Barrie City Council Regular Meeting - July 30, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6 p.m. The provided meeting date (July 30, 2026) is used per instructions; the discrepancy is noted for accuracy.

The Barrie City Council convened for a regular meeting on July 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The agenda included adjustments to the consent agenda, public comments, approval of minutes and consent items, the city clerk's tax timeline report, liquor licenses, the acting city manager's report, a volunteer appointment, a substantive discussion on establishing a process for land use on FEMA buyout lots (including the Hilltop Avenue garden), approval of lighting and sidewalk improvements using Semper Bond funds, a clerk-of-the-works contract for the auditorium project, an update from the city manager search committee, and discussions on West Patterson Street and Nelson Street repairs.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the agenda as amended, adding item 4H for "Approval of citywide mailing of Justice of the Peace Ballot."
• The consent agenda was approved, including minutes of the regular and special meetings of July 14, 2026; the emergency meeting of July 16, 2026; clerk's office licenses and permits; the state auditors internal financial controls checklist; water and sewer rates resolution 2026-10; a $50,000 allocation for a water system rate study; the DAR Rebecca Hastings marker letter of support; authorization for the acting city manager to execute contracts; and the Justice of the Peace ballot mailing item.
• Minutes amendments: The council agreed to amend the July 14 regular meeting minutes to add "LLC" after Tilia T Company on first reference and to note that terms such as microfarm, community garden, and tea garden were used interchangeably. Amendments also added that resident Maril Cray expressed the opinion that the Hilltop lot was not underutilized and raised safety concerns. A point of order about adding specific statements from one attendee was noted but overruled.
• The council approved city warrants for the week of July 29 and ratified those for the week of July 22.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mel Chombell requested a correction to the July 14 meeting minutes regarding Tilia T Company's lot at 15 Hilltop, asking for clarity on terminology (microfarm vs. community garden vs. tea garden) and the for-profit status of the entity. The council ultimately amended the minutes as described above.
• Connie addressed the council via Zoom, urging a review of city ordinances, specifically mentioning Jake breaks and bicycles on sidewalks. The mayor noted a future discussion on e-bikes and related regulations.
• Maril Cray reiterated concerns about the Hilltop lot, stating that the neighborhood never considered it underutilized and expressed safety concerns. The minutes were amended to reflect her opinions.
• Bruce Epstein questioned whether the July 16 meeting (a council quorum) had proper minutes. The mayor clarified that it was a council meeting and minutes exist.
• Mark Wasbon (Orange Street resident) cautioned against overruling the city manager's decision on the Hilltop garden, warning it could deter future city manager candidates and committee members if decisions are later reversed.
• Pam Wilson (Elmwood Community Garden manager) offered to help define terms (community garden vs. private garden vs. for-profit) and assist anyone interested in gardening on the other Hilltop lot, noting that community garden plots are available.
• Megan Cherry (Orange Street resident) asked for clarity on next steps for Tilia T Company; she supported a clear process and expressed concern that the company had followed the process given to them.
• Amber (Tilia T Company) stated she had submitted a written land use agreement to the city but it had not been signed. She noted she had sent letters to neighbors, performed soil sampling, and consulted with the state archaeologist on soil stability. She asked the council to consider her time and financial investment and to create a fair, transparent process.
• Linda Riddle expressed concern about the precedent of requiring a business to redo the application process after following the procedures in place at the time, noting the unfair financial burden.

Discussion Items

• Item 8B – Process for Land Use on FEMA Buyout Lots (Hilltop Garden focus)
  • Mayor Tom led a discussion on creating a formal process for approving uses of city-owned FEMA buyout lots, prompted by the approval of Tilia T Company's use of 15 Hilltop without council review.
  • Tess Taylor (homelessness and housing liaison) presented a draft proposal for a review group including planning commission, permitting office, and council representation. She suggested developing a checklist and standard use agreement, with final council approval.
  • Council members debated the need for full council approval vs. allowing a subcommittee or DRB to handle straightforward cases. Councilor Gustin argued for council final say on all lots to ensure transparency; others noted the risk of discouraging committees.
  • The mayor acknowledged the city manager made a mistake by not bringing the Hilltop agreement to council. He stated the garden could continue for now (because another vacant lot exists nearby) but that Tilia T would need to go through the new process once established. He estimated a policy would be ready around October or November 2026.
  • Councilor Spaulding suggested researching how other municipalities handle FEMA lot uses.
  • The mayor directed Tess Taylor to form a temporary committee to develop a process, with a goal of returning to council with an outline by September 2026. The committee will consider FEMA rules, charter requirements, and best practices from other towns.
• Item 8C – Semper Bond Request for Lighting and Sidewalk Improvements
  • The council approved $50,000 from the Semper Bond fund for lighting improvements on Church Street and Auditorium Hill (replacing three decorative lights) and sidewalk improvements on Auditorium Hill. The lights will match existing Main Street decorative poles; existing poles and bases are crumbling.
• Item 8D – Clerk of the Works Contract for Auditorium Project
  • The council approved a contract with the Blanchard Group for full-time clerk-of-the-works services (1,308 hours over 32 weeks) as required by USDA for the design-build project. The contract had been competitively bid and approved by USDA.
• Item 8E – City Manager Search Committee Update
  • Councilor Gustin presented the committee's progress: a city and candidate profile has been developed and posted; job applications close August 14; first-round interviews scheduled August 13–25; finalists to be presented to council on September 1. Phase two public input is open via survey and a community forum.
  • The committee asked council direction on two questions:
    1. Number of finalists: Council preferred no more than five, ideally three, with the committee explaining why certain candidates were not forwarded.
    2. In-person finalist round: Council strongly supported in-person interviews, with flexibility for candidates who cannot risk public exposure (e.g., current employment). The finalist round could include meetings with department heads, a public forum, and community tours, but accommodations for confidentiality will be made.
  • Residency requirement: The charter requires the manager to live in Barrie unless waived by council. The committee informed candidates of this requirement.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda and minutes approved with amendments as noted.
• Liquor licenses for Pearl Street Pizza and More Splot Deli approved unanimously.
• Volunteer appointment of Greg Rulow to the Cow Pasture Committee approved unanimously.
• Semper Bond request ($50,000 for lighting/sidewalk) approved unanimously.
• Clerk-of-the-works contract (Blanchard Group, $130,000+ ) approved unanimously.
• Manager search process defined: committee to present up to five finalists to council on September 1, with a strong preference for in-person finalist rounds, with flexibilities for confidentiality. Residency requirement noted as waivable by council.
• Land use process for FEMA lots: A temporary committee led by Tess Taylor will develop a formal process (checklist, standard agreement, public notification, council approval) with a target outline by September 2026. The Hilltop garden use is allowed to continue pending that process; Tilia T Company must reapply under the new process.
• Upcoming business: Council will schedule a discussion on West Patterson Street and Nelson Street repairs/status at a future meeting, including a broader update on uncompleted flood-related projects. The mayor noted Nelson Street barriers had been opened inadvertently and will be reassessed for pedestrian safety.

Acting City Manager's Report

• Chief Vail reported a smooth transition after the city manager's departure. Heritage Festival was successful (fireworks praised). Personnel updates: Joel Carmenetti appointed cemetery foreman; deputy fire chief position to be posted. National Night Out is August 4 at Courier Park (5–8 p.m.). The mayor noted that the council may adjust meeting start time to allow attendance, but no formal change was made.

City Clerk's Report

• The clerk provided a detailed timeline for tax bills due to the pending school budget: an interim bill will be mailed around August 14 with payments due September 15, November 16, February 15, and May 17. A final bill (including homestead rate) will follow after the September 15 school budget vote, likely mailed in late November, with additional amounts due in February 2027. The city will include inserts about a new “no postmark” policy and offer a one-time grace period for late payments in the first six months.

Council Round Table

• Councilors praised the Heritage Festival, noting the Taste of Barrie, historical society updates, and community spirit. The Vermont Green soccer team championship watch party was announced for August 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barrie Social Club.