Barre City Council Regular Meeting - September 23, 2026

The Barre City Council held a regular meeting on September 23, 2026, beginning at 5:04 PM. The meeting included an initial executive session for collective bargaining, public comments, approval of the consent agenda and warrants, updates on major capital projects (Civic Center Auditorium, BOR Ice Rink), loan forgiveness for Lincoln House, approval of a resolution for the headworks project, and a second executive session for legal matters.

Executive Session (IAFF Collective Bargaining)

• The council entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the IAFF, including the new city manager, Patrick Cushing, the fire chief, and the finance director. No action was taken in open session.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Shauna Trader, an East Barrie resident, introduced her project "Voices from a Vermont Sacrifice Zone," which involves interviewing unhoused individuals in Barre City. She requested future board collaboration for a community cookout (needing a permit) and a public mural on a retaining wall on River Street. Several councilors expressed interest, and Councillor Swalding invited her to speak to the unhoused community committee. Councillor Gustin noted the city has microgrants that might help cover food costs.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the regular meeting of September 1, 2026; special meetings of September 9 and September 16, 2026 (with a correction to the date of the next review meeting on the September 1 minutes).
• Approved an extension of the easement modification and real estate option for Stevens Branch apartments (item 5E), described as an extension of previously approved documents.
• Approved Resolution 2026-14 (originally on the consent agenda but moved to new business; see below).
• Approved city warrants for the week of September 23, 2026, with one abstention from Councillor Swalding on the September 8 and September 9 warrants.
• Approved liquor license for Tally's (first and third class) without discussion.

City Clerk's Report

• The clerk's office completed data entry for the third Barre Unified Union School District budget revote; no date set for next vote.
• Upcoming elections: Central Vermont Career Center bond vote and midterm general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. State absentee ballots began mailing September 21; Career Center ballots are only being mailed to those who have signed up for absentee ballots.
• First quarter property tax collection under the postmark policy went well, with increased foot traffic.

Discussion Items

Lincoln House Loan Forgiveness

• Presentation by the city manager and representatives Sarah Rowan and Norm Aikley. The loan (greater than 30 years old) was originally a pass-through grant from the state to Lincoln House, a rest home. The city is seeking to close out the loan by forgiving the remaining $600,000. Councilor Gustin clarified that this is not city money being given away; it is a pass-through grant. No city funds are being expended. The motion to approve the closure agreement passed unanimously.

Civic Center Auditorium Renovation Project (Mr. Baker)

• MERP Grants: Contracts for city hall work ($337,000 total; $238,182 from MERP, $75,155 from previously approved fund balance) and auditorium work need to be signed by end of September to secure funding. City hall work (insulation, window sash replacements, weather stripping) must be substantially complete by December 18, 2026.
• USDA Grant: Approval still pending after 10 weeks; delays due to government shutdowns. Once approved, the auditorium work will be combined with congressional spending work, targeting an 90-day construction period starting in spring 2027, with completion by mid-August 2027.
• Boiler Risk: One of two boilers is non-functional and parts may be obtained to repair it. Risk of failure remains, with temporary heating costing $50,000 per month if the functional boiler fails. Council requested an emergency plan.
• Locker Rooms: Cut from project due to budget; estimated $700,000. Councilor Swalding inquired about fundraising to include them. Mr. Baker noted they could be done as a separate project after the main renovation.
• Approved: The council approved two contracts (for city hall and auditorium MERP work) by voice vote.

BOR Ice Rink Renovation Update (Mr. Baker)

• The rink's floor lateral tubing (54-year-old plastic) has multiple leaks. Twelve leaks were found this fall; repair cost is $60,000–$65,000 to get the ice ready. Pressure testing scheduled for the weekend; no guarantees the floor will hold.
• Future replacement costs: floor (~$2 million), compressors (~$1 million), dehumidification system (~$1 million), roof (unspecified). The rink lacks insulation and dehumidification, leading to soft ice and fogged glass in warm weather.
• Councilor Swalding advocated for converting the building to year‑round turf instead of continued ice investment, acknowledging she is outvoted. Councilor Hillgardner noted trade‑offs between rink projects and sewer system investment.
• Councilor Gustin argued the risk of boiler failure has not recently increased and requested a contingency plan. Current compressors are 54 years old but well‑maintained and producing the best ice in the state.
• No immediate action required; informational update.

Resolution 2026-14 – Headworks Project Financing

• Treasurer Carol Pause explained the resolution authorizes forgivable indebtedness under 24 V.S.A. §4755(4)(D) for the $7.6 million headworks bond approved two years ago. The bond covers most of the $9+ million project; loan forgiveness from a clean water low‑interest loan will cover the gap. This resolution is the final legal step to secure funding. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

Flood Resiliency – Adopt a Drain Program (Councillor Gustin)

• Presented the Vermont Adopt a Drain program, which allows residents to adopt storm drains, clear them of debris, and report issues. Over 1,500 drains have been mapped in Barre City. The program includes educational kits for schools. Councilor Gustin encouraged residents to sign up online (search "Vermont Adopt a Drain") and noted that the first 50–100 adopters receive a free kit. No action required.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes, consent agenda items, and warrants.
• Approved liquor license for Tally's.
• Approved loan forgiveness and closure agreement for Lincoln House.
• Approved two AIA contracts for Civic Center Auditorium MERP work.
• Adopted Resolution 2026-14 for headworks project bond financing.
• Council directed staff to prepare an emergency plan for BOR ice rink boiler failure.
• Council requested future agenda items: public works overview (paving schedules, street closures), update on the O'Reilly building/Act 250 appeals, and an overview of the Seminary Street project (traffic changes, design rationale).
• Council expressed support for encouraging voter turnout for the upcoming school budget vote and invited the superintendent to speak at a future meeting.

Upcoming Business & Roundtable

• Neighborly Barre Committee events: free cider/donuts at the last farmers market (September 30) and a downtown walking tour with Russell Belding (October 3).
• Mayor Deering thanked the DPW for support of river cleanup and announced he was dunked in a tank at the Granite Museum fundraiser.
• Council discussed the fourth school budget vote and the need to pass a budget.

The meeting concluded with a second executive session for legal matters (no action reported).