Barre City Council Special Meeting – September 25, 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.