Public Meetings - Barre, Vermont

The Barre City Council met on October 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Key actions included approving consent items, hearing public comment on flood mitigation, receiving updates on CDBG-DR grant applications, and advancing two bond measures for voter approval on November 4, 2025—a $2.4 million TIF district bond for downtown infrastructure and affordable housing, and a $3.3 million bond for public works renovations. The council also reviewed the city’s new regroup messaging system and flood resiliency progress. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of September 24, 2025. - Approved the SHS Baldwin High School homecoming parade route for October 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM. - Approved the citywide idling policy with an amendment adding "if available" to the clause about reviewing telematics data (Section 6). - Ratified the council's September 24 decision authorizing the manager to negotiate a 12-month extension of the Prospect Heights real estate option. - Approved city warrants for the week of September 30, 2025, and ratified a letter of support for the Vermont Historical Society regional priority list application. (Councilor Spaulding abstained on the letter of support vote.) Public Comments & Testimony - Oliver Tromley addressed the council regarding the CDBG-DR grant application for flood mitigation. He expressed strong support for increasing funding to address the Potash Brook, arguing it is a primary cause of downtown flooding and that the requested $50,000 planning grant is insufficient. He urged the council to reconsider allocating more money—initially suggested at half a million or more—and proposed building a flood control dam similar to the East Barre Dam. He emphasized the downtown economic impact and noted that the problem extends beyond Courier Park. The Mayor and Councilor Gustin responded, explaining that the state's CDBG-DR program focused 65% of funds on housing and that a larger $3 million request was discouraged due to lack of engineering and planning. They committed to pursuing other grant opportunities and continuing planning. Discussion Items CDBG-DR Grant Update City Manager Nicholas reported that the city submitted $27.5 million in CDBG-DR applications, including: $10 million for 355 North Main, $8 million for the North End project, $5.4 million for Prospect Heights, $2.8 million for the Willie Street Bridge, $856,000 for Harrington Avenue, $268,000 for stormwater projects, and $68,000 for Potash Brook planning. The board will meet on November 20, 2025, to review. The manager highlighted that a second round of funding is anticipated. City Hall Park Parking & Security Manager explained that due to vandalism and other issues, the city implemented permit-only parking around City Hall Park. Temporary permits were issued to nearby churches and the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic. Enforcement is waived during Sunday services and Opera House events. Three of five planned security cameras are installed, with the remaining two awaiting contractor work. The city updated event application forms to allow temporary parking permits for official events. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Public Informational Hearing (Bond Vote Preparation) Stephanie (city official) and Carol (TIF administrator) presented the $2.4 million TIF bond for infrastructure improvements to support a 31-unit affordable housing development by Downstreet. The city’s portion includes upgrades to Seminary Street, the Campbell parking lot, brownfield remediation, and wayfinding. The project is expected to begin construction in late spring/early 2026 with units online by summer 2027. The TIF district has existing capacity, and the bond will not increase the tax rate. The state economist has reviewed the financial projections. The council subsequently approved the necessity resolution. Public Works Renovations Bond ($3.3 million) Manager presented plans to renovate the recently acquired 277 Morrison Road property into a new public works garage. Total all-in cost is $6.3 million (including $3 million purchase price). Renovations include overhead doors, ramps, a mechanics bay, salt/sand storage, interior drainage, and office renovations. Comparisons to other municipalities showed significant cost savings. The city expects operational savings from improved efficiency and lower insurance. The council approved the necessity resolution to put the bond on the November 4 ballot. Flood Resiliency Plan & Regroup App Update Councilor Gustin introduced the update. Manager reported that the city’s regroup messaging system now has 973 subscribers. The app allows free, timely notifications about road work, water shutoffs, and parking bans. The council discussed methods to reach residents without cell phones, including sign-ups at polling places and newspaper ads. The winter parking ban pilot was deemed successful. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved as amended. - Item 4A approved with one abstention. - Liquor license (Campo Divina) approved. - Volunteer appointment Donna Draymond was appointed to the Cemetery Committee after a brief introduction and supportive council comments. - TIF Bond Resolution (Necessity Resolution 2025-24 and Declaration of Intent) approved unanimously. The bond will appear on the November 4, 2025, ballot. - Public Works Renovations Bond (Necessity Resolution 2025-25 and Declaration of Intent) approved unanimously. The $3.3 million bond will be on the November 4 ballot. - Warning for Special Meeting on November 4, 2025, approved. - Next regular council meetings scheduled for October 21 and October 28, 2025.

At this special meeting, the Barre City Council considered and voted on a series of resolutions to apply for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding totaling approximately $27.7 million. The proposed grants focus on housing development, infrastructure improvements, and planning projects, many aimed at recovery from the 2023 floods. The meeting also included approval of grants, permits, contracts, a purchase agreement for 143 North Main Street, and a drought status update. Public testimony raised concerns about specific projects, costs, wetland impacts, and displacement. Consent Calendar - Agenda adjustments: added Item 4D (authorization for the manager to negotiate an extension of the Prospect Heights option agreement up to 12 months) and removed Item 8H (a project no longer pursued). - Approved minutes for the meeting of September 25, 2025. - Ratified and approved permits: Worx over Billion event (Sept. 18), Light Radio concert (Unspoken, Sept. 27, 4–9 p.m. at the auditorium), and Salvation Army church service at Courier Park (Sunday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). - Authorized contracts: $39,575 (after trade-in) for a wastewater treatment plant utility truck, $56,880 for an actuated valve replacement at the water treatment plant, and $25,200 for a new hybrid police department cruiser. - Added Item 4D (Prospect Heights option extension) to the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Ed Stanick (Pleasant Street resident, 41 years) urged the council to table the Prospect Heights resolution. He raised concerns about: unknown infrastructure costs to taxpayers, reliance on a Class II wetland site and the potential use of Executive Order 0625 to bypass wetland rules (which he said is ripe for litigation), and reliance on a 35-year-old Development Review Board permit. He recommended the council not act affirmatively. - Justine Macris (Down Street Housing resident) stated she wants her property elevated, not bought out, and criticized the city for not providing information on who at the land trust approved the acquisition. She expressed frustration that her repeated requests for elevation were denied because her property was “lumped together” for redevelopment. - Shade Picore (North End property owner) asked about future affordable housing options for those bought out. The manager responded that a preference for flood-impacted residents would be considered, with Seminary Street as the most likely near-term option. - Christine Morris (business owner at 355 North Main Street, with two service businesses – Rooted Yoga and Brotherhood and Ranking Massage) asked about: the timeline and process, tenant vetting in the new building, flood mitigation, wastewater capacity, and what will happen to her business during construction. She also expressed safety concerns about increased density. Discussion Items - CDBG-DR Grant Overview: Manager Nicholas presented the overall $27,692,833 request (capped at 10% above the noticed amount). The state allocated about 75% of available funds to housing, and the city mirrored that allocation. Housing projects total $23 million, infrastructure $3.5 million, and planning grants scaled down to stay within the cap. - Prospect Heights Housing Project ($5.2M): 91 units on 30 acres. Public comments from Ed Stanick and council discussion focused on infrastructure costs, wetland permitting, and the 35-year-old DRB permit. Councilor Hillgartner and Councilor Amy voiced support, noting the need for housing and long-term tax revenue. Two councilors (Gustin and perhaps another) voted nay. - North End Gateway Housing Project (buyouts, acquisitions, elevations): City manager explained the redevelopment plan and that all property owners on the map had signed consent forms. Justine Macris’ property was not included. Council approved the resolution. - Downtown Housing – 355 North Main Street (max grant $10M): 48–60 rental units with ground-floor commercial space. Developer is DEW Construction (same as City Place). Manager stated the city may seek an equity partnership to recapture profit. The project is outside the floodplain. Council approved resolution 2025-19. - Willie Street Bridge Mitigation and Harrington Avenue Floodplain Mitigation: Both part of the “river process” top three projects. Buyouts are separately FEMA-funded. The Harrington project includes a widened floodplain and redesigned debris rack to slow water. Council approved both. - Stormwater Planning & Design (reduced to $250K) and Potash Brook/Courier Park Planning (reduced to $50K): Adjusted downward to keep other projects fully funded. Council approved both. - Long-Term Redevelopment Plan: Drafted by Councilor Gustin with assistance from Tess Taylor and Janet Shatney. Approved with a friendly amendment to add missing links. - Purchase of 143 North Main Street: Barre Area Development Corporation (BADC) raised $800,000. Purchase price reduced to $775,000. City will be buyer; the property will be transferred to the city and later developed (modeled after City Place). Motion included instructions for final attorney review and council notification. Approved. - Drought Update: Manager reported Dix Reservoir levels above conservation triggers (1274 ft). Current level 1276 ft. No water conservation measures needed yet, but residents are urged to be mindful. Key Outcomes - All eight CDBG-DR resolutions were approved, each subject to final signing by the mayor. Specific votes: - Prospect Heights (2025-17): Majority approved, with at least two nays (Gustin and one other). - North End Gateway (2025-18): Approved. - 355 North Main (2025-19): Approved. - Willie Street Bridge (2025-20): Approved. - Harrington Avenue (2025-21): Approved. - Stormwater Planning (2025-22): Approved. - Potash Brook Planning (2025-23): Approved. - (Resolution 2025-24 was removed from the agenda earlier.) - Long-term redevelopment plan approved with a friendly amendment. - Authorization for manager to execute purchase and sale agreement for 143 North Main Street, subject to final legal review and council notification. - Consent agenda and warrants approved. - Liquor license (catering application for Pineburge LLC) approved. - Council entered executive session at approximately 8:35 p.m. to discuss real estate (no action anticipated) and later adjourned.

Note: The meeting transcript records the date as Tuesday, September 9, 2025, but the official meeting date is listed as September 10, 2025. This summary uses the official date. The Barre City Council met on September 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting covered adjustments to the consent agenda, public comments on private road plowing, approval of routine items, a manager’s update on flood recovery and parking issues, flood resiliency planning, a Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) update, and a vote of support for the police chief’s op-ed on criminal justice accountability. Council also discussed housing vacancy rates and future agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the August 26, 2025 meeting. - Approved licenses and permits: a one-day opportunity for IHeart Cookies on September 11 at the Barre Auditorium; a dance group event (Moonlight Capor Morris) on September 20 at City Hall Park. - Ratified the August 26 letter of support for the Good Sam Outreach Team. - Accepted the resignation of Haley Perro from the Parks and Recreation Committee effective September 30, 2025, with thanks for her service. - Approved an idling policy for city vehicles (with minor discussion on exceptions and future fleet-wide policy). - Moved item 8A to become item 4F on the consent agenda (a grant requirement briefing). Public Comments & Testimony - Sarah Hellman (resident of Fortney Place) expressed concerns about the city’s decision to stop plowing seven private streets (Millen, Aiken, Fortney Place, Thurston Place, Kinney Place, Scampini Square, School Street, Garcia Lane). She asked why plowing is illegal on private roads, who will maintain a turnaround area on city property, and how residents can get the streets accepted as public. She argued that taxpayers deserve the same amenities. - Manager Brian Baker responded with GIS overlays showing all seven streets lie entirely within private parcels. He noted the city had paid claims for damages on those streets and that the Vermont League of Cities and Towns advised it is illegal to plow private roads. He estimated the cost to bring all streets to city standards at over $440,000 (excluding surveying/legal fees). He offered to follow up on the turnaround area and noted a potential opt-in fee with indemnification used by one other town. - Councilor Deering suggested a resident opt-in fee and indemnification model; staff will explore. Discussion Items 4A: Approval of warrants - Approved warrants for the week of September 10 and ratified the week of September 3. Liquor and Cannabis Control Board - Approved a class 2 and tobacco license for Aranda’s Mexican, and an outside consumption permit for a September 19 event. Manager’s Update - VEPSE Approval: The Vermont Economic Progress Council approved the city’s TIF plan amendment for the Seminary Street (Stevens Branch) housing project, enabling a November bond vote for public infrastructure improvements. - Paving Schedule: Grading starts September 15; paving on Prospect, Allen, Berlin, and Quarry streets will be completed by September 23. - CDBG-DR Public Hearing: Moved to September 24 (special meeting) to meet 15-day notice requirements; hearing at 6:15 PM with virtual option. - City Hall Parking: Meters bagged on Church Street park side due to vandalism, dog waste, and smoking. Meeting with churches and People’s Health & Wellness planned for Thursday. Councilor Hillgartner suggested temporary parking permits for patients; manager agreed to explore. - Railroad Crossing Work: State work on South Main Street railroad crossing postponed to late September, lasting through March 2026, will cause lane closures. Flood Resiliency Plan Update (River Access Task Force) - Kathy Jameson and Peter Anthony presented on behalf of the Barre City River Access Task Force. - River Cleanup: Fourth annual river cleanup on Saturday, September 13, 9 AM at Spaulding overflow lot (email barrey.rivers@gmail.com to RSVP). Focus on debris removal from two river reaches. - Master Plan: Vermont Outdoor Recreation Grant awarded to Dubois & King for a river access master plan. Draft will be presented September 24 at Courier Park for public feedback. - Trail at Rotary Park: Design underway for accessible trail to view falls. - Water Quality Monitoring: Fourth year of volunteer sampling for phosphorus, nitrogen, chloride, and E. coli; final report pending. Preliminary data shows hot spots upstream from the treatment plant, suggesting leaky infrastructure. - Council commended the task force’s work and encouraged public involvement. CDBG-DR Update - Manager Baker provided an update on the $67 million CDBG-DR allocation (approx. $54M for Washington County and parts of Lamoille County). First application round due September 30; second round in December. - Property Owner Feedback: New map of targeted acquisitions (yellow outlines), buyouts, and elevations based on direct outreach to all property owners in the North End “triangle.” Key changes: one property owner on 2nd Street declined interest; added a parcel on 15 3rd Street; new cluster of buyouts near 1st/2nd/Hawes Place; new elevation candidates on 1st and 2nd streets; property at 15 Berlin Street added to floodplain buyout area. - Infrastructure Projects: Willie Street and Harrington Avenue designs received benefit-cost analyses; included in applications. - Planning Grants: Stormwater upgrades and Potash Brook projects funded at design/engineering stage (not construction) due to ACCD guidance. - Redevelopment Plan: Council-appointed committee drafting a 5-page summary of existing plans to support grants; to be approved September 24. - Council expressed support and discussed housing goals: net gain in housing, preserving neighborhood character, and adjustments to Wabi Park project (likely fewer than 64 units). Proceeded with acquisitions and elevations as viable. Vote of Support for Chief Vail’s Op-Ed - Mayor introduced a motion to support the sentiment expressed in Chief Vail’s op-ed, specifically the sentence: “It is time, past time, for the criminal justice system to hold offenders more accountable for their offenses.” - Councilor Hillgartner raised concerns about using city social media for one side of a pending case, potential conflict with social media policy, and the need for collaboration rather than finger-pointing. Other councilors noted the complexity and the need for broader systemic discussion. - Manager Baker defended the post as fact-based and reflecting real challenges faced by police. - Motion passed (voice vote; no dissenting votes audible). Council affirmed support for the principle of accountability while acknowledging the need for further dialogue. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar and warrants approved unanimously. - Two liquor licenses approved. - Manager’s updates noted; CDBG-DR public hearing set for September 24 at 6:15 PM. - River Access Task Force events promoted; cleanup September 13, master plan meeting September 24. - CDBG-DR applications to proceed with updated property owner feedback; redevelopment plan to be finalized by September 24. - Motion supporting the sentiment of Chief Vail’s op-ed carried. - Council committed to future discussions on public safety, housing vacancy (4.6% reported from rental registry, self-reported), and an adopt-a-storm-drain program.

The Barre City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (official summary date August 27, 2025) at 6:01 PM. The meeting covered consent calendar approvals, public comments on sidewalk improvements, USPS mailbox conversion, and an overdose awareness vigil, followed by discussions on flood resiliency loan funds, regional future land use mapping, city fund balances, CDBG-DR grant applications, and a growing drug-related criminal activity crisis. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of August 5, 2025. - Approved licenses and permits for Resume Energy LLC (drink vendor behind Harry & Lloyd's). - Approved November 5 as an alternate meeting date for city council. - Approved an additional $20,000 opioid settlement allocation to Turning Point Center (on top of $40,000 previously allocated). - Enacted Resolution 2025-16 setting fiscal year 2026 water and sewer rates. - Ratified the USW contract after a briefing and in-person session two weeks prior. - Authorized the manager to execute a contract for public safety building drainage and access improvements with RJ Pichet Excavating for $45,274 (FEMA-funded, competitively bid). - Added item 4H: Approved a letter of support for the Good Sam street outreach team program. - Approved city warrants for the week of August 27, 2025, and ratified weeks of August 13 and August 20, 2025 (one councilor abstained on the later warrants). Public Comments & Testimony - Vernon thanked the council for the new sidewalk on Allen Street, noting it improves pedestrian safety and avoids a crosswalk, and urged faster response to community safety concerns. - Alexandra Paster raised concerns about USPS converting home mailboxes to roadside units, especially on steep streets; she requested city coordination and mentioned Public Works plans to visit her street on Friday. - Rayleigh announced an overdose awareness vigil on Sunday, August 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at City Hall Park, with 128 names read, remarks from Chief Vail, and participation from treatment court and Turning Point Center. - Colin and CNF from Resume Energy introduced themselves as applicants for a drink trailer behind Harry & Lloyd's; the item was expected to be on the consent agenda. Discussion Items Flood Resiliency Plan Update (Downstreet Housing - Angie Harbin) - The revolving loan fund (RLF) established with ARPA funds for home repairs (households 81–120% AMI) has seen no utilization; one applicant chose a HELOC instead. - Downstreet proposed more aggressive marketing via city bill inserts and realtor outreach, or converting to silent loans (repaid upon home sale) to better assist low-income homeowners. - Council decided to include an insert in the next water/sewer bill and contact local realtors and partner organizations (e.g., Capstone, Efficiency Vermont) to increase awareness. A six-month trial was agreed upon before considering structural changes. - Counselors noted potential use for minor flood mitigation (utility raising) and for homes under $200,000 needing repairs. Regional Future Land Use Map (CVRPC - Brian Boyett and Nikki Savado) - Act 181 establishes a tiered framework for Act 250 jurisdiction: Tier 1A (full exemption, requires municipal administrative capacity), Tier 1B (up to 50 units exempt), Tier 2 (status quo), and Tier 3 (additional jurisdiction in critical natural resource areas). - The map is under development; an interactive version expected November 2025. - Council expressed interest in Tier 1B given current staffing constraints (planning department short-staffed) and the possibility of contracting services or using regional support. - Decision on Tier 1B designation must be made by early December 2025 to be included in the initial regional plan submission (January/February 2026). Choosing Tier 2 now does not preclude later opting into Tier 1. - The map does not supersede local zoning. City Funds Presentation (Treasurer Carol) - Provided an overview of all city funds totaling approximately $6.7 million in balances (including restricted funds). - Key funds: Semperbond Bequest Fund ($600,000 available, council-allocated to bike path but can be re-prioritized); Semperbond Annuity ($10,000/year to bike path, $5,000/year to tree maintenance); Opioid Settlement Fund ($85,000 remaining after $20,000 allocation); Cemetery funds ($3.4 million total, with $120,000 unrestricted general, $66,000 Russell Request for Hope, $5,500 St. Monica's earmarked for consolidation); Italian American Memorial Fund ($31,000 for bench and statue maintenance, no written restrictions). - Council discussed using interest from restricted funds (e.g., Hope Cemetery) for broader cemetery needs, and considered annual drawdown strategies for flexible funds. - Treasurer will explore consolidating small funds and documenting restrictions. CDBG-DR Applications Update (Manager) - State feedback on pre-applications for $67 million in disaster recovery funds (2023 floods): - Housing: 143 North Main and Prospect Heights unchanged; North End Gateway scaled back to $10 million (removed daycare, grocery, recreation components). Includes seven buyouts (no redevelopment), seven acquisitions (with redevelopment), and seven elevations. - Infrastructure: Stormwater upgrade changed to planning grant ($1 million placeholder); OD shelter deemed not competitive; Potash Brook changed to planning grant; Willie Street and Harrington Avenue remain as proposed. - Planning grants for housing and miscellaneous were discouraged. - Total application value reduced from $40 million to $25 million. Public hearing scheduled September 23; full applications due September 30. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved with warrants approved separately (one abstention noted). - Flood resiliency RLF marketing plan approved; Downstreet to design bill insert and conduct outreach. - Council expressed interest in pursuing Tier 1B designation for planned growth areas; staff to work with CVRPC on feasibility. - Fund review to continue; Treasurer to pursue consolidation of St. Monica's fund and clarification of Italian American Memorial restrictions. - CDBG-DR applications revised based on state feedback; final applications due September 30. - A dedicated discussion on criminal activity will be scheduled, with invitations to the police chief, state's attorney, and housing authority to explore enforcement and legislative options.