont 05404 Vermont’s Opportunity City 802 655 6410 winooskivt.gov X. Adjourn Motion: Motion at 9:32 PM to adjourn by Councilor Turkos, seconded by Deputy Mayor Oakleaf. Motion passed 4-0. Attest: __________________________________________ Adam Hoffnung-Warantz, Assistant City Clerk