Finance Commission

11/14/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Ashley Lucht, Maurice Matte, James Messender, Cait Hoffman, Parker Silver, Noah Horowitz, Laura Murphy, Peter Wernsdorfer, Micayla Schambura, Adam Jacobs, Michelle Metzler City Staff Present: Angela Aldieri, Jon Rauscher, Ray Coffey, Mayor Kristine Lott, Councilor Bryn Oakleaf Guests Present: None Call to Order by: Ashley Lucht Meeting Start Time: 6 PM II. Public Comment None III. City Council Liaison Update Councilor Oakleaf updated the Commissions regarding the planning updates recently approved by Council and the housing ordinance changes that they will be considering soon. She noted that the Planning commission will be looking as changes to local regulations that will be needed due to new state legislation. She noted that on 11/15 there will be a Lafountain/Dion public hearing at City Hall from 6:30 PM to 8 PM in person only. The State gave a presentation regarding the Burlington/Winooski bridge project. She went on to state that there has been no update from the airport regarding the noise exposure map but she would continue to update as new information emerges. IV. Inclusion & Belonging Commission Update Parker Silver noted that the Inclusion & Belonging Commission is finally at full membership and they have begun interviewing for alternates. They recently attended an equity related conference in Stowe with Councilor Hurd. The commission continues to work on analyzing the equity audit and how to interpret the information. V. Discussion/Approval: Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund Capital Plan Jonathan Rauscher presented the General Fund capital plan to the Commissions. He noted that in response to the Council request to prioritize infrastructure he has incorporated additional funding to include projects addressing community issues including improving and expanding sidewalk, traffic calming, street pavement, the Burlington/Winooski bridge bike and pedestrian access, and the Hood’s Crossing intersection. The detailed capital plan included additional items such as fleet replacement, a liquid ice control brine maker, evaluations for the Weaver Street and Main Street railroad bridges, Riverwalk capital needs assessment, and interior renovations at the police department. This budget would cost and additional $238,485 over the existing capital funds or around a four percent tax increase. Discussion included questions of how our capital spending compares to our neighbors, electrification of our vehicle fleet, reappraisal impact, tying back to future growth as a future source, how it addresses the community concerns of walkability and safety, and how it improves the quality of life for residents. The consensus was in favor of the plan and to present it as is to the Council though  Street and Main Street railroad bridges, Riverwalk capital needs assessment, and interior renovations at the police department. This budget would cost and additional $238,485 over the existing capital funds or around a four percent tax increase. Discussion included questions of how our capital spending compares to our neighbors, electrification of our vehicle fleet, reappraisal impact, tying back to future growth as a future source, how it addresses the community concerns of walkability and safety, and how it improves the quality of life for residents. The consensus was in favor of the plan and to present it as is to the Council though there was hesitancy about the amount of the increase. VI. Adjourn Motion by: Parker Silver Second: Maurice Matter Meeting End Time: 7:42 PM