Local Resources Advisory Board

8/14/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Doug Johnson, Sue O’Brien, Britta Tonn City Staff Present: Ravi Venkataraman Guests Present: None Call to Order by: Britta Tonn Meeting Start Time: 5:37 PM Minutes Recorded by: Ravi Venkataraman II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 3 – 0 Motion by: Sue Second: Doug V. Discussion: Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Application Ravi introduced the topic, saying that Eric Vorwald had done most of the work to ready the City to submit the CLG program application and that this will be discussed with City Council during its September 3 rd meeting. Ravi asked the commission for more information from the board about previous discussions about the benefits of the CLG application and the board’s goals with the CLG program. Ravi said he’s aware of the tax credits, and that the state and federal governments would look at proposed improvements on a listed property with more trust because the City has agreed to be a part of a federal program. Britta noted that by being a CLG, the City would be a consulting party for Burlington-Winooski Bridge, as part of Act 250 Review. Ravi said that Council may ask questions about the equity considerations along with the benefits of the program. Doug said that for a building to be listed on a state historic register, the current owner has to agree to have the property listed—which may affect future ownership of the property. Britta said that if more than 50% of property owners oppose the listing, that will stop the listing on the state register. Ravi asked about goals the board had with the CLG program. Britta said that getting a better handle of our historic resources would be a positive start with the CLG. Britta added that after  owner has to agree to have the property listed—which may affect future ownership of the property. Britta said that if more than 50% of property owners oppose the listing, that will stop the listing on the state register. Ravi asked about goals the board had with the CLG program. Britta said that getting a better handle of our historic resources would be a positive start with the CLG. Britta added that after that, the City would need to decide whether this would feed into a local register, and that this would require a lot of engagement to decide whether to do this. Doug suggested identifying which properties need to be removed from the listing in the short term. Britta suggested engaging with the bridge project and that this may involve redoing the national historic register listing. VI. Discussion: Programming for Fiscal Year 2025 Ravi suggested to the board that doing programming to align with the City’s potential connection with the CLG program may be a good idea, and asked the board if there were any opportunities they saw fit to pursue. Britta said that further surveying is needed and that the last comprehensive survey was done in 1978. Sue agreed, and added that placing the historical plaques across the city, including the Winooski River and Champlain Mill is important. Doug said that signs are needed for the Champlain Mill’s museums. Doug asked if there is a neighborhood to focus on in a survey. Britta suggested surveying the Weaver Street corridor. Doug added that the LeClair’s houses could be further studied. Britta agreed. Ravi said that such a deep survey would take years potentially, and asked the board if there was anything it wanted to do in the meantime. Doug suggested identifying the properties that need to be listed or delisted, and utilizing the historical society’s archives. VII. City Updates Ravi asked the board how frequently it wanted to meet. Doug suggested meeting regularly to build momentum. Sue concurred, considering the CLG application. Britta suggested meeting in September following City Council feedback, and said that the board at that point could figure out if to meet monthly or bimonthly. Doug suggested meeting monthly unless people can’t meet. VIII. Other Business None IX. Adjourn Motion by: Doug Second: Sue Meeting End Time: 6:47 PM