 At 6 p.m. on Monday, May 5th, I will now call to order this meeting of the Winnowsky City Council Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance led by Deputy Mayor Jim Duncan Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all Thank you All right next up is a gender review any questions or concerns about the order this evening Okay Public comment is next I Know somebody was signed up, but there is no one in attendance or on zoom, right Paul. I Don't see any attendees That is that is correct. We have one person signed up So that they would be in attendance and if they're not there they are not there Okay, so we'll move on to our consent agenda. We have our liquor control and city council minutes from April 18 Were you just not at that one? I was not there. Okay, so first I will we'll take that separately Are there any concerns questions about the minutes? Would someone like to make a motion to approve the minutes from 418 Second motion by Bryn second by Thomas all those in favor. Please say aye. Aye motion carries. Thank you Item B is the accounts payable warrant for April 28 April 28 and the payroll warrant for April 3rd to 16th and subsequent to pay a warrant for February 2022 Any questions concerns about that? Okay, do I have a motion to approve Motion by Thomas second by Bryn all those in favor, please say aye motion carries Okay, are you here for public comment perchance? Would you guys be opposed to returning to that item? Okay, we had just passed it, but you are not too late if you want to come up to the microphone and introduce yourself You can make your comment Welcome to the meeting. Thank you This is a hot mic Hi, my name is Joe O'Brien. I emailed With one of the yeah earlier today, so thank you for that quick turnaround I literally just reached out today and just kind of wanted an opportunity to chat with the council about some concerns that that I had about the lack of line of sight at the intersection here of Weber and West Allen in particular if you are Stopping just just right down here I live right right across the street on the corner of Weber in West Allen And now that it's nice out and I spent a lot of time on my side porch and have dinner out there It's side porch season for me and I see At least a dozen times a week near accidents Happen at this intersection and it's just really concerning and and I guess Selfishly it's more important to me now that like I have a I have a one-year-old child. My wife is pregnant We live right here. So we do that intersection multiple times every day and You just can't see oncoming traffic when when folks have stopped at the intersection of Mallets Bay And they're turning left on to onto West Allen. There's no stop sign or anything to slow them down until they get to the circle So what I see is that people are coming up? To to this rolling stop on going up weaver and it is kind of at a slope So people really feel like they kind of need to roll through it And so you pair that with the fact that they can't really see oncoming traffic because of the parking spots that are aligned just right here on West Allen and so the combination of Folks are coming really fast once they turn left on to West Allen Street with the lack of visibility Looking left down West Allen Street just feels like a really dangerous situation And I would hate for us to wait for something terrible to happen before we do anything about it seems like something that could be remedied pretty easily with a stop sign or or a speed bump or just even one of those reflective mirrors to a lot of people to see better Would make a big difference. It just feels Feels very dangerous and seems like there could be something fairly easy that we could do to make it safer That's kind of my big concern that I wanted to bring to the table And then in the same regard same same idea and again, this is kind of all based off of my own lived experiences I'm sure that there are other Intersections that are this challenging but for the same reason it's really tricky to turn left off of Mansion Street onto Main Street because again, there are parking spots that that come so close to that Intersection that if you're turning left you really have to inch inch out as far as you can You're really into the middle of Main Street at that point and it's just really challenging and dangerous to turn left there and So I just wanted to bring that to the attention of the council. I don't know if it's something that's been Brought to your attention before but it's something that I see on a daily basis near accidents And I've lived it many times of almost getting hit there so That's what I have for you. Well, thank you. We haven't have our director of public works here John is there anything you want to share about? Yeah, we'll we'll take a look at that intersection because we've done some improvements on West Canal and we were similar to that That geometry is a little tricky. Yeah mentions. Yeah We have removed some parking spaces on either side of the intersection and have done the reflective mirror And that might even warrant a stop sign. So we will take a look at that intersection the Main Street project that we're working on does Take care of some of those issues that you mentioned on We've noticed that too. Yeah, so we're looking at eliminating some of the side parking spaces. Yeah a pitch We do have Space Center Municipal Infrastructure Commission if you're ever interested. Okay joining Yeah, again, this is kind of I don't know if selfish is the right word But it's just something that I experience every day because I leave my house here Every morning I go and I drop my dog off at my parents house They live on Mansion Street and then I go to turn left down Main Street to get to child care drop off So every day I'm living this and it's like wow, this is dangerous. This is happening every single day and So that's just kind of why I wanted to make sure that y'all were aware of it. So Thank you for coming in. Yeah, thanks for having me on short notice You're welcome to stay around or exit whenever you wish. Yeah, I've got to get home. I Imagine with the window. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Okay Still no virtual attendees too, so we'll get back into the agenda. We are at council reports Can I start with you Aurora? Sure, I this time. I don't have anything new to Report we haven't had another meeting of the state public connected people sure No worries, right? Sure our infrastructure permission met on April 21st Re-review the draft traffic calming manual, which goes well with the recent public comment we have from Joe We also reviewed the parking management plan that came to council previously and recent Essentially an energy assessment. It's kind of like a self-evaluation of where you are with some best practices So it looks at Whether or not there is a policy in place Whether or not there are any designated goals to look or manage Energy consumption things along those lines. So it's a free online self-assessment for internal Correct sources correct for the city exactly and we also reviewed the updates for our Our strategic planning meeting that's coming up And progress on our goals for the year some are stalled Like the stormwater ordinance update and others We've we've completed such as a main street revitalization review. So That's gone. Well, our next meeting we're getting on track for monthly as I mentioned. So our next meeting will be May 19th and that At least at the moment is planned for in person so long here at City Hall so long as we don't have a conflict with another commission that night and By way of other depth updates. I am the commissioner for Chinden solid waste district So just want to mention that the board has Approved a budget and we'll likely hear that presentation at our next city council meeting on the 16th and the board has also Provide provided approval for the staff to move forward with request to bond for a new Materials recovery Facilities so new birth The one we have is is outdated and inefficient and is it's The cost to upgrade it versus the cost to build new Actually, it makes more sense to just start from scratch and build new but there will be a lot more information coming on Coming about that. So there'll be a wealth of opportunities for input and comment and question Q&A SQL or input. So that's all I have. Thank you. Yep Jim sure the only update I have I think this was shared last meeting, but the Wienersky Centennial tree will be planted on May 7th or having a planting ceremony at 11 o'clock at Richards Park We have a substantial red oak tree that'll be planted at that site Which will be a great tree to kick off the next hundred years of urban forests in the city We'll be following that up with a cast of ant ash walk So this there's some trees that are tagged in cast of ant park Natural area that are ash trees that are at risk from emerald ash borer So those trees will have forester will be taking us through to look at that site and some of the forest planning challenges That will have as we learn to live with EAB So I'd invite community members and council members and others who are interested to come to that those two events should be a Good day outside provided that the weather cooperates And other than that I have no other Thank you Thomas I do not have any updates my commission did meet however they were preparing for this meeting So we decided to table my introduction to a time where it wasn't as busy for that. Okay I have two updates since our last meeting. I had a meeting with the school board chair So you may or may not be we used to myself in the chair and The superintendent and city manager used to do a quarterly meeting You know one of the recommendations we saw in the equity audit at our last meeting was about strengthening the city school relationship Unfortunately with staff staff transitions in the pandemic that has really gotten loose fallen off of it So we are going to start rescheduling that especially with our new manager starting Also spoke with her about Your unbusting which was one of the audit recommendations and she shared that they have a plan in place to provide that next year I know they're also in contact with Green Mountain transit Jim and I have been drafting an engagement strategy for the city council based on To try to kind of formalize activities we used to do to regularly maintain outreach I'm also going to share that with the board chair and see how we can have the school leadership You know kind of work together on this and so that is something that we should be bringing forward at a future meeting here for us to look at as a full group Then I also had a check-in with our Green Mountain transit rep He shared that the state has awarded GMT enough funds to stay fair free for an additional year And that they're working now on a three-year budget We also heard our last meeting that the regional planning commission Is completing this public transit funding study? Which was shared with us via email? I think that's something that we're going to want to be looking at maybe in the fall ahead of the next legislative session So potentially see changes there to help improve the situation here in town And so That is something that our rep will help us stay connected to That's it for me John city updates Thank you, so a few city updates tonight Busy weekend coming up so as Jim mentioned there's a centennial tree planting and then we also have green up day happening on May 7th so Base of operations can be at senior center this year. That's going to be open from 9 a.m. Till 12 p.m.. You can get bags safety info Refreshments, there's gonna be a huge dumpster to find all your treasures And then if you do want to pick up bags ahead of time We do have them here at City Hall So you can pick them up this week while City Hall is open until Friday Or you can pick them up at the library at 32 melts Bay And that is also open on Saturday, so you can find bags there And then you know once on Saturday, you know if you're collecting debris If you don't take it up to senior center, just drop it off sort of at a conspicuous place along the roadway and Our our community service team will be hunting for them as after 12 p.m.. I also want to give I want to give thanks to the Winooski police department and the Winooski partnership for prevention So April 30th was the national drug take-back day so that was another successful partnership with the Winooski partnership and prevention folks, so just want to give give thanks to them I 89 2050 study there's a public input meeting coming up May 10th. It's 6 p.m. It's a remote meeting so that'll be the last sort of public input meeting this is a Sort of a visioning goal session to look at the next 30 years of I-99 through Chinning County So if you have any recommendations, that would be sort of last last chance to get your public feedback in You can give more details at Invision89.com. It's also on our city website if you go to the bottom look at news updates Arpa surveys so we are still looking for input on the community Arpa survey so You know the the intent is we want to hear about your negative impacts what you've experienced during COVID-19 and Paul Sarn and Yasmeen Gordon will be presenting Multilingual in-person outreach plan to you during the May 16th council meeting And then there's also gonna be some sessions at the Winooski Memorial Library coming up just a heads up on COVID safety, so You've probably seen Chinning County has joined more than half of the other Vermont counties In returning to sort of a high rates of COVID level. So something we're tracking here internally. We've gotten You know, I think about five case counts internally right now. So something we're still all Looking at on the public safety side and then just a this is more of a heads up So you may remember back in 2018 We approved the Chinning County Public Safety Authority CCPSA Which is the regional emergency dispatch initiative? So that included Burlington, Colchester, Millen and South Burlington It's been a little quiet. You guys haven't gotten updates in a while, but there's been some recent funding From the feds and an earmark from Welch's office That's starting to ramp that up a little bit and we all we're also looking at some proposed funding for the state So internally Chief Audie, Chief Hebert, Angela, they're starting to look at What we need to do internally to sort of get ready for a future transition And you will likely be hearing more From some of the other re-jump dispatch folks in the future So just a heads up that is still moving along and there's probably gonna be some stuff coming your way in the not too distant future and then last thing Like if this correct, I'd move a rock so Celebration, I believe that's blessed celebration for our friends sobering the end of Ramadan. So I just wanted to share that And that's what I have John Okay, this brings us to item eight a Public hearing has been noticed for the consideration of updates to chapter 28 fees At this time, I would like to open the public hearing. It's 6 17 p.m. To take any comment from the public Is Angela on Yeah, can you just do a quick summary? Sure, absolutely. So this has come to the council twice before this is updates relating to Ye zoning and public works departments to cover administrative overhead for their permit applications Adding fees for the public records request policy and updating the marriage license fees for the office to be in line with state statue Thank you, Angela Um, so we have seen this before and asked questions and received information the intent of the public hearing is to receive public input and Unless Meredith has anything to share. I don't see any attendees from the public So seeing no comment, I will close the public hearing it's 6 18 This is another chance if there's anything else on council's mind if you want to ask feel free Angela how many Do we have to do before we can? Approve is it just one hearing required? Yeah, you can actually approve this tonight and then the ordinance will have 30 days before it is in effect Okay Well, I think it seems like we're set with this I have not had any public outreach about it even outside of this If anyone did want to make a motion to approve we could put this to bed We could also wait till next meeting That we approve the ordinance change Second Motion to approve by Jim second by Thomas all those in favor, please say aye motion carries Thank you. All right, so we're gonna move on to our regular items and up first also on not also On for approval is consideration of applications for covid recovery business grants with angel introducing Sure, it sounds like Meredith is there as well Downtown Manuski was a key partner in this program The city council approved the use of up to a hundred thousand dollars of the american rescue plan act funding for covid 19 recovery business grants We Had the guidelines for that grant program also approved by council in february The program was pushed out through downtown Manuski and through the city channels And we received a total of three applications before the deadline of april 8th The information was reviewed by staff to determine that all of the information we needed was provided information was redacted and Submitted to downtown Manuski for independent review and recommendations regarding approval Meredith drafted a memo regarding the recommendations of downtown Manuski, which was included in your packet um I have the information regarding the businesses should the council Want that information but all our local businesses that have been here for a little while Um applicant a and b were Recommended for just straight approval and applicant c. We're just going to need to confirm with them The use of the funding will be restricted to the items that are allowed They indicated purchase of supplies, which was not an allowable use of the grant But we believe that they have enough um business lease costs and Infrastructure improvement to their new facility that will be able to be covered by this 10,000 Thank you, Angela Um, Meredith do you want to add any overview or just get into questions? Okay I I'll start by asking so In here In your memo you shared that the board um felt that they couldn't rate or they didn't have enough information for the the rating based on profit and pre-pandemic profitability sorry So we had asked Applicants to include tax returns pre-pandemic were those not included like what is they were received from all um applicants okay So can you like describe a little more like why the board felt they couldn't use that as a rating? So we were given the data information before this request. We didn't feel that the board was acting as a committee was should act as a financial institution and be able to review financial documents. So we Review what the redacted information that we were given and the board um Most I believe everyone except for one person who was part of the committee is a business owner And so they were looking at their own experience and basically saying that the numbers that they were seeing Were a little bit confusing unless they saw the primary documents, which they didn't want to see It would be it would not make sense for us to to rate The Okay So the rating criteria that was approved in the guidelines by council was a Revenue loss um of plus or minus five percent compared to the industry standard for their sector business We do not have a reference point for that revenue loss So the amount of revenue from 2019 and the amount of revenue from 2020 were provided to the board But they had no standard to base um How close that was to the loss experienced by the average business And I don't have that metric at hand to provide Yeah, I suspect that's a gap in the handoff from staff who designed this um The and then there's this recommendation in here Not to rely on the certification for minority or women-owned business. So just self report The um businesses who didn't apply to end the businesses who did One of um that we that we heard that they maybe weren't certified or to know that they should be certified Or had a different certification them If this had been a more competitive process if we had had more applicants than we had had funding This would definitely be something that we could take a look at but we we didn't have Um more applicants than funding available Yeah And then I think there's also an NA Y'all didn't rate on retaining business types underrepresented or lacking I think that's something that's in like our economic development plan But also sounds like a gap in Transition of this Just schedule a second committee meeting for review Because there wasn't a competitive process if there had been a question of a point making a difference We would have dug into that of whatever available data there was at this point. We felt, you know, the okay Don't believe any of the businesses that applied are a type that is desired slash needed by the community We had spa businesses and a restaurant So those are things that are pretty prevalent here in the city okay um You know, so essentially we're rating them as only on retaining Jobs and employing muski residents however to your point It's not very competitive um Do you have anything to share about the low application like do you have any insight on that? This is what was shared with me and then one, um, I've got a few comments like third Are you like But uh, so again take that with you know, um, the consideration that some people may not have Comfortable sharing feedback with me. Um, the two camps that we received were that um, there was confusion about the economic bridge loan grant there was um People that had that that felt they couldn't apply for it for some reason and we tried to do coaching Like you'll just say no and say why there was a place for that on the application But that seemed to be something that was um intimidating or a barrier um, we I had that conversation over and over and over again with people um, and then we also received information um from Potential applicants that said that the process because there wasn't an official Like opportunities credit union does with this small business loan They were concerned about their financial information basically appearing at city council And and that was something that there that was a huge barrier. So a huge learning experience I mean that was the biggest one was that there wasn't like as private of a process as that people were hoping Um, and yeah, I think there were probably other people that felt there were barriers to apply Um, just based on the application different aspects of it, but they weren't they didn't come up more than once Um, but yeah the economic bridge loan piece and then the sort of privacy aspect Also was Was there a public was there a meeting um held to answer questions Following the announcement. We didn't have a public meeting. No, but I did a lot of outreach In various ways that we typically would do outreach. I did Emails social media that I did Like pointed email. So to a specific person since I know that those people don't open emails. Um, and then I also Printed out the application or the guidelines packet And dropped it off at probably a dozen Local businesses that I know are not either English or their second language And they have someone else helping them look at these kinds of applications Or they just prefer paper. They don't like Email, um, and I also did quite a bit of phone calls and things like that. So, um, we didn't actually we asked people if they wanted Translation services or additional help and we didn't receive any requests Perhaps it wasn't presented in a clear enough way. I don't know but I definitely did present that option To everyone. Um, and then I made a pointed, you know case for the the businesses I knew, um Where english is not their first language? Um, or they might have um, somebody or you're there So the personal average, I think, you know was there And personally I received a number of emails asking for some information which was provided and had Put Meredith in connection with a couple of businesses that had reached out to me asking for some assistance Or their confusion and they just did an in-person Consultation about it. We had a number of businesses that indicated that they would apply that we did not see applications from Um, it sounds like there were some businesses that you think wanted to apply but the process was a little confusing or not as A lot more transparent than they were hoping in terms of their financial data Do you think as a result is to not being able to apply to this grant? They're going to experience long-term financial difficulties I mean, sure. I think that, um Also, it's difficult to get into the mind of a small business owner to me. I think Reaching for $10,000 that essentially doesn't have a ton of restrictions I thought the four buckets that we presented were quite wide I thought that was going to be like a huge easy grab for people Because they were we were hearing this and we continued to hear this But I think yeah, there was like a weighing of like, okay Well, I really need this funding to to continue operations to the level that I want to But these things aren't preventing me from doing that and kind of making that case for themselves And I think being a small business owner, they have a lot going on in their minds They probably I mean again Angela received increase. I probably received, you know, 10 plus Inquiries serious inquiries from people I talked through things with that didn't apply. So I'm a little bit surprised But I can't you know speak to the exact reason why except for what they shared with me And I guess in that light and I don't know what the rules are around of it Is this something that would be able to be opened up again with changes to the parameter so that it is It does meet those concerns that those businesses have in terms of applying I would say that I would want to have an entire program change So not just on the criteria, but also on the entities would be like I don't think the Board should be reviewing it Because that seems to be a barrier We could ask staff to come back With another iteration Potentially more aligned to the small business loan fund or through OCU it would take longer for that to happen. I know particularly like If we were trying to run through the credit union, there could be some some hold up there There would also be a fee associated with running pumping through the credit union Well, I also hope that this process today proves that one of those concerns isn't founded I mean, we don't have financial information in our packet from these businesses It's used by the board to make that decision So for business owners who may be considering applying I mean the program is still open, right? Yeah money is still available. So if we don't do anything, you can still apply So we we did close the window But we can we had included the caveat that we could always reopen if there was still funding available or additional funding was allocated So this is something that we can reopen anytime and set a new window of application period So, I mean, I I do think that there is Value, especially in a granting program as opposed to a lending program to having financial information provided to verify the need Because this is you know, this is taxpayer money. That's being given and not returned We don't want to go through a Judiciary process but or a lending process with those to you So I would I would support opening this back up using this fee. This financial information isn't appearing in the packet It's not a part of the public record And encourage businesses who may have been hesitant to apply it if we consider And I think we may just need to potentially revise the criteria surrounding Revenue loss Aligning with median pandemic loss Slightly maybe just showing some sort of loss there rather than having it done against them a metric that we don't have access to I think that there's also a really good point being made here about the Business type of if we can have people self report on whether instead of having a specific certified I know that might feel like I feel like A lot of things have shown That just having people self report people might be more comfortable doing it and Might have better access. I think there's a good point that there are some fees related to being A part of these organizations. So I think that consideration Changing that would also be helpful And perhaps we could consider Because the scoring is on a zero to two scale that one would be self certified and two would be externally certified Yeah, because it's not a requirement. It's like a bonus point, right? You get extra points for doing it Kicked out if you don't So with a housing trust fund Um Guidelines and it's changed a bit. So I can't recall quite where that stands now, but that requires Um A group to review financial status. So I believe that's city employees. Is that correct? It's opportunities credit union does the lending review if it's a loan There's a loan in a grant portion for one of the programs the other two are loans So opportunities credit union does some of that and then staff receives the financial information. Angela, correct me if I misstate any of this So staff receives the financial information the housing commission does not receive that financial information when they get It's similar to this that there'd be an anonymous packet, right? So is it feasible to have something set up so that the staff are I have the ability to review that The information the financial information from applicants I did review the And I'm the person who converted this to be redacted and okay Took the revenue information from their tax paperwork and put it into a single excel documents That way they didn't have the full tax documents from all of the applicants. I see okay Well, so what in here? We're saying this is a scoring criteria that you could demonstrate a positive balance Perhaps that is just a criteria. It's part of the review of staff saying yes, you can apply And then there's no part of the board having to review the financials I mean, I think we did this because we wanted This to be open for people who didn't exist in businesses that didn't exist prior to pre pre pandemic and the waiver for that situation The positive balance sheet pre covid was actually the one thing that we had an issue of painting one business did not have a balance sheet One business submitted a negative balance sheet And the third business indicated that the balance sheet had was inaccurate and was currently under review by their bookkeeper So that was the one item that we actually did not receive from all applicants And we provided alternative information Their 2019 taxes regarding profit and loss I say I mean, I think that is a point of discussion for us because These applicants here none of them demonstrated a positive balance sheet pre covid and so the actual question We have tonight is whether we're approving these right and then we're having the second discussion about reopening this or extending this and Trying to make it easier to access But the the few people that did apply didn't meet that even that criteria that we set Is that something that's important to us? So the um positive balance sheet was an evaluation criteria was not an eligibility So to put that eligibility requirement on them after the fact might be problematic But then we stated that to be eligible. They must demonstrate the revenue loss Sustained revenue losses due to the pandemic. Yep And then they had to have applied for the economic recovery bridge program. Those were the only two requirements And so you feel these three applicants did demonstrate sustained revenue loss So there was one applicant where the revenue change between 2019 and 2020 was actually an increase I would need to dig a little deeper and see if there was a person potentially profits and that it wasn't reflective of Just pricing changes to their revenue that caused the increase And I see that's applicant a and they are also the one that They're that they're claiming It isn't accurate They're pre pandemic balance sheet is inaccurate But the revenues were reported on their their federal taxes Information came from Thank you That could be potentially due to a pricing change I'd have to dig into it a little further so in the interest of Potentially charting a path forward. I think if we are going to substantially change the requirements of this program And I would think that we would want to potentially reevaluate these applicants in that like Or considered a different program but to award under the current criteria and then drastically change them The eligibility criteria would be a problem for me if we're changing the scoring criteria I would be fine with approving some of these applicants today Changing the scoring criteria for the second round, but if we're changing the eligibility criteria that would feel More problematic to me The eligibility criteria and so it sounds like Angela to one of these would have to be reevaluated on the eligibility Um, I just want to make sure I'm understanding that I would come Because applicants will have demonstrated a revenue loss, but one of them you're not sure One of them definitely saw an increase in revenue between those years But I'm going to check right now and see if there was a loss in profit that is potentially That's also inaccurate. They increased their net profit from 2019 to 2020 for applicant A I just feel like the the intent was not carried out I think there were already you know, this was before our um Councilor Hurd and councilor Renner had joined us So it may be worth um honestly just doing a full review and program re-alignment and um Putting it back out with some more expect clarity on expectations for Um Outreach An opportunity for More uh q and a similar to an rfp maybe where it's like submit your questions by the state It can be done anonymously so that that can then be made available for Anyone that has interest in applying um I mean it it seems to fall This feels like it seems to have fallen short on a number of Um a number of its faces and not just We want you know one or two issues but more broadly and so Considering that would we want these three applicants to reapply Or would we want to consider them separate programs? I would say that I would agree with um councilor Duncan that uh, if If it's more than just some scoring changes that um We should likely consider it, um Oh, you know a wholesale Revision and have the current applicants reapply. I don't I don't feel comfortable when the scoring is Uh potentially 12 points and no one even met half of those points I don't feel comfortable approving On the applicants Um with the way the scoring is I would feel a little uncomfortable with putting out a program Someone who meets the eligibility criteria buys And they are the highest scoring applicant and they are awarding funds. I think there's a Whether or not was executed well if they're eligible for the thinking about the intent of this program was to provide ARPA funding to Businesses suffering lost like suffering from the pandemic And we have at least one potentially two businesses asserting and meeting that that basic eligibility criteria And having a non-zero score When there is available funds and there's not competitive to not award those funds feels like we're falling down on this program um I could see rolling out a version 2.0 of this program asking applicant a to reapply where we might consider Criteria that don't that talk about profits or that don't require revenue loss But I think that would be a different program. I think I'm looking at is the highest scoring too. So we are Right, but they're not eligible Like they did not experience revenue loss. So they do not meet eligibility requirements. Okay I I feel like I it sounds like you're saying the opposite of what you just said previously about scoring changes versus eligibility changes. So right and I think we put out a program though Where if they met the eligibility I'm saying if we're going to look at going forward If we're going to change the eligibility as a whole new program um I do feel like we open this up and we told businesses this is what you can apply for and this is you'll get it If you meet the spacing criteria and if you beat out other applicants there weren't enough applicants to beat out So it's just did you meet the eligibility requirements? um And we can still make a decision about the proposed uses are eligible activities. That's a question So I think it's really just applicant b That we could approve consider approving tonight, but to not approve that seems like we're essentially pulling back an offer that was made And failing to meet our obligations I guess I disagree that we are pulling back an offer if we're still planning on carrying through with the program So it's just a matter of perspective on that I think given that we had set like a deadline Told people what they had to give us and then they met that requirement if we decide to change something I feel like it's punishing the business For our change and decision they met everything that we had asked of them Up until today So I would agree that the ones that qualify We should move forward right now Applicant a for sure. I think needs to reapply Every new rules we change if they meet them then, you know, if there's enough money we can grant it But I think the ones that have met it they met what we asked I agree with that as well. I think we made We did not do our best work here And shouldn't penalize those who did qualify Even if this program is not quite what we imagined So in the interest of moving forward It sounds like There's at least a majority agreement about approving the application for b Do we feel like c The uses are actually aligned Angela the applicants see experience revenue loss Yes, they did um their revenue loss was 20.26 percent from 2019 to 2020 Personally, I would be fine moving that forward. I think if the spirit is the bill Sorry, I can uh, I can confirm with the business They're going to need to submit documentation of how they spent the grant funding So they would need to submit documents that are Related to the improvements on their facility or payments of their their lease So if they were to submit supply receipts those would not be eligible but given How much commercial leasing is I feel very confident that they're going to be able to produce documentation They have paid leasing At least If not also the leasehold improvements that they're making to their property, right? And I think they also mentioned Trying to bring at least what a bringing employees up to full time, which also That would definitely fall into and Sounds good for the business and the economy Does someone want to make a motion to approve applications b and c So moved Motion by thomas second by jim all those in favor, please say aye Those opposed no Motion carries So I just I feel like we kind of left a point open for conversation there that I'd like to revisit if we time I'm not sure what was left open You were opposed to distributing any funds and several people were supportive of that You're welcome to do so. So One of the caveats that we put on it was that we were going to move forward if the eligibility was not going to change So is the intent that the eligibility will not change I don't think that was the caveat. That was not the caveat the eligibility What we what the discussion that I heard that I believe we've just voted on is that applicants b and c Met the current program eligibility and we should not withhold funding because we don't like how our program played out And so we're willing to award them funding Applicant a did not meet the eligibility. So they will have to reapply to whatever we move forward with and so That is the next question for us is Are we changing eligibility or just the way this is getting scored or reviewed? I do think that there should be some sort of loss For them to qualify for this Otherwise you would just apply for a loan right if you're looking for more money And then as in terms of the score sheet that I agree with Aurora like I think people should be able to self-certify For the mbw or lgbtqa plus And I like the idea of doing one if you self-certify or two if you are fully certified Well, let's let's talk about eligible Eligible applicants activities Ignoring the evaluation criteria for now. Is there anything in there that we wish to change? So it sounds like the confusion Was around the bridge grant And what people thought they could or couldn't apply Is there better wording or I think what the question is So we wanted people to access the state funds before accessing ours because it's the same Yeah, essentially the same thing, right? So my question would be is there something making you in that's making some people ineligible for the bridge program? If that is a concern we could put a caveat in here If you're you know, if you're not eligible to apply for that then like prove that to us Meredith do you have any insight into why a business Felt that they were not able to apply for the state bridge funds through their tax accountant who said That they personally work with a lot of small businesses and they had like only 10 of their businesses that they work with Were eligible for the economic bridge grant loan. I did not ask further questions like yeah I didn't think they would be able to tell me but that was really shocking to hear So I do think that when this program is reopened Yeah, perhaps it's a rewarding or just say like please apply even if you're ineligible for this You know bridge grant loan just select. I'm not eligible and explain why I think that that would just need to be yeah, and again some of that tax accountant spoke to me the day of the deadline of the Of the program, which was pretty disappointing. Um, I had been asking for feedback for months, but um, it is what it is So so yeah that that I think would be a great thing It wouldn't change the eligibility. It wouldn't change the program at all It would just be perhaps like a bolding and a and a rewarding for for that I think we could definitely reward that so that it's If you are eligible you have apply for bridge grant funding and then if somebody says no, they have to say why they're not eligible I think that's very doable the application actually already allows for that So a minor changing in the guideline so that it's a little clearer that you can still apply if you are ineligible for that state funding I would be supportive of that change me too And I think I can put my head together with Meredith and go through some of the things that caused the hiccups in The scoring and the evaluation of the applicants and see if we can clean this up a little bit So that we have things that we can evaluate based on what we're receiving from the applicants Do you feel you have enough information from our conversation tonight to take that forward? Um based on what we've discussed so far I can revise what's in existence if there's something that you're considering that it would be new to this program Please let me know But we can edit what we've got here based on the feedback I've received so far Before moving forward That's what I've heard so far, but I did want to just pause and see if there is anything else New or different, um, I have a question for Meredith So we do have a number of businesses that have opened during the pandemic Yes, um, is there a sense that that without support that they will um likely continue to have uh, likely to have financial struggles or um You know have increased financial struggles without access to um This opportunity So the original intent of this program was to support existing businesses Assuming basically that people who opened in 2020 knew the risks, which You know, that's I don't know there. No, they already know that we still be wearing masks right now. Um, but uh I do think that you know, I'm sure that they would be Delighted to have access to funding To be honest again take this with a grain of salt. I only heard from one business that had opened in 2020 That was interested. I believe the same business reached out to Angela. So we only heard from one bit. I mean, that's what I'm I'm assuming I did I did hear from one business that has not yet opened but hopes to open as well Yeah, I didn't hear I just heard from one business that opened. Um during the pandemic So it could be just that the language was clear enough that the others knew they weren't eligible So there wasn't that you know discussion But I mean I don't think any small business owner would turn down the opportunity to apply for great lending Sure, and I think the um Part of the reason why I'm asking the question is since we're not seeing a competitive process right now Whether or not it's worth it to open it up to um New businesses as well. We've already council has already um agreed to allocate um up to a hundred thousand dollars and um I think that uh, it would be worth having the council Considered the question Correct Or would it be an eligible claim? Because of the bridge grant. Yeah, I was thinking in the group, okay Yeah, I should know could we possibly look at projected earnings versus what they actually made? I consider that their potential loss We could also do 2021 versus 2020. Um now that the tax deadline has passed for 2021 We did not accept taxes for 2021 From applicants because they were not due at the time that applications were Supposed to be submitted so Yeah, correct Because it seems the way that we're making the change to the eligibility requirement for the bridge grant is saying No, you're not they didn't apply or they weren't eligible for the bridge grant and just providing a reason why this would essentially opening it to businesses that um We're not in existence pre-pandemic. It essentially is the same thing. So maybe there isn't a change Yeah Well, I would disagree we're saying the eligibility as you have demonstrated sustained revenue losses from 19 to 21 If you weren't in existence through that time then you technically don't meet this eligibility The bridge grant change is just for people who cannot actually qualify to apply for it If you are eligible to apply for bridge grant, I believe we still want them to do that Before they come to this program So that would go to councilor runner's recommendation or angel is moving it to from 2019 to 2020 And whether or not we want to consider that I think it's hard to go on projected earnings personally because it requires a little bit more financial analysis by staff and It's potentially business sector after expertise as opposed to tax returns, which are declared numbers. Um, it's Unfortunate, but I think if we do want to have the Tied us to pandemic impact. It's better beyond revenue loss I agree. I don't want to ask staff to do more financial analysis at this point and I also think that with these changes in more outreach, maybe we will see more uptake We have essentially if we have awarded to we still have space for eight more So it's it's not like We're seeking a ton of applicants You know, we're trying to meet a small need We can do different sorts of public outreach this time We can have those q&a sessions so that people can ask questions We can allow people to give them a path to submit questions in advance Right from the website where the application is listed Yeah, and maybe on the application page if it's just like super clear The only person looking at your financials is going to be a city staff. We'll not end up in a public record I think that's a fair concern for Yeah, there was a confidentiality piece to the guidelines, but it was very small and it may have been easily missed I know that nobody used that Marking where they could mark something as confidential so that it wasn't shared But I just automatically assumed I was not going to be sharing some of these tax paperwork. Yeah And I would suggest on the third page an authorization for release of information making it clear What types of information is being released? Because that to me reads like all the information you submit will go to the evaluation committee, which isn't the case So I think yeah, just making sure it's there as well will be great I think maybe if There's still slots after having another opening then maybe we could revisit Doing a whole different program because I do see the benefit of say if someone opened up in 2020 or 2021 They might be filling a spot for a business that went out of business during 2020 so they'd be filling a gap Due to the pandemic so giving them that support would be great, but I think that's we have to we should make sure that These businesses are covered first Yes, we can have this exact same discussion again When I would put a higher level lens on it We had to structure this program this way because it was ARPA funds that we were using under ARPA rules Which is no longer the case for these funds. I don't think we should change this discussion But when we think about unprogrammed money after the second round We have other potential grant needs in the city that are not business recovery related or that are business Support related that are not ARPA Tie so I think we also could consider a broader look then. Yeah Yeah um, and then I also just want to revisit the question about whether or not The downtown monoski board is the appropriate entity to review applications Given that there seems to be quite a great deal of discomfort with Giving some determinations on some of the questions Angela what about finance commission I mean happy to have them weigh in on this I think that that would be public voices. We definitely have some business owners on that commission Would you all feel about that? They're not looking at the business finances. They're doing the scoring I believe that I would feel more comfortable with that Okay, we'll bring that task to them It's an ambitious group Indeed All right anything else to discuss on the COVID recovery business grants Okay Thank you, Angela Let's move on to item B. We have several fun event permits We've got Ray to introduce and then Meredith, of course How's it going everybody um and Meredith will likely do most of the talking here But I just wanted to share that these three event permits were reviewed by staff at our event review meeting We're recommending approval of all of them I'm not sure Mayor if you'd prefer to take them all in one motion or independently, but Happy to happy to go either way on that but Meredith can answer questions about specific that there are any You want to just do a broad overview of all of the events? Do you guys want to do? Do you mean like do a broad motion for all of the approval? I want a motion for everything together unless someone's got a problem with one of them Without anyone will But maybe just for the public record like a two minute about each of these events Sure. Do you want to tell me what the order of them is when you ski farmers market? Okay. So the when you ski farmers market is back this year. We're so excited If you recall 2020 we had to cancel and then in 2021 we offered We kind of ramped up slowly. We you know, we're unsure about how things were going to go So we had about I think 12 Seasonal vendors and we had other various vendors this year We're looking at quite a few more vendors, which is great And we're also bringing back some concurrent events that are going to increase Or maybe even double the size of it on certain days like french heritage day And other themed days. We're looking in with other community groups to to bring Other music and activities and different things to the market since it already is a community meeting place It's already a known quantity We feel comfortable kind of expanding it to reflect our community So we're really excited to just hit the gas this year There is fresh produce and we offer EBT we have an ebt card reader We offer crop cash through NOFA, which essentially Gives someone who uses ebt $10 free to spend at the market if they take out $10. So it's an incredible program We've worked really hard to make those barriers reduced and to Really train our market managers well to be a very Kind voice to the community and we've been really really proud of the massive uptick We've seen in the last couple of years Of people coming and using their ebt at the market We are able to track very carefully through NOFA obviously they track very carefully And we've been really proud of our work there And so we are looking forward to you know inviting even more community members down to the market To use their ebt get that free Additional dollars that they can spend on produce seed starts even which is really cool So we're really excited about that. We're also working with a local artist who's going to be coming down Probably two times a month and hosting really meet Kids activities And so we're really excited to have some sort of fresh ideas there And offer again a community space that doesn't require you to purchase anything It doesn't require you to do anything. You just can come and listen and to music and you know hang out So we're really excited about that and that's on winewski falls way in front of the champlain mill Sundays 10 to 2 may 29 to october 16th That's right. So just a few weeks every sunday Next up winewski wednesdays awesome. Oh, is there a question? Yeah, um, so I noticed that the As regarding restrooms that uh in the past it has accessed the um The gmt The bus station That has been closed in the event that that does remain closed. Is there a backup? We can't provide. I mean at this point we don't provide restrooms We have a couple of area businesses that I have opened up to us And this is what they did in early 2021 when that was closed as well So we work with a few area businesses That um, I'm not going to name here, but they have a relationship with us where they allow the Vendors to use their restrooms, but unfortunately at this time We don't have a plan for a public restroom space for attendees Okay, at least for my concerns at least for the vendors Yes, the vendors we have them all set. Yeah, okay We work with a couple of places that will open their doors to them Especially because I think in some cases that like, um, I mean it can be a prolonged period of time It's not just 10 to 2 for them. So no, yeah, they're there at 8 o'clock and they don't leave till 3 Yeah, that was a long day. It would get very long day. Yeah. No, we we take care of our vendors for sure Yeah, thanks for that question. I appreciate it Yep Okay, when do you see Wednesdays when you see Wednesdays? We're really excited this year. We're adding some dates um, so the event is was typically historically started by the wonderful Community services team Was the first Wednesday of the month for the summer months and last year We did it June, July, August and September and this year We're doing two in June two in July and three in August So we're really excited about that expansion. That was fully due to public The community's support We also were able to secure a sponsor to cover all of our hard costs again this year, which is great So we're bringing in Headlining bands that are you know run the gamut and are all family friendly But all have different perspectives different types of music. We'll have seven quite different shows Which is really exciting and then we always pull in a hyper local Community member or group to come and perform as our opener. So we've had some really good Great, you know being able to give people their big break. I guess where they maybe wouldn't have another outlet And we pay them You know a stipend to perform which is really exciting especially for the high school students that have been a part of that Just as an example our first Winoski Wednesday's opener will be the winoski jazz ensemble So those students are so so talented and we're so glad to be welcoming them back again this year Thank you Questions about this one Um, I I that's I'm so excited to hear that about the expansion. Yeah enthusiasm and I mean I thought last year was Was really impressive. So um, very excited to see the vendors coming into the circle as well Yep, so we'll be having um market again open air market. Um, and actually this event this year we've decided is rain or shine so When if it is drizzling we may have to cancel The bands, but we'll have we have some some friends who are djs And so we know that we can have some djs come in and go under a tent more comfortably than a band would with with instruments So that's also a really exciting expansion for us where no matter what we're having this event. All right Yeah, I don't have any questions. Just want to share my enthusiasm great Okay, and then our last event is juneteenth Great, and I think yad is on the call too if she wants to jump in. I don't know who's in control of this. She's here. Yeah There's no co-conspirators on this event. So do you want to to start? Um, sure. Yeah, so, you know, it'll be when is the second annual juneteenth event. Um, very similar to what happened last year Or it will be three to eight p.m. In Rotary Park. We have, um, you know partnerships with various artists musicians Live artists dancers singers drummers storytellers all the things That are going to be taking place and the theme this year is actually connecting Connecting through food and music and the history and the legacy of You know the connection with black americans to african americans The the point is to try to make the connections for all of our residents to understand that juneteenth is for everyone Of juneteenth is especially for folks who are people of color and we want to come together and celebrate and so we want to try to lessen the distinction between We want to try to just make sure that we can get close to the Rotary and celebrate with us Alongside us as well. So there's a lot of really wonderful partnerships that are happening With vendors with food vendors with local musicians with lots and lots of musicians To come in and and just celebrate together. So it's going to be a really wonderful event I don't want to say much more than that though because You know, you have to learn to yourself if you want to come down and check it out And also just to point out we are still Of course accepting people who want to be a part of the event whether they want to help plan volunteer Part of making this event really inclusive is having great volunteer crew. So having people that are there helping people Cross the road. I know crossing guard doesn't seem very exciting But if you believe in inclusivity of events, that's the key hinge for this kind of event We want to make sure that people are comfortable and safe and that we're also respecting all Ability levels. So we want to make sure that this is a super welcoming event to all And like yeah said, I just wanted to make a plug for you in our community in particular where we have People from Africa that are here that may not this doesn't necessarily, you know Isn't on their radar as a as a holiday in Winooski We've made a very clear kind of pitch that this is an event about black joy in all forms And so it's an American holiday, but we are really working hard to make sure that we're gathering You know community members and and cool food opportunities activities from every corner of Winooski to make sure that we can really Have this be just a celebration and a joyful event for all There's anybody As well in case folks watch the recording, but we do have meetings this weekly if folks would like to join in the process or Or show up to give an idea about participating you can go to the downtown Winooski web page and there's a section on there Where you can email the downtown Winooski board directly actually really merit it directly So kind of pitch your Idea of how how you about so feel free I have a quick question. Um, I know that it's a Uh A collaboration between the city and downtown Winooski. Has there been any outreach to the Winooski school board? for collaboration as well So there is participation through the Winooski school through the performers that we are partnering with There hasn't been a direct outreach to the school board now But because the partnerships that we have formulated and the people that we have scheduled there is collaboration with the teachers faculty and Okay, awesome. Yeah Um Thanks for all of the coordination all the effort that goes into planning such an awesome event. So thank you both I don't hear any concerns. Does someone want to move to approve these event permits? Some of second Motion by thomas second by aurora all those in favor. Please say aye. Aye Motion carries. Thank you. Meredith Very yes Thank you guys Okay So we're going to move on to item c. This is on for discussion or approval Abinaki land acknowledgement and land rights resolution And I don't know who So I'm uh, I'm introducing on behalf of the we and the team listed here So I really want to um, thank them for the opportunity to to put this one out there But um, also acknowledge the hard work that ray and Yasmin and paul have done to make this a reality As part of our centennial celebration part of that discussion at the committee was around The fact that this celebration is happening on unceded land of the abnaki people as part of that we reached out to chief don stevens of the melhegan band of the abnaki tribe to Discuss the idea of a land acknowledgement and something to go behind that at land acknowledgement Because it's one thing to say that we recognize this as a city, which I think is an important step that this resolution Could take but um, actually doing something further To start to solidify that partnership that makes some positive change in the city For those who um used to occupy this land and still do So the resolution that's been drafted has uh, both the land acknowledgement section and some use rights that are asserted for Uh, members of recognized tribes in the vermont state statutes. So that's specifically Use rights for gathering in our natural areas and parks um, it is the Uh ability to have fees waived. Um, so this will take additional work But um directing staff to set up an ordinance change to waive fees for cultural ceremonies and other uses at city facilities And um, it's a commitment to some planning and work on memorial park So changing some names of features there using traditional abnaki language or meaning and Commitment to involving abnaki leadership in future forest management planning for our natural areas Should that occur? So that's what's before you. Um Yes, and ray and paul have been Amazing and the work that they've done to make this reality. So they know the details and uh, I don't know if you want to add anything any of you or if you have any questions I'm sure they can answer that but I just want to thank them for all the work they did to get this year Thank you Jim Thank you staff anything to add I think jimmy did a great job. Um, and definitely team effort all the way around a lot of drops pumping around and huge Uh, appreciation as well the chief sivan who was a big help in kind of getting us uh to the drop as well So yeah, really proud to bring it tonight So are there any questions from council? I do have a couple questions. Um I heard from some community members on this and i'm just wondering What the conversation with the chief was like there was some concern that I heard that the resolution may not go far enough In in terms of what it is offering So I was wondering if the chief felt like the what was being offered up was substantial Or if he had any concerns Yeah, I think um the and and you can speak to this correct me if i'm wrong gray or others. Um, because I can only see your face right on the screen um, but uh The the chief actually suggested some of these items that were added. Um, because we've worked originally just talking about Atlanta acknowledgement and a presence at the um, uh The birthday party celebration, um and talking about you know, the words are nice But what can we actually put behind it and the use rights of something he brought up as something they've been trying to Establish in other uh municipalities and state governments that's been I think that was a meaningful, um addition that we could do here I just wanted to add that um, you know Chief don was was definitely a major part of this process. There were no decisions that were made without um, and You know part of the reason we also recognize that this is a stepping stone really, you know, this is the outline This is the beginning of a of a long lasting partnership that we are trying to establish with the local Abnafi communities um within our area right and when you see and throughout the state of Amman And so, you know, this is really, you know, and I think that there is a piece in the In resolution as well around ongoing partnerships. Um, you know, there are other ideas and things that were Brought to the table and one of the things that we decided as a group was to really focus on things that we could get done Between now and the centennial and then things that we could table for a later time that possibly the inclusion and belonging Commission could make up And so there will be a further thing coming down the road It's just we wanted to make sure that we followed through on, you know The things that we knew were doable with our current capacity, especially I'm like that I can certainly appreciate that approach Great to know that there's some more plans and Thoughts going forward past this Thank you All right Anyone want to make a motion to approve? So moved Second Motion by brinn second by aurora all those in favor. Please say aye. Hi Motion carries. So just for public record here We are resolving that the city of wunewski formally acknowledges that this community was built on the unceded land of the abanaki people And we recognize that the abanaki people their culture and their experiences are fundamental to the existence and culture of our city A version of this land acknowledgement will be read during the opening of our community birthday on june 4th Followed by the raising of the abanaki flag in rotary park and included in full as dedicated section on the city's website We affirm the following land use rights in perpetuity for abanaki citizens enrolled in abanaki tribes recognized by the romant state statutes The right to sustainably harvest wild ramps fiddleheads fungi and any culturally important plants Or plant parts in any park or natural area in wunewski Adoption of this resolution constitutes the prior approval required by our city ordinance section 1608 Upon further completion of a public hearing and ordinance amendment The right to have all fees associated with renting city facilities wave for ceremonies programs and other culturally important events per section 2005 of the city ordinance The city of wunewski shall work in partnership with the official abanaki leadership on all further forest management plans for wunewski's natural areas City of wunewski is hereby committed to working with members of the abanaki community to rename memorial park and the trails within using words and phrases from abanaki language Thank you all very much I will read that in full. I think maybe at the ceremony started We will move on to item d. This is on for discussion or approval as well a vermont community fund grant. Yes Yes, um, you may have Many of you might have heard about the connection. Um, or the combined effort between the vermont mega cities and towns and the vermont community funds and to produce the Sortable and inclusive communities grant. It's up to ten thousand dollars And it is something that I've had my eye on and been waiting for for quite some time and it just dropped a short time ago And I thought, you know part of the use for the main use for that grant would be to supply The compensation for the inclusion and belonging commissioners that are going to be You know, hopefully established next month. Yeah next month now You know it was an item that was up to discussion prior and it was something that we had discussed would need to be funded and I think this is a very Very essential use of this funding because I really want to make sure that we do this in a way that is Accessible to as many folks in the community as possible and being able to provide funding to Port you know child care services to support a compensation plan to support, you know, possibly having it at an alternative location Etc. Etc. I think it's are going to be really key in the success of this group going forward Does anybody have any questions about the grant specifically it's pretty straightforward I think I included the link to the actual information on the dcf website, but happy to take questions Thank you, and you I you pretty much previewed this to us already at the previous discussion. So Now it's just the finalization Hoping to be able to get the application Any questions concerns on this grant application? um, I If you can refresh my memory, um The funding the length of time for the funding that's anticipated So if we're fortunate enough to get be granted the $10,000 Will it last one year or two years? What's the anticipated time? It's one year at the 12 months time frame However, I believe that it's going to be that you will be able to heat to reapply for it similar to the women's Monday Okay, um, and then uh has Have you thought about a uh sustainable or has there been conversations with angela or other staff about sustainable funding? when uh for the commissioners once the Assuming that we get the grant that the grant, um is uh is completed. Hi Well, oh go ahead That is a conversation that we need to initiate It would be at our discussion to tell staff that we want them to find money to pay for volunteers Okay, so that's something that should we should do Ahead of the fall budgeting. It's not a discussion that or decision We should make separate from thinking about our long-term financials. Okay, so that hasn't happened yet. Yeah, that's what I'm asking Yeah, okay That's exactly what I was gonna say Any other questions? So I want to make a motion to approve this grant application So moved Second Motion by aurora second by thomas all those in favor. Please say aye. Hi motion carries All right, thank you. Yes Welcome chief audie with the local emergency management plan Okay, uh I have the deputy health officer appointment first, but I can cover Yeah, I can cover either one Deputy health officer appointment. Thank you. Um, so the appointment of the deputy health officer is um to Really open the resources um for for our staff to deal with A whole host of different um situations that may arise in the city Mainly it puts us under the arm of the department of health So we deal with dog bites animal bites You know quarantining of such In really helps us in the rental registry With the vermont rental codes, which is under the department of health and So again, this is a Just really creating depth on the bench bench if you will by appointing Bruce who currently serves as our fire marshal Thank you chief We always appoint someone from staff for this role Any questions? That's correct. I serve I serve as health officer unless the mayor would like to serve Thank you And then we uh, and then the full-time staff the Fire marshal and the assistant fire marshal both will if you appoint Bruce serve as deputy Any questions on this role? Just a question Assuming that a deputy health officer at what points in time would that um, would they Be called upon I guess is that when you're unavailable or? Um, so really we we touch this every day in the course of our work um, so the depth, you know the The health officer deal, you know, I deal with a lot of the different administrative pieces But in their day-to-day opera, you know daily duties as far as inspections. Um, they're You know, they're they're utilizing the state codes So this appointment again creates depth and and really opens resources for us to be able to help the residents Okay, all right. That's what I was looking for if this was more A necessity for um roles and responsibilities um, or if it it was something Coming from the you know from the state as far as requiring Essentially, uh, you know bench bench depth as you were mentioning I would say it's a combination of both And but it is a value to the city and how we are community risk reduction Effort scale. Okay. Thank you So I want to make a motion to approve the appointment of Bruce Palmer as deputy health officer So moved Second motion by jim second by brinn all those in favor. Please say aye. Hi motion carries. Thank you And now we're on to item f the emergency So the local emergency management plan is an annual document that we update. Um, this is This again every year we visit this we're required to do it. Um, it's part of our eligibility for federal funding Um, and this year was simply administrative changes changes and counselors We updated the maps every year We try to try to add a little bit as far as You enhancing the plan Whether it's how we contact the american red cross or the maps that we you know we provide Um, and these plans go to regional planning and then they go to remont emergency management and then the feds for approval So there's a formula in which they a format which they provide to us that we fill out For the last four years There's been nothing that came back as far as once we submit it's it's approved Willing to answer any questions questions from council on this annual statutory task Glad to have you all reviewing this on a yearly basis Do I have a motion to approve? so Second motion by thomas second by jim all those in favor. Please say aye. Hi motion carries. Thank you chief Thank you. Have a good evening All right, it's 7 30 p.m. I'm gonna call a five minute recess. We can reconvene at 7 35 Thank you And potential approval an airport commission appointment so Back in february the governor signed h454 An act related to approval of an amendment to the city of burlington's charter Um adding a seat a representative seat for the city of wunewski On the burlington airport board of commissioners Um, so the city of burlington owns the airport. They have this advisory commission It's not a decision-making or like judicial body, but plays it provides advisory to the burlington city council which they take very seriously um through this charter change We are able as the city council to make an appointment to that body to have a representative The term is three years And any legal voter of the city of wunewski can fill that seat um The recommendation that I have made in this memo is to Consider a member of this body as our initial appointment um I suggest that You know the city of south burlington is represented there as well. They have a member of city council to liaise between the the two organizations I think it strengthens the connection between us's leadership and The airport and also gives us a chance to become better familiar with the role To be able to support a resident appointee that said we could appoint a resident We could also appoint a member of staff our zoning administrator has state in the loop on The noise insulation program, which is kind of our primary area of focus Um, that body does see updates on the program Probably has some input on on roll out Um, we've been attending this and so meeting Various members of the council and a guest role for more than a year now. So I am opening the conversation tonight to You know, do we want to make an appointment from council staff residents? Is anyone here in particular interested? Questions I agree that I think it should be somebody from council that said I know that we All have jobs that may not allow us to get somewhere at four o'clock if that is the case. I don't think it should be a member of staff um Personally, I can't be there at four o'clock. I don't know about the rest of any of the rest of you It is uh hybrid so zoom and in-person meeting 4 p.m Some Wednesday of the month that I can't recall right now. It might be in my mind third. Thank you um Yeah, so that's I mean that's consideration too for sure um, and there was uh a comment from A resident about the three-year term Yes I forwarded that to to you all. Um, so a resident had brought up the fact that You know, this term would expire in presumably 2025 which is beyond the length of any of our terms so You know, we would make that if we did a point from council we would know that In a year or two depending on the person potentially we would need to reappoint Somebody was re-elected. We wouldn't you know, it's very open to change We also could make an appointment now and even if Nobody turned over Decide to make a different appointment. You know next year that is our rate as well Is the yet this is a balanced by an additional seat in burlington. Is that correct? Yes, they're also adding another burlington seat So it's a body of five right now We'll be six and that'll make seven and is that going to be Presumably this will it would be nice to have an appointment on board for the next meeting especially if that Ideally so I guess if there's somebody who's interested in stepping up by this third Wednesday of the month That would be great, but um, I don't know that we'll I guess we'll meet again immediately before but Consider Yeah, their next meeting is scheduled to be on the 18th. I'm not hearing specific interest in anyone for this role Does anyone else have thoughts on the council staff resident situation decision I would support having a city staff For just consistency. I think the um component that You know having having Eric do it As the zoning administrator, um, also bridging between the planning commission And those connections, I think just give that that role a larger picture and Potentially more ability to You know follow up with with any questions that are like Just that might take longer if it was a counselor So I think there is an interesting connection there to the planning commission And the noise program so You know Eric has already been In conversation with airport staff as they design the program. He's getting an access to a map share information um But I do think there's potentially learning from how the noise program gets rolled out That could inform zoning changes we want to make or like building code requirements or something Yeah Definitely see the benefit of having it For this first potential term be a city council or a city staff Because we would really need if it was a resident We'd really need them to also commit to report back to us, which would be an additional time on For them. So while we're still figuring out we want consistency with this board um, so making sure that we have consistent attendance And definitely want that consistent communication Yeah, and With the noise program just rolling out Having somebody who's familiar with that and not having to get up to speed as useful as well I think it could be a different conversation once it's up and running Yeah So then my one question is with I was told that Eric Did potentially have time to do it. So he's he said he was definitely interested Given the importance of it. Um, I do just want to call out. He does that planning commission and d.r.b Sort of later meetings. I know this one's at like four o'clock. So it's it's kind of earlier end of day um I don't know if he knows the exact Day like the schedule Wednesday. So we'd probably want to just confirm that Okay, um, he's in a conference this week. So it's not available. So I would just ask I I can go back and confirm it with him. Is it possible to um, essentially do a On overarching delegation to our incoming city manager and to have her appoint From there or is it the expectation that the council will say the particular role if it's going to be city staff I think we have to appoint an individual by name. Okay, that's my understanding. Okay Can I ask when the first meeting is do we know when that is? I believe may 18th It's the third typically the third Wednesday at 4 p.m. So would it make sense for confirm with Eric and then bring it back on the 16th and then do the official appointment Yep, tentatively. Let's do that plan So no approval this evening just discussion. We will revisit this at our next meeting Thank you So let's move on then to item h The policy priorities and strategy scheduling Great. So nothing surprising. I don't think here. So we've We've sort of set a date already on when that retreat will be for the council and Leadership to talk about f y 23 goals Our work plan for the coming year So what we're proposing here This is previously previously discussed may 21st would be their tree date From 9 30 till One ish to say seal goes Locations to be determined. So if you guys have any recommendations It is nice to get out of this room is what I've heard a lot of times. So We've talked internally about I think visac has some space ccv has some space if we wanted to look there Senior center is potentially an option again. OCC has the The testing going on so we we can't go there unfortunately But we've got some time to figure out what that space is and I can check You know some of the other Would there be space at the school or is that not optional? Oh, I can ask it might be nice to be in the new building Yeah, I forget we had a discussion on leadership. There is some I I think there is some uh hoops you have to go through to get in the school space But maybe the mayor has some pull there I'll inquire. Yep I don't know, you know, what's available there is changing rapidly with the construction. Yeah So we will we will figure out a space The intent would be that this month If if schedules work we would chat about These work plans that are commission meetings too. So leadership is going to take it back teach their commission meetings As a potential alternative What about the Event space in the pool? I don't know if it's large enough. It's If there's nobody there, I think it's large enough if nobody from the public comes it would probably be large enough I know right. Yeah, I think I think it would be pretty tight for Leadership staff and council For that number of hours Yeah But if the weather's nice So All right, we'll we'll do some exploring on spaces So, yep, we'll we'll go to commissions. Um In may this month leadership team has already met. Um We've had one meeting and I think we're going to finalize this coming week our sort of internal Recommendations so we're we've got a head start on that And then our intent is to once we finalize that we'll We'll put together a package for you all with our recommendations in a memo describing Sort of what those are Well ahead of the the retreats. You have time to review it. So right now. I think we're targeting like At least by May 11th. We'll probably have something really in that And then if there's you know, the proposed agenda is on the back here as well, um If you have any thoughts about An agenda or better layout one thing we did add for this year is um Um Just going around the room with leadership giving you guys a rough idea of like our baseline operations what we do So you kind of have an idea of what our day-to-day looks like as well versus just our work plan stuff So that's something new but if you have any recommendations Let us know it might um Be nice and I don't See depend barring your decision in and put of course um Just getting an update on staffing city staffing and You know what vacancies we have or You know who's I I guess just getting a sense of like the organ board chart Who's recently on board and what what vacancies were looking to fill? Yeah, there was a nice slide in the budget presentation that we should re-include and refresh on those Short-term funded positions Yep I'm wondering if part of the kind of beginning welcome goals of the day if I'm not exactly sure what this would look like but to kind of ground ourselves in thinking about equity and inclusion So start from that point before we really get into the rest so we can kind of hold that at the center We did something that I don't remember last year. Um that yas helped with So we should bring that back Yeah, I We did do a an exercise last year that yeah We can work with what the as mean Yeah, that was a characteristic of white supremacy culture. Yeah discussion um, and then I'm just Curious granted like this is reviewing the master plan. Um strategies If there's any benefit or need to just reviewing some of um Refresher on some of the budget for what? has been approved or For foy 23 because that may contribute to The conversation on the priorities Yeah, it could be good to get an update from angela, especially with Where we are with the afs me the cola situation Because I do think this is a chance to say like Here are our priorities when we get to the funding discussion May not make a very specific decision yet, but give staff an understanding of where we're headed We won't know about any of the grants by those because it's only in like two three weeks. So With arpa and tiff does that do we want to think about? Have that specifically as part of this or just kind of I'm going to be in the background I think it's part of like the general priorities and it's it's something we should think of Think about I think we can include some like base information in The part orientation to the master plan progress um I really wanted us to be able to review arpa survey responses ahead of this I know that's not like ready yet, but I think to the extent any of that information could be shared with us it could be useful Yeah, even interim findings. Yeah I mean, I know we need to to caveat that information with knowing that there is more outreach happening But I think we should get some of that input before we have this discussion Yeah, but the well, we might have may reflect a very specific point of view Right, and we yeah, which we should we can talk about like where we think this came from but At least some information would be useful. Yeah Yeah, I agree That might be helpful too and just questioning what Who is not there and making sure that the average is meeting that Oh, I also wondered if we should invite and I guess this might depend on space as well, but commission chairs It isn't open to the public meeting, but I don't know if we've done like an explicit invitation in the past You know, we do get the commission Feedback to review I don't think we've done that before so it's like it could be beneficial to at least extend the invitation Yeah, and we can mention that when When we all well, you all will be there as liaisons as liaisons too, but we can do other commission meetings Do you invite? Would it work to be commission chairs or someone appointed by the committee? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah I mean in reality they could all attend right, but like a direct ask for somebody to come essentially If they all attend do we then have to warn another meeting? Yeah It would be it would be one mega warning where it would be And and and all commissions possible, but that's that's technically very easy to do. Okay Can you call it that the mega warning? Yeah, absolutely Okay, let's all take responsibility for making extending that invitation at our upcoming commission meetings If you don't have one Then can staff liaison take care of it? Yeah, and I I would say like our next infrastructure committee commission meeting isn't until Just like two days three days before so I know that I will probably Do that this week just because that's fine. It's too close to have the Potentials or expectation that somebody could be free. Yeah. Yeah two day two day notice Yeah, actually, I mean you don't have to wait until day of either. Yeah, so We'll just take responsibility for extending that invitation to our various chairs however However, that works out And very exciting Alaine will be there too to help facilitate so yeah, I'll be I'll be an introduction for her too. Yeah Um This is uh, this is unproperable. Are there other thoughts questions? I had one little question, which is just on the documents that were sent I noticed that some things has one Two or three asterisks and I was just wondering if there's a specific reason why Yes, there is that's from last year When we did this counselors Put sticky notes on the things that they Wanted to prioritize. Okay So that is like pass counsel though. Yeah. Yeah in a way. Okay That is helpful You'll see some of these Spoiler alert some of these will be in your fy 23 So do not be surprised. Yes. We did not complete everything in the plan. Yeah, and we never will and that's fine Yeah, so this is a continuation motion to approve the policy priorities and strategy scheduling So moved second Motion by aurora second by thomas all those in favor, please say aye Motion carries All right So next up we have an executive session warrant Pursuant to vermont state statute section 3131 e pending or probable civil litigation or prosecution to which the public body body is or may be a party I am looking for a motion to find that We should have this discussion in executive session following that state statute So moved second Motion by jim second by aurora all those in favor, please say aye. Aye Motion carries I'm looking for a motion to enter into executive session inviting john rousher angela aldeary and karen stackpool So moved second motion by thomas second by brinn all those in favor, please say aye. Aye Motion carries So we're going to enter into executive session We're going to use a different zoom line We're only discussing this single topic Well, we'll come back out of executive session into this existing zoom line We may take a vote on this item and then we will adjourn a motion to authorize interim city manager john rousher To sign the settlement agreement on behalf of this second Motion by thomas second by brinn all those in favor, please say aye. Aye Motion carries. Thank you This brings us to the end of tonight's agenda. I am seeking a motion to adjourn second Motion by jim second by thomas all those in favor, please say aye. Aye Motion carries and the meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone. Thank you